Chapter Four
The first thing that needed to be done before surgery could get underway was get Erik an identity. To do this Emma went to her best friend, Marc Andrews, an FBI agent who worked in the Witness Relocation Program. It made for a very interesting morning between the explanations, skepticism, and at times downright hostility between the two alpha-males in her life.
"Explain, this once again, how did this…guy end up in your apartment?" asked Marc.
How can he make one simple word sound so insulting? "I told you the truth, Marc. I don't know exactly how it happened, but it did, and now he needs our help. Please, for me." She hated to use this type of coercion but he gave her little choice at the moment.
"It goes against all my better judgment, not to mention the illegalities, but alright, for you."
Erik left his office bearing the new name of Erik Destler, profession architect. He had a driver's license, social security card, and all appropriate paperwork, including a resume with glowing references. Emma wasted no time filing paperwork to make sure some of Erik's surgery costs would be offset by proper funding. While waiting on that she and Dr. Evans began the preliminary tests on Erik preparing him for the final results.
Throughout this whole process it was difficult for Erik to come to grips with how he was feeling. The past month had been an emotional rollercoaster for him, first the disastrous night of Don Juan Triumphant and Christine's abandonment, then the whirlwind ride through the mirror and introduction into the future, the realization that his deformity amounted to only a small insignificant birthmark that would've been hidden by his hair, someone had purposely poured an acid on his face to get rid of a small red mark! Erik's hands fisted at his side. Mon dieu, who could do such a thing to an innocent babe? As the days passed he spent much of the time with Emma at the clinic. The children soon came to greet him by name and were charmed by his magic tricks. One morning Emma went looking for him and found him in the Nursery rocking Chloe gently in his arms and singing softly
Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade!
Masquerade!
Hide your face,
So the world will
Never find you.
Masquerade!
Every face a different shade.
Masquerade!
Look around-
There's another
Mask behind you.
She was completely captivated, right down to her socks. Oh, Emma. Don't go falling for this guy; remember what happened the last time. "Hey." She said softly.
"She was very unhappy. I think she will sleep much better now." He laid her gently in her crib, running his finger along her cheek before tucking her blanket closer around her.
"I know I would if you'd sing like that to me. You have an amazing voice Erik, are you sure you want to be a simple architect?"
"Yes, I will no longer write my music. It is a private and personal decision and one that will not be revoked. If you do not mind, I have no wish to discuss it further." With that he turned on his heels and abruptly left.