Striving to Succeed
Erik has messed with our lives long enough! Nadir's mind screamed while he listened through the hearing device that connected him to Christine's room. He listened in horror as Erik began to use his inescapable persuasive voice against the girl. She didn't have the strength to fight it, for who did? He is controlling her, as he has done before. He listened as they left her room.
Nadir stood from his chair and crossed his arms, his hands clutching his upper arms tightly. He simply couldn't take it any longer! Erik has gotten away with so much.. He stalked the girl, he kidnapped her, he locked her in a bedroom, he lied to her, and he is now manipulating her mind to his liking. The fact that Nadir was unable to stop him was having the power to increase his rage.
Usually, he was a kind, gentle man. He didn't like to be around drama, and he certainly didn't like violence. He liked a calm, peaceful atmosphere. The nightmare he was living was beginning to change his views, though. No longer was he the nice, quiet Iranian. No, he was now ready to resort to the very thing he hated most- violence.
For over a day, he had been treated as a prisoner in his own home, rarely acknowledged and given one plate of food and a glass of water. Nadir had had enough. I have changed my thinking. My previous thoughts that Erik is not in his right mind are false. Erik knows exactly what he is doing. He has turned into the monster he has always considered himself to be!
They were once comrades, partners in business. Nadir had once respected Erik for his talents and pitied him for his misfortunes. He used to listen to the man. He used to attempt to be his therapist, lingering on his every word and helping in any way he could.
He realized that Erik had once been his world. After all he had been through and experienced in Iran, Nadir had travelled to the United States in search of a decent life. He'd found it in architecture, and his career became the only thing he knew. Once Erik became the boss and the business had been renamed Delozier Designs, Nadir became even more attached to his job. Erik had been his only friend, and Nadir had trusted him.
That was now a part of the past, though. Erik has destroyed all chances of regaining any sort of bond we once held. I shall forever consider him my enemy, and I will do anything in order to save Christine from this hell. He was determined, and with that determination, he tried to devise a plan.
There wasn't much to work with. Erik had made sure of that. The only rooms he had access to were his bedroom, bathroom, and a closet. The only technology he possessed was the hearing device and walkie-talkie he had been using with Christine. There were no weapons, as Nadir had never felt the need to have them. How foolish I am. I tell Christine not to underestimate Erik, yet I cannot heed my own advice.
He looked towards his bedroom window, the window which he knew to be impossible to open and impossible to break through. Nadir then looked towards his bedroom door.. yet another escape that was impossible to break down. There wasn't a lock to pick, and there weren't screws on the knob to take off. He sighed wearily and distantly remembered the fact that he had barely gotten any sleep since being trapped in his room. A man of his age needed rest to get by.
I must remain strong, though, for both mine and Christine's sakes. Again, his eyes travelled the room, looking for any sort of help. Numerous ideas came to mind, all of which he knew wouldn't work. He could always hit Erik in the back of the head with a lamp to knock him unconscious. Or perhaps he could chain him to a piece of furniture using his bed sheets as rope. Or maybe he could trap him inside the bathroom or closet…somehow. None of his thoughts looked promising. Erik was sure to outwit him effortlessly. And using his own strength against the man would nearly be the equivalent of surrendering, for it would be like asking to lose.
If only he could talk to Christine again… But Nadir had heard first hand that Erik was manipulating her mind using his detestable voice. He knew her plans to 'teach' him weren't being put forth. That poor, innocent girl… Nadir remembered a time when he thought she was Erik's only hope. He had put so much faith in her and had gone out of his way to force her to be with Erik numerous times. Back then, he had no idea what would eventually transpire. I should have known better. If I were a wiser person, I could have stopped this from happening! Was that really true, though? Was there any way to stop Erik? The damn, arrogant monster is not invincible! his mind yelled.
There is a way to stop him, and if I am to resort to violence to find that way, then so be it. His eyes finally found an object that looked usable. The only option he had was to try to knock Erik unconscious with it. Perhaps it wasn't a very good plan, but if the situation was just right, he knew it could work.
The voice lesson had unexpectedly proven to be an exhilarating experience. Christine had never sung so well in her life. Erik had actually been right. All of her emotions had come together and helped her voice to soar. They had warmed up and gone through each of her summer repertoire pieces.
Although her voice had felt better than she ever thought it would, her mind was still intact. She made sure to shake her head when Erik requested that they sing some of his compositions, and the lesson wasn't long, only an hour. Christine felt she could sing like that for hours, but she knew better than to allow it. It was what he would want. She couldn't reward him in such a way, not when there were important topics to be discussed.
Throughout the lesson, Christine's voice had been like a hypnotic drug to Erik. He was addicted to it. He yearned to hear it over and over again. He, too, could tell that her voice had never sounded so extraordinary, or at least it never had in his presence. It had also been a pleasure just to watch her as he played. He'd already memorized her pieces in the ever-abundant free time he used to have… before Christine had moved into the mansion. Being that he knew the pieces, he was able to keep his peripheral vision on her most of the time while looking directly at her at other times throughout the lesson. He had to be rather sneaky about watching her too much, though, so as not to gain her attention.
Erik had been disappointed when she'd refused to sing his music, and he was also disappointed when their lesson came to an end. He wouldn't force her, though. After all, he did promise he wouldn't try to control her again. It seemed he had to keep reminding himself of that… it would be all too easy to forget.
Christine sat on a chair beside the piano after their lesson came to an end. Using such emotion had really worn her out, and she was also really thirsty. If she didn't make it known to him, he probably wouldn't think of it. "Erik, I'm thirsty."
His disappointment vanished as his need to take care of her took its place. He stood. "Of course you are. You need water. Come, let's-.." Erik froze and stopped speaking. Do I unlock the door and let her roam the mansion freely? That thought made him highly uncomfortable, due to the fact that she had already tried to run from him before when doors were unlocked. But she wants freedom. Perhaps I should give her some. After all, nothing can happen while I am near. And he vowed to stay as near to her as possible. "Let's move to the kitchen to get you some water."
She, of course, noticed his hesitation. She knew exactly what he was thinking. He thinks I will try to run if he unlocks the door. He's so used to keeping me locked up that this is making him nervous. It felt somewhat empowering to know that she was causing the always-confident Erik to become nervous. Christine followed him to the door and watched as he pulled a single key out of his pocket. Her mind wondered if that one key opened every door, or if each door had a separate lock that required another key. If only I could get a hold of it..
Her thoughts were brought to a close when the door opened, and her eyes were greeted with the darkness of a hallway. Erik reached over to flip a light switch so that an elegant hall came into view. Antique candelabrums were attached to the walls to light the way. Numerous paintings Christine could only assume Erik had painted were hung against the walls, as well, and each of them were stunning.
It was while she was admiring the paintings that the last thing Christine expected to see came forward. It was Erik's cat, Ayesha… the very cat that had been the initial reason she had met Erik all those weeks ago. Erik stopped walking and leaned down to pet his feline. He then realized the cat was currently of little importance and returned his attention to the task at hand- getting Christine to the kitchen without interference.
Christine could practically see the chaotic nerves coursing through Erik's body as she followed him. His peripheral vision never left her, and his pace was fast. She continued to look around the mansion, though, despite his behavior. I wonder where Nadir's room is. If only I could help him escape… They descended two flights of stairs until they were on the main level, the part of the mansion she actually recognized. They walked through the familiar living room to get to the kitchen she'd visited a couple of times before. Those occasions had actually been enjoyable, she remembered.
"Please, sit," Erik said while gesturing towards the table.
Christine sat in the same seat she had those couple of times before and sighed, her eyes becoming sad while his back was turned to get her water. Things were so different back then. Yes, he was still creepy, but I also found him so interesting. I-I used to care for him. She found, strangely, that she was forcing back tears. Why did he have to ruin that? She regained a normal demeanor when he brought a cup of water to her with a smile on his face. Then, he sat across from her, much like he had in the past.
Erik remembered the few times she had spent in the kitchen, as well. They were fond memories. Back then, he had still been getting to know her, and his love for her had still been developing. He smiled while remembering.
He's lost in memories, too, Christine thought. She wondered what his memories of those times were, but she wouldn't ask. They had much more important things to talk about. "Um, thanks for trusting me," she said softly. It would be easier to get him to open up if she actually showed some kindness.
His eyes were glowing with delight. She thanked me.. me. "You are most welcome, Christine." He refrained from using 'my dear' or 'darling', as he now knew she didn't like it. "Thank you for staying."
They sat in silence while she guzzled down her glass of water. Erik couldn't help but watch in interest, and when she was through, he asked, "More?"
"No," Christine replied. "Let's talk, ok?" He nodded. "Well, you know how I stayed with you while we were walking?" His nod was her encouragement. "What if you were to stop locking me in rooms so that I could walk around this place freely? Would you allow it?" Her eyes were firmly fixed upon his.
"What is the reason behind your question?" he asked skeptically.
"I become bored when I'm locked in my room," she lied. "Your house is interesting. I think I'd like to walk around and see everything."
There were rooms Erik didn't want her to see, though. Two, to be exact. "I can allow it if I am able to stay with you."
But what about his promise not to watch me all the time? Or wait, does he really think I meant that he only can't watch me when I sleep? "I thought you said you wouldn't watch me all the time now?" It was a strange sort of pride she felt now that she could actually talk to him without faltering.
"Yes, that applies while you are in your room. The rest of the time, however, I would like to be with you." His tone held no room for swaying.
Christine noticed this and gulped. "Ok. That's fine, I guess. So you won't lock my door anymore?" Her mind couldn't help but wonder, If you're not going to lock my door anymore and you're not going to be watching me while I'm in my room, how will you know when I leave?
"I will not keep your door locked all of the time, no."
This caught her attention. "What do you mean?"
Erik sighed and placed his hands together on the table. "Christine, I need to be able to lock your door at night while you sleep. I need my sleep, too, and quite honestly, I would have trouble sleeping knowing your door is unlocked. Please, I beg of you to allow this."
Their conversation was causing Christine to question if she would ever get out of this place for good. So far, all she'd managed to do was confer her sleeping arrangements, as if she would be staying every night… every night.. My God.. "Ok, fine," she quickly responded. Time to change subjects. "I don't want you to lie to me anymore."
Such a change caused Erik to blink as he processed the new information. "When have I ever lied to you?"
Christine felt like slamming her fists against the table. He truly doesn't know? "How about when you told me you were letting me go but didn't?"
"Oh, that," he murmured while studying his hands. "That was an odd circumstance.."
She gritted her teeth and blurted out, "I think you need to apologize for it. It shouldn't have ever happened. Do you even know how hurt I was after that? Y-you lied to me!"
Erik instantly tried to justify his actions. "Yes, well, your question confused me. I thought you wanted to escape the confines of your bedroom for a little while."
Her mouth gaped open. "That's really what you thought?" He has so many problems!
"Yes, that is really what I thought." And initially, it had been what he thought. Also, though… well, he supposed his thoughts were somewhat clouding his perception. Christine had been scared of him, so he wanted to find a way to ease her fear. He thought she could also use some fresh air and sunlight. He also wanted to give her a glimpse of his past, although now -since he'd had the nightmare- he wished he hadn't. It was towards the end of his telling her about his past that he began to realize it was freedom she wanted. By 'let me go', she had really meant 'take me home'.
"I don't believe that," Christine snapped. "You knew, you had to have known."
He thought about it for a second, whether he should tell the truth or not. What sort of trouble would it get him into? "I suppose I did know towards the end. But I can assure you that I didn't know initially. When I came to the realization that that was what you wanted… Oh, Christine," he breathed. "I do force hardships upon you, don't I?"
She was shocked that he could even admit it and sat frozen for a moment. "Yes, you do," she finally whispered. "But it's good that you can see it now. That's progress."
Erik's eyes stared down at his hands. All of this progress she speaks of… Is it really taking place? Is she really helping me? Of course, she helps me every moment of every day by being with me, and that's just it. I can see past her words. She wants her freedom. But I… I can't let her go. "Go on, Christine," he said nervously while still looking at his hands. "What else do you wish to say?"
Well, this reaction was weird. "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing," he hurriedly replied.
"It's obviously something. Come on, tell me," she prodded.
Erik looked into her eyes then with sorrow in his own. "You say we are making progress, but… how can you be sure?"
His voice sounded childlike again, just like it had before their voice lesson. "Because you're listening to me and agreeing with what I say." She tried to sound encouraging. Perhaps that was what he needed.
He was still unsure. How can she have so much faith in me? "Yes, yes, you're right," he reluctantly agreed.
"Erik, where's Nadir?" Christine sat back a little and crossed her arms wondering what he would say. Of course, she already knew where he was, but Erik didn't know that. This will be your test. Are you really going to stop lying to me?
"Why?" he asked immediately. "Why do you wish to know where Nadir is? Do you wish to be with him, Christine? Do you miss him?" Erik's eyes were slanted as his jealousy mounted. Nadir and Christine had known each other for a long time. No doubt Kahn is in love with her, for who wouldn't be? But does she return the feelings?... I will kill him, and then she will have feelings for no one but me!
His sudden anger was surprising and Christine gasped. What the-? "Whoa, Erik," she squeaked, her fear reappearing. "What are you saying? You think I want to be with Nadir? Like, romantically or something? Of course I don't!" What a sick thought..
Some of his jealousy faded. "Then why do you wish to know where he is?"
His guarded expression said it all. He hasn't learned anything, has he? "Well, last time I checked, you and him both live here," she snapped. "Now tell me, where is he?"
"He's.." He had to think of something, and quickly. "He went back to Iran."
Christine stared at the man across from her. She felt numb as his words replayed in her mind. He really hasn't learned anything? I haven't helped him at all? She abruptly scooted her chair back with force and stood. "I'm going to my room," she said while glaring at him. Then, she stomped off.
Erik felt like his lie had been reasonable enough, but it was obvious that she didn't buy it. When he saw her walk away, he immediately followed.
"Christine!" Gary Daae yelled while walking with a flashlight clutched tightly in his hand. He and hundreds of volunteers and police were searching through woods in Alabama near where her car had been parked. It was moving on into the second day now. He hadn't slept or eaten. He hadn't stopped searching for his little girl.
It hadn't been long after the fourth unanswered phone call that Gary's worries had begun to increase. He had searched an Online phonebook for Meg Giry's phone number and called in a panic. After hearing what Meg had to say, how a man claiming to be Christine's father had called and told her that she was sick and couldn't come, Gary's fears had increased dramatically.
Now, everyone was involved in the search. Gary, the police in five states, and numerous volunteers were all trying to find Christine.
Christine's car had been almost more than Gary could take. It had obviously been in a wreck, and every piece of information had been removed from it except for the vehicle identification number. 'Who would do something like this?' was the thought that continuously replayed in his mind.
The police had begun trying to find suspects, but it was hard. Everyone liked Christine. No one would try to hurt her in such a way. But, apparently that wasn't the case. Gary had been asked to stay with the police to continue thinking of suspects, but he just couldn't sit still knowing his daughter was in danger. Nothing like this had ever happened to his family before. He wanted to be out physically searching for her, not waiting in a police office.
He continued searching the woods and calling her name. He wouldn't rest until she was back with him. She's alive, his mind kept repeating, for thinking otherwise would kill him. She was all he had. She was everything to him. I won't stop until I find you!
He searched all night without any luck.
There was someone out there who had done this. There was someone who had taken his daughter and hidden her away. By the morning of the second day, Gary knew it was time to sit with police and really think of suspects. Who would do something like this?
"Christine," Erik called worriedly while standing outside her closed bedroom door. He would have opened the door without hesitation had Christine refrained from making him promise not to. Instead, he was waiting while contemplating his next move.
"Just leave me alone for a while, ok?" she asked angrily.
Part of Erik wanted to open the door and demand to know what was going on, but another part –the bigger part- wanted to give Nadir a visit, for he was the cause of this. And he would pay for causing his beloved to become angry. "All right," he surrendered… But he couldn't just leave her door unlocked, could he? He sighed. This is so frustrating!
Finally, he decided. Fine, my dear Christine, I will heed your wishes. I will not lock your door. Then, he walked away and towards Nadir's room.
Little did Erik know, Christine was waiting for the opportunity to talk to Nadir using the walkie-talkie.
Meanwhile, Nadir heard everything being said. Christine was now in her room and Erik was leaving her alone. He wondered what had happened to cause this, but he didn't have time to wonder for long.
Suddenly, he heard his door being unlocked. Nadir turned down the volumes on both the hearing device and the walkie-talkie and hid them aside. Then, following the plan he had devised earlier, he stood and held the object he would soon be using to knock Erik unconscious under a blanket in his arms. To any bystander, it looked like Nadir was merely cold and using the blanket for warmth.
Erik opened the door a moment later. He entered the room with a calm, controlled expression while really planning out how Nadir would pay for the crime of falling in love with his Christine. He had no evidence to prove his claim, but it wasn't necessary. Erik knew it was true. "Good afternoon, Nadir."
Nadir could tell something wasn't right. Was his imminent death really approaching? Well, at least I am ready, he thought while clenching his weapon underneath the blanket. "Good afternoon," he returned.
Noticing his rough appearance, Erik asked, "How are you feeling today?"
Yes, something is definitely wrong here. He cleared his dry throat before replying, "Fine. And yourself?"
"I am not feeling 100 percent, actually." Erik then stepped towards him. "I realized something only a few minutes ago. Would you like to know what I realized?" His voice was low but calm.
"Do I have any choice?"
Erik decided not to reply to that. "I realized that you yearn for my Christine." His tone turned icy. "You love her."
What? Nadir didn't have time to think on it further when Erik, in a flash, was right in front of him. Somehow, a cloth and a bottle of some unknown substance had appeared in his hands. He knew he had to take action. The blanket fell from his arms and he raised the weapon in order to-..
Before he even had time to register what was going on, he was being lifted off the ground by Erik's strong hands around his throat. The weapon dropped uselessly from his hands as he was being choked. Then, he felt himself being lowered to his feet again. One of Erik's hands was still grasping his throat while the other grabbed the cloth and forced it under his nose. Nadir felt himself losing consciousness and vaguely felt a strange sense of de-ja-vu. That and every other thought abruptly left his mind as unconsciousness took over.
Erik skillfully placed the cloth and bottle of Ethyl Ether in a plastic bag and returned both to his coat pocket before breathing normally again. How dare that fool try to stop me using a… He looked down at a glass vase. A vase? He nearly laughed. Now wasn't the time, though. He needed to get Nadir to the only other room in the mansion he didn't wish for Christine to see. And he had to do it without Christine noticing.
I will have to lock her door. He saw no other way. He would have to break his promise.. Just this once. Looking back down at the unconscious Nadir, his anger returned and he stormed out of the room.
When Erik reached Christine's room, he heard the shower running. Satisfied with that, he removed a key from his pocket and locked her door. Then, he rushed back to Nadir's room, grabbed him by his arms, and dragged him away towards the basement where a room he liked to call his 'torture chamber' was waiting.
Little did he know -and unknown to either conscious occupant of the mansion-, the phone in Nadir's office began to ring. At about that same moment, ironically, Christine turned the handle of her bedroom door only to find that it was locked.
