Chapter 21
Erik turned to see an irritated Ballet Mistress. She stood in the doorway, tall and imposing in her black dress. Her gray eyes glared at him. "Really, Erik. How can you be so…blind? Poppy sees better then you."
Erik stood and walked over to glare at her. Mme. Giry didn't flinch. "What am I to do? She's in love with the romance of a story. Not me. She may say that she loves me, but it is only the infatuation of a young girl."
At her confused look he preceded to tell her the truth about Poppy. Mme. Giry said not a word. After Erik was though, she nodded. "It sounds impossible, but it would explain everything. And you say you read this so called book that is about you?"
Erik nodded, "Yes, I did. I am planning on changing it."
Mme. Giry shook her head, "But Erik, what if Christine doesn't love you?"
"I'll make her!" Erik shouted.
"You can't make some one love. It is wrong and it will be a lie."
"Ah, but I can," Erik purred, trying to wave a spell over her.
For a minute, it worked. Mme. Giry closed her eyes, falling in to the mesmerizing sound. But, she then snapped her eyes open, with a slight snarl, she stepped back. "Stop it Erik! I know your trick! It won't work."
Erik sighed, feeling slightly guilty, "I'm sorry, Antoinette. I'm just…"
Mme. Giry placed a hand on his shoulder, "Talk to them. You'll find out more that way. Don't let your temper get in the way. There are other ways of winning one's heart. I must go. As you may know they are performing "Il Muto" with Carlotta as the Countess." Mme. Giry began to head up the path she normally uses. She stops and looks over her shoulder, "Erik, Poppy does love you with all her heart. Christine may be more beautiful and more musically cline, but Poppy is strong. She's able to put up with you, fight back. You have always enjoyed a challenge, taming her will be." With that Mme. Giry walked up the tunnel.
Erik stared at her. His old friend was right. He needed to find out if Christine really loved him. He prepared to put his plan in action. But first…he had to take care of some disobedient mangers.
After he left, an annoyed sigh echoed though the lair…
XxX
Poppy stood back stage. Mme. Giry was not making her dance, but Poppy wanted to listen to the music. All day she tried not to think about Erik. Yes, she loved him, but he didn't love her. She had been resigned to try once more to get Christine to love Erik, but a few hours earlier she had came across Christine and Raoul playing tonsil hockey in the foyer. Of course she didn't see them; the sound was enough. She had heard Raoul moan Christine's name. Poppy gagged quietly then hurried away, thankful that she couldn't see for the first time since she became blind. It was then; she decided to take some matters into her hands. She'll try to get Erik to see that Christine was not the one for him, that there are better women out there. Ones that will love him. Even though he had one right under his nose.
Poppy sighed. She walked to where Carlotta kept her throat spray. She picked it up and quickly tied a note to it. She had scribbled a small message to Erik on it. She knew he'd switch it. Poppy only hoped that he'd see the note and read it. She walked back to her place. The performers were waiting for the opera to begin. Meanwhile, in the wings, where Poppy just was, Erik's hand reaches out. Unseen by all, he swaps Carlotta's throat spray with an identical crystal flask. Just as it retreats, the overture began.
