Music of the Masquerade

Paper Faces On Parade

   Elizabeth woke up to the sound of Masquerade playing quietly, and footsteps walking nearby. She was at first startled, thinking someone was in her room at Mama Vera's house, then remembered how wonderful a night she had with the phantom.
Quickly, she scrawled a small note that basically said she was living in in the opera dormitories, because she got a lead role as soprano. She'd have the Phantom deliver it to Mme. Vera.
   She wished she had a name to call him by, and that he wouldn't just look at her like he was a puppy she had kicked.
   She wanted to care, and be there for this hurting man. She wanted to know his name, his favourite colour, his happiest memory, his worst fears. She wanted a relationship with him. Maybe not the romantic sorts, but something more than awkward acquaintances who nod politely when seeing each other.
   She wanted to sing for him. She had dreamed it hundreds of times. She had pictured herself there, on the stage, shimmering lights, large dress, singing for him. She wanted to make him as proud, and happy as Christine used to. She knew she was capable.
   The phantom turned to face the girl, who lay on her stomach facing the small music box, and he felt a pang in his chest. He wanted to hear the girl sing. He knew she could fill the hole in his heart, and maybe even perform better. Maybe, this time, he'd get picked first.
   He walked over to the large bed, and sat down next to her. She smiled sincerely at him, and he smiled back. He was wearing a loose white shirt, black pants, and boots. She still had on her dress and corset from the day before.
   "You know, Lizzy, I could get you a job, here. You and I could, we could work together. I could teach you, and all I'd need in return is for you to sing." He sounded hopeful as he spoke, fearing, once again, rejection's cruel touch.
   She sat up, and placed her hand on his knee, and said, "I'd like that very much." He smiled, and said, "They're hosting auditions tomorrow for the next lead soprano, and I think it should be you." "You've never heard me sing, how do you know I'd even be right for it?"
"Well, would you like to sing something, and allow me to judge whether you should or not?" She nodded, and he asked, which song.
She smiled and said, "I'd like to sing something of yours if you don't mind."
   He smiled and pulled out a small book of music. "Pages 13-17. That's one of the best I've got finished for singing." She smiled as she read the title: Love Never Dies. "Alright, I'm ready."
   He began to play the music, and she began to sing with all that she had. After she had finished the beautiful song, he wanted to hear one more, and then she could rest. He asked for her to turn to the next song, and read its title: Music of the Night.
   She nodded to him, and they performed yet another of his songs. Once she had finished the song he said, "No emperor ever received such a gift! The angels wept tonight!" She smiled, and felt a tear roll down her face. This moment is what she had dreamed of since she was six years old! A mere child! Now, here she was, a mature nineteen year old, standing before her idol, being praised.
   She walked to the bed, and pulled the curtain shut. She was glad she had put on pants and a thin shirt below her dress. She stripped her dress and corset from her body, and removed her shoes. She exited from behind the curtain, and was greeted by a surprised Phantom.
   "What are you doing?" She simply smiled and walked to the water. "Don't worry, I'm just wading in the water. I wouldn't leave you."
   She smiled at him, and skipped over to the icy water. She splashed in thigh deep, and cried out. "OH MY GOODNESS THIS WATER IS SOOOO COLD!" She ran from the water, and the Phantom was doubled over laughing. His entire body shook, and she was so happy to see him this way. It was clear he hadn't laughed properly since Christine.
   He grabbed her a small hand towel, and sat beside her on the organ bench. "That was funny. Are you always like this dear?" he asked, tucking a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear.
   She giggled, and said, "Only around those in comfortable with. If it's with someone strange, or new, I tense up." "You don't....think I'm strange?" he asked, tilting her chin to look at him. She shook her head no. "Of course not. I feel as though I've known you for years. Tell me, what is your name? I want something to call you by."
   "Erik. Erik is the name I've chosen for myself. My mother never cared to name me, nor did the men of the circus who cared only for their money."
   She touched his arm, noticing his tensed jaw and body. He softened immediately at her touch, and looked at her. He smiled, and covered her hand with his.
   He looked at her outfit, and realized, she had nothing else to wear. Especially nothing nice for her audition. "What size are you?" "Excuse me?? It's very improper to ask a lady her size!" "No! No! No, I'm sorry...that's not what I meant. I wanted to go and shop for your audition. I was going to get you a new dress and a pair of shoes."
   "Awww! Erik! That's so sweet! Thank you!" She wrote all the information about sizes on a sheet of paper, and handed it to him. "Do you mind if while you're out, if I maybe rest?" He placed his hand on her shoulder, and smiled. "Of course. You did well today. You need your rest for the audition tomorrow."
   She smiled, and he took her hand. He bent over and kissed her lightly on the cheek. When he stood up, she was blushing harshly, and as he got in the small boat, and waved goodbye to her, she touched where his lips connected with her cheek. 'Maybe, she thought, he's not as harsh as they make him out to be.'