She Ran...

Here’s the next chapter warts and all.

Thank you to all who read and commented. I appreciate it.

Chapter 9) A Visitor…

As they rested on the floor a chime began to sound.

Sitting Alexandra away from him, Erik told her to button up. Then standing and fixing his pants he said, “It seems we have a visitor. You will remain here while I greet them.”

Watching him leave the room, Alexandra hurriedly buttoned her shirt as hope filled her soul.

Could it be that someone had truly come to save her?

Pushing herself from the floor Alexandra hopped to the doorway. She knew that he had told her to stay where she was. But she needed to see. She needed to tell whoever it was that she was here. And that she needed help.

Moving slowing around the corner she saw that it was none other than Madam Giry.

Without thinking Alexandra called out, “Madam, I am here. Please help me!”

Spinning around Erik snarled and said in a voice filled with menace, “I told you to stay in the sitting room.”

Cowering back as he approached her, Alexandra whimpered and brought her hands up to plead with him for mercy.

Stepping forward Madam Giry said, “Erik… Erik, please listen to me.”

Turning back to her he hissed, “I will not be alone again.”

Shoving Alexandra towards the sitting room door he watched her fall to the floor.

Squatting next to her he hissed in her ear, “Crawl if you must. But if you are not in that room quickly I will beat you bloody.”

Terrified Alexandra obeyed him and crawled back into the room.

Curling into a ball, she pressed her back against the sofa and watched Erik and Madam Giry enter the room.

Rushing to Alexandra’s side Madam Giry pulled her into her arms. Then glaring at Erik she asked in a harsh voice, “What have you done? Why can she not walk?”

“She fell and injured her ankle. Is that not so Alexandra?” Erik said in a threatening tone.

Nodding her head, Alexandra said, “Yes… I…I fell and hurt myself, nothing more.”

She feared that if she tried to tell Madam Giry the truth, Erik would hurt them both.

“Why do I not believe you Erik?” Madam Giry murmured. Then in a stronger voice she said, “It doesn’t matter anyway. All that matters now is that you allow me to return Alexandra to her home above.”

Smiling evilly Erik said, “By all means take her. But in return I will have your precious daughter Meg. For Madam as I have already said I will not remain alone any longer.”

Blanching in fear Madam Giry tried to sound brave as she said, “You would not dare, Erik.”

At the same time Alexandra whispered, “No.”

Closing the distance between them Erik squatted down and said menacingly, “But I would Madam. You have known me long enough to know that I don’t make idle threats. So what shall it be? Do you sacrifice Meg for Alexandra? Or leave here now and tell no one of our arrangement?”

Before Madam Giry could speak Alexandra said, “I will stay.”

Pulling away from Madam, Alexandra moved to Erik and placed her hand on his.

Looking down at her, Erik interlocked his finger with hers and said, “The choice is not yours to make Alexandra.” Then looking at Madam Giry he said, “It is yours.”

A tear slipped from the corner of Madam’s eye as she whispered, “I cannot let you take Meg from me.”

“Then it is settled.” Erik said as he stood pulling Alexandra up with him.

Trying to balance herself, Alexandra clung to Erik.

Looking at Madam Giry she said softly, “I understand. Please do not cry for me Madam. I believe this is God’s will.”

Laughing maniacally Erik said, “Then My Dear it seems God hates you as much as he hates me.”

Bowing her head Alexandra wondered if Erik might not just be right. That maybe, just maybe, it was true that God hated her.

Tipping Alexandra face up and looking into her eyes. Erik saw that they were filled with unshed tears. And just for moment he wondered if he should let her go. But then he knew if he did that he would be condemning himself to loneliness again. And he would not do that.

Brushing his lips against hers he whispered, “Go to our room and wait for me.”

Nodding her head Alexandra turned and told Madam Giry good-bye before hopping out of the room.

Watching her go Madam Giry said a silent prayer for the girl’s safety.

Then turning her attention to Erik she said, “I have known you for years Erik. And never once did I ever believe you capable of such cruelty. Oh I know you have killed men. And what happened between yourself and Christine was heart wrenching. But what you are doing to that poor child is nothing but cruel.”

“You wish to speak to me of cruelty Madam? I will tell you of cruelty.”

Raising her hand Madam Giry silenced him. And then stepping forward she touch his chest and whispered, “I would have been your companion Erik. You know I have always held you in my heart.”

Covering her hand with his he whispered in response, “And you know that I would never have asked you to live with my perversions.”

“Ask me now Erik. Send Alexandra home and keep me in her place.” Madam Giry said in a breathy voice.

Looking down at her with an evil glint in his eye Erik said, “Take your dress off Annie. Show me your body.”

Blushing darkly Madam Giry whimpered, “What if Alexandra returns?”

“What if she does Annie? Maybe I would enjoy watching you debase yourself in front of her.”

Shaking her head she pulled her hand from his and said, “I cannot Erik. Please do not ask me to do that.”

“Then get out Madam. Get out and never speak to me again of wanting to be my companion.” Erik snarled as he glared to her.

Shaking with both fear and shame at disappointing him, Madam Giry reached up to unbutton her collar.

Grasping her hand in his, Erik squeezed it painfully as he hissed, “You had your chance Annie. But that chance has passed.” Then shoving her towards the door he said again, “Get out.”

Holding her abused hand to her chest, Madam Giry fled from his home with tears coursing down her cheeks.