Disclaimer: If Erik is looking for new ownership, then please look me up! Naa that will never happen. Only in my dreams….
A/N: Thanks for all the wonderful feedback! Please R & R!
Chapter 10- Unmask!
It has been a full month of Erik's stay. He couldn't believe how fast this has been for him. And also how close he became to the young girl. Stephanie was an intrigue to him and she never failed to amaze him with her knowledge.
When he asked her how come she knew so much about relationships and such she told him from books, movies, a guy named Dr. Phil, and common sense. Erik felt like he was becoming a pro at this.
Despite his fashion remained very much the same, he did try wearing different colors and styles. He could imagine Christine's look when she sees her angel. He may always be a dark angel, but he'll be one damn sexy dark angel!
He also noticed how Stephanie was beginning to open up. Before she kept some facts private, but little by little she revealed herself. Erik suspected from the beginning that there was something holding her back from things girls her age takes part in. He never told her that after the first night he arrived, he overheard the conversation between her and her mother. He didn't mean to eavesdrop, well he sort of did, and there was something in her voice that made him want to stay.
Erik quickly picked up on what issues not to touch when around her. But it was driving him crazy! He wanted to do something for her after all she's done for him. She kept him hidden, fed, clothed, and even made excuses to cover up for him when her parents questioned about something they seen or heard mysteriously. Part of Erik told him to drop it and let it be. He never had to do anything before so why start now?
With the exception of Mme. Giry, Erik never had to repay anyone and that's how he wanted it to be kept that way.
Until he met Stephanie.
He knew school was hard for her. He never bothered to ask her of her day since he could clearly see the evidence in her eyes. In many ways she seemed to be like his Christine- so lost and helpless.
That was what got Erik into pretending to be the Angel of Music, to not just teach Christine but to protect her as well. That need of protection turned to love and that having Christine accept him is what Erik held on for and reminded himself when asked to do something against his wishes. Erik was not at all in love with Stephanie. He loved her in his own way that he could as friends. Plus, if he "did" then he wouldn't have the chance against Dan.
Oh yes, he somehow accessed Stephanie's electronic diary on the computer and almost every page was dedicated to Dan Shaw. Erik didn't mean to pry but everything he wanted to know between Stephanie and Dan was at his fingertips.
If Nadir can see me now, Erik reflected. Here I am pretending to be matchmaker. And that was exactly what Erik has been doing secretly.
Erik was told countless times to stay in the house when Stephanie leaves, but did he listen? It was easy for him to escape and return without notice after years of practice in the Opera house and abroad. He followed Dan and picked up on some useful tips on his interests. Then discreetly he suggested to Stephanie what to wear if she can't make up her mind. And everyday he crosses his fingers in hopes that Dan will notice her.
And everyday Stephanie comes home with a despairing look and refuses to speak of her school day. Erik wanted the boy to notice her at least once! If he didn't, Erik was planning to make a visit one night.
But the one thing he wanted to know most about- her eye- never came about. Erik always questioned about these contact lens of hers and her response was a bitter remark. He couldn't help but be curious of the innovations around him, especially the computer that he finally mastered. He did spend a good deal of time on it always on any Phantom site he can find. Erik was addicted to himself if he had to put it bluntly.
Despite what Erik has been doing here, the one thing he was most proud of the fact he hasn't been wearing his mask much. He didn't wear it in Stephanie's presence and a few times on his secret "outings" he left it at the house.
The redness of his right cheek faded away to reveal a pale yet healthy side. Erik found himself accepting his ugliness and it became easier for him to look in a mirror without any remorse. He deeply was indebted to Stephanie for allowing him to feel confident in his appearance. He grew excited and hoped soon he could return to his one true love.
"She does sing the part of Aminta perfectly," Erik said aloud. He had the house to himself for a while and so decided to treat himself to enjoy the seductive overture of The Point of No Return. When the song finished, he was about to repeat it for the third time when Harper started tugging on his pant leg.
Exasperated, he glared at the small animal and tried shooing him away so he can get lost in the words and music of his voice and Christine's intertwining in such blessed harmony.
Harper still continued to bother him and Erik gave up. "What do you want from me!" he cried. The brown and white head cocked at him and then took off to the back door where he furiously began scratching at the door. Sighing, Erik went over and let the monstrosity run about in circles. This was his company until Stephanie returned from the library.
Ever since his stay, Erik noticed the lack of appearances of the older Larsons'. The only exposure of parenting he seen was the negligence of his own mother, the caring and devoting father of Christine's, and the strict but loving Mme. Giry to young Meg.
Now from his readings and observations Erik had a good idea of what "good parenting" was. The constant absence of the Larsons was a bit alarming to the Phantom. They didn't seem to be abusive like his was, but the mother did get on his nerves at times.
From what Erik could pick up on, Tom Larson was the breadwinner as part of his company's CEO. Elaine didn't work, but spent a good amount of time at functions, charities, etc. She organizes most of them so in a way, he supposed, it was a "job". And when they are home it's usually for an hour and they're off at some party or something.
It didn't seem to bother Stephanie so he decided to let this concern bypass. She was a smart girl and would have asked him for help or something if that were the case.
A sharp bark brought him back so Erik let the mutt in. The dog took off running and Erik went after him.
"Harper! Stop! Heel!" he yelled, recalling Stephanie's earlier words that Harper had a hyper problem. Whenever he comes in from being outside, he runs haywire about the house and ends up breaking something so you needed to keep an eye on him. Erik took the steps two at a time and fled to her bedroom.
Harper was lying on top of her bed so Erik relaxed a bit. Last time he bit him in the shins. Erik made a quick check to see if everything was fine, satisfied, he turned to go back down when a box caught the corner of his eyes. Sitting on top of her dresser was a small box that was labeled "Eyes on the Go".
Letting his curiosity get the best of him, Erik reached out to get it. A loud yip startled Erik and he accidentally knocked the container over. He watched in horror as the flaps flew opened and a bunch of small disks dropped to the floor. Erik bent down to pick them up when the coloring of the lens caught his attention. They were all hazel…
"Erik!"
His head snapped up to face a furious Stephanie.
TBC…