It was nearing two o'clock in the afternoon when Meg woke. The house had been so quiet she'd nearly thought she was the only one in it. If it hadn't been for the carefully hung clothes on the posters of her mother's bed, her previous soiled and sodden garments had been removed from the room. She desperately wanted to go back to the room she'd stayed in before, to take in the sight in the full light of day, but she knew she'd could not. Oh how she wished there was some way to do so undetected so that at the very least she might retrieve the bottle in the drawer. She'd slept peacefully these last hours, but the sheer dread of the nightmares returning seemed nearly worth the risk of being discovered.
She stretched and yawned several times before she was able to pull herself from the bed. Today she would attempt to dress herself, though the corset might be a bit troublesome. She'd become rather good at maneuvering her arms to draw it in somewhat tightly. It took her several minutes, but soon she was dressed, slipping on her shoes, and then thinking better of it, she slipped them off. Stocking feet would allow her to move more quietly along the hall.
She opened the door slowly, peeking out and seeing no one, she ventured into the hall, drawing the door to a close behind her. Quietly, she made her way down the long hall to the room on the end. Reaching out, she put her hand on the knob turning it. Nothing. She cocked her head to the side, perhaps she'd not turned it far enough. Trying again, this time twisting it to the left and then the right.
Down the long hall Raoul had just come out of his room. At first he gasped as he saw Meg at the door. Then he silently breathed relief remembering he'd used the skeleton key that very morning to secure the door before he retired, this very issue in mind.
He smiled. Meg was no doubt looking for something, but he guessed it was her curious nature that brought her the door that afternoon; she was likely thinking "how large a wax spill is it?" Raoul laughed under his breath. Slowly, stealthily he made his way down the hall.
Meg had been so intent on the handle, gently rattling it trying to be as quiet as possible that she didn't hear Raoul come up behind her. She shook the door once more, finally giving in to the realization that the door was locked, and without the key she'd not gain entrance.
"Are you looking for this?" Raoul said reaching over her shoulder dangling the key in front of her. Meg let out a little yelp, bringing her hand to her chest. "Raoul! You gave me a fright….I'm…I was just…Raoul! You could have scared me to death!"
Raoul was laughing as he drew Meg into his arms, hugging her. "Now, now, Meg, it isn't all that bad is it? After all, you knew the room wasn't ready, that is why you were staying with your mother!" Raoul was rocking her from side to side, muffling his laughter in the soft loose strands of her hair.
"Raoul DeChagny, that isn't the least bit humorous, you startled me so, my heart is beating with such ferocity that I think I shan't catch my breath for hours!"
Raoul felt in that moment somewhat like a playmate who snuck up on his friend in a game of hide and seek, catching his friend unaware. The mere thought of it tickled Raoul so, he could not stop laughing. Though Meg was genuinely irritated and aghast that she'd been caught, she found Raoul's laughter contagious, and soon found herself laughing though she didn't want to.
Raoul scooped Meg up into his arms, walking toward the stairs. "Now, if there's anything you need in that room we shall ask Madeline to retrieve it for you. A new coat of wax is drying my dear, and lest you've want to put footprints in it, you'll have to allow it to run its course."
Raoul carried Meg down the stairs, and down into the study where they'd spent the entire afternoon before reading. "I'd like very much to spend time reading from a special story…a letter really, if you don't mind at all." Meg wouldn't have objected to watching Raoul shine his sword, his shoes, or any other mundane thing that Raoul could do…she only wanted to be wherever he was…what they did mattered little.
Raoul used his elbow to push open the door. Walking in he sat Meg on the cushions of the divan. "Now let me see, I was going to read from this yesterday…" Raoul began to ascend the ladder. Meg's eyes grew wide…not that book….not that book! But yes, Raoul's eyes were scanning once again on the third shelf…
"Raoul!" Meg called out with a bit of startle in her voice. He turned nearly falling off the ladder reaching out to the shelving to maintain his balance. He stared at her as if she'd seen a ghost.
"Meg…what is it…" Raoul thinking perhaps she'd had a pain, had seen something out of the window…
"Raoul, did my mother leave here today…I've not seen her…she's not been about at all, and I wondered if she may have left."
Raoul flashed Meg a relieved smile, "why yes," he said turning back toward the shelving, "she went into Paris. She said something about not being able to see the dormitories properly yesterday, and she'd gone for another look, and I believe she said to purchase some flowers for Sara's grave."
Raoul was scanning the books again. Meg's heart began to rise in her throat. "Raoul!" she called out to him again. This time he jumped, but didn't let go of the ladder.
"Meg, are you purposely trying to dislodge me from this ladder?" He said in a half jovial manner. She had to think quickly, anything to distract him from putting his hands on that book.
"Raoul," she said in a slightly more refined tone now that she had his attention, "I know it shan't be long and it will be the dinner hour…but I was wondering…" she smiled at him sweetly, "if you wouldn't mind having a cup of tea with me before we read."
Raoul came down the ladder. Of course a lady upon rising always had tea, he felt remiss as her host for not having arranged for it. Having only woken several minutes no doubt before Meg, he'd not made those preparations. "Meg but of course." He walked over the table raising the silver bell from the porcelain plate it sat on. Ringing it several times, yet no one came. Silently Meg was praying that Raoul would have to go out to investigate, perhaps giving her the opportunity to slip the information from the book before he returned. Raoul stood for several moments and when no one came, he scowled. Leaning down to kiss Meg on the cheek before he left the room to look for Madeline.
Meg breathed a sigh of relief. The door had no sooner closed behind him than she was quickly climbing the ladder, stretching as far as she could. She'd just grasped the book when the door opened. Thinking herself discovered by Raoul a second time she turned to look and found that it was Madeline. Meg was startled, her fingertips slipped and she came crashing down from the ladder, book in hand. She landed on the edge of the divan, the book being flung across the room as she did. The wind having been knocked out of her lungs, she was unable to speak. She looked up at Madeline as she felt herself growing warm and the shock of fall settling in.
"Miss Meg…Miss MEG!" Madeline's eyes were wide with horror. She reached out and started dabbing about Meg's nose. It was not until she saw Madeline draw the cloth back that she realized she was bleeding. Madeline helped her lay down on the divan, and quickly ran from the room leaving the door slightly ajar. "Vicomte…." She could hear Madeline calling for Raoul in the outer corridor.
Meg was trying to gasp, the first little bits of air just now starting to enter her lungs. She had to get that book…. She looked over and saw that the sheets had flown out of the book and now laid under the chair across the room, visible for anyone who might get down low enough to see under the chair. She had to retrieve them, she simply had to..
She rolled herself off of the divan, her chest throbbing from the lack of air. She crawled on her hands and knees over to the chair, reaching under it snatching the papers. She rolled to her back, and quickly slipped the papers deep into her dress along side the corset below her arm. She'd no sooner stowed the paper than Raoul came bursting into the room, Madeline on his heels.
"MEG!" Raoul came over scooping her up into his arms. "What on earth were you doing!" His voice contained both a scolding and concerned tone. He laid Meg down on the couch, dabbing at her nose again, as the flow of blood had not stopped. "Madeline, do send the coachman out to the stables, I'd like to send a messenger to retrieve the doctor…"
"NO!" Meg gasped, finally being able to take in her first full lung of air. "No.." she said more quietly, inhaling and exhaling with great effort. "I am fine…I….I was….I was trying to…retrieve…the book…I….lost…my…"
Raoul lifted his fingers to her lips. "Hush Meg. It is alright, we shan't call for the doctor if you'd not like me to. I wonder only at the blood from your nose.." Meg held up her hand. "I have them…them…all the time…at the Opera House…if I bumped…my nose.." Raoul again lifted his finger tips to Meg's lips. "Do not strain yourself my dear." He looked up and nodded at Madeline who left the room.
"Now Meg," Raoul said, helping her up into a sitting position, and then leaning her back into his arms. "Whatever were you doing trying to retrieve a book on such a high shelf, I was going to be gone but just a few minutes to secure the tea, I'd have gladly fetched any book you wished for upon my return." He reached down dabbing at the bottom of her nose.
"I simply wanted to retrieve the book…the one you'd wanted from the night before. I was going to surprise you when you came back, after all it was my turn to play a trick on you." She'd started to regain her breath.
Raoul laughed, pulling her shoulders in slightly. "Meg, you must be careful. There will be plenty of time for all of that. Right now, you should concentrate on getting better. I dare say falls like that cannot help you progress my dear!"
Meg smiled as he dabbed at her nose again. "I am sorry Raoul..sorry to have caused such a commotion." "Do not worry for it, but please promise me that you shall let me help you, let Madeline help you if you need something, hmm?"
Meg nodded her head. "So, now…just where is that book?" Meg blushed, but was inwardly relieved. She raised her hand and pointed over at the book that was splayed open on the floor across the room.
Raoul scowled in a mocking fashion, "all the way over there?" He rose, laughing as he walked over to it and lifted it at the binding. Settling in next to Meg, he helped her recline with her head against his chest. "Now let me see….ah yes, 'Love Letter', written by John Adams, April 20, 1763." Raoul smiled as he kissed Meg's forehead, cracking the binding to the first page. He would read while the tea was readied.
It would have been a perfect afternoon had it not been for Meg's fall. Perhaps there was now more than one reason to wait until the next day for a ride in the country. Now at least he would have another reason other than that which truly kept him wanting to keep Meg indoors on such a lovely afternoon. No one knew where Crawlings was, and Raoul was not inclined to take any chances. It seemed to him that it had proved difficult enough to keep Meg safe under his own roof!
XXXX
Delivery carriages had been arriving all morning, and now the last one had just left. Raoul had been glancing out the window at the stable house intently watching for one carriage in particular, and having seen the bed arrive, he breathed a sigh of relief. By this evening the room would be ready. It filled him with such pleasure to know that he could do this for Meg…and it gave him the sense of transition that his heart so yearned for. Christine's picture had been moved, the room would now be prepared for Meg, and with Meg alone in mind. This would help both of them move into what he hoped would be a wonderful and peaceful courtship.
He turned his head back and was about to begin reading the next page when he realized Meg's head was slumped against the side of his chest. She'd fallen asleep. He smiled. Slowly, carefully, he slid out from underneath her, bringing her head to rest on the fringe rimmed pillow. He looked down at her sleeping face, and inwardly felt a warmth. He loved her, would come to love her more, and hoped she could one day love him as her husband, and not her dear friend.
Glancing out the window, Raoul was eager to find if all the items had finally arrived, and would then set the entire household in motion preparing the room. He was thankful that Madame Giry had conveyed her wishes and instructions to Madeline, so they might begin their work before she arrived with the final touches. Surely she would be along in a few hours to see to it.
Raoul carefully slid open the door, and slipped out into the hall, making his way outside to the carriage house. He was equally as eager to find out what his carriage driver had learned of the happenings in Paris.
He needed to know that Meg was safe, that they would be safe there. He'd thought in his mind about taking Meg and Madame Giry off to Amore', their summer cottage North of Paris, if there was not a quick resolution. There they could be undisturbed, as it was rather remote, though far less luxurious than the manor they were in now. If things became too difficult for them there, he would have to revisit the idea. He walked resolutely toward the stable master. He'd make his decision based on what they'd found.
XXXX
Erik was feverishly jabbing at the horse's side. He'd not wish to injure the beast, but a life might depend on his swift arrival. He was already regretting having tarried in town for lunch, surely he and Nadir could have found something at the winter house for lunch, and then Christine would not have found herself alone. His mind wandered to Erphan….perhaps the young man would have detected an intruder, being sensitive to it when Erik had been out in the pasture several evenings past. Perhaps he'd have come to inquire of someone he did not know, perhaps… Erik shook his head, leaning down all the further. He simply had to get home!
XXX
Nadir was equally anxious to arrive at the winter house. He had fully understood Erik's intentions, but this was the first time that Erik had not invited him to accompany him, to offer him a horse to ride by his side. It puzzled Nadir, and he hoped he'd not lost his faith in him because of the incident the previous evening in the sun room. Nadir had never, never, betrayed Erik. His trust meant the world to him.
Nadir was running through in his mind the conversation that he and Erik had over lunch. The men in that shop were not to be trusted, the shopkeeper had given Erik due warning about them. They were men of town, but did not have about them a goodly reputation. They'd been known to frequent taverns into the wee hours, taking advantage of situations and people wherever they could, just above the scrutiny of the law. The shopkeeper had used such unsavory adjectives as abhorrent, vile, inscrutable, whenever he spoke of them.
Nadir was thankful he'd not revealed much about he or Erik. He'd nearly succumbed to the oldest set of trickery in the book, bait and switch. They'd offered him a little nibble about the town lore, and in turn, they were fishing for something, though he wasn't certain what it was, as their visit had been interrupted, surreptitiously, by Erik.
Nadir sighed, the carriage was at full speed, he'd had no doubt, but even that didn't satisfy him. He wanted to be there for Erik, as Erik had always been there when Nadir needed him most.
XXXX
Madame Giry stood in the opening of the first room, her eyes wide. There was a small, but formal foyer leading to two single doors, and yet another set of double onyx doors. There was a small chandelier at the center of the slightly domed ceiling, which was crowned with the new French moldings that had become so popular as of late. The room was bathed in onyx and shades of cream and sage, brass fixtures and lamps accenting in just the right amounts. A beautiful onyx table lay at the center, a very large cut crystal vase in the middle of it. No doubt for displaying arrangements of the flora that grew in the Opera House gardens.
The walls of the circular rooms had six small arched recesses, with shelves protruding. Each containing busts of great composers, and famous ballerinas. The floor had inlaid tiles, polished marble the finishing edges. Certainly a group of twelve could gather quite comfortably in this well appointed room. Madame Giry thought that this elegance would likely lead to a considerably more modest set of private rooms. This room was likely designed to receive ballet mistresses visiting from other companies in order to give a proper opinion of the elegance of their Opera House.
Madame Giry ran her hand along the molding as she walked to the first door on the left. Inside, was a small, rather luxurious water closet. All of the newest advances in plumbing. She marveled at it really. To have her own private water closet was a luxury she thought, but it did not contain a bathtub. She sighed. She could easily share that with the ballerinas, as she'd seen not one, but several fully appointed water closets in the dormitories. She was extremely grateful to have this much at her access. It did make sense to have one so close to a room that was designed to greet and entertain guests.
She moved to the other single door on the right. Inside was a bed chamber, nearly twice as large as the area she'd had in her previous room for her bed. A new bed, though no bedding nor mattress were present, lay at the center. There was a small circular window above the head of it, and she was relieved to see it too was on hinges so it could be opened to enjoy the fresh air. There was a beautiful vanity along the right wall, and along side that was another slightly smaller door.
Madame Giry's head was swimming. She could scarcely believe all that she was seeing. This door led into a small room, that was lined with shelving and poles for hanging clothing, and at the far end, a large dressing mirror, with sets of drawers on either side of it. That explained the absence of a dresser and armoire in the bed chamber proper. A large brass lantern was at the entrance to the room, that would provide more than enough light she thought.
She walked back into the bed chamber. The door along the left wall, she imagined, led to the sitting room that DeChagny had mentioned to her. She remembered this part of the building, and knew this area would be decidedly small as there was little space left, she thought, to accommodate much. The pitch of the roof there had been like that at the other end of the hall, very sharp and slanted. But she had hopes that there was enough room for a table and several chairs so that she and Meg could visit in privacy when they needed to. She had already been humbled by the thoughtfulness of her employers. They'd not spared expenses in making certain that she would be comfortable.
She opened this door to find another small room, a private water closet with a large claw-foot tub. Her breath was taken away by the luxuriousness of the room itself, it had everything she imagined a woman would need. A wonderful window opened above the tub overlooking the gardens below. There at the side was a heavy onyx curtain affixed in swag fashion that she could release whenever she needed her privacy. She smiled yet again, this was entirely overwhelming to her.
She returned to the bed chamber. How on earth had they fit all of this into one little corner of the Opera House? She decided her mental perspective of the space must be somewhat altered, for certainly the room was indeed there, she'd just never noticed it.
Making her way back into the foyer, she sighed, looking at the double doors that most certainly had to lead to the sitting room. Though she tried to calm herself, realizing that what lay behind that door would certainly be a small sitting room, though her heart leapt at the possibilities as she'd already been surprised by everything she'd found thus far.
She reached out grabbing hold of the handle. Carefully she pushed it open. There, on the other side of the door, her eyes beheld something that she could only have dreamed of. There was a room with highly polished floors, a very large Persian rug lay on the floor, with two sitting couches on either side of a long low tea table. A chandelier, a somewhat smaller version but an exact likeness of the one in the foyer presided over the center of the sitting area. But, it was what lay beyond that which impressed Madame Giry the most.
There was a set of French doors, inlaid with beveled glass panes, covered delicately with the sheerest of white silk drapes. She walked past all of the other things she would return to examine…the doors called to her. It was twenty paces to the doors. She inhaled deeply and exhaled as she pushed both doors open. Her breath caught in her throat… raising her hand to her chest, the other rising to cover her gaping mouth.
She was now standing on a terrace. It was lined with high thick pillars topped at chest height with a thick sturdy railing made of stone. Each corner was adorned with sculptures of angels, holding what appeared to be lanterns that could be lit so that she could enjoy the space as evening set in. There was a large wrought-iron table with four chairs in the center of it, and a set of hewn-stone benches along the sides. She could easily entertain a dozen guests there she thought to herself. Small topiaries were situated in corners and other places, giving the terrace the feeling of a French country garden.
Slowly, she walked over to the ledge across from the doors. The terrace overlooked the Opera House gardens, and beyond that, Madame Giry had the most glorious view of Paris she'd seen in a very long time. She stood entirely captivated by all she'd seen.
This had been built for her, designed for her to occupy. A fitting reward for her years of dutiful service, and years of dedication to the art she so desperately loved. A little ballerina years ago only dreamed of such things, and now…here she was…in the midst of the most wonderful thing she'd seen anywhere in any opera house she'd ever visited. She was truly blessed.
She wandered back inside, her eyes scanning all the fine appointments in the sitting room. There was a small desk off in one corner, a large lamp and window lay just above it. Yet another corner held a hutch of sorts, filled with a set of china…very much looking like the formal pattern she'd seen at Raoul's house. Behind a small half-wall was a tiny sink and cupboard. No doubt a little kitchen should she have need for it. In the final corner behind yet another half-wall, was a small high table and two chairs. If she and Meg wished to take their dinner there, they certainly could.
It was then, that it hit her, like a speeding train bound for destinations unknown….. She fell to her knees and began to sob. This was more than any ballet mistress could have ever expected, so much more than she could have wanted….it seemed that she was being led to stay in Paris, to pursue her life-long dream…and now…all this had been prepared for her….how could she refuse? That made the decision to leave Erik and Christine that much more difficult…but she'd begged God for a sign….and he'd provided it.
Author's Notes:
Dear faithfuls: I could not reveal the next set of circumstances in this chapter…..you will see why in the next chapter. HOWEVER…lest I be hunted like a beast in the wild….I will tell you here (our little secret of course) that I've no intentions to hurt Christine…. One of you have rightly guessed who is on the other side of the door. Which one of the guesses I cannot tell…. It will be revealed tomorrow, I promise!
Captain Oblivious: You and that darned frying pan…you really have to stop wielding stuff around, you could have hurt (sorry, thought I'd slip and say who it was didn't you?) LOL I promise, all will forgiven on the morrow…at least I hope so!
Yes, last days of work are sad…as the summer wanes, and the reality of what the next nine months will bring (loads and loads of homework no doubt!) sets in. I am sure you and Susie will have a wonderful time at school…and though I've said it before…we hope you keep us updated….see…I'm acting like a mother hen already!
DarkMoonLightBright: My dear, would I hurt a creature as lovely as Christine? For surely Erik would hunt me down with his lasso! Hmmm…interesting…you are the first to voice your concern for the elder woman locked in her room…it is sad…but can you blame the family? The poor granddaughter is in fear of losing her job, her mother no doubt is embarrassed by her own mother's behavior…she's become a town nuisance…but her daughter doesn't know of her true past….hmmm.
Ah yes, the baby's nursery….I think the Phamily should pick the color…o.k., we've one vote for green….I myself like the deep blue that one sees just after the sun sets, and only a glimmer of the rays are still visible giving just enough light to reveal the hidden royal hues of the night sky….ah yes…that is my vote.
The twitching face…yes it is a source of irritation for Erik…a source of worry…though he would never readily admit to it. He's so enjoyed having a face that didn't have to be covered. The fear that it would have to be covered again. The feeling, I suppose, somewhat like a person who's been in dental braces for four years, had them removed for two months only to be told they'd have to have them put on again, and for this time, it could be the rest of their lives! Yikes…I've just scared myself! Anyway, you get the idea of the inner angst that Erik must be suffering…our ever brooding, self-suffering Erik.
Poetzproblem: Yes, my darned cliff hangers. It will all make sense tomorrow! I dare say that is the only advantage those that are just encountering our story now has…they can read on to the next chapters without waiting for an update! If you're ready this you've already found my hint for tomorrow…Christine is not going to be hurt…. Sighs thankfully I had visions of being chased through the streets of Paris by an angry mob….
Crayann: Sorry I did not get to your review until this chapter! I understand the busy commitments of work…do I ever, I'm on the go constantly… I am glad to be a bright spot in someone's day…that makes my day a bit brighter just thinking of it…. See how this happiness comes full circle! I love that about life…we can all make each other happy…just by sharing our own happiness… (Sorry…my philosophical side is trying to peek out!) I was up far too late last night writing…POTO blaring on the stereo again….I am thinking my neighbors might turn me in for noise pollution soon….either that or they are all too afraid of me….thinking me to be an eccentric… Anyone walking by my house at 2:00 a.m. probably thinks me to be quite mad….POTO blaring…dozens of candles burning….yikes, maybe I am a bit mad! Oh how I love it though….my wee bit of happiness in every day!
PhantomLover05: Yes, if you put it that way, I would be terrified by the Phantom if I thought he was really angry with me for some reason. I'd almost beg for the lasso, rather than be tormented by the thoughts of what he might do if he was in a fit of rage…we saw how he pushed down his beloved Christine when she took off his mask….so yes, if he was truly mad…I'd be whimpering like a small puppy!
PhantomFan13: Yet another apology for the cliffies…I don't mean to torture anyone, I promise…I am sorry I cannot answer the questions you pose…for if I did, I'd be revealing far too much…and that I am afraid…would ruin the suspense!
Trueinspiration: Thank you for the compliment. Yes, Nadir's moment with Erik was a bit emotional…but I think Erik could sense in his gut that there was going to be a long separation between he and Nadir….and he didn't want Nadir to miss out on happiness…I guess that is the truest form of friendship…of love….when we can let someone go that we love, we need….because we want what is best for them…even if it brings us pain. That is how deep I imagine the relationship to be between Erik and Nadir…I guess that is why the tearful goodbye they shared. Christine is safe my dear…much safer than you can even imagine.
PhantomsRogue: I very much enjoyed reading your explanation of your tag name. And do not worry about the explanation being too long, you can tell I am rather verbose myself! It described what I think many of us who are drawn to POTO feel. You have to be a bit of a recluse, a romantic, a loner, to truly appreciate the material. I've not seen 'XMen' though I have heard of the character. Untouchable skin… In school, I was not an outcast really, but, and do not think this is shameless self-promotion…but I was rather a brain-bookworm sort of person, always being blamed for raising the curve in classes…that sort of thing. So, even those I counted among my friends were very different from me. I worked, I read, I studied…that was pretty much my life. So not fitting into school is something I can entirely relate to. Yes, I agree, we should each follow our own path, no matter what anyone else thinks (law abiding, as you said, is a given). For we are given but one life to live, and if we aren't true to what our heart calls us to do, aren't we in essence wasting the gift?
Funny you should mention ballet and the instruments that you play. When I was a very young girl I took ballet…wasn't terribly good at it though, I lack the long legs for graceful repose! I was trained on the piano, the violin, and dabbled with the guitar though I preferred the piano. I think piano music is one of the most beautiful sounds in the world! Probably in-part why I love POTO so much! I've always wanted to play the harp…I think that shall be one of the next things I delve into…though I dare say it is expensive, nearly $ 10,000 for the harp I want! So, that may have to wait a wee bit! Clarinet is also a fine instrument…I've not been much good with instruments of that sort….my lung capacity allows for singing, but not the protracted air-power that a wood-wind or flute would require. I've someone close to me that is a lovely flutist…I appreciate that music very much as well. Sorry for the ramblings…yet another one of my passions revealed!
Florida! I was just there in March for a much needed rest. Of course we went to Disney World and the like, but I found much fascination sitting by the ocean, just staring out at the water, and admiring its power…. The alligators (inland) were a bit unsettling, as I'm not used to them. I made the acquaintance of two small girls from England, who were speaking in their very proper English…it was entirely adorable! The one said to the other, "Chloe, not to worry about the alligators, they'll not like our blood!" It was so cute!
I spent an entirely lovely day in Celebration City, dining alfresco, and sipping a cup of coffee at Barney's! We even rode the trolley through town…that was a wonderfully relaxing day….it was odd though…we didn't see very many people….it was a little bit like "Smallville" in that way!
Oh, my fellow Latin aficionado….I've one for you….Carpe Diem ! Until the morrow!
ElvieIII: I hope you find that our Phamily is very close knit…every member deserves to be acknowledged! Your explanation of your name implies that you've given quite a little thought to it, which is good, it was not a name by default! I've always found people that have Roman numerals behind their name to be quite fascinating…crazy I know since normally it is given them by their parents…but in this case, you've "dubbed" yourself! Our Phamily is comprised, I believe of Gerard/Phantom lovers, but we will forgive you for adoring Orlando. He is quite handsome, and will make an entirely lovely character as he gets a bit older and a bit more distinguished. He has the depth for it….maybe he and our beloved Gerard will find themselves in the same movie one day! Now I have to revise a statement I made many chapters ago (this will make sense if you've been reading all the reviews of previous chapters) My ideal movie would have to be the 'Four Musketeers' Gerard, Christian Bale, Orlando Bloom, and Johnny Depp. Now THAT would be a star 'studded' cast! O.k., sorry for the detour…my mind wanders like a puppy off a leash!
Yes, April 10th…hmmmm it just might be….then again…maybe not…don't get out those birthday candles just yet…..
Now have you heard the famous quote by Benjamin Franklin? "Getting started is half done!" So, if you've started that many stories, you really should finish them…at least the ones you're passionate about! It really is good for the soul to see a completed work. The stories you write become a part of you. As Dickens once said, they become like your children, things you "birth" and then send out into the world hoping you've done well enough that they will survive. You should finish them….
Finally, I would offer you a "Mea Culpa" about inciting the need to watch POTO three times…but alas I cannot….I've watched it hundreds of times (in parts)…so if I'm furthering the obsession….I cannot help it….it draws me just as it does you!
ChristinelovesPhantom: I've not been accused of being evil before…that was not my intent, though I can see your point entirely! LOL! If you'd like to imagine my note at the beginning of the reviews as a 'milk-bone' for waiting dogs, please do so! I'd offer you a cookie instead…but after all, chocolate isn't good for dogs! LOL again! Sorry, on a bit of a caffeine high right now! You are most welcome for the regular updates. My heart aches over the weekends because I am working nearly fifteen hours a day then, so I cannot update…but I promise, as long as I can manage, I will update frequently! Thank your for coming this far in the story with us…we should all get badges of some sort for making it passed chapter 100 don't you think?
MeowLeFae: I have been utterly amazed at the explanations of the origins of the tag names of some of our most recent additions to the Phamily! There is so many different thoughts out there….and yours is no exception! I can understand, a fairy-cat reminds me of the story of 'Puss in Boots' for some reason! LOL! Yes, cat lovers seem to be a good match for POTO fans because anyone who loves cats knows that they are loners…they stop and let you scratch behind their ears, they love you yes…but THEY own YOU, not the other way around…a cat is never truly POSSESSED by anyone!
Yes, you share your sentiments with another of our Phamily members who wanted to help the old woman escape from the room….it seems cruel doesn't it?
Until tomorrow…MEOW!
Elisha1984: Welcome to the family! We hope your stay with our little Phantomfamily is a long and happy one! Thank you for going through all the work to read so many chapters! I mentioned to another reviewer 'ChristinelovesPhantom' that we really should have badges for those that have read passed chapter 100! Thank you for your kind words…Favorite? Awww…. That makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
I hope you'll forgive me, but I do from time to time use cliffhangers…though I do not intend to inflict pain on anyone…because if I didn't, the chapters would be twenty pages long and I'd only be able to update once a week! So, I hope I do not cause too much pain…and I hope that all will be forgiven tomorrow!
Now, for our tradition….the origins of your name…. I think it is fair to say that Elisha is your first name…but the 1984…birth year?….year of graduation?….. Please do share with your new Phamily…if you are willing!
Stellalorelai: Ahhh yes, Gerry will no doubt not want to put himself anywhere near where there might be hundreds of screaming women all with only one thing on their mind…Gerry! I don't know of all of the details, but when I find out, I'll let you know!
Christine HAS to open the door….but not to worry, she will be fine….We've all grown so protective of our little mommy-to-be! Erik would be so proud of us!
Hmmm your tag name…well, I'm thinking that Stella might come from one of your favorite characters from a book, or perhaps an old movie you saw and just fell in love with. Lore, might actually be your real first name, and lai…perhaps you have an affinity for all things Hawaiian? Not a good job at guessing on this one I'm afraid. Now, would you like to share with your phamily?
Icherisherik: Welcome back! We were worried about you! I'm sorry about the troubles you've been having…and school only complicates things…having to get back into a routine and everything. Yes, much has happened since you've been gone. I want you to know that I sincerely appreciate your words of encouragement. I am very humbled, and I know I say that a great deal, but I am most sincere. I started this story in hopes of resolving my own angst with the ending of POTO, and I found a great number of friends along the way! I couldn't continue this without all of your encouragement! Yes, our little phamily has really grown…it makes me very happy!
Draegon-fire: Your review was very insightful. There is so much going on in this story. Kind of like real life in that way I suppose…a little extra drama perhaps…but we always have more than just one thing going on in our life. It's sort of that "six degrees of separation" thing. You never know who is connected to whom or how! It was good to hear from you!