Exposed Appearance

I knew that Miss Sherry would torture me no matter what, so I decided to keep an eye on her for the next three days. Whenever I thought she would say something mean, I would cut her off. It was working fairly well. I think she was becoming a little suspicious, though.

We were eating in the dining room. Meg and Tom were at one table off in the corner, so I sat down by myself. I was just about to butter my bread when I saw a plate lower onto the table. I looked up to see that the owner of that plate was Miss Sherry. I set my knife down onto the table and placed my bread onto my plate. I wonder why she's sitting with me? I hope she behaves herself! I'm sure Erik is watching our every move. She sat down and placed her napkin onto her lap. She picked up her silver ware and began cutting the pork chop. I watched as she placed a small piece into her mouth and then began to chew. She did this with a couple more pieces, while never even looking at me. This is odd. She has never just ignored me before. Maybe it's a trick. I picked my bread back up and bit into it. I glanced over at Meg, but saw that her and Tom had already left. I looked back at Miss Sherry to find her buttering her bread. I can't take this any longer! I finished eating and tossed my silver ware onto my plate. It made such a loud noise, that even one of the chorus girls across the room looked up. Miss Sherry flinched, but kept on buttering her bread, never even glancing up. Okay, so I guess that wasn't loud enough. What else can I do? I placed my napkin onto the table and scooted the chair back. It made a screeching noise across the floor that almost sounded like nails on a chalkboard. Almost everyone looked up then, but not Miss Sherry. She closed her eyes, as if trying to control her anger, but then took a bite of her bread. Come on, Rachel, you can come up with something to get her attention. Maybe if you clear your throat really loud. So, I began to clear my throat. First a little softly, but then I increased the noise. My throat was starting to hurt, and I still hadn't gotten her attention. I heard someone slide back their chair and shout across the room, "Can you please just be quiet!" I abruptly stopped clearing my throat, and could feel my face turning beet red.

"Sorry!" I looked back at Miss Sherry just in time to see her pick up her plate and stand up. I picked mine up as well, and followed her out of the dining room. We left our plates in the kitchen, and began walking towards the stage. She stopped suddenly and turned to face me. She smiled and started tapping her foot.

"Miss Thompson, is there anything I can do for you? I know you have been trying to get my attention for the past twenty minutes, but I have tried to ignore you the best I can."

"I want to know why you are ignoring me. Not even an hour ago you were trying to harass me, and now you act as if I don't even exist."She laughed and shook her head.

"Do you honestly think I am that stupid? I know why you were cutting off my rude comments. I got your little Phantom's letter and I know that if I don't behave for three days he will kill me. Even though I don't believe he could do that, I don't want to waste my energy on you and your lover. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have rehearsals to go to. Oh, but that's right! You're only one of the dancers aren't you? I must practice every chance I get for my solo! Chow, Miss Thompson!" "Tschao, Miss Thompson!" Why am I trying to save her again? I walked to the stage and met up with Meg. She ran over to me and squealed into my ear again.

"Rachel, you will never guess what Tom asked mama today! He wants to marry me! Can you believe it, Rachel! He wants to marry me!" She wrapped her arms around me and began to twirl me around.

"Meg, that's wonderful! Have you decided the date yet?" She suddenly stopped twirling around and stared at me with shocked eyes.

"Oh my gosh, that's right! I have to decide on a date, a dress, a cake, a church, who to invite, and the list goes on! Rachel, what am I going to do? I can't handle all of those decisions!" She started to name off all of the things that she needed to do. I grabbed her shoulders and gave her a shake.

"Meg, calm down! You have time to prepare for everything! Me, Tom, and your mother will help you, so don't worry." This seemed to calm her a little.

"Well, I guess you're right. I better go talk to mama about it, though." She then ran off to find her mother. I saw Miss Sherry in the corner talking to Andre' and Firmin. They were laughing about something, but I couldn't hear what they were saying.

Madame Giry walked up to me with a frown on her face.

"Did Meg find you?" She smiled a little, but then the frown appeared again.

"Yes, she did, but that's not what I wanted to talk about. I'm hate to tell you, but I couldn't get your part back. I guess you are stuck as a dancer. I am very sorry, Rachel, that it has come to this. Does the Phantom know?"

"I think he does, yes. Don't worry about it, Madame Giry. I know you tried your best. Being a dancer isn't that bad." She smiled and put her hand on my shoulder.

"Now that's the kind of attitude to have. If only more people were like you around here." She led me over to the other dancers to begin rehearsals.

Rehearsal had gone well, but I was glad when it was over. I had just entered my room when I found a letter laying on my vanity. I turned it over to reveal a skull seal. My heart began to pound as I opened it.

Dear Rachel,

I know you are trying to protect Miss Sherry, but covering up her rude remarks wasn't part of our deal. You must not protect her from her own self. I know that she said that she didn't care about me, but I know that deep down inside she is trembling with fear. I warn you, that if you try and protect her again, I really will harm her. Do not bother to come for lessons today, since you will not be getting your role back. I am still very angry about that matter. I might pay Andre' and Firmin a little visit that is long over due. I remain your obedient servant,

Erik

I can't believe him! He is twisting the deal around so that the rules only apply to him. Sometimes I wonder how we were ever even friends. He has changed so much that I find myself wondering how I will ever completely trust him. I'll just have to keep reminding myself that he has had a hard life, and needs to be shown friendship. I might as well go see him, even though he doesn't want me to come. I placed the letter back onto the vanity and walked over to the mirror. I slid it back and stepped into the tunnel. I made my way down to the lake to find that the boat was already there. That's odd. Why would it be here? I stepped inside and began rowing up the lake. I reached the end and stepped out. I could see Erik at the organ, so I walked over to him. I placed my hand on his shoulder when I reached him. He spun around and grabbed my wrist in the process. I couldn't even begin to describe the sight that I saw. His face, the part that was usually covered up, was now exposed for me to see. Now I know why he keeps it covered up. I used to wonder why when I was younger. He covered up his face with his hand and pushed me away. I fell to the floor while I watched him reach for his mask, which was on the organ.

"Damn you! I told you not to come! Leave me now!" I stood up and took a hesitant step forward.

"Erik, I didn't mean..."

"I said leave, Rachel!" He picked up a vase and threw it against the wall. I ran back to the boat and rowed up the lake. I reached the mirror and stepped threw it. I flung myself onto the bed and started to cry. I'm so sorry, Erik! I hope I haven't ruined everything between us!

(Author's Note: Okay, you guys are probably going to hate me for doing this, but I had to. It will have a happy ending, though, so don't worry!)