Author's note: Thanks for commenting. I do respect your criticism and I've changed the ending of the last chapter a bit.
About the surgery, it was rare back then for most types of blindness, yes. Have in mind this isn't that long ago. It was only a few years before the beginning of the 20th century. In Denis's case, she was not permanently blind. She was very lucky though. You probably know this but, germ control wasn't too great back then and people often died of infections. They'd often just give people alcohol to ease the pain, which was her case.
Erik told Denise that Nadir was to take her to the hospital in chapter 12 I believe, but perhaps I wasn't descriptive enough. I added a brief description to the last chapter, but if you want, I could add more.
Thank you FullMoon-insanity. I first got the ideas for this fic while reading both of the books. In the books the phantom is less sweet. Yes, occasionally he gets in his adorable sexy, sweet modes, but his lifestyle is a bit morbid. I, having a messed up mind, am frightened by the morbid side of life, yet somehow drawn. I think a lot of us are. This fic was going to be even more distorted, but I decided my ideas were a bit much and toned it down a bit. I'm glad you like it!
"This is your room," Nadir stated lifting a hand and gesturing in mid air. "Everything in here belongs to you. If you peak inside the bureau there are a few dresses." He said smiling at me, noticing my dissatisfactory look.
"Oh, it's not that these things aren't nice enough," I began to reassure him, trying my best to attempt some facial evidence of happiness, though my heart a confused stir of sorrow and excitement.
He simply nodded understandingly, and left me to discover the many objects within the room.
The very large room contained a red, wooden queen size bed with black velvet covers and red goose feathered pillows. I found this rather unnecessary considering the fact that it will only be occupied by one person. Next to the bed was a quant matching red desk with a clear vase filled with red roses. Across from the bed was an aged, faded red bureau. I opened it, greeted by a loud squeal from both sides of the doors, and stole a glance at the dresses.
When Nadir stated there were only a few dresses in the bureau, it was clearly and understatement. I estimated at least thirty dresses were packet inside. I gently ran my hand through the pile, but quickly lost interest, even though not a single one hinted one flaw. I failed to take at heart the fact that so much money and devotion was put into this room. None of that could give me what I truly desire.
I sighed in exhaustion, and turned my head, noticing a set of glass doors connected by a silver knob that led to a charming patio with a gorgeous forest view. I flowed towards the doors and flipped the knob upwards with the side of my pinky, and let the breeze gently part the doors. I gently strolled against the cold breeze and came to rest at the side of the railing.
Fall is drawing near. Leaves are beginning to fade, and the air contains a slightly icy taste.
Next to the balcony, on right side, an enormous tree sprouts a branch that barely caresses the edge. A sudden twinge of adventure spurred in me. The tree was simply calling my name. I clearly must climb its friendly branches.
Without much thought, I quickly pulled off the bottom half of my dress and kicked off my shoes. I carefully positioned myself on top of the railing and slid onto the branch one foot at a time. Though it was thick and strong, I couldn't help but feel a sudden flash of an emotion high, and I simply had to look downwards at the two stories that lay below. The tree was coarse and unpredictable underneath my bare feet. I ignored the fact that pieces of my skin and panty hose were left behind as I progressed upward.
The sunlight was brilliant shining through the spaces in-between the leaves. I crawled upwards, drawn to the sun, and once I found a secure branch, settled upon it.
Never had I truly appreciated such extravagant beauty. Funny how I had overlooked each complicated detail. I had never truly seen before now, the world that is. If you truly look beyond what you see, there is a story behind it all.
Suddenly I have this impulse to capture all I see.
"Ah, Denise," A female shouted from under, taking me by surprise.
I nearly fell backwards, but by some force of tremendous luck, was caught by a branch from behind, whacking me in the back of the head.
"Yes, I see you are very self-contained in deed. Climbing trees in your britches and all." She stated playfully, laughing and poking her head into my view. I carefully lifted myself, using a branch that draped above my head, and peered down to see who had called my name.
Amongst the branches, behind the leaves, was a young girl not much older then I.
Like a small child playing some sort of game, she playfully peaked out from underneath the branches, as if she were attempting to hide from view, yet playfully edged me closer.
The girl was very plain and modest, appearing at first somewhat dull, but her confidence seemed to enhance a broadness in her appearance. Her faded red hair was trying desperately to appear brown, and regardless of the distance between the two of us, I could fairly presume her eyes were a dark shade of gray. She wore a modest dress that was a dark shade of brown, coated with a colorful flower pattern. The dress sheltered every inch of her delicate skin, and flowed from her waist to bring dimension to her hips. The sleeves tightly hugging her wrists, and a large collar peaked out from underneath her white apron.
On top of her mass of faded hair, lies a black bonnet, there to assure no sun will converge with her skin.
How on earth did she know my name? Ah, of course, she must be a maid.
I gently lowered myself to the ground in order to place my feet with caution, and once I had reached the lowest branch, let my legs hang off of the edge before pushing myself off.
"Flora Darveau here to serve," she stated giddily. "And you are Denise... the goddess?" she said edging close, perhaps too close.
As much as I hated to admit it, I found her personality strongly irritating. I had never seen anyone move so rapidly, and it was beginning to pester me.
Does she ever stay still?
"You're even more beautiful then he described," she said smiling sweetly.
My jaw dropped in horror and tears began to well in my open eyes. I knew exactly who she was referring to.
I would have spared her life if she had kept her mouthshut.
I knew those word's intensions were blameless. Did she truly understand the sting such words could give?
My first impulse was to rip off her face, but I knew I couldn't do such a thing. I still have some kind of heart stored deep inside.
"Denise are you alright?" she questioned with concern, gently placing a hand on my shoulder.
Her stupidity ceases to amaze me! I didn't ask for her pity, I simply wished for her to shut her mouth!
"I'm fine," I said faking a smile and wiping the tears from my eyes. "The pollen must be getting to me."
"Can I fetch you anything?" She asked, rubbing both of my shoulders, depriving me of my personal space.
"A bath would be nice," I said, attempting to casually step aside.
"Anything else?" she asked, not allowing me to escape.
"Um, some paints and an easel?"
"That's all? If you wish for anything else don't fail to ask me. I'll always be around whenever you need me."
"Great just what I need," I thought to myself.