As much as I'd love to own this beauty, unfortunately I am neither ALW or Gaston Leroux so unfortunately these characters are not mine to own...but for the intended purpose of my story, let's just pretend I do hahaha. Enjoy the second chapter. :)
Angel of Music
Once we squeezed past the crowd, I followed Madame Giry into my new dressing room. She closed the door hastily behind us, clicking her tongue at the admirers lining the entrance and asking a flurry of frantic questions. I waited until she turned, a smile tracing her lips as she stepped forwards. She rested a hand on my shoulder, giving a squeeze. "You did well, my dear." She insisted and a smile touched my face due to her compliment, though I couldn't deny my curiosity on what my angel thought. Madame Giry turned away before I could utter the words, heading over to a dressing table. "He is pleased with you." She turned back, holding a single red rose, tied loosely with his signature black ribbon. With a smile, she handed it to me before departing swiftly and leaving me with my many jumbled thoughts.
I fumbled towards the dressing table seat, continuing to address the rose as though this time was different from any other time my maestro had gifted me after a performance.
It brought on a flurry of emotions, despite the familiarity of this gift.
Of course I was delighted; to finally be able to make my father proud but the longer I began to think about my angel, the stranger the situation felt. He would appear whenever I needed him most and I couldn't fight back the feeling that my maestro wasn't quite the angelic-being he first appeared to be.
"Little Lottie…let her mind wander." A familiar voice invaded my thoughts and my fingers stilled against the rose, my eyes remaining on the silken petals. I must have surely been dreaming, for it had been years since I heard that voice!
The sound of the door closing caught my attention and I peeked towards it, feeling a smile flourish my face at the surprise of my childhood friend before me. He looked just the same as he always had, though more handsome, his features more matured. His bronze brown hair was swept back neatly and my breath caught when I spotted the beautiful boutique of flowers nestled in his arms. A smile traced his lips as he moved into the room.
"Little Lottie thought, am I fonder of dolls or of goblins or shoes…" he recalled our childish tales told to one another and I sighed at the memory.
"Raoul…" I whispered his name back, still in shock. He raised an eyebrow, settling down the flowers on a nearby table. It had been too long that we had seen one another and with his sudden entrance, it brought back so many fond memories. "Or of riddles or frocks…" he continued, a sincere smile still playing at the edges of his lips as he moved closer and I beamed back.
"Those picnics in the attic." I played along, plagued with all those memories at once. It was a bittersweet feeling; I'd always missed Raoul but it also brought so many memories of father back. I missed him so much more. "Or of chocolates…" his voice replied softly, bringing me out of my dwelling thoughts.
A faint smile touched my lips again, my fingers tracing my skirt as I recalled another fond memory. "Father playing the violin…" I chewed on my bottom ip, trying not to reside too much on the past. Raoul was here and I didn't want to overshadow our reunion with melancholy thoughts. He sighed softly as he knelt in front of me, a smile remaining on his face. "As we read to each other dark stories of the north," he recalled.
I giggled childishly, knowing what was next. "No what I love best, Lottie said, is when I'm asleep in my bed and the angel of music sings songs in my head…the angel of music sings songs in my head." I sung; his sweet voice joining in. He was exactly how I remembered my dear childhood friend to be.
"You sung like an angel tonight." He complimented me and I ducked my head to hide the sudden warmth of my cheeks before smiling fondly at a particular memory. "Father said…when I'm in heaven child, I will send you the angel of music to you…well father is dead Raoul, and I have been visited by the angel of music." I sat forwards in my chair, twisting my hands together as we shared a fond smile.
"Oh, no doubt about it!" Raoul smiled as he prepared to stand. "And now, we'll go to supper." He stated, making his way back towards the door.
I rushed up from my place at the dressing table too quickly, consequently stumbling over a little as my hand caught the edge of the desk. "N-no Raoul, the angel of music is very strict." I warned him.
He turned back at the door, his bright laughter ringing through the dressing room, mocking a once-childish fairytale. "Well I shan't keep you up late."
"Raoul, no-"
"You must change, I'll order my carriage." He insisted, nodding towards my costume. "Two minutes, little Lottie."
"No Raoul, wait-" I begged, stepping forwards to halt him but he was gone, slamming the door behind him and disappearing into the night. I sighed, a sudden chill driving its way down my spine. The room suddenly felt colder and I found my arms wrapping around my waist as I treaded towards the door, reaching out for the handle.
A gasp escaped me at the sound of the candle on the dressing table being snuffed out and I spun, my eyes catching the smoky aftereffects of the candle as the room descended into darkness. I shivered again, turning towards the door, when a booming voice echoed into the darkness.
"Insolent boy! This slave of fashion, basking in your glory!" The voice echoed; the anger and frustration so much more potent in that angelic voice. "Ignorant fool! This brave young suitor, sharing in my triumph!"
"Angel, I hear you!" I cried, stepping forwards and glancing around the room as though he would somehow appear to me. I knew it was foolish to think in such a way but I still couldn't help it. "Speak, I listen…stay by my side, guide me!" I begged, the very thought of him abandoning me now frightening me so. "Angel, my soul was weak- forgive me. Enter at last, master!"
"Flattering child, you shall know me. See why in shadow, I hide." The voice whispered softly and my eyes flickered around the room, trying to find a sign of my master's presence but I found nothing. "Look at your face in the mirror…I am there inside!"
My eyes flickered towards the mirror at the side of the room and my breath caught as my eyes locked onto the beautiful face of my angel. In the back of my mind, I barely caught the lullaby of his voice, lulling me further towards him.
"I am your angel of music…come to me: angel of music."
I slipped towards him, my eyes catching sight of a hand, concealed under a black leather glove, an unspoken invitation and with a flick of my hand, I accepted…
Out of curiosity, would anyone appreciate reading a few unseen outtakes through the movie? I have a few ideas and a possible alternative version of the movie so was wondering if people wanted to see where I sent with that rather than just focusing on my insight into the movie? :) As always reviews are like stardust to me, so please tell me how you think I'm getting along so far! :)
