Ok Yes, it took me a really long time to update this time. I am sorry but being a senior in high school and making sure you will graduate takes a lot out of a person… So without further delay….. trumpet sounds

Chapter 11

Erik stood in the doorway of Destiny's empty room filled with mixed emotions. On one hand he was so mad that he wanted to spit and curse the day that he met her, but on the other he could not help wondering what he did wrong to drive her away as well.

"God above what do I do wrong that no one will ever stay with me?"

Glancing down at the floor he saw the parchment that Destiny had received earlier. Reading the letter his face grew red as a cherry and he stalked down the hallway towards his organ.

"MADAME, HAVE I NOT BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH MISERY THAT YOU MUST HELP IT ALONG IN MY LIFE!"

Screaming he sat down and for the first time in his life he slammed his fists on the keyboard. He crumpled up the letter, threw it across the room and sat down. Feeling something in his back pocket she pulled it out, the letter from Christine that he had still not looked at. What was going on? There in his grasp was a letter from his one angel and he had not taken the time to even glance at it. Destiny was right of course, he wanted to attend the opera because Christine was performing, but he found himself not just watching Christine, as he though would be the case. He enjoyed the music the performance as a whole because he was not alone in the box. Someone was enjoying it with him for the first time ever. But now she was gone, she had left. Opening the letter he read.

My Dearest Erik,

I have come to realize that like you I cannot live without the knowledge that true love is out in the world and that in you I had it, true unconditional love. I am not happy with the life I have carved out with Raoul and I wish to come and spend the rest of my days with you. One days time after the performance I will come down and talk with you. I hope that you will understand that I need you and I hope to God that you will forgive me.

I will be down around the midnight hour; I know that you will be up writing your beautiful music when I get there. Till then my love.

Your little Christine

Closing the letter he sighed, it was everything that he ever wanted to hear; about a month ago. His wishes were coming true, but they were not his wishes anymore. He did not get that sick feeling in his stomach when he thought of how Christine left him anymore. Now he thought of Destiny no longer sleeping within the confines of his home and he wanted to strangle something. What had he done?

Knowing that Madame Giry had prompted Destiny to go up above he knew right away what room she would be in. Down the hall from Christine's was the room that he had promised to keep private when he started building tunnels and trapdoors. There was no way to Destiny if she was in that room. He would have to catch her of guard, alone. Remembering Christine's note he looked at the clock he still had about 6 hours. What was he to do to prepare? Destiny kept the house clean and even had the courage to organize the mess of papers that surrounded the organ. It was nice being able to find everything so easily he would have to admit that. Nothing needed to be done, to prepare for Christine's arrival at least. But he had to clear his mind of Destiny, he had to go up and talk to her. That is, if he didn't throttle her first.

Creeping down the halls Erik searched the dark for Destiny. He knew she would be around back stage exploring if she was to take the job that Giry had offered her. He hoped she would have more brains than to accept. He saw the men that worked backstage and knew what they always did, thought about, and talked about. It was no position for a lady to be in no matter what anyone said; especially someone as beautiful as Destiny, someone so different, so special in ways. There was something about her that was not like anything that he had sensed or seen in any woman of his time. Her whole personality was much like a man's should be, certainly nothing you would find in a woman's character. He respected her for how she, in her words, didn't put up with anyone's crap.

Walking around the catwalks he gazed down at the rehearsal below. Staying in the dark he continued towards the inner catwalk and looked down. He felt lightheaded from being high. He had not been up there in a very long time and could tell he would have to get used to it once again. His head cleared when he heard Destiny's voice below talking with the stagehands and the opera directors.

"You will now follow her instructions, do you all understand?" Andre was talking with the stagehands.

"She is now the god, excuse me, goddess of the back stage."

Yes she was, she certainly was a goddess in many regards, but also an innocent, one who had no idea what she was getting herself into.

What on Earth was she wearing? Trousers? Yes she was dressed in men's apparel. The clothing hid her feminine curves, to both his disgust and delight. He still saw the eyes of the stagehands running over her like snakes. Jealousy clenched his stomach, but he stayed silent. How could she just sit there and let them ravish her with their lustful eyes? It was unthinkable.

By the time he was done fighting with no one in his head Andre had left and Destiny was shaking their hands. As if she knew I was watching she glanced up as soon as the men had returned to their work. Slowly she started to climb up to the catwalk. She moved gracefully and naturally up the ladder as if she had done it many times before.

By the time she reached the top I fled back into the dark, I had to return to see Christine, and had no idea what I was to say to Destiny had I stayed.