No One Would Listen

The gate of his lair seemed to open at the sound of his voice. Water dripped from the edges as they drifted under it. Erik stepped out of the boat and looked at her. Jewel sat in aw she could hardly believe her eyes. The whole room was aglow in candlelight and the reflection of the water. Towards the center was a well kept organ and all around it were stacks of sheet music. One area was covered in thick red and black curtains she guess that was where his bed was.

Erik took Jewel by the hand and she rose to her feet. She was mesmerized by him, and he was only a few inches away from her. He was in the light now and Jewel smiled finally getting a good look at her Phantom. He was a tall skinny man well built in body. His clothes were that of an old style gentleman, black dress shoes, a black suit, mourn vest, and white collared shirt underneath it all. Erik wore thick leather gloves over his hands. Erik removed his hat, which was a black fedora, exposing more of his face. His skin was a healthy color and he had his long dark hair neatly combed behind his ears. Erik's eyes seemed to be a deep green, though she wasn't sure due to his white mask covering half of his face.

Erik spoke pulling her closer, "What do you think?"

"It is so beautiful, it is all beautiful, Erik," said Jewel spellbound.

"Come my dear you look tired I'll let you rest awhile," he said.

With his help she was able to walk with him to the bed surrounded with curtains. Jewel let Erik pick her up and lay her down. She smiled watching him blow out the candles by the bedside and leave closing the curtains behind him.

Jewel woke up well rested and wide eyed hours later. Erik's voice lured her outside pulling back the curtain. He was by the water hunched over touching it with his fingers. In the other was a portrait he'd drawn.

No one would listen no one but her.

Heard as the outcast hears.
Shamed into solitude Shunned by the multitude
I learned to listen
In my dark, my heart heard music…

He looked so sad sitting there gazing into the picture. Slowly and because She could not walk Jewel was extra careful not to be noticed. Making her way down to him she noticed several drawings everywhere all of the same beautiful women in different poses. Jewel thought of Christine still listening to Erik,

I longed to teach the world

Rise up and reach the world
No one would listen

I alone could hear the music
Then at last, a voice in the gloom

Seemed to cry I hear you
I hear your fears,

Your torment and your tears.
She saw my loneliness

Shared in my emptiness

Jewel sat behind him with tears flowing freely down her face. She dare not interrupt him, instead she too stared and Christine's face slowly slipping her arms around him and hugged on him as he finished his song,

No one would listen No one but her

Heard as the outcast hears…

Jewel held on to him tightly resting her head on his back. She was happy he did not try to move away but stayed.

"Angel, why do you torment yourself. Why do you let yourself suffer so much inside? People are shallow and cruel you can't change that…"

Erik Shoved Jewel off violently forcing her backwards. She barely stopped herself from falling and hitting her head.

Erik towered over her," What would you know! How dare you act like you know me! Damn you, you wretch!" he yelled throwing his picture into the dark water of the lake. He turned to Jewel as if to hit her, held his hand back.

"Damn you and your useless pity" he screamed.

Erik caught her reflection in one of his mirrors and slammed his fist into her reflection shattering part of the mirror. Jewel fighting her fear rushed over to him. She ribbed a piece of her nightgown and Erik bent down to her level letting his blood stain her clothes. Taking his hand in her lap she plucked out the glass and wrapped it. Erik watched her bewildered at her brave gesture. Jewel tied her last knot and left him sitting there trying to get away from him as fast as she could.

Jewel saw Erik again a while later. She expected him to take her straight back and never return. To her surprise he carried her over to his organ and sat her down. He slid next to her on the bench and played.

The notes boomed from the pipes as his hand banged the keys. He played for her, the overture to, The Phantom of the Opera. Erik played so fiercely on his organ everything seemed to vibrate with intensity of his music. Jewel studied his face as her played for her. He seemed happy and calm with his eyes closed completely engulfed in the song. Erik looked as though the notes vibrated through him to the keys. The song stopped and he eased his hands on the keys.

Jewel spoke slowly, "Forgive my words Erik, I was too quick. My life isn't easy either. People are cruel to me just like you. They would laugh at me and hurt me, People still do. It is stupid really, all just because I can't walk. I was born with something wrong with my legs. I've never walked on my own in my life. I grew up hearing your story, Erik. Since I was a little girl my heart mourned you. I've always felt a connection to you like I really understood you. I've felt a part of me can share your pain and loneliness. But I don't share your bitterness, anger and abandonment. I have always had my family's love and care. My friends have also helped me grow. I see you as any other man. Despite your dark moments you are a man looking for someone to understand and love you, you want a companion…"

She glanced over at him but he would not return her gaze. Erik's eyes were fixed on the candle flames. Jewel continued knowing he was listening.

"I'm afraid some times that people only pity me when they see me. They never see me the way I want to be seen. Maybe to them I'm ugly, no man has ever looked at me the way yarn to be looked at. What I'm trying to say is, Erik, your not alone."

Jewel leaned over and placed a gentle kissed his cheek. Flustered he flashed a look at her.

"Erik what do you think about me?"

He flinched at her question lowering his head. It took him a moment but he finally looked up at her

"Forgive me my dear, but the time has come for us to return." He said quickly.