Chapter 12

I saw Erica tense after the echo died out, but then she began to relax when she was only met with silence. She found her voice again, "For someone whose life was just saved, you're not very grateful. What do you suppose Christine would have done with that letter opener or Raoul with his sword for that matter? You would have died, and why?"

Erik clenched his hands at his sides whispering, "Silence."

"No." Erica said as she continued, "Just so you could attempt to steal Christine before Don Juan. What would that have done? Don Juan wouldn't have been performed and she would have left you as soon as she had the chance. I will reiterate, why? Why would you do something so foolish?"

"Erica," I warned as I saw the look of pure rage appear on Erik's face.

Erik's jaw clenched and he gritted through his teeth, "Be silent! I do not wish to listen to your scolding! I make my own decisions and I do as I please!"

Erica scoffed, "Oh, well the next time you're about to be stabbed in the back or run through I won't help."

Erik seethed, "I could have taken care of the boy! As for Christine, she wouldn't have hurt me, she cares about me. She would never have used that letter opener on me; it was probably just a precaution, if not a bluff. I don't need to stand here and listen to this nonsense you think you know, so save your breath."

Erica's eyes widened, "Are you serious? Do you honestly think I did that for kicks? You were about to die, if not by Raoul's hand then certainly by Christine's. God, love truly is blind!" Erica stopped for a moment then slowly said, "No, you are not blind; you are worse. You see only what you want to see. I understand what you are feeling but sooner or later you are going to have to come to terms with the fact that Christine does not-"

Erik's hand snapped up to Erica's throat, actually lifting her from the ground a couple of inches, squeezing until she couldn't utter anything but a surprised gasp while he spat, "I said to be silent! You don't understand how I feel and you never will! If you won't be silent I'll make you be silent!"

I waited but Erica didn't move, didn't even put her hands up, she kept them limp at her sides and Erik hissed, "Why don't you fight? Why don't you speak, why so silent now?"

"Erik-" I started and went to help but Erica held her hand up, shaking her head from side to side once.

I bit my lip as I saw tears form in Erica's eyes, little chokes and gurgles coming from her as she tried to inhale or exhale. She remained frozen and simply stared at Erik, as if she were speaking to him mentally. All at once the anger drained from Erik's face, he looked at his hand that was constricting around Erica's neck and with a look of horror detached himself.

Erica let out a harsh breath as she staggered to regain her footing, then began to pant for air as Erik collapsed in the snow and placed his hands on top of his head, self-loathing and rage radiating off of him in waves. I simply stared at the two in shock, how in the world did she do that? More importantly, are either of them okay?

I heard Erik taking shallow breaths and I went down on my knees and stared at him for a moment. I was a little wary after he had almost strangled my best friend, but one look at Erica told me that it was alright. I wrapped my arm around Erik's shoulder and gave him the most comforting half-hug I could, despite the fact I had very little experience in comforting people.

Erik looked up at me and I gave him a small smile. He returned it with a sad grin, then he shifted his gaze to Erica. She was just standing there with a hand wrapped around her neck and staring off into space, deep in thought.

Her hand slowly dropped and she sighed with a pained expression before she turned away from us, "Hailey, we should return before people become suspicious. Er..." Erica trailed off as I stood, then looked at Erik and continued, "Try to be careful next time, we won't be here much longer and I would hate to see you get hurt because nobody was there to help you."

Erik stood also, "I won't get hurt, I assure you."

Erica turned and I saw that she had tears forming in her eyes again. She giggled, "Okay, whatever you want to think Monsieur Phantom."

My eyes widened and Erik looked a bit surprised as well, that was the first time Erica hadn't called Erik by his name, but by 'Phantom'. That couldn't be a good thing, and what Erica said next was even worse,

"The performance of your Opera is being bumped up since the dancers are further ahead than originally expected. A week or two and you will get what you want...as usual."

Erik scrunched his eyebrows together, "As usual? Since when have I ever received what I truly wanted?"

I curiously asked, "Yeah, since when does he get what he wants? In the end isn't it always the other way around?" I prayed Erica caught on to what I was implying.

Erica wiped her eyes and I saw Erik take a step forward, but Erica slowly stepped back after, "No. He will get what he wants, no matter what. He's changed."

Erik looked at me, "What nonsense is she spouting, I don't understand her riddles. I haven't changed since I've met you two, what could she possibly be talking about?"

Erica sighed, walking forward and placing her hand on his shoulder, "Erik, the first night I stayed here I wished for your happiness, and that if you didn't find it now you would find it someday. Well, now I'm going to give you some advice. 'If you love something, set it free; If it comes back to you it is yours, if it doesn't it was never yours to begin with."

Erik stiffened as Erica quickly hugged him, then as she turned to go untie 'Chestnut' he stared after her. I patted his back slowly, "She's right you know."

When Erik didn't respond but turned to stare at me I laughed, "No matter how long you try to figure either of us out, you won't. Maybe you could get further with her if you apologized though, she seems pretty upset."

Erik turned to look at me curiously, "What do you mean? She hugged me; I don't think she is holding any animosity towards me."

I sighed, "Can everybody stop using big words? Geez, and I thought Erica was bad. Even though I hear that word a lot, all the same, it's annoying. I lost my train of thought, what was I saying?"

Erik shook his head, "I don't understand either of you young ladies, it's so un-common to see women like you. You speak up, and won't be silenced just because someone tells you so."

I frowned, "Oh yeah, that was it. I think you should apologize, no matter if you think she's okay or not."

Erik 'humphed' and looked down a moment. Ok, asking isn't getting me anywhere, time for a guilt trip. I stayed silent for a moment as Erik and I watched 'Chestnut' nuzzle Erica, making her laugh at the horse's attempts to comfort her.

I cleared my throat, "You know Erica always saw the good in you, and...I think you just shattered her."

Erik turned sharply in my direction, genuinely concerned, "What do you mean I 'shattered' her?"

I shook my head, "We had a small fight some time ago, I told her she always sees the good in everybody even when it's not there. She told me the people that she does see good in have never given her a reason to think bad of them. I think you just gave her the reason she didn't want...to see the bad in you." I should be locked up for being able to lie this well.

Erik was silent for a moment then said, "She'll get over it quickly, she's stronger than she looks. Not to mention, you two will be gone soon enough and this place will be just a distant memory, if not demoted to a simple dream."

My mouth dropped open and I was about to argue when I saw Erica mount our horse and ride over to me. I climbed on and we said our good-bye's to Erik then rode off towards the Opera house.

On our way back the silence was deafening so I quickly asked, "Is your throat okay?"

Erica nodded, "I'm just fine, but you know he's not going to let Christine go now, right? I think I pushed his patience over the edge...if almost saying that Christine doesn't love him caused him to nearly strangle me I don't think he'll be as merciful as he was going to be with her. He's changed...and I don't know how or why."

This surprised me, "Oh come on Erica, he'll let her go. He always does, and you know it. He hasn't changed; you just simply pissed him off at the wrong time. There's another question, how'd you get him to let you go?"

"I just simply looked at him, pleading with my eyes. Actions speak louder than words, and I wasn't about to literally plead for my life when he had told me countless times to be quiet." Erica paused for a moment then shook her head, "In the '98 version he didn't let Christine go, she had to kill him, and even at the end they hinted that he was still alive."

I rolled my eyes, "Well this isn't the '98 version, we are closer to the '04 or play version." I paused for a moment, cringing at the fact that I knew that, then asked, "Do you...well I mean, do you hate him now?"

Erica was silent for a minute or two as we rode on, but then she sniffled, "No, I don't hate him. I'm just...disappointed."

This tore at my heart, it would be like Connor chasing after some girls' skirts like Ezio used to. It's destroying the original character I had come to love so much, and that is exactly how Erica felt. The loveable, passionate, and desperate Erik she had learned to love was now the blood thirsty killer that she knew always lay dormant, but never wanted to face.

We returned to the Opera around nightfall...I think, with all of this blasted fog it was hard to tell. Erica returned 'Chestnut' to his stall and walked back in with me. I noticed that small bruises were forming on the side of her neck. It was hard to tell if Erik really squeezed that hard or not, considering Erica bruises like a tomato and the fact that she wouldn't talk about it.

When we entered my dorm most of the girls were asleep, thank God. We walked over to my bed, and a bed that was reserved for Erica, and then we saw a note with an open palm black wax seal perched peacefully on top of my pillow. I groaned as Erica picked it up and began to read,

"Dear Hailey,

Erik has so graciously informed me that we should stop our petty squabbling, at least until after the Opera. I'll fake it for his sake, what say you?

Anthony

P.S.- Just because we have to get along now doesn't mean I forgive you."

I gritted my teeth as I snatched the note from Erica's grasp and tossed it into the trash. When I turned back to Erica I growled, "Who does he think he is? Forgive me? He's the one who overreacted!"

I noticed Erica had fallen onto the bed clutching her head, "This is just crazy, I know I may have wished to be here a few times in my life but now I take it all back. I don't even want to go through with the plan anymore. I just...now I just want to go home."

I reigned in my anger temporarily, realizing Erica was in a bad spot right now. I put on my adult pants for a minute and played Mini-mom, "Oh, we're going through with the plan. You're the one who wanted to stop Christine from unmasking Erik, you're the one who wanted to get the two together, and you're the one who made him mad in the first place. So this is your responsibility that you have to deal with."

Erica stared at the ceiling for a moment longer before she hit the bed with her hands, pushing herself up growling, "You know I hate it when you are right."

I laughed as Erica pushed herself off the bed and grabbed her cloak, fastening it around her neck. I bit my lip as I asked, "So, where are you going?"

Erica was about to walk out of the room when she stopped and gave me a sarcastic pained look, "Where do you think? Down to the lair to swallow my pride and apologize. It really wasn't my place to say all of that...even though it was true."

I grinned at that, "Apologize, how does that word taste coming out of your mouth?"

Erica sighed, "Like a bitter pill I have no choice but to swallow."

I jumped on my bed and kicked my shoes off, "Lovely metaphor there, Erica. Any other poetic words of justice you wish to share?"

Erica sneered, "Erik better reciprocate my sentiments, and you enjoy my pain far too much."

I pulled the covers up as I snuggled into the bed, "I don't know about the first part but the second part is true; you love me for it though."

Erica rolled her eyes, "No, out of all your appealing qualities I don't think I love you for that specific one."

Erica started down the hallway as I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

(Don Juan Opening Night)

Only a little longer and the Opera would begin. Everyone but Erica and I were in make-up or putting on their costumes. I had already applied my own make-up and was dressed in one of the black dresses everyone wore. Erica had done her make-up as well, trying to look just like Eponine (by her choice) right down to her soot covered face.

The only difference was her dress, which she was lucky for in my opinion. Compared to my black dress I had to dance in she looked like Christine, same colors and everything. The only difference was that instead of a burgundy bodice top like Christine, Erica had a sleeveless gold dress covered in the same type of gold lace with a wide burgundy sash that wrapped around her stomach and tied in the front.

Erica had pulled her hair up in a side pony-tail that was curled towards the end and draped over her right shoulder. She also had a small burgundy hat that covered the top of her head and rimmed the edge of her eyes.

She was tying a rope to the last wooden block when I asked, "You sure this is going to work?"

Erica huffed, "It better work."

The 'stage lights' on the front of the stage were on, illuminating the whole stage, and when Erica connected the last of the ropes to the primary one she smiled, "Time for a test run."

She motioned for me to stand up on top of the bridge, I quickly climbed to the top and with a jerk and a quick swish we discovered...it was perfect. Erica jumped up and down and pumped her fists in the air.

"Calm down spazz, don't celebrate just yet. You still have to make sure you can do that again tonight."

Erica smiled, "I will be, don't worry. What could go-" I covered her mouth quickly. I gave her a look that said 'don't you dare. It's you, remember?' Erica rolled her eyes then took one of her hands and slid it over the hand that was covering her mouth.

I let go quickly saying, "Eww! Gross! Ugh, keep your sweaty hands to yourself!"

Erica laughed and shrugged, "Don't blame me, blame my dad's genetics. I get it from him, and I don't like it any more than you do, I drop things too easily. Anyway, tonight will go just as we planned."

I wiped my hand on my dress, "Good. Then we can go home?"

Erica looked around longingly then sighed, "Yes, then we can go home. You know, since we're leaving tonight maybe you should really make up with Anthony. You don't want to leave and know you left on bad terms do you?"

I shrugged, "I don't really care, the last time I tried to talk to him he just ignored me. He won't even talk to me unless he has to. I give up, I'm done trying."

Erica reset the ropes and hopped off of the stage, "At least Philippi hasn't bothered you since you fractured his nose."

I scoffed, "I just can't believe I didn't break it."

Erica gripped her own nose, "Trust me; fracturing your nose is worse than a clean break."

I rolled my eyes, "I doubt that, I mean-"

Erica cut me off saying, "Hey, come talk to me when you get hit in the face with a tennis racket, at school, in your favorite dress, on picture day, and drop blood on the gym/cafeteria floor like your nose is a waterfall." Erica shivered, "Most painful two and a half weeks of school ever!"

I winced, "Yeah, I've seen your picture; you looked like a demon to be honest." Erica looked at me as if I had just punched her so I continued, "Well think about it, you're eyes were blood shot, black underneath, your nose had blood running out of it, and the whole front of your dress looked like you just threw some red paint on it...well brown really since the blood had dried. Not to mention you had cried your eyes out then you had to smile. It's unnatural to see you with tears in your eyes and smiling-"

"Thank you Hailey," Erica interrupted. "I've got the picture though. Anyway, it's a good thing that Philippi hasn't been around. When I went to talk to Erik he mentioned that Anthony had heard about Philippi calling him trash. Anthony spouted so many curses Erik said he sounded worse than a sailor...but when Anthony had heard you fractured his nose he couldn't stop smiling."

Erica and I walked out of the theatre and as we made our way to the dorms we heard singing coming from the Chapel down the hallway. I looked at Erica confused and she began to mock sing, "I know I can't refuse, and yet I wish I could. Oh God, if I agree what horrors wait for me in this, the Phantom's Opera."

I snickered then continued over dramatically, "Christine...Christine, don't think that I don't care. But every hope...and every prayer rests on you now."

Erica and I both lost it, for some reason those lines just made us laugh. We managed to pull ourselves together as Raoul left the Chapel in a rush. Erica began to continue to the dorms but I grabbed her arm, "Wait, I want to talk to Christine."

Erica looked apprehensive but she let me drag her into the chapel. When we entered we saw Christine sitting in the same spot she was in the movie, a fresh set of tears had started. She heard us walk in and ducked her head, "I'm sorry, I was just leaving."

She rose from her sitting position but before she could take a step I said, "If it hurts you this much to betray him, then why do it?"

Erica and Christine both blanched and I laughed, "I'm sorry but I'm tired of everybody ignoring the elephant in the room, figuratively speaking of course. I mean, you always act as if he doesn't exist or he doesn't affect you, when in reality it's obvious that he does. I'm just wondering, why?"

Christine looked confused for a moment, "I don't know. The Phantom has always held a place in my heart...at least when he was my Angel, but when he hurt Raoul I couldn't just stand there and be helpless. I brought a letter opener as a weapon but I never planned on actually using it."

At this I heard Erica groan, whether believing her and hating that Erik was right, or not believing her and thinking her lie was pathetic I didn't know. Christine continued, "I love Raoul. I have no doubt of this, I have loved him since we were children but...the Phantom, he-"

"Wait," Erica interjected. "You have said, 'the Phantom' twice now. Does he not have a name? You of all people have spent the most time with him, surely you would know." At least she was smart enough to act as if we didn't know.

Christine shook her head, "If he does have a name he has never revealed it to me. I do not know how things could have become this crazy, I never meant for any of this to happen and I never meant to hurt anyone."

I sat down beside Christine and left Erica standing there, she seemed to be thinking. I hugged Christine and sighed, "Just do what you think is right...everything will turn out all right in the end." I think.

Christine smiled, a real smile, and then said, "Thank you Hailey, Erica. Erica?"

I turned around and Erica was still staring off into space, she looked like a statue. I sighed and clapped my hands to where it echoed. Erica snapped out of her daze, "I'm sorry. What did you say?"

Christine giggled, "Just thank you; for not shunning me like other people have done, for listening to me, and for making me feel like I actually have a choice."

That's when Erica spoke up, "Of course you have a choice. There is always a choice. No matter how powerful the Phantom thinks he is, he is still human, and he cannot control the world. He can't control free will."

Christine averted her eyes to her hands that were resting in her lap as Erica walked over to us. All of a sudden Christine leapt to her feet and hugged us both. She smiled before saying, "Thank you both so much. I'll see you both later tonight, I have to go get changed."

Christine was about to run out the door when she suddenly turned and said, "Oh Erica, good luck with your aria. Hailey and you as well, break a leg."

I said a quick 'thank you' as Erica nodded her head then added before Christine could dash down the hall, "One more thing Christine, you've heard of true love's kiss, correct?"

Christine looked confused but nodded. Erica continued, "Well, for people who believe in true love's kiss they should also believe in something else. 'A simple kiss can solve everything.'"

Christine giggled, "But that is ridiculous, a simple kiss cannot solve everything."

Erica shrugged, "Just keep thinking about it."

Christine nodded then ran down the hallway, I turned to Erica when she was gone and threw my hands up in the air, "Okay I give up, what was that about?"

Erica fixed her hat, "What, do you honestly think Christine would have come up with this kiss on her own?...Maybe, but highly unlikely. When I think about it, when she did it in the movie I remember thinking, 'wow that was a bit devious.' Think about it now, when has Christine ever been truly devious?"

I nodded and laughed, "True."

We exited the chapel and waited backstage for the show. Erica began to hum quietly then sang softly, "Light up the stage with that aged-old rapport! Sing, Angel of Music, once more-!"

I laughed, "Oh, nice word change."

Erica shrugged, "I thought so, and do you have one you want to add before this nightmare begins?"

I thought for a moment then beamed, "Seal our fate tonight, I hate to have to cut the fun short, but the joke is wearing thin. Let the audience in, let our plan begin-!"

So that's chapter twelve, and chapter thirteen will DEFINITELY be up next Friday, or Monday if I get at least five reviews. Please don't be mad that I haven't updated for two Fridays in a row. I caught the stomach flu on Wednesday and had it for four days straight. School and typing were no go's and last Friday I was on Spring break, but luckily I made HUGE progress concerning where I want this story to go. Oh, Chapter thirteen and chapter fourteen will be the same thing just told in different points of view. First Hailey's, then Erica's. See everybody next Friday.

Google Images: (Should be the first images that appear)

Erica's costume- 'Gold floral lace sash tie strapless dress'

Erica's hat- 'Women with Burgundy hat vector'

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