Child of Music
Part 3
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or places from 'The Phantom of the Opera' or 'Amazing Grace'. I do own Danielle.
"What is this, Papa?" She held a fistful of paper up for him to see. It was some of the sheet music he had rescued from the flames.
"It's music."
"Oh." She sat silently for just a moment. "What do you do with music?"
"You play it."
"Oh," she scrutinized the page, turning it over in her hands. "How do you play music?" He smiled inwardly and took the sheet from her. 'Amazing Grace'. How fitting. Taking her hand, he led her over to the organ and lifted her onto the bench. It was getting harder and harder to lift her. A few years had passed since he had discovered the feather-light child, and he was very pleased with the progress the two of them had made. He then slid in next to her and set the sheet where he could see it. He arched his fingers and rested them on the cool keys, taking a deep breath. Would it still sound the same? What if he had lost his talent?
All his fears were laid to rest as he began to play for the first time in years. He was a tad rusty, but his hands were so conditioned to the familiar notes he was quickly able to regain his polish.
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. The hour, I first believed. I once was lost, but now am found. The hour, I first believed," he let his voice fade quickly and turned to smile at her. "That is music."
"Oh. I like music." Smile widening, he put his arm around her shoulders and hugged her close.
"That's my girl."
Erik sat silently at the edge of the water. So much had changed since Danielle came. His life held meaning again, he had someone to live for. She was such a ray of sunshine, brightening his gloom. But he had no illusions as to what would happen if she saw his true face. She had never asked about his mask, or even seemed to notice it. Not since that first day when he had carried her to his home. If she saw what he hid…everything would come crashing down on his head.
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound." His ears perked to the sound of singing. He turned, slowly, hardly daring to believe. But it was true. Danielle sat on large rock, stroking the hair of a doll that had formerly been part of his opera house diorama. And she was singing. "The hour I first believed. I once was lost, but not am found. The hour I first believed." Her voice was not a pure, clear soprano like Christine's had been. Rather, even at this young age, he could tell it would develop into a rich alto.
"Are you singing, Danielle?" He had to ask, just to be sure. She looked up and smiled at him.
"Yes. I like the music."
"That's not the only kind, you know. That's only one song."
"Really?" Her eyes brightened and she asked the one thing he had hoped and prayed she someday would. "Will you teach me more music, Papa?"
Danielle lay asleep in the swan-shaped bed. She held a pillow close to her and sighed sleepily. Erik watched over her. He hadn't been able to break the habit since she had been so sick. It scared him, remembering how labored her breathing had been, how glassy her lively little eyes. It was so strange. He had never felt this way about anyone. Even with Christine, he had been…possessive. But not protective. He had wanted the best for her, but it was more so he could see his visions come to life than for her own good. Danielle he wanted to be happy just because it thrilled him each and every time she smiled or glanced his way. So this was what it was like to be a father. He had never dreamed that he would ever feel the amazing bond between a father and his daughter.
His beloved daughter snored gently and rolled over. He smiled silently and felt his own eyelids drooping. Rising, he walked over and lay down slowly on the bed, so he wouldn't disturb her. Somehow sensing his presence, Danielle scooted closer to him, allowing him to fold his arms around her. His breathing slowed until the two were completely in harmony. Most people, even a father and daughter, would be unable to achieve such perfect closeness and let it still remain pure and chaste. There was nothing sexual in their complete touch…they had both been hurt and alone. They needed to know, all through the night, someone was there by their side.
Erik smiled as he drifted slowly towards sleep. Then, a strange beat rang through his head. It was followed by another, and another. A melody in his mind, he could feel the powerful chords in his heart. His eyes snapped open again and his breath caught in his throat. Was it true? Could it be true? It was. It had taken a lengthy intermission…but the Music of the Night had begun again.