Unmasking the Phantom – Part 9

Ma Chère Confidente,

I am done with this life. Raoul has changed me and I can never go back to the horrid life I led. I forgive Christine and all that she has done to me, although I will never forget it. I will leave them at peace for I have been shown mercy by my beloved.

The police are still searching the Opera House, but they will never find me. They are rummaging through my belongings, but I have everything I need until they finally leave this place and let me be, but I do not think they will ever stop searching for me. Madame Giry has only come to visit me once and I, selfishly, had no kind words to say to her. She has not returned since and I do not think she ever will again. As much as I plan a new life for what is left of myself to save, I do not think I can ever forgive her for what she has done. I was wrong about being the only one who knew this theatre inside and out, and I should have known Madame Giry would have betrayed me and led the search for me. She clearly had a change of heart, but as I watch most of my prized possessions being turned about, taken, or broken, I can only feel anger in my heart.

Christine did play her part in my plan to win Raoul over. She played it well seeing as it was the character of herself. Raoul was making his way across the lake while Christine yelled at me. “Did you really believe he would love a hideous creature like you?” she yelled at me.

Sensing Raoul was near I began my part. “Christine,” I said pleading, “We were friends. You told me everything. I helped you learn to use your beautiful voice to its full potential. I gave you gifts on your birthday. I don’t understand why you changed.”

“I didn’t change. I only was your friend because I thought you were an angel. When I saw your face, that devil cursed face, I could not bear to think my father sent you to me.”

“But he sent you a friend. You were all alone when you came here. I helped you. I just don’t understand how you could turn your back on me. After all, you were the one who took my mask off. We could have continued to be friends if not for that, but even so, my face did not mean I was a devil. Was I not pleasant? Was I not helpful? Was I not there to listen to your dreams and fears? All I asked for was friendship, but you gave me hate.”

“Is this true?” Raoul’s voice rang out. He was so close. I stiffened as he continued. “Christine. Is this woman speaking the truth? Was she your friend when no one else was? And you turned your back on her because of the way she looks?”

“Raoul. You don’t understand. I -”

“I think I do understand.” He turned to face me. “Madamoiselle, if you are speaking the truth, please let it be known that I am truly grateful for your friendship with my dear Christine. However, I cannot condone what you have put her and I through since.”

I nodded. “I apologize, Vicomte. I tried to speak to her alone, but she would never let me near. I would not have done what I had done if she allowed me to speak to her about our past,”

“I understand. I will put all this behind us and offer you my friendship if you let her go.”

“I will let her go, but I only ask one more favor to do so. A simple favor.”

He nodded. “Anything.”

“A kiss, monsieur, from you. And you two will be on your way.”

“Don’t do it, Raoul! It’s a trap,” Christine cried. She was correct and he hesitated.

“You see,” I continued, “Christine spoke highly of you and told me all the stories from when you were young together. I will never know of such things, due to my condition, so it is the only thing I am asking for. Afterwards, we can all part as friends and I will never show my face to Christine again. If not, Christine shall continue to keep me company for the rest of her days.”

Raoul stepped forward. “Alright. One kiss.”

As he came closer and looked into my eyes, I smiled for I knew that it was he who was to be kept here forever, but when he put his lips to mine – his hand resting on my cheek – I felt something stir. His hand moved upward to caress my hair and I could tell he felt it, too.

I pulled away with tears in my eyes as Raoul looked at me – the first time anyone looked at me with sincerity. He stepped closer to me and I put my hand out to stop him.

“Go on, Monsieur and take your bride. Leave me before I change my mind.”

I couldn’t do it. I could not go through with my plan. Raoul had kissed me! ME! And I felt a connection to him as I never felt before. If he did not leave now, I would never let him leave and he would come to resent me as Christine did.

“Raoul!” I heard Christine call out.

He was not moving, just looking at me, now confused. I turned my back on him and wept out of longing. I heard Christine move to him and then I heard footsteps running away.

Edmée shut the journal and a tear fell onto the cover. Raoul had not been doing so well in the weeks that passed since she last saw Madame Giry at the theatre. His time was drawing to an end and it was time he met his second heir. Edmée was starting to fret over what Raoul would say and it was almost time that her son would be returning.