Little Opera Ghost

Irrational Decisions

Madeline's P.O.V
I have decided to leave today, my father's past has always been a mystery. However I do believe I can look for it and possibly capture it. I've stolen his journal... It was a cruel thing for me to do, I know it was, and if father finds out he will surely punish me greatly. However it was an opportunity I could not pass. Inside I found people and places, they must be connected I know they must, however there's one complication that is becoming quite unavoidable. My grandmother is dead, so I cannot get information from her, however father's Journal says that there was a woman who would visit, and I'm sure she's still living there. Perhaps I could talk to the preacher of the area, the one whom my father was named after. That night when father sent me to bed I hesitated, it wasn't until he repeated the phrase sternly threatening punishment that I burst into tears wrapping my arms around his neck. It was the first time I would be out on my own, and it was quite scary, I was also afraid the father wouldn't forgive me for committing such an action. Father seems surprised by my sudden outburst. "Mon Ange," he said taking my arms from his neck so I was facing him. "My child what is wrong? You know I cannot bear to see you cry."
I sniffled, taking my hand out of his grip to wipe my tears.
"Papa, I'm scared,"
father's eyes change from comforting too hard and cold. "Why?!" He demanded.
"Has someone hurt you?! Was it that boy?!" I quickly responded knowing that things would turn very ugly if Philip was brought up.
"No papa, no not at all, I just don't ever want to lose you, I don't know what I would do without you!" I started crying again if I myself once again wrapped in the cover of his arms. He was stroking my hair and whispering comforting words to be. "Mon amour," he said still holding me close,
"Why do I feel that my health is not your only concern?" Drats, he knew me too well, sometimes I was certain he could read my mind. I thought quickly,
"I just don't want you to ever stop loving me, no matter how wretched I can be I never want to lose your love. Once again father turn me to face him eyeing me suspiciously.
"Madeline... Why would you think it was possible for me to ever stop loving you?" Daringly I pointed at a painting, one that always hung on its designated spot on the wall. The painting was of my grandmother, Madeline Destler.
"You've always spoken of how cruel she was to you, and yet beyond all of that cruelty you still named me after her. You must loathe me a great deal to name me after somebody you speak so poorly of." Father's face was of an expression I have never seen, and hope to never see again. Without warning he pulled up his hand and smacked my mouth, not too hard, hard enough for me to understand that what I had said was utterly stupid.
"Madeline!" He said it was such authority I did not dare speak, "How could you say something so cruel. A name does not define you! Your name has nothing to do with my mother, your mother had once told me how lovely she thought the name was, and that is why you are named way you are, not because loathe you, but because I love you, and your mother! That love will never die, if I ever hear you say something so heartless again you will go to bed without dinner, do I make myself clear?" I nodded holding my mouth where he had struck me, it had surprised me more than it hurt in all honesty. Father look at me apologetically, "Forgive me Mon Ange, I could never hate you, don't ever think that." He kissed my cheek and patted my bottom affectionately. "Now, it is time for bed, go along, I shall be there in a few moments to sing to you." I went to my room, I was much calmer now. My father would love me no matter what, I quickly grabbed my bag I packed earlier that day. And slipped on a black dress and cloak, taking a deep breath I put a note, explaining why I left and that I would be back soon, on my pillow. I looked around one last time before slipping out to the darkness...

Erik's P.O.V
Madeline is gone. I went into her room to sing her to sleep as I always do, and she simply was not there. I begin to panic but stops abruptly as I noticed a letter on her pillow.

Dear Papa,
I love you very much and I do not want you thinking that I don't. I've left according to my own free will but do not be upset for I shall return. I'm finding people you once knew I'm sure all the miss you very much no matter what you may think. I shall return soon father,
All my love, Madeline

My head was spinning with anger, it was a dangerous anger that I could not control. How dare she pry into my past like it is her business to know. I went into a fit, throwing chairs and bottles, anything I could get my hands on. My vision was so blurred with anger that I didn't see Nadir enter, standing patiently until my fit was over. I sat in the middle of the mess Breathing heavily, tears Loosely falling down my face and under the mask.
"Mon ami?" He said tentatively. "By God what is wrong? I have not seen you this angry in years." I thrust the letter at him and place my head in my hands while he read.
"I can find her if you know where she is going, After all I was a policeman in Persia. Tracking people down was my job." I was still looking down taking deep breaths, I pointed to a little book on my organ.
"Those are the only possible places she could have gone too."
Nadir took the book and began paging through it,
"This should be fun," He muttered,
"I shall return as soon as I find her, I will leave now if that is your wish," I nodded and Nadir bowed his head in response.
"I shall see you soon Erik," He said taking along the boat rowing out of my home. I took a deep breath, and for the first time in many many years I prayed. I asked god that she would be safe, and Then I waited.