The Phantom's Guardian (the Phantom of the Opera fan fiction)

Part 7 - New owners

Author Note: I do not own any character from the Phantom of the Opera books/ musical/ movie. Only my characters (Desiree, Sharon, the old violinist, Alice, Clara, Madame Dubos) and any others I may add along the story are mine.

Part 7 - New owners

It has been three days since Desiree joined the theatre staff as Derrick the errand boy. During these days, she came to know the staff quickly. While most dancers and chorus girls kept to themselves and giggle, Meg Giry and Christine were quite friendly to her. In fact, Desiree found out that Meg could be a total chatterbox and a ball of enthusiasm. It was always easy to spot Christine in a crowd because of her beauty, while Meg was almost equally visible because of her mischievous personality. Madame Giry always looked formidable and Desiree found her hands sweating whenever the stern lady was around.

Erik asked Desiree what she thought of the dancers after her first day. She knew he was trying to gauge whether she was interested in Christine or not.

"Well, Christine Daae is quite good looking, not to mention being a good dancer, but she's just not my type. Too timid for my taste, I would say", Desiree feigned indifference.

Erik just scoffed rather un-gentlemanly. He looked quite pleased instead of his tense posture before.

"Do you know that you speak oddly sometimes, boy? So, tell me, is Meg more of "your type" , as you say it, then?"

Desiree laughed, "No, I am more interested in saving money and making a living for myself, Master. Not really looking to find a wife now."

"I see. Christine Daae is indeed quite talented, isn't she? She can also sing well. Just like an angel.", Erik spoke with a faraway look in his eyes. His eyes shimmered in the low candlelight, and a ghost of a smile could be seen on his lips.

Desiree have never seen that look on his face since she met him and, finding a softer side to him, she gazed at his profile. Luckily, she did not forget to keep talking, wanting to hold on to this gentle Erik.

"Really? How do you know that, Master?"

" I have been tutoring her."

Desiree decided to pry and prod some more since he seemed to be opening up.

"So, she is aware of your identity, then. I thought I was the only one who knows your secret here, Master. Is it not so?"

"Some people know, but they understand to keep their mouth shut. However, Christine does not know it is me. She thinks I am some deity."

"Umm, master, that does not sound like a good arrangement."

"Oh hush boy! May I remind you that I am your employer and it is not the other way around. So, do not try to instruct me in how to conduct my business. Moreover, I cannot go around introducing myself now can I? It will harm my reputation. I will wait until she's ready to meet me." , the gentleness vaporized from his face.

('No, you won't be waiting any longer, and things will get out of hand from that point'), Desiree whispered in her mind with a sigh. However, she could not find any subtle way to let him know of the upcoming disaster. With a heavy heart, she walked away from him, mourning for gentle Erik already.

.....

It was the final dress rehearsal of the Hannibal. Everyone was rushing around the stage, including Desiree, Clara and Madame Dubos, who had to fit the costumes and figure out the clasps and buttons for quick costume changes. It meant that they had to weave in and out of the dancers and singers. Carlotta was complaining that her dress train was too long and Madame Dubos was following her around the stage to appease her. As the leading and only one Prima Donna, she surely acted as conceited and spoiled as she had been portrayed in the movie. Desiree smiled to herself, knowing that Carlotta's downfall was inevitably drawing near.