Phantom of the Opera: the Love of Another

Phantom of the Opera: the Love of Another

*I still don't own Phantom!* 

“Do not go anywhere.” she got up a went to meet her father.

“I’m sorry, love. We’ll have to cancel our plans tonight. Maybe next week.”

“I understand, Papa. Maybe next week.”

“That’s my girl.” he walked away.

She ran back into the box and hugged Erik as tight as she could.

“My father canceled. We can have dinner together tonight. I have to get ready. See you at five.” she ran from the box and out of sight. Erik stood where he was clutching the drawing to his heart. Maybe Clarrisa was different. Maybe she could see behind the mask and see the man that he really was. This small fragment of hope was what kept him going. He strode away to put on his new suit and hat.

“What are you doing home so early?”

“None of you business, Adam.” she ran upstairs and put on her favorite purple dress with gloves and fur around the neck. She then put her hair up. She thought she looked ravishing.

When she went back to the Opera House she walked into a sea of stares from all the crew especially Joseph Bouquet. Thank goodness her father wasn’t there . She walked through the lobby, up the stair case and into box 5 where her beloved Erik was sitting in the first seat wearing a new black evening swallow tail coat and top hat and holding the brightest, reddest rose she had ever seen.

“Hello.” she said shyly.

“Hel-” he stopped. She was magnificent. He could not help but stare at the woman he loved so much.

“You look very handsome.” she said blushing.

“You look gorgeous.” he said rising and giving her the rose.

“Thank you. So where are we having dinner?”

“That’s the surprise.” he took her hand. “Just trust me.” he led her down the back staircase to the dressing rooms where he stopped in front of the most elaborate door.

“This is Carlotta’s dressing room.”

“Soon it will be yours.” he mumbled.

“What?”

“Nothing. He said opening the door. They walked to the mirror. Clarrisa turned her head and suddenly heard a grinding noise. When she turned back the mirror was pulled away to reveal a passage. She stood rooted to the ground. Erik stepped in.

“Are you coming?”

“I’m having second thoughts.”

“Do you remember the promise I made?”

“Yes.”

“Then trust me. The moment you take my hand, you are in no danger.”

She trusted him. Erik was different that any other man that tried to win her over. He was kind, considerate, and he wasn’t over bearing. She took his hand and they started down the brightly lit passageway. They walked and walked until Clarrisa feet started to blister. She didn’t say anything but Erik knew because she started to slow down and limp so he carried her to a lake with a boat tied to a jetty. He set her gently in the boat and got in a began to row until they came to a shore. It was what was on that shore that surprised her most. Candles, mirrors, and organ, a bed in the shape of a peacock, a wedding dress? There was more. There was a red costume apparently for a masquerade and many different masks. White ones, black ones, red ones all on a coat hanger. By the water was a candlelit table.

Erik offered her a gloved hand. She took in as if she were hypnotized by his deep green eyes.

“Welcome to my home.” he said helping her out of the boat and onto the shore. He led her to a table set for the two of them.

“Your dinner awaits, mademoiselle. Please, allow me to take your coat.”

“Thank you.” she laughed as he took it off her shoulders. “Its so wonderful to meet a man who knows how to treat a lady.” she teased.

“Years of practice.” he said bowing low.

“So what do you think?” he asked sitting down across from her.

“It’s amazing.” she replied.

“Maybe for you, but for me, I’ve been here since I was a child. No sunlight, no fresh air, no morning walks. I have to steal food from the opera house. But hopefully you can fix that.” he said looking at her lustfully.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked frightened.

“I love you. I can’t live without you. I need someone. Please tell me you are that someone.” he was now pulling her out of her chair and pulling her close. “Please don’t make me live alone.” he was sobbing; shaking uncontrollably.

“Erik, look at me.” he did. His eyes were red and puffy. Tears ran down his face and mask. She closed her eyes and felt herself being pulled toward him. Their lips met.