Phantom's Fate 《Phantom of the Opera Fanfiction》

14

Days pass, and I can't seem to get Madame Giry's request out of my head. Though taking care of the kitten and being with Erik has kept me occupied, I find myself lying awake at night pondering all the possibilities that could happen if I...do...agree to her request. It's been so long since I comfortably danced, especially around someone else. I dread disappointing anyone after being a dancer for so long then suddenly not being able to perform to their expectations. What if I fall? Something could break, leaving me crippled this time. I sink my teeth into the inside of my lip. I could be left paralyzed, and then I'd really hate my life...

But... I roll up to the edge of the bed and stand. Maybe I could finally get over my fear. Maybe starting slow with the Madame and regaining my comfort in balance will help prevent future incidents. Could I succeed in being a comfortable ballerina again? I have been thinking a lot of it lately. Meg enjoys telling me of how good it feels to dance in front of a huge audience like this. I never danced in an opera house before. The thought has been secretly nagging at me...

Hesitantly, I carry myself to the music room and search the room shallowly. My eyes land on the ballet slippers tucked aside of the piano, and I gnaw on the inside of my cheek. This choice could change my life forever. But...something inside me is clawing to free itself. My hand grazes my side where the scar lies underneath. To me, there is a risk to agreeing. But do I want to live in fear for the rest of my life? And what if I somehow get teleported back? I would never have a chance like this to experiment ever again. I should at least give it a few tries. If it doesn't go well, then I won't force myself into it.

Sighing, I sit on the piano bench and take the slippers up, examining them. They look like they will fit relatively well. I wonder why Erik even has ballerina slippers... Shrugging, I slip my flats off and push my foot into the pink shoe, moving it around. It's a little big, but I'm not keeping them anyway. It's just to get over that first step.

Tying them up, I stand and drop my eyes. The nightgown is short enough so I can comfortably wear the shoes without tripping. Cautiously, I shift my feet into first position, then through the rest. I'm not surprised I remember the five, but it feels...odd. My heart is heavy in my chest. If I forgot or can't do the moves like I used to, I'll cry. I spent so many dedicated hours to perfecting myself as a child. I'll be damned if I let it all go to waste.

A knock sounds at the door, followed by a voice. "Alia? I've prepared breakfast, if you'd like to join me."

Shit!

I start to panic, quickly untying the shoes, but the door starts creaking open. Flying to the bench, I hide my feet by the piano pedals and make it seem as though I was about to play. "Ah, I'm sorry, Erik. I didn't realize you made food," I grip my hands together tightly and hope he doesn't see my feet.

He stays by the door, peering at me curiously. "Are you hungry at all?"

On cue, my stomach tightens. I forgot I barely ate anything last night. "Y-yes, I'll be right out. I'll meet you out there."

But he isn't that easy to convince. His calculating eyes longer over me longer than I'd hoped. "Is something the matter? You seem...on edge."

Shifting my feet further under, I shrug and laugh nervously. "I guess I'm just tired or something. Nothing to worry about, though."

Erik leans against the doorframe and crosses his arms. I start to swoon at how attractive he looks in that position, but his words snap me back to reality. "Now, you remember what I said about that. I do worry." He pushes himself up and takes a few steps toward me.

I shrink back slightly to the piano. "I-I'm okay, really. I just..." my head hangs in disappointment. I cannot conjure up a believable excuse. Pathetic. Sighing, I swing my legs around to face him, and his eyes immediately catch the slippers on my feet. My chest tightens painfully. "I'm sorry, Erik. I didn't really think before touching them. I know I should've asked before using them, but I was too caught up in thought..."