The Perri Mistero Series: Black Roses Fall

Chapter 6: Head First

Seeing the opera growing nearer, I almost wishing that I can live in the bakery from this morning. Why am I nervous? It's only a ghost. I don't know. I guess it's just because the opera gives you a feeling...a feeling of sadness, of melancholy? Yes, that's it! I haven't thought of that feeling till now. There is such a heavy emotion soaking the walls; they seep sadness. Maybe that's why I do not want to return at the moment. I am no stranger to sadness, not a stranger at all, but it doesn't mean I want to relive anything again. Being at the opera, filled with this grief, makes me think back to sad memories. 

Hey, hey, that's enough! Let's not get too mushy, back to work. My footsteps quicken, approaching the opera house faster. It is getting a bit dark, but that's what I get for a bit of shopping and exploring. I definitely don't want to be in the dark out here, alone. I pck up the pace. Suddenly, my boot lace comes undone. Me, being my hopeless and clumsy self, look down to only see my feet spill into each other. Oh, cobble stone, meet face. Face, cobble stone. 

Pain rushes through me. I knew I shouldn't have work a skirt. My knees feel as if they are on fire, and so do my hands. A dull ache throbs and pounds in my head. I lay there with my new friend, cobble stone, for a few minutes. I did not want to move, I felt like a cermaic doll that has just cracked. I must be gentle. I open my eyes to see how close I am to 'home'. I am almost at the stairs. Maybe if I call out to Mrs. Chagney she could come help! Maybe she will hear me! I don't know though, what if someone strange comes. Ugh, I would rather lie on the cold floor than be helped. Pitiful. 

The cool air from earlier has intensified to a chilly wind. Wow, anything else? I start to gather my self up, gently. As I lift my body up, and pain blasts through me, I look directly to where my head was resting, blood littered around. How did I not pass out? I am starting to get rattled. I finally gather the courage to stand up, but I don't think my knees can take it. I try to move gently and quickly to the stairs. I need to asses my damage. 

I sit down, scoulding myself for being such a buffoon. "Fudge!" I say kinda loud as I look at my knees. They look torn, like shaved meat. I just freaked myself out, a lot! Oh my poodles, calm down! I need to relax. I check my hands to see tiny scratches, but nothing to be scared over. I scan my whole body real quick. I'm good everywhere else, except my throbbing head. I can't see the toll, but it hurts, and I think I am tearing up. Ugh, I can't get up now. Blood is dripping small drops onto my top. This is not good, not good at all. I close my eyes and cry. Me, actually crying. It is just so scary right now. To be alone, badly hurt, and sad? This opera is contagious with feelings. Suddenly, a loud plop lands by me. I open my eyes and find the outdoor lights come on! That's strange, they only put on the ligths if a play is in production, but there hasn't been a play in months. I can see though, that's all that I care about. But, my shield of darkness is no longer there to cloak me from strangers. 

I turn to my side and see a small box. It is wooden with roses carved into it. I pick up the lovely Oak box. There is a letter tied on top in a lovely black ribbon. This must be the ghost, but the whole thing still seems unlikely. Maybe this is some stunt, but the way Mrs. Chagney always acts when I bring it up has me doubting. Maybe it's not fear of the ghost, but fear of being caught? I am not sure, but I need to open this. 

I grab the letter and tear it open. 

*Miss Mistero, 

You are injured. Inside is a few medical supplies. If you are not back inside in 10 minutes, Mrs. Chagney will come for you. Please take this as a 'Thank You' for giving me publicity. The Phantom still reigns.

Sincerely, 

O.G.* 

Oh, snap! He is around here and watching me. He must if he knows my damage and if I will walk in or not. "Thank you for your kindness. I know you are here, and I do intend to find the truth." I shouted lightly, if that makes sense. I knew I felt something strange as I was sitting here. I look around, only to realize the reasoning for the lights now. He could be standing close, but using the light to blind me from the darkness around. Clever, Opera Ghost, clever. 

I open the box to reveal gauze bandages and cleaning supplies. This is just what I need! I clean my self up, flinching a few times from the burning sensation, then stand up. I gather up all the items. "I am going inside now. Thank you again!" I yell before opening the door; I feel a bit silly, talking to myself. Halfway throught the door, I stop and turn my head around. "If I could find out that you are real, and not a fake, I would be very grateful. And I would leave sooner, if you like." I shout once more. I hope if I tell him my intentions and that I would soon leave, it might help;  he might not entirely like me here. 

I finally close the door behind me. I try to walk, but it really is a chore now. I painfully make it up the stairs and down the creepy corridor. Everything is so dimly lit, possessing an eerie sense. I feel like someone is watching me, maybe he is here. I reach my door and open it up, but before I walk inside, I turn around. "L'amour ne meurt jamais; love never dies." I reply to the still air. If he is here, he will understand, and maybe talk to me. I close the door behind me gently.

Author's Note: 

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