Erik’s POV
I scribbled my signature on the sheet of paper, pleased with myself. I looked it over one more time to make sure it was perfect
“Hello again my dear managers. Glad to be hearing from me again? I have come across another bright student who had once again been looked over by your foolish eyes and ears. A Miss Alice DeLaney. She is fairly new to the opera house family but she has an incredible amount of talent hidden inside of her. I expect you to stop this foolish opera you have already been practicing and start immediately on mine.
And do not try any more tricks, gentlemen. Or something far worse than your silly chandelier crashing will happen.
O.G.”
I sealed the letter with my infamous stamp and placed it on top of my finished Don Juan Triumphant music. I would hand this to the managers myself during the ball. This is the reason I invited Alice to it. I loved feeling in control again. I missed telling people what to do. Haven’t done this in months.
No. You aren’t doing this for yourself. You are doing this so Alice. You love her.
I shook my head. No. This is for me. I cannot fall for another woman. Now I have a costume to put together.
But no matter how much I denied it, I knew deep down, that I loved her and I started to fall for Alice the moment I heard her sing.
Alice’s POV
“And one, two, three, turn jump kick!” Madame Giry called out. We have been practicing for this Opera for a month and a half now and the ballet girls just cannot get their moves precise yet! I was getting angry.
“Stop! Stop! Stop the music!” The music came to an abrupt halt and the girls looked at Madam Giry with defeat in their eyes. “Remind me again how long we have been working on this ONE move?” No one spoke. “Three hours! We could have learned an entire dance in that time!” It was dead silent and everyone was looking down, including me. I hated yelling. “You girls need to follow Alice’s lead and see how she does it! I tell her one time how something is to be done and she does it!” Suddenly every eye in the room was on me. Including people not in the dance crew. I blushed madly. “Now, go and take a break. We will start again in five.” She marched off, obviously angry.
After a moment, conversations picked up and everything went back to normal. I walked to my bag and picked up a bottle of water and gulped some of it down. “That was excellent dancing out there, Alice.” I turned around and was greeted by Elijah. I smiled up at him. In the past few days we have gotten really close.
“Thank you, Elijah!” I grinned.
“You are the best dancer out of all of them you know.”
I blushed. “I wouldn’t say that…”
He placed a hand on my shoulder. “Trust me. I know. I’ve seen so many dancers on this stage with me while I’ve worked here and you have been the best. You have also been the most beautiful onstage to.”
I smiled up at him and patted his cheek. “You are too nice to me you know that?”
“Just stating the facts.”
“Come on girls! Time is up!” Madame Giry called out.
I looked over to her and watched as all the other dancers made their way over to her. I started my way to her too, but Elijah grabbed my arm. “Wait!” He called out.
I turned around and looked at him with a confused expression. “Yes, Elijah?”
He looked nervous all of a sudden. “I-I was wondering if you’d like to attend the ball with me?” He asked.
I was shocked. I didn’t expect this from him. “Oh Elijah! That is so sweet!” I exclaimed.
His face brightened. “So, is that a yes?”
Guilt filled me. I hated doing this to guys. “I would love to, but I already have a date.”
His face filled with sadness. “Oh, I see. Well, I’ll see you later then.” He grabbed my hand and kissed it before walking away.
I stared at his retreating figure. “Alice! Come on now! We are waiting on you!” Madame Giry called out. I started walking quickly to my spot, but not before glancing up at box 5 and seeing a dark figure looking down at us.
Later…
“Erik! I’m back!” I yelled into his lair. I had just arrived back ‘home’ from shopping. Erik let me go out and buy a dress and mask.
His head popped around from the corner. “Did you buy a white dress like I told you to?” He asked quickly.
I smiled at his enthusiasm. “Yes I bought a white one. Happy?”
He smiled widely. “Perfect! Come, come! I have prepared dinner for us!” He quickly grabbed my hand and rushed me to the kitchen. He seemed so excited!
“I didn’t know you could coo-“ Words left my mouth as I looked at the beautiful arrangement he set up. The normal wooden table was covered with a red table cloth and there was a candle in the middle for lighting. He had two plates set up with spaghetti on them. I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes to enjoy the beautiful scent.
I looked over to Erik who was staring at me the entire time. “You like it?”
I quickly wrapped my arms around him and squeezed him tightly. “I love it Erik!” I said as his smell wrapped around me and fuzzied my thinking as it usually does. He hugged me back and then led me to my seat. He took a seat across from me whit a huge grin on his face.
I couldn’t help it anymore so I dug right into the food. Once the spaghetti hit my mouth my groaned in appreciation. “Oh my god this tastes like angles!”
Erik laughed. “Good! I was worried you wouldn’t like it.”
“I didn’t even know you could cook!” I exclaimed. “So, what is this all for?” I asked, taking another bite.
“I just uh thought that you were always so nice to me and all so I needed to treat you a bit.” He smiled at me.
“Well, consider me impressed!” We chatted for a little while about nothing in particular.
“So, I couldn’t help but notice how close you and that boy were earlier…” Erik said looking down at his almost empty plate.
“Oh, Elijah? It’s cool. We’re just friends.”
“That’s what Christine said about Raoul.”
Silence filled the room. “Are you jealous?”
“No! Well, I mean, I just noticed and I know he’s a bad dude from the way he’s treated other girls around here.” He sounded like he was keeping something back.
“What else is there to this story Erik?” I asked, pushing the subject.
He sighed. “Well, I know he usually beats the woman he sees.”
I was stunned. “Elijah?” He shook his head yes. That surprised me big time. I did not expect HIM to do such a thing. “Well, it’s a good thing I’m not interested in him, then isn’t it?”
Erik looked up at me and I could see relief in his eyes. “So you aren’t seeing him?”
I almost chocked on my water. “Of course not! Elijah and I are just friends!”
“Well, I don’t think he thinks the same way towards you. Just warning you.”
I just shook my head. “I’m sure he feels the same way. I mean, he did ask me to the ball tomorrow-“
“He DID? What did you say? Are we still going together? Please tell me you said no.”
“I told him I had a date already.” I smiled.
Relief once again filled his face. “Oh, speaking of tomorrow, I am going to tell the managers about Don Juan.”
He told me before that he was going to make the managers put on his play Don Juan Triumphant but not how. I figured with Christine out of the picture he would just tell them with a note and leave it to them in their office. “You’re going to tell them?” I asked. “As in dress in the Mask of Red Death costume and scare everyone there?” I said without thinking.
His frowned. “How did you know?”
I blinked. Shit. “I- well I mean I-“ I stuttered over my line but he cut me off.
“Right, you know everything about me. So, when are you ever going to tell me how you know all this?” He said getting up from his spot, picking up his plate and mine as he headed over to the sink.
I followed him to the sink to help him clean the dishes. “Soon. Just, not until I’m ready and you’re ready.” I scrubbed a plate.
He stopped scrubbing and looked over at me. “Until I’m ready?”
“Trust me it will make since when you hear it.” I said not even looking up at him.
“you’re different Alice. Different from most girls.” I looked up at him. “I like that.”
I smiled. “You’re not too bad yourself.”
He smiled back and made my heart flutter. “Come, let’s go to bed.”
Later that night…
“Time to go Alice.” The voodoo lady told me.
“No! I’m not ready!” I screamed at her. She can’t take me away from Erik.
“He doesn’t even love you Alice there is no point in staying.”
“That isn’t true. He has to feel something towards me. I’ll prove it.”
I ran into the darkness searching for Erik. “Erik! Erik! I called out. Running became harder so I looked down to see snow everywhere. Suddenly I was surrounded by snow and tomb stones. I kept calling for Erik and searching for him. I saw someone sobbing and hunched over a tombstone so I ran to them. It was Erik! “Erik! I’m here I’m here!” But he didn’t hear me. I looked at the tombstone and saw Christine’s name on it. My heart fell.
“No no no!” He sobbed. “I loved you so much.”
I felt tears on my face as the cold wind bit at my skin. “Erik, please!” He looked up suddenly.
Relief washed over him. “Oh thank the Lord! I love you!” He stood and started walking my way.
I opened my arms to hug him. “I knew it! I love you too Erik! So much!”
But he walked right past me. I looked over to him and saw what he was really after. Her. Christine. “I love you too Erik.” They folded into each other’s arms and started to kiss passionately.
“NO!” I yelled.
“You must return home, Alice. You have caused too much trouble already.” The voodoo lady told me appearing next to me.
“I can’t. I need him!” I shouted. “I love him! Please!” I kept reaping it over and over. The wind started to go wind and it started snowing like crazy. I could bearly even see anymore. I fell to the ground, the snow soaking me even more. I was so cold. I was going to freeze to death.
“Please! I love him, PLEASE!” I kept saying, somehow thinking this would help.
“Alice!” I heard. “Alice!”
“Please I love him!” I kept repeating.
“ALICE!”
I gasped and looked around me. “Oh no, please not yet please!” I want to go back please. I don’t want to be stuck in this stupid hotel room! “Take me back to him please!”
I felt arms around me. “Alice, what are you talking about? Please answer me!”
It was Erik. I looked around and noticed I was in his room. It was all just a dream. Sobbing, I tucked into his arms and just cried. He kept calming me down and saying soothing things until I calmed down. Once I could speak I looked up at him. “I thought I lost you.” I sniffed.
He whipped a stray tear from my cheek. “I’m here. I will never leave you. You hear me? Never.” I just shook my head yes.
“Sing me something.” I sniffed. “I don’t think I can sleep without your help.” I missed his voice. I haven’t heard him sing in ages.
“For you, anything.”
“Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation
Darkness stirs and wakes imagination
Silently the senses abandon their defenses
Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendor
Grasp it, sense it, tremulous and tender
Turn your face away from the garish light of day
Turn your thoughts away from cold unfeeling light
And listen to the music of the night”
I snuggled closer into him as I felt sleep start to take over me. Just as sleep was about to take over, I felt Erik place a gentle kiss to the top of my head.
Erik’s POV
I watched as she lay sleeping in my arms. I remembered her yelling please I love him over and over and it scared me so much. And then she was saying take me back? What does that mean? I placed another kiss on her head, enjoying the closeness of us right now. I have never done this before.
I was so scared. “You will never loose me, Alice. I love you too much to leave.”
The next day… Alice’s POV
“Aren’t you excited for the ball tonight?” Hannah asked me very excitedly.
“More than you can imagine.” I told her. I planned on tell Erik tonight. Everything. I was ready to come clean and I think he is ready too. I was also going to kiss him tonight too. I’m done with waiting.
“What does your dress look like?” I asked her.
“It’s a beautiful black dress that complements me perfectly.” We talking about that for a little while. “So who’s your date?” She asked me.
I smiled. “You don’t know him but I’ve known him for years now. I was so happy when he asked me to the ball.”
She had a knowing look on her face. “You like him don’t you? And I mean MORE than just friends.”
“You can read me so well.”
“Well, go and fetch your dress so we can get ready together!!”
Once I got back to her room (She lived here along with the rest of the cast) She grabbed at my dress to get a first look. “Why is it white?” She asked, confused.
“Well Erik told me to get white. Why?”
Suddenly her face filled with joy. “Oh. My. God. That is perfect. Nevermind! Just ignore me!” I gave her a confused look. “Put it will you! I’m already ready for he darn thing and you don’t even had the dress on.”
I laughed but did as I was told, slipping on the white dress. Once it slid on I looked at it in the mirror. It was the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen. It was poofy at the bottom and at the top it was low cut and really brought out my figure. It also had some beautiful jewlels sewn into the fabric at the top.
“It’s perfect. And those BOOBS! WOW.” I laughed at Hannah. Only she would say that. “Come on now, sit that pretty booty in front of this mirror so I can doll you up.
I sat in front of her vanity and watched as she curled my hair into big curls that would fall down my back. “So, how long have you known this Erik?”
“I’ve known him for about four years.” And he’s known me for only a few months.
“WOW! And He doesn’t know you like him?”
“Well, no. He knows that I love him.” She gasped.
“You LOVE HIM! Eeeek! That’s so cute! Well, he’s a fool if he doesn’t love you back!”
A little while later…
“TADA!!!!!” I opened my eyes and looked at myself in the full length mirror and gasped. “You like?”
“Oh my goodness, Hannah. You have truly outdone yourself.” I said as I took myself in. My red hair was falling in gentle curls down my back and the make she had done was this smokey black giving me a mysterious look. I knew I was somewhat pretty before but now… wow! “I love you Hannah!” I said as I engulfed her in a huge hug.
“I know I know I’m amazing. Now time for the masks.” She passed me mines and we both put on our identical black masks. “You ready to go?” I nodded my head yes and we made our way to the ball room.
I could feel the butterflies in my tummy with each step we took closer. I knew what would happen. Erik and I would dance, we will kiss, and once we get to the cellar I will tell him everything. All too soon, we were in front of the doors to enter the ball room. I looked at Hannah with her normally curly yellow hair now straightened and her beautiful black dress. “You look beautiful Hannah.”
“Oh trust me, everyone will have their eyes on you tonight.” And then she pushed open the doors. We walked in and suddenly all eyes were on us. My jaw dropped. I suddenly felt very embarrassed. “Oh, Hannah!” I whispered.
“Don’t worry about it.” She replied easily.
Every single person in here was wearing black. It was apparently the dress code. But I on the other hand was wearing white. I stuck out like a sore thumb. We walked into the crowd and eyes followed us everywhere. I took a glass of champagne a waiter offered.
“You look so beautiful,” I heard a whisper in my ear. I turned around and was greeted by Erik. I smiled at him.
“This is you’re doing.” I took a sip of the champagne.
“I wanted you to be different.” He simply shrugged. He offered me his arm. “Care to dance, ma lady?”
“It would be my pleasure..”
We gracefully walked to the dance floor. I placed my hand in his and a hand on his shoulder and he put a hand on my waist. I smiled up at him as we began to slowly dance to the music. It was as if we were the only people in the room. All I could see were his entrancing eyes.
“You are the most beautiful woman here, I’ll have you know.” I blushed.
“I wouldn’t say that…”
“Look around, every guy here hates me because I get to dance with you.” I looked around and saw he was right. All the guys looked over at us with envy but I also noticed the girls were too.
I looked back up at him. “I should say the same thing about you. I haven’t seen a bore handsome man in my life.” And it was true. His hair was sleeked back and his tux fit him perfectly. He looked even more handsome than usual tonight. And, instead of his normal white mask, he wore a black one.
He smiled down at me and twirled us in a circle. Then he leaned down to kiss my cheek. My heart soared. “I’ll be right back darling..” He squeezed my hand and then disappeared into the crowd. I was about to go look for Hannah but was faced with another guy.
“Hello, beautiful.” A stranger said.
“Hello there. Have we met?” I asked him.
“Why yes we have but that is not important at the moment. Who was that fellow you were with earlier?” He asked me as we began to dance, but not as close as I was with Erik.
“A friend of mine. Why do you ask?”
“You two certainly looked more than friends.” He pushed on.
I smiled. “We did?”
“Yes, you could tell he is crazy for you.” The way he said it sounded like it was a bad thing.
“Well, maybe I’m crazy for him too then.”
Suddenly we stopped dancing. “No. That cannot be.”
I frowned. “And why is that?”
“You cannot love him. You have to love me!” He said loudly. I looked around. People were starting to stare.
“Lower your voice, sir. I don’t even know who you are!” I whisper yelled.
He grabbed my shoulders roughly and I squeeked from fear. “Listen to me right now-“
But he was interrupted by a loud high pitched scream and he let go immediately. Everyone looked quickly and gasped out in fear. Everyone but me. There stood Erik in all his glory in the Red Mask of Death outfit at the top of the stair case for all to see.
“Why so silent good Messieurs ? Did you think I have left you for good? Have you missed me good Messieurs? I have written you an opera! Here I bring the finished score, Don Juan Triumphant!” He threw the opera book at their feet and everyone gasped in fear. “I advise you to comply, my instructions should be clear. Remember there are worst things than a shattered chandelier!” He boomed out.
He looked out into the sea of people. “Fondest greetings to you all, A few instructions just before rehearsal starts.” He looked over at Carlotta. “Carlotta must be taught to act. Not her normal trick of strutting round the stage.” Then he looked over to PIangi. “Our Don Juan must lose some weight. It's not healthy in a man of Piangi's age.” Then he looked over at the managers. “And my managers must learn that their place is in an office, Not the arts.” Finally, he looked over to me. His voice went gentler. “As for our star, Miss Alice DeLaney…” I knew what he was going to do. He wanted to scare the managers so he told me beforehand he would pretend I was his student and I had left him.
“ No doubt she'll do her best, It's true, her voice is good, She knows, though, Should she wish to excel, She has much still to learn, If pride will let her return to me, her teacher, Her teacher...” He beckoned me to come towards him with a finger. I slowly made my way towards him. Once I was a foot away he winked discreetly at me.
“Your chains are still mine, You belong to me!” He yelled as if outraged. He threw something down to make a fire appear and then disappeared down a hole and sent the entire ballroom crazy. Everyone was screaming and rushing around like mad.
I had to get out of here so I ran to the stairs that led to the rooftop. I quickly walked up the stairs and pushed open the heavy door, immediately meeting the cold night air. I wrapped my arms around me and I looked over to the ground and watched people run from the doors.
I heard the door slam open. I jumped and turned around quickly. “Elijah?” I asked.
He was obviously drunk. He came stumbling over to me. “My dear Alice!” He gave me a tight hug and I cringed from the smell of alcohol coming off of him.
“You’re drunk.” I stated simply pushing myself away from him.
“You would be too if you felt the way I did.”
“What’s wrong?” I asked him.
He took a few steps closer to me and I took a few steps back, not wanting to be near him in this state. “Sweetheart! Don’t run away from me!” I felt my back hit the cold wall. Wonderful.
“What do you want Elijah?”
“I want you Alice!” He said stopping in front of me and stroking my check. I turned away from him. “Why do you do that?” He asked, hurt.
“Do what?”
“Always turn me down!” He yelled, making me flinch. “I am so nice to you. I do so much for you. And you never-“
I started to push past him to leave. “Don’t you walk away from me!” He yelled grabbing my arms and pushed me into the wall. I gasped as the breath left my lungs. This felt all too familiar. I just looked up at him with fear in my eyes. “I’m famous, Alice! I have all the money you could ask for! Why don’t you love me like I love you?”
I just stayed silent, too scared to speak. “ANSWER ME!” He yelled and made me flinch and close my eyes in terror.
“Please, don’t hurt me!” I said quietly.
“Hurt you? Why would I hurt you?” I looked up at him with tears in my eyes now.
“Elijah.”
Suddenly he crashed his lips onto mine. I tried pushed him off of me but he was much stronger than me. I felt him start to feel me up. I started hitting him to make him stop but he wouldn’t. He was so intoxicated with alcohol he didn’t know what he was doing! That’s it that had to be it! He pushed himself onto me now kissing me harder, trying to get me to open my mouth. When he succeeded I bit his tounge as hard as I could. He screamed out in pain and let go of me.
“You little bitch!” The next thing I knew I was on the ground grabbing my cheek. I looked up at him and saw his foot come down onto me and kick me in the ribs. I screamed out in pain. “Why do you love HIM and not ME?!” He kicked me again and again. I felt the world around me go dark.
“I love you Erik,” I whispered. This was it. I was going to die. But the kicking stopped and I saw Erik ontop of Elijah beating the crap out of him. If he didn’t stop Elijah will die. I slowly pushed myself up on my knees. “ERIK!” I yelled out.
He looked over at me. I shook my head no and then he looked back at Elijah. “Touch her again and I won’t hesitate to kill you.”
I couldn’t stand it anymore. I fell to the ground and waited for the darkness to consume me. “No! No! Please, don’t leave me please!” I heard Erik call out. He picked me up in his arms and started walking and that when everything went dark.
*****
Super mega huge chapter just for you guys! Literally took me five hours to write and I never moved from my laptop! Well, except to go get some cookies.
Well, love yall!
Vote/Comment!
-D