The Phantom's Daughter [On Hold]

Erik

As I walk home, I try not to limp. I changed into a suit already, knowing Christine and the family would already be at dinner. I couldn't eat with them, Christine would know something was up the moment she saw me. When I got home, I went to my study and asked food to be bright to me. I lay on the couch, my back facing up. I ripped the coat and mask of of me the moment I entered. I hear a knock and tell them to leave it by the door. they knock again and I growl.

"Leave it and go, before I tear you limb from limb." I shout. I see the knob start to turn and race to out my mask on. As the door opens I see that it is Lillian, still wearing the hat. She changed dresses. I would get her a new one.

"What do you want?" I say a bit to harsh. She cringes and bows her head.

"Come here." I say, patting the spot on the couch next to me. I see the plate in her hands shake as she sits next to me. She sits the plate down between us and starts to fumble with her hands. I feel my chest tighten. I scared my own daughter. What type of Father was I?

"Did you want to talk to me about anything?" I ask her kindly.

"Y-yes, sir-r." She stutters out. I

"What is it then?"

"I w-want you to t-teach me to sing-g. A-as go-o-od as you." I see her tense up, as waiting for a hit. I move the plate and sit her on my lap. I take her hat off and hug her to my chest. My sweet child. Ruining her dress for me. Singing to all of us, the freaks. She wraps her arms around me.

"Of course I would. Do you want me to help you with the violin? I can teach you the piano too." I tell her as she pulls away. She sits back on the couch.

"Thank you! Oh thank you! Of course. I would love the piano and I do need help on the violin." She says and I see a glint in her eyes.

I smile and then a thought comes up.

"Child, why do you wear a mask?" I ask. I wanted to hear why she wore it. Not just because of me. Was it because if society or herself? She clears her throat and starts to whisper. I have to lean in to hear her.

"Because we live in a world where people care more on looks, than personality. Cause these days, all everyone one cares about are looks."

I see tears in her eyes.

"You could be an amazing person, but if you're not pretty, no one wants you. They'll just pass right over you, cause at the end of the day, looks are everything. No matter how good you are, if your ugly, your nothing." she finishes. I see streams of tears running down her face and see claw marks on the side of her face.

"Who did this to you?" I roar. I see her shake and ask in a kinder voice.

"Or did you do this to yourself?" I feel a sinking feeling.

"Life." Is all she answers. She starts to shake violently and I pull her close to me and start singing.

The beauty underneath

I sing softly and feel her drift off. I carry her upstairs. I pass Christine's room and see her face as I hold Lillian. She looks relieved and overjoyed. I smile as I carry Lillian's limp body to her bed. I set her down, tuck her in, and kiss her in her forehead. As I turn, I see her beautiful face in the moonlight, I smile as I shut the door.