Raoul eased open the heavy wooden door, trying not to wake his sleeping beauty that lie on the sofa. He carefully closed the door and tip-toed over to gaze at the woman that sleep on the couch. A single strand of curly, chocolate brown hair fall in her face. Raoul gently pulled it back, so he could stare at this beautiful woman. He felt a sort of shock go through his body at the sight of her luscious lips, rosy red cheeks, and small frame. He grazed his hand down her arm, and down to her hand. He grabbed it than whispered in her ear,

"Darling, you should get up. You need to get ready for the party. Christine, wake up." Her eyes slowly flickered open and revealed her dark, endlessly brown eyes. A smile formed on her face. She slowly and carefully sat up, let out a moan, and stretched her arms upward.

"What time is it?" She whispered.

"About 4:00." With that she immediately stood up, in a hurry and rushed up the stairs.

Raoul stood, gazing around at all the boxes. Big, brown, cardboard boxes that read, Dining room, Kitchen, Living room etc. He sat on the sofa, staring into space. His mind than began to wander to the woman upstairs. Her beautiful complexion, her stunning features, and her sparkling personality. He loved everything about her. The way she walked, talked and carried herself. The way she would look at him after he had done something utterly stupid. The way she would stick out her tongue or bite her lip when she concentrated. Everything. He wouldn't be able to survive with out her. Without her faces.

"Are you ready? We need to go and set up everything." Raoul turned. Christine walked slowly down the stairs. She was wearing a brown flowing top that had sequins around the bust line, and blue jeans. She looked stunning. Raoul's heart began to flutter. His insides seemed to dance around carelessly. He nodded than walked over to take her hand.

"Raoul, don't forget the food." She chuckled. She opened the door and held it open while Raoul stumbled with the bags of food. They reached the sidewalk and he set down the food.

"Maybe we should take the car?" Raoul let out a great sigh.

"The moving truck is blocking the way. They went out for lunch or dinner or something." He threw down the remaining food bags.

"Well, we can't get these all the way there. What do you suggest?" Her tone had a hint of sarcasism in it. Raoul glanced around as if he would find an answer for their problem. Just than Erik walked out of his house and down to his car.

"Erik!" Screamed Christine. She immediately blushed. He picked up his head and smiled.

"Yes, Christine?" He began walking towards them, smile plastered on his face.

"Do you think you could give us a lift to the party? The movers are blocking our car. I mean-uhh, you don't have to, you know, if you can't, or even if you don't want to." She fidgeted around, unable to stand still. Erik's grin became bigger at the sign of her uncomfortable request.

"Sure, no problem at all. I was just heading over. Come. Jump in." He pulled out his keys from the pocket of his pure black dress pants and began walking towards his black convertible.

The couple struggled the food bags over to the car and threw them in the trunk. They than joined Erik in the car. Christine sat in the front seat, while Raoul took the back.

"So, where did you two move from?" Erik said as he started the car. He put the car in drive and started down the street.

"Paris." Raoul said confidently.

"Really? I just moved from there a couple years ago." Christine looked over at him and smiled. He returned the look and smiled back. Raoul, now getting a little uncomfortable, shifted in his seat.

"What do you do?" Erik said, breaking the silence.

Raoul straightened his posture and replied,

"I work for a sports car company. The De Changy cars. I own it. What about you?"

Erik pushed on the gas a little more.

"I recently retire from an architectural job to follow my true love. Music." Christine sat silent, still gazing at the man beside her.

"You have an amazing voice. We saw, or rather heard, you at the community concert. Sing, umm, I think Past the Point of No Return? Yes, that was it." Raoul looked at Christine confused.

"Yes. One of my own songs. From an opera I am composing. He looked over a Christine. She was still staring at him. His heart stopped, or at least skipped a beat every time he looked at her. Every time she looked at him, his soul began to soar. He looked back at the road, not to seem as if he were staring at her. She also broke her daze. She looked back at Raoul than at the road. She let a grin form on her face.

"So, Christine. Do you work? Have any hobbies?" Erik tried to break her streak of silence.

"No, I don't work. I sing, sometimes. I also love to play the piano and violin. My father was a violinist." She blushed, quickly glanced at Erik, than back at the road. The car stopped next to a curb. The three stepped out. Raoul began un-loading the food and placing it on picnic tables.

He spotted Cathy and began talking with her.

"So, you sing? I would love to hear you sometime." Erik said, staring into her eyes. She blushed than looked at the ground.

"I haven't sung in a while. I am probably very rusty. Nothing compared to you." She looked up and returned his stare.

"Well, anytime you have time. Please, come over. I would love to hear you." Her soul fluttered with excitement.

She agreed and walked over to join her husband.