Chapter Twelve

Emma played some of the old classics, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, the Great SatchMo (Louis Armstrong), as well as some of her own pieces. As she played she could blank out the world for awhile and just be. In some ways music had been her salvation for years, a way to bring beauty in a world that seemed bound and determined to wring out every bit of ugliness in it and then sit and wallow a while. After an hour of playing she was given a break then asked to play for the couples dance. Pain lanced through her as she saw Erik lead a laughing Christine to the dance floor. She began to play a haunting tune as her silken voice wound its way around the dancers.

I love you oh so madly
I need your love so badly
But I don't stand a
Ghost of a chance with you

I thought at last I had found you
But other arms surround you
And I don't stand a
Ghost of a chance with you

If you'd surrender just for
A tender kiss or two
You might discover that
I'm the lover meant for you
And I'd be true

So what's the good of all my scheming?
I know I must be dreaming
For I don't stand a
Ghost of a chance with you

Diana Krall Love Scenes

Erik drifted slowly with the music until he heard Emma's voice begin to sing. Then he turned toward the lovely sound. He watched her hands as they drifted over the keys of the piano, her eyes full of unshed tears as she poured both heart and soul into her song. In vain Christine tried to get his attention.

"Erik, we're in the middle of the dance floor!" she hissed, looking around with a nervous smile.

"Un moment, mon coeur." Erik said absently as he began to make his way between dancing couples toward the piano just as Emma finished up her song. She sat head bowed for a moment before rising gracefully. "Emma! Wait." Erik walked faster through the curious crowd leaving an enraged Christine behind him.

Emma just wanted out. Her head swam and she shook with nerves and chills. All she wanted was home. On the ride back to the apartment she wearily put her head back on the seat. She barely made it through the door before a severe bout of chills had her shuddering violently. Her teeth chattered viciously as she pulled off her dress and dressed quickly in sweats. Oh, god, what's wrong with me? She lay down on her bed and yanked the comforter up over her. For the next day and a half she floated in and out of consciousness.

"Erik, hi this is Dr. Evans." Erik answered with a pleased tone. "Have you spoken with Emma recently?"

"Why, is something wrong at the clinic?" Erik was on alert.

"No, no. It's just that it was her weekend to come in and she hasn't shown up. It's not like her to not let us know what is going on. I'm sure it's nothing, but…"

"I will go now and check on her." By now Erik was very concerned, this was not like Emma. As predicted Christine was less than pleased.

"You cannot be serious, Erik. She is a big girl, I'm sure she has her reasons for not showing up for work" her voice grew louder as he walked out the door. Stupid prick, that's right run off to mummy whenever she calls. Well fine, a smirk I'll make a call of my own. And she did, Harley was a fine looking man and an exceptional "enthusiast" shall we say? Tonight was going to be fun!

Erik opened the door to Emma's apartment sensing immediately that something was wrong. "Emma, cherie?" he heard a low moan coming from somewhere inside. In a flash he was searching. "Emma!" he shouted. He found her collapsed on the bathroom floor, unconscious and burning with fever. "Oh, god Emma!" He called 911 and followed the ambulance to the hospital.