Phantom's Understudy

Part Five - Recovery

** Elizabeth **

The next morning I woke up with stinging eyes and dried tears in them. I wiped the pain away in my eyes and blinked several times to wake myself up. I examined the room and saw a new metal lock on my door. I stared at it for a moment and then walked up to it. It was a bolt lock and it wasn't there before. I unlocked the bolt and unlocked the door. I was confused how the door was locked and I was the only one in the room.

I looked around my room to find a letter, once again with the Opera Ghost's wax seal on it. I had a feeling it was him. I opened the letter and started reading it.

"Elizabeth,

I have installed a new lock on your door in hopes that it will help you sleep at night.

I will knock three times slowly this evening at 10 pm. I want to show you something...to keep your mind busy.

Regards,

O.G."

I was very much grateful that he put the lock on the door. I now felt I needed it because Joseph had access to the emergency keys.

I read the letter again and sighed. It was going to kill me all day what he wanted to show me. I was very impatient over it. But, I had all day to plan out. Today was the day I was going to start playing sick, but I also had my flute to test out more.

I walked over to the case on my desk and opened it, immediately losing my enthusiasm. The flute was shattered on the end. I wasn't even sure if it was repairable. I couldn't help but to let a tear exit my eyes. 6 months of saving down the drain.

I took a deep breath and wiped the tears that managed to escape. I guess I wasn't meant to have it.

I decided to lay low until early afternoon, then I went to the managers office to let them know I was not well enough to perform. I did the whole works ... even had a handkerchief to sweeten the deal. They were disappointed and dare I say nervous about Christine starring, but I told them that she will sing like an angel.

I went back to my dorm and had some soup. I kept myself as busy as I could without leaving my room. I couldn't help but to keep thinking of the phantom and what he has in store this evening for me. There was really nothing else I could do unless I risked my lies being found out.

I played my lyre until I then wanted to read my book a little more. I folded some of my clothes and cleaned up a few things.

Christine stopped by for pointers on the part and also brought me a bowl of soup to feel better. I was very appreciative of the soup - apparently it was her recipe and it was amazing. It was a beef and carrot soup, with a thicker consistency. It wasn't stew-like, but it was thicker than your average soup. She put a lot of different seasonings inside, I could taste oregano for sure. I would have to ask for her recipe.

There were some knocks at my door and I answered it. It was Christine and Meg with another bowl of soup. I smiled and my soul became warm.

"I made so much I just didn't want it to go bad." Christine said, handing me the bowl.

I took it and placed it on my desk.

"Thank you so much Christine," I forced out so I would sound a little hoarse. "Your soup is wonderful," I coughed to the side. "you have no idea how much I appreciate your hospitality today. I was so upset I got sick but with you two I am just so blessed."

If I was truly sick, the soup very well might have made me feel better. Just the fact that I had the two best friends in the world made me feel great. And somewhat awful for lying.

"It's nothing, Beth." They both said almost in unison.

Christine went on, "I even made so much that you have food tomorrow too, if you want. Just let me know when you might want it...it's just in the icebox in the kitchen." She nodded towards the direction of the kitchen.