I know, I have no excuse...:((((
Half an hour later Erik and Nadir were sitting in the a cozy living-room decorated in the finest oriental style drinking hot Russian tea and leading a peaceful conversation. Or to be precise - there were moments when the conversation was peaceful. Former Phantom's fiery temper grew noticeably worse since the last time Nadir saw him - if that was possible. Or maybe the Persian had just forgotten his old friend's moodiness.
- ...I had to go, daroga, do you understand me? I had no nerves to show myself to neither you nor Antoinette in such a deplorable state into which my own foolishness had brought me! I could have harmed you, or got caught or.. I don't know! I knew I shouldn't have come!
- You could have sent a note, - daroga's voice lacked of any emotion, maybe just a suggestive tinge.
- And write exactly what? How do you do, best regards, see you soon? Besides after the fire I wasn't really in the mood for writing, can you imagine that?
Nadir heard an edge in his voice that wasn't recommended to be ignored and chose to swallow the sarcastic comment.
- Then why did you come back now? he asked instead.
-
It isn't any of your business! - Erik shouted angrily. - I can do what
I want, I can go wherever I want and no one, do you hear me - no one
will stop me! If you don't want to see me, all you need to do is say so!
His empty cup made a loud bang being put down with a strength worth better usage. Erik was obviously searching for a vent for emotions but Nadir knew better than to be dragged into scandal. Instead he watched his old friend and rival with an impenetrable expression waiting for the storm to pass.This seemed to make the former Phantom even more furious. He stood up and began pacing the room to and fro right before Nadir's eyes, glaring at the other defiantly. However the Persian was used to such scenes.
Erik's fury died down with the same suddenness as it appeared and he stopped at the window-sill, stooping.
-
There's some fop calling himself an architect, - he dropped
disgustedly. - He went into ectasies over my drafts and pleaded me to
come.
Nadir's raised eyebrows needed no translation and Erik rolled his eyes.
- Yes, I sent my work to the concours! Paris evidently needs at least
one beautiful thing for tourists to gaze at. Of course, I won and now I
have that fool of a president sending me letter after letter.
- And that's why you came?
There was a short pause.
- No. No,
that's not the reason. - Erik turned away and stared hard at the
burning fire. For several long moments it seemed to be the only living
creature in the room. Clock was beating out minutes with the finality
of doom coming.
- Why won't you ask that again?
- Ask what. - It sounded more like a confirmative.
-
This city is my obsession, - the former Phantom muttered dropping the
subject abruptly and rubbing his temples. - Wherever I go I see or hear
or feel something that reminds me of it... the smell of candles,
rustling of dresses...roses... singing... rings... - his voice faded
almost to a whisper. - I had to go back! I had to see the damn place
with my own place, I had to make sure it's just a dark cold caves, it's
nothing but a prison, a cage.
- With a beautiful bird singing in it, - finished Nadir quietly.
- Not anymore.
- Are you so sure? - began Persian but the other stopped him with a wave of his hand.
-
I don't want to hear anything about her! Do you hear me? Absolutely
anything! I cannot risk my sanity again and I won't do this. - He made
another round along the room and sat down on the window-sill. - These
travels taught me more than I expected. I can live. I can breathe. I
can write a satisfactory song or two and sell them to one of those
so-called composers who have no grain of talent. I have the feeling of
learning how to live, you know... when I'm looking at a small green
leave or see the waves rolling onto the shore, I have a sensation that
I see life. - He smiled mirthlessly. - Perhaps when a man loses
everything he ever had he tends to turn to things that no one is going
to take away from him.
He fell silent and quiet ruled the room once more. Nadir eyed
his companion with a thoughtful expression careful to hide his
amazement. That certainly didn't sound like Erik. Erik he knew would
rather search for someone or something to vent his anger in the most
distorted way. Erik he knew would return filled with the thoughts of
vengeance and torture. Erik he knew would once more establish his rule
over the Opera or wipe it off the face of the Earth. And Erik he knew
would go to see Antoinette Giry.
- Are you going to Girys?
Erik's head shot up.
- Yes. I owe her that much.
