Deathly Ill
I unfolded the letter with trembling hands and read it slowly.
Dear Miss Thompson,
I am terribly sorry that you were exposed to my terrifying appearance. I warned you not to come, but your stubborn ways got the best of you. I think it best for the both of us if you not come to visit me anymore. I can still give you lessons through the mirror, but for your mental health it's best we not see each other again in person. I hope you realize that I am doing us both a favor. I remain your obedient servant,
Erik
I dropped the letter onto the floor. I sank down onto my chair and stared at myself in the vanity mirror. I could see a horrifying expression cross my face and pain enter my eyes. I look like Erik did when I first came here. This must be the emotions he faces each and every day. Now he won't even consider starting over. Why must he be like this? Must I lose my best friend two times? I kept telling myself that I wouldn't cry, but I guess my brain wasn't listening to me. I folded my arms onto the table and laid my head down on top of them. I cried my eyes out until I felt that if I cried anymore, my heart would completely break apart. If anyone would have come in to visit me, that's how they would have found me. Makeup smeared, head down, and body in a sitting position while sleeping.
The next morning I woke up to a stiff back and a very sore throat. I raised my head and looked up at the clock. It was almost seven o'clock and I leaped up from the chair. I rushed over to my wardrobe closet and grabbed a dress out. I yanked my wrinkled one off and put the one I held in my hand on. I had just reached the door and had the door knob in my hand, when I realized that it was Sunday. We don't have rehearsals on Sunday, since it's a day of honoring God. I let out a sigh of relief and walked over to the vanity chair. I sat down just in time for rattling coughs to take over me. I almost choked, they were so bad. When I finally got them under control I took a look at myself in the mirror.
"Oh, my goodness!" The sight before me was frightening. My face was deathly pale, my cheeks were bright pink, and I had dark circles under my eyes. I didn't look this bad yesterday! I mean, sure I was sad, but I didn't look like death! Maybe I'm just tired and stressed out from everything that has happened. I stood up, but soon regretted it as the whole room started to spin. I quickly sat back down and gripped my head with my hands. What is the matter with me? I can't be getting sick, can I? I haven't been around anyone sick I don't think. Maybe I should go lay down.
I carefully walked over to the bed and laid down. I was beginning to feel like someone had put ice down my dress. My teeth were chattering as I pulled two blankets over my shoulders. I closed my eyes and let sleep take over my body.
I woke up coughing and pushing the covers off of me. I know I felt very cold when I fell a sleep, but now I feel like flames are shooting up my back. I took my dress off and pulled my hair back with a ribbon, trying to cool myself off. There must be something wrong with me. Maybe I should get Meg or Madame Giry. I sat up slowly, but the room spun even faster than last time. I reached for my house coat at the end of the bed and put it on. I stood up but had to grip the bed for a minute so I wouldn't sink to the floor. I took one step forward and then another. For what seemed like hours, I finally made it to the door. I opened it up and stepped out into the hallway. I had to squint to actually see down the hall because my vision was becoming foggy all of a sudden. I gripped the side of the wall and slowly walked down the hallway to Madame Giry's room. I finally arrived at her door and held one fist out to knock. I was just about to bang against the door, when black fog over took my vision. All I could see were flashing lights as darkness took over me.
Madame Giry decided to go have a talk to Andre' and Firmin about Rachel's part that Miss Sherry had stolen. She opened the door to reveal Rachel laying in a heap on the floor.
"Oh, my word! Rachel, can you hear me, dear?" Madame Giry bent down and turned the girl over onto her back. Expecting the worse, like Rachel being shot, she let out a sigh of relief when she realized that Rachel was sick. She felt of her forehead, but quickly removed her hand.
"Why, you're burning up! I must get you back to your room and call for a doctor immediately!" She scooped Rachel up into her arms and carried her down the hallway until she arrived at her room. The door was still open from when Rachel had left, so Madam Giry entered the room easily. She walked over to the bed and laid Rachel down carefully.
"I'll be right back, Rachel." She ran out of the room and down the halls until she arrived at the office of Andre' and Firmin. They were sitting at their desk discussing something, when they saw her enter and looked up. She was so out of breath that it took her a moment before she could talk.
"Rachel Thompson is very ill! I think she may have the flu or pneumonia, so we must call for a doctor right away!" They nodded their heads and hastily called for a doctor. Madame Giry waited at the front door of the Opera House to welcome the doctor when he arrived. It took him about fifteen minutes, but when he arrived she led him to Rachel's room. He looked at Rachel and then back at Madame Giry.
"May I be left alone to look at her? I will call on you when I am done." Madame Giry backed out of the room.
"Of course, doctor, and thank you." Madame Giry waited outside, walking back and forth in front of the door. Around ten minutes later, she heard the door open and watched as the doctor stepped out. He closed the door behind him and walked over to Madame Giry.
"How is she doctor? Is it serious?" He placed a hand on her shoulder and led her away from the room.
"She has a dangerously high fever and a terrible cough. I believe it is the early stages of pneumonia. I will give you some medicine to give to her, and she must take it twice a day. She needs someone with her at all times to put cold clothes on her body until the fever breaks. Now, we can only do our jobs and wait to see what the outcome brings. Here's my bill, and feel free to pay tomorrow. I know this is shocking news for you all at once. Good day, Madame Giry." He tipped his hat and began walking down the hall.
"Good day, doctor." She gripped the bottle of medicine and the bill. She lowered her head as tears started to roll down her face. She thought of Rachel as another daughter, and couldn't stand it if anything should happen to her. She was just about to go back in and tend to Rachel, when all of a sudden a letter drifted down from the ceiling. She bent down and picked it up, knowing who it was from right away.
Dear Madame Giry,
I know that Miss Thompson is extremely ill, and I must inform you that I wish to tend to her needs myself. I have locked the door so no one can enter. Please allow me to do this, for I will feel forever grateful. I remain your obedient servant,
O.G. (Opera Ghost)
She folded the letter back up and gripped it to her chest.
"Oh, God, please help her survive for us all, especially the Phantom."
(Author's Note: This is kind of long, which I am very proud of! This idea came to me tonight, because I'm also sick. I know the first letter said he didn't want to see her again, but now he feels guilty since she might die, so that's why he's taking care of her. The next chapter is pretty much all going to be in Erik's POV, so be ready!)
