Though the girl was well-accustomed to my presence, or rather the unexpected announcement given by my voice, she still appeared startled. "Erik?" Her voice was laced with frightened desperation. "How long have you been here? It's been a horrible evening!"
Perhaps it was wrong of me, but I feigned ignorance as to her conversation with that dolt of a Vicomte. "Christine, what has happened?" I admit it was the most obvious of questions to pose, but I wished to allow my darling girl to divulge her heart. She might find some peace through the relating of her argument. I was no fool-I would take every opportunity granted me to gain a more intense confidence with her. "You know that I will be here if you need someone in which you may confide. . ."
She inhaled her tears and anger in a not so subtle breath, and squared her shoulders in a posture of dignity. Little did she realize there was no need for her to prove her poise- I had been much impressed by her words and actions in regards to the simpering Vicomte only moments before. That night, from the moment Raoul had plodded in behind my girl, berating her- for what was, essentially, her failure to gush and coo over his presence- 'til the aftermath when I called to her, was forever marked in my soul.
Why? I was not affected and awed by her rejection of the boy. He would come again, relentlessly, and I had little doubt that she would cede to his persistent requests that she dine with him. No, Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny-though he would eventually prove to be the bane of my miserable existence- was not yet cause for great concern. Instead, the evening was forever etched upon my mind by one all too brief glimpse of a beautiful possibility.
It was in those seconds, during which she blazed with the fires of rage and frustration, that I was blessed with the vision of not a girl, but the woman this lovely child would become- strong, exquisite. If it were possible, I think I might have fallen even more in love with her then.
I had to clench my fists tightly, my slight fingernails digging into the flesh of my palms. It was only a simple measure to maintain my self-control.
"Erik, I would very much like to begin tonight's lesson as soon as possible. I believe singing will prove a welcome distraction from. . ." Her voice faded as I materialized, as if from thin air, to stand before her. A slight shudder escaped her body only to be replaced by a warm smile. "I doubt I will ever grow accustomed to your comings and goings."
"I am sorry if I frightened you, Christine." I bowed to her with mock formality- we were far too familiar with one another's habits to act on the dictates of politesse.
At my gesture, she let loose an adorable giggle, and answered me with the curtsy befitting a queen. "You are fortunate, sir, that I am in a forgiving mood this evening."
Still bowing, I took her hand and placed a quick, chaste kiss to the back of her palm. Like a loyal servant to his beloved monarch. Maintaining the charade, she nodded her approval in a regal manner. "You may rise."
Offering my angel what I could of a smile, I obeyed her command. I relished the little game of make-believe, as it reassured me of her willful companionship- that the darling creature did not find my company detestable. "And what dost thy lady wish of me?"
My question was greeted with an unexpected and leaden silence. Christine's eyes dropped from my face, to the comfortable and safe view of the floor. The game was up, obviously, my inquiry having been granted a significance not originally intended. I had hoped we were through with tense pauses.
I was about to lose all hope, once again, but the fates did not seem to agree with this presumption. Christine uttered a little sound, as if she were struggling to form the right words.
It had been a long night for the poor girl already.
Resolutely, and to my astonishment, she gripped my hand with solid determination and captured me with her gaze. "My dear sir," her tone was soft and caressing, no longer an air, "what will you have of me?"