Chapter 21

Erik's house… August 11

Third Person POV

Erik had never been so nervous. Never. He truly did not know what he was doing. He just knew he wanted everything to be perfect. So, what could the he do? Clean. Yes, he cleaned everywhere he could as fast as possible. The den was what he was most concerned about. The whole house was trashed, thanks to these rough past two weeks. Now, he knew his rage was all for nothing. He'd never been happier.

It was right as he was arranging some piano music when the doorbell rang.

Erik's breath caught. Looking around once more, he made his way to the door. Before opening it, he brushed the front of his clothing, cleared his throat, and smoothed his hair.

Then, he opened the door.

What he saw made his eyes widen and jaw nearly drop.

--

Christine was shaking with nerves as she drove to Erik's house. I can't believe I'm doing this! Maybe I should go back.. Maybe I'm not ready for this…

But, no, she decided. I need him.

She approached the house and smiled. It was certainly a nice home. Two stories and Victorian styled. She could really get used to living here. Wait, what am I saying? It's as if I'm already thinking we're about to get married or something! Christine, you are an idiot!

She tentatively got out of her car and slowly made her way to the door. I hope I look ok and not too over the top.. I hope I'm ready for this.. There's no going back now.

Then, finally, she rang the doorbell and waited anxiously.

--

Erik stared openly at his love with hungry eyes. She looked incredible in a red top with a scooped neck and black capris. Her curls were down and cascading below her shoulders. The jewelry she wore accentuated her porcelain features. She was beautiful.

So beautiful was she and so intimidated was he that Erik didn't know what to do or say.

Christine was the first to speak. Blushing, she said, "Hi," softly.

There were so many things Erik had experienced in his life. So many horrible things. And so, this sort of moment and experience was something completely new. But, he did know one thing. I have to speak, or I'll lose her. "Hello," he greeted just as softly.

They just stood there for a moment looking at one another. Erik blinked and decided to stop acting so foolish. This is Christine, not someone I have never met before! "Please, come in."

Christine was glad he was finally saying something. She felt so awkward. "Thanks." She walked in and could sense his eyes on her. I guess Meg really knew what she was doing when she picked out this outfit. He wouldn't be staring if he didn't like what he saw… I guess..

"Would you… like something to drink?"

Christine nodded. "Sure."

"Tea?"

"Please." She walked towards the kitchen, but Erik stopped her.

"I will bring it to you. Please, sit in the den."

Christine blushed but obeyed.

Erik practically ran to the kitchen and fumbled around trying to remember how to actually make tea. The easiest task in the world seemed like a difficult game of chess at the moment. He wanted to return to her as quickly as possible.

Five minutes later, he walked into the den and found Christine sitting on his couch. His lips curled upward slightly at the sight of her. "Here you are." He handed her the cup, and their hands touched briefly. He looked into her eyes and slightly smiled.

Christine returned the smile and took the cup. I'm being too quiet. He'll hate me if I don't start talking! "So, um… About the conversation we had over the phone…"

Erik abruptly jumped to conclusions in his mind. Oh god, she regrets it! No! He said nothing.

A confused look came over her features, and she softly asked, "What happens now?"

Relief swept through him. Perhaps, I am wrong. She does not regret it. Erik honestly replied, "I do not know."

Things were just so awkward between them. Christine found she couldn't take it. It then hit her. Smiling, she asked, "Want to play a game of cards?"

Erik smiled, as well. He actually had a few other things in mind, but a card game would be a nice beginning. "Of course. Whatever you wish."

"The game we played in the car?"

"Yes."

They played the game for a while, Erik, of course, winning. As they played, their hands touched more frequently. Over and over again, their hands would touch. Erik was still obtaining more cards than she, but Christine was slowly catching up.

Erik found he was fascinated with her hands. They were so perfect. Such a lovely porcelain color, as well.

The next time their hands touched, Erik reacted on impulse and took her right hand in his own.

Christine's eyes widened at the act, and she looked into his eyes.

Slowly, with his eyes always looking into hers, he raised her hand to his lips and let them linger on her skin momentarily.

She liked the way his lips felt on her skin and liked the feel of his warm breath. What she didn't like was the mask coming in contact with her skin. But, she spoke nothing of it. In fact, she couldn't help but giggle.

Erik loved the sound of her laughter. He let go of her hand, and the game of cards was forgotten. It was time to change subjects. "You have been through so much this summer. I must confess… I am worried about you. Christine, I know you have told me you are ok when I ask how you are. Your reply is always positive. But, is it truthful?" Before she could speak, he added, "You can tell me."

Christine looked into his eyes and then looked downward. He's worried about me. That's sweet, but I don't want worry or pity. Sighing, she said, "Sometimes, I'm ok. Sometimes, I can almost forget. But, only almost. It haunts me.. It always will. I guess I'll never be the same because of it."

How Erik wished he could have seen her before the tragedy. When she was happy and carefree.. If only he could have prevented it from happening! His hand clenched into a fist.

Christine noticed. "It makes me mad, too. But, I can't let him weaken me. At first, I surrendered and felt like I didn't have any strength. But, I've regained it… Because of you."

Erik looked at her puzzled. "Because of me?" He did not deserve credit. "No, Christine, you gain strength through yourself."

She could only shake her head. "You want to know something? Well, you see, this is not the only tragedy that has occurred in my life. When I was eleven, my parents died in a car crash. I was torn up. I've been so weak ever since then. And then, he came along. I've been weak since I was eleven years old, Erik. But, now, I feel strong." She blushed. "I wouldn't have admitted my feelings to you otherwise."

Erik could only stare at her. My poor darling. "You have had to deal with many trials. I am sorry, Christine."

"I'm not telling you this to receive pity."

He couldn't help but blurt out, "I do not pity you." Then, he had to calm himself and explain. "I, too, do not appreciate pity. To me, pity is what increases weakness and causes pain. It is deplorable."

"You're right." She looked off into the fireplace, which held no fire, and became lost in thought over everything that had occurred in her life.

Erik wished to know her thoughts. "Christine?"

She turned her head towards him and asked, "Yeah?" with tears in her eyes.

Erik's face, though covered, contorted into sorrow at seeing her in such a state. "Oh, Christine…" He moved forward and embraced her.

Christine cried into his shoulder, and Erik stroked her hair. Then, to calm her, he actually began to sing softly.

It was the most beautiful voice Christine had ever heard. Abruptly, her crying calmed and she sat up. "You can sing!"

Her amazement caused him to smile. "Yes, and so can you."

"B-but I had no idea! You have the best voice I've ever heard…"

"Why, thank you, mademoiselle." She giggled. He then searched her face. "But Christine, are you alright?"

She nodded ashamed. "Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry for breaking down on you.. Your shoulder must be wet.."

He lifted her chin with his hand and looked into her eyes. "Christine, you can break down on my shoulder anytime."

Erik then had the strangest feeling. He felt like he wanted to.. kiss her.

Little did he know, Christine felt the same way.

Their heads moved closer together slowly, until they could feel one another's breathing. "Christine," Erik whispered with devotion. He closed his eyes, his head continuing to move forward.

Then, though, Christine fulfilled another urge. She moved her hand towards his face and removed the mask.

Before any kind of kiss could take place, Erik turned his head and away. He gasped and covered the horror with his hands.

Christine reached forward and placed her right hand on his shoulder. "Erik, calm down. I've seen your face, remember? Hell, I've given your face stitches! You can't turn away from me now. I won't let you." She physically turned him towards her. He was still covering his face.

"Trust me, Christine, you do not really wish to see this."

"I already have. Come on, Erik. Don't hide."

Slowly, he obeyed and moved his hands away. Then, he sighed. "I have only one request. Please, do not remove my mask without telling me."

Christine then realized what she had done. Her face took on a look of shame. "Oh, my gosh, I'm so sorry! I just… I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry."

He looked at her in understanding. "My darling, it is alright." She shook her head. "Really, it is." Then, before she had time to react, Erik moved forward and touched his lips to her forehead. "See? It is fine."

Christine was startled, but not in a bad way. The feel of his lips upon her face felt so good. She smiled and blushed. "Ok," she murmured.

Erik realized just what he had done. That felt so good. I wish to do it again. "Christine?" he whispered. He was asking permission.

Christine smiled. She adored him.

Erik couldn't resist the look on her face and kissed her forehead once more, lingering slightly.

At that point, Christine couldn't stand it any longer. She quickly moved so that her forehead was replaced with her lips.

For the first time, they truly kissed.

Erik's eyes closed at the feel of it. Her lips were so soft and warm. She made him feel like he could do anything. And so, with that feeling, he deepened the kiss.

Christine welcomed everything. This was all she ever wanted.

Slowly, they moved back onto the cushions of the couch so that Christine was against the cushions and Erik on top of her.

They remained in that position for quite sometime. When they finally broke apart, Erik just lay there with his hands positioned on either side of her body so she wouldn't have his full weight on her. He stared at her. "You are incredible," he whispered reverently.

Christine finally opened her eyes with a content smile on her face. Then, without modesty, she asked, "Can we do it again?" She'd just never experienced such passion.

Erik grinned and claimed her lips with his own once more. He could not get enough of her. The kiss deepened quickly, and they continued their exploring for quite some time. Then, when Christine found she had to breathe, Erik lips trailed downward, and he explored her neck.

Christine tilted her head back to give him better access and closed her eyes in bliss.

They could have gone farther. They both wanted to. But, neither felt truly ready to travel into such territory.

Erik kissed her once more before sitting up and replacing the mask to his face. Christine sat up, as well.

"That was fun," she couldn't help but say.

Erik found he had to agree. "Yes, I have never been so happy."

"Same here." Then, she frowned at her next thought. "Erik, what happens when college begins?"

He couldn't help but reply jokingly, "I suppose I shall just have to go with you."

She laughed. "No, but seriously.. I can't not see you." Her honesty caused her to blush.

"Oh, my darling, you will see me. We must see each other. I do not think I could survive otherwise."

"I feel that way, too." Then, she began thinking and talking at the same time. "Ok, so, let's see. Indiana University is about three hours away.." Her eyes widened. "My gosh, three whole hours!"

Erik was now becoming a bit nervous. "I had no idea it was that far.."

Christine began jumping to conclusions. "You know, I don't have to go there. I can just go to some community college. Then, we could see each other all the ti-"

Erik quickly interrupted. "No, Christine. You must attend Indiana University. Their vocal program is supreme. No, I insist that you go." Realizing something, he said, "I will always be here. I will always be here for you."

She thought she was going to cry. "That's not good enough! I want to be with you!"

Erik reached out and held her hand. "The least you can do is come home on weekends."

"Weekends! Of course! I'll come home every weekend!" She smiled, but it soon faded. "But, that's still not good enough."

He sighed feeling the same way. Thinking of a solution, he said, "I am willing to move if it means being closer to you."

Christine grabbed his hands. "Are you serious?"

"Of course."

She hugged him. "Oh, Erik!" But, she then regained her senses. "No, you can't do that. This is your home. I can't allow you to give it up."

Erik smiled. "You are an angel. Do not worry, Christine. We will figure something out."

"Yeah, we'd better." She laughed. "This has been the best day ever. I had no idea you liked me."

'Like' you? Christine, I love you. But, perhaps it is too soon to say so. "I had no idea you had feelings for me." He continued, "You know, you are the first person who has looked beyond the mask without fear."

She frowned and simply said, "People are stupid. I'm not."

He chuckled. "I suppose you are right." He then looked at his watch. "Perhaps, we should save the rest of this for another time. It is getting late, and I do not want you driving at night."

Christine adored his caring ways. "Maybe you're right." She took his hands and looked him in the eye. "Erik, thank you so much for this. It has been the best day of my life."

"Mine, as well." He paused before saying, "Christine, I wish to see you frequently this week."

"Yeah, of course! Please, can we get together tomorrow? Please?"

He loved her so. "Yes, of course."

"Let me give you my cell phone number. Or, I can call you. Either way."

"I believe it would be more proper for me to call you."

"You're such a gentleman." She grinned finding that she loved it. "Well, alright." She gave him her number, and both stood.

It was then that they became shy. "Christine, this has been.. wonderful. I truly do not know how to describe it."

Christine smiled and nodded. "It's indescribable. To tell the truth, I can't wait until tomorrow."

"Oh, my dear, I feel the same way." They walked towards the door slowly. Neither wanted to part, but both knew they had to.

Christine smiled. "Well.."

Erik smiled, too. "Well.." Without asking, he moved in and embraced her. Then, he claimed her lips. After a moment, he whispered against her lips without thinking, "I love you..."

Instantly, Christine's eyes widened. She backed away slightly.

Oh no.. Erik realized what he had said. Did I truly just admit that? He hadn't meant to.

"Y-you do?" Christine could see the look of horror on his face. He obviously wasn't thinking she felt the same as he did. A smile met her lips as her eyes gazed into her. "I love you, too."

Her words were startling, to say the least. "What?" he whispered.

Christine's good hand reached out to take his own. "Let's go back to the den. I don't have to leave yet." She led him through the house until they were sitting on the couch for the second time. Then, she looked at him. "Is it really so surprising?"

Erik nodded dazedly. "Yes. I-I had no idea.."

She did the only thing she could think to do and leaned forward to kiss him. "How about now?" she asked after ending the brief kiss. "Now is it surprising?"

He could only nod, still astonished.

Kissing him again, she smiled against his lips. "And now?" she whispered.

This is happening, Erik. Return to reality and accept it! He did as his thoughts instructed and stared at the angel in front of him. "Christine," he whispered. "Oh, Christine.."

She kissed him again and was about to back away, but he held her in place and continued kissing her deeply. She returned it wholeheartedly, her heart swelling with love.

Erik's heart was also swelling with the love and devotion he felt for her. "I love you," he said softly, hugging her. It felt so incredible to finally be able to say the words. And to have her return them? He was living his fantasies. His life, for the first time, was perfect.

"I love you," she said, leaning her head against his shoulder. This was everything she wanted. For the first time in years, she was truly happy. The man she loved returned her feelings. The moment was so tender that she felt tears in her eyes.

He basked in the moment for quite some time before softly asking, "You will come home on weekends?"

"Yes," she replied while nodding against his shoulder. "Every weekend." Then, she asked, "And we'll see each other everyday this week?"

Erik's lips curled upward in contentment as he nodded. "Yes."

It was time for them to part. They knew that they would see each other again, though, and it felt so good to finally know that.

"I love you," were the final words they both spoke before Christine reluctantly left for the night. Both were anxious for the following day when they would see each other again.

For the first time, their pasts were behind them and far from their minds. They only thought of each other and the bright future they would share together.

The End

I want to thank each of you so much for reading this story! I'm glad I decided to post it again :) I hope you enjoyed these final chapters.

Thank you so much to reviewers! I have loved every review I've received! They have meant so much to me. Really.

I hope you have enjoyed this story. As always, leave a review on your way out :)

Now, onto my other stories :D

-Lauren