AN: Hi everyone, just wanted to express my continuing gratitude for so many views! This is all so surreal to me. Thank you!
And to the kind guest who was confused about Erik's first person/third person switches, I borrowed the 3rd person stuff from the book canon but I switch between that and just first person to show his mental instability. I can understand where it would get a bit confusing though.
I spent the morning playing my favorite piece from my opera, hoping that perhaps Christine would hear it and want to sing for me. Even if she didn't, I at least had my music to calm and soothe me.
As I began to play it for a second time, I heard her walk out from the bedroom, stopping just behind where I sat, obviously entranced by the music I played for her. All for her, I thought. I wished I could simply tell her that she was my muse, but I was so afraid of cementing the fear that still existed in her eyes whenever she happened to glance at me. As she stood and listened, I could tell that she was entranced by my music. The thought that I could still ensnare her mind with a few well placed musical notes made my confidence swell.
I sang a few lines, waiting to see if she showed any interest in joining me, but she didn't. Still, it was nice to command an audience, even if it was only Christine. Only Christine, the thought made me laugh. There was nothing only about her. I continued to sing, playing a little more forcefully, allowing myself to make minor mistakes in the name of a more passionate sound. When the piece was done, I sat there, unmoving, for a long moment before stealing a glance over my shoulder.
Christine stared at me, wide eyed. She had a shy smile on her face. She looked quite impressed with my music. I couldn't help but feel a bit smug about that.
"That was beautiful," she breathed. Her voice sounded a bit better today, now that she'd had some rest after nearly drowning. I smiled.
"From my opera," I replied. I wrote it for you, I thought, but I did not dare say the words aloud. Her eyes sparkled at the mention of my opera. Perhaps she had merely been frightened the day before. Perhaps she'd only said she wouldn't sing for me to spite me. I would have to try and sway her one way or the other…
When I returned from the surface, I would have to convince her to either sing in my opera or to follow through with the plan I could not even bring myself to mention in front of her. Surely she would choose that which gave her a chance at escaping and living a normal life. She would want nothing to do with her angel of music.
"Can you play another?" she asked, slowly waking from the daze my music had put her in. I shook my head, a sad smile on my lips.
"Not right now, for I must go away and leave you for a short while. Don't worry, though, I shall make haste to return to you, my Christine," I said as I stood and turned to face her. She looked quite disappointed, perhaps even a bit frightened at the idea of having to spend any time alone. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I came and went as I pleased while she slept. Something told me that would've brought her to hysterics.
"Must you go?" Her voice was shrill, I could tell she was near crying. I nodded.
"I promise, it will hardly be as though I ever left. Perhaps if you feel up to it, you could sing to pass the time. It would bring me great joy to hear your voice echoing through my tunnels as I return to you," I offered. She nodded.
"I shall sing until you return to me, Erik," she agreed. I took her hand and lightly pressed my lips to it, hoping that I had not overstepped my boundaries by doing so. She didn't seem to mind.
I gathered my cape and my hat, just my simple wide-brimmed fedora this time, and made for the only tunnel that connected directly to my home. I did not like using it because it went straight through the sewer, but without any real ability to use my boat, it was my best option should I not wish to swim.
"Please, listen to me when I say you should not follow me through here, Christine," I warned her before I revealed the tunnel's secret entrance, "It goes straight through the sewer and it winds and turns for miles. If you don't have someone leading you along, you could become lost forever."
She nodded, "I understand. I will stay here and wait for you."