Close Call

Chapter Eight

Erik's POV

The shopping spree wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, people stared although not at Christine but at me because of the mask. I've grown accustomed to people staring but I still didn't like it, I guess Christine sensed my distress and she looped an arm through mine and I walked in confidence.

I bought her five new pairs of jeans, five new shirts and a pair of inside/outside shoes.

Then I took her to Barnes and Noble so she a can get a few books and I can get some books as well. I learned another thing about her she likes romance novels or she put it as "I read romance only anything else I have little interest in." she explained.

I couldn't fault her there I have specific genre I read mystery and thriller, I've read a couple of romances but they cling to me. After out visit to the book store I took her out to lunch hoping I can find out a little more about her. I ended up calling the theatre and told them I'm not coming in that day, at first Christine protested but I gently reminded her I ran the place. With that she dropped the subject.

I took her to a little café one of my favorites to relax now and then today was one of those days.

"This place is so cute!" she said looking around smiling. Yes you are I simply stared at her.

"I've been coming here for a long time now." I informed her.

"I'm glad the disguise is working." she whispered.

"Me too."

"You want to know something funny?" she asked.

"What?" I smiled.

"When we were at the mall I saw a couple of friends I know from school and I looked at them to see if they'd recognized me and all they did was smirk at me and turned away." she chuckled.

"Well looks like it's working so far." relief ran through me.

The waiter came and took our orders then took our menus and walked away.

"So Erik tell me about yourself." she asked.

"What would you like to know?" hoping that she wouldn't ask about my mask.

"Childhood to now I guess." she said.

"Well there's not much to say about my childhood." Actually there's a lot too say but not now there's a time and place for everything "Let's see when I turned 18 I headed off to college and majored in architect and music then began to designing buildings for the city where attended college. One of my professors sent in my work to a construction company, the company was blown away and offered me a job while still attending my classes."

"I held on to that job til I turned 21 and got interested in performing arts and music, I had enough money by then I started working in the theatre as a composer and designer. Of coarse that was all in New York so I decide to move to here to Oregon to design and run my own theatre. The Rose Diamond Theatre has been stand here for 4 years and is going strong. Not to brag or anything." I concluded.

"Wow, sounds like you've lead an interesting life." she said with meaning.

" 'Interesting' is an understatement of my life." I nearly growled.

Her eyes widen instantly widened "I'm sorry I didn't mean offend you, I meant that your professors actually realized your talents, Erik I'm sorry forgive me?" she pleaded.

"Christine" I whispered her name "don't be sorry there's more to tell I just gave you edited version of it." I said trying to calm her.

"What do you mean edited version?" she asked confused now.

"In time maybe I'll you the rest but for now I want to hear about you and be careful of what you say." I told her.

She looked around making sure no one looked suspicious of listening, I looked too I can easily tell when people are eavesdropping but everyone in the café was talking to whom ever was close by.

"Well other than being beaten on a daily basis I went to West Hill high school got straight A's, I was in choir, I was involved with theatre. A planned on going to college and get a degree in Vocal Arts and perform on stage but that's probably not likely now." her eyes dropped.

I wish I could make her pain disappear I want to take her into my arms and tell her everything will be alright.

I simply took her hands and hold them in mine she looked up at me "Christine, things will get better, I promise you."

She stared into my eyes and squeezed my hands and I squeezed them back, trying to tell her much I care about her. Does she care for me?

Christine's POV

Erik grabbed my hands and promised me things will get better, I squeezed his hands with returning the favor. Does he know that I care for him and growing to like him? I wish I could just tell him but I might scare him off.

Just then the bells at the door rang that someone entered the café, for some reason I felt that I had to look and intently regret it. It was my father! He was at the register ordering I stared in horror not breathing.

"No" came barely a whisper

Erik's POV

Christine had gone pale then came a whisper I couldn't hear I turned to see what frightened her and my surprise her father was feet away from us and my anger threatened to burst.

"Erik" came a tortured whisper from Christine I turn to her "get me out of here please!" tears threaten to escape.

Our bill had been paid already we quickly got up I had Christine put on sunglasses and calmly but swiftly headed for the door. Christine practically ran to the car she got in before I did then someone called out my name.

"Mr. Destler?"

I turned to see Christine's father walking towards me I composed myself trying to look presentable but should try and take Christine from me there will be Hell to pay.

Christine's POV

I practically sprinted to Erik's car he unlocked it as my hand touched the handle, I get in waiting for Erik get in and drive away but someone called his name walking towards him was my father. I'm dead. He found me, he'll take me from Erik and I'm back in Hell never to see Erik again.

Erik wouldn't let me taken that easily would he?

I sit there waiting for something to happen and then Erik walked to the car and my dad walked in the opposite direction.

Erik got in the car started it and sped away when I glanced at him from time to time he looked angry.

"What did he want?" I finally asked

"Some local author is writing about the history of the theatres around here and mine is one of the authors targets and wants meet with me to talk about my theatre." he explained still looked angry.

"Do you think he's setting you up? Do you think he knows?" I had to ask.

"I don't know that's what infuriates me right now" he spat.

We said nothing more to each other during the ride home. He park inside the garage and close before we got out of the car. I ran to the bathroom taking off my wig and taking out contacts, once that was done the tears came lose.

A moment later there was a knock on the door "Christine are you alright?" Erik's voice came full concern.

I open the door and throw my self in his arms.

"Erik he was right there!" I sobbed into his chest.

"I know, I know, it's alright I'm here." he soothed rubbing his hands rubbing my back.

"Promise me, Erik, promise me that he won't take me from you." I asked knowing full well of what I was asking.

"I promise no harm from him will come to you." he promised.

We stood there for a couple of minutes with still crying, then Erik scooped me up and carried me to my bedroom laying down to sleep.

He turned to walk away but I grabbed his hand "Please lay with til I fall asleep, Erik, please I don't want to be alone." I plead.

He said nothing climbing on to the bed and laid on his back, I curled up next to him using his chest for pillow and putting my arm over his torso. He stiffened at first then put arm around me.

He couldn't see but I was smiling I felt safe in his embrace and waiting for sleep to come.

Erik's POV

I couldn't be sure but I think she fell asleep in my arms. She fell asleep in my arms!

Well I'll be damned

I guess that means she cares for me?

Don't get your hopes too high now…

I look down at sleeping form and whispered "You're safe my angel, I'll protect you from anything if that means you'll stay with me." I gently kiss the top of her head. Fell asleep myself.

Little did Erik knew Christine was awake when he made his pledge then kissed her.