Christine
There is no Angel of Music. There is only Erik! I suppose I should be angry about the deception, but I just can't find it in myself. Any spark of anger I might have felt was drowned as I listened to him sob in anguish and call himself a "monster" and a "loathsome gargoyle." I love him, God help me, I've loved him for months. I loved him when I thought him an incorporeal angel, and I love him now that I know he's simply a deformed man. Truly, his face does not concern me; I was already too far gone to care about such a thing. I would have still loved him no matter what.
He still wants to wear the mask, but I won't let him. I need him to know that I love him just as he is. He insisted on putting it on for the trip back up to my dressing room. I didn't want to leave him so soon, but rehearsals are about to begin for Il Muto. He's determined my career should progress, so I comply. He's told me I must seek out Madame Giry and confide in her. He says I must make it very clear that I will be returning to him of my own free will.
"I'll come visit you every night after rehearsal," Erik promises. "After all, we need to continue your lessons."
"And will you be staying behind the mirror?" I tease.
Erik stares at me so sternly that I'm about to shrink away when he bursts into laughter. The sound is deep, rich, and melodious; I could listen to it all day. "I suppose there is no need for that now, but lock your door. I'll see you tomorrow." He embraces me and turns back towards the tunnel.
Some brazen impulse takes hold of me. "Aren't you going to kiss me goodbye?"
He turns back to me, suddenly looking very unsure of himself. It occurs to me that he's probably never been touched in kindness at all, much less kissed. The thought pierces my heart. I've never kissed a man besides my father. I stand on tiptoe, he's so tall, and take his face in my hands. Erik bends down to accommodate me, but makes no other move. I brush my lips gently across his, he trembles and pulls me into his arms. He kisses me tentatively, just a slight press of the lips, then pulls back to gauge my reaction. I tug him back down and kiss him again. I'm not brave enough to try and deepen the kiss. Erik rests his forehead against mine for a moment.
"Christine, I love you."
"I love you, too, Erik."
Those piercing blue eyes search mine. I smile at him and, though it's the last thing I want, I say, "Go on, I need my rest before rehearsal tomorrow."
Not long after Erik leaves, there's a knock at my dressing room door. "Who is it?"
"It's me, child." Madame Giry calls.
I unlock the door and let her in. She looks me over with a worried expression. "Are you quite well? Where were you last night?"
Erik told me to confide in her, so I do. By the end of my explanation, she's dabbing at her eyes with her handkerchief. "Oh, my sweet girl, I'm so relieved. I was so afraid of how this would all end. Erik can be quite persuasive, but I didn't know what to make of his interest in you."
"You...you knew?"
"Yes, I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but he made me promise."
Once again I should be angry, but nothing can erase the happy glow left by Erik's kisses. "I'm going to go back with him after Il Muto."
Madame Giry nods thoughtfully. "Is that what you want?"
"Oh, yes," I assure her. "More than anything."
"Well, then, that's settled. The new managers want to see you."
"Why?" Anxiety starts to build. Will they question me about my absence?
Madame Giry sighs. "Carlotta has made a lot of trouble regarding you taking her place in Hannibal. They've smoothed it all over by telling her that you will be playing the part of the pageboy in Il Muto.
I'm shocked and hurt. I know I did well in Hannibal. I didn't expect to take Carlotta's place as she is still so popular with the public, but I thought I would get better parts from now on. Instead I've been relegated to a completely silent role!
"Come along, child, don't keep your new managers waiting." Madame Giry ushers me out the door and to the office.
Messrs. Firmin and André are sitting behind their highly polished desks when I enter the office. They smile warmly at me. I sit in a chair across from them and survey the office. The walls are shining mahogany and filing cabinets line one side. The desks sit side by side on top of an elegant, red and gold Persian rug.
The new managers do not mention my disappearance, instead they shower me with compliments regarding my role in Hannibal. They try to placate me by telling me that I will certainly be getting better parts in the future, but for now we must all soothe Carlotta's feathers. The whole thing will blow over soon, they assure me, then they will certainly be glad to improve my casting.
By the time I get back to my dressing room, I'm exhausted. Madame Giry helps me out of my gown and corset and I collapse into bed in nothing but my chemise and stockings. I fall asleep almost instantly.
A/N: Started with a Susan Kay quote this chapter. Thank you for the kind reviews, faves, and follows. They are truly appreciated.