Let it be noted that I love the book, movie, and everything about The Phantom of the Opera.
Chapter One
Erik was a loner. When he was just a young kid, he would sit and ponder why his mother ignored him or why he got cruel looks on the street. He'd sit in the darkest corner of his tiny closet, close his eyes, sing a song, and think. By the second grade he realized why. He hadn't found out from any thinking that had gone on in his closet. Oh, no. Erik had finally realized why from the terrible school children. Each comment stuck like a bur. The first one came of easily. The rest, as they became bigger and plentiful, just wouldn't come off. He was hideous, repulsive, and barbaric. He didn't have to sit in the closet to figure that one out. Erik was a loner.
Now don't get me wrong, Erik would give anything to just be normal. He wished that he could be popular, good looking, etc. But as we all know... you can wish a lot of things, but they won't come true.
As the years went by, he sang whenever he could and turned invisible. He wore a mask everywhere he went, and he was perfect at blending in. The mask was his only friend. The only thing that protected him from the terrible world. He was a brilliant kid, and made sure to ace, and fail, things just enough to be left alone by teachers. It was the perfect case. Until he met her. Christine Daae. His angel.
It had all started when he was cutting through the auditorium as drama auditions were going on. There were only a few minutes till the next class. Out of the corner of his eye, Erik could see Carlotta. She was a brat, spoiled, and didn't like to talk to people outside of her little group. Erik couldn't miss seeing her humiliated after her obnoxious singing. He backed up down the aisle until he was in the very last row.
She began. It. Was. Painful. Erik could see all of the kids on stage holding their ears, for fear she would break them. Maybe if Carlotta had just a quieter voice, he thought to himself, her singing would be enjoyable. When she was finished with her song, the drama teacher was bursting with pride.
"Carlotta! Yet again, another splendid performance! Bravo, Brava!" Erik eyes rolled themselves multiple times. "Next is Miss Christine... Day? D-" Erik had rose and was half way out the door when he heard her voice. Her angelic voice. He turned and caught but a glimpse of Christine. It was enough.
"It's Daae, ma'am." She smiled genuinely at the bumbling teacher. She stood center stage, practically glowing. Erik's eyes were stuck on the beautiful girl. Christine began to sing. It was quite unlike Carlotta's intruding, and loud voice. Hers was soft, sweet. It was like syrup, and Erik was drowning in it. She continued to sing. Almost every note right. Almost. This bothered the boy. She would be perfect if she just knew how... She stopped. The silence was terrible.
The teacher saw this girl was as talented s they come and said, "My dear, truly a mind blowing piece of work. Astounding! Who were you auditioning for, deary?"
Christine's brown curls bounced as she looked at the teacher to say, "Chorus." The teacher practically had a heart attack! "Surely you'd like to try a larger part?" Christine could only say, "I'd really rather not. Thank you though." So polite.
Erik was just as surprised as the drama instructor. The girl was the obvious choice for the lead. Beautiful, amazing singing voice... How could she turn it down. Erik sat there thinking about why she said no, while just watching Christine. He was mesmerized to say the least. He hardly noticed when the next bell rang.
"Oh! Oh my goodness! We've run out of time! Quickly gather your things children. Watch your step on those stairs now!" Erik slipped quietly out of the room. Thoughts of Christine and his time in the auditorium plagued him the rest of the day.