Chapter 2

Did I really just say friend. Friend I just said the pathetic word of friend. Damn it what is wrong with me. I looked at her from the corner of my eye to see her grinning adorably. "I would gladly be your friend and no Erik I am not mocking you." How could she tell what I was thinking? Why are my emotions going a hundred miles an hour?

"That's great actually I've never actually…" I faded off not knowing how to finish the sentence without telling her I trusted no one but Madam Giry. I wonder if she would think me weak and foolish for not seeking out more help for myself. Or maybe she's just like my silent and alone, without anyone else in the world to love her.

I would not mind loving her… Erik what are you thinking, what about Christine. Damn Christine you know full well what she did to you and yet you still are trying to convince yourself that she loves you, now that is pathetic. Natalie must have noticed I was having an inside battle with myself because she turned away and started to scribble in that journal of hers. I want to read the entire thing, sing her to sleep…hold her. ERIK. Stop your silly daydreams she would never love you.

Your face is ugly. No one would ever want to love a beast. But what is she's different than the rest what if she actually wanted to love me for me not live off the fact I had a beast of a face. Could that be possible or was this another impossible dream. Most likely the latter but who cares I want to dream about love even if I know she would never feel the same.

Turning my thoughts I turned to her wanting to apologize for spending my time with her having a mental argument with myself. God Erik where did you learn how to impress women. Nowhere because you're not wanted, obviously. You're a ghost in an opera house. A feared and known ghost though. That makes no difference, you fool. No one will ever love you

"Erik are you alright you look as if you wish to commit murder. Was I doing something annoying, forgive me if I was." Of course she would blame herself.

"Of course not I'm just a little unused to human conversation."

"I know how you feel…"

"Could you elaborate?"

"No, I still do not know you well enough, it is part of my past."

For some reason my mind was going for a quote so I went for it, "The head is not more native to the heart." I spoke with a smile.

"Hamlet?" She laughed curiously.

"He was a man; take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again."

"What is your favorite play?" She asked me her eyes twinkling with curiosity. Offering her my hand I sat down next to her on her bed seeing as she lacked chairs.

"To be honest it would most likely have to be… Hamlet."

"That is the same for me the story of Hamlet…really anything by Shakespeare is incredible. I really wish I could meet him maybe I will someday in Hell." I laughed at this Natalie going to Hell that was hilarious.

"You are too perfect and pure to go to Hell, Natalie."

Randomly as a change of subject because the subject I was breaching was touchy she stated, "I want to start singing."

"Then start singing."

"Aright I'm in love with this song at the moment so here goes, night time sharpens, heightens each sensation. Darkness stirs and wakes imagination ... Silently the senses abandon their defenses ..." It took a moment to realize just what she was singing before I joined in mixing my voice with hers and we followed together in perfect harmony.

"Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendor. Grasp it, sense it - tremulous and tender. Turn your face away from the garish light of day, turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light - and listen to the music of the night ..." We finished the song in one held out note and smiled at each other.

"Your music is so beautiful Erik I'm bursting with jealousy."

Our conversations began and we talked the day away it was late in the night and the moon was high in the sky. "Why don't you sleep I…"

"NO!"

"What?" I asked in alarm by her sudden intensity.

"I…don't want you to leave. I don't understand it but I feel so safe around you. I'm afraid I'll go mad without you if you leave now." I knew exactly that feeling so I was happy to save her from the fear. I sat down and leaned against the wall and took one of her hands in my own. Slowly her breathing slowed and she fell asleep. Most people would take that chance to high tail it out of there but not I. It seemed I needed her just as much as she needs me. This was a comforting thought. Soon my mind also faded and I fell into sleep her hand still held tightly in mine.

I'm a fairly light sleeper so I awoke from Natalie rolling around her bed. Sitting up I looked at her distressed face. Not knowing what to do I just sat still. Then out from her mouth came the most pained scream I had ever heard. Quickly I clamped my hand over her mouth and shook her until she awoke. She automatically bunched the person (just like I would have in her position) who had each leg on the sides of her hips and a hand over her mouth.

After a few grunts of pain from me she realized who I was and stopped attacking me. Taking a deep breath she burst into an apology, "Oh Erik I'm so sorry you see I have night terrors. Did I hurt you? Oh Hell, did I tell me. I'm so sorry…" By this time tears were streaming down her face. I got off her and scooped her up into my lap. She began to gut retching cry into my shirt.

Trying to help I massaged her back and whispered everything would be alright, I'm here, I'll protect in her ear over and over again until she slowed then stopped all together. By this time I felt horrible, myself, seeing her like that… It hurt a lot. Never did I want to see her cry.

"What's the matter, darling?" I asked softly stroking the side of her face.

"Just a nightmare I get them constantly. I was hoping with you here I'd sleep better but I didn't."

Shifting so I took off my jacket boots, sword, and vest I crawled under the covers and pulled her up against me. "Perhaps this will work better." I began to sing softly in her ear. Flipping over she curled up into me. Then as if realizing something she pulled away to look at me. "Are you really going to sleep in your mask?" She asked.

"Yes I am."

"It seems silly you know. I do not care what you look like under that white mask."

"I do…" I whispered. I couldn't risk it. No I couldn't loss her like I lost Christine I love Natalie so much more. The sight of this beast of a face would remain hidden forever if I could help it. Then she leaned in and kissed my mask.

"I'll wait for you to be ready. I'll show and tell you mine, after you do."

"You missed." I laughed and leaned down and kissed her warm lips, gently. Pulling away I left her with a huge smile in her face before she snuggled back into my chest, though she most likely didn't realize that I could feel that her cheeks were bright red. Kissing the top of her head I faded into sweet oblivion.

Madam Giry

Natalie was late for rehearsals most likely slept in, so I headed up to her room to wake her. As I walked I wondered what Erik was doing right now. As I entered Natalie's room I had to look twice. In her bed was Erik fast asleep with his arms wrapped protectively around Natalie. Natalie herself was almost completely covered by Erik.

I took a moment to register that the luckily both had clothes. Erik's mask was plastered on his face still, probably to her disapproval. Smiling I then saw it, how cute they were together. Natalie's black hair and green eyes just like him. Her size was about half a foot shorter than him.

It had been long times since I had seen either of them have a good night sleep. Still smiling slightly I gently shook Erik's shoulder. Blinking groggily he looked at me and smiled the biggest smile I had ever seen before. "She's late isn't she?" I nodded. Leaning down I watched him kiss her forehead. She groaned in protest when he unwrapped himself from her. This made him smile more.

Erik was in love he had forgotten all about Christine. Sitting up
Natalie whipped her eyes. Not noticing me she looked at him and moaned, "Why'd you wake me up."

"You're running late."

"What do I have to do to stay here?" She kissed him roughly hoping it would gain her more time. Certainly Erik was all for this and wasn't about to stop kissing her. So I cleared my throat and made my presence known.

"Next time Erik don't let her bargain with you I want her in the theater in 30 minutes is that understood." I commanded.

"Yes Madam." Natalie and Erik answered in unison. Closing the door I walked down the hall. My mood lightened and I was happier than I had been in a long time. The two people I cared about in this world who were miserable had achieved true love, something unbreakable. I did not wish to ruin their good spirits but I would have to tell the eventually. Christine De Chagny and her husband was coming to visit the Opera Populair…