My Blue Rose (Phantom of the Opera)

Chapter 12 - A Ghost

Two Years Later:

Carly's POV:

I settled back in the seat and prepared myself to listen to opera my mother insisted that the family attend. We had been traveling around the country and had heard that Beauty and the Beast was being put on by one of the leading Opera Houses in the country. I liked singing and good opera but once I heard a little of the warm ups I knew this wasn't going to be good.

After about half way through I was about to scream. I wasn't and expert on music and singing but I knew that the lead singer was horrible. The man playing the beast was half-way good but the girl playing Belle was atrocious. I covered my ears discreetly but they were quickly moved when Mother whispered,

“That is rude.” I sighed. Suddenly a booming voice echoed through the auditorium.

“Who dares to proclaim this rubbish in my opera house?” I gasped and knew that voice immediately. There was no doubt who it was. Only one voice could warm my heart. It was Erik's voice. It had been two years and I missed it horribly. I had forgotten what it did to me. I looked at the audience and performers and heard their horrified gasps. I heard names like:

“Opera Ghost!”

“Phantom!”

“The Ghost!” I smiled. They fit him strangely. He could play that part well. I looked at my parents and they were in shock. Suddenly he spoke again,

“I told you not to! There shall be consequences. Mark my words! I never fail to keep my word!” I glanced at the cat walk and saw a form move slightly. I smiled again and thought, You will never hide from me, Erik. You can't hide from the woman who loves you. I have found you. I rose from my seat and hurried from the room. I stood still for a moment and listened. It wasn't long before in the darkened passageways I heard a quiet step. It was light and quick. I knew who it was. I quickly followed it. Erik must have heard me because he picked up speed. It wasn't long before I found myself in the basement to the opera house. I looked around me and, placing my hands on my hips, said,

“Erik, come out. I know you are down here. Come out this minute. This is Carly.” I listened carefully but heard nothing. I thought for a moment he had gotten away. Then a booming voice echoed around me,

“Why are you here? Why did you follow?” I could feel his pain. He didn't bother to hide it.

“Erik, won't you come out? I know it is you? Trust me, please!” I begged. I had to see him. I couldn't live without seeing him again. He was the love of my life and I wanted to make sure he was doing alright. I had to know. I didn't care if he didn't care about me. I didn't care if he wanted me to leave after that. I was do anything for him to come out of the darkness. I searched around and thought I had seen a swish of a cape.

“I asked you why you were here?” The voice softened but there was no change in intensity. I sighed.

“Erik, I have to talk to you. I left without telling you a lot of things. Come out and we can talk for a while. I promise, I haven't gotten the police. I lied for you, for goodness sake!” I exclaimed. Suddenly a shadow moved from the darkness. I watched as Erik moved into the light.

“You lied for me, Carly?” I could see the shock in his golden eyes. I nodded.

“I lied for you, Erik.” He drew back and shook his head.

“You shouldn't have.”

“Why not?” I asked and pointed a finger and him. “You are my friend. I would lie for any friend worth lying for.” He shook his head.

“Carly, you can't befriend me. I kidnapped you.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“I enjoyed my time. It was fun once I got over beginning kidnapped. I still have that blue rose you gave me.” He gasped.

“You did? Why?”