With the start of piano lessons Claire's life began a new routine. Three nights a week Erik would teach her and on the other nights she would practice on her own. Claire soon began to find herself living for those lessons. Erik was cold and demanding but the chill it gave her of sitting beside him was a welcome break form the monotony of her daily chores.
Sighing Claire continued to wash the dishes. Try as she might she could not find satisfaction in the simple servant life, having grown far too accustom to her old life, one of privilege. Drying the last pot she quickly dried her hands and headed up to the piano room. As she approached the door a beautiful but mournful melody reached her ears. Reaching her destination Claire let out another sigh, Erik was already there playing, and would surely not want to be disturbed. She was just about to leave when the music stopped and Erik's voice drifted through the door.
"Claire you can come in."
Startled she turned back and poked her head in. The room was lit by several candles, most of which she noted with dismay were dripping wax on her newly cleaned floor. As usual all the curtains were drawn, blocking out the summer night. Erik sat at the piano wearing, aside from his mask, only a white shirt and black silk pants; it was too hot even for him to be wearing his usual dress suit.
"Well come in and sit down" he said impatiently, his blue eyes glittering in the dark.
Obediently Claire closed the door behind her and rushed to his side.
"What would you like to practise today?" he asked softly.
"But- but it's Thursday" she stammered.
Erik only taught her on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
"I am aware of that fact" he snapped. "Do you want an extra lesson or not?"
Claire chewed on her lip.
"I do" a sudden sadness filling her eyes.
Erik was always so distant and cold. Finding only simple friendship with the other servants Claire longed for a true friendship, but that was clearly not to happen with Erik. The lesson however, went very well that day, Erik seeming to be in a slightly better mood than usual. As the lesson came to an end Claire took a deep breath, deciding that today would be the day to ask, she needed something to help fill the void.
"Sir?" her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes" he replied a hint of curiosity in his voice.
He could tell from her trembling figure that it had taken Claire the last three weeks to build up the courage to ask him anything. She had not said more than two words at a time to him since he had snapped at her during that first lesson.
Claire took a long calming breath. Erik tapped the piano impatiently.
"I was wondering if I may borrow a book from your library."
Erik was taken aback by the question. As she looked up at him expectantly Erik's stomach gave a lurch. She had not looked him in the face since that night either.
"Which one?"
Claire opened and closed her mouth silently.
"I didn't have a particular one in mind Sir."
Erik studied her for a moment and considered his options. If he said yes then perhaps she would not be so timid around him, if he said no then he knew it was over and she would never say more than two words to him, never look him in the face again. The moment she glanced up and caught his eye he made his choice.
"Yes, you may."
Erik was not prepared for what happened next. A sudden light appeared in Claire's eyes and a bright smile spread across her face.
"Oh thank you sir!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck giving him a quick hug.
Pulling back he noticed that her smile remained but that she was blushing furiously. Embarrassed, Claire suddenly jumped up from the piano bench and ran out of the room leaving a stunned Erik staring after her in confused silence.
After a few moments a rare genuine smile appeared on his lips.
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews...and don't worry...Claire doesn't want to be "just friends" with Erik...please review...the feedback helps. Thanks.
