Ghastly Familiar

By BeckyLynnetteCohen

Disclaimer: I own Anna Maria, Samantha, Jean Claude, Sydney, and Savannah. That is it.

Chapter 14: Goodbye Love
The next morning, Anna Maria was helping Sydney and Savannah load all the luggage back into the Prius. Anna Maria hadn't said two words all morning. When she loaded her book bag into the back seat she glanced back up at the house.
"Anna Maria, why don't you go back inside and do one final check before we leave." said Savannah.
Anna Maria nodded and slipped her digital camera in her pocket. She walked in the front door and then shut it behind her.
"ERIK!" Anna Maria called.
"I'm here." said Erik coming down the stairs.
Erik was dressed much like the first time Anna Maria saw him. His cape was draped over his 1800s style dress suit. He wore white gloves and his porcelain mask.
"This fuckin' sucks." said Anna Maria.
"I know." said Erik.
"I'm taking pictures. I wanna remember this house." said Anna Maria.
"Go for it." said Erik, adjusting his mask.
Anna Maria started on the lower floor, taking pictures of the newly revamped kitchen, hallways and rooms on the lower level. Then she headed up the stairs and took pictures of the music room, her bedroom and the other rooms.
"Time to say goodbye, Anna." said Erik, stiffly.
"I don't want to."
"I know.... neither do I... but we have to." said Erik.
"One more song?" said Anna Maria.
"But we don't have your CD player...."
"I don't need it."
We met, it seems, such a short time ago
You looked at me - needing me so
Yet from your sadness
Our happiness grew
And I found out I needed you too
I remember how we used to play
I recall those rainy days
The fire's glow
That kept us warm
And now I find - we're both alone
Goodbye may seem forever
Farewell is like the end
But in my heart is a memory
And there you'll always be
Goodbye may seem forever
Farewell is like the end
But in my heart is a memory
And there you'll always be
A tear cascaded down Erik's cheek and he brought Anna Maria into a bone crushing hug. "I love you so much Anna Maria."
"I love you too Erik." said Anna Maria, attempting to dry her own tears. "I have to go now."
"I know... Don't forget me." said Erik.
"Never. Never in a million years." said Anna Maria.
"Good luck in your degree." said Erik.
"Keep Nadir in line." said Anna Maria.
"I will." said Erik.
"Goodbye, Erik." said Anna Maria.
"Goodbye, Anna." said Erik.
Anna Maria turned and went down the stairs. She looked back up to the top of the stairs at Erik.
"Goodbye my Phantom." said Anna Maria, softly.
Anna Maria walked out of the house and into the backseat of the prius.
"You ok, Annie?" said Sydney.
"Just fine, Syd." said Anna Maria. "I'm gonna study."
"Anna..." said Savannah.
"Don't.... Please, don't call me Anna anymore." said Anna Maria.
"But..." said Savannah.
"Please." said Anna Maria.
"Ok, Annie." said Savannah.