Monstret Under Sängen (Phantom of the Opera)

Monstret Under Sängen: Part 5 - Part 1

PART 5 – Part 1

Drip. Drip.

A tiny drop of clear, tasteless liquid fell from the mouth of the bottle into the decanter resting beside a bed.

Perhaps it wasn't right to drug the ballet master so that his friend might be able to sneak away at night. She would find out one day and no doubt become horribly disappointed in him.

But, now, what did the future matter?

He would not lose her now from a few drops of sleeping potion.

It wasn't enough to harm the old master. It wouldn't do at all to hurt the man! He was a good man, if a little strict with the girls. But, it also wouldn't do for him to wake up to a blond ten-year-old creeping past him out of the dormitories towards a closet to speak with a monster.

Gliding silently from the small bedroom, he meandered his way back to the closet and curled up behind the sliding panel to wait.

Normally, he wouldn't have considered this day any different than the ones before but, this, this was the anniversary of the day his life had changed forever.

Four years ago, he had met Christine.

And she insisted on celebrating it.

Through the small confines, he heard the few remaining scene shifters moving about their regular duties and, the cleaners complaining at them for that very reason.

Soon it all died away and he could pluck at his violin while waiting for Christine to arrive.

It wasn't long before light feet, trained by years of dancing practice, scampered into the small closet and tumbled onto the bed of quilts, blankets, and even one of his old cloaks that he had given her.

It wouldn't do for her to be cold or uncomfortable now that they had purloined her cot.

"Monstret Under Sängen?" The girl called out, wrapped the yards of black fabric around her slender figure.

She had no idea it was his and he wouldn't tell her.

"I'm here, child."

"Good." She leaned against the wall and smiled, her blue eyes sparkling in the near darkness. "I practiced the piece of music you wanted me too. And, I've been remembering to work on scales."

"Excellent. You know what I always say about warming up."

"If you don't warm up you'll ruin your voice." It was amusing listening to her mimic his voice. And, comedic.

"Precisely. So, why don't you run through them and we'll begin our lesson." He placed the bow to the strings and waited for her signal.

It never came.

The girl remained silent, twisting his cloak in her small hands.

"Monstret Under Sängen, is there any way we could...um...not have a lesson tonight? You promised me a celebration." Her hopeful blue eyes peered about the room.

"I didn't realize that negated a voice lesson."

"We have one three times a week. Surely, just this once..."

"Christine, skipping a lesson could put you back several days of work."

"But, this is a special day. We met tonight, four years ago. I met my best friend and teacher. Couldn't we do something fun...together...maybe?" She stood up, the cloak still wrapped about her and turned towards the panel he hid behind.

She had to look so convincing.

"What did you have in mind?" Allowing her even the slightest chance of an evening off would mean there wouldn't be a lesson but when she looked at him like that he found he didn't mind too much.

They could always make it up.

"I had thought we could explore the Opera House together or...well...I don't know. We never seem to do anything together. We just sing or talk or you play for me. I want a friend I can take places. I want to show you my favorite secret spots."

She didn't need to know that he knew them all already and had often watched over her.

"I am not the sort of friend that can do that. If you wish one of those, perhaps there is a ballet rat that will suffice."

Her immediate gasp of betrayal at his harsh words cut him.

"No! I don't want any of those girls! They are false! They think of only themselves. They wear masks."

And, I don't? He asked in his mind but refused to voice.

"I'm sorry." Contrition wasn't his preferred stance but in this instance, it was necessary. "I should not have said that."

"Why can't you come with me?"

"I...it depends on the spot." Her preferred hiding places were secretive though sunlit. Surely Monstret Under Sängen couldn't enter sunlight.

Not that he could either.

His cover must never be blown.

"Why don't you decide on it?" Closing his eyes, he ran through the number of places he could easily hide, easily remain the mythical creature she believed him to be.

Then, a grand idea entered his mind. The night was clear with only a half0 moon (he had been out at the beginning of the night to notice).

"Have you ever gone to the roof?"

Her eyes lit up at the suggestion and she almost clapped her hands together.

"Never! They always said we weren't allowed up there. Can we go?"

"If you follow my instructions carefully, I don't see why not."

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