Chapter 11

Saturday Morning

Erik awoke bright and early as the sun was rising outside. Although his excitement had been increasing rapidly since Wednesday night to the point of not being able to stand still for more than two seconds, he had forced himself to get some sleep. He wanted to feel completely refreshed and alert for this night. Tonight, I will see the angel for the first time. In his mind, he had been referring to Christine as 'the angel' ever since Wednesday when he had discovered that she was the angel he had been referring to when composing his song, The Angel.

To Erik, it seemed like he had never been so excited about anything in his life. He couldn't stop smiling, and it was difficult to restrain himself from letting out glees of joy every few minutes. This was all so new to him. He'd read books and seen movies about individuals being infatuated with other individuals, but he had never experienced it himself…until now. Christine was the sun, and he was the night. And in his current optimistic mindset, he was actually able to see how opposites could attract.

He had to remember to keep it from Nadir, though. His correspondence with Christine was private. Only he would know her. It was silly to feel so possessive, but Erik couldn't help it. Her emails were like gifts to him, so that meant that she was like a gift to him. She was his gift, no one else's. He wouldn't share.

With uncharacteristic delight, he glided towards his music room to make sure three pieces of music he had composed the night before were ready for Nadir to take to work.

It was a little past 7:00 am. Erik looked towards the doorway cautiously to make sure he was alone. Nadir usually didn't wake up until 7:15, so he had about fifteen minutes to display his current mood. He knew exactly what he wanted to do. Sitting on the piano bench, his fingers met the keys and he began to play The Angel. When it came time for the singer to chime in, Erik began to sing using his pure, exquisite falsetto. Feeling the way he currently did, even he had to admit that it sounded beautiful. Anyone would think so.

His eyes closed as he continued the song feeling each word, caressing each note… It felt so good that it wasn't until the end when he felt a presence behind him. Oh, no.. Erik groaned and whipped around to face Nadir. "Is it too much to ask that you warn me when you enter the room?" He wasn't yelling, but his voice was full of irritation.

Nadir was standing in the doorway with his mouth hanging open from what he had heard. At the sound of Erik's speaking voice, he blinked coming out of the trance his singing had the power to put him in. "I-I," he stuttered, trying to clear his head. "No, Erik. It isn't too much to ask. I apologize for intruding." Really, though, he wasn't sorry to have heard him, for who couldn't be hypnotized by such a sound? Erik was music, plain and simple. But Nadir was extremely curious… He is obviously in high spirits, despite how he is acting towards me, so what is the reason for this good mood?

Erik studied the disarrayed expression on Nadir's face knowing it had to do with his singing. "Apology accepted," he finally said. "Now," he began, his tone business-like. "I composed three pieces last night. Here you are."

Nadir stepped forward, and he handed him the papers. "How is Lucid River coming along?" Erik asked casually, although his intentions were not so casual. It was the song he had composed after reading the first part of Christine's email on Wednesday night. It was the slow, mournful, but hauntingly beautiful song that he wanted only one person to sing. "The piece I gave you Thursday morning." He noticed that Nadir was still acting slow, so he growled and yelled, "Wake up and tell me!"

His booming voice did the trick. Nadir jerked to attention and replied, "It is circulating among many different concert halls and companies. They all like what they hear. In fact, Erik, they believe it is your best composition since Translucence. It will be well known soon enough."

"It is a new selection, Nadir," Erik contradicted with a frown. "You know as well as I that it has to go through leaps and bounds before it can ever reach the public…" His voice trailed off, and his eyes took on a distant look as he continued to think about it.

"Erik, what makes that piece so special?" Erik was never so adamant when it came to knowing about the fame of his music. Usually, he didn't care. Most of the time, he either yelled at Nadir or ignored him completely when he brought up 'Noah Wellington'.

He still had a distant look in his eyes and replied, "I want her to sing it."

"Who? Who do you want to sing it?"

"Christine…"

The girl he is emailing. Of course, I should have known! Nadir was quite happy to hear it, but he had to act as if he didn't know her name. "The girl you are emailing?"

Erik's brow furrowed as he stepped back into reality. "What are you going on about?" His eyes narrowed and he crossed him arms. "What do you know about that?"

Nadir noticed the way he was standing with his guarded expression. This expression, he was used to seeing. He'd seen it since Erik was a boy, and he'd dealt with it accordingly. So, rationally, he asked, "Don't you remember telling me that you have begun emailing a girl through a website?"

Erik stared at him briefly before sighing and dropping his hands to his sides. "Yes, I suppose I do remember telling you about it. But why on earth would you bring it up now?"

"You were the one who brought it up." Nadir was becoming a bit impatient. How could the man not remember something he had said not even one minute before? Although, his tone had been strange when he said it..

"I did no such thing."

This was odd, but it was also so very like him to stubbornly deny the truth. "Do you not remember telling me that you want her, Christine, to sing Lucid River just now?"

Erik's jaw locked in place for a moment. He realized Nadir couldn't have come up with that on his own.. he must have said it, although he couldn't remember. He wouldn't give in, though. Slowly, he said, "Perhaps you are imagining things, for I said no such thing. Now, take my compositions and go to work." He gave him a warning glare before turning to face the piano once more.

Taking that as his cue to leave, Nadir sighed and walked away.

For about five seconds, Erik sat still on the piano bench. But, being as obsessed as he was, he couldn't stay away from the computer for long. He stood and walked that way while thinking of the most recent email Christine had sent him. She'd sent it on Thursday night, and he'd memorized every word.

Dear Erik,

Truthfully, the advice you gave me is more meaningful than any I have ever received. If it doesn't help me, then nothing will. I agree with everything you said. I didn't research the piece before I sang it, and it showed. To be honest, though, I still don't think I would have sung it right, even if I had researched it beforehand. As you said, I couldn't relate to what I was supposed to be telling the listener. Now, with your help, I think I can sing it better than before.

I have to go meet my mom and Jeremy for dinner, but I'd just like to tell you one thing. I might be out of line saying this, but you are the person I am going to think of when I sing. I trust you and I look up to you, so I am going to sing for you.

I will be sure to send you another recording of the song once I get it right.

Thank you,

Christine

It had been such a surprise! To think that she was singing for him… Reading that had caused Erik's heart to swell as it had never done before. He had never felt so wanted.

He sat in front of the computer and logged into Pen-a-Pal anxiously, but anxiousness quickly turned to sorrow.

There wasn't an email.

He had just expected there would be one, especially after the email he'd sent her in reply to the email he couldn't stop thinking about. This means.. She did not send me an email yesterday.. We went a whole day without communicating. What if my email has scared her? What if she does not wish to email me again? The thought was too horrifying. His hands clenched the edge of the desk. She means too much to me. I cannot lose her.

He suddenly remembered what would be happening that very night. Of course… She has made it so that she cannot leave me, for I can find her easily. His body relaxed and he let out a content sigh. She can never see me, but I can always see her. He was satisfied with that.

Christine awoke bright and early ready to start the day. It's a Saturday, and I'm up at 7:00 am.. who would've thought? She stood at her window and watched the sun rise for a few minutes before going to the kitchen to eat breakfast. While eating a bowl of Frosted Mini-Wheats, she thought about Erik. I didn't email him back yesterday.. It probably doesn't matter to him that we went a day without communicating, but it's bothering me. She imagined someone as talented as him had better things to do than think about their emails constantly.

The previous email he'd sent her came to her mind. She had read it so many times now that she'd memorized it.

Dear Christine,

I must say that your email truly made my night. To know that I am who you sing for is quite touching. Your voice is mesmerizing, so I feel honored to be a part of your singing in any way. If only you knew how special you are. I feel I cannot tell you enough. Thank you for this gift. I am very excited to hear the result of your practicing.

Until I receive a reply,

Erik

She'd truly made his night? Well, he'd truly made hers. Christine had been speechless after reading such an email. Was she really worthy of his praise, or was it still going to sound like she'd butchered the song after all of her hard work? Either way, she'd always treasure the email he'd sent her.

After she finished eating, Christine decided she would take a jog outside before going to practice The Angel. Ever since Thursday, Christine had been practicing every moment she could trying to fix her mistakes. First, she'd researched the song on Thursday morning. She didn't stop until she knew exactly what the piece was saying, and afterwards, she'd immediately gone to practice. There wasn't a piano in their house, so she'd made her way to a particular church where she'd been practicing at since she was fourteen.

Her high school chorus director had also been, and still was, the choir director at a church. Back when Christine first gained knowledge that she could actually sing rather well, her chorus director had told her that she could practice at the church any time she wished. The choir room at the church had a piano, and it was perfect for singing. Christine had taken her teacher up on her offer, and she'd been practicing there ever since.

Christine's brisk jog around her neighborhood was invigorating. Her thoughts were focused on The Angel the entire time. When she returned home, she took a shower and threw on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Then, she greeted her brother briefly in the kitchen, told him where she was going, and left the house. It seemed the drive to the church was just as invigorating as the jog had been. By the time she reached the choir room, she had thought about the song so much that it felt like she would be able to skip warm-ups altogether and just start singing the song.

With a short laugh, Christine shook her head. She knew better than to start singing without warming up. A lack of capability would show, and she couldn't have that. Focusing, she sat at the piano and ran through scales singing on different vowels. Singing on thirds, fifths, and octaves came next. Once her voice could sing through three octaves clearly, she was satisfied. Since she was already in the exact frame of mind the song called for, she decided, It's time.

Christine practiced singing The Angel for a long time using several different techniques and focusing on everything from breathing to facial expressions. Then, when she finally decided it was time to move on, she began practicing the sheet music John, her new manager, had given her after her job interview until it was memorized.

When she finally took the time to look at the clock on her cell phone, her eyes widened. Whoa, it's 12:30 pm. I've been here for three hours! Her shock quickly dwindled into a grin. Good… I've gotten a lot done. Plus, my voice is more than warmed up for my first night at the Macaroni Grill… if I get the chance to sing, that is.

The next four hours were spent hanging out with Brian and thinking about emailing Erik. But I made a promise with myself, she thought while she and Brian played a videogame. I won't email him again until I have a new recording to send. And I'll be making that recording tomorrow, so I can certainly wait until then to send another email. I mean, I'm not so obsessed that I can't go two small days without communicating with him.. Although, she was coming to find that she really was that obsessed. Pen-a-Pal has turned my life upside down.

At 4:20 pm, Christine could be found sitting on a couch in the living room strumming her fingers nervously against the couch fabric. She was nervous for a few reasons. One, it was a new job. Two, she didn't want to mess up in front of the customers, her co-workers, or her new manager. And three, she would perhaps be singing. That was more nerve-wracking than anything else.

Sooner than she thought, it was time to leave. Brian and her mother, who had gotten home from Jeremy's a little while before in order to see her off, wished her luck, and Christine left the house. It's going to be fine. Remember all of the advice Erik has given you… Stop worrying so much and try to find the good in things. It was that thought that made her calm down. The ten minute drive passed quickly, and she parked in the Macaroni Grill parking lot and got out of the car.

It didn't take long to figure out that she had been nervous for no reason. All of the employees were friendly and laid back, but not to the point of being unprofessional. One of the employees, a girl named Hope, led her to John's office while explaining that they were pretty crowded tonight. Christine didn't even have to be told that. There was an hour-long waiting line to get a table. It's definitely a busier place than Ruby Tuesday.

John grinned when he saw her. "Christine, it's so good to see you again. How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling great," she replied with a smile.

"That's good to hear. I'm afraid you've chosen a busy night to start, but you'll be just fine. After all, you've been doing restaurant work for two years, right?" he asked cheerfully. Christine nodded. "Well, let me fill you in on a few things. It seems I completely forgot to get your clothing size for your uniform, so you won't be wearing one tonight. I also forgot to give you one of our menus so that you could start looking it over. I think it's because of your amazing voice that I was so forgetful." He laughed and rubbed the back of his neck in an embarrassed sort of way. "Don't worry, though. The way you are dressed will work just fine for one night, and you won't be waiting many tables. Here's your name tag."

Christine took it from his outstretched hand and asked, "Do you think I'll be singing tonight?"

"Have you practiced the music I gave you?"

"I have it memorized."

John's entire face lit up. "That's great! Yes, I believe you will be singing tonight. Actually, let me explain. A number of employees in the past have let me know that it wears out their voices to the point of vocal damage if they sing too much when they're already in such a loud environment. So, I took their advice, and now there are always at least two singers for every work shift. That way, you won't tire out."

Christine was surprised by what he was saying. "Wow, so there are really that many chances to sing?"

John nodded. "Yes. Many of our guests come just for the singing. Anyway, so you and Tim will be taking turns tonight." His lips curled upwards, as if he knew something she didn't. "We'll see how it goes."

After putting on her name tag, Christine was advised on what to do. She started gradually, first walking with a waitress and seeing how she worked, then asking drink orders while another waiter did the rest, and finally waiting a table on her own. It was three hours in, and she hadn't sung yet. Tim, on the other hand, had sung for two tables.

Christine had a feeling it would be her turn soon.

Erik stood in his walk-in closet contemplating what to wear. He was doing more than just contemplating his clothing, though. There were numerous thoughts going through his mind.

It seemed he hadn't been as smart about this as he was with everything else. The main conflict was how he would go about finding Christine. Would he stand outside and peer through windows like some sort of stalker, or would he… The other option was terrifying. He could barely face it. The only other choice was.. to go inside.

He was scared, he wouldn't deny it. If he were to show himself in public, it would honestly be for the first time in eleven years. Eleven long years of living in almost complete solitude..

The last time he had faced society, he had been sixteen and on a mission to get his driver's license, strangely enough. Erik liked cars. He always had. So, it wasn't unthinkable that he would wish to drive one. It had taken weeks of preparation to get ready for the 'big day', the day when he would face people. Nadir had been unsure, which should have served as a sign, but Erik had been determined. He wanted to drive a car legally. They had gone together, and Nadir stayed with him the entire time.

All in all, it had been one huge disaster. He didn't get his driver's license because, to get one, he couldn't have his mask in the picture. Erik had refused to take it off. Actually, he had caused quite a scene, one that the people who had witnessed it would probably never forget. After that, Erik stayed away from cars for years until one day, unexpectedly, he decided he didn't need a license to drive. Using some of the fortune he had made with his music, he purchased a black Rolls Royce Phantom, and that was that.

While still standing in his closet, Erik thought about how he had felt when he made that spontaneous decision three years before. He had gone against logic and rules, and nothing had gone wrong. So perhaps nothing will go wrong tonight… If I go against logic and rules, meaning if I go against the fact that someone like me should stay indoors at all times, and if I keep under control, then I can face humans for one night. If it means I can see Christine, then by all means, I will take the opportunity.

Erik didn't allow himself to consider the opposing side, the side that was shouting, 'Don't go!'. Instead, he focused on what to wear. He wanted to appear as inconspicuous as possible…although it wasn't possible. I cannot think that way, though! Erik needed to keep his mind as far away from the mask as possible. Hmm.. What would Nadir wear? He frowned while envisioning his friend. Nadir's style certainly didn't match his own. Nadir wore color. Erik wore black and white. It was as simple as that.

In the end, he decided on a pair of black loafers, black pants, a white button down shirt, and his favorite black coat. He looked like he always looked, and the stubborn side of him saw nothing wrong with that.

His hair was an issue. He usually never did a thing with it, which meant his bangs always hung over his forehead down to where his eyebrows would be, if he had any. Not being able to overlook the mask, Erik knew he wanted to cover as much of it as possible. After debating how to style it, which would be difficult without a mirror, he finally decided to leave it how he always left it. Perhaps it wasn't a sophisticated look to go with his attire, but at least it would cover a small portion of the very thing he despised- his mask.

"I'm going for a drive," Erik told a puzzled Nadir while passing by the kitchen. It was 9:00 pm when he left the mansion. His nerves and dread were covering up any sort of excitement he might have otherwise possessed, but it didn't stop him from continuing to drive towards the Macaroni Grill.

He arrived within fifteen minutes and parked as far away from the restaurant as possible. What are you doing? part of him asked. What are you thinking coming here? You do not belong here. Erik's eyes fell to his lap as sadness overtook him.

You can do this, Erik, another side of him cheered. You wish to see her, don't you? Do not let anything stop you. If it goes horribly wrong, then you can go back home and never leave again. He nodded slightly. Every person had a reasonable side within them, and that was his. Alright, I'll go.

With determination, Erik stepped out of his beloved car, locked the doors, and walked towards the restaurant.

There wasn't a wait for a table, and he was glad for that. He approached the hostess who was turned away talking to a co-worker. "A table for one," he said, using a gruff tone.

The girl actually jumped, not having heard the man come in. When she turned towards him, her eyes widened in initial fear.

Erik took the time to glance at her name tag, which didn't say 'Christine', before glaring at the terrified look on her face. "A table for one," he repeated, his voice icy.

"Ok," she squeaked. Her co-worker, whose name also wasn't Christine, had the same look on her face. She grabbed a menu and a napkin wrapped around silverware before quickly leading him towards a table.

Erik shook his head and said, "No, I would like that table." He pointed towards a table in the far left corner of the restaurant.

"Of course," she replied hesitantly before leading him that way.

While walking, Erik refused to look around. He already knew what he would see- people staring. The hostess placed his menu and silverware on the table before practically running away.

He sat down and murmured, "How rude," before taking a deep breath to try to feel more comfortable. It was only after feeling as self-secure as he could in such a place that he decided to look around. The restaurant was tastefully decorated, and the music was nice. The atmosphere was somewhat calming, which pleased Erik. Besides the people he'd encountered thus far, he supposed this was a decent place for Christine. Christine... She was the only person who mattered, and she was nowhere around. He frowned. She can't already be gone… But what if she is?

A male waiter approached the table tentatively, obviously already having heard that there was a man with a mask in the restaurant. "Welcome to the Macaroni Gr-"

"I will have a glass of your finest full-bodied red wine, and that will be all for the evening," Erik rudely interrupted. If they wanted to be rude, then he would be ruder.

The waiter was relieved, for it meant he wouldn't have to spend much time with the creepy new customer. "Yes, it will be right out." He quickly walked away.

Erik hadn't expected to find class in anyone, and his expectations were proving to be accurate. He sighed in a bored-like way and looked down at the wine menu to see what he would be drinking. A French wine was what he had wanted, but it looked like a wine from California would have to do. It didn't matter, because he wasn't there for the wine. Erik looked around the restaurant again, his keen eyes looking for a specific name tag. She isn't here. She simply isn't here... Shall I leave now?

The waiter returned with his glass of wine and set it on the table before standing still awkwardly. "Would you-"

It was at that particular moment that it happened. Erik instantly held up his hand up in a silencing manner when the most beautiful sound he'd ever heard graced his ears and filled the restaurant. Silence filled the large room. He froze in place with his hand still held up, but the waiter didn't even need it. He was in the same state as Erik, except that he was actually looking at her.

Erik couldn't move. To move would be to disrupt the voice, so he only listened. Being that he only listened, he couldn't see her, because his head was turned in a different direction. She was singing the 'Happy Birthday' song in Italian. It was an extremely simple piece, yes, but she sang it in a way that would be impossible to match. The sound drowned out the uncivilized people around him and reminded him of the real reason he was there… for her and no one else.

When the song ended, applause could be heard throughout the entire restaurant. It was a good thing it happened, too, or else Erik wouldn't have woken from his trance. He gasped, and his eyes darted towards the left to where she was standing. Yet again, his body froze. She… For any other person, it would have taken at least a few moments to realize the connection, but for Erik, it was instantaneous. The girl in pajamas from the day I took music to Nadir.. They are one and the same.

He blinked. And then he laughed. Erik actually laughed. The surprise and recognition were just so sudden. He couldn't help himself.

"S-sir?" the waiter asked uncertainly.

Erik's laughter stopped abruptly as he remembered where he was, and he looked up at his waiter who was standing there gawking at him. "Go away," he whispered harshly. His eyes turned back to Christine who was being thanked by the person she had sung to. He studied her appearance. She had porcelain skin, chocolate brown curly hair, green eyes, and a small frame. She wasn't wearing pajamas tonight. Instead, she wore a knee-length black skirt and a pale pink blouse. She gave off a kind, modest air, just as he knew she would.

Honestly, he hadn't known what to expect. He wasn't so shallow as to have wanted to see beauty. What kind of hypocrite would that make him? Actually, with his luck, he wouldn't have been surprised if she had a deformity of her own. What he wasn't expecting was what he saw. Her appearance was just as perfect as her voice. Not that it truly mattered, for he wasn't one to judge others by their outward appearance, but… well, it seemed his enamor with her was growing more and more.

A new feeling was beginning to emerge as he continued to watch her. The fact that she was so beautiful struck fear within him. I can never show myself to her. Not that I ever really thought I could, but now.. I would never tarnish her beauty with my own monstrous appearance. She looks to be a completely flawless and perfect being. He wasn't disappointed by it. Not a living soul could be disappointed by such a sight. But it evoked a timidness in him that he'd never felt before. Damn, he thought while wishing to leave right then and there.

Christine listened and blushed profusely as applause erupted around her. To think, they were clapping for her. She smiled for everyone to see before turning to the elderly woman she had sung for. "Happy Birthday," she said sincerely.

The old woman could only shake her head lightly. "You have such a pretty voice. Thank you so much for singing. You've made my birthday a memorable one."

Blushing again, Christine said, "You're welcome," before turning to leave. As she was turning, though, something caught her eye. Or, well, someone caught her eye. She could faintly recall hearing the rumor that a man in a mask was in the restaurant, but she had been so nervous about singing that she had barely listened. Now, however, she saw him for the first time. He was looking down towards the table, so she allowed herself a few moments to stare.

It immediately angered her that people could be so judgmental. The poor guy had come for -she saw a glass of wine on the table- wine, and he couldn't even drink in peace. He had to have known that people were talking about him, too.. so maybe that was why he looked somewhat downtrodden, although she couldn't be sure that was what he was feeling for the mask.

She knew it was time to get back to work, so she gave him one last apologetic glance before walking away. I hope you have a good night, stranger.

Erik forced himself not to look at her again, for he was unworthy. The restaurant eventually seemed to quiet down, so he assumed she was gone. It was time to leave. He stood from the table and reached into his wallet to pull out the first bill that reached his hand. It proved to be a 50, and he shrugged before dropping it on the table. Then, he walked towards the entrance and left without so much as a glance towards the impolite hostesses.

Once in his car, he rested his masked face against the steering wheel briefly. What was I thinking coming here? What a fool I am. A dejected sigh escaped him, and he sat up and started the ignition while making an inward decision. We can continue emailing, but I shall never see her again.

Little did he know, it was going to be impossible to keep that promise. His temptations and his longing were soon to override all else.