From Angel's Eyes
Chapter Fifteen
Erik didn't call on Sunday. Christine resisted the urge to call him but it became too much. She went to the phone and then paused. There was a note taped to the receiver.
Don't you DARE call him – Meg
Christine laughed and turned away from the phone. Music. That was what she needed. To practise. Anything to take her mind off him.
She drove to the theatre the next day. Her car had arrived the previous week, as good as new. She parked by the doors to the theatre and walked in nervously. Nadir was sat on the stage, reading the morning newspaper. He looked up as she came in and she knew from the look on his face that he knew what had happened.
"Is he here?" She asked.
"In the office with Dr Carter."
"Nadir, it wasn't… I just…"
She sat beside him on the stage and ran her hands agitatedly through her hair.
"I went to visit my parent's grave. I was really upset and Max was there at his grandfather's grave and he hugged me to make me feel better. I kissed him, on the cheek, to say thank you. And then Erik was there and he drove away without letting me explain. Did he say anything to you?"
"No. But I knew something must be wrong, he was in a worse mood than usual." Nadir noted. Christine groaned.
"He can't think that I would do something like that. Spend the night with him and then rush off the next morning to kiss someone else at my parent's grave."
"Erik Destler is an extremely paranoid man, Christine. He's never been as close to someone as he is to you. And he's only known you for two months. Believe me; if you just explain things to him, I'm sure that it will be fine." Nadir said comfortingly.
Christine looked at him.
"Really?" She asked.
"No. But it's worth a try." Nadir said cheerfully, opening his newspaper to the financial section. Christine rolled her eyes and went to the piano to warm up whilst she was waiting for Erik to come out of the office.
He didn't. Max and Tom both arrived and they all warmed up. And when Dr Carter eventually emerged with Erik, he wanted them to run through Down Once More so Christine had no opportunity to talk to Erik before they started. She kept trying to catch his eye but he was clearly not about to talk to her. She moved to her place on the stage, determined to concentrate on the show.
The scene went reasonably well and by the time the rest of the class had arrived, they had finished. Tom and Max went to speak with Nadir and Christine crossed the room to Erik, who was scribbling on a piece of paper.
"Erik." She said quietly. He looked at her and then back down at his paper.
"Can I help you?" He said in an indifferently cold voice.
"Oh, stop being so stupid." She said crossly. He looked at her in surprise. Christine straightened herself.
"Now, are you going to let me explain or are you going to go rushing off without giving me a chance?"
He set down his pen and held her gaze. She began.
"I went to go and see my parents. Obviously you guessed that, because you came to find me. Max was there visiting his grandfather's grave. I was crying and he gave me a hug and I kissed his cheek to say thank you. That's it."
Erik didn't speak. He looked down at the piece of paper and then sighed.
"I just made a fool of myself, didn't I?"
"Yes. You did." Christine told him. Erik lifted his head to look at her. She watched him closely.
"I'm sorry for not trusting you, Christine."
"And for not calling me back."
"And for that." Erik agreed.
"And for blowing this whole thing out of proportion."
"Yes."
"And for-"
"Christine." Erik said warningly.
She laughed and hugged him. He put his arms around her, closing his eyes as he breathed in the scent of her hair.
"You're entirely forgiven. Just… let me explain before you go running off next time, OK?" She said quietly. He nodded and reluctantly let her go, his hand sliding down to hers. She smiled.
"Good."
They suddenly realised the entire theatre had gone very quiet. Christine turned and saw everyone watching them. Most people with a smile, although several looked unimpressed. Christine glanced at Erik. He kissed her hand lightly before disappearing into the office. Christine looked around with a dopey smile on her face.
"Meh..." Was all she could come out with, shrugging with a grin. Dr Carter cleared his throat.
"Masquerade, please everyone."
Christine moved towards her place and stood with Tom who raised an eyebrow at her. She shrugged.
"What?"
"Nothing." He said lightly. Christine pulled a face at him.
"Oh, please. It's not like anyone didn't know."
"I know. But you could try showing a little tact." He said. Christine nodded.
"Probably. We agreed, nothing on the job."
"A good idea. If you can stick to it." Tom said and offered his arm as their cue neared. Christine took it and they set off.
When they had done the Masquerade scene, Nadir told Kirstie and Christine to run through Angel of Music. They took their places on the stage and Nadir stood Max backstage with a microphone.
"Brava! Brava! Bravissima!" He sang. Unfortunately the microphone wasn't switched on. Nadir fiddled with the sounding and called,
"Max, try that again."
He did so. This time everyone winced as they were deafened. Nadir fiddled again and then nodded.
"OK, that should work. Let's go."
The orchestra began to play as Christine settled in front of a row of candles. Max sang his line and Kirstie appeared on the edge of the stage. Christine smiled as she spoke of her Angel of Music, standing and walking with Kirstie across the stage as they sang together. Kirstie frowned and pressed a hand to Christine's cheek.
"Your face, Christine, its white."
"It frightens me." Christine admitted and Kirstie sang, "Don't be frightened…" As they walked off into the wings. Nadir nodded as the music faded.
"That was good. Mr Destler, what scene next?"
"Il Muto. Miss Griffins, if you would take your place?" Erik said, looking at Rebecca. The props were quickly brought out and they all took their places. As they waited for the music to begin, Christine looked over at Max who was adjusting his microphone. He grinned at her and gave the thumbs up. She smiled back and sipped from her water bottle before standing with Rebecca as the music started. This was perhaps Christine's easiest scene. All she had to do was strut around in a manly fashion and occasionally look surprised. Which she could manage.
The scene went well and Christine had to admit that Rebecca was very good, especially when it came to the croaking part. When they finished Dr Carter applauded enthusiastically.
"That was excellent, all of you! Same time tomorrow for a dress rehearsal of the first half." Christine looked across at Rebecca who was drinking thirstily from her water bottle.
"You were really good today." She said. Rebecca looked at her blankly, as if wondering what the hell she was doing, talking to her where anyone could see them before turning away without a word.
Christine sighed and climbed off the stage. Erik, who was stood next to her, looked at her for an explanation. She held up her hands.
"Hey, I tried to start a civil conversation. I did my best."
"It's the thought that counts." He said in a serious tone. She smiled and rolled her eyes.
"Fine. I need to buy some tickets for my aunt, I'll be back in a minute."
Whilst she went to Dr Carter, Erik began to pack sheet music into a case. Nadir appeared beside him and said,
"You've got a meeting in half an hour. We'd better go quickly."
"Very well." Erik said, lifting his case. He waited for Christine to finish and come back for her things before explaining about the meeting. Christine smiled and said,
"Go on. It's not like we have to be joined at the hip, you know. Have fun."
"I very much doubt that fun comes into this." Erik said resignedly as the three of them walked to the exit. Nadir smiled.
"You're probably right, Erik."
"Well you have fun with your meeting and I'll go home and take my dog for a walk. I'll see you both tomorrow."
"May I take you to dinner tonight?" Erik asked, "As an apology."
Christine smiled.
"You may."
"Seven thirty then." He kissed her and turned to leave.
She went to her car as their own vehicle drew up. Nadir opened the door and Erik climbed in after him.
"So you've sorted everything out with Christine?" Nadir asked.
"Why wouldn't we work things out?"
"Because you're ridiculously stubborn." Nadir suggested. Erik glared at him. "No? Well… maybe because you rushed off without letting her explain? Or how about-?"
"Remind me, why do I still employ you?" Erik snapped.
"Because I'm the only person who will put up with your mood swings. Here, some information about the meeting." Erik took the papers from him and glanced through them irritably, well aware that both Nadir and Thompson were trying not to laugh.
"What happened? Give me details!" Meg said, as Christine opened the door for her. She had only been home for a few minutes when her friend had knocked. Christine smiled.
"Well, he was being ridiculous and I just told him what had happened and he was fine with it."
"Is that all? No passionate kissing, him begging for forgiveness on his knees?" Meg asked, slightly disappointed. Christine laughed.
"No! Anyway, I'm taking Trister. You coming?"
"Sure. But can we swing by the café first? I need caffeine."
As they walked along the streets, pausing occasionally when Trister found an interesting piece of concrete, Meg asked,
"What night can I come and watch you?"
"Well, my family is coming on the last night, the Friday."
"I'll grab tickets for then as well. Want your regular?" Meg said as they reached the café. Christine nodded and stood outside, with Trister sat patiently by her feet.
"Christine?" She turned and smiled.
"Max, Tom. What are you doing here?"
"Coffee. What about you?" Tom smiled. She gestured at Meg who was standing at the counter.
"Taking the dog for a walk with my friend. You know, Tom, she's the one who thinks you're cute."
"Really? Max, I'll buy the coffee."
He darted inside the shop. Christine rolled her eyes and Max grinned, crouching down to rub Trister's head. The dog clearly appreciated the attention and Max laughed. Christine smiled. Max looked up at her.
"I take it you sorted everything out with Mr Destler?"
"Hmm. Once I explained everything to him, he got all embarrassed and apologised profusely." Christine said. She smiled. "Here come Meg and Tom."
The pair emerged from the shop, talking as though they had known each other for ages. Meg had that effect. She handed Christine a cup.
"Here you go. And this must be Max." She smiled brightly at Max who shook her hand.
"Nice to meet you, Meg."
"Ditto. I was just asking Christine what day I should come to see the show. I'm going on the last night. I expect you all to be perfect by then."
"What a wonderfully supportive person you are." Christine said dryly. Trister tugged on his leash impatiently and Meg said to Max and Tom,
"Want to come for a walk?"
"Sure."
They set off towards the park. Once through the gates Christine unclipped the lead and they walked with Trister running ahead. Meg and Tom were talking cheerfully about the show and Max was talking to Christine about the pointers Nadir had given him in Masquerade.
"I mean… I feel like I'm dressed like a pimp in that outfit." He grumbled. Christine laughed and said,
"Well at least you're covered decently. Except for those lovely, half-open shirts."
"True. I've got to say, Tom and I both look very good in those shirts. Don't you think, Tom?" Max called to his friend who grinned.
"Damn right! We are hot."
They high-fived and Christine snorted.
"If you would both please get over yourselves sometime soon…"
"And you get to make out with both of them, you lucky thing." Meg said in a mockingly solemn tone. Christine sighed.
"Yes. Lucky me."
"You love it really." Max said, poking her in the side. She stuck her tongue out at him and Meg giggled.
"God, I can't wait to see this show! You three are going to be hilarious!"
"Yes, the tragic ending just gets everyone giggling." Tom commented. Max laughed.
"You have to admit, Christine, I'm good at the whole sympathy vote thing."
"I'm not admitting to anything. If you can get me to cry, then I'll admit it." Christine said firmly. Max grinned.
"Prepare the tears! Tomorrow in rehearsal, I am going to make you bawl like a baby."
"Good luck. We're doing the first half tomorrow, not the second."
"Oh. Well, when we next do the second half, I'll get you sobbing." Max said confidently. Christine arched an eyebrow.
"I highly doubt that."
"Just you wait." Max said.
"Excuse me for not holding my breath." Christine said and then looked around. "Oh, where is that dog?"
"Behind that tree." Meg said. Christine whistled piercingly.
"Trister! Come on, boy."
The dog came bounding out, tongue lolling as he ran to her heel. She patted his head and they all sat down on the grass in the sunshine to finish their coffee. Trister flopped down in the middle of them, panting, his head in Christine's lap. She absently stroked his soft ears as Tom told Meg about their rehearsal that day.
"OK, so what's your favourite scene?" Meg asked him.
"I don't know… probably the cemetery scene. Max and I get to have a swordfight. That's cool." Tom said. Meg looked at Max.
"What about you?"
"Tough choice… Music of the Night where I get to feel up Christine whilst she's wearing underwear, Down Once More where we get to make out or The Point of No Return where we sing very suggestive lyrics whilst feeling each other up?" Max said, pretending to consider it. Christine glared at him.
"That's it. You are hereby named Pervert of the Production. I'll inform everyone tomorrow."
"I'll help." Tom offered. Max grinned.
"OK, OK. No more pervertedness. But what about Christine? What's your favourite scene?"
Christine thought about it, chewing the inside of her cheek.
"I'm not sure… I love the whole thing."
"Come on, you have to choose one." Tom said. Christine shifted her weight into a more comfortable position and said,
"OK. The Phantom of the Opera. Because I love getting that high note just right. It brings real personal satisfaction."
"That's very artistic." Tom said. Meg grinned.
"That's our Christine."
"OK. Well, I'd better get going."
"Already?" Meg said. Christine smiled as she brushed the grass from her jeans.
"I'm going out for dinner tonight and I want a nap beforehand. I'm exhausted."
"Where are you going?" Tom asked. She shrugged as she clipped Trister's leash on.
"No idea. Erik just picks me and takes me to whatever restaurant he feels like. It works well. I'll see you tomorrow."
She headed towards the agate. Max watched her go, almost wistfully. Tom tapped his arm.
"You OK?"
"Yeah. Sure… you just know that feeling when your heart gets trodden into a thousand teeny pieces? Just got it."
Meg looked at him pitifully.
"I'm sorry things didn't work out between you two."
"Yeah, well. She's happy, right?" Max asked her and she nodded.
"Happier than I've seen her for a long time."
"Then that's good." Max said decisively. Meg patted his arm.
"She does like you, you know. As a friend."
"Are you trying to help?" Tom asked her and she shrugged.
"Yeah. Usually Christine tells me when to stop."
"You should have stopped right before 'as a friend'." Max said helpfully.
When Erik arrived at Christine's house he was prepared to face whatever she might be doing. Whether it be chasing her dog around the house or already ready to go.
What happened was that he rang the doorbell several times before she appeared, bleary-eyed and in a dressing gown.
"Erik? What are you doing here?" She asked. He arched an eyebrow.
"Dinner?"
"What? …Oh my god! I fell asleep… oh, I don't believe it." She moaned, stepping back to let him in. He smiled, pulling a lock of her curly hair and letting it spring back.
"Well… we could stay in." He suggested. Christine smiled.
"That sounds good. Hang on, I'll find some clothes." She turned to go upstairs and then stopped, turned back and kissed him. "And also, hello."
He smirked as she rushed upstairs and sat down in the living room. Trister jumped up onto the sofa beside him and lay across him. Erik awkwardly patted his head and Trister rubbed his face against Erik's shirt. The dark fabric was soon covered in white dog hairs. Erik sighed.
"Down."
Trister didn't move. Erik frowned.
"Down, Trister." No response. Trister simply looked at him. Erik ground his teeth. "Down. As if in, off of my shirt." Trister licked his cheek. Erik wiped the wet patch angrily and looked over his shoulder as he heard Christine snort with laughter. She tugged Trister's collar.
"Come on, Trister. Get off him."
Trister instantly jumped down and sat obediently in his basket. Erik stared.
"How did you do that?"
"Many years of practise." Christine said, sitting beside him. She smiled and reached into the drawer of a table, pulling out a lint roller. "Here, get the dog hairs off." Erik took it gratefully and brushed it over his shirt as Christine stretched.
"I only meant to take a half hour nap before I got dressed. I must have been a lot more tired than I thought."
"It's fine, Christine. It might relax you to spend an evening in." Erik said, handing her the roller. She put it back in the drawer and smiled.
"I think Trister likes you."
"Either that or he's getting revenge for running him over." Erik remarked. She laughed and looked over at Trister who was dozing in his bed.
"Also a possibility. How did your meeting go?"
"It was unbearably dull. The only thing getting me through was the prospect of dinner." Erik smirked. Christine slapped his shoulder.
"Stop making me feel guilty about that! OK, what do you want for dinner?"
"I don't mind." Erik said. Christine considered and then reached for the phone. She dialled a number and was soon ordering Chinese food.
"You do like Chinese don't you?" She asked anxiously.
"Yes."
"Good. Because they don't take back orders." She said, putting the phone back onto the cradle. Erik smirked and cupped her cheek with his hand, drawing her into a kiss. And then he pulled back. Christine blinked.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm not entirely comfortable with this." He glanced at Trister who had appeared next to them on the sofa, looking curious. Christine looked from Erik to the dog and burst into giggles. She got to her feet.
"Come on, Trister, let's put you in the kitchen."
After settling the dog into the kitchen with a bowl of dog food, Christine returned to Erik. And kissing. It was just starting to get rather intimate when the doorbell rang. Christine sat up and straightened her shirt, going to the door as Erik composed himself. But it wasn't the Chinese food, as expected. Christine found herself face-to-face with a cheerful looking woman with a toddler in her arms.
"Hey Christine!"
"Hello Marisa. What can I do for you?" Christine asked her neighbour.
"Just wondering whose car is parked down there. Because they left the engine running."
"Oh, right. Erik?"
Erik appeared in the doorway. Christine smiled.
"You left your car running."
"Did I? I'll just be a moment." He went down to the car. Marisa winked at Christine.
"He's hot!"
"And you're married." Christine reminded her with a grin. Marisa smiled sweetly.
"I can dream. I'll see you later."
She disappeared as Erik returned. Christine smiled.
"All done?"
"Indeed. Shall we?" He gestured back to the living room and Christine lifted her eyebrows. But before they made it back, the doorbell rang again.
"That'll be the Chinese." She said, going back to the door. After paying the delivery man, she carried the food to the kitchen, where Erik joined her.
"This is good Chinese." He commented halfway through the meal. Christine nodded and swallowed a mouthful of noodles.
"Yeah, the local Chinese is the best. Of course, having been to China, you'll have had better I suppose."
"You really can't beat the actual local produce." Erik agreed. Christine smiled.
"Well, this is the next best thing." She scooped up a piece of chicken with her chopsticks and chewed thoughtfully, considering him. He looked back for a moment and then asked,
"Are you just staring at me for the fun of it?"
"No. I was just wondering how long before you'd get annoyed." She smiled. Erik rolled his eyes.
"Don't you think that's a little immature?"
"Probably. It's entertaining though." She smirked.
Erik lifted his eyebrows and said calmly,
"Couldn't you find another way to entertain yourself?" Christine considered and then smiled.
"No. You'll have to find a way to entertain me." Erik stared at her and then smirked.
"Really Miss Danes."
"Yes Mr Destler?" She asked innocently. Erik reached over, plucked the chopsticks from her hand, dropped them onto the table and kissed her intently.
Erik looked down at the mop of dark curls falling over his chest as Christine slept with her head on his shoulder. He smiled and ran his finger through the soft hair. Christine looked up with a sleepy smile.
"Did I wake you?" Erik asked softly. She stretched.
"Hmm. But it doesn't matter. What time is it?"
"A little past ten." Erik said, glancing at the clock on her bedside table. She yawned and sat up, pulling the blankets around her. Erik sat too and pressed his lips to her shoulder, planting light kisses along her collarbone. She laughed slightly and wrapped her arms around him.
"I suppose you have to go home." She said quietly. Erik smiled.
"I have some time. But I should get back and let you sleep. We have rehearsals in the morning."
"I don't mind being a little tired." Christine said.
Erik raised his eyebrows.
"Well, I mind my leading lady is yawning her way through the first half."
"Oh, fine. You win." Christine said, pouting. Erik smirked and kissed her.
"Don't sulk."
"I'm not." She said haughtily, climbing out of bed. Erik was treated to a glimpse of her lithe form before she slipped on a dressing gown. She disappeared out of the bedroom, going to the bathroom whilst Erik dressed. When she returned they went downstairs. Christine turned to him.
"Coffee?"
"Yes, please." They went to the kitchen and Trister came running over for attention. Christine bent and hugged him.
"Hey! How's my favourite guy?" She made a fuss of the dog and then noticed Erik's amused expression. "What?"
"Your dog is your favourite guy?"
"Sorry Erik, but you just can't beat him. He will always be my favourite." She said. Erik raised his eyebrows and she laughed, putting the kettle on.
The phone rang and Christine said,
"Could you get that? My hands are wet." Erik nodded and lifted the phone.
"Hello, Daae residence." He said.
"Hi, is Christine there?"
"Yes. May I ask who is speaking?" Erik said calmly.
"It's Kirstie, from the show."
"Of course."
He held the phone to Christine who was rubbing her hands with a towel.
"Kirstie Ellison."
"Oh!" She took the phone. "Hi Kirstie."
"Sorry to ring so late, Christine, but it's been bugging me all evening and I had to ask. You know in Angel of Music…"
Erik listened to Christine's side of the conversation and, as she hung up the phone, asked,
"Is everything alright?"
"Yeah, Kirstie just forget one of the things we were talking about in the show today and wanted to check something." Christine said, pouring coffee. As they sat at the table with their cups, Erik said,
"If you're yawning through the rehearsal tomorrow, I'm not going to be happy."
"I won't be. I'll just follow Max's example and drink lots of coffee before coming in."
"If that'll keep you awake…"
When he had finished his drink, he stood.
"I should go."
"Do you have to?" Christine asked. Erik nodded, although he could already feel his resolve weakening.
"Yes. I'll see you in the morning." He said firmly, kissing her. She went with him to the door and he kissed her again before going to his car. Christine watched him guy and then closed the door. Trister trotted down the hallway and looked up at her, tail wagging lazily.
"Come on. We'd better get some sleep." Christine said, climbing the stairs, Trister on her heels.
A/N: OK, I just realised that I won't be able to update tomorrow. And I'd hate to deny you a chapter, so here is tomorrow's one. A day early. My goodness, I spoil you people!
Lotsa luv
Katie
