Chapter 14: Within The Eyes
Erik had heard joyful exclaims and laughter that lured him from his office and was stunned to find Isabelle sharing a hug with Nadir; It was obvious that she had just done the same with Antoinette and Meg whom where both smiling brightly,
"Isabelle" Erik exclaimed in surprised joy, earning Isabelle's attention and so caused her to offer a bright smile in his direction,
"Erik!" she yelled in excitement before rushing over to him and hugging him tightly; Erik couldn't help that his bright smile became soft and warm as he slowly but happily returned her gesture before pulling away and looked down at her with a once again bright smile,
"It's so good to see you. You're glowing" Erik praised with a chuckle as Isabelle blushed lightly,
"Thank you. I spent the last few months abroad in Egypt and the son was more than kind when it comes to my fair complexion... Oh it was so beautiful!" Isabelle reminisced,
"Yes you are" Erik murmured but quickly shook his head quickly when Isabelle looked at him surprised,
"I mean, Yes it is. I recall many fond experiences during my travels that took me to Egypt" Erik explained and Antoinette, Meg and Nadir couldn't help but share amused expressions where as Gustave rolled his eyes and feigned a gesture of throwing up; Antoinette gave a scolding but teasing smack to the young boys shoulder... Erik smiled despite his embarrassment before looking towards Nadir,
"We should celebrate Isabelle's return. Send word down to the kitchen, apologise for the last minuet request but we require 6 plates of the chef's finest cuisine and tell him to get the finest bottle of champagne" Erik instructed and Nadir had gone to reply but Antoinette quickly interrupted him,
"Actually Erik. I unfortunately have to miss tonight's celebratory dinner as I... I have to..." Antoinette struggled causing Meg to catch on as to what her mother was doing,
"... She has to help me with... Choreographing a new dance routine for the new season" she lied,
"Exactly" Antoinette confirmed with a bright smile before pulling Nadir close to her,
"And of course Nadir cannot join you either because he's..." Antoinette prompted,
"...I'm... Learning the routine that they're choreographing?" he provided weakly, Antoinette raised her eyes to the heavens, willing them to give her strength but she put on her best smile,
"Indeed, The choreography needs a masculine body structure as it is a duet dance piece. The theme is..." she struggled,
"The frog prince" Meg provided quickly before pulling Gustave close to her,
"And Gustave can't join you either" she added quickly,
"What?!" The young lad demanded in surprise,
"He's playing a lily-pad in the dance piece and he needs to work on movements. He needs to be a bit more graceful" Meg explained,
"I... I thought you said it was a duet piece?" Isabelle asked in confusion as Erik glared at them in annoyance,
"Yes I was about to point out the same thing" Erik growled through gritted teeth,
"It is... It is a duet piece but... There's a separate piece of choreography for... the dancing lily-pad in the background..." Meg explained lamely as the group began slowly but urgently making their way towards the elevator, dragging a reluctant Gustave with them,
"I'll have the chef send up two plates. Have a wonderful evening you two" Nadir bid with wave as the elevator door closed; Erik quickly hid his expression of annoyance when Isabelle looked towards him, offering a smile which he returned,
"Well that was awfully strange" Isabelle pointed out with a giggle and Erik could only offer a weak chuckle,
"Indeed... Well, I assume that by your lack of luggage must mean that Nadir has already taken them up to your old chambers so... Please allow yourself to relax. I would love to take the time to catch up with you but... I unfortunately have some more paperwork I need to attend too... But I certainly look forward to dinner joining... err... Joining you for dinner... Later" Erik told her bashfully as he slowly moved backwards towards his office and Isabelle smiled brightly as she nodded in understanding,
"Of course. Just don't work yourself too hard" she told him before thankfully heading upstairs to floor 13 and to her chambers so she missed Erik turning and accidentally bumped his head against the door frame that lead into his office,
"... Ow" he growled in annoyance, putting a hand to his masked forehead as he entered his office before returning to his paperwork.
How will dinner go for Erik and Isabelle? Quickly Review for chapter 15!
Kind Regards,
TheAuthor1996