The Phantom's Carol (Phantom of the Opera)

Chapter 20 - The Song

Carol's POV:

It had been three weeks since Erik and I had confessed our love for each other. We haven't left each other's side and haven't been able to keep our lips off each other. Let's say that Erik may not have been kiss much in his life but he figured it out really quick. I have refused to let him sleep in his coffin. He stays in my bed though he still isn't comfortable with that. I told Carly and Derek two weeks ago. Carly was overjoyed and Derek slightly suspicious. He hadn't quite gotten used to his insane brother. He wasn't sure how I could love him but I was positive that we were made for each other. I was sitting in my room and carefully working on a small jacket for Carly. She was expecting her first. I was so proud. I couldn't believe that I was going to be an "Aunt." After all Carly and I considered that we were sisters. She had already said that she was going to have the baby call me Aunt Carol. I was humming along with whatever Erik was playing. Suddenly he changed the song and started to sing. I walked out and listened to him. It was then that I noticed a ring sitting on his piano. The more I listened the more I realized what he was saying.

Nighttime sharpens,

Heightens each sensation

Darkness stirs and wakes imagination

Silently the senses abandon their defense

Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendor

Grasp it, sense it, tremulous and tender

Turn your face away from the garish light of day

Turn you thought away from cold unfeeling light

And listen to the music of the night

Close your eyes and surrender to you darkest dreams

Purge your thought of the life you knew before

Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar

And you'll live as you've never lived before

Softly, deftly, music shall surround you

Feel it, hear it, closing in around you

Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind

In this darkness which you know you cannot fight

The darkness of the music of the night

Let your mind start a journey to a strange new world

leave all thoughts of the world you knew before

Let your soul take you where you long to be

Only then can you belong to me

Floating, falling, sweet intoxication

Touch me, trust me, savor each sensation

Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in

To the power of the music that I can write

The power of the music of the night

You alone can make my song take flight

Help me make the music of the night.

The moment he sang that last line I knew what he wanted. He was asking for my hand. I walked toward him and thought I knew he had heard me he didn't turn around. I laid my hand on his shoulder and picked up the ring. It was a lovely piece of silver with rubies set so they made three flowers. I saw fear in his eyes and he took the ring from my hands and moved to stand in front of me. Carefully removing the mask, he dropped to one knee and swallowed hard.

"Carol, I have known you for almost two years. You claimed that you loved me. I know that you might be able to love me but not able to bind yourself to me for the rest of my life. But I have to ask this one question; would you marry me?" I saw his hands were shaking. I reached down and slipped the ring on my finger. I took his hands and pulled him to his feet. Then I kissed him soundly on the lips. I smiled up at him and said,

"Yes."