The Phantom's Carol (Phantom of the Opera)

Chapter 5 - An Old Friend

Carol's POV:

I woke up some time later and it took me a minute to realize what was going on. Then everything came back. I stood and stretched. With a smile I went to find Erik. I found him at his piano, playing some music. I didn't think it was too good of an idea to sneak up on him so I cleared my throat. It was good I wasn't standing any closer because he whirled on me. I could see the insanity in his eyes then it vanish. He was standing there with his lasso drawn. He relaxed and sat back down.

“Don't do that too me, Carol. I am trained to kill then ask questions.” I laughed.

“Well, you won't get many answers that way. I didn't mean to scare you.” He growled.

“You can't scare Erik.”

“Well, Erik, I think I startled you. Don't worry about it. I won't tell anyone. Do you have anything to eat? I am hungry. I can fix myself something if you would kindly show me where the kitchen is.” Erik gave me the weirdest look.

“I don't have a kitchen. If you want any food it is in that cupboard.” He pointed to the smallest cupboard in the room. I opened it and sent a glare his way. There was practically nothing. I did manage to find a bag of rice and some canned meat. I started some water to boil and got something like a meal on the table about an hour later. He looked at me strangely when I set two places.

“Come on, Erik. Food is ready. Don't tell me you don't like a meal you didn't cook?” He shook his head.

“I don't eat much or too often.” I placed my hands on my hips.

“Well, no wonder you are so thin. Get over and eat. I insist.” He glared at me and I was beginning to wonder if looks could kill. He rose from the piano seat and walked over. He towered over me before sitting down. It was his last defiance before he gave in. I smirked and sat down myself. Despite saying that he didn't eat much, Erik ate more than me. I smiled inwardly and asked him if he liked my cooking,

“Carol, that was good.” He then walked away. That was enough for me. I knew that was probably the most complements I would get from him. He picked up his cloak and started to get into the boat. I ran down to the edge of the water and said,

“Where are you going?” He sighed and looked up at me.

“Someone has bought the opera house and they are coming to look at it. I need to make sure they don't pry. I gather you want to come along.” I nodded. He gestured for me to get into the boat. I giggled a little. He glared and I began to accept that as him smile. He rowed silently and it wasn't long before we were moving through the cellars of the opera house. I was trailing behind him and because I couldn't keep up, I ran to him and grasped his hand in mind. He stopped dead in his tracks and stared at my hand. I smiled up at him and asked,

“What's wrong?” He sighed and I could see a tear forming behind the mask.

“How?” I smiled at him.

“Because I don't mind. I like holding your hand.” He started to say something but changed him mind and hurried on. We soon reached Box Five. (AN: There was no fire in the book. It was only threatened. If I am wrong please correct me. The Opera House is only in need of some major cleaning.) I looked around and smiled. It must have been lovely in its time. I sighed and gave Erik's hand a squeeze. Suddenly we heard the door opening. We ran to a hiding place near it and I nearly had a heart attack. A woman walked through the doorway and I couldn't believe who it was. I recognized the auburn hair and bright blue eyes. Her form had changed into more of a woman's figure but she was still the same girl. I stepped from the shadows and said,

“Carlisa?” The woman turned toward me and said,

“Carol?”