I hope y'all enjoyed the last chapter. Chapter eleven was a lot of fun to write. Please, please, please review :-)
Erik's Point of View:
"Christine symbolizes the same things the rose does" I thought to myself.
I was awakened from my daze by a sudden slight weight on my shoulder. Confused, I glanced over my shoulder to view Christine, restfully breathing as she slept.
"My little rose.." I whispered, and placed my around her for the first time. In perfect bliss, I felt my eyelids getting heavier and heavier...
Christine now stood before me in a setting I had never seen before. Surrounding us were miles and miles of softened sand and the ocean spreading into endless horizons. A salty smell filled my head as an airy breeze twirled around the two of us. Immediately, I recognized the setting, we were back in Christine's childhood home!
Christine laughed happily and took my hand in hers. A light weight was placed onto my palm and the tiny golden seashell necklace from the antique shop drew in my eyes. A hearty voice filled my ears as I turned my head in suprise. Behind Christine was a pretty older woman with long, brown curly hair and porcelain skin, just like Christine. My jaw dropped and I adjusted my gaze from the locket to Christine.
"You can open it!" she whispered.
Hesistantly, I pressed the little button on the seashell charm's smooth side and finally it split in two. On the left side was a joyful Maria Daae, complete with the same long, brown curly hair and porcelain skin. I looked up at the smiling woman once again.
" Hello, Mrs. Daae. I'm Erik, Christine's friend." Erik said to Maria, feeling as nervous as a little boy going to school for the first time.
"Ahh, I've finally met the infamous Erik. You are considered quite the gentleman around here." Maria answered, as she whipped out a pocket watch from her pocket.
"Oh my! I have to go check on supper. Nice to meet you, Erik."
Maria came up to me and gave me a warm hug.
"Please, help smooth my daughter's shell" she whispered and ran off, leaving me in awe.
I thought of Mrs. Daae's words 'Help smooth my daughter's shell'. For the first time in years, somebody baffled me with their words. Breaking my deep thought was the texture of two small feminine hands, cautiously holding my free hand in hers. What did this all mean?
"Erik, you cared for me even when I was in my roughest hours. You were there when I cried in my bed at night, wishing for my parents again. You were there when nobody believed in me or my voice. Over everything, you were there when I needed a friend, a shoulder to cry on. You truly are my sea."
Suddenly, the light beachy colors spiraled around us and Christine's song of last night dug inside of my head. Slowly, my eyes opened.
I can't believe I fell asleep! Still in a bit of a flustered state of mind, I looked all around me and remember what had happened before in the garden. Still in slumber, Christine laid on my shoulder, faintly wearing a small peaceful smile across her beautiful face. I sighed, she was truly a site that left you breathless. Groggily, I slipped out my pocket watch and glanced at the time. It was two o'clock in the morning!
Sadly, I knew I had to take her back to the Operahouse now. The sun would rise again soon and more questions would arise if she did not return anyway. Shaking her in the gentlest way I could, I went to wake her up.
"Christine? I'm so sorry to wake you up, but we must return to the opera now. Here."
I offered her my hand and sleepily she accepted it. She looked so adorable when she woke up. Little by little, we got up off of the bench and began our journey back to the Opera House.
"Did I fall asleep on you?" she asked in a shy manner. I smiled and nodded. Embarrassed, her cheeks became red.
"I'm so sorry." she replied. Together, we both laughed.
We made our way through the many different streets of Paris very swiftly. As we stepped in unison, I innerwardly pondered about my dream. Did the dream mean something? Could all of that have been real? I mentally groaned, this was all so puzzling. Surely, this was quite a night.
Togehter we turned around a corner and finally the oh so familiar Opera Garnier came into our viewing. Gracefully, we scurried around the back and finally reached my hidden entrance. The key emerged from my pocket and in an instant the door unlocked.
"Stay close" I mumbled to Christine. I made out her nod, even though the underground tunnels were pitch black. After traveling through this very familiar maze, we finally reached her dormitories. For one last time, she turned around and gazed at me.
"Farewell, my dear" I sighed, very dissapointed this night had to end. One last thought came into my mind.
"Wait! Christine!" I said hastily as I ran up to her. I gave her my letter of explanation to give to Madame Giry.
"Give this to Madame Giry" I instructed as I slipped the envelope into her hands.
" Good night" I told her.
Quietly, she fluttered away, and gave me a wave in return.
Checking to make sure she made it back ok, I watched her leave. Then, I gave a glance once more at my pocket watch. The time read three thirty in the morning. I still had enough time! Not wasting any of this valuable time, I dashed away and once again entered the streets of Paris.
Christine's Point of View:
Still a bit drowsy, I finally arrived at Madame Giry's room. I felt very guilty for waking her up in the middle of the night, but the letter had to be delivered. Shyly, I knocked on the hard wooden door and almost immediately the door swung open.
"Christine! I was worried about you! Where have you been?" Madame exclaimed, opening the letter with her hands. She read through the letter and chuckled.
"Got a bit lost, my sweet? Please promise me you won't go strolling alone again?"
I nodded in return.
"Good! Now go and get some rest. You must be exhausted."
I thanked her very must and apologized for waking her up. Then, I left the corridor and continued back upstairs to the dormitories.
All of the other chorus girls were asleep, as I had expected. Trying to make as little noise as possible, I undressed and slipped into my pajamas. As I changed I realized I had forgotten to give back Erik's cloak. Erik... that name echoed through my mind as I recalled the events that had happened before. Madly intranced with thought, I laid down my bed and closed my eyes. Before I even realized it, I fell asleep.
Erik's Point of View:
I had very little time to spare before sun rise, so I moved through the city at a fairly fast pace. Every corner I turned had a small reminder of Christine and our special little trip.The sounds around us replayed in my head, followed by that heartfelt song she sang.
That dream I had still was on my mind. Was Christine's mother giving me a sign of some sort? I really didn't know what to do. Despite everything though, I had a strange sense of peace protecting Christine. If Christine's parents were alive today, would I live up to their expectations? Christine only deserved the best, a caring and tender soul who would love her for eternity. Oh dearest Christine...
Finally, I reached my destination. I took out a pin from my pocket and picked the shop's old metal door. With super cautious movements, I tiptoed way into the back passing the old, wooden shelves. With utmost care, I reached my hand up onto the top dusty shelf and brought down my desired object and placed it into my palms. Before leaving, I left the amount of francs this pretty little item was being sold for and bolted out of the door.
I looked up at the sky and started to get a bit frantic that I would run out of time. I hurried back through the streets and across the cobblestone roads. Finally, the Opera Garnier came into my viewing once more tonight. Through my back entrance, I raced through the darkened corridors and reached the lake where my home was. I pushed the oars with all of my strength and hopped off to fetch a piece of parchment paper. Quickly but neatly I wrote:
Dearest Christine,
You remind me of so many wonderful things, my angel. Everyday I look into your bright blue eyes and see so much warmth. Your beautiful voice is so special to me, and in return for giving me one of your gorgeous gifts, I want to return something I know is very special to you. Truly, you are a unique shell of your own kind. The shining star of the sea. Promise me you'll always stay strong and never stop believing.
Love always,
Erik
I pressed my letter to my lips and sealed it with a kiss. Then, I grabbed one more item from my desk and sprinted to my gondola. Finally, through the many different mazes beneath the opera, I reached the two way mirror leading to Christine's dressing room.
Gently, I slipped the screen door open and stepped inside of the dressing room. For one brief moment, I stopped and inhaled her lovely lavender scent which filled the room. Almost forgotting my reason for being here in the first place, I made my way over to the dresser. In an attractive arrangement, I finally left on its top the letter, my little suprise for her, and another single red rose with a black ribbon tied onto its stem.
Just in time, I closed the two way mirror shut and hurried back down to my lair.
"Until we meet again, my love."
Christine's Point of View:
Before long, the morning hours arrived and I was forced to start another day. Still a bit tired from last night, I rubbed my eyes and yawned.
"Mornin' sleepy head!" Meg exclaimed, startling me for a second. Meg loved to tease me.
" I assume you slept well then, Sleeping Beauty." I replied as we both laughed together. We chatted happily as we walked out of the dormitory and made our way down to our dressing rooms.
"See you in five, Chris?" she asked. I nodded cheerfully and waved goodbye.
I slipped the key to my dressing room out from beneath my shawl and inserted it into the keyhole. With a twist and turn, it opened up to show a room I had memories of for years. First, I skipped over to my wardrobe to pick out a dress to wear for breakfast. Then, I went over to my dresser to brush my hair. Sighing, I sat down on the dresser's comfy chair and reached my hand over to obtain my brush. I brushed my hair carefully, trying to make it neat and presentable when in shock I dropped the brush. On the dresser before me was a single red rose with a black ribbon on it, and sitting besides it was a sight I believed I'd never see again. Sitting calmly on my bureau was the small green velvet box from the antique shop.
In great excitement, I flipped open the top and gasped to find the little gold seashell necklace my mother gave me as a child. Tears formed in my eyes as I held it between my fingers. Oh thank you Angel, thank you! I was so estactic after receive such a gift of blessing that I barely realized a letter came with my present. Carefully, I opened it up and started to read the swirling script handwriting filling the page.
Dearest Christine,
You remind me of so many wonderful things, my angel. Everyday I look into your bright blue eyes and see so much warmth. Your beautiful voice is so special to me, and in return for giving me one of your gorgeous gifts, I want to return something I know is very special to you. Truly, you are a unique shell of your own kind. The shining star of the sea. Promise me you'll always stay strong and never stop believing.
Love always,
Erik
Grinning even wider, I laughed in glee and held the necklace close to my heart. Blissfully, I twirled around and around.
" I am such a lucky girl!" I thought, when all of a sudden I heard a pair of tiny footsteps entering the room.
"Angel!" I exclaimed as my little dog came running to my feet. I picked him up and gave him a big hug.
"Angel, can you believe my Angel of Music gave this back to me!" I told him as I showed him the necklace.
Still very excited, I twirled him around with me. Finally ending our continual circles, I stopped because we both felt dizzy.
"Want to eat some breakfast, Angel?" I asked. I giggled at the adorable face he was making and picked him up again.
"Ok then, let's go!".
Seconds later, we were both in the dining room, ready to enjoy the morning's meal. I scanned the tables and eventually saw Meg signaling me to sit next to her. I went over with Angel following me from behind.
The dining room was an interesting place really. It was a fairly large room filled with rows and rows of long, wooden tables. The walls were covered with a classic Victorian yellow wallpaper. Two huge Gothic stained glass windows were built on the back wall, accompanied by iron chandeliers scattered around the room.
The table you sat at depended on your social standing at the Opera. The lead singers, patrons, and teachers sat at the head table. I, being a simple chorus girl sat in the back with my dear friend Meg.
As I walked over to the table, I heard snickering all around me. People were staring at me like I had two heads. Uncomfortably, I quickened my walking as I heard whispering all around me.
" That Christine Daae's always out somewhere at night!"
" Well, I'm sure she has to do something with the Vicomte during all of that time!"
" And maybe even in her spare time, she has some fun with her mysterious teacher!"
Things could not be getting worse for me when suddenly La Carlotta emerged, throwing a tantrum as always.
" I hate my hair today! Tell my stylist she's fired! And my bath was way too hot! Arg why mus-"
Carlotta stopped yelling immediately as she set her eyes on me. Evilly, she smirked and calmly started to talk to me. The room fell as silent as a pin.
"Well, bonjour Madamoiselle Daae! How is our lovely chorus girl?" she greeted sarcastically. She averted her icy gaze down to the floor. Now, she was staring at Angel. Her evil grin widened even more.
"A dog! Why is a dog permitted to be in this dining room? I, La Carlotta, am highly allergic to these... vile creatures." she exclaimed, as she started giving everyone phony sneezes. Suddenly, crocodiles tears filled her eyes as she threw a fit of hysteria.
"Christine Daae! You must be responsible for this! You knew I was allergic! You did! I hate you... you little jealous whiny...". She emphasized the next word.
"Whore!"
Hot tears began to form in my eyes, and in moments, I picked Angel up off the floor and ran out of the room.
Meg's Point of View:
My knuckles grew white as I saw Christine run out of the room after Carlotta's horrible bullying. I knew that she was insanely jealous of how great Christine did when she was La Diva's understudy, but this was out of line. I had to support my friend.
Breaking the silence, I stood out from my seat. The shocked expressions on the people present in the room now were passed on to me. Angrily, I hurried out of the room to find my best friend. But before I left, I wanted to say one thing.
"I would be careful if I were you, La Carlotta, because one day those dirty words of yours may come back to haunt you." I hollered out, and finally I left the room.
Worried, I called out Christine's name and searched madly around for her. Where could she be? For a moment, I thought of places she might go, her sanctuaries. An immediate location entered my mind, the chapel.
I traveled throughout the hallways and the stage and finally made my way down the hard, concrete steps leading to the chapel. Slowly, the soft sobs of my friend entered my ears. Around the corner I found her on the windowstill, crying her eyes out and holding her dearest dog for life.
"Christine?" I said gently, as if we were children all over again. I softly embraced her and let her let out her emotions. Soon, I spoke up.
"Christine, don't let Carlotta get to you. She's nothing but a stuck-up diva. Nobody else likes her anyway. The only reason some are nice to her is because they are scared."
Christine looked up at me sorrowfully with the too familiar tear stained face I had seen on her so much as kids. Why did Carlotta have to be so mean? Why couldn't she just mind her own business? She knows Christine is sensitive. Couldn't she just leave all alone? But of course not! She had to continue to be the terrible bully she always was. With Christine's angelic voice and lovely personality, she had to try and crush her. Attack her like a green eyed monster...
" Carlotta's insanely jealous of you, Chris. She knows you not only have a voice a thousand times better than hers but you also have a fantastic personality to match it. You're sweet, and that is why people love you so much!"
Christine laughed and started to smile. I was glad that I could help her a little bit.
"You're an amazing friend, Meg." she told me, and in return we gave eachother a heartfelt hug.
"Hey, that's what friends are for!"
Suddenly, Christine's stomach gave out a huge growl and once again we laughed.
"I'll bring down some food for us, so we can have a nice, quiet breakfast." I said and then looked down at Angel.
"Don't worry, I won't forget you Angel!"
The happy little dog barked and for the moment I bid farewell.
Erik's Point of View:
Inwardly, I cursed at that vulgar woman Carlotta. How dare she insult my Christine! I wanted her to pay for what she did so badly! The problem was, there wasn't much I could do as a dog and in reality, a nasty bite on her ankle would just give Christine more grief from the terrible diva.
I tried to comfort her by licking her cheek and sitting on her lap. At this time, being a dog was so inconvenient. She needed something more.
My wishes were granted and minutes later Little Giry dashed in. I was so grateful for her presence!
"Christine, don't let Carlotta get to you. She's nothing but a stuck-up diva. Nobody else likes her anyway. The only reason some are nice to her is because they are scared." Little Giry said.
What a great friend Little Giry was. Her words to Christine were so kind and she was so caring. Little Giry continued on, saying even more words of comfort to Christine.
"Carlotta's insanely jealous of you, Chris. She knows you not only have a voice a thousand times better than hers but you also have a fantastic personality to match it. You're sweet, and that is why people love you so much!"
My angel laughed and started to smile. I was so relieved!
" Thank you so much, Little Giry, thank you!", I repeated in my head as the two good friends hugged one more time.
I learned something very interesting today. Being famous or being successful is nice, but those are not the most special accomplishments in one's life. Having somebody who will stick up for you and protect you and love you is the greatest gift any person could receive in their entire life. Nothing in the world could make a person happier than knowing somebody cares about you and will be on your side no matter what. That's the kind of feeling Christine had with Meg, and that's the kind of feeling I had with Christine.
I guess Little Giry's words were true.
"That's what friends are for!"
Everybody's friends again! Yay lol. Please, please, please, please review! I only got one review on the last chapter and I was very sad. cries
So yeah... I hope you liked the chapter :-) Enjoy your weekend!