Little Lotte- Did we work out was is going to happen in our own story? if I don't talk to you, have a joyous Easter. You are my closest friend, I love you Lotte.

P.S- I really am trying to work on the self esteem thing.

Chapter 2

Carmen's P.O.V

As fast as my small feet could carry me, I ran away from the man. With each increasing heartbeat, and hardened breath, the man danced in my head. He was taunting me, like all the others, but something was different when he spoke like them. Deep in his eyes I saw something none of the others have carried in their gazes. Past the hate, and pity, compassion laid in those glistening gold eyes of his.

How breathtaking those orbs are, countless shades making up the stunning colour, from marigold, to sienna, even a streak or two of burnt umber. I have never seen eyes such as his, so intense, so capturing. They lure your soul. Who was this man whose words burn, yet a gaze calms? Tomorrow I shall seek him out, and see who he really is.

I was brought back to reality when a familiar, strong hand gripped my shoulder, turning me around to stare up into the handsome face of my brother. His haunting blue eyes looked down at my own, loving me, and scolding me. His thin pink lips looked as if he was forcing back a tender smile, doing his best to look stern.

"Where were you?"

"I was drawing." I answered shortly, watching the his face grow harsher, older before my eyes,

"Where?" His large hands found themselves on the sides of my face, forcing my attention as if I were a disobedient child.

"I was in the cellar, Drake." He turned his head from me, I have no doubt he as cursing me.

"How many times have I told you not to go down there?"

"But Drake! There is no one down there, I can concentrate on my work." He chuckled slightly, running one of his hands through his short black curls.

"To concentrate? Is there really to mush noise up here to even distract you?" He is just as mean as them when he is upset. He dropped his gaze, knowing he shouldn't have said that.

"Look Carmen, Please don't go down there alone. I wish you didn't have to come with me every day, but you know I can't afford to pay someone to say home with you."

"I don't need anyone to watch me! I am no child!" He flinched Back slightly, before returning to his usual stern gaze.

"Carmen, I am not going to argue with you here, just get your things so I can take you home."

Fuming, I stormed off, arms crossed, nostrils a flare.

"I can go by myself!" I called back to him, stepping out into the busy world. people of every shape and sized passed me, dressed in the purest hues to the dullest tint, all going on with their usual business. Some smile at me as they walked by, one rather handsome young man, even turning his head to watch me walk away.

Why would he think I need to be watched? Am I no different than anyone else walking down this street. He has his heart set on keeping my protected. I know he does it in love, after all, I am all he has left, but in his attempt of kindness, he has bound me. He might as well lock me in a dungeon, at least I could be alone to work on my art in one. I am no porcelain doll to be placed high out of a child's reach, I am no sacred book to be locked away, I am ordinary, like everyone else, why can't he see that? If only he would let me show him, but how? I am not allowed to find work, no matter how much we need the money, I am not allowed to go anywhere without an escort. He claims I won't be accepted, that my 'handicap' separate them from me.

How I hate that world, handicap. I am no different then the rest of the world. I can do anything another woman could do, Personally I could better than most, but I shall never reach my potential, not while Drake holds me back. I love my brother, but he needs to understand. I may be deaf, but he is blind to reality. One day I will show him, I will look down at him and smile at my triumph.

Erik's P.O.V.

After she ran off into the darkness, I returned to the comforts of my home. As I seem to do everyday, I found myself sitting down on the bench before my organ, releasing all of the days turmoil into the brilliant keys. With each glorious note, Carmen came to mind. I never expected being so surprised this afternoon. I have watched her for months now, and never expected such a thing.

What possessed me to say such horrible things to the poor girl? I know I am far from a kind person, but there is no excuse for the hurtful things I have said, what would my dear Christine think if she saw the way I treated the girl.

Guilt for my actions arouse in me. What is it about this girl? Not even Christine forced me to feel remorse for my actions, but now I wish I had never said what I did. Tomorrow I shall go to her to apologize.

My only true companion, my darling cat Ayesha joined me on the bench, rubbing her soft body against my side.

"Did you miss me Mon Chere?" I asked her, gentle scratching behind her ear. Tenderly she pushed her head into my palm, purring deeply.

A smile spread across my face, how sweet she is, my Ayesha. If only people were as loving as she is, if only they were as understanding.