My Angel of Music

Wandering Child

Once I heard his booming voice break through the wall, I let out a long, painful sob.  I couldn't stand it!  I would never hold or hear my Angel ever again.  Without reailizing what I was doing, I let out a painful, blood-curdiling scream.  The pain was too much to bear, and I went a little insane.  I heard Erik sobbing my name through the door, and I started to bang on it to get back to him.  I couldn't leave him!  I needed him, and he needed me!  I clawed at the wood until my nails were bloody and torn.  I heard Erik right outside it calling my name.  But it was no use, the door was locked.

"Erik!"  I cried, crumpling to the floor in a heap of tears.  I was suddenly scooped up by strong, yet gentle arms.  I struggled against it, and reached for the door, but he held me fast.  As he turned around to carry me back, I looked over his shoulder.  "Angel, I love you!"  I screamed as loud as I could, hoping he could hear me.  I thought I heard his muffled scream of torment, but I hoped I imagined it.

***

In the carriage that Monsieur House had ordered for me, I sat, staring blankly out the window.  I had no thoughts in my head but my Angel of Music.  I must have gone temporarily insane, for I kept thinking, I wonder if my Angel will come to me tonight for lessons.  But I would soon return to reality as the horse whinied, or the wheels hit a rock.  I would sigh each time and swallow back tears.  

As soon as the carriage stopped, I lept out, pushed a few coins at the driver, and quietly darted into the Opera Populaire.  I made for my old dressing room, and once inside, collapsed. The floor was newly carpeted, but almost the same as when I left it.  It's red carpet fibers reminded me of my red swan bed that Erik made for me.  Tears stained the carpet which made me cry harder.  How could I go on living after my Angel died?  I couldn't!  I wouldn't!  It was impossible.

I could give the children to Emily and ask her to watch over them, and then come back to the lair.  Or I could go to where his body was being stored.  Wherever the setting was, I could buy a bottle of poison, or use a lasso.  That seemed the best way since that was my Angel would go.  

Or maybe even that little outbreak of insanity would return and I could imagine that I still had an Angel of Music watching over me forever.  I hoped that would happen.  

I tried to sleep, but a picture kept popping into my tormented mind.  

Erik slowly walking up the creaky platform, guards surrounding him so that his sad face could not be seen.  He stood still under a long red rope, just like the one used on Raoul so long ago.  It's tied around his neck, and suddenly, his feet are off the ground and a loud SNAP cracks through the air.

I screamed and held my hands to my ears.  This was not the kind of insanity I wanted!  I rolled around on the floor, screaming and crying until, hours later, darkness overcame me.  

I didn't know what time it was when I woke, only that my head was throbbing and my eyes were puffly.  She guessed it was still night since she heard no noise from outside.  She rubbed her eyes and sat up and leaned against the couch.  As she remembered the events of the last few days, she pulled her knees to her chest and pulled at her hair to distract her from the pain in her heart.  

Suddenly, she began to hear a soft voice.  

Little Lotte let her mind wander.  It was Raoul's voice!  I whipped my head around to find the source, but saw nothing but the empty room. I swallowed in fear.  What was happening to me?

Your part is silent, little toad!  Carlotta's accent now roared in my mind.  I whimpered and once again looked around, only to find nothing.  

Christine, you must have been dreaming.  Stories like this can't come true.  Now Meg joined in!

He will be well pleased.