A/N: For all of you that have been following this story and When All is Said and Done, I am SO sorry I haven't updated lately! There is only one more chapter and the epilogue for When All is Said and Done, but I'vee been so busy I just haven't had time :(. School, work, and having a social life... lol. And now I've begun an acting course for movies and shit like that. I promise that chapter will be up as soon as I can get it up!

Besides the few times this story gets updated and the remainder of When All is Said and Done, I won't really be writing until Summertime after Grade 11 ends. This February I may or may not add a new story... something I've really been wanting to get out to the public. So yeah, don't give up hope, I have not quit permanently!

Anywho, enjoy!

-EFH

xoxo

Chapter 14: Change of Tide.

His eyes opened up to the sight up sunlight filtering in the bedroom. At first his eyes blinked, wondering where he was, and why something soft was buried against half his face. But as he paused, all the previous events came crashing back. He looked over, to see Angus burrowed against his face on the pillow next to his head.

He sat up with a groan, and threw his legs over the side of the bed. His hand went out, and rubbed his head, his eyes blinking as they adapted to brightness of the room and from just coming waking up.

He went into the main room, seeing if Christine was there. But he came into an empty room; an empty messy room. The closet in the corner was overflowing with board games and board pieces that were scattered all over. "That must have been the loud crashing noise last night." he mused aloud. Chocolate bars and lots of dishes sat in the sink and piled atop of the counters. There was clothing and papers all over the floors along with the twister game.

He wondered where Christine was, but caught sight of a huge pink heart shaped sticky note attached to the door. He stepped over all the things and picked it up.

Erik, I had to leave for work today, as Tom called, asking me to work full shift today. Hey, it's extra money in my pocket. Anyways, I didn't want to wake you up, as you looked peaceful sleeping there and I kinda kept you up late... sorry about that. To make up for it, I made you pancakes. They're sitting on the table. And can you give Angus his can? I ran out of time, but the cans are in the cupboard above the stove. Pick anyone. And please lock up when you leave. I left you my spare key on top of the refrigerator.

Thanks, Christine.

Erik set the note down on the coffee table and walked over to the stove. He opened up the cupboard, and grabbed a random can. He then fetched a plate and went into the bedroom where Angus was resting.

Standing in the doorway, he announced, "well, I was told to give you your can." he looked at the cat, who was now looking at him. Holding the can up, he read, "It appears today you'll be feasting on 'salmon feast'." he looked over at the cat again, who was just staring at him. "Aren't you at least going to follow?"

He walked back in the kitchen and opened up the can, to which Angus came bolting in the room, leaping onto the countertop immediately. He began to nuzzle Erik, to which Erik replied annoyed, "I'm trying to give you a meal here. You musn't do that." but the cat kept nuzzling him, even his mask.

When he finally got the food out of the can and onto the plate, he set it down on the floor, to which the cat jumped down and began to gobbil down. "What, no thank you?" Erik asked, watching the cat amused. The cat just kept eating.

He shook his head as he sat down at the table. There was already a plate and cutlery set out for him. Next to the plate, was a bowl filled with pancakes, a plate sitting atop so they wouldn't get cold. As he began to serve himself, he poured the syrup on them, kind of wishing he had Christine's company.

He was shocked and happy to say the least, that Christine obviously trusted him. She trusted him enough to give him the spare key to her house and not ransack it while she was gone. Trusted him enough to let him be in it alone and to take care of the cat.

He looked over at Angus, who still sat there eating.

Getting up to his feet, he went and picked up the plate and set it down on the table across from him. At first Angus just watched him in curiosity, but then quickly followed his food over to the table. "There, now we both have company." Erik stated, taking a bite of his pancake and watching Angus.

Erik would never admit this to Christine or anyone else for that matter, but he rather liked the cat. The cat seemed to completely welcome him. He had never really been an animal person, as he hated taking care of creatures that just shed, went to the bathroom and was another mouth to feed. But he liked how this bundle of fur seemed to totally accept him. Even purred when he touched it.

"I take it you are enjoying your meal?" Erik said to the cat.

Angus started to purr, before standing up from his food. Erik watched him, wondering if the cat was going to leave. Instead, Angus just flopped himself down on the newspaper Erik had also been reading. "I guess you don't like the sports section then, huh?" he grinned.

The cat continued to purr.

"Good, because neither do I." he found sports a waste of time. What did you gain by watching some people run around after a ball or doing whatever they were doing? He'd rather do something much more productive with his time.

After he finished eating, he checked the time. "It's already twelve thirty?" he gasped, looking at her clock on the wall, then his watch, and then finally, Angus. He rised to his feet, knowing he better return home soon, or Lilliana may just call the police. Wait, I'm angry with her. She can wait a bit more longer... and worry a bit more. He decided he would slowly return home. Dear Lord, I sound like a rebellious teenager now.

He looked at Angus again, as he stood in the midst of her apartment, wondering what to do. "You know, you have it quite lucky. Sleep all day and be doted on by a human. I wish my life were as a simple as yours."

Both his head and the cats turned, when a knock sounded from the door. He waited, hoping the person would go away, so he wouldn't have to open the door. It wouldn't look good for him to be seen in there. But the knocking persisted till it became banging.

At first he thought that maybe it was her boyfriend. He felt a strange feeling encompass him at that thought. Was it anger, misery, jealousy...? I am not jealous. She doesn't belong to me, and I love Monique. He reassured himself. I just wish to be alone.

The pounding continued, till a voice began calling. "Christine! Christine, open this door right now!" it was the voice of a woman. "It's your landlord! I know you don't work Saturdays, so open up!"

Erik sighed in relief that it wasn't her boyfriend. But a new worry filled him. He quickly opened up the door, to be met with a woman in her early forties. The woman was fairly short, wearing a robe and curlers still in her hair. Her face was extremely painted up, causing Erik to feel disgusted. She had bright blue eye shadow on, and bright pink lipstick on. She had a lot of powder on, but you could still see the wrinkles. He didn't like how un-natural it looked though. It looked like she was trying too hard and Erik found that to be quite a turn off.

"Can I help you?" he said through tight thin lips.

Mariam looked up at the man in shock, not expecting to find a man in there. Well, not a man who wasn't Raoul and at this time. She had to say though, the man was quite attractive. The way his black hair fell over his face and was all mussed... the part of his face that wasn't obscurred by a mask, had a 5 o'clock shadow forming. A few lines etched across his deep masculine face, but she found that to attractive. And his eyes were a deep sensual colour of green. She had never seen eyes quite like them... the part of his face that was covered by a mask, she did not mind. The mask just made him more inviting... making him look sort of dangerous and secretive.

She immediately wondered whom this man was. That little tramp. Mariam thought, as she looked him over once again. He looked quite nice in those pants... Plastering on a smile, she purred, "Is Christine here...?"

Erik narrowed his eyes. "As a matter of fact, she is not. Now if you will kindly lea -"

She cut him off, grabbing his arm and pulling herself into Christine's apartment. "So tell me your name." she used her husky voice, her hand moving to touch his chest.

Erik quickly took her hand and removed it. He was quite disgusted by this woman already. "State your purpous and leave."

Mariam looked around the messy room, then back at Erik. She smiled once more, but it faded when she saw Erik cross his arms over his chest and glare at her. "Christine has yet to pay her rent." she stepped toward the coffee table, picking up the note Christine had written previous. "In fact, this is her second month. Tell your little girlfriend, that if she doesn't get me my rent soon, she'll be out on the street, where she can sell herself." she dropped the note like it was poison.

Erik wanted to slap this woman for her crude words and disgusting attitude. But he restrained himself, knowing that would effect Christine negatively, having her thrown out and him, a law suit.

His hand went out and dug in his pocket. He pulled out a wad of bills and a cheque book. Holding up the wad of bills in front of her face, he asked, "will this be enough?"

Her eyes looked at all the money hungrily. Her hand went out to immediately grab it, but he pulled it back.

"Now, will this pay for at least two more years?" he asked, looking around the tiny apartment. In his oppinion, it should pay for at least ten more years, but he held his tongue.

Mariam nodded, still watching the money.

"Very well then. I don't want you harassing her about the money. And do not speak of this to her. Do you understand me?" she nodded. "I don't give a damn what reason you give, but do not mention anything of me." she nodded once more, and he held out his hand, to which she snapped the money from.

He watched the woman in disgust. Goldigger. He now deemed her to be as he saw her open her robe slightly, revealing a revealing outfit. She pulled at her top a bit, and stuffed the money into her brassiere.

"Now leave." he ordered.

Mariam wasn't a fool when it came to money. She quickly left the room, planning to make more appearances in his life. She knew a wealthy man when she saw one. So the little tramp has finally moved onto bigger digs. She thought as she sauntered down the hallway. Raoul was attractive, Mariam admitted that, but he was lacking in wealth.

Erik closed the door behind the horrible woman, relieved she was gone. He turned when he heard the distinct sound of Angus meow.

"Yes, I must agree, I think she was a horrible woman as well."

xoxo

"Oh my God, did you hear that Veronica is going out with George from lighting?" Nancy gabbed. "Apparently they've been seeing each other for at least six months! I swear, how did that girl keep it on the down low? If I were dating a hunk like that, I'd be telling everyone!" she laughed.

"Telling everyone... yeah." Monique mumbled, her chin resting in the palm of her hand on the table.

"I know, right? I swear, she's one lucky gal! I haven't been on a real date in at least four months." Nancy sighed. "I think I'm destined to be alone."

"Destined to be alone... right." Monique muttered once more, staring out the window at all the people passing by.

Nancy set down her fork, fed up of eating salads. "Are you there Monique?" she waved her hand in front of Monique's face, snapping her finger.

"Wha?" she gasped, looking up.

"Are you ok?" Nancy asked in concern. "I swear, you've been in a funk lately. You've barily heard a word i've said these past ten minutes." she stated, looking her friend sharply in the eye in worry.

"I have too!" Monique said defensively.

"What was the last thing I said then?" Nancy asked.

Monique looked down sheepishly, knowing that she hadn't been listening at all. Just last night she had tried calling Erik, only to reach his answering machine and find out he was at a out of town business meeting as well. She had finally realized that maybe she would like a bit more with Erik. Perhaps marriage was the right direction for them. She could handle the mask thing for now, but she just wanted someone to come home to. But this whole realization had put her in a funk, wondering if that day she had rejected his offer was a big mistake.

"I'm sorry Nancy. I guess a lot of things have been on my mind as of late." she apologized, looking her friend in the eye.

"Does this have to do with your masked man?" Nancy asked softly. She knew all about the proposal of marriage that Monique had rejected. After all, it was Monique had had shown up at her doorstep that night, crying and begging to stay the night.

Monique looked at her friend and slowly nodded.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Nancy asked, placing her hand on Moniques in a comforting manner.

"I... I think i'm ready for more." Monique admitted honestly. "I've given it a lot of thought... and I just want someone to come home to from work everyday. Someone to have and to hold me when I'm stressed out about something completely stupid." she sighed. "What do you think?"

Nancy stared at the table for a few seconds. "Well, I think it's nice that you want that. Maybe you are ready for the next step. But what about the mask issue? Has he finally shown you?"

Monique shook her head. "No, he hasn't. He says he's afraid."

"Afraid?" Nancy echoed.

"Yes, afraid. I just want him to trust me. I wanted him to show me before we made that step because I thought the marriage wouldn't work unless there was trust on both sides. But now... now I'm beginning to regret ever rejecting him over that. I mean, we all have our crosses to bear, and that obviously is his. I mean, I could do worse. I could be into some axe-murderer." she sighed once more, putting her face into her hands.

"True, you could do worse. He seems like a decent guy." Nancy commented, recalling the few times she had met him. Mostly Christmas parties and such.

"I know." she groaned. "I just can't seem to pick a route and stick with it. One minute I can't handle the thought of marriage unless everything between us is out in the open. Next, I just want to marry him, forgetting all about our problems. Oh Nancy, tell me what to do."

Nancy thought for a second, wondering what she would do in her position. In fact, she'd love to be in Monique's position. All men she had dated in the past had turned out to two timer, stand upper, jerks. If the perfect man was cursed with a mask, well she had it pretty damn lucky. "I say you should tell him. Sit down with him and discuss how you are feeling. See what he thinks and then plan from there. Till then, there isn't much you can do."

Monique looked up and smiled at her friend. "Thanks Nancy, I will."

xoxo

Erik closed the door behind him softly, trying to make as little noise as possible. He looked around the desserted hallway, seeing and hearing no one. With a sigh of relief, he shook his coat off, and hung on the wrack by the door. He peeled his black leather gloves off and dropped them on a closet bench.

He walked over to the bar located in the den that connected to the kitchen, and pulled out a bottle of Vodka. Pouring some, he walked through the house towards his office, drinking it.

He paused, his steps coming to a complete stop as he heard a strange noise. He listened more intently now, as the sounds became a bit louder. He realized they were coming from the bathroom just down the hallway.

His brows furrowed as he took a few steps down the hallway on cat feet, towards the bathroom. As he neared he heard a grunt. His hand went out and grabbed a shoe horn off the table. His thoughts were instantly filled with the distant memory of Christine laughing when he had used it the night she came over to wallow. Subconciously, a smile stretched across his face.

But it faded away as he turned to the bathroom, and threw open the door, holding the shoe horn up in mid air.

A scream erupted into the air as he was met with the sight of Lilliana sitting knees on the floor, hunched above the toilet. "Erik?" she gasped, after her scream had died down. She quickly looked back over at the toilet and flushed it.

"What are you doing?" he gasped, taking a step closer. "Are you sick?" he demanded.

Lilliana looked back at the toilet, and then Erik. "I just have a bit of the flu." she said quickly, not wanting to upset him further. "I'll be fine -" suddenly a huge cough started to shake her body. Her hand sat atop of the toilet seat as she attempted to stable herself.

Forgetting about his anger with her from before, Erik quickly kneeled down beside her shaking body and clutched her hand. His other hand dropped the shoe horn on the ground and grabbed a hold of her shoulder, trying to help stabalize her.

After a few moments, Lilliana took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. They sat there for a few moments, and when he was sure she was fine again, he demanded, "what's wrong with you?"

She looked up at him gently, her wrinkled face creasing. "I told you, I just have the flu. It'll pass in a few days, you need not worry about me." but she smiled at her son, glad she still had him and the he was home again.

Erik gave a sigh as he got to his foot, helping Lilliana up as well. At first he just wanted to hug her, relieved she was ok. But his previous anger and returned, and he stated gruffly, "well, I'll be in my office if you need me."

Her small hand went out and grabbed a hold of his arm. "Erik, about before, I'm dreadfully sorry! I didn't mean it at all. It's just... just I don't -"

"It's fine." he stated motionlessly.

Lilliana knew she had not been forgiven yet, and held firmly to the sleeve of his shirt. "No, it's not fine Erik. I hurt you, and for that, I don't deserve God's graces. But please, we need to talk."

Erik didn't look at her, still upset. "It's fine." he repeated.

"Please Erik." her voice was soft and held a quiver in it that even he detected through his anger. "I really need to talk to you. I feel like we haven't spoken to each other lately, and I do not understand what's going on in your world. Please."

Erik wanted to just stalk off, but felt his shoulders slump at her plea. Perhaps it was time to make amends. Everyone in life made mistakes... including himself, but it was hard to stay angry at someone, especially when they were asking for forgiveness. "Fine, we can talk." he looked at her. "But let's move this to the den." he looked around the bathroom, not wanting to discuss personal things around a toilet.

Lilliana smiled up at Erik and nodded. "You go right on ahead, I just have to take care of something."

Erik looked at her oddly, but nodded anyways. He exited the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Lilliana sighed when the door had been shut. She looked back over at the toilet and frowned when she saw a bit of blood still in there. She immediately flushed the toilet and washed her hands. As she washed them, she looked into the mirror, staring at her reflection.

"When have I suddenly aged?" she asked herself, as she noticed the wrinkles that marred her face and her blanching when she saw how white her hair had become. Her frail hands went up and pinched her cheeks, trying to put colour back into them.

A stray tears fell down her face, running along the bumps and creases of her old face. I have to tell him. Her thoughts nagged. "But I can't. My problems aren't as important as his right now." she stated firmly, as she recalled how he left with Christine last night, and had never returned.

She felt sick with dread, wondering if Erik had stayed with that... that gold digger! He wouldn't do that to Monique. He loves her. Her thoughts tried to reassure. But they weren't doing a good job, for she didn't feel reassured. "Erik's a young man. He may be different from most, but he is still a man." she stated out loud. "And any man still have the same desires and needs as any normal man."

She wiped away her tear and the next tear, and even the next tear. "No." she clenched her hand. "Erik's not like that. He wouldn't do that to Monique. He loves her. This Christine may be beautiful, but Erik would not do that."

She exited the bathroom, repeating that in her mind. She was determined not to jump to conclusions until Erik answered her. She walked into the den to find Erik already sitting on the leather couch, holding something up. He appeared to be reading it.

"What's that?" Lilliana asked, joining him on the couch and looking at the CD case that he was holding up. "Erase, My Heart will go on, streamline." she read off the back. It was a girl's handwriting on a case that appeared to be holding a burned CD. "What is this?"

Erik looked at her. "Oh nothing." and he placed the CD back on the coffee table. "Now what is it that you would like to discuss?" he asked, changing the subject and using his business tone.

"Erik," Lilliana started off, biting her lip. "I'm sorry about what I said before. I didn't mean what I said. I never intended -"

Erik spoke blankly, cutting her off. "Lilliana, no one ever intends for what they say about another, to be heard by that person."

She looked down. "I guess I deserve that." she meant about him using her name. But she looked up again. "I'm still sorry. I guess when I saw a pretty girl coming into your life, it just annoyed me. You never once mentioned her to me, so I felt left out." she scooted over to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "I'm just concerned about you Erik. I don't want you to make decisions that you're going to regret later on in life."

Erik felt himself grow infuriated by that comment. "And what decisions have I made? Tell me Lilliana, what have I done that is so wrong that I will regret later on in my life? I think you should answer it, since you seem to know all the answers about me!"

She paused momentarily, stunned. She had never once seen Erik yell at her. "Erik, do you honestly think Monique is going to just mind that you're hanging with another woman? You're not five anymore! You can't just have a female playmate and expect Monique to accept it!" she argued back, recalling Monique spilling her concerns.

Erik furrowed his brow as he looked at her. "Did you tell her?" he asked, scared the Monique may know he spent the night at Christine's apartment.

"No! She came to me, telling me she was upset about some girl's name being written on your arm along with a pair of numbers! Tell me, what were those about?" she demanded.

If he had known back then when Christine was going to write down those numbers on his arm, that there would be so many problems arising from it, he would have never let her. "Dear Lord woman, Christine is just a friend! She was just giving me her numbers because she had no piece of paper!" he yelled.

"Just a friend? Where were you last night Erik? You never came home, so you must have obviously spent the night somewhere else." she threw her hands up, despite the pain. "Tell me, how realistic does it sound, saying you stayed the night at your friend, Christine's house?"

Erik glared at his mother. "She is not a prostitute and nothing happened! She already has a boyfriend and was just being nice! Why is it so hard to believe any pretty woman can be nice to me? Didn't we get past this when Monique came into the picture?" he ground out.

Lilliana felt a strange feeling pass through when she heard Erik declare that the girl already had a boyfriend. Could it be there was a bit of envy attached...? No, Erik loves Monique. He's even said so himself. She reminded herself. But then she realized. No, he has never said the three words about Monique... "I'm sorry Erik." Lilliana whispered softly. She didn't want to fight with him.

Erik's mouth opened to say something, when Lilliana's body hunched over slightly and began shaking. A huge cough came from her as her hands clenched the couch seat, her hands turning white. Panic immediately invaded him as he watched his mother.

"I think you need to go see a doctor." he stated gravely, immediately after her coughing had ceased and she looked to be returning to normal again.

"No." she coughed out. "I'm completely fine." she forced a smile.

Erik was about argue further, when Lilliana interuppted him. "I don't want to fight with you." she spoke quietly, her cold hand touching his bare cheek. "You are my son and I love and trust you."

"Thank you." he whispered.

"I just want you to be happy Erik. I know Monique makes you happy, and I want to see the two of you together." she looked down, a tear forming in her eye. "It's just when I saw that girl, I was afraid she was going to ruin it for you. I don't want to see you alone and unhappy."

Erik sighed, trying not to just start yelling once again. "I know, and I thank you for caring about my wealthfare. But I know what I'm doing. She's just a friend, nothing more." for some reason his words felt false to his ears. What about the almost kiss? His thoughts nagged. No, that wasn't an almost kiss. She loves her boyfriend,

"I trust you." she said softly. "But I fear about Monique. I think you should be telling her this, not me."

"I already have." he sighed.

Lilliana took his hand into her frail one. "Things will get better between you two, don't worry." she reassured. "But tell me about Christine, I feel like there's a whole other side of you I don't know anymore. And that's a scary thought for a mother." she chuckled slightly.

"I met her one morning on the beach." he looked at her. "It was the night after the proposal. I had left, feeling completely horrible about everything that had happened with Monique." he didn't want to say rejection. "I saw her there and we began to talk. She seemed to completely understand my problems and wasn't afraid of me, as she had turned her boyfriend down the exact same night as well." he stated honestly. "After that, she kept talking to me and decided she wanted to be friends. Nothing has happened between us." he spoke firmly.

"Thank you." Lilliana smiled slightly. She knew Erik was being completely honest, but there was something bothering her. She couldn't place her finger on it.

Erik embraced the woman for the first time that day, relieved the fight was over. As he pulled back though, he felt a sadness creep over him. When he looked at her, he felt like he was looking at her for the first time in years. Suddenly she seemed a lot more older. He had never given it a second thought before, but now he noticed the lines of age perched upon her face and how her eyes seemed to have aged as well.

He said nothing though, not wanting to talk about it.

"I suppose I better make dinner." she smiled softly.

Erik nodded, half lost in his thoughts and confusion. She stood up and pinched his bare cheek as she left into the kitchen to prepare something for the two of them. Erik just sat there for a few moments, wondering.

What was happening to him? Why did he suddenly feel like a different person? He had always thought himself to be a man who knew what he wanted and how to get it... but now he felt like he didn't know what he wanted anymore.

He rose to his feet, going over to the grand piano that rested in the middle of the room. A sigh escaped his lips as his hand ran along the ivory and ebony keys of the piano.

"What's happening to me?" he quietly asked as his eyes looked back at the CD Christine had left here from those weeks ago. "I don't understand the changes anymore... I don't understand these feelings and emotions that are taking on a form of life on their own." he muttered.

His thoughts changed back to Monique. "I love her, I know I love her. Christine is just a friend. A friend that isn't for me." he stated, recalling all the quirky and strange things he did that would normally bother him... but for once, didn't.

"Say goodbye to the world you thought you lived in." he murmered.