Two Souls Chapter 2- If You Don't Mind

That stupid girl was afraid of me. What on earth was she afraid of? The old me- yes, the Opera Ghost me- was a figure to be afraid of.

I had changed for Christine. I had come out of the shadows. I had taken a page out of that stupid fop's book and became more gentleman-like. That was the type of man Christine liked. Gentlemen.

I saw the error I made when I had first pursued Christine, and I was determined to fix that situation. I had changed. I was no longer that monster that hid in the shadows, hiding his face from the world. I was now a gentleman.

That is the difference between a monster and a man- a man is unafraid of his fellow human beings, while a monster... while a monster...

I had changed! Why didn't she love me?

Why didn't she love me?

Why was I the only person that could remember the Opera Populaire? Time had erased the memories of the people who once lived in these halls. And now it was just plain cruel.

The stunning statues and images that I designed had changed over time and some had disappeared completely. It changed a beautiful work of art (MY OPERA HOUSE!) into some school for students interested in studying the arts.

It disgusted me as I watched the ballet dormitories from my old life become the science class rooms, the dressing rooms, and even my precious Christine's dressing room turned into STORAGE CLOSETS!

Why is it that all from the past come to places they once knew so well? Why is it that Meg Giry and the rest of the ballet rats are in the school now, blissfully unaware of what it truly was? Why is it that I was sent here, instead of the local public school? Why is it that Christine chose to study Voice here, of all places?

Why do I see her everywhere, but yet again, I am unable to touch her?

The answer was clear- there was something that needed to be done, that wasn't done before. And I knew exactly what it was.

Those were my thoughts as I waited for Giry outside of ...school, leaning against the my beautiful former Opera House.

She appeared, panting, in the parking lot.

"You're late," I growled, looking at my watch.

Her eyes widened stupidly, and I grew even more angry, just by her expression. Why had I picked the little Giry girl? Out of the myriad of girls throwing themselves at de Chagny, I picked Christine's best friend. And she was an idiot.

"No I'm not!" She cried, pulling up the red and gold uniform blazer sleeve to get a good look at her watch. It was one of those new electronic ones.

"You're five minutes late." I snapped, and grabbed her wrist and pulled her into my car.

I told her how the plan was to unfold- that she was to distract de Chagny, and I would distract Christine, and eventually they would fall in love with us instead.

The girl nodded, not looking at me, but instead out of the windshield. Christine and that idiot ex viscount were sitting in the courtyard, talking. Christine had a lovely smile on her face... the embodiment of sunshine and summer.

I suddenly felt VERY angry and clenched my fists. How dare they be happy together?

How dare they?

"Erik, I don't think this is right." The girl murmured, softly. So softly I almost hear her over my rage. I didn't want to hear her. "They're happy together... look at them..."

She looked at me. "I'd rather have him happy with her than be miserable with me."

I merely growled that the plan was still on, and that it would start tomorrow. She nodded in understanding and left the car, saying that she'd see me tomorrow.

I watched her go back inside with a new sort of fury and hate for her- everything about her, even that red and gold uniform that she wore.

How could she be so pure hearted when all I was was selfish?

Author's Note- Sorry it took so long to update... I went to California... and I'm going to West Virginia to teach some kids Arts and Crafts for five weeks... so please don't desert 2 Souls! It will be updated! It will!

Just sparingly. :3