Christine had run off with Raoul after the opera house had been rebuilt. I wasn't there during the fire that completely destroyed it, but people told me it was the Opera Ghost's little trick. From the day I set foot in the new opera house, I knew it would be different since Christine was gone. Meg was still sweet as usual, but once in a while she would think of Christine and cry. That is when I would step in and comfort her with a tap on the shoulder.
"Thank you, Hazel. You are such a dear friend." she would say and give me a hug. I would reply with a smile or nod; sometimes both. It was getting so hard to not long to hear my voice again. At times I would be fine, and then at others, I would die. Meg tried helping me talk one time, but we failed miserably with a few noisy squeaks. What I wouldn't give to hear my voice!
I walked to the piano room and sat down at the bench. In a few seconds, I was lost in the music.
...
Every time I heard Hazel playing the piano, I died inside. Her style reminded me of Christine in so many ways. I have always wondered if she could sing, but didn't have the guts to ask. What would she do if I did ask her? The question hung in my mind. Once in a while I thought about taking her to my lair, but refrained from doing so. She would be scared to death! Oh come on, Erik, she'd love it! No! I'm not taking chances. Be that way, coward!
My head hurt from all the thinking I had been doing lately, but it was relieved when I heard a familiar tune being played on the piano.
...
My fingers flew across the piano. I was playing a melody that I heard Christine humming one day. It was so beautiful I figured I would learn to play it on piano. Hours upon hours were spent trying to play it, but my hard work finally paid off. Every note floated and filled my every sense. The room seemed to get brighter and brighter with every note. There was something dark about it though, and it scared me. What is this song's name?
All of a sudden, the room grew cold. I withdrew my hands from the cold keys. What just happened! My eyes flew all around the room. No matter how hard I looked, there was only me and the piano in the room. I stood to leave the room, but a voice made me halt.
"Hazel, continue playing. I will sing if you play." the voice said. Shaking in fear, I walked back to the piano and began playing the piano again. An angelic voice filled the room and harmonized with the notes coming from the piano.
Nighttime sharpens; heightens each sensation.
Darkness stirs and wakes imagination.
Silently the senses abandon their defenses.
Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendor.
Grasp it; sense it, tremulous and tender.
Turn your face away from the garish light of day;
Turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light.
And listen to the music of the night...
I stopped playing because I hadn't gotten that far into the song yet. The voice had stopped as well. Oh voice, please still be here. Quickly I pressed a note and stared around the room. What a fool I am making of myself.
"Don't panic, child. If you wish to see me, press the same note twice." the voice said. Softly, I pressed the same note twice. Nothing happened! Suddenly, there was a squeaking noise coming from behind me. I turned to see what it was and found a passage way in the wall and a man standing there.
...
Her face looked surprised when she turned to see me. I smiled at her and beckoned her to follow me. Very timidly, she started following me down the passage ways of the opera house. Every once in a while, I would look behind me to make sure she was still there. Even if she wasn't, I doubt she could make it out.
"You cannot tell anybody about this. Do you promise me, Hazel?" I kept walking but looked behind to see her answer. She plainly nodded. We were nearing my lair when she tripped. I held out my hand so I could help her up. The answer she gave me was a warm stare that said "Thanks.". When she was up, we continued and eventually made it to our destination.
I was about to ask her what she thought, but I could tell she was fascinated. Her eyes took in every little detail of my nightly domain. Every so often, she nodded in approval at something. When she saw the organ, her eyes lit up. Slowly she sat down at it and began playing. The song was sad and dragging. Tears welled up into my ears from the beauty of the music. This girl is one of music! She is a genius like me.
"I had no idea you played so well. Who taught you?" I asked. That's when I remembered. She can't talk you idiot! I quickly grabbed a piece of paper, pen, and some ink. They were set down in front of her. She picked up the pen and dipped it in the ink. I watched as she scribbled down a few words which I soon read.
Thank you. My father played the organ and he taught me before he was killed. I love your home. It is breath taking.
"So your father taught you. It is sad that you lost him." I sadly said. "And thank you for your compliment."
...
Oh how I loved actually having a conversation with somebody! I soon learned the man's name to be Erik. It fit him very well. He was very handsome, strong, talented, and so musical. What more could a girl wish for! But one thing did pass my mind while I was sitting there. Why does he wear a mask? I thought it would be rude to ask or just plainly take it off, so I didn't.
"You are wondering about my mask." Erik said. I blushed. He stood up and grabbed my wrist. Ouch! His grip was crushing. "Never take off or ask about it! Is that understood?" he rose his voice. Full of fear, I nodded. Tears were coming to my eyes and I turned away. Finally, he let go and I fell to the floor. Why would he do that? I snapped out of my daze when I heard him speak. "I am sorry, Hazel. You never would do something like that." he sadly said.
I wrote on the paper a reply: I know I would never do something like that. I forgive you, Erik. It is late and I would like to retire to my room. Erik read it. "Okay. Come now. People will start to wonder where you are."