Chapter 3- Changes
Erik changed his clothes and put on his mask, fixing the partial wig on carefully and surveying himself in his full length mirror. He stepped out from the passage and began to walk, with his easy sensual grace, towards le club de bande. He entered the tightly packed room and moved around looking this way and that…
"Madame- has Mademoiselle Camille Duproix arrived here tonight?" he inquired of the woman standing in his path
"Ahh… yes she just finished her final act and is currently in her dressing room."
I rushed to her room and burst in and saw her as she struggled to fasten the laces on her corset.
"My dear Camille- allow me to assist you…" i spoke teasingly to the raven haired beauty "you seem to be struggling." I walked up behind her totally in awe of her beautiful flesh. She was golden and had an exotic air about her. Her raven tresses fell in soft curls to the middle of her back and her golden skin was deliciously soft to my touch. And her eyes- they were a startling green that was so unlike … NO! I would not think of her.
I tied the strings of her corset and waited as she finished dressing.
"Erik! I had not expected to see you here tonight." She said in her rich, lilting voice "what brings you here, my love?"
"Unexpected loneliness- which you would think I would be used to by now. Madame Suproi said that you were done for the night and I am ready to take you to my home. That is- if you will be willing to come with me. Camille- I mean for longer than tonight."
"Oh Erik- do you know how long I have waited for you to trust me like this. Of course I will come I will only need a few moments to get my things."
I smiled indulgently at her, delighted at her response.
Christine stirred in her bed and rose quietly. She noted that Raoul was absent and was relieved at this. She rushed to her closet and took out a simple black wool dress which she put on as well as a dark cloak and finally she twisted her hair up into a simple dark chignon…
I must leave this house and go somewhere. Perhaps- no- I must go to Erik. He will know what to do and I must right the wrongs I have caused.
I crossed the chamber again and packed a small bag with all my necessary items and then I went to the door my breath harsh and quick in my throat.
I turned the knob slowly and stepped out into the dark corridor and made my way down to the dark, cold streets of Paris.
Getting out of the house had seemed so easy. Almost too easy but I didn't want to stop and think about it. The streets of Paris were harsh and dangerous at night and I did not wish to linger in them. My hand brushed against the livid bruise on my throat and I was reminded of why I was leaving.
I walked more purposefully in the direction of the opera house.