The Man Behind the Monster: Phantom of the Opera Story

13: Stay by my Side

My heart was aching. It had been weeks since I had last saw him. There would be times I thought I felt his presence, but when I turned around, he was nowhere to be seen.

If I only knew why he was keeping his distance.

Was he angry about Raphael?

Maybe I should have gone back to see him that night.

I couldn't stop thinking about him. Every thought I have had each and every day was about him. I asked Madame every day if she heard anything from him, but the answer was always the same.

"No, my dear."

I can't go down into the catacombs because he's blocked off every entrance that I know of. Madame has locked the Prima Donna dressing room and seems to have "lost" the key.

I was supposed to feel happy and excited right about now. It didn't take too long to hear back from Christine after I sent her the letter stating that I'd like to come visit. Raphael will be here the morning after tomorrow. Raoul was supposed to make the trip, but I received a letter that he's felt a little under the weather.

I was supposed to feel overjoyed to see my sister and our two oldest friends. But, I just couldn't.

I miss him. I really miss him, everything about him.

I've tried to put on a face in front of people, but I know Meg and Madame have seen right through it. They know exactly what is going on through my head.

But, here I was, enjoying some time with Madame and Meg before I leave. I tried to put on a convincing smile.

The three of us sat around the small table Madame had set up in her room. The kitchen staff cooked us up a delicious looking chicken dinner. My appetite hasn't been the strongest, but Madame made sure that I finished up what was on my plate. I can tell she is truly worried about me.

"I received a letter from him today, Elizabeth.", Madame's voice spoke through the clanking of utensils.

I nearly choked on the sip of wine I had just taken.

"He... he sent up a letter?", I managed to say though my coughs. "What did it say?"

"He wants me to come down.", she explained.

"Can I go with you?", I quickly questioned.

"No, my dear. It strictly says me only.", she said and my heart sank.

"Oh.", I said, my eyes falling down to my hand holding my fork. I started pushing my food around my plate, having lost my appetite.

"Elizabeth, I'm going to figure out why he's doing this.", Madame calmly said, placing her hand on top of mine.

"Lizzie, I'm really worried about you.", Meg spoke up.

"I'm okay.", I said, as a single tear fell from my eye. "I'm okay. I promise."

I wiped the tear from my face and took a deep breath. I reached out for my glass and down the rest of the liquid.

"Okay, so since I won't be here for Christmas, I am going to give you guys your gifts now.", I said, standing up from my chair.

I walked over to where I placed their presents. I took the small boxes in my hands and handed them to Madame and Meg.

"Oh Elizabeth, you didn't have to do this.", Madame thanked as she accepted my gift.

"Madame, I will never be able to thank you enough for all that you have done for me. This is just a small token of my appreciation towards you Madame.", I said as I watched her open her present. When she opened the small box, she revealed the beautiful hair sticks I had bought for her, a little butterfly adorning the tip of them.