A/N: Hehe, y'all seem to be so into the story! :-) Ah, well, we only have a couple more chappies to go! (Sniffles) Enjoy and review! (You know you want to ;-)) My Elphie (Angelina 809) helped me come up with Erik's sarcastic comment in prison! (Grins)
Erik's POV
Police today were truly idiotic. They roughly hauled me to the police station, but even though I knew I had allowed them to catch me, I didn't care.
I had seen her again…
After they patted me down to assure their small minds that I wasn't carrying any weapons, the officers had ordered me to remove my mask. Of course, I had refused. Consequently, they stupidly removed it by force, but when they saw the horror of what lay beneath it, they swiftly returned it to me and pushed me into a cell. It didn't bother me anymore… I had grown familiar with the looks of shock and the shrieks of fright. The only screech that remained with me was Christine's…
I now grimaced, inspecting the area around me. It was a diminutive cell, of course, but I was merely glad I was alone. Closing my eyes, I took a seat on the uncomfortable bed and rested my chin on my folded hands.
I had danced with her… I had performed the most seductive dance in the world with her. Emitting a sigh, I opened my eyes, blankly staring at the floor. I could still feel her skin against my fingers; I could still hear her faint breathing, as I leaned against her, whispering temptingly into her ear…
I had told her I loved her. Her wide-eyed gazed engraved itself in my mind, as soon as I had professed my affection for her.
The cell opening shattered my concentration, and two guards harshly clutched my arms and took me to a separate room. A table sat in the room's center, maintaining a few surrounding chairs. A wide mirror hung on the ashen wall; I wasn't stupid. I knew what lay beyond that mirror. A man with dark hair glared at me with equally dark eyes. I lifted an eyebrow and returned his stare, taking a seat opposite from him.
"I'm Agent Cliff. Good morning, Erik." He said stiffly, leaning his arms against the table. "Your name is Erik, am I right?"
"Why, Sir, whatever gave you that idea? Didn't I make it clear that it was Angel?" I replied, sarcasm dripping from my melodic voice.
He narrowed his eyes and cleared his throat, beginning an extremely long interrogation.
Christine's POV
When I awoke the following morning, it was as if I was in some sort of trance; my eyes had this glossy look about them, and I couldn't bring myself to smile, for all I could manage to think of was the occurrence that had transpired last night. After showering, I donned a jean skirt and a long-sleeved blue shirt. Blow-drying my hair, I sauntered out into the kitchen, finding my mother cooking breakfast. Yes, it was nice to be home, but… it felt so strange. For a good amount of time, I had woken up and pranced downstairs to find him, serving me breakfast.
I ate very little, and my mom took a seat beside me at the kitchen table.
"Are you all right, Honey?" She asked, apprehension glowing in her warm eyes.
"Yes." I lied, staring the eggs that sat desolately on my plate.
"Are you sure?"
"Mmhm…" I nodded, taking a bite of the food in order to reassure her.
"Okay…" Her voice trailed off, as she watched me wearily. "Christine, I really hate to do this, but I need to go to work."
Furrowing my brow, I lifted my head to look at her with a questioning gaze. She was a stay at home mother, but I assumed since my father had passed…
"I really don't want to leave you, dear." Mom frowned, playing with one of my curls. "But it's necessary, since your father… Well, since he is gone." She swallowed hard, rapidly blinking a few times. "And since… and since that terrible man was captured last night, it comforts me a little bit." I winced at her description of Erik, but remained silent. "Christine, Agent Cliff's personal number is on the refrigerator, and so is my work number. If you need anything, please call me. And, please, I would prefer it if you wouldn't go anywhere while I'm gone."
I parted my lips to protest, but decided against it. If considered from her point of view, t was understandable.
"Bye, Honey. I'll see you this afternoon. I love you!" Kissing me on the cheek, she grasped her car keys and hurried out of the door, leaving the keys to my car dangling alone.
"I love you, too, Mom." I called after her, standing to dispose of my breakfast.
With a shaky sigh, I leaned against the counter and wrapped my arms around me. My body was trembling, and my thoughts were racing. Raising my eyes to the refrigerator, I bit my lip and chewed on it anxiously for several minutes before making any additional movement.
I love you…His enticing whisper still rang throughout my head, as tears rested on the rim of my eyes. He had confessed to loving me, and I didn't even get the chance to respond! Perhaps, if I been fast enough, I could've said something – anything. Saying the briefest sentence would have been much better than not saying anything at all, leaving Erik wondering whether or not he should've said what he did.
I held back a sob and pressed my hand over my mouth. Various feelings were overwhelming me, and I abruptly recognized one of them. My eyes withdrew their distant appearance, as I gasped.
I suddenly knew what I had to do. Pushing myself from the counter, I slipped a pair of sandals on my feet and threw on a jean jacket. I hastily seized my blue purse, stuffed the numbers inside, and grabbed the keys to my white Volkswagen Beatle. I flew out the door, jumped inside my car, and took a deep breath. My mom's plea with me to remain at the house hit me sharply in the face, but I shrugged it off guiltily.
I couldn't believe I was doing this… but I had to.
I sighed unsteadily and stared up at the jailhouse, where I had read they had placed Erik. Biting my lip, I entered the building, timidly looking around. It was exceptionally busy, as people bustled speedily around the building, sorting files and making phone calls. Finally getting the attention of one officer, I swallowed nervously.
"Excuse me, but do you know where Agent Cliff is?" I inquired.
"Um…" He hesitated for a minute, appearing deep in thought. Then, his eyes lit up, and he smiled. "Oh! He's actually in the midst of an interrogation, Ma'am." He informed me, scratching his head. "Wait… aren't you Christine Daae?"
I nodded meekly.
"He's actually questioning the guy we arrested last night right now." I gasped, as my eyes widened. "But it might be a while…" He paused, biting his lip. "Come with me."
I held my breath, following his every step until he led me to a little room. Opening the door for me, he flashed a weak smile. "It would be best if you remain very quiet, Miss Daae." I nodded and took a seat, gaping at what lay before me.
I was quite sure that I was staring into a one-way mirror. Agent Cliff was leaning against the table that I had once sat at, glaring at… Erik! I rapidly jumped from my seat and rushed to the mirror, resting my hand against the glass. I desperately tried to keep my breathing as soft as possible.
"Why did you take her, Erik?" The agent angrily asked. "Hmm? Why did you take her from her home?"
But Erik remained silent, and I shivered, realizing that the air around him was dangerously cold.
"Did you hurt Christine Daae?" Cliff continued, furrowing his brow. "Because, you know, Erik, rape is a separate crime and just as severe!"
At this, I watched, as Erik's clenched fist banged against the table furiously. "Don't ever say that!" He roared, surprising Agent Cliff. Apparently, he hadn't spoken much in this interrogation until now. "I would never harm her!"
The officer opened his mouth to speak again, but was cut off by the door opening. "Sir," He began, throwing a glance at the man at the table and approaching the agent, murmuring, "Christine Daae is here to see you."
At my name, Erik's masked face lifted to stare at the mirror. My eyes grew larger, and I felt as if he could actually see me… His hazel gaze never wavered, and Cliff stole a perplexed glance at him. Nodding, he disappeared from the room, leaving the other officer to watch Erik.
It was only a few minutes before Agent Cliff opened the door and found me wearily watching Erik, whose eyes had yet to leave the mirror.
"Did you need something, Christine?" He questioned, his hand still gripping the doorknob. His face remained flustered.
"Actually," I said, glancing at the sight before me again. "I wanted to… I-I wanted t-to talk to Erik." Stammering, I lowered my eyes to the floor.
"Christine, where is your mother?" He began, walking towards me. "Does she know you're here?"
"I think that this is my decision, Detective." I told him suddenly, with courage I didn't even know I possessed. I added softly, "Please. I want to talk to him… alone. I haven't asked anything of you, and I beg you to give me this one thing."
Chewing on his lip, he ultimately nodded and led me from the room and into the room I had just been watching. "Only a few minutes, Christine." He instructed me, before leaving, along with the other officer.
"Hello, Christine." Erik finally said in that soothing tone after several seconds of silence.
"Hello." I responded softly. Pain could easily be seen in my troubled features, as I slowly took a seat beside him.
"Did you enjoy the party last night?" He said, his voice extremely quiet.
I shrugged lightly, before raising my eyes to look at him. "I enjoyed the dancing." I informed him, my voice even softer than it had been before.
He raised his eyebrows, returning my gaze.
"Erik," I whispered, stealing a glimpse at the mirror.
"They aren't there." He assured me, following my gaze.
I did not bother to ask him how he knew, but instead thought it best not to question him. I continued, "Do you remember… do you remember when you told me you loved me last night?"
He merely stared at me for a brief moment, before nodding stiffly, fear slowing creeping into those haunting eyes.
"Well…" My heart was beating so loud I could hear it. My blood was racing through my veins, and I was beginning to feel a bit lightheaded. "I never got… the chance… to reply." The pace of my breathing had quickened, and his had seemingly come to a halt, as he waited for me to continue. "I… I didn't get the chance to say… to tell you that…" My stuttering and pausing came to an end once our eyes met. Swallowing, the thoughts of the officers behind the mirror fled my mind, and all I seemed to know was him.
"I love you." I finally whispered, causing his eyes to widen for once in shock. When he remained silent, I choked it out again, this time a bit louder. "I love you, Erik."
"You don't know what you're talking about," He began sadly, but I interrupted.
"Yes, I do, Erik!" I exclaimed softly. "I know how I feel about you… I didn't know it at first, but," I swallowed back a sob, as a tear rolled down my cheek. "I know it now, and I didn't want to lose the chance to tell you."
"Oh, Christine…" Erik breathed my name delicately as if it were a prayer. Raising his hand, he wiped away the heartbroken tear. He watched me for a moment, his eyes filled with such sorrow that I wanted to melt in his arms. Leaning forward, he met his lips with mine, as I grasped his sleeve. As we kissed, I could taste the bitter saltiness of tears, but I could not tell whether they belonged to Erik or me.
When we reluctantly tore apart, I could only sob quietly because I knew I would never see him again… Wrapping his arms around me, he pulled me into his protective embrace. The door soon opened, and the detectives had to physically drag me from the room and away from him.
The next day, my mother brought in the newspaper, unaware of my previous visit to the jailhouse. Curled up on the divan, I was deep in melancholy thought when one heading caught my eye. I jumped from my seat and seized the paper, reading over the large bold letters:
Kidnapper Escapes From Prison.
A/N: It's still not over! Hehe! I think there is only ONE MORE CHAPPY TO GO! (Is both sad and happy at the same time). So, please R&R!