We heard the barkers shouting out their various exhibits. The smell of popcorn and sweat was heavy in the air as Sorelli and myself walked along the gypsy camp. I followed her to a large black tent where a tall banner proclaimed "The Living Corpse." This sounded unique so we went inside. There was already a large crowd and we had trouble finding a good place to see. Suddenly there was a cry and we saw a huge, greasy man beating a helpless child. I protested, but the man pulled off the paper bag on the child's head. Everyone was shock still. The left side of his face was riddled with scars and decayed flesh. His hair was gray and thin, and his left eyelid drooped.
He started to cry and the people laughed. I wanted to smack them but they began to toss coins and leave. I waited behind so I could talk to the boy, but the burly, repulsive man stayed behind. Suddenly I saw the kid pick up the ropes left behind, and before I could shout he had strangled the man. I heard people coming back and grabbed the little boy's wrist. He had placed the bag back over his face and followed me mutely. I brought him to the only place I could think of, The Opera Populaire. I told him to stay hidden in the cellar until I returned. I ran around front to tell Mme. Rianna, our ballet teacher, when I stopped. This boy had just killed a man. He was in deep trouble, and no one who saw his face would grant any sympathy. I charged down to help the strange kid.
The last few days had been a blur. I hadn't eaten in nearly a week, punishment for my insolence Javert had explained. I don't know why I strangled him; I'd never killed anyone ever. Yet I could not stand his nasty attitude, his greediness, and his squalor. Then, for some unknown reason, this strange girl had grabbed my wrist and dragged me to an immense building. I waited for her as she had asked me to. My mind was perplexed and I explored the room I was in. Suddenly I heard the clipping of horse's hooves and the girl was there, with a majestic black horse. "It's easier to navigate the cellars than on foot. His name is Caesar." She explained. I petted the horse gently. "Will you take care of him?" She asked. I looked at her, astonished. "You mean I can keep him, wherever I may go?"
The girl smiled shyly. She couldn't have been more than fourteen or fifteen, and I was only ten. She had pretty brown hair and gray eyes, with a dancer's nimble body. "Do you know where you'll go?" She asked. I nodded my head no. All I wanted was to go home, even if it meant back to Mother and her incessant vanity. I hadn't seen her in nearly three years, she may have already left. I looked down at the ground. "I am hungry and weary. What's your name anyway?" She held out her hand. "Antoinette Giry, Monsieur, but everyone calls me Ann, and who may you be?" I did not shake her hand but said simply, "Erik." There was an awkward pause before she ran her hand through her hair. "I could bring you some food and blankets for the night, and a map if you need one for your journey." I sighed. I was so tired of running from everything. I ran from my home and now I was running from the gypsies, did I really want to spend my life running away? I was only ten but already my mind was as bleak as a coffin, and I was the corpse that slept in it. Caesar brought me out of my stupor by snorting, and I patted his muzzle. "Where are we?" I asked.
"The Opera Populaire, I am a ballerina here." Ann said proudly. I sighed. "I do love music." She smiled. "Do you sing Monsieur?" "NO" I snapped curtly. I didn't want to ensnare her in my enchanting voice. Woman had been known to fall before my feet when I sang for Javert, and even my mother could not resist my melody. Ann twirled her skirts gently. "A speaking voice like yours and yet you say you can not sing? What a tease you are Erik." Good Grief, she had flirted with me. This was an unusual person, I wondered if she had gotten a good glimpse of my face earlier. Certainly if she had she would not be with me at this moment. Ann petted Caesar and told me she'd come back with food and drinks. I walked down the cellars with the horse and pondered this strange twist of fate.
I raced up to the kitchens giggling. This bizarre little boy was so strange. I had never met anyone so young and yet so mature. He was shy, reserved and melancholy, unlike the boys I usually met. Unlike my current boyfriend Jason! The chef paid no mind as yet another ballet girl stole some pastries and other items. I wondered how long Erik might stay. I rather liked him; he was nice although not very friendly. His deformity did not scare me; in fact it wasn't much to speak of. The right side of his face was chiseled and handsome, and I knew as he grew older he would be quite a charmer. I thought perhaps some makeup could help him, so I ran upstairs to the costume department. I also found a porcelain white half mask that could help if the makeup didn't work. I couldn't see him when I returned to the cellar, but I did hear a lovely voice singing. It was a soft tune, very gypsy style.
I was lost within that soft caress, until I felt a hand on my shoulder. "I am sorry Mademoiselle, I did not intend for you to hear me." Erik looked very sad, and I touched his hand. He gasped and I turned to face him. He stepped back and I smiled as friendly as I could. "I want to help you. I've brought some food and blankets, and this, if you'll allow me, to, erm.." I was speechless as Erik took the box of makeup and began to examine it. "I am a boy Antoinette." He said. "Well grown men wear makeup, and they don't have a deformity like you." I clapped my hand over my wondering mouth. I never wanted to insult the kid! He threw the box to the corner and pulled the bag off his head, then placed the mask over his face. He turned to look at me. "I thank you for your hospitality. Your help was greatly appreciated. I shall be leaving now. Have a superb time dancing with men in makeup." He took the bag of food and slung it over his shoulder. He mounted Caesar and led the horse to the top of the stairs. I did not follow as he left through the side gate. The only thought in my head was that I wanted him to be safe. I hoped he would find someplace to stay where he could be treated as a decent human being.
I led the horse outside and thought miserably. No matter where I went I would be persecuted and abhorred. I was like that new book Frankenstein, a monster that deserved to die. Even the young girl Antoinette could not bear to look at me. She wanted me to wear makeup and a mask and perhaps a wig. Well I banished all thoughts of her from my mind as I rode along. Soon dawn broke and I led Caesar to some water. I looked around. All I could see was grass, for miles and miles. I was lost, lonely, and had not slept in nearly two days. I broke down and cried. Soon I led Caesar to the grass and walked along as he ate. I thought things over in my head, and finally made a decision.
Two days later Erik returned. He'd dropped a note at my feet from the rafters. "Meet me in the fifth cellar at the top of the stairs. Tell no one of my presence." I turned and ran.
Authors Note: New Chapter Coming Soon.