The Voice of an Angel

Christine looked at a picture taken from Spring semester of her and Meg. She was excited about starting a new semester and seeing her best friend again.

Never would she have thought back when the picture was taken that she would be where she is now...

Her thoughts returned to her current situation. She'd been working for Erik for a week now. Christine actually enjoyed the 'work' part of the job, for organizing was one of her hobbies. The company she worked around, however, caused her to always be on edge.

Though Erik would leave the office at time while she worked, he wouldn't ever stay gone for long. The man always came back for different reasons.

It was strange. They rarely spoke while she worked. He would give her refreshments, play piano, and simply look at a wall while petting Ayesha, but he wouldn't talk very often.

Stranger still was that Christine wanted to talk to him. She honestly wanted to get to know Erik. She wanted to help him, as Nadir had insinuated before.

Tomorrow will be different, she vowed. Tomorrow we are going to have a conversation.

"Christine." Erik acknowledged her presence as she entered the mansion on Friday morning. "How are you?" Again, that imploring tone.

She stepped into the foyer and turned to face the masked man. "I'm fine. And how are you?" Her tone was almost as imploring as his.

Erik blinked, not expecting that. She was usually so shy. "I am doing well," he answered before leading her to his office.

Christine really wanted to continue a conversation with him, but she didn't know what to say. "What do you want me to do today?" she asked.

Erik looked into her eyes patiently, as if they had all the time in the world. "Are you done organizing files?"

She nodded.

"My, you work fast." He watched as she blushed at his compliment. "Well, allow me to think.." Erik hadn't expected her to be finished with his first task so quickly. His second and last task for her was to organize his music, but then, that was the scary part. How long would it be before she was done with it, as well? Would she not want to work here anymore?

In truth, Christine being in the mansion every day meant more to Erik than even he knew. He didn't want that to end. It couldn't end. "I suppose you can organize my music now."

Christine was nearly jumping with excitement. This was what she'd been waiting for!

Erik studied her with interest. "Perhaps you would like to join me in the kitchen for a cup of tea beforehand?"

He sounded so timid. Surprisingly, Christine smiled at him. She watched as he did the strangest thing. He backed away slightly. She tilted her head to one side, but, before she could ask him about it, he turned and began walking towards the kitchen. She followed.

When they arrived in the kitchen, Erik made a gesture with his hand and she sat at the table obediently. Christine knew it was now or never. She really needed to stop being afraid of him. Ok, here goes… "So, Erik, tell me a little about yourself," she said very nonchalantly.

Erik almost dropped the kettle he was carrying to the sink. He stared at her and asked, "What do you mean?"

Christine smiled wanting him to feel comfortable. "I mean, where are you from? Do you have family?"

"No," he firmly replied. "I do not have family. I have never had family."

She became timid, once more. "Oh.. Sorry.."

He sighed. "Do not apologize. Let's see.. Your first question is quite interesting. I am from many places. I have traveled the nation, you see."

Christine nodded. "Ok." She thought for a moment before shyly asking, "Are you married? Do you have a girlfriend?"

Erik's eyes seemed to bore into hers. "Never. I have never been married, nor have I ever had a girlfriend. Christine, you are being quite invasive right now."

Her cheeks took on a reddish tint as she realized that these questions were none of her business. "I'm sorry."

He didn't reply and they drank their tea in silence.

Christine was inwardly cursing herself. This silence was her fault. Did she honestly think that was a good beginning on helping him to become a better person? She glanced at him once before deciding she couldn't stand the silence any longer. The silence meant that Erik would never open up to her. Then, Nadir's plan would never work. She sighed. "Look, I'm really sorry for prying. I shouldn't have."

Erik could see that it was really troubling her. He was actually glad. It meant she was thinking about him, which was progress. "Christine, it is fine. You were just trying to make conversation. It is perfectly understandable." He looked into her eyes very seriously.

Christine was actually getting used to his intensity. "You're right, I was trying to make conversation."

He smirked. "Well, would you like to try again?"

She couldn't help but laugh a little. "Well, it's just, I know nothing about you. All I know is that you are extremely talented. Where did you acquire such talent?"

He'd never been asked such a question. He straightened a bit before answering. "It was quite simple. I only needed to be shown the piano and I basically taught myself. With architecture, I overlooked the process and then easily mastered it." He watched as her eyes widened in awe at such an answer. I adore her.

"So.." She tried to phrase her next question without being blunt but found she couldn't. "You really are a genius?"

He chuckled. "If that is what you believe, then yes, it is true."

Christine suddenly had an idea. It was one she was surprised to be having, for it would involve spending even more time with him. But, then again, what better way to get to know him? It was decided, she would go through with the idea. "Erik.. umm.. well, I sing."

"I know," he replied with a small smile.

"And, well, you've never heard my voice."

"It is quite unfortunate."

"Well, I have a question, but.. you're probably too busy.."

"I can make time."

"Oh. Well then, I have a lot of repertoire I'm supposed to learn over the summer. It would be nice to have accompaniment..."

"So, you are wishing for me to be that accompanist?" His eyes were glowing at the thought of such an opportunity.

There was a pause before she replied, "Yeah.."

There was another pause while Erik thought. This has to be the greatest question so far. It was a wonder he hadn't thought of it himself. "I would be more than honored to accompany you."

Christine watched as Erik stared at her with that same imploring look he always gave. I imagine it will be difficult to put up with his weirdness.. "Thanks."

"When shall we begin, then?" he asked, anxious to start.

Christine needed time to think that through. Wait, no I don't, another side of her thought. I mean, my gosh, it's just singing to his accompaniment. Why do I think everything I do with this guy is such a big deal? "Whenever you're free. I don't want to waste your time.."

Erik felt like squeezing her hand in reassurance but thought better of it. Instead, he said, "Christine, no time spent with you is a waste."

She found herself blushing at that, although behind the blush was some confusion.

He then came up with an idea of his own. "I assume you do not have your repertoire with you today, but I would be honored to hear your voice... to get a taste of it. We could, perhaps, do a few exercises?" What he yearned for was to ask her to sing the music he'd written throughout the years, but, at the same time, he didn't think it was the right time.

Christine became shy. "I guess we could do that. I only hope you don't hate my voice."

"I seriously doubt I will. Please, come into my office and you can sing for me."

'Sing for me'… Christine found the phrase to be odd. "Ok."

They walked towards his office in silence, Christine behind him. Then, just before he opened the door, Erik turned towards her.

She saw a strange sort of look in his eyes that made her shudder.

"Are you cold?" he asked with curiosity.

"No," came her quick reply. Then, she waited for whatever would come next.

"Christine.."

"Yes?"

Erik's eyes couldn't leave hers. He knew his stare would make her nervous, though, so he blinked to focus elsewhere. "It is just, I have not felt this much.. excitement in a.. well, in a very long time. I am eager to hear your voice."

Christine became nervous by his high expectations. I really hope I don't mess this up. Then, she noticed he was watching her, so a smile made its way to her face. "I'm glad you're excited. I just hope-. Well, I already told you. I hope you don't hate it."

"I know I won't." They then walked into his office

Erik's heart wouldn't stop pounding. At this rate, he wasn't sure if he'd even be able to play the piano properly. But, then again, he could always play properly. There was no doubt in his mind.

So, with determination, he sat on the bench facing the keys. Christine came to stand within his line of vision. But no, Erik could not have that. I cannot see her while she sings. If I do… I certainly will not be able to play. "Christine, if you will, stand behind me."

She could sense his nerves. She couldn't understand why he would be nervous. He seems almost as nervous as I am. Christine wanted to impress him. She'd always impressed people at school. It was different with Erik, though. He was a musical genius with high standards. She moved to stand behind him.

Erik awkwardly explained what exercise to sing and placed his shaking fingers on the keys.

Christine took a deep breath and they began.

Erik let out a sigh when he heard her sing. He knew she'd be good. Great. Even superb! But, he never thought.. He never thought she'd be this good.. this great.. this superb.

Christine's voice was the most wonderful sound he had ever heard. Tears came to Erik's eyes. This was, for sure, the most amazing gift he had ever received. How have I lived for so long without hearing her?

After about thirty seconds, Erik found he could not play any longer. His fingers were still shaking as he lifted them from the keys. He turned on the bench to face her.

Christine instantly felt like she'd done something wrong. My voice is not good enough. His life is music, so I suppose he won't ever want to see me again. The thought made her very sad. She looked down dejectedly. "I was terrible, wasn't I? I'm sorry."

Erik's eyes widened at her words. He spoke up immediately. "No, Christine. No. Never. Why must you assume such a thing? Oh, Christine.. Your voice is like nothing I have ever heard before. I do not even know how to express how pleased I am. You will never know how.." He didn't even know how to word what he was saying. "How happy I am. Your voice is.. beautiful."

A blush crept to her cheeks. "Erik.. you don't have to say that.. Really, you don't have to."

His eyes narrowed in confusion. "No, Christine, I do have to. I do not believe you understand me." He sighed. "The moment you entered my life, you changed me. Now, I have heard your voice. I cannot believe I have lived without hearing it. I do not know how I have survived. You see, music has always been my first love. Now, though.. I have a new lo-"

Suddenly, the sound of loud music filled the air. Christine jumped at the sudden sound. Realization dawned on her. "Oh!" She reached into her purse for her cell phone. "I'm sorry, I-" She looked at the caller ID. "Oh!" she exclaimed again. It's Raoul.. finally.. What do I do? For some reason, she knew she couldn't tell Erik who was calling. He wouldn't understand. So, she stuck the cell phone back in her purse and forced herself to smile at Erik. "Um, what were you saying?"

He looked at her purse. "You did not answer the call. Why?"

"I can talk to him later," she quickly replied.

"'Him'?" He noticed her regretful expression and spoke again. "Do not worry. I am the one being invasive now. Forgive me."

Christine sighed in relief. "It's ok… So, what were you saying?"

Just by looking at the beautiful girl before him, Erik knew he couldn't profess his love. For one, it was too soon. For another, he knew she would not feel what he felt. No one would ever feel love for Erik. His face prevented such feelings from taking place. It was now his turn to look down dejectedly. "I do not remember," he lied. "I have kept you long enough. You may leave now. Go enjoy the sunlight, angel."

She looked at him surprised. Angel? He had a knack for shocking her. Christine felt she would never understand him. "Um, you don't want me to start organizing your music?"

Gently, he replied, "Not today.. Go." Before she could move, however, Erik said, "Thank you for letting me hear your voice."

"Thank you for listening. So, when would you like for me to work next?"

Erik's eyes found hers, and he sighed. He needed time to think about things. "Wednesday will be fine."

Five whole days? That felt like a very long time. "Ok."

"Oh, and remember to bring your music." Erik stood to walk her to the door.

It was then that Christine noticed just how tall he actually was. Much taller than she. She looked up at him. "Of course."

He walked her to the door and they said their goodbye's.

Outside, Christine had a feeling these next five days would be pretty uneventful without seeing Erik. It was a strange thought.

She reached for her cell phone while she drove. It was time to call Raoul back.

"Hello?" Raoul's always-cheerful voice came through.

Christine smiled. "Hey, Raoul."

"Christine! Hey! How are you?"

She liked the ease of this conversation, as compared to the intensity there always was when conversing with Erik. "I'm good. How are you?"

"Look, I'm really sorry I haven't called you. My family went out of town." He sighed. "I should have told you."

He sounded really down about it, which definitely made up for how down she had been feeling about it. "No, it's ok. I've been really busy with a new job, anyway."

"Yeah, how is Sonic going?"

"Oh, I'm not working there anymore."

"Oh, really? Where are you working now?"

This was the first time she would explain her working situation, and Christine felt weird about it. Her line of work would sound quite strange, she supposed. "I'm working for a guy in his house."

"Oh," was his short, confused reply. Then, there was an awkward pause. "Um, well, I was just wondering if you wanted to hang out sometime?"

His voice sounded as if he didn't think she'd say 'yes'. "Yeah, I'd like that."

"Really? That's great! I didn't know if you were still single.."

She laughed at that. Did Raoul honestly think she was in a relationship with Erik? "Yeah, I'm still single."

"Good," he said with a sigh of relief. "How about tomorrow night?"

"That sounds great." Christine was really excited.

"Awesome. Where do you live so that I can pick you up?"

She gave him directions to the apartment, and they got off the phone with one another after excited goodbye's.

One part of Christine was really happy and excited. But, another part felt like she was doing the wrong thing. A strong guilt was overwhelming her senses.

Why should I feel guilty? I'm not doing anything wrong. It's just a date... A date with the guy I had such a crush on in high school!

The guilt was quickly forgotten as a grin came to her face. I'm going to have fun. After everything I've been through this summer, I deserve to have a good time.