Me: Here is one of my favorite chapters of this story!
Erik: *nods* Yes, you did spend an enormous amount of time coming up with this chapter and making me look human.
Me: Erik whether you like it or not you are human
Erik: *grumbles* unfortunately
Me *rolls eyes* Anyways hope you guys like this chapter and remember to comment and review.
Erik's P.O.V
As soon as I pulled away, Elena fainted. I stood there paralyzed, yet somehow I manage to carry Elena to my bedroom. I placed her on the bed and tucked her in, and then I went to the other side of my bed and settled my arms around Elena's waist. Finally, I was forgiven.
(The Next Morning)
I woke up rather early but content to see Elena sleeping in my arms… No! I shouldn't think like that she is my student and friend! A good friend! A good friend with an amazing figure, what am I thinking?! I then observed her sleeping. Her breathing was normal, the way she was positioned I could hear her heartbeat. Thump-thump thump-thump thump.
I smiled as I saw Elena's mouth parted slightly. I then adjusted myself again while not disturbing Elena and stroked her hair for a long time. I then closed my eyes briefly and just as I was about to fall asleep again Elena started to wake. She moved a bit and then looked up at me. I smiled at her and she smiled back.
"Good morning Elena," I said as I pressed her to my chest.
"Buenos dias Erik… what time is it?" she asked while closing her eyes.
"Six about to be seven, I dare say Elena shouldn't you be at rehearsals?"
"Today is Sunday, Erik. There aren't any rehearsals. For an opera ghost you don't seem to know much of the schedules," she joked.
"I do know the schedule it's just that I didn't keep time of things since you left… I'm sorry for all that happened Elena… You were right I know nothing of you."
"Erik, I didn't mean to burst out like that I-"
"You had all your right to do that, however I want to know everything about you Elena. I want to get to know you. Will you let me, please?"
"Then I have no choice do I?" Elena replied as she adjusted herself in the bed.
I looked at her and noticed her featured to detail, they were not that of a Spaniard in Madrid or Gallegos.
"Elena, where exactly are you from?" I asked.
"I'm from Granada, Spain. I lived near the beach with my family… Where are you from Erik?"
"I'm not sure but I am French. What day were you born?"
"December 21 1873 and you, what day were you born?"
"I don't know… all I know is the year I was born. 1868," I answered. Elena furrowed her brow.
"That's awful! How about we make you an actually birthday?" she suggested.
"That sounds interesting. Although October 31 sounds like a reasonable day don't you think?" I joked.
"I'm being serious Erik!" Elena playfully scowled me, "Let's find some characteristics that fit to a season. What do you like to do on your spare time?"
"I like to compose music as well as operas. I also like to sit by the fire and read a book, not just any book a good book," I answered.
"Really? And what out door activities do you enjoy?"
"I really don't go out much, but when I actually do I usually go horseback riding or take a stroll around a garden on a cold day. I do not dance much and I'm not really a social person."
"One last question… Do you like cold or hot temperatures?" Elena inquired.
"In all honesty, I like cold climates. I usually go out during those times and when I see all around me I see the snow and how beautiful it blankets the earth," I declared.
"Well, Erik you were probably born in a snowy winter day. So your birthday from now on will be on December 23 1868 and you are 31 about to 32. How does that sound?" Elena requested, "I personally like it."
"I like it more because it shows that someone actually wants to celebrate my birth… thank you Elena," I tenderly whispered, "however, I still want to get to know you so I shall continue."
"And here I thought I unfocused the infamous Phantom of the Opera from his interrogation!" Elena teased.
"My dear even a beauty like yourself cannot distract the Phantom of the Opera from achieving his goal!" I said while playfully being menacing.
"Alright notorious opera ghost ask away, I am like an open book," Elena claimed.
"Okay, do you have any brothers or sisters?" I asked.
Elena's smile disappeared and her look was forlorn. She then shook her head and answered. "Yes, I have a brother he's studying in one of the top schools and I have not written to him in a while. Although I have a feeling he is doing well. It's only him and I."
"So, what about your family? Your parents?" I asked.
"My parents… My mother was a kind, compassionate, generous, and beautiful woman. My father is a proud, handsome, strong, stubborn, traditional, yet gentle man. Both of them together seemed to be like fire and rain… they sometimes drove each other insane but they couldn't stay mad at each other. They were like Orpheus and Eurydice, Duke Orsino and Viola, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, or Enjolras and his love for patria. Their love was full of passion and love; it was the perfect marriage. The marriage I keep envisioning mine to be. I have a lot of uncles and aunts and my grandparents are still alive so I have a chance to live up to 80 years old… Next question."
"You're very well read Elena, what is your favorite author?" I asked.
"That is a very difficult question, Erik! Hmm I love Jane Austen because she shows that a woman can be a success and she herself shows that you do not need a man to be content with life. However, Shakespeare is a genius with comedy, love, and tragedy (I'm not really fond of Romeo and Juliet though). Then again, Hugo shows how corrupt the government can be and how a single act can lead to so much violence… Oh such a hard choice! I think I'll say my favorite author is Jane Austen." Elena elaborated.
"Oh really? Okay, what are your favorite color, season, and book?"
"My favorite color is red the passion color, season autumn because it's not too cold nor too hot to do most activities, and my favorite book is Pride and Prejudice because I can relate to Elizabeth when it comes to love," Elena answered while chuckling.
"So Mademoiselle Vega is a hopelessly romantic is she? I must admit Austen is a great writer, and I share your ideas with Hugo. I also must admit that I was a hopelessly romantic at some point in my life, but that part of my life is over," I said rather dramatically.
"Alright maestro, you must now answer that question for me. What are you favorite color, season, and book?"
"That is all too simple my estudiante. My favorite colors is red and black, my favorite season is winter I've already explained myself, and my favorite book is Les Miserables because I can relate to Jean Valjean who was scorn and looked down upon people but he kept moving on with life… Now, Elena this is a question I've been dying to ask you but I do not know how you'll react."
"Erik, anything you'll ask me won't upset me," Elena retorted.
"Why are you not married or courting anyone for that matter? I mean you are a beautiful Elena both inside and out, I'm surprised you are not married and have children!"
"Well, I have had many suitors Erik it's just that they all only wanted a trophy wife… I was engaged to a man that I quite honestly detested but we broke off the engagement due to some circumstances. After that I gave up the idea of ever getting married and I gave up on courting. My brother said that if I don't get married by the time I'm 30 then I'll be 'forever alone.' He's very supportive though." Elena confessed.
I looked at this woman for a long time. How could someone just want Elena for a trophy wife? She's more than that! Although, when she said she was engaged with someone my stomach clenched, but then relaxed when she said that it was broken. To think Elena was going to marry a man she didn't love by force… ironic I'm thinking that's wrong isn't it? Although, I've already seen her wear a white dress and she would be a beautiful bride. I can picture it now. A winter wedding she would wearing a long wedding dress with a white cape to keep her from being cold, and she's be wearing white boots instead of slippers. Elena's hair would be in a bun, but a different kind of bun than that which she usually wears (he's talking about a French twist) and the veil draping around her. Her eyes full of love as she enters the chapel and me at the other end of the aisle waiting for her.
"Erik, Erik!" Elena snapped me out of my thought.
"What? Oh sorry Elena, I was lost in thought."
"I can tell. Anyways I had the strangest dream… I dreamed that you kissed me and that you told me you loved me. It felt so real though… Ha! Of course it was a dream you would never fall in love with me! You deserve someone better than I."
"Better than you Elena? There is no one better than you Elena! And yes that was a dream simply a dream… Who is Rebecca?"
Elena's expression looked shocked and then relaxed a bit. "Rebecca is someone very special to me and Mathew… And Mathew is just a friend Erik, plus he is interested in Meg Giry."
"I suggest you get up now Elena and go get dressed, I'm sure Meg Giry and you have plans today. Am I right?" I said rather quickly trying to change the subject.
"Oh of course, how could I forget? I hate to leave but I did plan this outing with Meg. You don't mind I leave for a few hours right Erik?" she asked.
"No not at all… just be safe okay?" I said with concern.
"Don't worry maestro, I'll be alright. Hopefully, I'll be able to tell you the news tonight!" she said with delight as she got up from the bed. She was about to leave the room when she went ran back in and went to my side. She kissed my cheek and swiftly took my mask off and kissed the marred part of my face. She quickly put the mask on and left swiftly out of the room. I was stunned beyond belief.
Elena's P.O.V
After I left Erik's room I went to my dressing room and changed into the first thing I got out. Unfortunately it was a pink dress… don't get me wrong I loved the dress I just hate the color! Plus, if I ever present myself to Erik like this he'll probably think I turned into La Carlotta! I then got my hair in a ponytail and left towards the ballerina's dormitories. Sure enough Meg was finishing putting on her boots and adjusted her hair. She twirled around once and sighed. "Oh what's the point Mathew likes Elena and me- I'm just a silly ballet girl…"
"You are not silly; you are a beautiful and talented ballet girl that has captured the heart of a very young and handsome patron who he can't stop talking about. Meg, Mathew may like me but he will never love me the way he loves you and have that for certain. Besides being with Mathew would be like committing a sin!" I announced.
"Elena! Well, I wouldn't mind committing a sin with Mathew," Meg said meekly.
"Meg Giry, I did not know you had such a wicked mind! Meg, hopefully today you'll understand why I will never be competition for you when it comes to Mathew's heart." I said.
"Well, c'mon we mustn't keep Mathew waiting!" Meg said as she dragged me out of the opera house.
We walked half a block from the Opera House to a small café which we have made Meg's, Mathew's, and my place. The place was called The Little Rose Garden (in French of course) and the owners were very nice people. Once we got in we saw Mathew already seated in a table (our table which was the one near the window) and with some tea and scones already there. Mathew heard us come in and he immediately got up and pulled Meg's chair and pushed it in, he did the same to mine. Now the three of us were there to discuss certain issues involving me.
"Elena, have you found a place to stay at? I'm quite worried about you Elena, I don't like it that you have been sleeping in the dressing room! No matter how luxurious it is, I don't like that the opera ghost is prowling around. What if he gets furious that you replace Daae? What if he kidnaps you like in Don Juan? What if he does something to you and we never see you again?" Mathew asked with distress.
"Mathew… I met the ghost," I blurted out.
"What?!" both Meg and Mathew shrieked.
"He's my teacher and his name is Erik. The day I first came to the opera house and I sung he heard me and he liked it. He actually sent me a note that day offering me to become my teacher. He set up a time to meet him but I never showed up because I fell asleep. A few hours passed by and I felt that something was wrong; as I opened my eyes I saw the phantom of the opera carrying me. I started hitting him and demanding that he's let me go. He did let go after I got off balance and then I ran! I ran to a ledge." I said.
"Then what did you do?" Meg asked entertained with my tale.
"I then made some room enough to jump. I then heard a warning from the phantom and he promised me I wouldn't get hurt, but I did not listen and I jumped. I didn't make it to the other side but I grabbed on edge but I did not have enough strength to pull myself up. As my grip began to falter I gave up hope and just as I was about to fall in the pit, the phantom caught me and saved me," I claimed. Both Mathew's and Meg's expression were priceless.
"Every since then I became his student. Oh don't look at me that way Erik is a friend and he can tell you that as well. I learned about him and his motives for the things he has done. I understand his pain and the way people judge him for being different," I said with all the sincerity I owned.
"Well… I think a friend like you will do him good. I mean he hasn't caused any accidents to happen or made any demands to the managers or tormented the dancers. Maybe all he needed was someone who cares… do you think Elena that we can meet him?" Meg inquired.
"I don't know Meg perhaps bringing both of you will do him some good… You know what? I'll ask him about it" I said.
"Elena, I found you a place near the opera… actually it's next door and it's affordable. However, Elena, I think it's time to tell Meg here the truth don't you think?" Mathew said as he said in a serious tone.
"Yes, yes Mathew I'll tell Meg about it just as soon as I see her so Meg can understand," I said as Meg looked at us suspiciously.
"What's going on you two? What do I need to know?" Meg solicits.
"Meg, I was going to tell you this earlier but I was so busy and yesterday wasn't the best day… Meg I'm a- Rebecca!"
Erik's P.O.V
It was already 12 o'clock and Elena still did not show up. After Elena left I drew a bath for myself and dressed. I roamed the opera and checked up on everything around there. I even stayed in Elena's room and I went through her belongings. I know it was highly improper of me to go through her belonging but that woman was more of mystery than me! And I'm supposed to be the phantom! I saw all her books Austen, Hugo, Shakespeare, Poe, Voltaire, and many others in her shelves. I looked though all her book and was about to stop when I stumbled upon a rather odd book. It was a leather bond book with a small lock. I picked at the locked until I heard a click sound. I opened the cover and then began to read the book this was her diary; luckily I was able read the script. One certain entry intrigued me.
1895, Paris
Yesterday was the most exciting day of my life! Mathew and I went to the Paris Opera Populaire, and experienced a new production called Don Juan's Triumphant. Mathew and I were mesmerized with the whole production, yet I was more entranced with them music the melodies were just breath taking and obviously written by a musician who knew what he was doing. I wonder if I could play that song in my piano, la guitara, or my pan pipes. Anyways the dancers were putting so much emotion in their dance, some moves were risqué but who am I to judge? I was rather glad that Mathew was there with me because a rather annoying person was there too.
Yes, unfortunately that stupid man was there 'keeping on eye on me' to see to it that I was 'safe'. Oh Dios mio! Este hombre es peor que el mismo Zeus! He literally gave an order in front of Mathew! "As your future husband Elena, I order you not to look for trouble. I order you not to provoke any men or seek any attention." Ha! Si como no! Like he could order me around! It's true I was engaged with him and was soon to marry him but I would give him marry hell for ever one of his orders. Insufferable man to think that I have to spend the rest of my life with him! God he's much too feminine for his own good! What is it with men with long hair? In my opinion it looks awful, I prefer a man's hair to be long but not too long and of course slicked back. It gives a more handsome and mysterious look to them… Anyways back to the opera.
It was near the end when I saw the once praised frog… I mean soprano La Carlotta. She shrieked her heart out almost causing Mathew's and my ears to bleed. Once I saw Don Juan I wanted to laugh! A Don Juan in my country means someone who seduces women with ease and is known for his muscular figure and sexuality. This Don Juan was the opposite! Mathew and I were holding our laughter. We were about to burst into laughter, but a voice of an angel stopped us. It was then that I saw Christine Daae, the woman whom I heard so much about. As I heard her voice I also noticed Don Juan's voice changed it was more passionate it was the voice of seduction! I felt my cheeks grow hot with all the passion that was going through my body. However, I noticed that this man was not the same man as before. This man was taller, leaner, and had a voice of an angel. Nonetheless as the scene progress Miss Daae noticed this as well and just as she was about to run off the stage but the man caught her hand. There I noticed the disappearance of my fiancé and the appearance of the police around the stage. As the song was about to be over the man approached Miss Daee and soon Miss Daae took off his hood.
The man who stirred up all those emotions in me was wearing a half mask. He then proclaimed his love to the young soprano, never in my life have I ever been so jealous of someone than that moment! Then she did something that shocked me. Her hand went immediately to the man's mask and took hold of it. My eyes were wide, never in my life have I seen a face like that, I did not gasp in horror like the other or was disgusted by it. Sure I was shocked but I did not scream or look away I noticed every detail and knew that this man led a life of torments and hardships. I looked deep into his eyes and saw that he was a good man that only wanted a chance in life. In my opinion he was the epitome of beauty and music. I a lot of things went through my mind but as Mathew dragged me out of the Opera House I could only think of the betrayal of the young soprano. She was only two years younger than me but still had a lot to learn. All through the night all I could think of was of that angel… Maybe someday I'll meet him and show him that not all of us have to be like Miss Daae; Someday I'll show him that he has a friend, an admirer, and a companion. I must go now before that insufferable man finds me writing in you again. Until we meet again.
Love,
Elena Dulcinea Vega
P.S
I couldn't help but to draw out the man's face, I'm sorry for not being a Da Vinci or Michelangelo but that man kept observing my every move and I had to finish before he'd rip it to shreds like the other one. I personally think this man (whom people keep referring him to the Phantom of the Opera) was handsome and quite creative. I want to fall in love with a man like that. A last I cannot I am cursed to marry that man.
Elena's entry made me smile, the way she talked of the man she was to marry was comical. Of course I also smiled at how she was entranced with my music and my opera. I blushed a bit when she mentioned that she felt passion run through her body. Although Elena was twenty two years old and she probably was not the same person as now. I pondered on the thought and turned the page. I then saw a pair of eyes look at me. My God! Elena drew me with each detail of my deformity. She drew me exactly how I was from the exposure of my cracked skull to the scarring of my cheek and my disproportioned lips. However, I wanted to laugh at the drawing. You see I guess Elena envisioned me so much like an angel that she must have drew a halo around my head. She somehow made me look… beautiful.
This woman is the angel not I! I thought. As I closed her diary I placed it back and went back to my lair. I needed to lie down and comprehend what I was feeling. As laid down on my couch I closed my eyes and deliberated on my feelings towards Elena. I soon drifted to dreamland.
A few hours later
I awoke with the sound of someone sneaking about my lair. I got up quickly knowing it wasn't Elena for I know she knows the way to my home. I grabbed my cloak and the Punjab lasso just in case. I silently made my way to where the noise led. As I got nearer to the source I heard a laugh almost too sweet. Then I heard singing.
Child of the wilderness
Born into emptiness
Learn to be lonely
Learn to find your way in darkness
Who will be there for you?
Comfort and care for you?
Learn to be lonely
Learn to be your one companion
Never dream out in the world
There are arms to hold you
You've always known
Your heart was on its own
So laugh in your loneliness
Child of the wilderness
Learn to be lonely
Learn how to love
Life that is lived alone
I was mesmerized by the lyrics and the voice was that of a child's a small girl no older than probably five. As I got closer to the girl I noticed she did indeed look like a five year old. She has talent for someone that young. She was relatively small, or maybe it was just me, her hair was auburn color and her eyes were bright blue. She was wearing a yellow dress and her hair was loose showing the mass of curls. She seemed to be petting something and she was at the edge of the floor as she tried to get her foot to touch the water.
Learn to be lonely
Life can be lived
Life can be loved
Alone
The little girl sighed then started stroking the mass of fur that lay on her lap. She then spoke.
"Well, little cat did you like the song? I wrote it myself, I was thinking of my life and of my mother's life. Imagine she wants to be on her own all her life… Well, enough about me what about you? You must be from royalty or from a really wealthy family for you to have a collar like that." The little girl exclaimed as she held up the cat.
To my surprise it was Ayesha! My cat had actually come to this girl and let her pet her! I kept observing the child she kept giggling when Ayesha purred with delight or played with her curls. She then noticed the name on the collar's pendant and examined it.
"Mmm, well here's you name. I'm sorry if I don't pronounce it right the first time. Ayisha? No that doesn't sound right. Ayasha no doesn't sound right either. How about I just call you your highness?" she joked.
"Her name is Ayesha, and you shouldn't be down here little girl," I said finally coming out of my hiding place.
"Ayesha it's a beautiful name. Is she your cat?" the little girl asked not noting my warning.
"Yes, she is my cat and she's a very special breed she's a-"
"Siamese cat is that right?" she asked with her eyes observing my every detail.
"Yes, she is a Siamese but how did you know?"
"I read a book about cats that shows facts of every breed. I read about the Siamese and their attitudes. However, Ayesha is quite brighter than the average Siamese cat or any cat for that matter," She giggled as she began to tickle Ayesha's belly which said cat begun to purr.
"Child what are you doing here? Are you lost?"
"Well… I wanted to explore and somehow I ended up here… Luckily I found Ayesha to keep me company. Sir, are you lost or do you live here?" the child asked.
"I live just a little further down the river, where a great lake forms. Do you want to go see it?" I asked the girl.
"Oh yes! By the way sir you have not mentioned your name," she asked as we headed to my home.
"I have many names little angel but you can call me Erik," I said as we finally reached my home. I let go of Ayesha and she wander out from my lair. She was always such an independent cat. Spoiled but independent.
The girl observed my world and the look on her face looked awfully like…
"Sir, this place is beautiful!" she exclaimed as she started to run up to touch my organ. I got to her before she even touched a single key. I then picked her up and spun her around. She started to laugh and for some odd reason I started to smile. For once in my life I was making a child smile with delight. I then carried her to where the lake was and pretended as if I was going to throw her into the lake.
"No, Monsieur Erik! Put me down!" she screamed with delight as I rocked her in and out.
"No, not until you promise me not to touch my belongings without my permission," I said playfully.
"Yes, I promise not to touch your belongings without your permission monsieur. I promise, I promise!" She shriek with some giggles escaping her.
"Alright then," I lowered her then scooped her up again, "then again."
"Erik!" the girl scowled as she clanged to me like death. She sounded so much like…
"I meant what I said monsieur your home is beautiful! It's like an underground heaven!" She said as I carried her to the sitting room.
"Thank you… Mademoiselle you have not given me your name," I said as I sat her on the couch.
"My name is- "
"REBECCA!" a familiar voice yelled out.
"Mommy!" the little girl exclaimed as she got up and ran to the sound. Suddenly Elena comes down the stairs accompanied by Meg Giry & that boy and hugs the girl.
"Mommy?" was all I could say. This explains everything. My Elena is mother.
Nice chapter right hope you guys liked it! I do not own Phantom of the opera or the music mentioned here.