Chapter 2
My eyes fluttered open, momentarily forgetting what had happened and where I was, I panicked looking around. I was laying on a bed shaped into the fashion of a peacock, with red silk sheets. It appeared as though I was in a cave, with lit candles everywhere. It finally dawned on me where I was.
"The vaults." I whispered to myself. I got up noticing my cloak had been removed and lay neatly beside me on the great bed. Then music came to me. A beautiful tune I had not heard before. I looked around and saw a grand organ piano, at it sat the Phantom. I smiled in spite of myself, I had managed to meet the Phantom, now I was in his lair.
I walked slowly and quietly towards him, as I got closer I heard he was singing softly. His voice was wonderful and sent shivers through my body. I just stood there listening for a moment. Then the organ caught my attention. It had figures, depictions of something, inlaid in gold on it. I placed my hand gingerly on it, running my fingers over the designs. When I got to the back of the organ I looked at the Phantom through the pipes. I saw a small smile playing on the edge of his lips. I smiled, blushing, and continued to walk around the organ, looking at the Phantom every so often. Once I spotted him just turning his eyes from me back to the sheet of music. I then came to the other side of the organ from which I had started and I looked admiringly at him.
He continued to play, softly singing every so often. He stopped looking over the music sheet then turned his eyes towards me. The smile once again placed itself on his lips.
"Come, I want to give you something." He said standing up, then took my hand in his own warm one, they seemed to fit together perfectly. He led me through the vaults, past candelabras and old set pieces of the opera. We passed a curtained area and I peeked in quickly. I gasped and stopped dead in my tracks. The Phantom turned to me and gave me a questioning look. Before me stood a perfect image of Christine Daae, or would have been, except for the fact that the face was slashed and a veil it wore was torn and shredded. The Phantom pulled a cord and a thick velvet curtain fell in front of it. He squeezed my hand reassuringly and continued to walk, I followed him, reluctantly at first. Finally we came to a table with a small box on it, that seemed out of place among other things that were in need of dusting. The Phantom motioned to it, so I picked it up carefully, then looked up at him.
"Open it." He said, his eyes shining. I opened the box slowly, then let out a small gasp. On the velvet pillow inside the box lay a beautiful ring. It had a silver band with a large pearl surrounded by small diamonds. I looked up at the Phantom wide eyed; speechless. The Phantom then took the ring from the box and placed it on my middle finger, then kissed my hand. I blushed and looked towards the floor.
"What is your name, my love?" he asked looking at my with those amazing eyes.
"Emily. Emily de Charbourg." I answered using my aunts last name, though I'm not sure why I did it.
He smiled warmly at me and took my hand into his, they were so warm. I looked deeply into his hazel-green eyes, as if searching his soul. Then, without meaning to, I reach up my hand and placed it gently on his face, the Phantom turned his face into my touch. He then copied my action and placed his own hand upon my cheek, and looked down at me with sparkling eyes.
I smiled slightly as he caressed my cheek with his thumb. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and I wanted to kiss them. I wanted to feel his warm lips on mine, have the soft smooth skin pressed against me. On my lips, cheeks, and neck. I held back, however, and only embraced him.
At first I think he was slightly taken back, but he then wrapped his strong arms around me, and I leaned my head against his chest and listened to his heart beat. I felt safe and cared for. Then I felt his lips softly on the top of my head, I only smiled and breathed deeply. Happily. I had met the man I was so fascinated with, and he was beautiful, and caring, and talented. I felt I could love him and trust him, just by spending this short time with him. I promised myself I would not abandon him as Christine had done.
Then, from the streets above I heard the great clock toll three times. I broke from the Phantom's arms in panic, I had been gone since ten that morning, and my mother would be worried sick about me.
"I have to go." I whispered answering the Phantom's questioning gaze, "I will come back, though." I kissed him quickly on his cheek, then turned blushing. I walked forward a few steps, then stopped. I had no idea how to get out of the vaults.
As if reading my mind the Phantom took my hand and lead me over to the boat. He got in himself, then helped me in and pushed off from the stairs that lead into the dark water.
Soon we came to a stone dock. The Phantom helped me out, looking at me, then he looked towards the steps leading away from the dock. I understood; I was to go on by myself from then on.
I was about to leave, but I stopped myself. I took off the white silk ribbon that had held my soft spiral curls out of my face and gave it to the Phantom. He simply smiled at me, then I turned and went through the dreary stone corridor. Half way to the end I looked over my shoulder, but he had already gone. The only trace of his being there was the water splashing lightly against the stones.