Trapped in the Shadows
Madame Giry was at the barre behind the stage, tending to her ballet rats. She was congratulating them on their wonderful dancing in Don Juan. They were marveling on and on, whilst Madame Giry silently listened to Christine's aria. She lifted her leg onto the barre and stretched her muscles. She hated herself for ending her career as Prima Ballerina. Then that voice, that wonderful glorious voice, rang through the Opera. She looked up from the barre. "Is it…no, it could possibly be. Erik?" Madame Giry's mind was yearning to find out.
Almost in a trance, she lowered her leg and approached the side of the stage. She caught sight of the most magnificent being she had ever laid eyes on. It was Erik.
Madame Giry's eyes grew wide with alarm. It was Erik, the one and only man she had ever truly loved. His voice stunned her. Antoinette felt her heart leap from her chest. She watched him intently. Erik was now ascending the stairs, Christine on the opposite side. Madame Giry felt her breath grow heavy, and she clutched her stomach.
Christine and Erik where now on the platform, suspended over the stage. Madame Giry gazed up at them. They seemed to happy together, like she and Erik once were. She remembered Erik singing to her, with his rich deep voice. It was all over now. She would have to bid adieu to the old memories. But Madame Giry did not want to forget, nor could she. She would always remember the love that she and Erik shared on those windy autumn nights.
Madame Giry stared into Erik's eyes. They were burning with desire and compassion. She knew that now, only Christine would be the cause of that. Madame Giry remembered a smile stretching across Erik's face. She remembered being the only one who could make Erik smile like that. Now Christine would have that responsibility.
Tears were now staining Madame Giry's porcelain skin, and her eyes grew red with sorrow. She watched Erik move toward Christine. Madame Giry realized that Erik was no longer hers. He no longer desired her, but now Christine. Erik leaned forward
Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime…
Lead me, save me from my solitude…
Say you want me with you, here beside you…
Anywhere you go let me go too…
The words stung through Madame Giry's heart. The song of betrayal and rejection sunk deep within her heart. She could hear her heartbeat grow louder with each phrase. Maybe Erik could forget her that easily, but it would take more than just a goodbye to make Madame Giry forget her beloved.