Chapter 15: A Most Terrible Lie

Claire had found some work as a street sweeper; The money wasn't that good but the job came with lodging that came in the form of a small, dingy, dank and damp apartment but Claire didn't mind. It was better than living on the streets and the constant clink sound being made by rain droplets that fell from a hole in the ceiling and into a metal bucket she had set up relaxed her as she fell asleep upon the tattered mattress that laid upon the floor.

Have you ever felt really envious and frustrated of someone that was your friend but you could not help it because you always felt like you were always in their shadow?... This was what it was like for Meg Giry. She had been great friends with Christine Daae during her time at the Opera Populaire... There had been a time before Christine became a singer that both she and Meg were students in Antoinette's ballet school but it seemed that Christine always out shined Meg even as a dancer despite the fact that it was Meg's mother whom taught the class... Not many knew that Meg Giry had deliberately pushed Christine into the opera Managers attentions after an incident which resulted in La Carlotta storming off... She had done this because the phantom had requested this and she was only too happy to assist him. She had always admired his talent as a musician; Some would even say that Meg Giry had a slight crush on the phantom but she would never admit it out loud.

Meg had always been a hard worker, training to become the Opera Populaire's Prima Ballerina but no matter how hard she trained... She was always overlooked which made her very upset. It just happened to be on an unfortunate and particularly bad day Meg had been having when she collected her mother's mail only to discover a hand written letter with an American return address as well as one name... 'Erik'... Meg hid the letter away from her mother and read it in the privacy of her room. She learnt that during the past 10 years; Erik had made something of his life and had established his own theme park and concert hall by the name of Phantasma located on a small isle named Coney Island. Meg drew herself to the conclusion that Erik owed her for her help of pushing Christine into the limelight... This lead her to telling her mother that she had obtained an audition to attend a great American school of music, dance and arts.

Meg traveled to Phantasma and Erik was stunned to see her there,

"Little Giry?... I must admit I am startled by this sudden visit but it is good to see you after all these years" Erik told her with a welcoming smile before leading her into his office,

"Is your mother here?" he asked,

"I'm afraid not. It is just me... I have come to work for you. I wish to be a headline act in your concert hall" Meg told him excitedly, earning Erik's surprise,

"Well... I do require fresh acts but please understand that I must see you perform something like everyone else" Erik told her reasonably and Meg nodded with a bright smile before getting ready and then performed a small ballet solo dance... Her excited smile faded when she saw the guilty expression on Erik's face as he came to her side,

"Meg... I admit that your skill as a dancer has improved since I last saw you... But unfortunately not enough to become a headline act. However your skill is exceptional enough to be placed within my chorus line of dancers" Erik told her, missing the burning anger and frustration that was building up inside Meg which she managed to hide with a slight smile,

"... Thank you... That's very kind of you" she struggled as he smiled curiously,

"How is your mother and Nadir?" Erik asked,

"Mother is well... She misses you. Nadir returned to his homeland after learning of the Shah's passing" Meg informed him with a slight lack of energy but the information she gave made Erik frown,

"The shah is dead?... How... How did Claire take the news?" Erik asked with slight concern and Meg felt a surge of jealousy ignite within her,

"... She's dead" she told him suddenly without really thinking and saw how his eyes widened... There was no turning back now,

"She's... No. That's not possible... How..." Erik struggled and Meg felt awful as he turned away from her weakly,

"I... After learning of the shah's passing... It was really hard for her. She became so sad and her health began to deteriorate... It was a terrible fever that claimed her... I'm sorry" Meg murmured as Erik leaned against his desk for support,

"... Please... I need to be alone right now" Erik whispered and Meg was quick to leave the room, disgusted in herself for what she had just done; Erik slowly removed his mask after hearing Meg leave and he allowed himself to sob... Unaware of the fact that Claire was on the mainland not too far away, sweeping the streets so as to earn a days pay.

UH OH! Will Erik learn the truth?! Review for Chapter 16!

Kind Regards,

TheAuthor1996