The Fifth Cellar (Phantom of the Opera)

Chapter 13 - Underground

 Evangeline's POV:

I ran down the passageways until I reached the mirror room. I dropped into it and crept out. I heard the boat coming across the lake. They were coming toward the house and if I was caught than I would be in big trouble. I quickly hid behind a chair. Erik walked in, leading Christine. Suddenly he said,

*“Don't be afraid, Christine; you are in no danger.”* I peaked out and saw Christine try to tear the mask from Erik's face. He stopped her and said, *“You are in no danger, so long as you do not touch the mask.”* Then he did the weirdest thing. He sat her down and getting on his knees before her said nothing. Erik was confusing and I grew more perplexed by the moment. I couldn't tell what Christine was thinking because of how she was seated but I doubted she was too happy about the situation. Suddenly Christine started to cry. Erik quickly said,

*“It is true, Christine! … I am not an angel, nor a genius, nor a ghost … I am Erik!"* Then he started to beg her forgiveness and plead his love for her. I covered my ears as my heart was completely shattered. I had been hurting before but now it was agony. He continued for a while than sang her to sleep. I listened to his voice and I wished that I was Christine. I wouldn't be crying about his love for me! I would be welcoming it and returning it. If only he knew how much I loved him! But he loved Christine and maybe this was a way for her to learn to love him. Once he had laid her down to sleep, I slipped out from behind the chair and placed my hands on my hips. I cleared my throat and Erik jumped. He turned around and glared. I smiled and gestured for us to go outside. Once we were far enough away from the house, down by the dock where the boat was, I started to talk.

“Erik, what are you thinking?” He gave me the weirdest look.

“What do you mean?” He sounded truly confused.

“What are you doing? Why did you bring her down here?” He folded his arms and said,

“Because I wanted to. Is there a problem with that?” I sighed and said,

“Erik, you are trying to get the girl to fall in love with you, right?” He nodded. I continued, “Well, kidnapping her isn't exactly how you do it. Do you even have what she needs?” He shook his head.

“I was going to go shopping.” I sighed. I couldn't convince he to let her go. I knew that. Erik was a stubborn man. A very stubborn man. There was only one thing I could do.

“Erik, if you will promise me that you won't hurt her in anyway then I will go shopping for you. I will bring the supplies to the third cellar that the place where you murdered Joseph and you can pick them up. I don't want her to be left down here. She might get into trouble.” I walked away without another word. I was mad and hurting. Before I could even get away Erik said,

“Ballet Rat, whats wrong? You don't look to good.” I stopped, bit my lip, and said,

“Nothing, it has been a trying night. I will fetch what she will need now and leave them in the third cellar.” I then hurried away. How could he do this to the girl? I didn't know. I gathered what I thought she might need and left them for him. I then walked to my room and laid down on my bed. The other girls were already asleep but I couldn't rest. I looked at myself in the mirror and was surprised Erik even noticed something was wrong.

“I think he is changing.” I whispered to myself. The old Erik never would have cared what was wrong with me. But he had asked what was wrong. I only wish he had said my name. He hadn't ever called me by my name. It was always “Ballet Rat.” That was all I was to him, a ballet rat with nothing else to do. A curious little girl who had befriended the Opera Ghost. He loved and would always love Christine. Once he won her love I would no longer be necessary. If only he knew how much I loved him! I loved him enough to die for him.