Of Phantoms and Angels

IV. Voices in the Dark

To all my awesomesauceome readers,

     I know, I know, it's been far to long since I last updated.  I apologize for my absence as of late, and I hope you've all been well. 

     Please enjoy this long-awaited chapter, and the chapters to come.  I welcome you to vote and comment to let me know what you think!  I promise I don't bite hard, and I greatly value my readers' opinions.

Happy reading!

~ J

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     Lilienne slipped like a shadow through the opera house, back down to the dormitories.  She figured that Camille would be properly asleep by now, and that it was safe to return to her bed.  She needn't a lamp, for the way was committed to her memory.  Finally reaching her room, she looked upon the door, standing like a statue, her hand outstretched to grasp the brass handle. But, she didn't.

     Turning, she continued through the corridor, treading on light feet and being careful to avoid the floorboards that creaked. She wandered down until she reached the grand entrance in the front, the shadows obscuring and marring it's beauty; the whole place looked different when lit by the colder light of the moon.

     Lilienne slipped into the theatre, treading through the seats and climbing up onto the stage. She turned and looked out over the imaginary audience, though she was alone- she was safe. She found a matchbox in the back and struck it, lighting one of the stage lights along the front. A faint glow seeped across the stage.

Think of me,

     She opened her mouth, the words flowing out without hesitation. There were no ears to hear her, here, so she couldn't make a fool of herself.

Think of me fondly

When we've said goodbye.

Remember me

Once in a while,

Please promise me you'll try.

     No one had ever heard Lilienne sing because, well, she was a dancer. She'd never received instruction or training; her voice was raw and untamed, and she hoped nobody would ever have to hear it.

When you find that once again you long

To take your heart back and be free,

If you ever find a moment,

Spare a thought for me.

     But as she sang, all her fears melted away, and the more she sang, the less she cared what it sounded like; pure or out-of-tune was all the same to Lilienne. It was all beautiful.

We never said

Our love was evergreen,

Or as unchanging as the sea;

But if you can still remember,

Stop and think of me.

     At this, she thought she heard a violin pick up the line to accompany her, and she suddenly shied away, her voice becoming quiet and timid- if they knew she was on the stage by herself after hours, she could be in quite a lot of trouble.

Think of all the things we've shared and seen-

     She looked around the theatre to find whoever was playing for her, but she couldn't find anyone. Slowly, she found herself backing off the stage.