Deep Thoughts

Erik's POV:

After I wrote the letter to Madame Giry, I walked back to Rachel. She was shivering so much that her teeth were chattering. I walked over to her vanity and dipped a wash cloth into the water basin. I wrung it out a little and placed it onto her head. I knew that only one wouldn't do, so I decided to place them on her arms and legs. Knowing I would have to strip her down to just her under garnets made me flush with embarrassment. I unbuttoned her dress and lifted her up so I could slide it off. I tried to ignore the hot flesh that was exposed as I laid about five more wash cloths on her body. I covered her back up and walked over to look at the medicine that the doctor had left. Madame Giry had left the bottle outside the door for me to retrieve. I peered at the label which told that it was for coughing and dehydration. Now, I think he said to give her one spoonful each day. I guess I should wait until she regains consciousness, though.

I placed the bottle back onto the vanity and walked over to Rachel's bedside. I leaned down onto my knees and placed my hand onto her small, sweaty one. I reached out my other hand to stroke her warm cheek. I know it's not very manly, but I couldn't resist the tears that spilled over just then. I leaned my head against her bed as my body wracked with sobs. Why must you be like this? Nothing can happen to you! I know I pushed you away, but you're my only hope! I began to say my thoughts out loud, hoping she might hear.

"I just wanted to protect you. I know you say we were best friends when we were younger, but what if I wasn't deformed then? I know you must wonder about the mask, but if you saw my face you would never want to be my friend. I can't even stand to look at it, and I am so used to it. I am sorry that I pushed you away, though. What if I brought this upon you? I could never forgive myself if that were the case. Please, Rachel, please hear me!" I squeezed her hand, but received no response. I stood up and walked over to the wall. I leaned my head against the wall as a wave of emotions ran through me. I felt anger towards myself most of all. Why can't you just try and be normal? Why can't you be compassionate, trusting, loving? Why must you be a monster! I raised my hand and hit the wall as hard as I could.

"Damn to everything!" I walked over to the full length mirror on the wall. One of my many secret passages. I looked upon myself in the mirror and saw nothing but a hideous beast.

"You truly do belong in hell, you little demon!" Just as I was about to cover the mirror with a blanket, I heard a stirring in the direction of Rachel. I rushed over to the bed as she began to toss and turn. I grabbed her hands and knelt down beside her.

"Rachel, can you hear me? It's me, Erik." She pulled her hands out of my grasp and threw them up into the air. She was mumbling something, but I couldn't understand her. It seemed as if she were in some sort of dream state. I took the wash clothes off and replaced them with new ones. She had quieted down for the moment, so I pulled a chair up beside the bed and sat in it. I leaned my head back as fatigue took over my sore muscles.

A few minutes later I awoke to screaming. I looked over to see Rachel pulling the covers off and throwing them onto the floor. I picked them up and placed them in my lap. I put my hands on her shoulders and pushed her back down onto the bed. This time I could hear what she was saying.

"No, please don't take him! Erik, don't go around the house! It's a trick, Erik! Daddy, where are you? Erik!" What is she talking about? Why is she dreaming about me and who's taking me away?

"Rachel, please calm down. Everything's alright. Nothing is going to happen to me, I promise you." She was still mumbling my name, but she seemed to drift back into a dreamless sleep. I sat back in my chair and stared at Rachel. Maybe that was part of our past? I have dreams about my past, so maybe she does, too. Maybe I should listen to her. I've always wanted to know what my life before the Opera House was like. I know now that I trust Rachel and that she would never lie to me. I have been the fool this whole time. I must be careful with my mask, though. She will never see my face, no matter how much she wants me to trust her with that matter.

I leaned down and brushed my lips on hers.

"Please get better, sweetheart." As if she had heard me, I watched as both of her eyes opened very slowly. She looked around as if she wasn't sure where she was. Then she looked up at my face and smiled faintly.

"Erik." Her voice sounded weak and strained. I gripped her hand even tighter as my tears fell onto our clasped hands.

"Welcome back, Rachel."

(Author's Note: I know it's not that long, but I'm still sick. I plan to write more tomorrow, though. The next chapter will be in her POV, though.)