Erik carried Christine over the threshold, bringing her into the parlor. She slowly lifted her head off his shoulder, looking around the room. It was rather dark, but she could still make out the shapes of some furniture. Erik set her on a dark red divan that sat before a large window. Around the room she saw a couple of chair and small tables, a small fireplace, and a grand piano. She turned to Erik.
"You must be a very good player," she said, looking back towards the piano.
Erik set down Christine's clothing on one of the chairs, then followed her gaze to the piano. "You could say that. I have been playing for a very long time."
Christine sat up a little. "How long?"
Erik tensed. He slowly looked towards Christine, wringing his hands nervously. "Nearly twenty-five years…" he gulped.
Christine's eyebrows rose a little as she looked at him. "Erik… how old are you?" she asked. There was no fear or even concern in her voice, but Erik still felt nervous.
He looked down and sat on the piano bench, staring at his shoes. He swallowed and wet his lips a little before speaking. "I… I'm nearly twice your age, Christine," he mumbled.
Christine's eyes widened a little. She knew he was older than her, but not that much older. He looked so young! She couldn't believe he was in his thirties!
Erik must have seen the shock on her face. He frowned slightly, looking away from her. His face was sad and he looked defeated. Christine quickly got up and sat beside him on the bench.
"Erik… I don't care what age you are. It doesn't change how I feel about you," she whispered, gently touching his unmasked face with her small fingers.
He looked up at her. "It… it doesn't?"
Christine shook her head, smiling at him. "No. Nothing could change my feelings for you, Erik. Nothing at all."
Her words shocked Erik. Nothing? Not even his age or a distorted face? He gazed at Christine in amazement. Why had God sent him an angel like her? He did not deserve her, yet she was here with him. Maybe God did show mercy on poor Erik!
Christine got up from the bench and lit a candle that sat on the piano. The light of the small flame illuminated their tired faces. Christine's hand slowly went to Erik's mask. He quickly grabbed her hand, stopping her from removing the mask.
"Erik… please. I promise you that I am not afraid," she added. Erik slowly released her hand and closed his eyes, not wanting to see her recoil at his ugliness.
She slowly lifted the mask, letting the light highlight the dips and curves of his distortion. She set the mask on the piano, gazing at his unmasked face. Christine's dainty fingers traced his jawline as she examined the distortion. "Does it hurt?" she asked quietly.
Erik shook his head gently. "No, I feel no pain," he murmured, his golden eyes locking on Christine's beautiful face.
Christine gently pressed her soft lips to his marred cheek. Erik's heart fluttered in his chest. She had kissed him! This beautiful creature had kissed him!
Erik couldn't help but smile. He was the happiest man on earth, for he had been kissed by an angel!
Christine stood then, taking his hand in hers. "Erik, where do you sleep?" she asked, looking around the room. She pulled him up off the bench and up on his feet.
Erik gestured towards the hall. "The room at the end of the hall is my bedchamber. I will show you."
He led her down the hall. Opening the large, oak door and letting her in. Christine entered, gazing in awe at the room.
There was a large canopy bed in the middle of the room. It was covered in a large, dark red blanket and the canopy was covered in matching curtains. The floor and bed were made of the same dark wood, pulling the room together nicely. There was a stone fireplace near the bed and the flames were low and bright. Another divan was in the corner near another large window and a dark armoire sat against the wall.
"Erik, it's beautiful," she said, smiling brightly. It was a little dark for her liking, but she liked it nevertheless.
"Thank you. I've been told I have a good taste in decoration," he smirked. He turned back to Christine. "Oh, Christine, you should put something on. You must be cold and the sheet is rather… dirty. Here, I will give you privacy if you'd like it."
Christine shook her head. "No, the room is warm! The fire is plenty. I don't want to dress until morning."
The girl was odd, but Erik didn't question her. He changed the subject instead. "You must be tired, Christine. You shall sleep in my bed. I'll leave you to get ready to sleep." He headed for the door, but Christine stopped him.
"You'll be joining me, won't you?" she asked.
His heart sped up a little. "I… I think I should find the parlor comfortable for the night," he stuttered. Christine frowned.
"Please?" she begged, her bottom lip jetting out.
With a sigh and a nod, Erik agreed. "Fine. I'll be to bed in a few moments; I'll let you prepare for bed first." He left the room and waited in the hallway.
She was going to be sleeping in his bed! And even better, he would be sleeping beside her once again! He could not contain his happiness.
After a few minutes, he heard the bed shifting and slowly reopened the door. He saw Christine in bed, her head on the pillow and eyes closed.
Erik smiled. She was a picture of beauty. He went to the armoire and removed his jacket and waistcoat. He usually just slept in his breeches, but he didn't know if Christine would be comfortable with him like that.
He eventually decided that he would sleep as he usually did. Knowing Christine and her line of work, he knew she wouldn't mind. He undressed, standing before the armoire in just his breeches. He slowly went to his bed, not wanting to wake Christine.
Erik climbed in under the covers, sliding in beside Christine. His eyes widened as he found she was not asleep… and she was naked as the day she was born.
His heart pounded in his chest as she turned to him. Her eyes were very tired and so was her smile. Her words were soft as she spoke. "I hope you don't mind, but I'm far too tired to get dressed," she mumbled, snuggling up to him.
Erik could feel the blood rushing to his cheeks as he felt her warm skin press against his chest. She curled up to him, laying her head right under his chin. He was frozen. He'd never had a woman in his bed before, much less one who was nude! His heart raced as he lay limp and nervous.
Christine's hands soon found his, placing one of his hands on her thigh and the other on her side. She smiled and rested her hands on his chest before drifting off to sleep. Erik took a deep breath and began to gently stroke her skin. Her body relaxed at his touch.
Soon, Erik fell asleep cradling the angel in his arms.
The morning light shone through the window, right onto Erik, waking him up. He sat up and stretched his arms, glancing over to the clock.
9:25.
'9:25?! I'm late!'
He jumped out of bed, hurrying to the armoire and quickly dressing. He quickly tucked his shirt into his trousers as he ran out of the bedchamber. He suddenly remembered that he had not slept alone last night. Where was Christine?
"Christine?" he called, going down the hall to the parlor. Erik saw his mask still sitting on the piano and quickly put it on. "Christine? Are you still here?"
He waited in silence for a few moments until a voice came from the kitchen. "I'm still here! I've made tea for you!"
Erik looked toward the kitchen and smiled. She'd stayed!
He went to the kitchen and found her standing by the preparation table, pouring two cups of tea from the kettle. She was dressed in a sky blue day dress that had mid quarter sleeves and a white collar. Her chocolate curls flowed over her back and shoulders and her face was bare. Erik smiled. She looked just like a normal girl you would see in the better parts of Paris.
She looked a bit like a wife.
"Erik?" she said, giggling a little. "Would you like your tea or not?"
Erik snapped back into reality. "Ah, yes, thank you…" he said, taking the cup from her. He led Christine into the dining hall and took a seat at the table. Christine took the seat beside him, setting her cup on the saucer.
"You look very nice this morning, Christine," Erik said, taking a closer look at her.
A smile appeared on her young face. "Why thank you. I like being able to dress like this, it makes me feel much more proper."
Erik returned the smile. She was stunning. She looked much more youthful, more alive than usual. "I think you look happier in normal day gowns, Christine," he said, taking a sip of his tea.
Christine played with one of her curls. "Because I am happier," she said, twisting the curl around her finger.
Erik adjusted his mask a little. "After we finish tea, we should be getting you back to Mademoiselle's. I don't know how happy Marie will be if she knows you spent the night here," he stated.
The young girl shrugged her shoulders. "Well, we didn't make love and I provided you with no services. I don't see an issue." She sipped her tea and Erik rose his eyebrow slightly.
"Yes, but you were sleeping my bed. Naked."
Christine giggled a little. "Well, that part can remain our secret."
Erik laughed a little. "You really did catch me off guard with your lack of clothing. First you ran after me in the street wearing just a sheet, then you surprised me when I went to bed. Just didn't feel like dressing, huh?" he teased her with a wink.
A small blush spread upon Christine's cheeks. "Well, when I was going to change into my nightgown, I saw you out the window. I couldn't let you get away. So I just went to you without a thought. Now, as for last night in bed… I guess I just kind of wanted to see your reaction."
Erik raised his eyebrows again, but this time he threw in a smirk. "Is that so?"
She nodded, biting her bottom lip. "I'm just being honest. You're the first man who hasn't just shown interest in me so you can spread my legs apart. You're kind to me, Erik. I love you."
Wait a moment.
'Did she just say…'
"What was that?" he asked, his heart speeding up.
Christine looked back over at him and smiled. "Nothing. Now come on, we should be getting back." She stood and left the room, waiting for Erik to meet her in the parlor.
Erik sat in shock. Did he hear her right? Did she just say she loved him?
No way. He must've just been hearing things. No one had ever told Erik they'd loved him.
"Erik! Are you coming, or am I going by myself?"
Erik quickly got up from the table, setting his teacup aside. "Coming!" he called as he joined her in the parlor. He gently laid his hand on the small of her back, leading her out of the flat and down the stairs. He took her out of the building and together they stepped into the morning light.
The pair was not expecting what they saw when they entered Mademoiselle's.
