"The room was silent as all eyes fell on me." The phantom chuckled softly, "Christine fainted a moment later with a perfectly graceful swoop to the floor. She never was brave at heart, always a timid little thing."
Julianna nodded in agreement. Her aunt had always reminded her of a mouse or a deer, something innocent and fragile that needed protecting.
"After laying an unconscious Christine on a sofa, we had a small row on what action we would take next. As Christine had blatantly seen me, it was pointless denying it, though Meg was eager to have me hide away for the next few days. At the time I was highly offended since I thought she was ashamed of me, but eventually I realized she was afraid of losing me to Christine." The man scoffed before continuing, "Of course that would never happen. I loved your mother very much." There was a pause again and Julianna could see traces of unknown emotion flickering in the phantom's green eyes.
"Alas, it was no easy conversation we endured when Christine became conscious. There was a fair share of angry words and snide remarks which passed between Meg and her adopted sister. In their history together, they had never fought as long or as passionately before. Christine was adamant that I was a good-for-nothing, manipulative, pedophilic murderer, while your mother valiantly defended me, although there could be no denying the truth in some of Christine's words. Eventually Meg told Christine that if she wanted to stay, she would have to accept that I was part of the household. If she didn't want to accept it, or if she would continue to glare or insult me, she was not welcome. Unintentionally, Meg's words warmed my spirit and I fell even more in love with her."
"Was it Christine who split you up then?" Julianna asked, unable to contain her curiosity anymore.
The phantom shook his head, "No, Christine was merely a brief trial." He glanced at clock on the wall behind her. "It is getting late, perhaps we should save this story for another day."
"No!" Julianna burst, "I mean, we don't have much time. My mother is very sick and I don't wish to delay your meeting with her."
The man thought for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Perhaps mademoiselle, we should begin travelling tomorrow and along the way I will finish this story, yes?"
After considering it for a moment the young girl nodded.
"You are of course more than welcome to remain here tonight." The phantom offered.
Despite her conscious screaming at her not to trust this man, Julianna accepted. It was hard not to feel empathy for this man who had clearly suffered for love.
The bitter wind howled around Julianna, blowing her skirts around as a thick curtain of snowflakes danced around her shivering body. She wrapped her shawl closer around herself, attempting to retain some heat, though it was a losing battle. At this point most of her body was numb and her face frozen, though she could still feel the cold biting any exposed skin. Despite this, she felt herself shuffling forward, pushing through the several layers of snow until she stood in front of the stone tomb. The tears on her face froze as they fell from her eyes. "Here lies Marguerite Giry", read the engraving on the stone.
Julianna's eyes flew open. It was just a dream, she realized, and relief flooded through her body. She blinked a few times, confused by her unfamiliar surroundings until the memories of the day before returned to her mind. She took a deep breath and stretched. Today they would begin the journey home that would reacquaint the two star-crossed lovers. The young woman was eager to see the joy in her mother's face when she remet… what was his name?
Sitting still, Julianna pondered for several moments before coming to the conclusion that the phantom must never have mentioned his name. Rising from the bed, she headed to the door, intent on learning the name of the opera ghost, who had captured her mother's heart many years ago.
In high spirits, she bounced out of her room and followed a narrow rocky passageway back to where the lake was. The echoed melody of a violin playing grew as she approached the main cavern. Keeping her footsteps light, she crept out of the passageway and leaned against the wall, taking in the haunting music. Despite her nearly silent approach, the phantom stopped playing and turned to look at her. She blushed before commenting, "That was truly beautiful, did you write it?"
He nodded as he set the violin back down in its case. "I wrote it not long after your mother married your father," he said as he loosened the bow and placed it gently in its place.
"It is amazing how music can convey such emotions" Julianna murmured after an awkward pause. "Have you written music for the viola?" She inquired after another moment of silence.
Without speaking, the phantom turned and walked over to a pile of music. Shuffling through the pages, he pulled out a thin binder and proceeded to walk towards a music stand. After indicating for her to come over, he bent down out of sight for a few moments. When she was a few metres away, he stood up with a viola in his hands.
"This piece is called Romanze, I remember writing it for Meg and playing it on her 22nd birthday."
Julianna stepped in closer and peered at the music.
"Do you play the viola?" The phantom asked suddenly.
"Yes...How did you know?"
"Few musicians can read the alto clef as it is uncommonly used, so if one can read it, they are likely a violist or a well read cellist."
Julianna nodded, "My mother encouraged my brother and I to learn musical instruments. I wanted to play the violin but my mother gave me a viola instead. I am thankful that she did now that I look back on it. Violins create such beautiful music but the viola has a beautiful lower voice that unfortunately isn't recognized enough." The young woman paused for a breath, as the phantom looked on with amusement and a hint of pride.
"Indeed, the viola is often forgotten or overlooked which is unfortunate. I am guilty of often overlooking the viola for its high pitched relative. However, if your mother were to be an instrument, I would place her as a viola, hence why I began writing pieces for the viola."
Julianna interrupted, "Why is my mother like a viola?"
The opera ghost chuckled, "The viola is a beautiful instrument that is not appreciated enough. To me it represents middle ground as it is neither a violin nor a cello. Unlike the violin, the viola does not force the audience to listen to its high passages that threaten to break the ear drum, and unlike the cello, the viola is more graceful and less demanding." Here the phantom shrugged, "Musicians tend to take on the personality of their instrument."
Julianna nodded briefly before tentatively asking, "May I try and play the piece, monsieur?"
The opera ghost nodded, "It's Erik, by the way," he said as he handed over the viola.
Julianna froze just before she made contact with the wooden instrument. "Erik?" she whispered hoarsely.
He frowned, but nodded, "That is what I said."
"My middle name is Erika," She stuttered out.
Something flashed in the phantom's eyes, before he murmured, "I am honoured that despite everything, your mother graced me by naming you after me."
Julianna frowned, something didn't quite click, but she didn't voice her concern as her eyes fell on the clock ticking away. "Mon Dieu, it's almost noon. We must hurry and set out soon!"
A/N: Sorry it's been awhile, I don't have a computer currently so writing in general has been slow.
In case you were wondering the piece "Romanze" actually does exist, though it is written by Max Bruch, hence why it is usually called, Bruch's Romanze.
Anyways, I actually play both violin and viola, and I don't believe in the harsh comment which Erik makes about the violin and the cello. Though it is true that musicians tend to take on the personality of their instrument XD. Hope you enjoyed, and sorry this chapter is kinda short. More to come soon, I promise! As always, reviews and favourites are great encouragement ^_^