Hello Everyone, I hope you all are having a good week! Sorry this is late but my week has been crazy busy with lots of rehearsals but oh well! So I am so excited for this chapter, what happens in this chapter is actually the first idea I had of this story then the rest kind of fell along!
Thank you all for the reviews and newbornphanatic thank you so much for pointing that out, I honestly had no clue haha! That was really useful so thank you! And yeah May totally brought out a different side of Erik there but pretty soon you're going to see Erik and May's relationship evolve a little more so that's just slightly a hint into it I guess!
Ok so here is Chapter 17, I hope you all like it and please review! Thanks so much!(:
She took a deep breath in attempting to calm her nerves. The red curtains were drawn shut and white powder faced performers began filling the stage. Trembling all over she scanned her eyes across the cat walks above her and the wings of the stage to either side. No sign of Erik. Weather that was good or not, she did not know.
Suddenly bursting forth in a flash of pinks and gems, Carlotta came bounding onto the stage looking as irritated as ever and hollering incoherent words to the many people flocking around her. To May's fear she was dressed as the countess. Shyly following after her was Christine in her Pageboy attire. Oh no! She thought.
Her trembling increased.
"Places everyone!" a voice yelled from stage left. As she pranced off the stage May quickly made eye contact with Christine who was being pulled stage right by Meg. In that split second of locked eyes May could see the fear in Christine's brown orbs, instantly making her fear stronger. She thought over every possible disaster Erik could cause once he see's Christine and it frightened her. Attempting to breathe deeply and calm herself May smoothed out her dress, placed her white bonnet upon her head and took hold of her lavish pink feather duster prop. With a jump May gasped as the music began unexpectedly.
Watching closely the red curtains were pulled open and the audience clapped with joy as the Confidante and Epicene Women pranced out onto the stage with their horrid bright make up and extremely lavish gowns. The music swelled and as she gave one quick cough and took a breath May frolicked onto the stage with a huge smile on her face.
Foolishly making her way to her spot before the excessive bed within the scene, which was now occupied by Carlotta and Christine, May was struck with an even more intense fear as she glanced into the audience. Every seat was filled and she knew that at least one person had their eyes glued to her. Pushing her fears aside she playfully dusted the bed and set around her with a humorous pucker to her lips.
The opera began:
They say that this youth
Has set my lady's
Heart Aflame!
Playfully being chased by a male performer, she quickly made her way to her new spot beside Meg and the three Epicene Women.
From the instant May step foot on the stage, Jack could not stop smiling. May looked stunning onstage, with her over the top costume and silly bonnet that seemed too big for her. His eyes were always upon the smiling girl, he could hardly focus on the opera itself.
As the opera continued Carlotta began to sing and the boisterous Piangi burst forth from the wings with his ridiculous make up and costume. From her spot down stage left May watched the two wail away; it was a rather funny scene to behold and May was trying her hardest not to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. After Piangi's character left the scene, Christine quickly threw all of her skirts and her bonnet to May revealing her pageboy attire. May quickly ran backstage to set the costume down.
Carlotta continued to sing:
Poor Fool he makes me laugh
Ha Ha
Ha Ha
Anxiety was creeping through May as the first chorus approached. She tightly gripped her feather dusters and took her position.
Poor fool he dosen't know
Ho Ho Ho Ho…
If he knew the truth
He'd never ever go!
The scene was abruptly stopped by a familiar voice; a voice as dark as the night but as smooth as lace, a voice that has laughed and a voice that has cried, a voice that made May shake all over when it speaks her name. It was Erik.
"Did I not instruct that Box Five was to be kept empty!" he bellowed.
His voice seemed to be coming from everywhere; it was up, it was down, it was beside May and it was beside Jack. It surrounded Christine and it cursed the Vicomte. Turning in every direction searching for his cat like golden eyes or stark white mask, May could not find him. She was trembling all over.
"He's here, the Phantom of the Opera!" Meg yelled as she too searched.
May glanced quickly at Christine; she was rooted in her spot staring up towards the grand chandelier that hung beautifully over the audiences heads. All color was drained from her face as she spoke softly. "It's him... I know it… it's him…"
Attempting to run up to Christine May was suddenly blocked by Carlotta and her many layers of pink fabric that cascaded off her body.
"Your part is silent, little toad!" she shouted at the girl. Christine retreated back and turned towards May. The two stared at each other not knowing what to do. Christine could sense that May was equally as scared as her, but did not know how or why.
The voice rang out again. "A toad, Madame? Perhaps it is you who are the toad…"
Carlotta was fuming with anger and embarrassment. Turning quickly to Monsieur Reyer in the orchestra pit, she yelled a bunch of incoherent words and the music flared once more. Dazed and distracted the performers were quickly jolted back to reality as they heard the music. Everyone quickly scurried to their appropriate blocking for the scene as Carlotta began again.
Sarafimo, away with this pretense!
You cannot speak, but
Kiss me in my….."
What happened next was completely unexpected and terrifying. Replacing the word husbands, Carlotta let out a loud croak as if imitating a frog. Everyone on stage froze as they stared at the frightened singer holding her throat. The audience laughed believing it was part of the opera.
Poor Fool he makes me laugh
Ha ha
Ha ha….
More croaking followed, Carlotta was shrieking in rage and complete embarrassment.
"Behold," cried the voice again, "She is singing to bring down the Chandelier!"
Terrified the music stopped and the cast dashed to the wings as the red curtains closed shut.
May was pacing behind the curtains as she coughed and shook. Andre and Firmin the two managers were rambling on to the audience. May watched as Andre broke through the curtains pulling Christine to the front. May ran forward to hear what they were saying.
" ….. The role of the Countess will be played by Miss. Daae," the audience clapped. Andre pushed her back through the curtains instructing her to get dressed. Suddenly May caught his eye.
"You, ballet girl, come here," he said pointing towards her. May quickly ran to him. "You will be playing the pageboy, now go get ready for the ballet," he said franticly
"Yes sir," was all she could say as she ran to her dressing room. Quickly slamming the door behind her, May ran to get her ballet costume and stopped quickly. I am the pageboy, she told herself over and over again, oh god, I can't I can't do it." She wanted to cry but she had no time to. There was a knock at her door.
"Come in," she yelled as she began unlacing the back of her dress. The door opened softly and in came Madame Hennay the nicest of all costume ladies. When May saw her she gave her a huge smile.
"Oh May dear we have to get you ready quickly, the ballet is already beginning." She told her.
"It is?!" she exclaimed. Luckily, being the shepherdess May did not come on right away with the other ballerina's so she had some time.
Madame Hennay quickly helped her out of her extravagant dress and into her pretty ballerina one. She had no time to fix her hair and no time to properly rap her feet so her shoes would not injure her. Giving Madame Hennay a huge thank you, May bolted to the stage, pushing through person after person.
She had no time to stop and collect herself, right when she reached the stage the music swelled and it was time for her entrance. Running on May instantly winced at the pain in her feet due to her improper preparation, but she was able to smile through the pain.
The ballet was going fairly smoothly. May's mind was full of thoughts and fear as she imagined what Erik might due when he sees her as the Pageboy. She was scared to perform, she knew that the role she was taking over was portrayed as a mute, but she was still scared.
Watching May closely as she danced, Jack pondered over whom the voice that just rang out could belong to. At first he believed it was just part of the opera but after hearing the Giry girl cry out about the Phantom, he began to believe it was truly him. He was frightened for May.
As she elegantly danced and twirled around the stage the audience was drawn into May. Her light green dress looked lovely upon her and her dancing was entrancing. Finally the part she had been inwardly dreading was coming sooner than wanted.
As the orchestra began to swell, the ballet was quickly coming to an end. As the rest of the ballerina's danced May was preparing for her final spin fearing it greatly. She successfully made her way into it, the intensity of the music kept growing and growing and so was May's confidence in what she was doing. Her feet hurt and her throat burned but she was able to push all aside as she focused on what she was doing. Faster and faster she spun as the music kept growing, all was going well.
Suddenly a great cough worked its way into May's lungs and as she let it out she lost her balance and fell to the floor on her side. A splitting pain instantly shot up her hip making her wince in pain. As she lay on the ground all she could hear were screams of terror and absolute horror coming from the ballet girls and the audience. Confused and frankly dizzy May followed everyone's eyes upward and screamed.
Dangling a few feet in front of her was the horrid stage hand Joseph Buquet.
Completely terrified May dragged herself away from the hanging corpse and onto her feet. By the time she stood her and the body were the only two onstage and she watched as Monsieur Andre and Monsieur Firmin franticly attempted to quiet the audience explaining how it was an accident.
Tears raced down her cheeks as she ran, the image of Joseph Buqet's body piercing her mind. She hadn't realized that she ran past her dressing room, she kept running trying to find safety and condolence in an unknown place. Rounding a corner May found herself trapped at a dark dead end. Not knowing what to do she sank to the ground pulling her knees to her chest and sobbed.
She knew Erik had done this, she knew that now he was branded as a murder, and she knew that he was satisfied with himself. She desperately tried to hate him for it but couldn't find it in her heart to do so. She felt sick as she imagined Erik with his wicked grin smiling down at the corpse hanging from the catwalks. Would he ever truly feel pity or shame for causing such a disaster, or would he always remain fulfilled and pleased with the murder he had caused. May thought about the situation deeper. Tears falling harder now she wondered if he would ever kill her; she was terrified of this man now, he had such power and strength against her that at the flick of a finger he could be holding her lifeless corpse in his blood stained hands. Would he be happy then or would he be forced into a miserable depression over the loss of his one true friend.
Racing through the crowds of horrified people, Jack searched and searched for May. He quickly ran to her dressing room and flung the door open but upon entering he realized it was vacant. He ran now past all of the dressing rooms and past all of the costume and make up rooms. Swiftly he sprinted past a dark hallway thinking nothing of it; suddenly something grabbed his attention. The soft sound of muffled crying came from the hallway, he cautiously turned around and entered into it being engulfed by the blackness. The crying became louder as he approached a shadow. The shadow seemed to be the outline of a young girl; he sighed with relief.
"May?" he questioned to the shadow softly.
May peered up and through the darkness she was able to see the deep blue eyes of her beloved Jack. She quickly stood and lunged towards him yelling his name. Jack wrapped his arms around her tightly as the young girl cried into his shoulder.
"May darling, it's alright I'm here." He ran his fingers through her hair softly trying to calm her as she cried.
"Jack, don't let me go, please don't let me go." She sobbed
"I won't, I'm right here, it is alright."
"No it's not alright, he's going to kill me, he will kill me!"
Jack looked down at her curiously and fearful. "Who's going to kill you darling?"
"He's going to kill me!" she didn't answer his question. Jack was worried. He had no idea what May was talking about, he believed that part of the reason for her nonsense was due to being sick but he didn't want to be too quick to assume.
"May, you will not be killed, I promise. Now we must get you back to your dressing room." He wiped her tears softly
"No he will find me there." She cried.
"I will be right with you, do not worry, nothing will harm you." He tried to get her to move but she wouldn't budge; she stood and simply cried. Jack knew he had to get her back so she could get ready for the rest of the opera but she would not move. "Ok, come here." He said soothingly. He quickly lifted May into his arms in a bridal position. He was surprised by how light she was. May continued crying as she buried her face into Jack's shoulder dampening the dark fabric of his jacket with her heavy tears. Jack began to walk to May's dressing room weaving in and out of the many people crowding the halls.
Once inside May's tears had stopped slightly, and Jack set her down upon her vanity stool as he kneeled in front of her taking her hands. "May you need to begin getting ready; they are relying on you for this, ok. I promise everything will be fine." He spoke softly as he wiped the remainder of the tears from May's eyes.
Jack felt completely helpless as he stared at the girl. Buqet's death had obviously scared her too much, and her cold must be causing her to overreact. He stared into her blue green orbs and all for the first time all he could see was sadness and fear penetrating there beautiful glow. It hurt him to see her like this.
"Jack I can't do it," she replied pathetically.
"Yes you can darling," he reached his hand up to touch her cheek. "I know you can." Leaning forward he set a soft kiss to her forehead. There was a sudden knock at the door.
May quickly wiped her eyes. "Come in" she said softly.
Madame Hennay once again entered. "I have your costume dear." She said with a smile as she held out the pageboy attire May was to wear.
May nervously glanced from Madame Hennay to Jack.
Jack spoke softly. "I must leave you to get changed," he began.
"No Jack don't leave, please." She begged as she grabbed hold of his jacket.
"May, I must."
"NO!" she shouted.
Jack took in a deep breath. "I will be right outside the door waiting for you, when you are done just call for me and I will come back in." he told her.
May didn't say a word; she simply nodded with tears in her eyes. Jack gave her a light smile as he stood and slowly left the room. The door shut with a click and May instantly felt alone.
"Oh dear, don't be so worried, you will do beautify." Madame Hennay told her. "Now then why don't you take off those ballet shoes…" she paused. "May, what happened?" she questioned glancing at the girl's feet.
May worriedly glanced at her feet and saw the crimson appearance of blood staining her soft pink pointe shoes. She gasped as she began so take them off. Because of not having her feet properly wrapped May's toes had begun to bleed staining the soft fabric of the slippers.
She looked up at Madame Hennay. "I'm alright I just forgot to properly bandage my feet."
Madame Hennay gave a small sigh of relief then approached the girl to help her into her new costume.
The remainder of the opera was going smoothly. Once May was finally dressed Jack came back into her dressing room and calmed her down. The two then walked to the stage and as he gave May a final good luck and a bright smile, he left to return to his seat in the audience.
May was enjoying herself as she played this new character; she found that the audience seemed to be enjoying her as well. They would laugh and clap for her whenever she would do something funny, making May smile brighter and continue what she was doing. She was also enjoying playing a role alongside of Christine. Christine seemed to be a lot calmer now and happier in a way. In between scenes she would joke around with May in the wings and tell foolish stories. May was confused by her sudden change of emotion and demeanor.
As the audience clapped with joy over the final scene May and Christine ran off stage to get ready for curtain call. Once in the wings Christine began to laugh at nothing making May slightly laugh.
"Christine, what has you suddenly so happy like this?" she asked
"Oh May it is wonderful truly wonderful!" she gawked
"What is?"
Christine glanced around them before coming closer to May.
"You mustn't tell anybody but Raoul has asked me to marry him." She replied with joy.
NO! Was all she could think. May thought of how much Erik hated the Vicomte and how much he loved Christine. There was no way that he did not know about this engagement. Her fear from earlier quickly returned to her causing her to shake again. Before May could respond she was pushed on stage to take her bow.
She pranced out slowly and worriedly. When she reached the center of the stage she gave a cautious curtsey as the audience applauded her loudly, then moved to the side as Christine came out to bow with a huge smile painted across her lips.
The audience went wild with joy as Christine curtseyed, flowers were thrown in her direction and cheers were given off by boisterous men. Watching Christine be praised May hardly noticed the deafening shriek coming from the ballet girls behind her.
Snapping out of her haze May looked up as she noticed the giant chandelier above the audience shaking. Everyone began to scream and run in horror when suddenly the chandelier broke forth from its wiring swinging down towards the stage in the exact direction of Christine and May. Acting quickly May pulled the stunned Christine out of the way as the chandelier came crashing down in the spot where they stood only moments ago. The two girls fell to the ground beside each other, turning away from the massive light as shards of glace broke forth and threatened to attack them. Both screamed in fear, then sat up staring at each other with intense fear.
May knew Christine had to get away or else Erik would get her. She quickly pulled the girl to her feet and spoke quickly.
"Christine, run!" she yelled over the terrified screams of everyone.
"Why!" she hollered back
"He will find you, GO!" as she watched Christine run she realized what she had just said. He she thought to herself. He she stated again, she realized that now Christine would know that she knew him as well.
May was suddenly taken over by her horrid coughing stinging her throat. She swiftly turned and stared at the chandelier upon the stage. As she stared she realized that if she had not moved in time she would be dead lying limp beneath the many layers of beads and metal that made up the chandelier
A heated hatred burned in her stomach as she realized that Erik had nearly killed her. She began feeling dizzy and confused thinking about it and before she could stop herself her feet burst into action and she was running.
She ran through the many halls of the opera house, swerving through shrieking crowds of people. She was feeling completely light headed as she went along and although her vision kept going in and out of complete blackness she still ran, stumbling along.
She quickly rounded a corner and to her surprise she ran directly into someone. Whoever she ran into was now holding her and against their strong body and as the persons voice rang out she knew who it was.
"May, thank god you are alright." It was Jack. She glanced up at him cautiously, needing to get away.
"Jack I have to go," she stated coldly.
"What… May wait!" he shouted as she wriggled out of his grip and ran down the hall. She quickly turned back and yelled towards him.
"I'm sorry!"
She was out of his sight.
Clutching tightly to the walls of the catacombs May clumsily made her way to the lake streaming into Erik's home. Not thinking she took the way she was instructed not to but didn't run into any danger.
As she turned the corner walking slowly along the ledge of the wall May finally spotted his lair. As quietly as possible she made her way towards it. As the lair completely came into sight May spotted Erik sitting with his back to her at the organ. She glared at him angrily.
Trying not to make a noise she began to step across the plank of wood strategically placed to walk across the lake easily, a loud and sudden cough rang out of May's lungs. Her hands flew to her mouth as she tried to quiet herself. Her eyes quickly flew to Erik, watching him stiffen then slowly turn to her.
"You know, if you're trying to sneak up on me it is not going to work, I could hear you coming from miles away." He said annoyed. He stood and slowly paced down towards the lake with his hands in his pockets. He was dressed impeccably in a crisp suit.
Something inside of May snapped as she ran across the plank directly up to Erik hitting him hardly against the shoulder.
"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!" she shouted.
Erik was taken back, "Did you just say hell?" he responded amusedly.
"Yes I did and I am prepared to say it a million more times!" she was fuming with anger. "Do you realize what you have done?" she questioned angrily.
"No," he stated sarcastically.
"For the love of god Erik, you killed a man!" she screamed.
"He deserved to die!" he shouted back. May's anger was growing stronger and stronger inside of her.
"Nobody deserves to die Erik,"
Erik stared at her blankly. This is a side of May he had never seen before. He couldn't decide if he enjoyed it or thoroughly hated it.
"Do you realize what you are?" she questioned. Erik did not respond. "You're a murderer Erik, a murderer. A DAMNED MURDERER!" hot tears began to sting her eyes. She still felt dizzy and she noticed she was shaking once again but she didn't care.
"You don't think I know that?" Erik hollered back.
"Then why did you do it?" May asked as her tears began to flow.
Erik did not know how to respond. He simply couldn't respond. He just stood completely numb in front of the young girl.
"Do you also realize that you almost killed someone else tonight?" she questioned. Erik looked at her confused. "Erik you almost killed Christine."
Erik took a step back. The impact of her words hit him hard. He knew that when the chandelier fell it would hit the stage but he did not realize that it would come mere inches from Christine. It made him feel sick realizing that he nearly killed the love of his life tonight. If he had killed her, he would never be able to live with the guilt. He would never be able to live.
May smiled wickedly as she realized that she finally broke him. "Christine could be dead right now Erik, luckily for you I pulled her away before it could hit us…" she paused. "Us…" she stated again blankly in disbelief. The sudden realization of her possible death hit her again as she stared up at Erik. "I was standing right beside her," she said slowly, "I could be dead." She looked at her feet. "You could have killed me." She said softly.
May stared blankly at the ground for a long while. "May?" Erik questioned carefully.
"You could have killed me," she said again still staring. "You could have KILLED ME!" she screamed as she broke her stare lunging towards Erik shoving him harshly.
Erik felt shamed by what he had done. Not only did he almost kill his love but he almost killed his most dear friend. Tears threatened to pierce his eyes as he watched May cry and crumble to her knees. Erik stared at her as she sobbed and coughed kneeling inches away from him.
Through her thick tears she was quietly able to speak. "W-why would you do that Erik?"
No response.
She quickly wiped her tears standing. "I know why," she said harshly, "Because you're STUPID!" She ran towards him hitting him again on the shoulder.
"Stupid, stupid Erik, only ever thinking of himself and no one else,"
She kept repeatedly hitting him with a strength she didn't know she had. Erik stood there and gladly took each hit without any pain or hurt, knowing that he deserved it after what he had done.
"I could be dead Erik, but you don't care, because you're stupid." She hit him again as her anger grew. "You are a horrible," one hit, "evil," another "murderous," another, "MONSTER!" she gave one last hit and collapsed against his chest crying.
Her hot tears burned through his clothing as her words echoed through his mind. Evil, murderous, monster… monster, monster, monster. He could not get her voice out of his head as she cursed him with such a horrid name. In his lifetime he had been called that name more than once and he had been called names even worse than that, but hearing May say it broke him completely. He finally let out the tears that he had kept in for too long.
May held herself against his chest taking in his warmth and musky scent. Her tears dampened his smooth coat and she could feel his heart beating quickly. With a shaky hand she reached up and touched his chest hesitantly. Her hand pressed to the material of his jacket and she felt him stiffen and tremble beneath it. With her shaking fingers she traced incoherent patterns upon his jacket, feeling the strength of his chest beneath her.
Erik looked down at the girl as her fingers roamed over his jacket. She seemed almost dazed as she pressed herself to him. Suddenly she drew her hand back and slowly glanced up to meet his eyes. At first they showed a soft longing but as soon as she locked her eyes upon his golden ones a strong anger and hatred flashed through them.
"You're so stupid!" she said as she pushed Erik away from her returning to their fight.
May glared at Erik cursing his monstrous ways. But suddenly tears began to flow again in a stream of confusion and rage. She let out a loud cough as she once again crumpled to the ground.
Erik was beyond confused by what was happening to the girl, her emotions seemed to be toying harshly on her and he realized it must be because of whatever sickness she was facing.
"May…" he said softly as he began to walk towards her with an outstretched arm.
The girl quickly recoiled from his touch. "Don't touch me!" she cried. She stood on shaking legs. "Please just don't come any closer."
Erik stood completely still as he watched her. He spoke slowly "May, what's happening to you?" he concernedly questioned.
"What's happening to me," she snapped. "No, what's happening to you Erik?" Erik looked at her sadly. "What happened to the Erik who generously sewed my bag back together, what happened to the Erik who let me sleep on his couch because I foolishly dozed off? What happened to the Erik who-who star gazed with me until I forgot about my bad dream? What happened to the Erik who jokingly said that he would pin me to the ground and force medicine down my throat just to get me to feel better? Where is that Erik?"
He didn't respond.
"Whenever I looked at you I would see music, and a man of true amazement. Now all I see is this murderous beast with no heart, or sense of anything. WHERE ARE YOU ERIK!" she yelled at him as her tears fell.
He acted too quickly. "That Erik is gone; if what you see is this horrid monster with no heart or consideration than that my dear is what you will get." He moved upon her grabbing her arms harshly. "Instead of wallowing in the past be happy I didn't kill you; be thankful that your common sense was able to get you out of your death situation. May wriggled in his grip crying out. "This is the monster that has come to be the Erik you know this is the monster that will always be the Erik you know. I am a monster Maygen, a killing Monster, a stupid killing monster, so quickly flee from me while you can. LEAVE ME WHILE YOU STILL HAVE YOUR LIFE!" he was mocking her harshly.
As he finally let go of the girl she sprinted away from him. Watching her for a moment he quickly retreated away from the area and into a room May had never seen before.
Tears streamed down her face as she ran towards the lake trying to flee from the beast that Erik had unleashed. She quickly ran across the plank of wood and onto the un-sturdy ledge against the wall. She began to run. As she quickly got only a short distance away from the lair, part of the old ledge broke loose crumbling into pieces within the lake. The ground underneath her gave out and May quickly slipped into the dark water giving out a loud yell.
Frigid ice cold water surrounded her and captured her in its grip as she forced herself to swim upward out of its barrier. Breaking through the water and into the fresh air May could hardly move due to the coldness engulfing her. Her teeth chattered and her body shook from head to toe as she forced herself to swim back towards the ledge. She was violently coughing now due to water that had unexpectedly entered her lungs as she took the plunge.
Quickly she made it to the wall gasping through the bitter cold that surrounded her. As she threw her arm against the ledge clutching it tightly she let out a loud scream as her numb arm hit against the hard rock. Tears threatened to escape her eyes but they seemed to freeze before even daring to exit.
Gathering up every ounce of strength she had she began to kick at the wall trying to find a way to force herself up and out of the water. After struggling for some time her right foot came in contact with something and she attempted to put all of her weight on it as she forced herself up. Surprisingly the object on which she was standing upon collapsed downward as she leaned forcing her back into the water. The object on which she stood was a lever and as soon as it was turned down a trap was triggered and something heavy and tight latched itself upon May's left right ankle.
There was a heavy weight tugging at her foot as it began to pull her down, submerging her into the darkness of the water again. Fighting like crazy May screamed and kicked as she tried to get free but nothing would work. She was struggling to keep her head above water and before she could end that struggle she let out one last cry, then took one last breath of fresh air and sank down into the lake disappearing out of sight.
He heard her cry, her final cry of horror and pain.
"ERIK!" she yelled, then silence. Not knowing what was happening he burst out of his room and ran towards the sound of the cry.
He froze as he reached the lake. He watched with horror as a young girl slipped out of view into the horridly freezing waters of the lake.
"MAYGAN!" he screamed as he realized what was happening. She was caught in his trap; his own foolish trap that was drowning her.
Acting swiftly he threw off his jacket and raced across the plank of wood set across the lake diving into cold water.
It stung at first as it cold consumed him but as he broke to the surface with a huge gasp he didn't care. All he could think of was May. Taking an immense breath in, he dove down towards the bottom of the lake searching desperately for May. The water stung his eyes, and he could feel his body going into shock from the intense cold. It was so dark he could barely see anything. Running out of breath he quickly broke to the surface again, and then dove back down.
He swam deeper down this time franticly turning in every direction. Suddenly he saw her. She was surrounded by the floating fabrics of the many skirts and layers that made up her costume. Erik swam to her franticly. Reaching her he realized that she seemed to be unconscious and not breathing; he began to panic. He swam down towards her foot to untangle her from the trap she was in. A tight metal cuff was bound to her ankle; the cuff was attached to a long chain that leads to a heavy weight.
Erik forcefully tugged at the chair trying to break it, but it was too strong. He began to kick at it. Finally it broke and as quickly as he could he grabbed the unconscious May forcing her into his arms and swam as fast as possible to the surface.
As the fresh air hit his face he let out a loud cry as he took in quick sharp breaths. He glanced down at May then laced his arm under her arms and began to swim towards the shore. He was completely exhausted by the time he reached his destination, as he crawled onto the hard bank of the lake he practically threw May out of the water.
Dragging himself forward he collapsed by her side panting like crazy and shaking all over from extreme cold. Pulling together all of his energy he quickly brought himself to his knees and hovered over May as he turned her on her back. The color was completely drained form her face and her lips seemed to have a light blue appearance to them. Her hair fell in a damp heap behind her, and ankle bled a little wear the metal cuff was attached.
Erik set his cold fingers lightly against her throat checking for any sign of a pulse.
Nothing.
He moved to her wrist. He was able to make out the slightest pulse, but her heart was barely beating. He didn't know what to do, he was in complete shock and hated himself for letting this happen. He did not want to lose May. He began to cry.
"May, please don't leave me," he grabbed her lightly by the waist pulling her to his chest. As he clutched to her tightly he feared he would actually lose her, and that she would die in his arms at that very moment. As he held her tighter he realized something. He laid the girl back down and stared at the laced bodice of her dress. He began to rip at it, pulling the lacing away. Once it was fully apart he saw it.
She was wearing a corset. Damned contraption! He cursed to himself as he began to rip at it as well. His fingers moved quickly as the lacing was pulled away and he quickly yanked it open exposing her light pink chemise.
As soon as the material was opened a large cough heaved from May's lungs. Erik quickly turned her over as she violently coughed. The water that was being held in her lungs poured out as she coughed. As Erik watched he couldn't help but smile as he see that May was quickly brought back to life.
As her coughing subsided, Erik moved closer to May as she lay back down on her back staring at the ceiling emotionless. Her teeth chattered and her limbs spassmed as she shook like crazy. She was going into shock from the cold. Erik spoke to her softly as he tried to calm her.
"You're going to be alright, I promise…" May looked up at him. "I promise."
May simply stared at Erik expressionless the entire time. Her shaking became more rapid. He needed to get her warm quickly. Erik hurriedly took hold of her and wrapped her in his arms. He raced her over to the red couch she so often fell asleep on and sat her down as he ran to retrieve blankets.
Returning to the girl, he realized he too shook, but he pushed his own self out of his mind as he draped blanket after blanket over May. Her expression did not change; she still stared at Erik with such a blank look in her eyes. Erik knelt down before her staring into her lost eyes.
"May your safe now, you will be alright." He said with fear in his voice.
Without breaking from her distant stare, May reached up a shaking hand and spoke quietly and unsurely.
"E-Erik?" she asked as her hand came to rest on the bare right side of his face.
Uh OH! Yay that was exciting! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, sorry again for being so late. Please review! Thanks so much!(: