My Angel of Music

Think of Me, When We've Said Goodbye

I woke the next morning, bright and early, which was unusual for me.  I usually slept in until at least ten.  But maybe it was the fear of Erik's fever that woke me.  Whatever reason, I climbed out of bed and looked lovingly at Erik's sleeping figure.  But my loving look turned to a worried one as I realized that sweat beaded his brow and he was shivering beneath the blankets.

His fever had grown worse!  I shuddered and rushed to wet his cloth and place it on his forehead.  He felt super hot but it was in the middle of Winter and so he still needed to keep warm.  But it was plenty warm in the house without the blankets so I decided to take them off of him.  I wiped his face with the cool cloth and brought it to his full, pink lips.  

I finally had time to really take in his angelic features.  His lips were full and perfect, his eyelashes were long and black almost feather-like.  He had a wonderful nose that was just the right size, but to the left of his perfect nose was where the deformity began.  It went from the left of his nose to his ear.  It pained me to know that this was the thing that made him dark and brooding.  But he would soon learn to embrace the light, with me by his side.

Erik stirred causing me to recoil and stand back, ashamed that I had looked at him for so long without him even knowing.  But then I realized he had done that to me for years, and my shame subsided.  I decided to leave him a note by his bed.

Angel,

I've gone to the market to get some food and medicine.  I'll be back soon, be good while I'm gone.  Stay in bed!  If I find you out of bed I will be very displeased with you.  

Love always,

Christine

I found an old dress in one of the closets that looked a little to big but it was going to have to do.  I had to wear the corset from last night but it was not dirty so there was no need to change it anyways.  The dress was blue and hung loosely on my petite frame, but I didn't complain.  It could be worse!  I could still be wearing that blasted wedding dress, I thought to myself.  I decided when I ot back I would throw it away.  It held too many horrible memories.

I ventured out, not knowing what city I was in, only knowing I needed food and medicine now.  Fortunatley just a small walk led me to a little market place bustling with life.  A bakery held wonderful smelling cream filled crossiants that I adored.  I chose a simpler rasberry bread roll for Erik.  I picked up a few loaves of bread to last us a few days.  I paid with the money I had saved up, and always kept in my dress pocket.

Next I went to the general store to buy some medicine for Erik and coffee.  Coffee was a necessity to me.  I was surprised I was even functioning right now.  I walked back to the little cottage witha skip in my step even though there wasn't much to be happy about.

For one where would we go?  We couldn't stay anywhere near Paris, Erik was a wanted man.  Did Erik have money?  I hoped he did because I didn't have too much left.  Before I could brood on these worrying thoughts for too long I took a deep breath and tried to clear my mind.  So naturally I started to sing.

A tune my father used to sing to me when I was a girl.  One that I would sing to my Angel of Music.  But my song was cut short because I reached the cute little cottage.  I wondered why this place had never been fixed up and sold.

I walked in to the sound of crying, no sobbing.  I threw down my bags and raced towards the sorowwful sound.  In the bedroom Erik lay crying into the pillow.  "Erik, what is the matter?"  I cried, rushing to his side.  He looked up at me his mask off still.  He remembered that his face was bare and covered it in his hand.

"Christine.."  He whispered.  "What?  What's wrong?"  I asked worriedly.  I sat beside him and rubbed his back like a child.  "I.....I thought you had taken off my mask and.....got scared.....and ran away from me."  Erik stuttered.  "What?  Why would you think that?  I even left a note."  I explained. 

I looked towards the note but it was gone!  I looked around and found the paper beneath the bed, the wind must hasve blown it off the desk.  I handed the note to Erik and let him read it.  Relief flooded his featues but when he was done he got angry.

"I told you not to take off my mask, Christine!"  He hissed.  I flinched.  His features softened.  "I'm not going to hurt you, my love.  Do not flinch like that."  he whispered gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

I decided to change the subject.  "Lay back down monsieur.  I'll bring your breakfast up to you, alright?"  I smiled at him and pecked him on the cheek.  I brought the rolls to the bedroom so we could eat together.  When I came back up, Erik had his mask on.

"Erik take off the mask.  It wil help the fever go down if you just leave it off for a little while."  I sighed in annoynce.  He shook his head.  Fine, time to bring out the acteress.  I sauntered over to him and placed my hand on his chest lightly.  "Erik, it would please me greatly if you would just take off the mask for a little bit."  I purred.  Yes, purred.  I fluttered my eyelashes.

Erik sighed and looked at me with annoyance.  He slowly took off his mask and covered his face with his hand.  So I got on my knees and started to kiss the hand that covered his face slowly and gently.  Working my way up his arm I made his hand drop to his side and I planted a kiss on his lips rewarding him for his good behavior.

"Thank You."  I whispered.

We ate in silence, enjoying the bread that melted in our mouths sweetly.  

                                                                                   * * *

After I had given Erik his medicine and he had finally fell asleep I then had time to think.  That wasn't a good thing.  i had time to thinl of the horrible sins that were comitted against me, of the images that were forever branded in my brain.  But I had no regrets.  I would take my angel's place anyday.  

I think that normally, under the circumstances I would be culed into a ball in a bed for the next month or so.  But Erik kept me going.  He kept me thinking of nothing but him and our beautiful music.  He brought me happiness and comfort even when we weren't next to eachother.

This is what kept me going.  This was my life.