First Day

Chapter 7

Things got a little brighter around the apartment, Christine was getting more comfortable with living with Erik. And Erik was happy he had a true friend he did all but jump in the air and scream, that was for children and teenage girls. But he was happy nonetheless.

The pair spent the summer getting to know one another and a lot of things surprised each other. The more Erik got to know about her the he liked her and it was scaring him.

Although Erik found her biggest fear very humorous but he never tell her that. Erik was in his library reading when he heard Christine scream. He dropped his book to the floor and raced for her room, when he got to her room she was in a corner far from the bed.

"What's wrong?" he asked breathlessly. Her eyes were fixed on the bed as if it was going to attack her.

"There's a spider on the bed!" she said. Erik went to the bed and saw one of those big brown house spiders on her bed just sitting there. "Kill it!" Christine hissed. He looked back at her.

She terror in her eyes, over a spider! Erik tired really hard not the laugh although he didn't care for the creatures himself but he wasn't deathly afraid as she was.

He went out of her room to retrieve an empty glass and a newspaper, he came in her room Christine was still in her corner waiting for him to do something. She watching him coax the spider in the glass and then once that thing was in the glass he took it out of her room.

Erik came back a moment later she came out of the corner and the terror in her eyes gone.

"I'm sorry but spiders scare me really bad. My 3rd grade class took a field trip to exhibit, we were in the bug section and they had aquariums full of very kind of spider you can think of. I came close to one of the big ones and I saw nothing inside, I came closer and out of nowhere the spider jumped at me and I ran screaming from the exhibit. I didn't go in there for the reminder of the trip." she explained.

Erik didn't blame her for her fears, wouldn't you have a fear of spiders after that?

Christine chuckled, "Meg made it worse, she begged me to watch Arachnophobia after that I couldn't sleep for weeks." she shivered at the memory of that awful movie.

"I especially hated it when the camera did a close up of that things eyes, it's so frightening. It's like they have no soul." tears were coming to her eyes, she was afraid of them that much.

Erik didn't want her to think about those creatures anymore, "Well never fear the next time you see one all you have to do is scream and I'll come and rescue you." he teased. She smiled.

"Tell me what books you like to read." Erik asked. They were in the living room talking, it became a habit over the past two weeks. He was sitting in a recliner and she lounged on the couch.

"Umm, I like to read romances." she answered smiling nervously. "What about you?"

"I read anything but if I were to pick a genre it would be mystery or thriller, I have never read a romance and probably never will." he laughed. "Why do you read them?" he asked curious.

Her facial expression changed she was smiling now she looked upset, "I read them because it's always nice to see that no matter what love conquers all, and it's the closest thing I'll ever get to having a romance." she said looking down not wanting to look at him.

She didn't want to admit it not even to herself but she was beginning to have feelings for him. Romance was her favorite thing to read about but it would sometimes make her feel really depressed. It made her think about something she couldn't have.

"What do you mean?" he asked. He wondered about her comment, The closest thing to having a romance? Did that mean she's never had a someone? Erik wondered if she ever been liked at all.

From the look on her face and her comment he would venture to say probably not, poor sweet Christine.

He decided to change the subject, "Do have a favorite genre in films?" she looked up and smiled nervously again, "Romance." Erik laughed," Typical teenage girl." he remarked.

She laughed too, "I'm the hopeless romantic type."

"I never would have guessed." he teased. They both laughed.

"Actually it's been a while since I've seen a romantic movie." she said. "Dad wasn't paying the electric bill and T.V. at the house was gone, now it sits there collecting dust."

That's when Erik came up with an idea. "I have some business at the theatre I need to take care of." he stood up suddenly, "Please feel comfortable to do whatever I'll be back in a hour." he rushed out of the room.

Christine sat there not sure why he left so suddenly, again. But this time he said when he was coming back, she looked at the clock he'll be back in an hour, she thought.

Half an hour went by and Christine found herself pacing the room, it's only been a half hour and I'm pacing the room like an anxious wife who thinks her husband is cheating on her!

She decided to sit down and try to relax, pretty soon she fell asleep.

"Christine…"

She sat up.

"Christine…" a voice called.

Whose calling her? She was in someplace dark and up ahead she could see a street light and a dark figure.

"Come to me, Christine" the figure commanded softly. Christine slow began making her way to the figure.

What of he's dangerous? What if he hurts you? He could kill you! But that didn't stop her. For some reason she can't deny this voice, nor did she want too.

She was yards away now and she stopped, the figure disappeared, "Where are you?" she called out. Christine looked all around the figure was no where to be seen.

"Do not fear, my angel, I'm here, now and always." the voice purred. She was directly under the light now and she felt hands on her. But still, there was no one.

"Don't be afraid." the hands began to roam making her stand perfectly still. They felt like workmen's hands rough, hard yet tender. The figure caressed her gently and lovingly. Her breath caught in her throat those hands were exciting her, making her want more…

Christine awoke suddenly. She was panting trying to forget the dream she had, another part of her asked why would she want too. She heard a door close loudly, she hoped it was Erik.

In the back of her mind Christine had no doubt that Erik was her mysterious dark figure in her dream. Just before she could move to find him he appeared in the room. "Don't come into the kitchen till I give the ok, alright?" he asked.

A confused look spread across her lovely features, "Uh…ok." He disappeared after she said something. What is he doing that he doesn't want me to see? Patience Christine you'll find out soon enough!

A whole hour went by and finally he came for her, she was on her bed staring up at the ceiling it amused him. "I'm sure the ceiling is not that fascinating." he teased.

She looked at him then the sight of him nearly took her breath away. He was dressed in a black dress shirt that button up, with black fine wool dresspants, and matching black shoes. The only thing that stood out was his white mask. He was leaning against her door frame with his arms a crossed his chest.

For a moment she couldn't speak. No, but you are. "You never know." she cursed herself. What stupid thing to say!

He chuckled, "Are you hungry?"

"Starved." she answered.

"Well then, shall we?" he offered his hand, she took it without a second thought.

He led her to the dining room, the room was white with a few paintings, two windows on each side, and one of the windows you could see the sun setting. A table was in the middle of the room fit for only two people, two candles were lit.

Erik led her to one of the chairs and pulled out for her, "Thank you." she said politely.

He smiled. "I'll be right back." he turned to leave. Christine was nervous like she was on her first date. Don't even think about it, Christine! a voice in her head warned.

She couldn't look at this as him being romantic, can she?

Seconds later Erik appeared again he set a plate in front of her and set one on his side. He sat down and they began to eat, he made a delicious pasta. They didn't speak they ate in perfect silence.

Afterwards Christine helped Erik clean up when they were done she started back to her room, Erik gently grabbed her hand, "I have a surprise for you."

"Oh." she was bewildered when he came behind her and put his hands over eyes, "Erik?"

"Shh." he commended softly. His voice was like silk it made her heart race. He made her walk into a room and he led her to a couch. "Now keep your eyes closed till I say so."

"Alright." she heard rushing about the room then she heard him turn off the lights. She was getting nervous what was he going to do?

"Okay open your eyes." And just as he planned it her eyes open at the exact same as the opening of Titanic.

She gasped he smiled. "I thought we'd have a movie night tonight." he explained. Christine made herself comfortable and patted the empty seat next to her. Erik was shocked she wanted him to sit with her?

But he couldn't deny her so he took the seat next to her.

Rose grabbed Jack's hand and then they kissed everyone clapped, Christine loved that part. Then My Heart Will Go On began to play.

Erik stood up and offered his hand, "May I have this dance?"

Christine was dumfounded but took his hand anyway. She laced her arms around his neck and he slid his hands around her waist, they both danced in a slow circle.

To their disappointments the song came to it's conclusion, Erik pulled her at arms length away. Christine looked into his smoky green depths the way he was looking at her was an emotion she could not place.

"Umm…I'm going to bed, thanks for everything." she said looking down. He let her go and after she left he stood there a while.

Why did I do that? Now she's uncomfortable with me, way to go!

He wasn't sure why he asked her to dance but he noticed that she fit perfectly in his arms.

A week passed by uneventful either of them mentioned their dance, they were to busy preparing Christine for school. It was the night before and Erik was sitting on her bed talking with her, another habit the two developed.

"Nervous?" he asked

"Yes, only a little. What's like being a senior?" she asked considering he would know.

"Well it's not that much different accept your going to hear about Graduation a lot, how your grades you make this year are important, etc. But it's fun too." he told her.

"Sounds like it's more stressful than fun." she remarked.

"Well it's as hard as you make it out to be, but you're a start young woman I'm sure you can handle yourself." she blushed at his comment. Erik like it when she blushed.

"What the best part about being a senior?" she asked, excited to his answer.

Erik's face fell a little and she immediately knew why. "Erik I'm sorry, I didn't know-"

"No, no it's fine, I guess I'd venture to say senior skip day and senior trip." he did senior skip day but alas he do not go to senior trip for obvious reasons.

"Senior skip day?" she asked confused. "I've never heard of that."

"It's something seniors do, we don't do it till near the end of the year." he explained.

"What you do for senior skip day?" Christine asked. He chuckled at the memory.

"My friends and I went to the mall parking lot and hang out drinking beer and blasting music. Someone snitched on us and the school cop was coming at us, we jumped in the car and took off like a bat out of hell. Of course stupid Jeremy hit a fire hydrate and when got out of the car we got soaked." Erik laughed as did Christine.

"I'm guessing on that day don't hang out in obvious places?" she teased.

"Or brag about where your going to hang out!"

They both were laughing hard now, so much their sides hurt.

After the laughing subsided worry flood back to Christine. "I'm not looking forward to the work."

"Not to worry if you need assistance in your studies I'd be glad to help you." he offered.

"Thank you Erik." she smiled. Erik glanced at his watch, 9:30 it read.

"Well, it's time for you to sleep, my dear, you've got a big day tomorrow." he said standing up.

"Ugh, don't remind me." she rolled her eyes then laughed. Getting comfortable under the covers. Erik went to turn off the light "Goodnight, Christine." he flicked the light off.

"Goodnight, Erik." she softly called out. He closed her door.

Fifteen minutes later Erik snuggled into bed and fell asleep quickly.

Christine's alarm clock made an awful ringing sound interrupting her slumber. She groaned sleepily and pushed the button to shut off the alarm, first day of school, great. She willed herself to get out of bed and began the day.

Erik was already up he heard her alarm go off, he hoped he didn't have to go in her room and wake her like a child.

Thankfully he didn't have too he heard the shower going which meant she was up.

Minutes later she appeared Erik froze in his place, she wore a pleated white skirt that came down almost to her knees, purple satin tie blouse, and white flats to complete her look.

Erik thought she was beautiful he spared no expense in buying her clothes, she protested at first but he insisted. Christine felt like she was taking advantage of him.

"Does this look ok?" she asked, noticing his intense stare. Maybe he didn't it would be appropriate, he bought her these clothes for crying out loud!

"You look nice." he squeaked. 'Nice' was an understatement she look better than nice.

She looked down and blushed a little, "Thanks."

"Do you want something to eat?" he asked trying real hard to keep himself composed.

"No, I don't like to eat on the first day." she admitted.

"Well then, would you like some coffee?" he asked wanting to get out of the room.

"Yes, please." she smiled. Calmly as he could he went to the kitchen, once he got there he gripped on to the sink.

Why did she have to be so damned beautiful? It took very once of will power to not go back in there throw her his shoulder and take her to his bed.

He shook his head he cannot think of her in such a way! My God if she knew that she would never trust him again, much less look at him. No he had to keep his feels under control and act like nothing has changed.

Christine waited for Erik patiently she wanted to enjoy for last moments of summer break, as soon as she walked through those school doors summer break is over.

Erik appeared a minute later with coffee in hand, he handed the cup to her she took it.

She drank her coffee nervously and tapped her foot, she didn't know if she could do this, not with out Meg.

"You'll be fine." he said sensing her nerves. She met his eyes she knew he was trying to clam her but it wasn't working. She glanced at the clock, 7:20 am.

"We should go."

The school was 15 mintues away they both were silent throughtout the while drive.

Finally they arrived. Crowds of kids headed inside all eagerly awaiting for the day to start. Chrisitne opened the door and stepped out, "I'll see you at the end of the day."

She went to close the door, "Christine wait!" she stopped short Eik was getting out of the car coming to her side. "Here," he handed her a cell phone, "Call me if you need anything." he said.

Christine smiled up at him. "Thank you, Erik."

He smiled back and gave her a quick friendly hug. "I'll pick you up the same spot." he turned to leave. Then his car sped away.

Christine turned to the school and went inside.

She received her schecdule from the main hall of the school and went to a quiet spot to examine her shecdule.

Period 1- Sen. English

Period 2- Govnerment

Period 3- Choir

Period 4- Math

Period 5- History

Period 6- P.E.

Period 7- Free Period

Her schedule wasn't so bad, she didn't like P.E., Christine was not gifted athletic wise. And choir was another thing she didn't want to be in choir, every year was the same. People complaining about other people's singing, teacher favoring students, and worse of all, Carlotta.

Carlotta thought was the best singer in choir and always picked on the 'not so talented singers' at least that's what she called them. Christine loathed her with every fiber of her being. The reason Carlotta gets away with her cruelty is because her dad vice-principal of the school, no one ever reported her cruelty.

The first bell rang and everyone started rushing to class, pushing and shoving in the process.

Chrisinte eventually made her way to English and waited for bell ring so class can began. What started as nervous day became a nightmare when Carlotta walked through the door.

There goes my good day…she thought bitterly. She kept her eyes down but that didn't stop Carlotta.

"Well lookie here, girls! It's bug eyes! How was your summer?" Carlotta asked. When Christine didn't asnwer she pressed on.

"Is this seat taken? Good because I think like this spot." Carlotta sat behind her while two friends sat on either side of Christine.

"Goodness would you look at this poodle hair, it's so cute!" her voice dripped with sarcasm. The two girls laughed and made their insults.

The bell rang and teacher began to talk to the class and Carlotta stopped buggging Christine, for now. Talk about being saved by the bell!

"Now before we start with today's les-" the lecture was interrupted by knocking.

The teacher walked over to the door and opened it and on the other side was a boy.

Christine looked at him. He was tall, taller then her maybe by a few inches, he had blue eyes, and long blonde hair that touched his shoulders. He was good-looking but it do not impress her.

"Your late, Mr. de Chagny." the teacher scolded.

"I'm sorry, it won't happen again." he said. Flashing a dashing smile that would girls sigh, it made Christine cringe. What's worse he began to look for a seat and there none open…except the in front of her.

He took the seat in front of her and class finally began again. Throughout the class period there were whispers and stares at the boy who came late. With five minutes left of class the teacher stopped lecturing and let the class talk amongst themselves.

The de Chagny boy turn to Christine, "Hi." he said.

"Hi." she said only to be polite. "What's your name?" he asked giving her the same smile he gave the teacher. She hated it.

She was about to open her mouth, "I'm Carlotta." she nearly yelled over Christine. For once in her life she was thankful for Carlotta, she sunk down in her seat so he would talk her. The bell finally rang and Christine purposely avoid the boy calling after her.

The day went by slowly a little slowly for Christine, as she predicted she choir with Carlotta but thankfully she left her alone. And she had P.E. with her too and the boy from English. She couldn't wait to go home.

Chrisitne practically sprinted to Erik's car happy to be done with the first day.

"How was your day?" he asked, curious to know.

"I'll tell you about it at home." and they drove home.

Well, what did you guys think? :D

I told Erik he's grounded off the computer but he asked me, kindly, if you guys would leave reviews. He like to read them, silly man!

HUGS&KISSES ~Ariel~

*I do not own any phantom character this is just for reading entertainment*