I walked down many streets until I found the address. It was nearly nightfall. I noticed that there were light on in the house that gave me some sense of hope. The house was two stories but still small. I place my bags on the sidewalk. I quickly knocked on the door before I lost my nerve. I stood there for what seem like an hour but it was only five minutes. I knocked again more forcefully hoping they would hear the knock. Another five minutes with no answer. I sighed and turned around and started to walk back to my bags.
"Can I help you?" A man asked.
I recognize that voice in second. I turned around quickly not believing my luck.
"Nadir" I said
Nadir took a closer look at me. I knew the moment he recognized me. He walked down the stairs and grabbed most of my bags, then quickly ushered me inside. Once in the comfort of his living room he sat down on the sofa telling me to do so as well. I did so without thought. Tears welled up in my bruised eyes.
"Christine what happened" Nadir asked
"I had to get away. I did know you lived her. Please don't make me leave. I'm scared. Can you let me stay until I can go back to opera house? I know this is a lot to ask but please I have nowhere else to go." I cried
The tears that had been treating to fall did with great haste. The only did so because I knew I was safe for now. I knew that fear was every present in my eyes.
"Of course, my dear, Erik would kill me if let stay on the streets. Let alone in this state. Christine you must tell me who did this to you?" Nadir said
"Raoul" I whispered
Soon it was the day of the ball. Nadir had assured me that most of my bruises were nearly gone. The only ones that were vibrant were those ones on my neck. I quickly solved that problem with black ribbon and hair pin I bought. I was up stair in a small bed room that Nadir gave me. I only hope that no would notice the marks by my lip from where my lip was busted. I quickly dressed in my costume which no one but me had fully seen. My hair was down with star hair pins in it along with sliver circlet. My eye makeup was purples and blues most to cover the bruises that were still there. My lips were stained red. When I descended the stairs of Nadir eyes went wide at sight of me. I went from shy demure young woman to brilliant woman.
"You will have all the men at your feet" Nadir said.
He took my hand and helped me down the last three steps. I smiled at the comment. Over the past days here Nadir and I got very close. I finally told him all of what Raoul did to me. He wanted more then to persecute Raoul if not kill him. And Nadir was not all violent person.
"I only want one man attention." I stated.
"If this does not get his attention nothing will" Nadir said
"I hope so" I said
When I arrived at the ball it was in full swing. Just as Nadir said I had many man trying to by my attention. That in turn made Carlotta hate me all the more. Not that I really cared or mattered to me. So many men asked me to dance all of which I said no to. That was until I was talking to Meg when a man asked me to dance. I turned at the sound of the voice. I knew that voice anywhere, it was Erik. He was dressed like he was on my first trip to his home. The only difference was his mask. But it was his eyes which gave him away to me. It was his eyes that captured my very heart.
"It would be my honor" I said
He bowed to me and extended his arm. I took it without the slight hint of fear. We dance into a dark area of the ball room.
"Christine you look lovely tonight. Raoul must be overjoyed to have you on his arm." Erik said coldly
"I came alone" I said just as coldly
He dipped me in the dance and lean closer to my ear.
"Tell me why I don't believe you" Erik whispered.
"Erik I know what you saw. I want you to know that Raoul means nothing to me."
I stated.
"Right I believe that, when you swear to marry another man." Erik said
"I never said I would marry him, and I was scared. You did not want me, and he did. I admit going with him was a big mistake." I started.
"I don't want to hear it Christine" Erik said
The dance ended and then Erik disappeared before I could say the next words I longed to say.
"No wait, I love you" I said softly.
