My Angel of Music

Return to Paris

The wind howled in my ears as the steed ran along the dirt road to catch up with the carriage.  Tears streamed down my face, but before they could roll off my chin, they were swept away by the wind.  My cries were muffled by the pounding of the horse's hooves and the rolling of the carriage.  My thoughts were in a jumble.  I had no idea what I was going to do!  With no husband, a woman was worthless.  I wouldn't be able to find a job or find any way to make money.  The only thing I could think of was singing for an opera, but I knew that without my Angel, I wouldn't be able to utter a note ever again. 

The hard ride lasted for hours.  My legs ached and my lips were chapped from the wind.  I wondered if the nanny had found a carriage to Paris yet.  I knew they would be taken care of with her.  I ordered her to find a hotel near the Opera Populaire, so that I would be able to find her easily when things settled down.  But I tried to focus on things to say to the police when we reached Paris.  I could lie and say that it wasn't him.  He wasn't the Phantom, they were mistaken.  But it was so obvious.  His deformity was so.....Ugly, that anyone who saw it would remember.  I let out another sob as I realized how deep of a hole we were in.

Finally, less trees, and more buildings began to pop up, until we reached the city itself.  Paris.  Just as I remembered.  Bustling with life, the noises of the people buzzing constantly.  Large businesses lined the street, and small, poor homes scattered the city.  I sighed as I saw the small cafe that Raoul and I used to go to for breakfast on Sundays.  Memories pounded in my head, though I fought to keep them at bay.

 At last we reached the Paris Jail, and I quickly composed myself before getting off the horse.  I heard struggling inside the carriage as I waited at the Jail door.  I willed myself not to cry when they opened the door and roughly dragged Erik out.  He grunted as they pushed him and pulled him.  I stood, waiting, with a worried look on my face.  Erik stumbled up the steps with police men holding his arms.  I reached out to him, and he greeted me with a sad smile.  They pushed him through the door, refusing to allow me to touch him. Though, all I wanted was to let me hold me in his arms and calm my fears.  

I followed them into the building like a lost puppy.  One officer fell behind in order to speak to me.  He blocked me from going any farther, though I looked over his shoulder in a desperate attempt to see Erik one last time.  "Erik!"  I called, hoping to hear his voice once more.  "Christine, it's okay!"  I heard his distant voice shout back.  I sighed.  Even when he was terrified, he still tried to comfort me.  The officer cleared his throat.  I unwillingly reverted my attention back to him.  His black mustache twitched as he thought of what he would say to me.  "Miss Daae, we know that you have been through a rough time, but I need you to go find somewhere to rest."  He soothed.  I shook my head.  

"Please, just let me see my husband."  i muttered.  He frowned.  "I'm sorry, but I cannot do that."  He said sternly.  I rolled my eyes and tried to take a step forward, but he blocked me with his arm.  "I can have someone help you find a hotel, but-"  

"No!  Please, just for one moment, let me see him."  I began to beg as I clutched his arm.  He gently placed a hand over mine.  "Miss Daae, listen.  I will try and let you see Monsieur.......Phantom in the morning.  But right now I need you to go rest and clear your head."  He gently ordered.  I held my chin high, and snatched my hand from his.  "It's Madame."  I snapped before turning around, flinging my blue cloak behind me.  

***

Luckily, it was only a short walk from the jail to my destination.  The Opera Populaire.  If I was in Paris, I might as well stay at my home.  I had heard that it had been repaired from the fire damages, and was as good as new.  I turned the corner, and there was my beloved Opera house.  When I saw it, I began to sprint towards it, my lips turning up in a smile.  Oh, the memories stored here!  I trembled with anticipation of my return.  

I flung the doors open, and was relieved to fin that there was no one in the lobby. I marveled at the marble floors, just as they were years ago.  Polished to perfection.  The tall staircast shone like a grand star.  I remembered the night of the Masquerade, and the Red Death creeping down the stairs singing to me.

Your chains are still mine.  You belong to me!

I sighed and hurried to the door.  

I ran quietly through the house, heading for my dressing room.  But as I went through the House, a familair face stopped me.  "Christine Daae?"  A voice cried.  I whirled around to find Monsieur Andre sitting, holding a paper in his hands.  I took a step back as he stood.  "Monsieur...."  I stuttered.  He smiled and raised his arms.  "I never thought I would see you again!  Oh, my dear, come, tell me what happened." He called happily.  I frowned and shook my head.  "You will find out soon enough, Monseuir."  I said softly.  He crinkled his thick brows.  "What do you mean?"  He asked, getting closer.  I looked away.  

"Please, Monsieur, if anyone asks, I was never here."  I begged.  He looked extremly confused.  "Miss Daae-"  He started.  "Please!  I have to go somewhere."  I cried as I turned back around to flee, but he stopped me.  "I know where you're going.  But all the entrances have been boarded up."  He said apologetically.  I sighed and turned back around.  "Thank you, Monsieur."  I whispered before hurrying off.

Firmin might have boarded up all the entrances that they knew of, but I doubted they knew all of them.  So, I continued on to my dressing room.  Luckily, the door was unlocked, and I pushed the door open hesitantly.  The room was dark, but I could make out the mirror across the room.  I ignored all else, and slowly walked to the mirror, as if in a trance. I wasn't hypnotized, though.  Only one thing, one person, could do that to me.  And he was locked away like an animal.  I pushed the thought bsck, and imagined that I was still seventeen.  

I had just finished Hannibal, and Raoul had just left.  I stood to leave after dawning my white robe.  But before I could go much further, an angry, powerful voice stopped me .  

Ignorant boy, this slave of fashion.  Basking in your glory.  Ignorant fool, this brave young suitor sharing in my triumph.

I gasped at the sudden memory.  It was like I stepped back in time.  I knew it was all in my head, but I would do anything to feel close to my Angel again.

"Angel, I hear you.  Speak, I listen.  Stay by my side, guide me.  Angel, my soul was weak.  Forgive me, enter at last, master."  I sang softly.  

Flattering child you shall know me.  See why in shadow I hide.  Look at your face in the mirror, I am there inside!"

"Angel of Music, guide and guardian.  Grant to me your glory!  Angel of music, hide no longer, come to me strange Angel."  I raised my hands to the tall mirror, begging for entrance in order to see my Angel again.  

I am your Angel of Music.  Come to me, Angel of Music.

As I reached the mirror, I saw no shape behind it.  My heart sank, and I was immediatley snapped out of my flashback.  I touched the cool surface of the mirror with my fingertips lightly.  I hesitantly slid open the glass door, and stepped inside.  I gasped as the door slammed shut behind me, cutting off the light.  It was almost pitch black in the dank passageway, but luckily there were cracks in the wall, allowing sunlight in.  

I held my throat in fear.  All the magic had left this place, and now it was simply a dark, molding hall.  I held back a sob and started to run down the catacombs, ready to enter the lair.  I reached the lake, and stopped.  The water still glistened and swayed ever so slightly with the small current.  The small boat sat at the edge of the water.  I realized who used it last.  Raoul.  I had persuaded him to take it back without me.  A tear slid down my cheek at the thought of my childhood friend.  I shook my head and climbed into the boat.  i grabbed the stick and began to do the very hard task of rowing the gandola.  

By the time I reached the open gate, I was gasping for breath, and my arms ached.  But I forgot the pain when I looked up.  I was once again in the Phantom's lair.