Sorry for the wait. Hope you enjoy this chapter. Oh! By the way, I keep on forgetting to add this, but I think it's pretty obvious: I do not own Phantom of the Opera.
Chapter 8
The alarm startled us both into defense mode. But it was a waste as we soon found that the intruder was Madame Giry. We both relaxed as she entered the lair, muttering about Erik's actions.
Which was a very normal occurrence.
"Erik, your actions last night were-" she stopped mid-sentence as she took in the sight of us. "What happened here? Why are you both covered in bubbles?"
I held in a giggle. "We had a little bubble fight." I explained.
Madame Giry rolled her eyes. "Youth." she muttered. "But still, Erik, your actions have caused this operahouse to shut down until New Years. I hope you're happy with yourself."
Erik straightened his posture. "Why yes, Madame, I am. Not only was Buquet attacking your dancers, he also attacked Sabrina last night. I feel I was right in my actions."
Madame Giry looked shocked. "Well, while this little piece of information may ease my disappointment in you, there are still other ways - better ways - you could have handled this. You could have told me and I could have taken it to the police. The law would have taken care of him."
"I would have to disagree," Erik retorted. "The law would have only held him until trial. There would be no proof against him, as your dancers would be too scared to testify. I would be the only witness to his crimes, but what good would it do for me to reveal myself? I delivered justice, and what's done is done. I do not regret my actions."
She looked at him a moment more, then turned to me. "Sabrina, do you think I could have a moment alone with Erik?"
I was about to reply when Erik pulled me to him. "Anything you say to me, you can say to her. You know this, Antoinette."
I quickly interjected. "Erik, it's fine. I need to go change into something less bubbly anyways." I turned to Madame Giry and gave a curtsy. "Madame." Then I went to my room.
I was changing when I heard a yell from from Madame Giry. "You're destroying her, can't you see that?"
I jumped. She had never yelled at Erik, not even when she was really upset with him. I guessed they were talking about Christine. I moved closer to the door as their conversation continued.
"It's not as if I'm trying to. You know I would never do that." Erik retorted.
"On purpose, you never would. But can't you see that your actions are going to cause her to-"
"Don't say it!" Erik roared. I know. But I can't let her go. I have no one else."
That broke my heart even more, if it was possible. You have me...
They were silent for a few moments. Then Madame Giry spoke, breaking the silence. "Well, it sounds as if you have some things to figure out on your own. During that time, Sabrina will be living with me. You do not need any distractions."
I held my breath, waiting for Erik's answer. Surely he would protest. But all he said was, "If she wishes."
Madame Giry had come into my room and explained to me that I was to stay with her until the reopening of the operahouse on New Years. I protested. "Madame, I do not appreciate being taken from my home."
She scoffed. "Trust me, child, you will thank me pack a few dresses. We are leaving in 10 minutes."
As she walked out of my room, I shouted after her, "I'm not going!"
She slowly backed into my room and shut the door again. She sighed heavily. "Listen, Sabrina. I know you don't want to go, but Erik has things to do. He needs to be left alone-"
"No one needs to be left alone at all!" I interrupted. "Especially Erik and especially after she left him!"
"Oh, good grief. If I didn't know any better, I would say that you were in love with hi-" She froze. "You aren't in love with him, are you Sabrina?"
I stared at her in shock, taken aback by her question. We looked at each other, then I bowed my head in defeat. "Yes, I am."
A look of understanding and sympathy came across her face. "Oh, Sabrina."
I straightened up, an emotionless expression on my face. "It's fine, though. He doesn't know, and I don't plan on telling him, either. I've been his friend for this long, what's the rest of my life?"
Madame Giry sighed and looked away from me, heading towards the door. "Alright, you can stay. And don't worry, your secret is safe with me."
"Thank you, Madame Giry." I said as I followed her out of my room.
We found Erik at his organ, scribbling something on a sheep of paper. He whirled around as he heard us come towards him, immediately addressing me. "Are you staying?"
I nodded. "Well, of course I am. Did you honestly believe that I would leave here?" Did you honestly believe that I would leave you?
He let out a sigh of relief. "Good."
We were all silent for a moment or two until Madame Giry bid us goodbye, leaving us alone together.
"So," Erik finally said. "Would you mind if I work on my music?"
"No, not at all. You know I love hearing you play." I responded. We smiled at each other before he scooted over on his bench, patting the space beside him, wanting me to sit beside him. I didn't hesitate to walk over there and sit myself down. For the rest of the night, we sat there, working and enjoying each other's company.
