The Man Behind the Monster: Phantom of the Opera Story

10: Why Cant't the Past Just Die

***

Fire.

I was surrounded by fire.

I didn't know what to do.

I just backed myself into a corner and cried.

The kitchen, the hallway, the parlor, all engulfed in flames.

This ... this was all my fault.

The flames were encroaching around me fast. I didn't know where to turn. Everywhere I looked, there was just fire.

But, then, the back door flung open.

"Elizabeth! Thomas! Charlotte!", a voice cried out. I still just stood there and cried. This was all my fault.

I could hear the wood crackling as it burned. It was such a horrible sound to hear. But, I also heard something else. Footsteps, headed in my direction.

"Elizabeth!", the voice called. Wait, I know that voice! I picked up my little head and saw Monsieur Daae rushing towards me. As soon as he reached me, he picked me up and shielded me away from the flames, as he rushed back towards the door.

He exited out the back door just in time because as soon as he did, a supporting beam fell, blocking the way of the door.

"No!", Gustave cried. He held me close to his chest as I just continued to cry. "NO!"

But, it was too late.

***

I shot up in bed, my breathing was extremely rapid. My body had full blown shakes and tears were gushing out of my eyes.

I felt like I couldn't catch my breath. Panic started the set in.

"Deep breaths. Inhale. Hold. Exhale. Repeat. In through your nose, out through your mouth."

Father's words echoing through my mind.

Come on Lizzie.

In through your nose, out through your mouth.

Repeat.

In through your nose, out through your mouth.

This would work much better if you, father, were here to hold me, to soothe me. He always knew how to calm me back down, after a horrendous nightmare, such as this one.

I've had this dream, many, many times before. However, I haven't had one in quite a while. Why, all of a sudden, are these memories and emotions flooding back to me? I thought the horrors of my past were behind me.

I had brought my breathing back to normal, but I couldn't stop the tears from falling from my eyes. This usually happened though. When father would calm me back down, I would eventually just cry myself back to sleep. But, I was always in father's presence. I knew that as long as he was there with me, I felt safe.

And the only other time I ever feel that safe is when I'm with...

Erik. 

Before I had a second thought, I jumped out of bed and raced to my door. I literally ran down the hallway to the dressing room and straight through the mirror. I speed down the corridor and skipped down the stairs, taking 2 at a time. I finally reached the shore of the lake and saw the boat.

I carefully stepped into the boat, grabbed the ore, and made my way down the canal. I really hope he is not mad at me for coming down here on my own. I just, need to be in his arms right now. I need to feel safe.

To my luck, the gate was open too. I docked the boat and carefully stepped onto the shore. I looked around, but I couldn't see where he was. But, I did hear a soft, soothing melody bounce off the walls. I followed the sound and it led me to his bed room.