Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story except for the few you do not recognize.
Author's Note: Thanks again to my reviewers. And to my great story editors Penmora Zenith and Musicallover, a special thank you for your contributions to this chapter.It could not have happened without you.
Chapter 29
One More Time
Wednesday
Erik worked steadily in his studio, but when he'd get tired, he'dswitch between developing new scores and practicing for the Christmas Gala. During his breaks he would go out onto his rooftop garden and sit under the umbrella, feeling the breeze and imagining the sound of the waves in the distance. The theater downstairs seemed oddly quiet during the day since the start of dress rehearsals the day before and because the rehearsals always took place in the evenings. The props and set construction departments were busy during the morning and afternoon, and at night would arrive the cast and backstage crew.
The Christmas Gala was just a few days away, and although these events never caused him pause, Erik knew that most of the cast and even the crew were nervous and excited due to it being Christmas and the VIPs that were expected to attend this once-a-year spectacle. He wondered what piece Christine would sing for her solo. Although the programs for the Gala had already been printed, he hadn't bothered to look at it, but he knew that his parts in the program would not show his name nor identify him in any way, for that was how he'd wanted it. It always caused a stir, but it would eventually die down and his anonymity would still be more or less intact.
He thought back to the events of last night – seeing Roan and Christine go up to her apartment, and then Roan leaving early. He smirked just thinking about it. He wondered how long Christine would be able to hold out before she succumbed to the boy's charms. I can just imagine the subtle pressure that puppy must be exerting in order to sway her…
He shook his head to get the images out of his mind. He didn't want to dwell on the inevitable conclusion to this line of thought and instead thought about his encounter with Joanna just two days ago. He'd been stunned when she'd kissed him, but it wasn't just her kiss which surprised him, but his reaction to it. She'd felt so incredible, and when her tongue penetrated his lips, it was so exquisite that he'd had to respond to her, it would have been impossible not to. At the time, he'd wanted to take her, but only because of his desperate longing for Christine whom he thought of constantly, his only respite being his time in the studio. But at all other times, he imagined making love to Christine, kissing her, and holding her. The nights were the most difficult of all since there were fewer distractions, and he would inevitably have to relieve himself or lie awake for days on end in his self-imposed purgatory. He longed to kiss her soft lips, and to again feel the velvety softness that was inside her. She was never far from his thoughts despite his best efforts to forget.
He walked back inside to the kitchen and poured a small glass of orange juice. As he passed the living room, he spied the gift wrapped package that Joanna had given him three weeks ago and which he'd left on one of the coffee tables. Since he rarely received gifts, he'd forgotten about it, but now that he saw it, felt that he should open it.
As he sat on one of the couches and began carefully unwrapping the package, he thought that it'd been a kind gesture, but totally unnecessary, for there was very little he needed. He didn't remember Joanna having purchased it at any of the shops they visited that day, but on the other hand, he hadn't been paying close attention to what she'd been doing. As the last of the paper and ribbon were removed, he opened the gift box and saw what appeared to be an ornately carved wooden block. As he lifted it out, he admired the fine finish and intricate carvings of Chinese cranes inlaid with mother-of-pearl. It was obviously quite costly. Although it appeared to be a finely finished wooden block, Erik knew immediately what it was. It was a Chinese mystery box.
Of all the things she could have gotten him, unbeknownst to her, this was one gift that Erik truly did appreciate. During his time in Persia, he'd been renown in the royal court for his abilities with magic and illusion, and he'd been successful in overturning the many tricks of the court magicians and devising his own, much to their chagrin. He'd seen mystery boxes before during his travels, but he'd never seen one as large or as ornate at the one he now held in his hands. Whereas most mystery boxes were quaint and were usually comprised of as many as six panels, he could imagine this one having as many as twelve.
As he studied it closely, turning it over in his hands, he appreciated the exquisite workmanship of it. It appeared absolutely seamless, but he knew there were panels throughout, and in the middle, a prize. He wondered what was in the middle of this one and he shook it gently, and then harder. He didn't hear anything nor did he feel any shifting of weight from within. He was intrigued.
He loved puzzles like this and smiled as he started to press the sides to move them parallel to the surface. Nothing moved, and it was as solid as when he started. Since the sides would not move, the next logical step was to press down on the sides to uncover a trap, and so he began pressing down on the most likely areas to be rigged. The box was not easily giving up its secrets. Now Erik was having fun. He smiled as he turned the box over and over in his hands, looking at it closely. He peered carefully at the carvings and designs to see if they would provide a clue, they didn't.
He looked at the beautiful cranes with the inlaid mother-of-pearl. Is it possible…
He looked closely at the mother-of-pearl that made up part of their wings and noticed their symmetric alignment. Acting on a hunch, he pressed down on a spot on the wings of both cranes, and immediately, a small panel opened outward from the center of the block. Very clever…
He pulled the panel out as far as it would go until it stopped. He then gently tried to find another movable panel, which he eventually did, but in an unexpected configuration. This mystery box was full of surprises and was obviously made by no ordinary craftsman. He made a mental note to thank Joanna for this unique gift.
By the time he was close to the innermost chamber, he had opened a total of sixteen panels, traps, and false openings which had sent him on wild goose chases and closed off the next passage, causing him to backtrack in order to reopen the panel correctly. It had taken him three hours to get to this point, and he wasn't about to make another mistake and be delayed further from this most deserved prize. He was anxious now to make the right move and found that he was nervous. He smiled and reflected that he hadn't had this much fun with a puzzle in years.
As he felt around the interior of the space, he gently pushed and prodded, trying to find the final door, but to no avail. Of course the final door would be the most difficult. He pondered this carefully, noting that there was no space left for another panel or mechanism, yet there was obviously one more panel left. He suddenly had a thought. What if…
Rather than applying pressure or attempting to slide a panel open, he placed his fingers along the corner of an angle inside the box and slid his fingers upwards. This caused a panel to open upwards with his fingers for it was hinged on only one side, like a lid.
He had breached the final panel and was now looking into the innermost chamber, which looked to be just large enough to hold a pear. It was lushly padded in beautiful red silk embroidered with gold thread, and there, lying in the middle, carefully wrapped in more silk was the prize.
Erik looked at it and slowly reached in, carefully picking it up. Whatever it was had weight, but was small, probably no larger than an egg, yet it felt irregular within the folds of the fabric. Erik slowly unwrapped it and held the object in his hand. It was an exquisite sandstone flower. It was white and polished to a high luster. The flower was very delicately shaped and realistic, considering the difficult medium, and Erik admired its incredibly fine detailing. As he stared at it, a tiny thought seemed to niggle in the back of his mind…
It was already six-thirty in the evening and it was becoming dark outside. Erik had wanted to wrap up the few pieces he was working on before calling it a day, so he began playing and composing again. As he developed his music in steps, he was noticing it was consistently going off in another direction. Instead of the flowing melancholy from earlier, it was now becoming somewhat sensuous, even erotic, as though his subconscious were leading him down a different road. When he first noticed this, he would stop and begin again, only to realize he'd returned to the same erotic strains. When he'd done this a number of times, he decided to stop and set his work aside for the next day for it was obvious nothing would get done tonight.
As he put away his work and straightened up the studio, he again thought of Christine. He wondered if she'd seen that science fiction movie at the Rialto. He would have loved to surprise Christine with a private screening in his home. Due to his connections, he was able to get first run movies just for the asking, and he was sure Christine would have been thrilled. And after the movie, they would have gone to bed and made love before falling asleep. He thought again about the many times they'd made love, and the many different ways, yet each time was like the first… magical and surreal, like a dream come true. He never took it for granted, and he loved making love to her each time. How he'd missed her these last few weeks.
He sighed and decided to go downstairs to watch the dress rehearsals for awhile. He went and sat in the last row of the balcony as he had the other day, and noticed the buzz of activity down below. Amir was busy preparing the orchestra while the actors and dancers milled around, waiting for their cues.
As the dress rehearsal got under way, Erik thought it went rather well. As usual, Victoria was the lead soprano, but he noticed that Joanna's voice actually had more promise. If she stays around, she could very well move into the number one spot…unless Christine come on board. Erik believed Christine's voice to be superior to either Victoria or Joanna's. He thought about Christine coming to audition at the Phil, and then began to have other daydreams about Christine…
By the time Erik shook himself from his thoughts, dress rehearsal was over and the cast and crew were starting to disburse. Erik couldn't believe he'd been lost in thought for over three hours. When everyone had finally left the stage area, he made his way back down to the first level.
It was after ten o'clock and just about everyone was gone, so he walked quietly through the corridors to the wardrobe department to again look for his costumes. He actually enjoyed coming down here when there was no one else around because it was the only time he could look closely at the many beautiful costumes that had been made through the years for every production number. He was sure the audience would have been amazed to see just how much detail went into each costume. As much time as it took to create each one, it was worth it when one was able to see the magnificent creation just as well from the back row of the balcony as from the front.
As he searched through the rows of men's formalwear, his mind again wandered to Christine. He imagined making love to her here amidst the racks of costumes and how wonderful she would look as he ravished her…
He suddenly heard someone enter through the door at the far end of the room. Erik paid no mind to the sound of footsteps and continued his search, for it could have been anyone searching for another piece to their costume.
"I thought I saw you come in here," said a feminine voice directly behind him.
Erik turned and was surprised to see Joanna standing before him, still in costume as a 19th century French bar maid. His thoughts went immediately back to a couple days ago when he'd 'rescued' her from Henri, one of the set construction crew. She'd been so grateful at the time that she'd kissed him, deeply, and he'd been surprised to feel himself reacting to her strongly, and kissed her back. When it was over, he was deeply embarrassed for having given in to his urges so easily before this beautiful young woman. He apologized and quickly took his leave, trying to avoid her for the next few days. He felt he should have known better, being her employer and many years her senior. He still felt the traces of his embarrassment now as he stood before her and could feel his face becoming warm.
"I hope I'm not interrupting you from what you were doing," she began.
"No, I was just looking for a costume. What are you doing here so late?" He actually wished she'd leave so he wouldn't be reminded of his earlier embarrassment.
"I saw you come in here and I wanted to apologize for the other day."
"Apologize?"
"Yes," she said hesitantly. "Um, I'm sorry if I embarrassed you, but I guess I was just so scared and I was really glad you were able to rescue me. I know now that he probably didn't mean any harm, but I just freaked out because I really don't have anyone here, and I saw at you as my friend."
Erik felt badly for her. As beautiful and as outgoing as she initially appeared, she was actually shy and alone in a new country. "That's quite all right, you don't need to apologize. I'm glad I was able to help."
"Are you still seeing Ms. Karlsson?" she asked unexpectedly.
Erik was surprised she would ask, but didn't wish to make a big deal of it. "No, I don't think so. I haven't seen her for a few weeks."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I meant it when I said I'd like to go sight-seeing again, or anywhere else, if you'd like," she said hopefully as she took a step closer to where he stood.
"I'll keep that in mind," he said automatically. She's so beautiful.
"We've been so busy with rehearsals that I really haven't had a chance to get to know many people, and I haven't been able to get out much." She took another step and was quite close to him now.
Erik thought she looked quite alluring in her costume. Her hair was piled atop her head with wisps undone on either side, and her perfume was intoxicating, affecting him like a drug. Her costume was that of a common bar maid, but in keeping with the era, her neckline was cut low and her breasts were pushed up attractively. "I think we've all been very busy getting ready for the Gala," he said, not really thinking of his answers.
She was directly in front of him now. "Yes, in just a few more days, I'll be on stage here for the first time. I can hardly wait," she whispered as she lifted her head and caught his lips in a gentle, tentative kiss.
Erik couldn't move so unexpected was her action, but Joanna's lips were soft, and sweet. He felt like he'd been parched in a desert and he'd been given a much needed drink to quench his thirst. He felt her arms go around him as she deepened her kiss, and his arms went around her as well, and he could feel her slender form melting into his embrace. Her tongue pushed into his mouth and sensuously caressed his. She felt so wonderful, tasted wonderful, and he could feel her holding onto him tightly, her breasts pressing against him. Her tongue worked its wonderful magic and he could feel his arousal begin to grow, and his breathing deepen. Joanna was kissing him deeply, wantonly, and he was soon kissing her just as deeply.
He knew he shouldn't be, but for his need he couldn't stop. He'd tried desperately to keep busy these last few weeks in order to keep his mind from betraying his emotions, yet his body wouldn't be fooled in this way. He'd been irritable and had snapped at Amir unnecessarily, and at night, he would be close to climbing the walls. Even his attempts to relieve himself had ultimately failed, for it wasn't the same, nor was it enough.
So lost was he now in Joanna's delirious kiss that he was hardly aware of her hand gently stroking the front of his trousers until she'd squeezed his member through the fabric, causing him to draw in his breath sharply. She continued to kiss him as she carefully unbuckled his belt and released his zipper. He broke the kiss abruptly and whispered, "Joanna…"
She covered his lips again with a gentle kiss and whispered, "Shhh…let it happen…"
He felt her warm hands reach for him and her fingers wrap themselves around his erect member as her tongue caressed his, and when she pulled her lips away, she slowly knelt before him. When she took him into her mouth it was as though he were struck by a jolt of electricity, and an unexpected groan fell from his lips. He hadn't realized until this moment just how desperately he needed this.
He felt her warm lips surround him and her tongue run along his slides and tip, sending unbelievable sensations through him. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, hardly believing that this could be happening. As she sucked his shaft sensuously, her other hand grasped his testicles and squeezed them gently, causing an even greater reaction. Her head moved back and forth along with the hand that held him, and he could feel a gradual building within his groin. Another moan inadvertently left his lips, and Joanna took this as encouragement to suck harder. Her goal was to bring him to mind-numbing orgasm, and she moved her head back and forth faster along his shaft.
God, it's so good. I need it...I have to... Erik knew that he was on the verge of exploding unless he put a stop to this immediately. With unexpected strength, he pulled away from her abruptly, turning away and leaning against a rack, breathing raggedly, attempting to gather himself.
"Erik?" Joanna looked up at him. "What's wrong?"
He took a deep breath and turned to look down at her. "I…I'm sorry. I can't do this…" He took his leave and walked quickly back to his apartment.
Joanna watched him walk away. Why did he leave, he was almost there? She stood and smoothed her costume. He's having trouble with Christine. He was enjoying this, I know he'll come back…he won't be able to stop himself…
Erik hurriedly unlocked his door and walked into his living room. Anubis meowed as she looked over and saw her master approaching.
He went over to the coffee table where he'd set the Chinese mystery box and picked up the sandstone flower. As he looked at it, he finally saw it. The middle of it was a replica of the female genitalia. Very clever… he thought.
He was quite aware of the power of suggestion, having used it extensively in his former profession. A thought, unknowingly implanted in the subconscious, would embed and work itself into other thoughts, secretly working its way to the surface until innocently acted upon. I've been had he smiled appreciatively. Not an easy thing to do in his case, so he had to admire the fact that she'd succeeded. He doubted that she even realized the sophistication of her plan, but one didn't have to be a trained assassin to excel in stealth.
He set the flower down and walked over to the window. The city lights looked beautiful tonight. He thought about Joanna and about this evening. She was so beautiful and passionate, and she obviously wanted him. He could have taken her easily, and he'd wanted to, desperately. After three weeks, he needed to…but he didn't. Why?
Christine…
"That had to be the funniest movie I'd seen all year!" Christine laughed.
"I'm glad you liked it. Next time, let's try for horror." Roan got up and put the DVD back in its case. "I'd better get home, gotta get up early tomorrow for a test run. Just three more days till the Gala!"
"Okay, and thank you for dinner and the Christmas present." She gestured toward his gift under the cheerful little tree in a corner of her apartment what was now lit with multi-colored bulbs. There were just a few gifts under the tree and a couple potted poinsettia plants on the tables, but Christine had found the tradition of decorating for Christmas comforting. She walked him to the door and then closed it behind him. She was still smiling as she picked up the remaining glasses and dishes. She rinsed them and was about to place them in the dishwasher when there was a knock at her door.
She dried her hands and went to look out the peephole. It was Roan, and she opened it with a smile. "Did you forget something?"
"Yeah, I did. I forgot to kiss you goodnight," he said with a sly smile, "and to thank you for my gift."
Christine giggled. "You're welcome, and far be it from me to deny my prince a goodnight kiss." And she placed a tender kiss upon his lips.
"Goodnight, sweetheart, and merry Christmas," he smiled as he made his way toward the stairs.
"Goodnight, merry Christmas." Christine smiled as she locked the door and went back to the kitchen. What a crazy guy she smiled. She was glad she'd done all of her Christmas shopping throughout the year. That way she never had to do any last-minute shopping for gifts. Once the dishwasher was filled, she dried her hands and was about to turn off the lights to go to bed when there was another knock on the door. Now what's he forgotten?
She went over with a grin as she unlocked the door and was going to tease him about his forgetfulness. "Roan, now what…"
The moment the door was opened, she froze, the smile sliding off her face. It was Erik. He was dressed in his signature black, with a grey herringbone sports coat, his white mask and his hair hanging down both sides of his face. He looked wonderful. She was shocked and could only stare, her heart pounding.
"May I come in?" he asked softly.
Christine couldn't respond other than to open the door wider, a signal for him to enter. As he walked past her into the apartment, she closed the door but couldn't take her eyes from him, as though she were afraid he were an apparition that could fade away at any moment.
He turned around and faced her, looking deeply into her eyes. He took a step towards her, and noticing that she didn't pull away, decided to take a chance and placed his arms around her in a tight hug.
Christine was still shell-shocked, in total disbelief that he was here. She slowly raised her arms and hugged him back, but lightly.
Erik noticed this and realized that he couldn't blame her. No word, no message or communication for three weeks. She had no idea where she stood. As he released her, he asked, "Could we sit down?"
Christine nodded and motioned toward the couch, but before she sat, asked automatically, "Can I get you something to drink?"
Erik looked up at her, thinking How typical for her to think of her guest's comfort, even at a time like this. "No thank you, I'm fine."
Christine came over and sat on the far side of the couch, looking at him uncertainly. Why does he always look so incredible? she thought
Erik looked at her gently, he wasn't sure how to begin. "How've you been?"
How've I been? How do you think I've been! IT'S BEEN HELL! "I've been fine."
He didn't know what to say, so he stood, figuring that the thoughts might come to him easier this way. He noticed the Christmas tree in the corner complete with lights and trim. He walked towards it, admiring the obvious love that went into the hanging of the antique ornaments and lights, and then walked to her window, which was slightly opened but covered by a curtain, and shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. "You're on my mind all the time. I can't do anything without you being there."
Christine sat there silently, looking at him. There was nothing she could say.
He turned around finally and looked at her. "Christine, I have to have you in my life. I need you, I can't do this without you. I wanted to ask you if you could forget the mask and just be with me?" There, he'd said it. It was all out in the open, and now it just depended on her.
Christine was shocked. She didn't know what she expected, but it wasn't this. As she looked up at him, his eyes seemed to be pleading. He wants me…he wants me! But if she ever questioned his mask again, would he leave her again?
"What if I can't forget the mask?" she asked honestly. She had to know.
Erik sighed deeply and raised his hands helplessly, turning back to the window again. He'd known this was a very real possibility, but he didn't have any answers for her. He didn't know what he'd do if she couldn't forget it. "I don't know."
Christine knew there was only one answer, and that it was the same one she'd always had. She rose from the couch and stood near him. She spoke quietly. "I already told you, you're the love of my life. I'll never leave you unless you tell me to go."
Erik heard her. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Thank you, thank you. He turned to face the woman he loved and studied her, noting that her face was serene, a product of her unshakable conviction. He raised his hand and stroked her face, for he thought he'd never feel it again. He slowly bent his head to tenderly kiss her, and she raised up to meet his lips with her own. It was like coming home. He raised his arms to hold her, and Christine held him in her arms tightly. Their kiss deepened, but it wasn't a kiss of passion, it was one of gratitude. "I love you, Christine, god, I love you," he whispered.
"I love you, too, baby," she whispered. Thank you…
They stood there for a long while just holding one another, not making a move to sit or to let go. They needed to hold one another and know that it was real, each thinking that this was the greatest Christmas present they could ever hope for.
"Christine," he whispered.
"Yes?"
"May I take you to breakfast tomorrow morning?"
"I'd love that," she smiled.
"Then I'll pick you up at nine." He looked down at her and gently ran his thumb over her bottom lip. "I love you."
"I love you, too, babe."
Erik kissed her again before he left, and she slowly closed the door and locked it behind him with a smile, her heart fit to bursting with happiness.
Roan had been walking towards his car after he'd kissed Christine goodnight, but when he turned around, he saw Erik enter her apartment building. Roan walked quickly back to her building and wondered what to do. He looked across the street and saw Erik's car. There was an unlighted walkway between Christine's apartment building and the building next door, so he quietly walked down it until he stood beneath the windows that he thought must belong to Christine. From this vantage point he could also see Erik's SUV. Although he couldn't see into her second story apartment, each of the windows were slightly opened, so perhaps he could hear something.
As he stood there looking up, he saw a shadow in the largest window a couple times. That must be Erik in her living room. He was able to hear some conversation although it was unclear, but he eventually saw two shadows come together. It was obvious they were either hugging or kissing. He was going through a number of scenarios on what he should do now when he heard a door close from the front of the building. As he stared toward the street, he saw Erik walk across and get into his car and drive away. He didn't stay with her tonight…is he back in her life?
It doesn't matter, it still won't last, because it can't.
