Forgotten Past
The man didn't move at all. He just stood there staring at me with a secretive smile on his face. I don't know what to think! It's like a tornado in my head. All those memories of him and then that day that those men came. I thought I would never see him again! How can this be? This man was very tall and very strong looking. He had dark brown hair that was slicked back. The side of his face that wasn't covered up was extremely handsome. He had the most beautiful blue eyes that I've ever seen. They had a sadness and longing deep inside of them. I could feel my soul being pulled by them, almost as if I were feeling the same sadness and longing that he was. I shook my head and took a step back. I couldn't seem to think straight! Maybe it's not really him. Face it, Rachel, how many people wear masks covering up a certain side of their face? Not too many, that's who. Why's he here, though? I mean, he was always very fond of music, but why this one place that I happen to be at, too? Could he be the Opera Ghost? Everyone is so afraid of him. Erik wouldn't do things like what the Opera Ghost does, though. Or would he? I haven't known him for 10 years. I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn't hear him clear his throat until he grabbed my arm. I flinched and tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong.
"Did you or did you not call me?" His voice was extremely deep and soothing. I tried to find words in my head to reply, but they were all jumbled up. I probably sounded drugged when I finally replied.
"Well, um, y-yes, I did c-call your name." He smiled that secretive smile again.
"What was it that you wanted to discuss, Miss Thompson? I assume you wanted to talk to me about something." Do I? I don't know. Why did I come here? To look for the Opera Ghost, remember? You are a curious little thing and you know it. You should have listened to the saying "Curiosity killed the cat."
"Actually, I w-was j-just curious of who was s-sending me all of those l-letters." That's not really a lie, since I was looking for the Opera Ghost. "Are you the Opera Ghost everyone t-talks about, s-sir?" He laughed a little and shook his head.
"I know you don't have a stuttering problem, so just relax. I am not going to cause you any harm. Yes, I am the Opera Ghost. So you have heard of me, yes? What exactly have you heard, my dear?" His grip tightened a little as he led me down the stairs. I didn't want to follow him, but it was like my legs had a mind of their own. What have I heard about you? Only that you're dangerous! Thank God I didn't say that, though.
"Well, mostly everyone is just a little frightened. I guess they believe you really are a ghost and not a living person." He seemed to ponder over this. He looked at me for what seemed like forever. It was like he could see my thoughts, feelings, emotions, and my soul.
It made me extremely nervous.
"I can tell that you aren't telling me everything, but I won't pry anymore at this moment. Come, it is time for your lessons to begin." My what?
"What lessons are you talking about?"
"Why, your singing lessons, of course! You are the leading role in Il Muto, are you not? You must practice more than just at rehearsals, my dear. Come, your Angel demands you to come." Almost like being in a trance, I followed him to a door in a faraway, dark corner. I had never noticed it before until now. He opened it up to reveal a dark, damp tunnel. He smiled and led me inside. The door shut on its own behind us. Torches were lit along the walls, as if invisible hands were there doing the job. My vision felt foggy, as if I were in a dream of some kind. I reached up to pinch my face, but found that I was very much awake. We finally reached the end of the tunnel and walked down a couple of steps. There was a long lake that laid before us and a large boat that was on the shore. He led me over to the boat and helped me inside. I sat down as he began to row down the lake. I looked all around me at the spectacular view. I never knew that this was under the Opera House. Torches lined the walls up and down. The golden glow that they put off gave the place a magical appearance. We reached the end of the lake as the Opera Ghost pulled a lever that was on the side of the wall. A gate went up as the water seemed to disappear. After doing this, a home appeared out of no where! There were candles, paintings, an organ, a floor, and many other things. The Opera Ghost helped me out of the boat and over to the organ. It was surrounded by many candles and was up on a stage like floor. He led me up the steps and I sat down on the organ bench next to him. He looked at me before he began to play. The sound echoed throughout his home with a rich, strong sound. I had never heard anything more beautiful! He poured his soul out into it. I could here all of his emotions in the music, emotions that were only familiar with pain. The music came to an end and I couldn't think of anything to do but clap. He turned to me as if he had forgotten I was there beside of him.
"You liked it?" I smiled up at him for the first time. I was starting to not feel so afraid, especially if this really was Erik.
"It was beautiful! Where did you learn to play like that?" It was something I had asked Erik ten years ago. I wonder if he would give me the same answer. I held my breath, waiting for his reply.
"I taught myself. I originally started playing the piano, but the organ has more of a soulful sound." I was afraid I was going to fall off of the bench. Erik taught himself. Erik loved the piano. This was very freaky. I decided to ask another question. This one would prove a lot.
"Do you have a name besides O.G. or Angle of Music?" My heart was pounding in my breast so hard, I was afraid it was going to pound out of it.
"No, I don't have a name. Not one in particular, that is. I go by O.G. in my letters, the Phantom of the Opera to others who talk about me, and Angel of Music to you." I must admit, I was a little disappointed. I had thought for a moment that this really could have been my long lost friend. I decided to try one last question, just to make sure.
"What was your childhood like? I know that is an odd question, but I would like to know more about you, Angel." More than you'll ever know. I watched as he turned away to gaze downward. He stared at his hands as he grasped them together very tightly. He looked back up at me with more sadness in his eyes than I had seen before. It almost made me sad.
"I don't know much about my past. I suffered from amnesia when I was young and can't remember anything that happened before I was thirteen. I only have one thing that can give me a clue to my childhood, but I still haven't figured it out." He reached over to pick up a picture from the organ's top. He handed it to me and I almost dropped it when I saw what it was. It was a picture of me and Erik! It looked like I was probably around nine and he twelve. We were in front of my piano in the parlor. I remembered it being taken. Erik had been hesitant to get his picture taken, but I had finally persuaded him to. I can't believe I have finally found you! Maybe you'll remember me somehow. We were such good friends, you have to! I looked up at him and decided to ask if he knew who the girl was in the picture.
"Do you know who this girl is?" Please, please remember! He shook his head, though.
"No, I don't remember who she is."
(Author's Note: Okay, here you guys go! I'll try and update tomorrow! I was afraid I wouldn't get to today, but I pulled a few strings for you guys. Remember...update!)
