Hi everyone Happy New Year! I hope you all are having a wonderful start to 2014 and I hope it will be a great year for all of you! So I am back with another long chapter for you all. I am really excited to hear what you all have to say about this chapter, it is kind of an exciting turning point in the story so I am excited to hear what everyone thinks of it!
So here is chapter 21, I hope you all enjoy it. Please leave reviews I love to hear what my readers have to say! And for those of you returning to school tomorrow (such as myself) good luck and I shall send and angel of music to keep a watch over you as your day goes on!(:
Chapter 21:
"Not this again." Nadir Kahn stood in the door way of the open bath chamber peering cautiously down at the young May who was currently retching into the toilet with Erik securely behind her holding her hair back and away from her face.
With a somber glance of confusion Erik peered up at Nadir and gave a pathetic shrug of his shoulders. Between the horrid sounds of the young child's heaving, soft sobs were heard coming from the same person. Oh how May hated to vomit, and she hated it more now that she was fully conscious of what was happening. Earlier in the day she was feeling the slightest bit better, and realized that she was hungry and hadn't eaten in days; once she told Erik he quickly left the room and came back with a small piece of bread and another cup of water. As soon as the bread was consumed, it quickly came out. May was utterly embarrassed by here gagging and wanted desperately for it to end.
Most of that morning was spent in an unwanted silence between the two. Erik was completely ashamed with his actions from the night prior, and May was left in an absent confusion by the whole endeavor. Neither of them wanted to confront the situation but both of them knew that eventually they had to.
As May's incessant vomiting finally came to an end Erik explained the situation which forced May into her current position.
"Oh you poor dear," Nadir soothed as he bent down to the quietly sobbing girl. As May pushed herself away from the toilet embarrassingly hiding her face in her hands and curling her knees into her chest, she backed up against Erik in an attempt for solace. Her sobs were slowly decreasing to soft hiccups as Erik laced his arms around her. Nadir took note to Erik's uncanny reaction and embrace. Never before had he seen Erik give this sort of affection to anyone; in the many years Nadir had known Erik he had always witnessed him recoiling away from even the slightest of touches, and tensing into an awkward harshness whenever someone even accidentally brushed an arm against him. This girl was slowly changing Erik; whether it was for the better or worse he did not know.
Erik looked down at the pathetic girl in his arms. "May, it's alright. You are okay." Oh how helpless he truly felt, and how justly mortified he was with his own actions.
As her quiet cries came to a slow end, May gently raised her head from Erik's chest, sniffling sadly and stifling her whimpers. Wiping the tears that stung her eyes, she gazed at the man sitting beside her and Erik. She gave the shyest of a grin as she gazed at Nadir. "H-hello Mr. Kahn." she choked through her labored snivels.
Nadir smiled at the polite child before him and gave a sincerely generous response. "Hello May, it is good to see you awake." May nodded briefly in response. Glancing up at Erik, he gazed back down at her and as soon as their eyes met, they both instantly pulled away and fixed there stare on anything but each other. Nadir ignored their bizarre behavior and proceeded on. "Obviously you are no better I presume."
May shook her head, and began to speak. "Well I…" she was unable to finish. Brutal coughs erupted from her lungs as she sputtered for breath. With a cautious fear Erik glanced at Nadir.
"Let's get her into bed," Nadir stated urgently. Without a second thought May was in Erik's arms once again and being carried back into the bedroom while she continued to cough and sputter. Setting her down gently upon the bed, Erik grabbed a glass of water from the night table and lifted it to May's lips ordering her to drink. She did.
After a while her coughing finally subsided and she sank down into the sea of endless blankets and pillows upon the bed. Both Nadir and Erik watched May vigilantly as she lay upon the large mattress.
Nadir came forward and approached Erik who sat on the edge of the bed. "Has she been doing that often?" he questioned.
"Yes and that phony medicine is doing nothing to diminish it." Erik confided.
"Well you are in luck my friend," Nadir stated. Turning around and retreating to his medical bag which he had discarded on the floor, he brought it over to where Erik sat and set it upon the night table. "This morning I took a trip into town and purchased another medicine for May which should not only subside her coughing but also bring down her fever and rid her of any aches or pains." He explained.
Erik suddenly began to worry. "This won't be another injection will it?" he inquired. "If so, I am sorry but I will not allow it."
"No worries Erik, this is a liquid medication like the other."
Little to their knowledge May had been listening. "Injection?" she questioned hoarsely as she struggled to sit up. Erik came forward wrapping an arm around May's shoulder and grabbing her other hand, pulling her up into a sitting position.
Nadir looked from Erik who had a worried expression painted upon his face, back to May who looked at him questioningly. "Y-yes an injection." He began. "A few days ago I came down here to check on you. When I arrived I discovered you and Erik upon the bath chamber floor. You were completely unconscious in his arms and shivering from head to toe; once Erik confided to me that you had spent the night vomiting, I knew I had a medicine that could help you, but the only way to give it was through an injection."
May slowly glanced up at Erik who lazily brought his gaze down to hers. "I gave him the permission to proceed." He stated apprehensively. Trying to show proof, Erik gently brought a tense hand to Mays arm and lifted her sleeve past her elbow revealing a small bruise where the medicine was injected. She glanced worriedly at the bruise for a moment.
"That is normal, do not worry." Nadir guaranteed. "And I assure you that I would not have done it, if Erik had not consented."
May glanced up at Erik appreciatively. "After all it worked your shivering ceased almost immediately."
"Oh," was all she could say. Reaching into his bag, Nadir produced a large glass bottle of a dark liquid. May cringed remembering the taste of the old medication she was forced to take, and only hoped that this one tasted better. Pouring the liquid into an empty glass, Nadir came to the side of the bed and handed the glass to May who hesitantly grasped it in her trembling hands. Examining the liquid May tilted the glass to her nose smelling its pungent scent; suppressing a gag from the horrible aroma, she anxiously looked at Erik who gave her a helpless shrug. Knowing that she had no way out of taking it, May lifted the glass to her lips and consumed the horrid liquid within. As soon as it touched her tongue she wanted nothing more than to spew it back out and scream in disgust, but under Nadir and Erik's careful watch she knew that that was not an option. As quickly as she could she swallowed the medicine and lunged for a glass of water.
Nadir and Erik couldn't help but share a chuckle at the humorous behavior of the young girl. "Was it really that bad?" Erik asked sarcastically. May did nothing but angrily glare at him as he laughed under his breath.
"Well, that should take a few hours till it begins to work, so hang in there, you will be better in no time I assure that." Nadir told the girl. "Erik, be sure she takes this twice a day, I suggest in the morning and at night before she sleeps."
"I will make sure of it." Erik guaranteed.
Nadir turned back to May. "That reminds me, as I made my way here this evening I happened to run into a friend of yours." Nadir explained. "A certain Monsieur Oliver,"
"Jack!" May exclaimed with a sudden excitement. Her heart leaped to hear his name. Oh how she missed him, it seemed to have been so long since they had last seen one another. "Oh, how is he, did he ask about me, did you tell him where I was, does he know I am ok?" her questions came quickly and constant.
Erik had been listening, it killed him to hear May talk about the Oliver boy in such an exciting way, and her questions annoyed him to a certain extent. Suddenly one question caught his attention. "Does he know where you are?" he reiterated with an angry shock. "He cannot know where you are, he must never know where you are!" he exclaimed in a fury. "For god sake Daroga please tell me that you did not tell that Oliver boy where she is."
"Erik calm down," Nadir turned back to May but directed his sentences to both of them. "He came running to me on the streets franticly asking if I knew where you were."
"What did you say?" Erik hissed.
"I knew that I had to refrain from the truth, and as much as it killed me, I had to make up a lie." Erik let out a pent up sigh of relief. "I told him that the night of the opera was the last time I saw you, and that no matter where you were I was sure you were safe. He then asked that if I did happen to see you that I should tell you he is looking for you."
May's expression suddenly changed. "The night of the opera…" she trailed off. Suddenly she remembered something. "That's right I saw you that night, I-it was after Jack left."
Erik became worried, and Nadir looked at May cautiously. "Do you remember anything else," Erik asked in a panic.
May racked her brain but she could remember nothing. "No" she stated somberly.
"Wait, so you do not remember what happened that evening?" Nadir asked curiously.
"No, all I can remember is talking to Jack, and then speaking to you." May told him.
"Odd" He remarked. Nadir glanced at Erik who was watching May closely and curiously. "Erik could I speak with you for a moment."
Erik glanced at Nadir annoyed and nodded, then turned back to May "Rest," he instructed. "I will be back momentarily." With that he turned and followed Nadir out of the room, closing the door behind him.
"What is this about Daroga?" Erik asked irritated. He walked to his piano bench then sat with a huff.
"Erik, she doesn't remember?" he asked again.
"No, all she can truly recall is a discussion with the Oliver boy and now apparently a meeting with you." He explained. "She remembers nothing from the performance and not a thing about Buquet and the chandelier. Nor does she remember falling into the lake and seeing my face."
"Peculiar," Nadir retorted.
"Not peculiar its luck." Erik sighed.
"Luck, how is this luck?"
"Nadir she remembers nothing, that means she will not be angry with me and she will not shun me due to my face." It was true. The longer May didn't remember the better; she would never know the true horrors of that evening. Something in Erik broke as he dropped his elbows to his knees with a disgruntled sigh. "Is this normal Nadir?" he asked worriedly. "Is it ok to forget like this?"
Nadir was shocked to see Erik's sudden change in emotion; he went from being angry and irritated Erik to a softer more concerned Erik. "My friend, I assure you she is fine; but sooner or later she will remember."
Erik sat up. "No, no she can't remember, I can't lose her Nadir."
"Calm down Erik, you will not lose her I am sure of it." Nadir watched Erik's demeanor change once more. "What is happening to you man." He asked sort of amused.
"What are you talking about?" Erik asked.
"This girl is changing you." He announced.
"No she is not," he bellowed. "No one can change me." He believed the character he had built up was invincible and able to withstand anything, but slowly this façade of a man was breaking and dwindling to something unknown.
"Well surely she is." Nadir responded with a smile.
"Elaborate." Erik requested.
"Erik have you noticed how recently you have not lost your temper with me once." He explained. "Nor have you cursed my name or that child's name in any way."
"That does not matter."
"Yes but alongside that you are now freely accepting her embrace, and allowing yourself to be touched by another human without tensing up or recoiling in complete horror or disgust." Erik realized his words where true, and Nadir watched as his eyes read the truth. "I am correct am I not?"
He finally snapped. "God you impertinent fool, you speak the truth." Nadir grinned with a sense of satisfaction. "Nadir ever since this child walked into my life I knew she was special." He explained. "Like me she is all alone with no place to go and I knew I had to protect her. She is my true friend and I cannot lose her. She means so much to me."
"Erik she is lucky to have you." Nadir stated. Erik somberly looked up at Nadir.
"How?" he snapped. "I obviously haven't been keeping her safe. For god sake I nearly killed her twice Nadir. She is not lucky to have me at all."
"Yes she is Erik, open your eyes and see that this child is lying in your bed needing your care. It has been a week now and you have done nothing but protect the girl and nurse her back to health. If not for you she would be all alone right now and struggling terribly, maybe even on her death bed. Don't you think she is the least bit grateful for you?"
"It doesn't matter." He stood and pushed past Nadir. "My actions could have killed her, and once she does eventually remember I hope she hates me, I deserve it." He looked back on his words. "God I cannot lose this girl."
Nadir came up to Erik slowly. "And you will not." He laid a friendly hand upon his shoulder and was shocked to see how he didn't even flinch. "Now go to her, comfort her and be her friend that's what she needs and that is what you can give her." They exchanged a glance, and Erik turned back walking to the bedroom and entering once more. Upon entering he stopped and gazed at the young child upon the bed twisting the light purple ribbon that hung around her stuffed animal's neck. He was so thankful for this girl.
Nadir entered behind Erik. "Well I must be taking my leave now." He went to the night table and collected his bag. "May, I hope you feel better, and I am sure I will be seeing you soon."
May looked up at him and gave a shy grin. "Thank you Mr. Kahn."
Giving a generous nod Nadir turned to Erik. "Well my friend I will be seeing you soon as well. Take care of the girl."
"I will," he responded. "Thank you for your help Daroga."
"My pleasure Erik." With that Nadir turned and left the lair leaving Erik and May alone in each other's company.
Uncomfortably standing in the awkward silence that swept the room Erik slowly crept to the chair beside the bed where May lay. She seemed to not take notice to Erik's new position, and continued playing with the ribbon upon her stuffed dog.
Sighing uneasily Erik glanced at May. "C-can I get you anything?" he offered.
"No" she replied silently
"Is there anything I can do for you?" he pushed.
"No" she stated again.
"Alright," he replied agitatedly. Short moments of silence past between the two; suddenly May sat up a bit with a thought.
"Erik?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Um w-would it be possible for me to bathe. I haven't in a few days and I would really like too."
"Y-yes, yes of course." He responded happily that there awkward air had broken a bit.
"Thank you." May sat up more and moved towards the edge of the bed.
"Do you need help standing?" he questioned. In the last few days' May had not walked an inch, and every time she would make a sudden movement she would get dizzy; Erik was rather concerned with how she would handle walking.
"N-no I think I will be alright." Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, her feet nearly touched the floor. She was slightly worried with what she might do when she stood but decided to try anyways. Pushing herself off the bed her feet came in contact with the cold floor and as she stood straight her body wobbled a little.
Erik was up quickly making sure that the girl would not fall. May stood on uneasy feet with worry on her mind as her head began to spin in an unwanted faintness. "Are you alright May?" Erik asked.
Placing a shaking hand against her damp forehead she shut her eyes blocking out the darkness that threatened her vision. "Y-yes I'm alright." She responded. Deciding to push herself May took a few couple steps and within moments fell directly into Erik. His arms came quickly around May securing her against his chest in case of any more movements. Looking down at the child in his arms Erik saw that her eyes were shut tight and she was trembling slightly. The poor child.
"I will take it from here." He announced, and within a moment May was in his arms and being slowly carried into the bath chamber. Once inside Erik sat her down upon the wooden stool she sat upon the evening before. He noted that May's eyes were still closed. "Open your eyes May."
Slowly she opened her eyes, surprised to see that she was in the bathroom. She met Erik's concerned gaze and blushed when she noted his hands were securely around her waist. Finding her blush Erik quickly retracted his hands. "Uh, I… I will start the water." Erik walked quickly away from the girl and paced to the bath tub. Turning the faucet the soothing sound of the flowing water hit May's ears and she began to relax as the warmth that regulated off the water swarmed around her tense body.
Erik turned back to May as he stood at the tub. May's back was to him but as soon as she felt his eyes upon her she turned to meet his gaze. Watching each other for a short moment, Erik quickly adverted his eyes away as he turned off the water. May stood quietly on shaking legs.
"Will you be alright?" Erik questioned as he turned to find May standing a short distance away from him.
"Yes." She replied quickly. Erik didn't believe her.
He decided to test her. "Walk to me." He commanded.
May stared at him precariously; she was unaware of what would happen, and rather nervous. Testing him with her eyes, Erik gave a sly grin showing that he was serious; she decided to try. Grasping to the bottom hem of the shirt she was wearing she took one step; she survived. She took another; almost there. She took one more and suddenly darkness stared to cloud her vision once more as her head began to spin. Within seconds Erik was before her with a strong grasp on her forearms keeping her up right and steady.
He looked down at May with a soft laugh. "liar." He joked playfully. Moving to her side Erik helped her walk to the bath tub and then set her in front of him again. "Can you at least stand?" he questioned.
May glanced up at him slowly. "Yes."
"Are you sure of that?" he questioned
"I am sure of it Erik." She guaranteed.
"Alright, well let's see." He brought his arms away from May and folded them against his chest as he backed away slyly. He was surprised to see that May was able to stand perfectly still. "Well would you look at that." He scoffed. May gave him a playful glare before she turned to glance at the water in the tub.
As she watched her reflection dance upon the water something sparked into her mind; an unknown memory it seemed that was begging to be remembered. Staring at the water, something inside of her ticked, but she didn't know why.
Erik was watching her cautiously, wanting to comment on the strange behavior she was showing; but he kept it in. "Well if you are able to stand I guess I will leave you then-…"
May cut in quickly before he was able to finish. "No!" she pleaded. Erik watched her with a furrowed brow. "I- I just mean that, I um" she didn't know what to say but she didn't want Erik to leave. She needed the company and something inside of her ached to hear him talk. "I may need help, I mean once I am… well I mean." She was struggling for words but now it was Erik's time to cut in.
"I will stay." He remarked.
May gave an inward sigh of relief. "Thank you." She glanced at him for a moment then back at the tub, realizing she needed to rid herself of clothing before entering. She glanced back at Erik and he instantly understood what she was thinking.
"Oh right!" he replied awkwardly. "Um I will just, I'll sit over here." He grabbed the stool and walked across the room to the adjacent wall setting it down then turning back to May. "I- I won't look… I promise."
Watching Erik sit with his back to May, she let out a pent up sigh. Glancing one last time to make sure he couldn't see her, she turned back to the tub. Ridding herself of her blood stained shirt and button down that hung over top she slowly eased her way into the soothing warm water, and let its heat engulf her in its soothing temperature.
Letting her eyes close for a moment, she tried to completely relax. Hearing Erik move uncomfortably upon the stool she opened her eyes and focused on his back; he was so tall and muscular yet so skinny, and thin. She let her eyes wander over the silken black color of his dark hair and trace over his strong shoulders reveling in there rough stature. She truly adored this man for everything he is and all that he has done for her. Tracing her eyes up his back once more, her steadfast glance stopped on the back of his neck. His white shirt clung lazily to his neck revealing his light skin; something branded his skin though. A light pinkish scar stretched from his neck to the beginning of his hairline, it looked old but painful and she wanted desperately to know the cause of it. It pained her to imagine an injured Erik, in pain.
Erik stirred again upon the stool and May spoke up easing his tense state. "You may turn around now, I am alright." Watching the muscles in his back relax she was pleased to see him turn around and face her. As soon as his eyes came in contact with her he froze and let his mouth drop open the slightest bit.
Her bare shoulders were exposed as tiny droplets of water slid down there curve, her hair fell limp behind her back daring to touch the silken surface of the water. Although he couldn't see, he knew that she had her knees up and close to her as her body warmed in his bath tub; the same bath tub he had used time and time again. Oh how he hated himself for his ridiculous thoughts.
Neither of them knew what to say as they just stared at each other. Averting her eyes away from Erik with a soft blush painting her cheeks, May turned her attention to the water; so warm it was as it engulfed her body. She watched a small drop of water drip from the faucet and hit the surface rippling the pool of liquid in the slightest bit. Watching the water drip May reached out a shaking hand and caught one of the falling droplets. It was so cold, ice cold almost; something inside of her memory stirred at the sensation of this cold droplet hitting the pads of her fingertips. A harsh shudder coursed through her entire body as she became entranced with its falling patter.
Erik watched her vigilantly making sure that she would remain safe. He hated the silent atmosphere that coursed throughout the room and decided to break it. "I am sure that in a few days' time you should be well again." May did not respond nor did she look up from the dripping water. Erik continued on. "You must be eager to return to the opera, although no rehearsals are in process yet and well no one has been around the opera house in a few days."
Finally she spoke up but without turning her attention away from the cold water. "The opera?" she questioned with a sound of fright in her voice.
Erik was concerned. "Yes the opera. You must remember that you dance in the ballet corps," he joked, "and that you currently reside with the chorus as well." She did not respond. Erik furrowed his brow at her, confused by her sudden change in behavior. "May, are you alright?"
"What is the date today?" she questioned quickly and randomly.
"Um, December 18th, why?" Erik asked confused.
"Almost Christmas." She stated sort of shocked. Her attention never faltered from the faucet.
"Yeah, May are you sure you are alright?"
She completely ignored his question and began to speak as if she were in a trance. "It is always cold around Christmas."
"Yes that is true." Erik was extremely worried.
"Water gets cold, it usual freezes." She said in her frightening daze, letting the dripping water course over her fingers and down the palm of her hand; her knees were now pulled in tight to her chest.
"May, you are concerning me." As scared as he was about the girl, he didn't dare move closer in fear of violating her privacy in unwanted ways.
"People can die in this water." Erik's fright was growing greater. "Someone did die…. but not in water."
"May, snap out of this!" he yelled suddenly. He watched as he body began to tremble.
"He died at the hands of another,"
No! Erik's mind shouted over and over again. She can't remember not now, she can't know!
"Many more almost died." She stated, a panic was growing within her voice as she stared blankly.
"Maygen stop this!" he pleaded.
It took her a while to respond. "I… almost died." She went quiet and her trembling suddenly stopped as she dropped her hand into the water.
Long timid minuets passed in complete silence as Erik watched May with a fright growing inside of him that he had never experienced before. He dared to test her name as quietly as possible. "Maygen?"
Suddenly a loud gasp escaped her lungs as she broke from her trance and clung to the sides of the tub. "I remember!" she shouted with ferocity in her voice neither of them knew she could produce at a time of such sickness. Her breathing picked up as she stared at her knees trembling once more.
"Maygen," Erik began calmly trying to ease her fear.
"Get me out," she stated softly barely audible.
"What?" Erik questioned in confusion.
"Get me out; I need to get out of here!" She exclaimed louder.
"May hold on," he tried, but as soon as he saw her move to get out Erik whirled around and faced the wall to give her privacy. He heard her exit the bath tub then reach for a towel and drape it around herself. As soon as she spoke again he turned around. She had one hand tightly against the bath tub supporting her up and the other securely holding the towel that hid her naked body from Erik's eyes.
"I remember it, I remember it all Erik!" she sobbed, tears suddenly springing to her eyes. She began to move in an attempt to run towards Erik and lash out but as soon she did she got dizzy once more and right as Erik caught her they both slipped on water that had coated the floor and fell to the ground with a unison shout.
Laying now with his back to the floor and a frightened May on top of him flat against his chest, Erik stared at her as she shook against him. He sat up on his elbows as May staid close not daring to move. Her breathing was quick and her shaking was rapid, he felt horrible for the girl atop him. "May-Maygen please you need to calm down I don't want you to hurt yourself."
She slowly looked up with tear stained frightened eyes. "Hurt myself?" she asked with a sob. "I don't think I will be the one to be hurting anyone." She stated harshly.
Quickly Erik was on his feet with the girl in his arms; he set her down harshly upon the stool then turned in a huff to grab his black bath robe that hung on a rear by hook. Retreating back to the girl he threw it in her lap. "Put it on." He demanded as he turned his back to her. Still crying, May slipped on the robe and pulled away her towel. Once Erik heard the towel drop and the robe being tied he turned back around to face the girl. He suddenly stopped as he saw her glance up at him with such fear in her tear stained eyes; he hated himself as he let his eyes travel over her features as she sat in his robe.
Cursing himself inwardly he came slowly to May and kneeled before her. May was the one to have the first word. She spoke softly. "You murdered, Erik."
"I know." He stated solemnly.
Tears streamed down her reddened cheeks as she spoke "Why would you do such a thing." Her mind was going crazy with memories flooding into her head. At that moment she wanted so badly to hate Erik and curse all that he was, but as she sat in his robe staring at his hurt eyes, she knew she couldn't.
"He was a burden to everyone May, and you know that." Never once did he take his eyes away from hers. "Joseph Buquet deserved to die; he caused nothing but trouble throughout this opera house and he needed to be gone."
"But Erik, you killed him."
"I know that." He shouted. "There is nothing I can do to bring him back. What has been done is done, there is no going back. You are all safer now that he is gone."
May pulled her eyes away from Erik and stared at her lap as her tears flowed. "But Erik, you almost killed me."
Erik went numb, he didn't know how to respond and he was frightened to see how she would respond. "I know." Was all he spoke.
"Why did you do that?" May yelled in a sudden rage.
Erik yelled back "Because I was angry."
"Angry? How could anyone be angry enough to drop a chandelier?"
"Maygen, I'm sorry. You do not understand the pain I felt before that. The women I loved was ripped away from me, she belongs to another man now, a man who I hate with a burning passion. You have no idea how furious I was."
"But Erik, why would you take that fury out on me? What did I do to deserve that?" she begged for the answer and broke inside as Erik tore his eyes from her.
"Nothing." He said somberly. "You did nothing to deserve that, and I will never ever be able to forgive myself for putting your life in danger. I almost lost you that night, and all due to my stupid temper. I am a monster and you even admitted it. Never forgive me for that May do you understand I want you to never forgive me for that night. Go and tell everyone that the phantom nearly took your life and never look at me again the way you do now." Erik's loathing for himself grew more and more as the seconds ticked on. The realization that he almost lost the most dear friend he has ever had hit him harder than it ever had.
"Erik, I wanted to hate you and I was ready to never forgive you, but deep down I never could and you know that." She was being honest; May could never truly hate Erik, he meant to much to her and being in his company for the past days had made their friendship stronger and more real. "You are forgetting that you also saved my life that night." Erik glanced up at May. "I remember the lake Erik." She admitted.
No! He screamed inwardly. That means she remembers my face. "May that was my entire fault I shouldn't have lashed out on you like that; I didn't mean anything I said."
"Erik none of that was your fault," her tears had ceased slightly. "I should have never acted that way towards you. I was just so mad and all of these emotions were playing in my soul I needed to let them out."
"I understand that Maygen, trust me I do." He knew what it was like to be in a state of utter emotional confusion; he could sympathize with the girl and understand why she acted so horridly. "You said what needed to be said at the time and I shouldn't have acted so harshly back."
"I guess we both are to blame for this." She stated. Erik agreed inwardly as he stared at the ground. Neither of them dared to talk for a moment as they both thought of the same thing. Suddenly May spoke up again with a sniffle. "I don't like this Erik." She stated pathetically.
Erik glanced at her questioningly. "What, remembering?" he questioned. May nodded slowly; she looked down and twisted her fingers in the silken fabric of the black robe she was wearing. She loved the feel of its cool texture, and adored how it had Erik's scent branded into each hem.
Unable to hold the question back any further Erik bent down and caught May's eyes. "You remember the final detail in the horror story we have woven, correct?" he questioned.
As May held his glance a tear escaped her blue green eyes and slid down her soft pink cheek. She nodded lightly stating a quiet "Yes."
As Erik looked down completely ashamed and embarrassed May quickly set her fingers beneath his chin bringing his gaze back up to hers. Her curious and tear filled eyes scanned over every inch of his stark white mask and took in every feature that caressed his face. Erik couldn't bring himself to look into May's eyes, but she stared right into his begging for untold secrets to be developed.
May slowly brought a timid hand up to caress his mask and as soon as the pads of her fingers grazed its porcelain surface, Erik pulled away from her with such fright. "May, don't." he commanded.
"Erik, please." She pleaded.
"No. I cannot allow you to see what is under my mask."
"And why not?" she asked with a sudden strength.
Erik hesitated before he answered. "In my life this face has brought me nothing but hatred and fear, I have lived a life of pain and torture because of it. Letting you see it once was just an accident, but if you see it now you would surly fear me for the rest of eternity and rightfully so." May's heart broke hearing him say this. "I cannot show you who I truly am, you would never accept me and I would never forgive myself for forcing such horrors upon you."
May leaned forward cupping Erik's cheek in her palm; she could feel him tense up almost instantly. She searched his golden eyes for any sort of sign of anything. She wanted to see the true Erik again, and she knew he wouldn't let her if she asked; she had to be daring.
"I am not afraid of you Erik." She stated slowly. Before he could protest Erik's mask was pulled away; a loud gasp escaped his mouth as his deformed skin hit the cool air. Before he could see any reaction from May, he shut his eyes tight with no intention to every open them again. He was expecting some sort of sound from the girl; a shriek of horror, a gasp in fear, a possible fleeing from the room, but nothing happened. No sound no movement no fleeing. Erik dared to open his eyes, and was shocked with what he was met with. A single tear streamed down her freckled cheek as a light grin was placed over her full lips. Before he could speak May brought a trembling hand up to his right cheek and caressed the tattered skin that ran from his brow to his chin.
Erik's face was rather frightening with; the skin upon his cheek was pulled taut revealing veins and thick bone, his eye was sunken in and dark around the outside, his top lip was bloated and stretched, and most of his skin was completely mangled and destroyed. There was something about his face though that May adored; something beautiful deep down rang through his golden eyes taking away the title of monster and replacing it with the designation of man.
Her fingers couldn't stop feeling as she ran her hand over every piece of skin she could, drinking in the different textures. Erik had never felt anything more beautiful in his life. For once someone was able to stare at him with no fear, and for once someone was able to touch him without causing pain. In that moment he prayed to every god, thanking them for the wonderful girl before him.
As May's hand traveled up to his hairline she realized something peculiar; it was a wig. Pulling the ridiculous piece away she was met with Erik's thin blonde shabby hair. Gazing up at her with fear once more Erik was anticipating harsh words but was thrown off guard as May's voice rang in his ears.
"You have blonde hair." She said with a hint of excitement painting her voice. As Erik glanced at her an unnoticed tear slipped from his eye stinging his mangled cheek. May dared to run a bold hand through his thin layer of golden hair. She couldn't help but smile at the soft feel and let more tears stream down her cheeks. Erik let out a soft sigh of pleasure at the new feeling he was enduring and stared up at May with such adoration and gratefulness.
May eagerly met her eyes back with Erik's and as so much emotion ran through them, they didn't know what to do. Without saying a word May suddenly wrapped her arms around Erik and fell into his lap embracing him tightly and never wanting to let go. Finally Erik released more tears that had been locked up inside of him as he wrapped his arms tightly around the young girl in his lap. Together they cried tears of happiness and tears of a desperate need for each other never wanting to end their embrace.
Well that was chapter 21; a bit of a doozy I know haha! Please review with anything you would like to say and thanks for reading!
Happy 2014 everyone!(: