Part 1
The sporadic beating of her heart betrayed her nervousness as she slowly made her way down the winding corridor she had walked a thousand times over.
It was second nature to her now.
But yet, it didn't seem all that long ago that Erik had been the one guiding her, painstakingly showing her the way, gently leading her through the various twists and turns whilst disarming the well hidden traps he himself had created. She had learned quickly, only needing to be led twice before being able to transverse it herself.
Even so, from time to time she had missed his leading, missed the feel of his gloved hands against her own, missed being able to see him all that much sooner. Yet this she would not admit entirely…..even to herself.
He once again glanced reflexively at his face in the mirror; a habit that was beginning to disturb him.
He had always hated his face, hated it with a conviction far greater than any other he held, except maybe the one that denoted his reluctance to look upon it; but yet, here he was, checking his reflection compulsively, just to make sure he looked presentable for her.
He could not allow himself to continue like this. This had to stop.
But the very thought of not seeing her….of not hearing her voice… was far too much to bear. But it doesn't have to be immediate, he told himself soothingly, this fractured dream can continue on for a little while longer.
It pacified him slightly…not enough to stop the aching in his chest, but just enough that he could push the thought into the recessives in his mind, probably to be brought up later by his nightmares.
She stopped a mere step before his door, her hand poised to open it. What, what if he says no; the thought hit her hard, rooting her to the spot.
For a brief moment, her mind was at war with itself. She didn't want to face him, she wanted to run, run as far as she possibly could, but the thought of being separated from him was far too painful to allow for it.
She would ask, she had a feeling she already knew his answer, but she would ask.
He had looked up only slightly when she walked in, his face set in a false expression of disregard. "I trust you are well?" he asked pleasantly, beginning as he always did. She simply nodded, walking to the chair he designated to her with a wave of his hand, a few feet to his right.
Long moments of silence passed, each lost within their own thoughts, before Christine finally worked up the courage to speak.
"Raoul visited me today".
Erik whorled to face her at the mention of Roaul's name, his body tensing reflexively. He hated that boy with a passion beyond words. The boy nearly dripped of egotism; every expression he used, every movement he made, enforced this indefinitely. Erik had only met him once, or rather seen him once, and every instinct he had told him to despise him.
He forced his voice to sound uninterested "Oh really. What was it that he wanted?"
Christine twisted her hands nervously, "Well, you know how he is the chief patron of the Fulerlio opera house".
"Yes"
He was rather familiar with the opera house in fact. Though it was quite a distance away, it was very well known.
"Well, you see, their lead singer Amie Laurenta has just given birth, and refuses to continue singing for them…..Raoul found out about this, and offered me to be the replacement……they agreed"
Erik felt as though his heart had stopped. Why now God, why did you have to take her from me so soon. I would have broken it off, in due time, why did you have to make it now. No...you're right, it's better now...before...before I...grow any more attached.
Sufficiently calmer, he replied "And you are going to accept this offer?" It was more of a statement than a question.
She searched his face, looking for anything, any glimmer of emotion to give her the strength to ask the one question that could destroy her or save her with its simple answer.
She found none.
Her resolve wavered entirely as her heart sunk to the pit of her stomach. I knew it...he doesn't care. But she had come into this knowing what his answer would most likely be, and there was no way she was simply not going to ask.
"It's just that" she began timidly "I was hoping you would come with me".
At this, he was genuinely surprised. She wants me to come with her? Me? Within that moment, it took every last bit of his resolve to simply not run to her and embrace her with all the strength he possessed. She truly wishes to be with me! This can be done, it can. I'm sure that with Nadir's assistance I could find somewhere to reside, possibly within the opera house itself. It wouldn't take all that much effort really.
His frenzied reverie was cut short however, the next statement out of Christine's mouth shattering it.
"It's just that I still have so much to learn; no other teacher is as capable as you are".
The word sounded bitter even within his own mind. Teacher. The word was like poison, obliterating his hopes in a moment's time. That's how she sees me, as her teacher. I could never rid her of that perception, our relationship could never go pass that point. I am forever to be her teacher. ...She only wants me with her to comfort her, something familiar in a sea of unknowns.
He turned from her a moment, composing himself to say what he felt he must…..no matter how painful he knew it would be. "My dear, you'll be able to manage quite well on your own". "I am confident in that". "Our relationship serves no further purpose; I have taught you all that I can".
She had never felt a pain quite like the one she felt at that very moment. No further purpose. The statement dug into her heart like a razor. No further purpose. I had known. He would never return my feelings. I had always known.
"I see" she said simply, fighting back forcibly her urge to cry. "I am departing Monday morning"
"Two days from now"
She simply nodded.
"I see".
He looked down at her, but simply could not bring himself to meet her gaze. "It is late, and as I am sure you have much to pack…"
She needed no further prodding. She got to her feet, risking a fleeting glance in his direction before making for the door.
She halted a moment, her hand upon the doorknob "Can I….can I come to see you Sunday night".
Not trusting his voice, he nodded. She stayed but a moment more acknowledging his answer, and then she was gone.
Authors notes: Hi all. I've got the next part done and will be putting it up, while the others should only take me a few days to write (I think this'll have about four parts). I know it's a bit...dramatic..cough, cough but I hope you enjoyed it anyway.