I need a better title, help me!

Chapter 2: Memories

By: PittsBurghFuzz

During the carriage ride to the Royal Opera House, Erik and Jacob were conversing with each other.

"Why are you doing this for me sir?" Jacob asked.

"I am in desperate need of desperate talent at my opera house." Erik told him.

"You mean you own the Royal Opera House?"

Erik nodded. "Yes, I purchased it a year and a half ago. I have had some great success with it. I just need some renovations, in the orchestra especially. I need a good violin player, and your the boy I need. I'll not only grant you a room, food, drink, and an education, but I will also pay you greatly, sound good?"

"Um, I don't know sir. You you value me that much?" Jacob asked.

"Oh you have no idea my friend." Erik put his arm around Jacob. "So, are we agreed?"

"If you a ten year-old boy, sure." the two of them smiled and shook hands.

"Ah, here she is." Erik pointed to the Royal Opera House.

Jacob's jaw dropped at the dazzling sight of the grand structure. "Are we going to your home sir?"

"Yes, I am very tired and I need Gordon to show you around. Besides, I think you would like to get acquainted to your room."

Jacob smiled. The carriage arrived at Erik's home. It was quite large. Erik helped Jacob out of the carriage, and led the way to the huge doors. The doors revealed a huge staircase, encrusted in gold, and had several amazing statues.

"This place is amazing!" Jacob exclaimed.

"Not as grand as my former domain." Erik said quietly.

"What's that Erik?" Jacob asked.

Erik shook his head. "Nothing. Gordon, what are Vivian and Faith cooking tonight?" Erik asked Gordon.

"Meatloaf sir."

"Do you like meatloaf Jacob?"

"I've heard of it, but never had any before."

"Well you'll love it. Anyway, I have to excuse myself for now. I have some work to do. Please ask Gordon of you need anything, but first he will show you ton your room, understand?"

Jacob nodded.

"Good. See you later." Erik walked into the hallway left of the staircase, and closed the door.

Erik walked down the dark hallway, carrying a lantern to guide him through. He finally arrived at a dark lair several minutes later. Several candelabras rose from the ground, and a grand organ moved into the scene. Erik took off his cloak and top hat, and approached the organ. He was going through some papers when a sheet fell to the ground face down. He went to pick it up, but his heart was beating fast when he saw it. A sketch of a beautiful woman.

"Christine." Erik said with tear falling from his eyes. He crumbled the paper and threw it to a corner. "Damn you! Why must you always be surrounding me!" Erik threw some more papers all over the place, and they scattered throughout the lair. Erik decided to go back to the the main part of his mansion. After he locked the door shut, a midget approached him.

"Master, dinner is ready." the midget told Erik.

"Thanks Ravelli. I'll be there soon." Erik replied.

"Would you like me to get the boy?"

"No, not necessary. I'll get him. You and the rest of you guys get ready for dinner."

Erik went up the staircase, and then through a long hallway to Jacob's room. He knocked on the door. Jacob opened the door for Erik.

"How do you like it Jacob?" Erik asked.

"Its great sir! Thank you!" Jacob hugged Erik.

Erik didn't do much at first but then gave Jacob a hug in return.

"Dinner's ready."

"Okay."

At the dinner table was a long table, with many people sitting down. However, the people were different. A few were midgets, some had no arms, and others had no legs. There was one person who had no arms or legs but could roll a cigarette and light it without assistance.

"Jacob, these are my friends." Erik said smiling.

"Do they have names?" Jacob asked.

"The only name they would like to be called is 'friend'. However, they will reveal their names eventually" Erik told Jacob.

"Oh okay."

"However, there are some who are ready to introduce themselves. Like Ravelli."

The midget approached Jacob and offered a handshake. Jacob took his hand and shook it. Then from the kitchen, two girls, who seemed connected, came to the table holding a huge platter of food.

"Ah yes, Jacob, I would like you to meet Vivian and Faith."

"Hi." they said simultaneously.

"Hello." Jacob said.

"Alright, let's sit down." Erik gave Jacob a seat on the opposite end of the table. Next to Erik was Ravelli on his left and Gordon on his right. Jacob sat next to an armless girl and a legless boy. Vivian and Faith dished out the servings for the several people at the table. After dinner, Vivian and Faith passed out some dessert. It was chocolate cake, which was generally the favorite of the residents here.

A knock was heard at the door.

"I'll get it sir." Gordon said.

"No Gordon enjoy the cake. I'll get it." Erik told him.

Erik went to the front door and opened it. There was an older woman at the door. She covered herself with a cloak, and slowly lifted up her face to make eye contact with Erik.

"Giry?"

"Erik, may I come in?" Madame Giry asked.

"Of course, come with me." Erik led Giry to his secret hallway and locked it.

"I haven't seen you in some time, how's Meg?" Erik asked.

Madame Giry burst into tears.

Erik looked at her with confusion but then realized what happened.

"Oh Madame Giry!" Erik gave Madame Giry a tight hug of sympathy as she cried on Erik's shoulder.

"Oh Erik, its terrible!" Madame Giry cried. "I came to her room and found her bed flowing with blood!"

"You can stay here as long as you like. I'm going to get Gordon to find you a spare room, alright?"

"Erik..."

Erik shook his head. "No. You are in pain and I must help you."

Erik and Madame Giry came out a moment later, and Erik walked towards the dinning hall. He opened the doors and whispered in Gordon's ear, and the old man nodded. Gordon then led Madame Giry to a spare bedroom.

"How many bedrooms do you have Erik?" Jacob asks.

"Too many. Its become an obsessive hobby. I have about fifty-five bedrooms, and there are roughly twenty-five people in this house right now. Some of our guests share their rooms because they are so big, so we should be fine."

Jacob's jaw dropped.

"Alright everyone, go back to your bedrooms, or you may go to the study if you wish, just don't stay up past 10:00."

The other residents got off their seats and went back to their rooms. Erik picked up the armless man and exited the room.

"Could you take me to my room, Erik?" he asked.

"Sure thing Bud."

Jacob helped Vivian and Faith pick up the plates at the table.