WOW! Thank to all the new people for reviewing! Can't thank you enough! 3 So nice to have you on board! Please Enjoy the next installment of My Strange Tutor

Chapter 10

"Ahh yes, well I think we should get started" Erik's velvet voice pulled me out of my train of thought.

I nodded rather stupidly. "Of course."

I set my cup on the tea service with the napkin and stood as Erik did the same. Gently he took my hand saying,

"The studio is this way" As he led me out of the living room and through the foyer and into a large room of the right.

The room was a gorgeous. It was huge, with dark, maple colored flooring beneath out feet that gleamed. The dark green on the walls gave the room a different feel than the red and brown themed living room I had seen. Across the room there was a large bay window with a small, cushioned, bench attached to it, The fabric of the seat was a dark brown, which matched the curtains that framed the window. In the middle of the room stood a large, sleek grand piano. Delicate sheet music was spread across the top of the piano. Erik released my hand quickly and rushed to the piano, scooping up the sheets.

"I'm so sorry, my dear" He apologized, his face red with embarrassment.

"Oh it's fine, Erik, really" I helped him.

I glanced a one of the sheets, gaping at the delicately written music. This wasn't the printed sheet music I was expecting. This was handwritten with fluid motion making the notes seem as if they were floating on the page. They had poetic tiles such as My Angel and Sweet Sensations. I turned to Erik and asked,

"Did you compose these Erik? I don't mean to pry"

"No, do not apologize, sweetheart. Yes, these creations are mine."

Butterflies shot in my stomach as he called me sweetheart. His voice was so tender and gentle, he practically made me swoon.

"I.. I'd love to hear you play sometime" I stuttered

Erick chuckled "Thank you Kirsten"

He sat down at the piano and lifted and cover of the keys. He played a few chords to warm up.

"Now, I told you not prepare any music for a reason. I would like to hear your, raw, natural voice. I did hear it once, at the recital, but I wish to refresh my memory. Nothing sugar coated or staged. Just you, singing to me. Pick whatever song you like and take however long you need. I'm ready when you are." He told me tenderly.

It felt as if a rock had fallen into my stomach. Suddenly I became incredibly nervous. Taking a deep breath, I nodded. What on Earth was I to sing? I wracked my mind, searching for a song he would enjoy. I decided against all the Phantom songs, and anything too vaudeville, happy-go-lucky, Broadway showtunes. I'm sure he wanted something gorgeous, and that's what I would give him.

"Ave Maria?" I asked. I had sung the song many a time in choir, for church services, and warm ups.

Erik nodded, his eyes shining. "Beautiful choice"

He began playing, his fingers caressing the keys tenderly. I took another deep breath, set my hand on my diaphragm, relaxed and began.

Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave dominus
Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris
Ventris tuae, Jesus.
Ave Maria

The music poured out of me and everything felt right. I watch Erik carefully as I sang. His eyes shone with admiration. Or was something more? Adoration? Longing? I felt breathless, beautiful and confident un his gaze. I finished, hitting the last note gracefully. Our music, his accompaniment and my voice, lingered in the air sweetly. We just stood there, wrapped in the moment, going over what had just happened, taking it. Erik look pleased beyond belief.

"You are amazing" He stood and pressed a few tender kisses to my hands.

"Th..thank you Erik. I hope that it pleased you" I said shyly.

"Kirstin Doyle, you did more than pleased me. You, my dear, have given me hope that this kind of beautiful music will live on. You are an angel of music." His voice showed my how much he meant what he said.

I felt the pinprick of tears behind my eyes "Erik, thank you. Finally someone who understands" My voice grew soft as I looked into his eyes.

Without thinking, I pulled him into my arms and wrapped my arms around him. I pulled him close, embracing him tightly. It could smell his manly cologne, which sent my mind reeling.

"You have no idea what all this means to me, Erik. I've never had something like this happen to me. Ever" My voice was muffled against his chest.

He hugged me tightly, to my surprise. "You deserve this, Kirsten. I will teach you all I can. I promise." He said in a determined tone.

I released our embrace to look into his eyes, smiling gently. "Thank you."

I heard the clock strike a new hour and I quickly glanced at my watch. I needed to get home. Sadness made my heart heavy. I wanted to stay here forever.

"I'm so sorry, Erik I must get home. I wish I could stay longer. Thank you for opening your home to me so graciously." I squeezed his hand.

Erik led to the door. "You are more than welcome, my dear. I understand. Maybe we could meet tomorrow? May call you and we can set up a time to meet?"

"I would love too" I nodded "Goodbye Erik"

Erik pressed a kiss to my hand "Goodbye Kirsten. Until tomorrow"

There you go! Hope enjoyed it! Gotta love a little Kirsten/Erik sappiness. :) Review please. Again, I do not own Ave Maria or any Phantom characters, only the ones from my imagination.