Erik and Evelina: The Phantom's Love

Chapter 5

Evelina woke to the sound of the organ playing somewhat discordantly. When the music stopped, the music box began to play. Evelina quickly dressed and went out. As she had thought, Erik was sitting at the organ, perhaps composing something.

Evelina walked up behind Erik, watching him work.

"Erik..." she said tentatively.

"Christine, you're awake. Did you sleep well?" he never looked up from his work, but his tone was cordial, happier than Evelina had heard him before.

"I did. How did you sleep?" she asked gently.

"I have never slept well. But now that you are here, I can rest well."

"I am happy for you."

"Will you sing for me, Christine? It has been so long since I last heard you. But perhaps you are fearful of me. I will not harm you." And before Evelina had a chance to answer, Erik started to play.

Together they sang from "Othello" and "Hannibal". As they sang, Evelina was amazed at the feeling in his voice. The sadness, anger and love that each of his portrayals revealed. The sound of Erik's voice was purely beautiful; Evelina felt she could scarcely breathe. Evelina found herself disappointed when they stopped.

"Your voice is just as beautiful as I remember." Erik sighed quietly. He shortly returned to his composition. Evelina stepped closer to Erik, a sudden desire to take off his mask. Carefully, she walked up behind him, placing her hands on Erik's shoulders. Very carefully, Evelina reached forward and slowly lifted the mask away.

With dizzying speed, Erik turned and shoved Evelina to the floor, the pain and anger resounding off the stone walls.

"What have you done? Did you think my ugliness would disappear with time? Have you forgotten? Oh, how I hoped that you would remember the pain I've suffered when others see my face! The pain I feel when you see my face!"

"Oh, Christine, sweet Christine, have you done this to spite me? Why do you persist to hurt me? You do not love me! How can you love me, with a face as hideous as mine? Perhaps if I were handsome you would love me, but that will never be! How foolish I was to think you could love me!"