The Phantom's Melody (The Phantom of the Opera)

11. Truce

To the Phantom’s great dismay, I returned to his lair that evening for my next singing lesson. And also to his dismay, I didn’t die falling into one of his traps on the way down. I’m sure he was thinking about plenty of new ones to install so next time I would.

I stepped out of the hidden alcove once I reached his lair, grumbling a curse I stumbled out and almost tripped on my dress in the process. I looked over to find him sitting at a work desk cluttered with trinkets and sheet music, his legs crossed as he read through a book in his hands. Even while doing something as simple as reading a book, he managed to look as arrogant and uptight as ever.

“You know, you’d think there would be an easier way to get down here.” I said, catching his attention when I walked over.

He simply shrugged. “There might be,” he responded, “but that doesn’t mean I’ll tell you about it.” He closed his book and sat it down on the desk. “You’re late.” He said as he looked at the pocket watch in his hand.

I looked at the time and frowned. “Yeah, by two minutes.” I muttered.

He stood up, tucking away the watch into his waistcoat. “If you wish to continue these lessons, you’ll be on time. Understood?”

I scowled, but nodded. “Understood.” I glared at him and folded my arms. “Is it necessary to meet down here for the lessons? I might not be late if I didn’t have to come all the way from the dormitories without being noticed.” I pointed out.

He brushed past me without even sparing me a glance. “Need I remind you that this was your idea?” He finally looked at me. “If you do not wish to come here, then I will gladly cease our lessons after tonight.”

I clenched my jaw. “That won’t be necessary.” I said, smiling sweetly as I walked over. “I've been practicing the song all day.” I informed him.

“Yes, I’m aware.” He said as he sorted through his sheet music until he finally found the one for 'Think of Me'.

I blinked. “What do you mean, ‘you’re aware’?” I narrowed my eyes on him. “Is spying on people something you do for fun?” I snapped.

He had the audacity to roll his eyes. “You’re my student now. I was making sure you did what I told you to do.” He said simply.

I scoffed. “Where were you even hiding? I was at the stables for most of the afternoon.”

“Would you like to keep wasting my time by asking useless questions or would you rather focus on your lesson?” He asked impatiently.

I frowned. “Fine.” I sighed and stepped towards the front of the piano where the Phantom had sat down on the other side.

“Start from the beginning of the aria, but apply the techniques I showed you last night.” He told me, starting up the all too familiar melody as his fingers danced across the keys.

“Think of me, think of me fondly
When we've said goodbye
Remember me, once in a while
Please promise me you'll try,”

I paused for a moment, expecting him to say something, but he didn’t. Instead he continued to play, looking at me expectantly. Hurriedly I continued onto the next verse.

“When you find that, once again, you long
To take your heart back and be free
If you ever find a moment
Spare a thought for me…”

I finished the entire song for him without interruption and looked at him nervously as I waited for his critique. “How did I do?” I asked hesitantly.

He considered my question for just a moment before turning to look at me. “Adequate.” I frowned, but he elaborated. “The bridge needs some work, but it’s better than yesterday.” He sighed. “I want you to practice this,” He handed me a sheet of music.