Monstret Under Sängen (Phantom of the Opera)

Monstret Under Sängen: Part 7 - Part 2

PART 7 – Part 2

She fell asleep quickly when his violin playing changed from a soothing piece to a lullaby. When he was sure she was asleep, he carried her back into the tunnels of the Opera House towards the dormitories. When he paused at his secret door, he heard the muted conversation of the ballet girls.

He couldn't very well walk in and deposit her in bed with them watching. But, she needed to sleep. Needed comfortable sleep.

Slipping away from his secret door, he turned back towards his house. They had hurt her with their words and he would keep her away from them for the night. She could sleep in a comfortable bed, wake to a warm meal and possibly have the day off.

She could miss rehearsal. A letter to the ballet master and she would be allowed her time of rest. If anything, he could help her with her audition piece.

While considering all this, he did the unthinkable and tripped. He caught himself before he fell but nevertheless the jolt woke her, her blue eyes blearily peering up at him.

"Erik?" She whispered, the darkness keeping her from seeing him except for his gold eyes.

"Yes, it's Erik. You're safe."

"Where are you taking me?" She burrowed her head into his cloak and evening suit.

"To my home. You need to sleep."

"They'll wonder where I am." She responded, surprisingly not too argumentative about staying overnight away from the ballet girls.

"I'll be sure to send them a note. Monstret told me what happened. You will stay with me for a little while." She nodded quietly.

"Thank you." She whispered, reaching up and wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. He lightly patted her back and hummed to her. "How long can I stay?"

"As long as you want."

"Can I stay forever?" She asked, a few more tears escaping. "Can I never leave? Maybe Monstret can come live with us in the walls or under a bed and we'll be so happy." She rambled on while he hummed quietly to her.

She wanted to stay forever, never to return to the surface. While he couldn't grant that wish, he would give her some time, maybe even a week. A discreet letter to the ballet master and she wouldn't be a required presence. If the man worried, he could even promise to help her through her steps.

"You may stay a little while at least." He answered and apparently it was the answer she wanted as she smiled and fell back asleep. The walk back to the house was simple and soon she was tucked under the blankets in his mother's bed.

While she slept, he ran errands, a note to the ballet master, a "shopping" trip to get her Swedish herring and salmon, and a trinket he thought looked pretty in the window of a shop.

By the time he returned, she was already wide awake and sitting under the blankets, waiting for him to return.

"Ah, good morning, Christine. Did you sleep well?" He asked, setting aside his packages and moving to stand by the bed.

"Yes, very well." She replied, stretching a little. "What's for breakfast?"

"What would you like?"

"I don't care. Just something good." She played with the fringe on the corner of the blanket. "Where is my cloak?"

"I hung it up on the closet by the front door. Do you want it?" She shook her head and stood up, brushing the wrinkles from her dress.

"No, I just wanted to know where it was. Can I come with you the kitchen?" She asked, peering up at him through innocent blue eyes.

"Of course." He replied and she grabbed his gloved hand, melting his heart with the sweet smile on her face. How he treasured this child and her adoring naïve kindness.

As they walked towards the kitchen, she glanced upward at him and inquired,

"How long have you known Monstret?" The question struck him and he found himself without words for a moment as he scrambled to find something to tell her. What do I say!

"A very long time." He finally answered, deciding it wasn't too much of a lie.

"Where did you meet?" She asked again, surprising him with her curiosity over their relationship.

"It's been so long, I'm afraid I don't remember. Why do you ask?"

"No reason." She replied, looking for a moment at the long black cloak hanging from his shoulders. "Monstret gave me a cloak a lot like yours." She commented, touching the warm cashmere.

"He did?" He replied, feeling his throat close, making it hard to breathe.

"Yes, and, it smells a lot the same." The pretty child appeared thoughtful.

"Well, we both live underground, so, maybe that's the similarity?" She shrugged and changed the subject to breakfast, leaving only him worried.

She wasn't the foolish child that he believed her to be anymore. It wouldn't be long before she realized her two friends were just one lonely monster, who had been lying to her for five years.

He'd lose her if she ever found out.

She'll never trust me again. I'll lose her friendship that I prize so highly!

Forgive me, Christine! Forgive your poor monster. He loves you so and never wanted to hurt you.