Phantom's Understudy

Part Thirteen - Everything

I woke up to two knocks at my door but I wasn't answering it. I stayed in bed, facing the wall.

"Elizabeth, Love, please just answer the door. No one has seen you in two days." Ben pleaded.

Never.

"Elizabeth, let's talk about what happened."

Not a chance.

"Love, are you at least eating?"

No.

He knocked again.

I heard a deep sigh, which was a signal of him giving up. My eyes were dry from the tears I had wept.

I know Erik only meant the best. But he had threatened everyone out there just so I can be on the stage. How could he do that? Who would do that?

I sat up and I changed into trousers and a button down shirt. I was going out today, not only because I was starving, but because I needed fresh air to breathe before I died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

I just had to sneak out, and trousers were a good way to do that since not many women wore them.

I also put my hair up in a bun, which I only did on days I went out. I walked out my door and down the hall.

"Outrage! This whole affair is an outrage. Have you seen the size of my part?!" I heard Carlotta's voice ring down the hall.

"It's an insult!" Piangi agreed.

"Elizabeth Bell has secured the largest role," Firman agreed.

"Elizabeth? She doesn't have the voice!" Carlotta cried.

"We have all been blind," Raoul's voice called out. "And yet the answer is staring us in the face."

"Go on." Andre said.

"We will play his game. Perform his work - but remember we hold the ace. For if Elizabeth sings, he is certain to attend." Raoul explained.

"We make certain our men are there and armed." Firman called out.

"The curtain falls...his reign will end!" They all called.

I noticed I was standing in the middle of the entryway. So much for not being noticed.

But what was all of that? They are planning to kill Erik? My Erik?

I then turned around and marched to the Prima Donna room, going around the corner and opening the door. I closed the door behind me quickly and opened the mirror, closing it behind me.

I practically ran down to the Lair. I was frantic. Yes I was mad at him, but no, I couldn't ever let something happen to him.

I got down to the Lair and looked around. There were papers thrown about but no Erik.

"Erik?" I called out, walking around the room looking for him.

Eventually I heard footsteps and I turned around immediately. It was him, looking down at a paper, walking without noticing me. He was wearing a casual outfit, a loose fitting white shirt with soft ruffles on the collar tucked into black trousers.

"Erik," I mouthed.

His eyes shot up at me and his eyes had surprise in them. "you want to see me?" He asked.

"Yes. I need to talk to you." I said.

"You haven't left your room since that night." He stated.

"I know."

"I don't intend to burn down the Opera House, Beth. It was just a threat to get you your part." He explained.

I swallowed the lump in my throat before responding. "I want to believe you," he scoffed at the comment and I rolled my eyes. "I know you're just doing it for me. To be happy."