Belle: Daughter of a Phantom (Phantom of the Opera) (The Fifth Cellar Sequel) (On Hold)

Chapter 3 - Friend or Enemy

Belle's POV:

He whirled me around the dance floor but I barely noticed. All I could see were those deep brown eyes. They were so deep and beautiful. Besides, I loved the name Fredrick. I didn't say that though. He smiled at me and I was sure I was blushing. I tried to hide it but sure that I wasn't succeeding. He finally said,

“I don't believe I had seen you around.” I laughed and said,

“My mother and I don't get out much.” He smiled and for a moment I thought he winked at me. I decided that it must have been my imagination.

“Oh, I see. Is your father dead?” I flinched. How on earth was I supposed to explain that my father was the Phantom of the Opera and that is why I wasn't normal.

“Um,” I said quietly. “My father is alive but not one for getting out. He likes to have him silence.” Fredrick smiled and said,

“You will have to tell me more later but right now I think we are being watched.” He gestured to the girl who had been hanging on his arm earlier. She was glaring vengefully at him. He glared back at her and whirled me away from her. I was very curious to know who she was.

“Who is she?” He scowled.

“The girl that my father wants me to marry. She and Father are convinced that we are perfect for each other. I hate her.” I laughed.

“I am fortunate that my father wouldn't do that to me.” I smiled at the thought of my father searching for a husband for me and telling me to marry. It would be interesting to see what might happen.

“You are. Do you want to get out of here? I could use some fresh air and good company?” She looked around and saw her mother standing in a corner talking to a woman. Peter was sampling the punch. I nodded and he quickly let me to the garden. It was a fine place with the moon shining brightly above us. We walked side-by-side but not touched. I liked being around him. He was nice and gentle. Such a gentleman. He gestured to a seat and we sat down. For a while we stared at the moon. Suddenly he said,

“What is your father's name?” I looked down at my hands and said,

“Erik Destler. My mother is Evangeline Destler.” He smiled and said,

“The name is familiar. My father spoke of someone by the name of Erik and Eva. Does your mother go by Eva sometimes?” I nodded. He stared at the ground and said,

“What has your father done for a living?” Now, this was the hard question. I bit my lip and said,

“Well, he worked for some gypsies at one point. He has built several buildings and worked at an Opera House.” I knew that was putting things lightly. I knew about my father's past and the torture he had gone through. I could see Fredrick scowling.

“What does he look like?” I bit my lip and felt a little blood.

“Well, he is tall with black hair and golden eyes. He is very strong.” Fredrick looked at me and said,

“That is the description of the man that stole my father's lady at one point in time. He had started to court a girl named Eva and then she disappeared. Suddenly, four weeks later she arrived at her uncle's home with a man. They were planning on getting married. Father was furious and even attempted to stop the wedding but the man nearly killed him. He learned that the man was the Phantom of the Opera.” I turned my face away as I whispered,

“What an interesting story! I guess your father got over her because you are here.” He laughed.

“No, I was born before Father met Eva. He had been married before her. He never told Eva though. He never completely got over her. He always missed her even when he married her cousin, Sophia. He always loved her.” I sighed and thought about that poor man who had loved and had it snatched away from him. Suddenly I realized something. That story sounded a lot like my parent's story. Just to be sure I asked,

“Who is your father?” He tilted his head and looked at me curiously as he said,

“Jaguar Stancio.” I froze at that name. My mother had spoken of it before. I looked at him and said, quietly,

“My father's name is Erik Destler, Phantom of the Opera.”