"Oh, hello Erik." The actress exclaimed in slight surprise.
"I wish you a good evening and hope you pardon my intrusion." The masked man began.
"It's no intrusion at all, please come inside." She urged politely, motioning for him to join her on the sofa.
Christine was in another silk nightgown, as it was almost nighttime, but Erik knew that this time couldn't be like the previous evenings where he grew incontinent around her. There was a serious matter needing to be discussed before anything else took place. He inhaled a deep breath in hopes of calming himself before confronting the situation.
To his surprise, the girl actually spoke before he managed to say anything: "How was your day? I don't suppose it was too busy with the filming over and everything."
"Quite so, Christine. I found a package outside my door not too long ago and that certainly was the highlight of my day."
"Really?" The brunette asked coyly, her eyes refusing to meet his as she tucked a few curly tendrils behind her ear.
"It was the most exquisite music box I've ever seen, although the sender is much more exquisite than any piece of porcelain dotted with gemstones."
"I take it you liked my gift to you?" She smiled.
"Most certainly, my dear."
"And you saw the note?"
"Yes." He said, the cheeriness from before wearing off.
"Well?"
Erik was sure that it must have been a trick of some sort. Though he'd seen the note with his own eyes, there was still doubt about Christine's supposed fondness. Perhaps if he told her his desire of continuing some intimacy she would laugh in his wretched face- for even the most angelic of ladies couldn't accept him. But it would be a betrayal to himself if he refused Christine. It was between risking his pride then breaking his heart or killing any chance whatsoever with the precious girl.
Her clear blue eyes remained fixed on him, filling with dread and uncertainty by the minute. That was the only proof Erik needed to know of her true motive. There was nothing but honest care and anticipation of his response hidden in her irises. It became very simple to choose what he would say to the brunette.
"I must tell you the truth, Christine." The masked man finally spoke, drawing even more of her attention.
"Yes Erik?"
"My wish...that is, if you allow it to be so, is for us to remain as close friends at least. I wouldn't dare desire more unless it was upon your consent."
A huge grin appeared on her face as she embraced him in delight. With her smaller stature, all Erik could see of her in this position was a mass of brown curls. He could also feel her warmth radiating outwards and directly around his torso, as Christine's chest was pressed towards his heart. It was as though over the whole duration of the time they spent together, the thick coating of ice around his heart began to melt and now the final layer was gone. The masked man realized just how powerful his sentiment was and that he would be willing to die, kill, and fight for this young, optimistic actress.
Christine pulled back after a while, noticing that Erik seemed to be lost in thought. She watched his expression in childlike curiosity and waited patiently for a response, knowing that prodding Erik was never a good idea. In a moment, an unusual bright look came across his face and he took Christine's hand.
"Would you mind going somewhere?" He questioned vaguely.
"Now?"
"Yes."
"I guess not, but you'd have to let me get dressed in something suitable. Where would we be going?"
"It'd be a surprise, but I advise you to dress a bit warmly."
The actress studied his golden eyes with a smile, then nodded her head and dashed back to her closet to dress herself for the occasion. Erik made himself comfortable in the salle and flipped through one of the books Christine had left on the coffee table. He was delighted to see a copy of the hilarious Candide and read part of it whilst waiting for Christine to finish.
She emerged shortly after Erik finished with the first quarter of the book. Dressed in cropped black trousers, a button-up blouse, ballet flats, and a floral-patterned head scarf, Christine looked like a typical jet-set starlet of the time. The only makeup on her pale face was some rouge and a light brushing of mascara, as her dark eyebrows were full enough without powders.
Paying her a generous compliment, Erik guided Christine out to a vehicle he borrowed for the night: a sleek, black '54 Buick Skylark. The convertible top was removed and Christine felt nostalgic for back when she used to be driven around a lot more often, back when she was a simple girl in a small city. She stared up at the beautiful sparkling of the stars dotting the pitch black sky while Erik started the car and drove gently away from the building. The cool night air was heavenly against her skin mixed with the heat of the summer temperature. Her masked driver remained stoic, as usual, while he steered the car by the famous Parisian landmarks all aglow with lights.
Christine looked outside for the rest of the ride, admiring how calming the bustling city was during the night. Her blue eyes didn't happen to catch Erik's deep gaze stuck upon her joyous face every so often. The expression of such happiness was enough for him to know that, even if the girl didn't love him the way he did her, the wide smile on her face was because of him. It was a rare thing for him to see in general but it was much better to bring Christine happiness than to anyone else he'd ever encountered.
Erik slowed his driving speed whenever he approached someplace like the Eiffel Tower or the Notre Dame, allowing his precious passenger to admire the view a bit longer. After passing all of the main attractions, the ride continued outwards towards the countryside where the details of the night sky became even clearer to see without all the lights from the city. Pretty French songs played from the radio as accompaniment for the beautiful setting and they eventually led Christine to fall asleep delicately against the beige leather seat. Once the driver took notice, the car was turned around so she could be returned to the comfort of her own bed.