Erik

I walked down the dark Paris streets. I had just come from Nadir's house where he insisted I come over and have a drink.

Of course I told him I was far too busy with my music to have a drink. But he is persistent and one of my oldest friends, so I came over and had a small drink.

Okay, maybe a few drinks. I was a little buzzed so I decided to walk home.

Of course with my luck the skies opened up and it began to pour.

I ran down the street, pulling my hood over my head.

Truly my luck...

All the shops were closed except for a little coffee shop, whose sign read, "Harry's Coffee and Tea"

I decided to step inside.

The inside was very bright with yellow walls and wooden tables and chairs. A petite brunette with a green apron stood behind the counter.

"What a rainstorm! Am I right?" The brunette chirped.

"Yes, yes." I grumbled, making sure she couldn't see my face.

"Can I take your order?" She said as I walked to the counter.

"I'll have a black coffee." I muttered with a flick of the wrist.

I sat myself down at a seat by the window and watched the rain pound down.

After a bit, the brunette brought me my coffee with a smile.

"Enjoy."

"Thank you- ah," I took a quick look at her name tag, "Christine."

I took a sip of the coffee and watched Christine stroll back to her counter.

*Boom* went the thunder, shaking the windows and making my coffee cup rattle. I looked over to check on Christine, who seemed a bit startled.

"You okay?" I asked gently.

"I'm..uh," Christine stammered as the power shut off.

"Damn it!" I whispered.

"I can't see, its too dark."

"I can. Here," I walked over and lead her to my seat.

"Thanks, how can you see in the dark?"

"Oh, its a gift."

"That's wonderful. I'm sorry about this whole mess."

"No, its fine. You don't control the weather."

"What's your name?" She asked curiously.

"Erik." I stated simply.

"Hm. That's a nice name. So do you live here in Paris?"

"Oh yes, I've lived here since I was a boy."

"Yeah, I've lived here since I was 10," she lowered her voice to mutter, "when my father died."

Of course, I could hear the mutter and said:

"I'm sorry for your loss."

"Nah, its fine. It's been a long time." She said a little sadily. I took a look at her mournful face, which I could see in the darkness.

"So what do you do for a living, Erik?" She chirped, changing the tone.

We talked for a long time after that and I relished in knowing another beautiful fact about her.

"And that's when I realized, they were at home all along!"

" Oh my goodness," I laughed "that is so funny, Christine."

"So what are your hobbies,Erik?"

"I compose and also play many instruments."

"Hm that sounds lovely. Maybe I could hear that sometime."

If could see in that darkness, she would see my nervous face.

"Maybe sometime, Christine...What are your hobbies?"

"I sing."

"Oh really? Sing for me. I must hear."

"Nah, I'm not that good." She said as she brushed a few curly brown strands away.

"Christine, don't be modest, sing." I demanded gruffly.

"How about this, I'm singing open mic on Tuesday, how 'bout you stop by?" She coaxed.

"It will be fun!"

The vixen! Tempting me with her voice.

"Okay, I'll come." I breathed.

And then the lights turned on as if by magic.

"I'm sorry to rush off Christine. But I must be off." I said quickly.

"Wait!"

"Yes, Christine?" I was unable to deny her.

"I haven't seen your face." She whispered.

We stood in pregnant silence for a few moments.

"Christine..."

In a quick lunge she pushed my hood down, revealing my masked self.

"Christine!" I stared at her with a piercing seemed unfazed.

She was already too curious, "Why do you wear a mask?"

"A horrible birth defect."

"Oh." She said quietly.

Oh.

"Oh that's fine, silly." She said cheerily.

What? She wasn't weirded out or frightened?

"So I'll see you Tuesday?"

"Yes, of course. I'll be there."

I quickly left the coffee shop with a quick "Goodbye."

"Bye. See you." She waved cheerfully.

I happily walked home, now having something to look forward to.