A/N: Alrighty, sorry it took me so long to post this, I've been supper busy at work. I know right?! Work! Yuck! Anywho, my beta EriksLeadingLady was so awesome! She had it all perfect for all of you in two days! Don't you all love my beta?! I'm telling ya, she's the BEST!
Ok lets get down to business! Here is where you all left off, PLEASE R&R! Don't for get, the more you all review the fast I try and finish the next chapper!=)
Chapter Twenty Four
"And try not to eavesdrop on any one else while you're at it, hmm?" I teased Garrit lightly as he made for the door.
He winked, giving me that arrogant smirk he always seemed to have on his lips. I shook my head still smiling as I closed the door behind him. I had hoped to get some peace and quiet today in the studio as the rest of the opera house crew seemed to be running around like chickens with their heads cut off!
Running this way and that, making last minute adjustments or adding more stage props for tomorrow night. I sighed to myself as I turned. I gasped when Erik's tall frame was hovering over me. He did not look happy at all…
"Erik, why are you looking at me like that?" I asked softly feeling uneasy in his presence.
Erik's clear silver eyes were narrowed into glaring slits and his lips were pulled back over his teeth into a sneer. I swallowed hard as I gazed at his white teeth. I never realized how sharp his two side teeth were; I now have the visual of what a vampire looked like, although Erik's teeth weren't the inch long fangs I read about. But never the less, they still looked sharp and it only added to the menacing look he was giving me.
Erik seemed to be struggling with his words. It was clear that he was upset, most likely because of Edward Monte. I wondered why, though? Suddenly, Erik turned on his heel to pace back and forth. His hands were clenched tight at his sides as he silently fumed. Erik's cloak floated at his back making a whooshing sound.
"Erik, please talk to me," I said, gently.
Erik stopped with his back facing me. He stood in the middle of the small studio. When Erik turned, I felt my breath leave my body as the hair on the back of my neck began to rise. Erik's head was slightly lowered while he glared at me; he then began walking slowly around me – stalking. The word formed in my head. Erik looked like a wild animal that had begun stalking his prey: pure, raw, animalistic anger seeped through Erik's entire being.
I suddenly had the urge to run, to bolt from the studio and not look back. But I didn't dare, Erik was behind me now – making a full circle - I could almost feel his warm breath on the back of my neck; chills ran down my spine. I forced myself to meet his eyes as he came to stand before me, those eyes, those hateful eyes seemed to glow red with anger.
"You will not speak to Edward Monte again, do you understand?" Erik growled. His tone was very low; the sound menacing and chilling.
Involuntarily, I took a step back, shocked that I would hear him speak in that manner. The last time Erik acted this way was the first time I met him when I went down below the theater on a dare. A sinister smile spread across Erik's lips, a parody of a smile. I felt my stomach sink.
"What is that matter, dear Josephine?" Erik asked, mimicking Edward's words. "You seem to be out of sorts this afternoon."
Erik began circling me again; slowly he made his way around me. What was I to do? I knew there would be no talking sense into Erik when he was like this; he nearly killed me that one night. Mon dieu, was it always going to be like this?
Erik grabbed my arm, whipping me around to face him. "Answer me, damn you!" I practically fell against his body; both hands were pressed against Erik's firm chest and Erik locked me in his iron grip.
"Why so silent, mon ange?" Erik growled, shaking me just a little.
I was frozen into place, starring at the blood red vest he wore. I didn't want to look into those eyes in fear I would see them in my nightmares along with my parents. I sighed gently, leaning my forehead down upon Erik's chest; I breathed deeply to collect myself. I had to remember that Erik is not like other people, far from it; I must try and understand his actions because I'm sure they must be for a reason.
Moments after I placed my head upon Erik, he released my arms immediately. I looked up and saw that his eyes were wide and glazed over, he stepped back as though he was frightened by something. I saw Erik swallow hard as he took another step back from me; he then placed his gloved hand over his mouth as he closed his eyes.
I began to worry; Erik looked almost vulnerable as he turned from me to lean against the wall. I made to come to him but he held a hand out to stop me.
"Oh, dear," I whispered.
"I'm sorry, Josephine…" said a gentle voice from the wall. "I am not myself this afternoon…"
My throat swelled with emotion. Erik's voice was so gentle, so soft, that I felt tears threaten to fall as I stared at the troubled man leaning against the wall. I had a sudden compulsion to hold him…
I walked beside Erik, who was breathing deeply and was practically hunched over. His eyes were closed tightly, and he slightly hissed through his teeth as if he were in pain. I went to place a hand on Erik's shoulder, but he jerked away from my touch. Why did his reaction hurt me so? I felt the swell in my throat again as I tried to comfort him again.
"Erik, please do not shun me," I said softly.
Erik started when I said this. He eyed me wearily, and worried silver eyes stared down at me.
"Do not shun you?" He chuckled dryly without humor. "I do not understand you at all, child," he grumbled as he pushed himself off the wall.
Erik then passed me to stand in the middle of the studio. From there, Erik began whispering to himself. I watched his expression from the mirrored wall. It seemed to me that Erik was trying to overcome the demons he was fighting within himself. Erik pushed at his black hair that had fallen into his eyes… was his hair damp? I wondered, eyeing the back of his head.
It was quite possible that it was. When I had rested my head on his chest and inhaled his scent, Erik smelled of soap. Suddenly, Erik caught me staring at him from the mirrored wall. Erik whipped his head around to look at me and heat rose on my face. I looked away quickly, feeling like a bloody fool for not being more careful.
When I averted my eyes, I counted to five until I would look back, but when I looked up, Erik was standing in front of me. I gasped and jumped a little in surprise. How did he get here so fast? I wondered. Erik's face was emotionless, his visible side of his face matched his mask: blank and lifeless.
"I meant what I said earlier, Josephine," Erik said hoarsely.
"Which part?"
"I do not want you speaking to Edward Monte, is that understood? I forbid it," Erik said, he's voice went an octave lower towards the end.
I raised an eyebrow when Erik said the word 'forbid.' "I beg your pardon?" I asked shocked.
"You head what I said, DeBeaux," Erik snapped through clenched teeth. "I do not want that boy anywhere near you. I told you that I wanted nothing but the best from you, and you don't need some flashing peacock distracting you. Or any other man for that matter!" Erik scrawled.
I wanted to laugh when Erik called Edward a peacock, but my humor melted when I heard the venom in his voice as he said the word, 'other men.'
"What other man are you speaking of, Erik?" I asked defensively taking a step closer to him. Erik made a face and took a step back from me, which I found very odd.
"You know perfectly well who I'm speaking of, DeBeaux," Erik drawled.
I cocked my head to the side in wonder; I made it a point to be careful around all the men here at the opera house. Madame Giry also mentioned to never to go near any of the darker – more isolated – parts of the theater because mostly the drunken stage hands like to hide there. I would always stay clear of those parts, and I am not one of those girls who love to flirt with the men that surround us.
Who was Erik speaking of then? The only man I ever talked to was-
"Do you mean Garrit?"
"Yes, Garrit," Erik snapped, mimicking my innocent voice.
My breath escaped me, I was devastated. Erik didn't want me to talk to Garrit? Ever?
"But Garrit is my friend, Erik, nothing more," I argued.
"That is what you think. I am a man, Josephine, and I know what that Garrit is thinking when he is near you, and I don't like it."
I shook my head in disbelief. "Garrit has been nothing but a gentleman toward me. We are nothing but friends…"
Erik threw his hands up in frustration. "I can't believe you are so blind." Erik then glared at me. "Well, it doesn't matter if you see it or not because you are not to see or associate with him any longer once your lessons start. I will not have my student's head in the clouds while I'm trying to teach."
"But it's not like that; I have no romantic feelings for him…" I whispered.
Erik then ran his hand threw his hair, mumbling to himself. It sounded like he said, 'you will sooner or later', but I couldn't be sure.
"Do as I say, Josephine. I do not feel like going through the hassle of getting Garrit fired and thrown out of my theater," Erik said in a nonchalant tone.
My heart skipped a beat as my breath caught in my lungs, could Erik truly be so cruel? My question was answered as I looked into Erik's silver eyes…
Yes, Erik would do something like that, and the realization cut through me like a knife to the heart.
I held my chin up high when I spoke. "You can't do that."
Erik chuckled deep in his throat, the smile he had looked more like a sneer. "On the contrary my dear, I can and it will be very, very easy," he stated, crossing his arms.
I looked away from Erik, feeling sick to my stomach. Why is he being so cruel? I can't possibly turn my back against my friend! Garrit has become one of my best friends, how can I just turn my back on him?
To Erik the conversation was done. He turned on his heel and went to the farthest corner of the glass mirror wall. He then ran his gloved hands over the smooth surface; it gave way under his touch. My mind told me to keep my mouth shut, but my heart was breaking and it screamed at me to speak my mind, so my heart won the battle… What will Erik ask of me next? To leave my friends and be isolated and alone, just so I could learn to sing properly?!
Was that the price to pay, to have a voice so beautiful and pure such as his?! No, I gritted my teeth angry now. If that is the case, then his teachings aren't worth the loss and heart break…
I wiped at the tears that made their way down my cheeks. When did I start to cry? I raised my chin high – stubbornly – and spoke clearly.
"Well, then perhaps I must rethink about you being my tutor, Monsieur, for you never told me I had to ignore my friends in the process. It is wrong of you to ask- forbid - me to never speak or associate with Garrit, which is out of the question. If I would have known your intentions I wouldn't have accepted your offer at all… I will not ignore those who are dear to me for all the music in the world."
Erik's frozen form was standing in front of the secret passage way. He didn't bother turning to look at me as I spoke; he remained motionless: a dark shadow. I didn't bother staying any longer; I turned and fled from the room. I ran fast, dodging workings as I swept by them. I didn't even bother wiping at my tears; what was the point if they saw?
Was I wrong to have told Erik that? Was I really? If it was the other way around and someone told me not to associate with Erik, I would tell them the same thing. I would never do something like that to him, just because they didn't like him! I suddenly imagined myself alone without any friends, only surrounded by music, soft, beautiful lonely music… How lonely I would be! I would become a slave, I would sing when I was told to, perform when told to, and practice when told to! I wouldn't be myself any more, not the vibrant loud, clumsy me. I would become-
"A ghost," I whispered.
I blinked and saw that I was in the grand foyer. I hiccupped once as I stopped crying, and I was glad no one was around to hear it. I sat down at the end of the large staircase wiping at my face. I longed for a handkerchief. I felt like such a child, using my hand and my forearm to whip my tears away. I blinked and searched the foyer for any chances of life. I saw no one, and I raised an eyebrow wondering where everyone was.
The grand foyer was never this quiet. Then I remembered everyone was back stage, preparing for the show. Perhaps I should have been there instead of the studio… I swallowed hard when more tears stung at my eyes, as I thought of the would haves, should haves. I sighed to myself and pulled my knees up to my chest, wrapping my arms around them tightly. I took a deep breath, trying to loosen the tight pain that was in my throat. It burned with the need to cry…
"What am I to do?" I sighed.
"Miss Debeaux?"
I started when I heard my sir name. I looked up and saw one of the cleaning maids; I recognized her immediately. Olive told me her name was Madeline, she held an old rag and a round tin of polish.
"Oui?"
"Begging your pardon, miss, but why are you crying?" she inquired stepping closer to me.
I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out. I closed my eyes and felt them burn from the tears I cried. "It's too hard to explain," I shook my head. "It's just too hard…"
Madeline bit her bottom lip, and then hesitantly came to sit by me on the steps. She also brought her knees up to her chest, leaning her chin on top of them. Before I realized what I was doing, I was confiding in her…
"Have you ever wanted something so bad, that once you got it, it wasn't at all what you thought it would be?" I asked, peeking through my hair that had fell around my shoulders and face. Madeline raised an eyebrow, perhaps I should start over.
"I agreed to take lessons from a great teacher, you see, but he doesn't want me to… he doesn't want me to remain friends with a certain acquaintance of mine any longer, in fear that this 'acquaintance' will distract me from learning. But, this acquaintance is a rather good friend, and I would never hurt him in such a way, so I told the tutor that I would reconsider his teachings…"
"Well, it looks like you've gotten yourself in quiet a dilemma." Madeline made a worried face. "Do you see yourself getting distracted by your friend?"
"No, not at all, but that is just the thing. I explained everything to Er- uh, my tutor, but he believes that my friend has feelings for me. But that isn't true…" I sighed, holding my head in my hands.
"Well, perhaps you and your teacher could have a compromise?" Madeline suggested.
"What do you mean?" I asked, snapping up my head from my hands.
"It seems that your tutor only wants to make sure you are focused on the task at hand. So perhaps you can come to a compromise, to where if he notices that you're not doing or improving in your lesson, then perhaps your little friend is distracting you after all. And if not then you will still have your friend and your lessons." Madeline smiled triumphantly.
My heart skipped a beat with excitement! That just might work! I'll just have to prove that Garrit and I are nothing but friends, and then Erik will see that Garrit is not a distraction. YES!
"Oh, you are a genius!" I said as I threw my arms around Madeline. "Oh, thank you so much! You have no idea how much you have saved me. I am in your dept," I said as I squeezed her tightly. She giggled and returned the hug with the same amount of strength.
"I'm glad to have helped, miss. I do hope everything turned out alright."
I finally let go. "Please, call me Josephine. I hope it does, too." I smiled.
***
Opening night. Mon dieu, I've never seen the opera house so packed with people before. I was peeking through the red curtain while everyone was putting the last of the minor stage props together; we had 10 minutes before the curtain rose. I should be stretching my legs, but I think I've stretched enough for today. I raised my eyes higher up and found Erik's box. Like always, his box was bathed in darkness. I have not heard from Erik at all day, now that I think about it; he didn't even come to me yesterday after everything had happen… I must speak to him and hopefully he will agree to a compromise.
"Josephine, what are you doing?! Come on, it is about to start!" Olive squeaked, beckoning me with her small hands.
"I'm coming."
I left the curtain and went to my spot on the floor and posed, waiting for the curtain to rise. Once it did, the whole opera house went silent; I stole a glance toward Erik's box's and gave a slight smile. I hope he is still going to meet me in the chapel later to night…
"Bravo! Bravo!" the audience roared.
The music came to its end, and we held our poses and smiled to the audience, who were all standing and throwing flowers at our feet.
"Bravo! Bravo!"
I must admit, this was one of my favorite parts. All our hard work paid off, and now we were getting praised for it. We all curtsied at once and held our thankful smiles; I was smiling so hard my cheeks were starting to pinch! Then alas, the red curtain closed and we all scattered off the stage so Monsieur Firmin and Andre could take the final bow and give thanks. I placed my hands on top of my chest to steady my panting. I looked around and all the other girls were trying to get their breathing under control too.
"Come on, everyone; let us go change for the gala!" Robin squealed.
"Oh, I can't wait to wear my new shoes! Oh, and my new hair pins!" Marie exclaimed, running to catch up with Robin.
Every single girl ran out of sight, save for me and Olive.
"Olive, you wouldn't happen to know the time, would you?" I asked hopefully.
She shook her head. "No, I'm sorry. Why-" Olive gasped. "Don't tell me, you're going to dinner with Edward, right?!" Olive asked, taking my hands smiling all the while.
"No, I already told you Olive. I have other plans tonight, so I need to know the time."
"Well, the ballet always ends at 10:45 and the gala always starts at 11:00."
"So it must be almost 11," I mused out loud. "That gives me an hour…"
"An hour until what, dear?"
"An hour before I must be somewhere, Olive," I said, going to the wash basin to take off my stage make-up. I splashed water onto my face then lathered up my hands with soap, scrubbing all the dark eye make-up and rouge.
"Oh, so you're not going to make it to the gala tonight then."
That was a statement, Olive, not a question, I thought but didn't' voice it; instead I tried to answer her.
"No' to-ight Olv'," I mumbled, as I dried my face.
Olive laughed. "What?"
I giggled along with her. "I said, not tonight, Olive. Can you please help me out of my costume?"
"Yes, where exactly are you going, if you don't mind me asking?" she asked, unbuttoning the buttons down my back.
I hesitated. "I'm not at liberty to say right now, Olive," I said honestly.
Olive gasped. "Is it a secret?" she asked smiled wickedly.
"You can say that, yes. Thank you for helping me, Olive," I said over my shoulder as I went behind the changing screen to dress into something more comfortable.
"Alright, do be careful. I'm off to the gala!"
"I will, Olive, and have fun tonight!" I called from behind the screen.
Once I was done, I shuffled along the corridor. I tried to hurry and get to the chapel, even though I knew I had an hour till midnight. As I got closer, music filled my ears along with laughter. I smiled to myself - everyone from the cleaning staff to the stagehands was having a wonderful time backstage.
When I arrived at the chapel, I saw that there were several candles burning. I sighed to myself and sat down at the bench under the stain glass window. Once there, I gave a low growl deep in my throat in irritation!
"I forgot my shawl."
I shivered as I leaned against the cold window; I crossed my arms over my chest and waited for Erik. I waited, and I waited, and I waited. As I sat there my eyes began to sting, so I decided to close my eyes just for a moment…
The next thing I knew, I was nearly falling off the bench because I had fallen asleep! I caught myself with a gasp and sat up straight, my heart was pounding hard against my ribs.
"That was close," I sighed. I sat up further and straightened my back; it had started to ache terribly being hunched over the way I was. I gazed around the small chapel and saw that I was bathed in darkness; the several candles hand burned out.
"Erik didn't come for me…"
Great, I mused. Where are you, Erik? I stood and went for the door; when I opened it, I could still hear music.
"Hmm, it can't be too late into the night," I considered as I stepped out and closed the door behind me.
I needed to know what time it was, perhaps if it's not too late I can go to Erik myself. I followed the laughter and music, and I ended up far behind the back of the stage. People were still chatting and dancing to the fettle and the violin that was being played in harmony.
Just then someone's bark of a laugh got my attention. I looked up and saw Garrit standing in the middle of a very tall ladder: a ladder that was leaning against the railing of the second floor. He was laughing with a group of men that were on either side of him. Their legs dangled over the edge. I hurried over to the bottom of the ladder.
"Garrit!" I called, but the man didn't even hear me over the entire crowd. I growled again, irritated, and tried again, shaking the ladder. "GARRIT!!!"
The young man to Garrit's right glanced down at me. I pointed to Garrit, mouthing his name. That young man understood and nodded his head. He then tapped on Garrit's shoulder, but Garrit only swatted at his hand. So the young man tried again, and again Garrit pushed his hands away. I saw that Garrit was telling something very important to the other men that were on the other side of him and didn't want to be interrupted.
I shook my head and ran my hand through my hair, fully upset now. The young man saw my gesture, frowned and attempted to get Garrit's attentions again - instead of tapping Garrit's shoulder, he slapped the back of Garrit's head! I gasped and covered my mouth, stifling my laughter! Garrit had leaned forward from the blow and the trio of men all laughed and pointed. Garrit, on the other hand, didn't find it at all funny.
"That is what you get," I shouted, crossing my arms.
Garrit turned fully at the younger man, and the man pointed down at me. Garrit looked over his shoulder and smiled at me.
"Come down here, please!" I pointed towards the floor.
Garrit nodded and climbed down two steps, but then stopped.
"What are you doing?" I called.
Garrit went back up the two steps to return the kind gesture to the young man and punched him hard in the arm. Everyone laughed – even the younger man held his arm - Garrit then placed both feet on the sides of the ladder and slid down fast.
"Boys…" I muttered once he was in front of me.
"Wha'?" Garrit asked, smiling devilishly.
"Nothing, Garrit. You wouldn't happen to know the time would you?"
"As a matter of fact, me lass, I do."
Garrit rummaged through his pocket and pulled a shinny pocket-watch out. My mouth fell open with a 'pop'.
"Garrit, where did you get that?" I gasped, taking it from him to examine it. It was a shining silver pocket watch with leaves engraved on the top latch. This item was far too expensive for a stagehand to afford. My grandfather owned something just like it.
"I found it," Garrit smiled.
I made a face. Liar.
"I did!" he laughed.
"You did, huh, where?" I asked handing it back to him.
"On the floor nea' the front row, an' don't give me tha' look. I'm not goin' to keep it - even though I've thought of it - but I'm not. I'm goin' to give it to Missor Aundre in the mornin'."
"You mean, Monsieur," I corrected.
"Sure, sure, him too."
I rolled my eyes. "Well, can you tell me the time then?"
"It's ten minute till midnight, lass."
"Wonderful." I sighed, just wonderful. I wanted to stomp my foot like a child, it was going to take me longer than ten minutes to get to Erik.
Well, if you stop yapping you just might make it! a little voice said inside my head.
"Right, um, merci, Garrit. I must be going." I turned to leave, but a strong hand grabbed my hand and spun me around. I faced Garrit, who had one hand on my hip and the other in my hand.
"Wha's the hurry, lass? The night is young!" He laughed, twirling me around.
I smiled sadly. "Garrit, please, I must be somewhere, and I'm going to be late."
I stepped to the side, and Garrit followed right behind me.
"Not even one dance, lass?"
I turned around to face him and Garrit had his bottom lip pushed out and lowered. The same face he made when I got upset with him for pulling out my splinter with his fingers!
"Garrit, you are hopeless," I chided. "I am sorry, perhaps another time."
Garrit pursed his lips, he was fully disappointed now. "Do yo' promise?"
"I promise, good night."
Garrit nodded and I turned to go.
"Night, my lass."
I stopped dead in my tracks. The tone in Garrit's voice I did not recognize. I looked over my shoulder at Garrit, and he had an expression that I could not place. It was between a frown and sorrow…
Were Erik's words true…?
The expression didn't last long, perhaps a few seconds. Garrit blinked and gave me that arrogant smirk he always seems to have on his lips.
"Wha', are yo' waitin' for? Get lost, little one."
I decided against it as I shook my head and smiled; maybe it was just the poor lighting where we were.
"Now, to the prima donnas room," I whispered as I descended from the group of those who were dancing.
A/N: DUNNN DUNN DUNNNNN! What do you think is going to happen? Will she be able to get to Erik in time? Will Edward Monte find her and distract her?! Will she fall flat on her face like the cluts she is?! LOL! Please R&R, I'd love to hear your thoughts!