Chapter Two: The man behind the mask

Disclaimer: I own all original characters in this story such as Rebekah and her friends. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Gaston Leroux own the original characters such as Erik, Christine, Madame Giry, Meg, Raoul etc.

Rebekah continued to hold the strange man in her arms as she thought of a plan. She had to get him out quickly before workers began to return to the theatre for the repairs, which had recently been discussed by the managers. It would not be easy to repair the damage done by the fire but at least it had not reached as far back as people had feared. For the most part it had destroyed the stage and the seats of the audience but it had not reached further back into the dormitories or offices of the theatre, so with time it could be returned to its former glory.

Rebekah knew that she would have to get Erik out before they began the repairs if he had a hope at all of leaving Paris at all. For the past few days she had thought of returning to her hometown of ----- which was close to the sea west of Paris. When she had been younger she had lived in the small opera house with her mother and father who were both musicians but who had preferred to keep their talents to the small seaside resort. It had not been until her father had passed away five years ago that Rebekah under his instructions had come to Paris seeking a Madame Giry. Madame Giry had been a friend of her mother's and had promised to send her daughter to Madame Giry when she could.

Five years later had found Rebekah on her way to excelling in the corps de ballet and showing promising talent in the chorus. Her mother had instructed her in dance and voice until she had died seven years ago shortly preceding her husband. Since then Rebekah had spent time between the small opera house of her hometown and the Opera Populaire in Paris. Tonight though she knew would change everything.

Rebekah was brought out of her meditations when she realized that Erik exhausted by his emotions had fallen asleep. She smiled at how trusting he seemed to be in his sleep. At that moment she decided she would take him to her hometown and there he could begin a new life.

What seemed a few minutes later Erik realized that he had fallen asleep in the strange girl's arms. Now he could see her holding him looking down at him with a smile.

"Glad to see you are awake, if you are willing I have a proposition for you" she announced. Erik stared at her for a moment before responding to her.

"What is you proposition?" asked Erik. Rebekah stared away a minute before replying to his question.

"Since people will begin to search for you tomorrow when they reopen the opera house for repairs, I thought it would be best to take you with me to my home town -----," began Rebekah. Seeing Erik cock his head to the side in interest she hurried on, "I thought since you have had such trouble here in Paris you would like a place to start a fresh in. If you came with me then you could have that chance." After she had finished they both sat there in silence. Rebekah was not sure what kind of response she expected from him but she had expected him to say something at least. Soon though the silence was broken.

"How would you explain my coming to your friends? What would I be able to do in -----?" asked Erik. Rebekah smiled and began telling him of her plan. She would tell everyone that he was a friend who worked with her in the Paris Opera house. She was sure they could find work at the Opera house back home, Monsieur Moiré was always in need of a good hand to help, particularly if they could sing.

Erik sat in silence as Rebekah explained even more of the details to him. Could this actually work? Was there a chance for him to start his life over again? Well if he had any chance at all this was the time to begin.

"I will come with you," announced Erik when Rebekah had finished her plans. Rebekah nodded in satisfaction.

"All that remains now is that we must be ready to leave as soon as possible tomorrow morning. I have my things gathered together, so we just need to gather what you wish to take with you," announced Rebekah. Erik looked at her with a questioning look and Rebekah explained she had been long planning to return home, she just had not planned on bringing him with her. Erik nodded and disappeared for a few minutes returning with a large black bag filled with objects and set it on the ground with two cloaks.

"Now we wait for the morning. For now though come with me," said Erik. Rebekah followed him to a small room, a room set as if it were expecting someone. Erik told her she would stay here and then soon left. As Rebekah stood in the room she tried to make out what was around her but she couldn't. Too tired to do much else she pulled off her shoes and climbed into the bed. Before she drifted off into sleep the last thing on her mind was the man behind the mask.