Chapter 10
She quickly buttoned her dress and spun around to see the smiling face of an old man.
"Papa, what are you doing here?" The old man quickly got up from the couch and they hugged. They stood there for what seemed like forever, in each other's arms. She wanted to stay there; soak up some of his warmth. She could feel the tears slowly making their way down her cheeks. He finally pulled away and laughed.
"Why are you crying my child?" "Because I am so happy you are here. Is there something wrong? You only visit me when something bad happens. Is Anne ill? What about Geoffrey?" They both sat down on her couch. Her father took her hands in his.
"Emma, calm down. Anne is fine and so is Geoffrey. They both send you love. They couldn't come to see you though because Anne needed to visit her sister in who lives in London now and Geoffrey had to go with her to make sure that she did not get lost." Emma laughed and rolled her eyes.
"Anne was never good with directions. But, at least she is a good mother and that is all that counts. So, did you come to see me perform?" "Yes, my darling child, I did. When Anne and I read those letters you sent us, we had to come here and see the opera. But, when Anne's sister just had her baby, she had to help her get better. So, she sent me here all by myself. I wasn't going to miss out on a chance to see my favorite daughter be the lead soprano in an opera." "First of all, I'm your only daughter and secondly, I thought you said you would never come here again." "Well, I knew I would just have to put on a brave face and come see you. I love hearing you sing. Your voice is beautiful and you have a face to match. I never realized how much you look like your mother." "I miss her too." She smiled and squeezed his hand. After a moment, she cleared her throat. "Would you like me to sing something for you?" "That would be absolutely lovely." She stood up and clasped her hands together. All of a sudden she got a very strange feeling that there was someone else in the room. She shivered and glanced into the mirror.
"Is there something wrong?" She shook her head and looked at her father, smiling.
"This is a song that mother and I used to love to sing together.
I've heard it said That people come into our lives For a reason bringing something we must learn And we are led to those who help us most to grow If we let them and we help them in return Well, I don't know if I believe that's true But, I know I'm who I am today because I knew you.
Like comet pulled from orbit As it passes a sun Like a stream that meets a boulder Halfway through a wood Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
Because I knew you I have been changed for good…."
Her father stood up and clapped. "Absolutely beautiful. I wish I could remember the words to the song because I would sing the rest of it with you. I'm not sure if I would do it justice." Emma laughed.
"You have a soothing voice. It always put me to sleep." She paused as he gave her a look. "Oh, I don't mean it was bad. Your voice is pleasant." "I understand what you mean. But, I have to be going. You have to get ready." They hugged once more and he kissed her forehead. "We can talk more after the opera." She walked him to the door and opened it for him. "I will be in the front row, my little lotte." He put his hand on her cheek then left. She shut the door and leaned against it. She quickly got ready for the opera.
The curtain closed and Emma hurried back to her dressing room to change. She gave her all in the performance and she was excited to see what her father thought. Sitting on her vanity was a red rose tied with a black ribbon and a note. She sat down on the chair and smelled the rose. It smelled divine. She unfolded the note and began to read it.
"My sweet Emma,
Your performance this night was outstanding though I noticed you are not breathing as you should be. During our lessons, I will show you the correct way.
Respectively yours, Erik." She bit her lip put the note down. She stood up, not wanting to worry about this. She was going out with her father and she would not be troubled by this man named Erik. She went behind the screen in her room and changed into a pale yellow dinner dress. It was simple yet elegant enough for dinner. She pulled her hair back from her face with a yellow ribbon to match when there was a knock at her door.
"Come in." Her father stepped in with a huge smile on his face and tears in his eyes.
"My dear Emma, you were absolutely stunning." She felt herself blushing. "When did you get so good?" "I have a new teacher." "Do not let this one go. Remember the story your mother used to tell you when you were younger about little lotte." "Who doesn't know that story, father? The story of little lotte and the angel of music." "Your mother used to tell you that story before you went to sleep. She used to tell you that one day you would be blessed by the angel of music; that he would come down from heaven and be your teacher. I see he has finally arrived." She nodded absent mindedly and slipped on her gloves.
"Are you ready for dinner?' She said quickly changing the subject.
He merely nodded and put his arm out for her. She blew out all the candles save one and took his arm. They quickly left, going down the crowded hallway. As she said goodbye to others, she noticed she had no cloak on. She stopped and let go of her father.
"Darn…" "What?" "I forgot my cloak and it is freezing outside. You go and get the carriage and I'll be right there." "Hurry up, Emma, because I am hungry." She laughed and made her way back to her room. She opened the door and looked around but she didn't see it. She went into the bedroom and picked it up off the bed. She went into the main room and towards the door when it shut by itself. She frowned and tried to open it, but it was locked.
"My beautiful angel of music Where are you going..." She closed her eyes and turned around to face the music.
(A/N- It was her father. I thought I'd surprise you with a little twist! Also, sorry for the involvement of the little lotte thing but it is just too good of a plotline to leave behind! Plus, it will make more sense in upcoming chapters…I know she seems like Christine but that's cuz she kind of is! …Thanks to galasriniel, I want that shirt too! It is great! Yay meg and wake-up calls! Thanks to Emily, it was her dad! In some pictures, Erik has a look with his eye brow raised and he looks so good! KEEP R&R! P.S- A mini-phantom of the opera plushie for those who can figure out what song Emma sings in this chapter! Byes!)
