The Dancer's Secret (Phantom of the Opera Phanfiction)

Where?

Erik

Where was she?

The cold air wrapped around me as I sat atop one of the statues. I could still feel my heart beating just as fast as it had the night before. She had told me she loved me. Me of all creatures.

And that was just it.

Clementine didn't see me as a creature. She never saw me as a monster or a villain. I was never less than a person to her, and that had been all I'd ever wanted since I was a child.

I had been waiting on the rooftop for at least an hour now, and there was no sign of her. The sun had almost fully set and I wondered what was keeping her. Perhaps Madame Giry had stolen her away to start choreography for Don Juan. But that wouldn't make any sense, it was too soon for that.

I needed to see her.

Patience was usually something I was very good at. If it were a normal night and Clementine hadn't shown up, I would have simply continued to wait a while longer or just return to my lair, but tonight wasn't normal. We were no longer 'friends.' 

I had to see her. I was going crazy without her. Every moment since we parted I longed to hold her in my arms again. I wanted to touch her, to be in her presence. I never wanted to leave her side.

I sighed before jumping down, off of the statue. If she would not come to me, I would go to her. I slipped back into the Opera house, deciding not to use the catacombs this time. I would simply stay in the shadows.

I descended the stairs, putting the hood of my cloak over my head. I wondered what could have kept her. She was usually very punctual. Every sunset. She wouldn't miss one unless it was absolutely necessary.

As I made my way to the stage, I decided it would be best to move up to the rafters. A man dressed all in black with a hood over his face wasn't very common and I was sure I would just attract unwanted attention if I stayed down there.

Nearing the stage, I noticed the small Giry girl talking with a few other ballerinas. They were bound to be making up new rumors to spread around the Opera house, It's what they did best.

I was about to continue on my way when I heard her name being used in their conversation. Perhaps it was none of my business, but There was something inside of me, yelling at me to listen.

"But where could she have even gone?" A young brunette asked.

"I don't know. All I know is she never came back to the dormitories last night and I haven't seen her all day." Meg said worriedly.

"Maybe she decided to quit?" Another asked.

"That's not it! She would never leave without saying goodbye." I heard pain in the young dancer's voice.

"I don't know, Meg. I went up earlier and her things were gone. Someone came to get them at around lunchtime today." The more I listened the more worried I got. They couldn't be talking about her. It had to be someone else.

"I refuse to believe it. Clementine will be back. She would never leave without so much as a goodbye." Her voice faltered at the end and I knew she was holding back tears.

Where was she?

If she hadn't come back last night, then something terrible must have happened to her! I had to find her, I had to make sure she was safe. I turned around, heading in the direction of Madame Giry's chamber in hopes of talking her. Just then, a scary thought washed over me.