The Black Rose

School

Anna

I’m taking a couple of classes at the local college and today is a school day. I wonder if he has followed me here as well. I didn’t see him outside last night, but found a present on my car windshield this morning. It was a little blue box, tied closed with an orange ribbon and another black silk rose. Inside the box was a silver chain with an angel wing pendant and a simple note that read: Anna is an angel.

He knows my name. He knows my name and all I know about him is that he’s tall, dark, and handsome and he drives a tan truck. Hardly seems fair, but I’ll be patient and play along. Maybe one day he’ll come out from the shadows and let me know his name as well. For now, I’m wearing that chain, hoping that he’ll see it, hoping that he’ll know I want to be his.

Walking to class, I occasionally glance over my shoulder, wanting to catch a glimpse of my watcher. Unfortunately all I see are other students walking to class or chatting with their friends. I sigh, a little disappointed. I wish he were here, to chat with and to walk with me to class.

In my English class we’re discussing “The Phantom of the Opera”. The teacher has asked the question, “What do you think of the phantom?” and some random girl blurts out, “He’s a psycho killer freak!” I roll my eyes and shake my head at her comment and my actions don’t go unnoticed. “You have a different opinion Ms. Lucas?”

The teacher’s question has startled me.

“Um… yeah, I disagree.” My voice is a little shaky due to the fact I’m not fond of speaking out in class. Something the teacher is well aware of. “Then enlighten us Anna, what do you think of the phantom?” That bastard!

“Well…” I take a deep breath, “I don’t think he started out psycho. Everything he did was for Christine and he did all of it out of love. He wanted to give her success, happiness, he wanted to protect her. He got caught up in all the bloodshed and lost his way, but he never stopped loving her. In the end he let her leave to be with Raoul because he loved her. As for the freak part, I don’t think he’s a freak.”

That same girl speaks up again, “Anyone who has to wear a mask because their face is all messed up is a freak.”

God what are we in high school? I can’t help but retaliate, “The phantom’s appearance doesn’t make him a freak. Something happened to him that wasn’t his fault and he was scarred for life. Those scars didn’t make him the phantom, the way people reacted to them did.”

I have never spoken out this much in class before and I can tell the teacher is slightly impressed. I have no idea why I spoke so passionately about this and then I remember my own Phantom. I wonder if he had heard my little outburst and realized how much of an influence he’s becoming.

Stalker

I had decided to give following her a rest since I have class today, but once I saw her, walking towards the front building as I was exiting via another door, I couldn’t help myself. She was wearing the most adorable grey t-shirt. The front of the shirt looked like lined paper and had an image of a cartoon bunny with the words ‘some bunny loves me’ printed above it. I also noticed the chain I had gifted her just that morning. A flutter began in my heart. She must really like me.

I watched her walk toward the building and then glance over her shoulder. She seemed to be looking for someone. Was she looking for me? I quickly looked away, praying she wouldn’t recognize me. I’d have been spotted instantly if I had jumped behind a bush. When I looked back, she was looking in the other direction. She looked so sad, so lost. I know one day I’ll be with her and she won’t be sad anymore.

I follow at a distance as she walks to a classroom. As she enters the door way, I walk by. Ducking around a corner I wait and listen patiently for the class to fill and the teacher to shut the door so I can peak in the little door window and catch a glimpse of her. These rooms aren’t completely soundproof, so I could also listen in.

Once the door is closed, I steal a glimpse of her. The tables and chairs in this room are facing opposite the door so I can only see the back of her head. She takes both of her hands and pulls her hair into a loose pony tail, then lets her hair fall free, partially resting over one shoulder. Her movements, just the way she moves, tugs at something in my heart.

The teacher begins class. They’re discussing a novel the class has just read. The teacher asks a question and one girl blurts out a typical eighth grade answer that’s not typical for a supposed college student. I roll my eyes and notice Anna shaking her head, I smile. The teacher notices her too and asks her opinion.

Something happens then, she sits up straighter and her shoulders get tense. I hear the waver in her voice as she speaks; she’s not used to talking in class. Suddenly her thoughts take off and the boldness of her words melts my heart. The other girl says one more thing when Anna stops talking. Anna looks at the girl with fire in her eyes and her next words nearly make me fall to the floor!

That girl, I am in love with that girl! I see a smile on her lips, then she glances toward the door and I have to duck around the corner again. Deciding I’ve seen enough today to last me till tomorrow, I leave the college before her. The vision of her defending the Phantom, defending me, lights me on fire as I exit the campus parking lot and head to the music store.