That Face in the Mask
Chapter Six: Dancing to Her Own Beat
Erik sat down in his lair, eating and working on a new composition. It'd been almost a week since Meg's last visit. Of course, she'd been down to visit him again twice after their first visit toghter. Erik had really come to enjoy spending time with her. She was an immensly intelligent and amusing woman. He found himself impatiently waiting for the soft footsteps of her silky ballerinia slippers in the passageways coming down the stairs, for her to show up again and entertain him with some new story or discovery. She always had something to say on any subject that came up. He especially enjoyed the last visit. Meg had demonstrated a few ballet moves for him, something from a new opera she'd been practicing. And so,that was what Erik was working on now; a new instrumental composition he would play for Meg to dance to. It was almost completley finished. Just a few more measures to go.Erik had always loved music and never truly noticed the flittering dancers or ballerinias, but now he did. Even though his heart and soul was in music, he found that dance was a very skilled and highly beautiful art to master. It was a rather enlightening change, and he wanted his new piece to be perfect. Hopefully Meg would enjoy it too. She looked so beautiful when she danced. so graceful and at ease, looking so weightless and Erik knew the complecated twists and turns and such just came naturally, effortlessly to her, the passion and feeling of the dance flaming within her.
Erik sighed as he tried to work out a complex rythem. From the small score Meg had breathlessly hummed to him as she danced, he noticed she seemed to enjoy dancing to grace notes, eigth note rythems, and trills, so he had made extra efforts to include those in his score. He chuckled as he realized how ridiculous he was being.What he was currently doingwas something like those romantic gestures husbands did for their wives that women always seemed to adore. Meg wouldn't think he was suggesting something, woulld she? After all, it was just a little song, composed for her in his free time. Nothing extravagant or anything.No, not at all.
But, something had been bothering Erik all week. He tried to forget about it, but he couldn't. It was like an annoying wasp, a pest that flittered around in back of his mind that he couldn't forget. He had almost brought it up to Meg so many times during her previous visits that he lost count of his tiring efforts. Butit just wouldn't go away. He would have to just admit it already: He was feeling a mixture of anger and jealously of that young, foolish boy Meg had recently started paying more attention to, Cedric. Of course, the boy was a musician (a damn good one too, Erik thought bitterly) and probably honorable and reliable, and since he was two or three years older than Meg, he naturally felt it his duty to protect her. They looked like happy, old friends, nothing more to the average eye.But, Erik had watched their encounter two weeks ago, as that boywalked around with Meg, casually leaning closer towards her, letting his hand stray for a moment or two when Meg wasn't paying attention. It didn't look like anything to Meg, but Erik knew better. He had felt the same way for Christine all those years ago, letting his emotions and actions slowly turn from friendly casual and proffesional to love and desire, lust and sexual wanting.What if that boy had romantic intentions for Meg? What if he had feelings stronger than just "friendly"?
As you do? Erik thought suddenly. No, that wasn't true! He was just friends with Meg. She only wanted to be friends. She'd said so herself! She didn't care for him that way and nether did he. Liar his mind hissed. No, he didn't! He couldn't. He promised himself he'd never love again after Christine and he wasn't intending on breaking his promise. Besides, he knew his wounds and scorns from Christine's rejections were still fresh and healing slowly. He just wanted Christine, and Meg represented everything he wanted from Christine: Love, affection, tenderness, caring, innocence. He didn't truly feel for Meg. She was just representing everything he had once loved aboutChristine. He didn't-
"Erik? Erik, are you down here?" a small, high voice called out. Erik felt both exasperated and hopeful at the same time. Who else just had to come in right this minute but the woman he was going crazy over? He couldn't make up his mind about her and needed to be alone, to think, and yet, he couldn't wait to see her and was dying to be near her again.
"Yes, Meg. Come in."
"Oh, Erik. I can't believe this is happening!" she exclsimed, pulling over a chair so hard she nearly flung Erik's desk over
Erik instantly grew concerned "What? What is it? Are you all right? You're not hurt or anything, are you?"
Meg looked quizically at him. He needn't be that concerned about her. It was a few minutes before Erik realized how big of a fool he must look like right now and became embaressed. Hopefully, Meg wouldn't be able to see how his cheeks were flaming.
"No, nothing serious. I'm just so upset! Mother finally secured jobs somewhere else for us both. And at the Opus Majestique!"
"No! You must be joking"
Meg shook her head miserably " I'm not! Mother is going to be an assistant ballet director, working under a head ballet mistress, and I have to dance in the lowest ranks of the ballet!"
Erik tried to stay positive "Well, at least you'll be doing something you enjoy"
Meg glared at him " That isn't helping Erik"
They both sat therer for a few moments, until Erik spied his composition piece. Finally! He knew how he could cheer Meg up
"Uh, Meg, I have a little surprise for you. I know the last thing you probably want to think about right now is dancing, but I hope you'll enjoy it anyway."
Meg looked up" Really? A suprise. Oh Erik, you really didn't need to do that"
"But I wanted to. Ah, here you are" He withdrew the sheet music and presented it with an overdramatic flourish to Meg
"For you, Mademoiselle"
Meg looked at it in suprised delight " Erik, what is it?"
He blushed and looked down at the floor like a small child who was exceedingly proud of his achievement but embaressesd now that the time had come to publicly present it. "It was just a little something I wrote for you"
Meg gasped softly. This piece was over five pages long. Of course, she didn't know how to read music, but all the notes and bars and symbols looked terribly difficult, but very beautiful and flowing. She also noticed what the title was: "Dansuse Belle" (Beautiful Dancer)
"Oh Erik, no one's ever done something for me this wonderful before. Thank you so much!"
Erik soon forgot his worries and embaressement when he saw how Meg's eyes lit up with excitement
"Come, let me play it or you so you can see how it sounds" He excitedidly grabbed Meg's hands and raced up to his organ. meg giggled at his enthusiasim. Sh'd never seen the way his eyes glimmered when he got excited like this.
He took the sheet music from her to place on the music stand and sat down at the organ bench. Closing his eyes,he let his fingers position themselves on the keys and began to play. Meg stood behind him, gently resting her hands on his shoulders, watching him play and soon she completley lost herself in the music. She could feel her heart pounding and blood rushing as the song reached became louder and more powerful, reaching its dramatic portions and crescendos. She could feel her body swaying lightly and feeling the desire to dance and flit about the room when the melody became softer, with lots of gentle phrases and light, bouncy accompiant and she almost felt tears come to her eyes when the music became smooth andsad, flowing gracefully and continually until you couldn't tell where one measure began and where it ended. By the time it was over, Meg had closed her eyes and was silent for a few seconds, feeling as tired and drained as if she'd played the piece herself.
Those few seconds of silencewere one of the most nerve-wracking of Erik's life. All sort of doubts and worries raced through his mind "Oh god, what if she hated it? She must have hated it.What if it wasn't ready to be performed yet? Did it really sound that bad? What was I thinking?What is she thinking? WasI too forward and brash, writing something this personal for her?
Fortunatly, all of Erik's worries and doubts subsided themselves when he turned around andMeg opened her eyes and burst into a glorious round of applause, shouting "Bravo! Bravo! Magnifico! "
Erik gave a mock bow. Meg sat down beside him and gave him a friendly hug. "Erik! Oh my, that was so stupeendous! I've never heard anything so beautiful in my life! You really wrote that for me?"
"Yes, actually, I was thinking of you the whole time I was writing it, so I just modeled it for you"
"Oh thank you! This is the best thing anyone's ever done for me! This was so thoughtful! Thank you" In a quick reckless and excited moment, Meg leaned over and kissed Erik lightly on the cheek. She smiled, bursting with excitement, until she remembered what she'd done and became a little embaressed. "Oh, I'm sorry. Forgive me."
"About what?" Erik asked smoothly.
"Oh, you are good monsieur."
Erik smiled. Hecouldn't believe she'd just done that. His flesh burned where her sweet lips had touched it. He savored the delicious feeling of her lips on his skin, if only for the briefest moment.
He cleared his throat "Well, Meg, I really wrote the piece for you to dance to it. Go ahead."
"But, there's no routine to follow."
"Doesn't matter. Just make it up as you go. Dance to your own beat. I'll play it again for you. Go on."
Meg jumped up excitedily and flounced over to the large space beside the organ. She felt a little foolish as she struck a dramatic pose, waiting for the music to begin.
Erik began playing and after waiting a few bars, Meg began dancing. Glorious emotion and passion flew throughout herr body, forcing her heart and soul into every little move. She'd never felt so alive, so free as when she was dancing. She thrashed all around, twirling here and there, snapping her head back dramatically, gracefully extending her arms. She knew she ws just making this dance up, that there wasn't any routine or step for her to follow, and you know what? She actually enjoyed dancing this way, much more than the stiff, rehershed dances she'd performed all her life. She loved the fire and power she was exerting through her movement right now. She could do this forever and never stop. She wanted to keep dancing and dancing as long as she lived.
Of course, though, the music did stop. Erik lifted his hands from the keys and looked at Meg as she struck a final pose, her leg straight up, her arms outsterched, her head thrown back, her chest visibly moving up and down as she breathed.. She'd never looked more beautiful. Her hair had broken free from it's braid and ribbon and was flung all about, certain strands plastered to her face and shoulders. She was soaked with perspiration and panting veryhard, looking as if she'd used every last bit of energy and strength she had within her. Her brown dress clung to her wet body and one strap had fallen off her shoulder, leaving it deliciously bare and one side of her dress had flipped up on top of her outstreched leg, and Erik got quite a revealing glance of petticoats, a bloomer, and her stockings and garters. He could feel his face turning red and awkardly looked down as a gentlemen should, but then found himself sneaking glances at her, until she looked up and he jerked his head back down.
Meg was panting so hard, harder than she ever had in her life. She knew even with her own eyes closed thatErik's eyeswere upon her, starring right through her, probably at her extended leg and her petticoats. Even though she knew this, the shocking thing was, she didn't care. Hell, she'd give Erik as many glimpses of her as he wanted, and then some.
Meg realized how dirty andshameful her last thought was, and shewas ashamed of herself for thinking of it. All right, her leg was starting to go a bit numb fromextending it upwards for so long. She let her body relax, snapping her leg down and her eyes open just in time to see Erik starring red faced at the floor and compusivley tugging at his restrictive collar.
He looked up at Meg. She was looking at him, a bit embaressed, a bit milder, meek and surpressed, as if she was waiting for his comments about her dance. She looked a bit upset and hurt when he found himself unable to speak.
He starred at her in clear awe, and wondered if she realized how brillantly marvelous of a dancer she was. Well, he should tell her.
"That was-ahem, that was fantastic. Brilliant, absolutley marvelous. I've never seen something so, so beautiful or...passionate in my whole life as you were...are."
Meg blushed at his praise. She wasn't that great ofadancer. Or was she? No, he was probably just being polite. But men don't write music compositions forwomen out of sheer politeness. she thought to herself.
"A penny for your thoughts" Erik said, bringing Meg back into reality. She smiled and walked over to the organ towards him
"So" Erik said "What did you think of it Mademoiselle?" Erik asked.
Meg was silent for a few moments. She couldn't think of how to describe it perfectly. Oh, damn, why couldn't she be so fluent with flowerly speech as Erik was?
" I thought it was heavenly. It sounded like something I'd dance to inmy wildest fantasies, never for real! Oh Erik, it was so perect, and just what I love, but I just can't describe it! Oh Erik, I like it, truly! It was so marvelous, and no one's ever done something this sweet for me. How can I ever thank you?"
"You don't have to. It was my pleasure, and the real thanks was seeing you dance to it."
Meg blushed. Erik suspected she didn't receive much praise from people for herdancing. Well, perhaps he was slightly biased, but he thought she wasperfect.
"So, what would you like to do now?" Meg asked
Erik sighed and clenched his jaw. He'd been avoiding the subject of bringing up that Cedric boy, but if he didn't now, he never would and would probably die of curousity. But, he'd have to do it subtly.
"I don't care. We could just talk...again"
Meg smiled "That's all we ever do... but I enjoy it"
"So, have you seen any of the old Opera House workers lately?" Erik asked nonchalently.
" A few. I saw Marie Dunpoint yesterday. She's been married since last June and just had the most adorable little baby boy. She was so hoping to return to her work in the chorus, and she was so upset when she found out what happened. And Edward and Nathalie Frere, the set designers? Well, Nathalie was actually injured backstage when the fire broke out, and has just recently been up and about. Edward was so worried. Did you know that Edward..."
Erik heaved a long, inward sigh. It would be forever before Meg mentioned Cedric!Well, he'd better still keep listening attentively. Oh, if she didn't hurry up, he was going to chicken out again! Come on, Meg!Start talking about Cedric already!
" And well, they couldn't believe it, poor Mrs. Jouvre didn't even hear what had happened to the Opera until recently.Oh, and I saw Cedric last week."
"Oh, did you?"
"Yes, we went on a bit of an outing to the meadow. Just a short walk for some exercise."
"Meg, I've been meaning to talk to you about that boy, Cedric, for quite some time now"
Meg looked up, a little surprised, but she then scoffed "What about? Nothing's happening. We're just friends socializing togther"
"It's just, you haven't been taking any... liberties in your relationship with him, have you?"
"Like what?"
Oh god, why did she have to make this complicated? Erik thought
"Are you-Are you, you know, anything more serious than just friends? You know, after a while, feelings between a man and a women, especially after they've known each other a while, could develop into more serious, romantic feelings" Erik let his voice trail off. He couldn't have predicted what Meg did next
She burst out laughing.
"Oh my god, ROMANTIC relationship? With CEDRIC? My god, you're killing me! My gosh, that's too disgusting to even think about. I could neverhave romantic feelingsabout him! That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Why on earth would you think that?"
Erik couldn't describe why, but suddenly his heart felt much lighter and he fought not to heave a sigh of relief. He couldn't expain it, but for some reason, he didn't want Meg to love someone else that wasn't... him.
"I don't know, just- I just suspected you might."
"Like, as in you've been spying on me Erik"
"No! Meg, I'd never do that to you! I just-I just thought, well, I saw you guys walking around so much and that one time he put his arm around you, I just thought-I just didn't want you to get hurt"
Meg laid her hand on his arm "Erik, it's sweet that you care so much, but you needn't worry. I don't think I'll ever have a seriousbeau. And,if by some miracle I did, it certainly wouldn't be Cedric. We're nothing but friends. All we have been, all we ever will be. Understand?"
Erik nodded, feeling slightly ashamed of himself. Meg was probably suspecting things now.
She looked over at the piles of sheet music on the organ and discreetly changed the subject "You really wrote all of these?"
"Yes, most of them.I have endless free time and spend most of it writing music. It's my passion, my reason for living, like your dancing."
Meg picked up a long composition and held it up "My, this looks beautiful. Could you play it for me?"
"Sure, I'd love to. Here, come sit down" He inicated the large amount of space next to him on the organ bench.
Meg sat down next to him.She was panting hard, and still sweaty. Nothing was wrong with her, was it? No, she was probably just still overheated andbreathless from dancing that much. She'd be fine in a moment or two he assured himself. Erik began playing
Meg almost couldn't think. It seemed to take so much effort to keep sitting up and not collapsing. God, she was tired. And hot. So feverishly, burning hot. It was almost a struggle to breathe. Her corset laces were so tight. So tight, cutting into her chest, her lungs, everywhere. No, just think about the music. Just about the music, not the heat. Not the heat...
God, she was so hot, she was almost burning up. She started leaning against Erik for support as he began playing, almost as if all the strength had been drained from her body. Erik was more than a little bit worried. Something had to be wrong. But she looked so peaceful and happy as she listened to the music. It was a soft portion he was playing now, and Meg looked as if she was going to sleep.
Suddenly her eyes snapped shut as herhead just dropped onto his shoulder and her body fell against his and starting sliding towards the floor.. Erik's hands sprang away from the keyboard and instantly brought his arms out to catch her before she hit the floor.. "Meg? Meg!" he said frantically. He shook her gently. God, she wasn't responding! He bit his lip and lightly slapped her face.She started whimpering softly and cried "No! Stop it, stop it! Too hot! Burning up! Ow, so hot! Can't breathe! Can't breathe"
Erik felt her small body and frantically drew his hand away. Her body was so hot, burning up. She was now thrashing around, fighting to get out of Erik's grip. Erik held her tighty and felt her pulse. God, it was racing, but she seemed to be fighting for breath. Erik gently lowered her to the floor, and as indecent aas he knew it was, turned her over on her back, frantically unbuttoned her dress and started unlacing her constricting corset. She was moaning loudly now. Hetook off her corset and heavydress, and left her only in her thin shift and petticoats. Maybe she wouldn't be so hot now.
As much as he hated to admit it, Meg was showingsymptoms of a fatal illness, probably even pnemonia. She needed to get to a doctor, immediatley.But Erik didn't know where to take her, or how he could get her there. True, he did aquire some medical knowledge through the years, but he wasn't going to just going to take Meg's life into his own hands! She needed a proffessional. Suddenly, Erik had an idea.
He gently turned her over and slid his hands under her fragile body,one supporting her back and the other her legs. He picked her up. She was nearly weightless, so it was no challenge. He hurridly walked over to a passageway and kicked the door open roughly. He bolted up the steps, two at a time, but remainng aware of Meg's body and taking care not to harm her or jerk her suddenly. It seemed to take forever, almost as if time was standing still. He got up to the top step, and akwardly cradle Meg using one arm and his shoulder as he frantically undid the latch and bolts on the mirror. He pushed the mirror aside, slamming into the wall so hard the glass shook, and almost ran over to the bed and gently laid Meg down.Her silence and motionlessness body was even more frightening than when she was thrashing around and screaming. She alost looked like she was...dead. It was too frightening to think about.
But he couldn't just leave her lying there for hours. Who knew how long it would be before someone came in? Meg needed help, fast. Suddenly, Erik had another idea, like a flash of lightening, and hurried off to find the supplies he needed.
