I woke up the next day in a crammed room, my clothing all gone. I wore this flimsy garment which I didn't recognize at all; it only covered my breasts and my bottom, which was awkward. I stood up and looked around the strange room then spotting a mirror; I rushed to the mirror and looked closely at myself, all I wore was this stupid flimsy chemise. Why? Why would anyone want me in this stupid garment?

Then the door opened and Raoul came in. I covered myself up with my hands and began, "Why am I in this? What have you done with my clothes?"

"I had to wash them. You got rather dirty last night."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, making sweaty love with a stranger is sort of nasty."

"What? I don't make love with any other man than my husband!"

"Not last night. You were begging for it."

"What? No, I couldn't have. I don't!.."

"Remember it? Things happen, love."

"I am not your love."

"Fine. Suit yourself. But good luck getting back to Germany when your husband finds out your pregnant."

I was entirely outraged, pregnant?! If Erik truly loved me he would come and save me from this beast. Then I saw an escape route, and open window! I looked around for anyone else and then ran to the window, it wasn't that far of a drop. I picked up the money Erik had given me and looked around for my clothes; just then, one of Raoul's stupid maids came in with my gown and I took it from her ungratefully.

I quickly put the gown on and watched as the woman left the room, locking the door behind her. I grabbed the money and slid it into my pocket, then jumping out the window. I looked around cautiously and ran towards the Opera House to assure the managers I was alright. They spotted me first and started asking multiple questions, "Miss Daàe? Is everything alright? We thought you were gone for good!"

"I'm fine! But I have to go back...to my husband. I have to go back to Germany!"

"Um, Madamiouselle, the tracks to Germany have been blocked off. I'm afraid you can't go back, yet."

I wept into my hands and then went into a rage, "What I am supposed do?! I have a baby who needs me, a husband that's lonely, and I just need affection!"

"Well, I have this map. You could go on foot, but it's extremely dangerous, "I took the map and immediately pointed out my home.

"Thank you so much, Monsieur!"

"Not to mention it. Just be safe."

I nodded and began my journey home, thinking about my family the whole way...

LaTeR oN!

It was at sundown and I knew that it was at least six o'clock; I would soon start to get hungry, but there was nothing in sight. There was a carriage rolling by and I waved out to it, it stopped right beside me. I payed the gentlemen five francs and he kept on going in the direction I knew was familiar. After thirty minutes or so he stopped the carriage on the side of the path and told me to leave; I, of course, did as I was told.

I found myself in the middle of nowhere, then looking down at the map in my hands. My home was at least two-hundred miles from here. I sighed and kept on walking until it finally started to get dark outside. I couldn't see a thing, but then I saw a bonfire and went towards it; thieves, all of them. They were bragging about what they stole, who they raped, and who they killed. It was just then I knew I was in danger; I felt stiff, hot breath on my neck and turned around to see this average-sized, scraggly man just staring mindlessly at me.

I was frightened, I couldn't do anything because of my status; I was a common woman, "Hey, boss. Look who I found lurking in our refuge!"

He shoved me against this young man who stood eye level to me, he was the only man in the group who could pass for decent. I shivered and looked around at the dozens of men eyeing me, now nervous, "What is your business?, "I couldn't answer, I was too scared, "What is your business, woman?!"

"I... I'm trying to get home, "they all laughed loudly, mocking me. I hung my head low and that young man lifted my head.

"You will never get back home on foot. We will grant you a horse on one condition."

"What?"

"Sex. Have sex with me, and I'll give you food and a horse."

I couldn't decide at the moment; cheat on my husband and be forever disgraced, or get raped and be an unholy whore, "What about my husband?"

"What about him? Surely, a woman like you in his grasp, his thing must be as big as a pebble!"

They all laughed once more, but I was the only one who truly knew what Erik was like in bed, "He's bigger. He's at least eleven."

"Mmm. Lucky woman. But, I suppose you'll be alone to get home, "they all started to walk away.

"Wait!, "they turned around, "What else can I do?"

He sighed and put two hairy hands onto his waist, "Either that or... Wait, how much money do you have?"

"Ten francs, "I lied.

"I'll give you the horse for ten francs."

I accepted the offer and mounted the black stallion, a beautiful beast, nonetheless. I rode off and kept my eyes ahead, think only of my family and my future.

It's not as long as I hoped, but here it is. Thank you for waiting :)