That night Meg stole out of her room, running down the hallway on agile feet. Still scampering across the cold stone floors, she raced into Christine's room, shutting the door quietly behind her. Not even bothering to make sure the couple was absolutely out of it, Meg hurried across to the mirror, sliding it open and hopping behind it quietly. Then she once again took the path that had led her to meet her amazing new friend.
"Meg, I'm so glad that you have come to see me!" Erik said, smiling.
Meg smiled back. "Thank you for letting me come. I really like it down here. It's so peaceful, so quiet, so… dark."
"Yes," Erik replied, nodding his head. "I like it, too, though sometimes I do long for a beam of sunshine to touch my face, or to feel a soft breeze on my brow." Erik lifted a hand, unconsciously feeling his mask. He gazed at the stone walls for a moment, seemingly lost in – what was that look? – nostalgia? But soon he turned back to Meg, eyes cleared of the misty layer they had developed as he was lost in memories. "Come, dear Meg," he said. "We have tried singing, but it is obvious that your talent lies in the art of dancing. Would you perform for me?"
Meg looked startled. "What? Well, I don't honestly know what I would dance to."
Erik smiled. "I would be happy to play an accompaniment."
Meg still felt unsure; what would she do if she messed up? What would this artist think of her, then? Christine never sang a note wrong! Oh, Meg thought, if only I could be like Christine! Sighing, she turned towards the Phantom. "That would be lovely. What songs do you know?"
"I know every song that the Opera Populaire has ever played. I do have quite an ear for picking out notes. What would you like to dance to?"
"Well…" said Meg. "I'm not really sure. Why don't you just start playing something, and I'll dance along as I see fit?"
"All right, then. How about this?" The Phantom strode over to his piano and began picking out a few low notes.
Meg didn't recognize the song, but said, "That's fine." I guess I'll improvise, she thought. At least then I can be sure I won't make a wrong move!
The Phantom nodded, acknowledging her. He began adding to the first part, playing a higher harmony that blended magnificently with the melody. He really was a skilled player! Meg began twirling slowly, then faster and faster as her confidence began to build. Soon she was all over the underground lair, leaping and turning with the music. She felt so free!
The music began slowing down, and so did Meg, ending as she started – twirling and twirling in slow, lazy circles before stopping completely. The Phantom stood up, clapping as he stopped playing. "Wonderful! Fantastic!" he cried. "I've never seen anything like it!"
Meg approached him, but she stopped suddenly as she saw his eyes glistening. Erik was crying! "Erik, what's wrong?" she asked, coming closer.
"What, Meg? Oh, nothing is wrong. I just saw you dancing, so free and happy, and it made me wish that I could be like that, just once. Not dance, per se, but just be free. Like a bird."
Meg felt sorry for the man, but she didn't know what she could do. Instead, she decided to avert his mind from its current troubles a bit. "What is your favorite bird?" she asked. "I like finches, myself.
The Phantom looked thoughtful for a moment, then answered her. "I don't remember any types of birds. I can't even recall the last time I saw one."
Meg was shocked. "You've never seen a bird?"
"Oh, I'm sure I have, but I never notice. They are just so happy while I am so sad. It doesn't seem fitting for me to acknowledge them."
"Erik! How can you say that? No wonder you didn't have any friends! You are so depressing and morbid! How can you live like this?"
Erik sighed. "You get used to it after a while."
"Well, I won't have you living like this any more! Tomorrow, I'll take you outside and we'll look at birds all day!"
"I don't think I'd like that, Meg."
"Nonsense! I insist!"
"Meg, people are afraid of me. I cannot show my face."
"Erik, you're so stubborn! This is so frustrating!" Meg said, making a noise of exasperation. "I should go back to bed now, but I'll be back tomorrow! And I will get you to come outside sometime!"
Erik looked slightly smug, but said, "Okay, Meg. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Erik." And with that, Meg was running back upstairs, horribly upset with her friend.
Well, sorry again. I really will try to update more often. Thank you for reading!
