Chapter 5: The Mirror
Emily's journey to the opera house was a long and lonely one. The never-ending splatter of rain was only overcome by a distant rumble of thunder. Emily wrapped her cloak more closely around her, struggling to get a single ounce of warmth. This sharp movement was accompanied by a searing pain in her left arm. Emily bit her lip to keep from crying out.
A carriage appeared seemingly out of nowhere. It splattered mud everywhere as it passed by. Emily, more drenched than ever, continued on. What she wouldn't give to be one of the warm, dry occupants inside the carriage! "Well, I'll be able to clean up a bit once I get to the opera house," she reminded herself.
After several minutes that seemed like several hours, Emily reached her destination. The opera house looked strangely majestic in the darkness. Carefully, Emily opened the door and slipped inside. She shivered. It was colder inside than it was outside!
An eerie silence crept through the room. The moonlight cast strange shadows on the walls. Frightened, Emily hastened toward her room. Her footsteps echoed loudly in the vast rooms. She broke into a run.
Emily was very relieved when slammed her bedroom door behind her. She sank onto her bed for a few minutes, trying to catch her breath. "There's nothing out there," she told herself. "You shouldn't have been so afraid." Emily locked the door anyway.
Quickly, she dried off, wringing out her hair over the sink. Then, she changed into the warmest nightgown she could find. Emily stretched out on the bed. She couldn't believe she was still supposed to have a lesson tonight! Her eyes itched with fatigue. The warm, feather pillow looked so inviting!
Emily got up and settled herself in the more uncomfortable armchair. It wouldn't be good to fall asleep right before a lesson. Erik might think she was not serious about her training! Emily took out a book and began to read. Her eyes scanned the pages slowly, taking in nothing.
"Emily," Erik's voice called through the darkness. She was relieved. Emily had been beginning to wonder if had forgotten about the lesson.
"Yes, Erik?"
"I would like you to run through the first three songs you sing in the next opera," he requested.
Emily consented and began to sing, her voice a little shaky at first but improving rapidly.
Erik watched her from above. She looked strangely beautiful, the moonlight illuminating her features. Her deep brown eyes sparkled and her hair caught the light perfectly. "She's almost as beautiful as Christine," Erik found himself thinking.
Emily stopped singing and looked up to where she assumed Erik was. Erik smiled when he noticed she was looking slightly in the wrong direction.
"That was quite good," Erik said. " Just be sure not to rush. You really have a beautiful voice. Give it enough time to shine."
Emily felt a stroke of boldness. Who was this Erik who had taught her for so many years? It was time for her to find out.
" Long have I wondered about you," Emily said. "Who are you, strange angel?"
"Flattering child, you shall know me," Erik sang. "See why in shadow I hide. Look at your face in the mirror, I am there inside."
As if in a trance, Emily slowly turned toward the mirror. There she saw a vague outline of a man, becoming clearer even as she walked toward him.
He was tall and clothed entirely in black. The most noticeable thing about him was that half of his face was a pearly white. It took a few moments for her to realize that it was only a mask. Was this her angel? Her Erik?
The mirror slid open. Emily gasped. Standing there was the man she had seen in the mirror. His eyes were a sapphire blue that glinted in the candlelight. His dark hair was slicked back and his skin was a golden hue. On his lips was a mysterious, half smile.
Emily looked down to see that his hand was outstretched. He wanted her to follow him. In her ears, his enchanting voice. "I am your angel of music. Come to me, angel of music."
The Phantom's voice still echoing through the room, Emily heard him whisper, "Come. Come to me."
Emily looked into his eyes. His lips were still curved into his sly smile. His hand was still outstretched. Emily hesitated before allowing him to take her hand. She could feel the black leather on her fingertips.
Erik was taking her down a candlelight hallway. A mist swirled around them. Emily could no longer think clearly. In a dreamlike state, she continued to follow this mysterious man.
Emily was surprised to realize that the words issuing from her lips were hers.
In sleep he sang to me,
In dreams he came,
That voice which calls to me and speaks my name,
And do I dream again, for now I find,
The Phantom Of The Opera is there,
Inside my mind,
Erik and Emily continued down the hallway, which was sloping slightly. Now, Erik began to sing, his voice sure and strong.
Sing once again with me,
Our strange duet,
My power over you grows stronger yet,
And though you turn from me,
To glance behind,
The Phantom Of The Opera is there,
Inside your mind,
They now reached a lagoon. Erik helped Emily into the boat before getting in himself.
Those few who have seen your face,
Emily sang.
Draw back in fear,
I am the mask you wear,
Erik cut her off.
It's me they hear,
Their voices began together, rising in a most powerful duet.
My spirit and your voice,
In one combined,
The Phantom Of The Opera is there,
Inside your mind,
The boat reached a gate, which slowly began to open.
He's there, The Phantom Of The Opera
She then began to sing, her voice rising steadily higher.
Sing, my angel
Erik implored her. Emily's ethereal voice soared as he slowly brought the boat to shore.
Emily finished her voice hitting an incredibly high note. As usual, it was perfect.
Erik got out of the boat and extended his hand once again.
"Shall we continue with the lesson?"