Erik

Erik found some of the pieces from the show Christine's group was performing. He would let her practice on those until he figured out what to do about the horrible creature that had been singing in what should be Christine's lead. His fingers tapped against the piano top as he thought on it, and waited for Christine's arrival.

She'd come everyday the last week. Even after only a week her voice was much improved. He supposed that singing was similar to riding a bicycle; you never really forgot how to do it. She only needed to be reminded. Soon she wouldn't need him anymore. Why did that have his inside clenching?

Every lesson he learned something else to love about her. There, he could admit it, at the very least, to himself. Which was ridiculous. How could one who was never loved, even know what love was? It was preposterous. Yet he knew exactly what it was. He was supposed to be a professional…he couldn't go about falling in love with students. Surely there was some sort of law against it. Not that he could help it.

Maybe it wasn't love. Maybe it was just because she didn't question him or the mask, although he did notice her attention quite often on the right side of his face. That worried him. The lessons would be over if she ever saw him revealed. No doubt of it. And he couldn't stand the thought of that.

She actually seemed to enjoy his company, and his music. Perhaps another reason he thought himself in love with her. If he could see to her singing again, starring in her show, he would be content with that. Yes, he thought as he glared at the piano keys, yes, that would be enough. As long as she was happy. She would come in a few moments, and learn the pieces for the show. Then he would follow her to her practice for a few more glimpses of her. He could suffer through hearing this other woman's hateful voice to see Christine. Within the week, the woman wouldn't be a problem anymore. He'd see to it.

Christine

"What do you mean she's broken her leg?" Richard Firmin screamed into his cell phone. "Well that's just great. With one week to go we have no singer." Richard cleared his throat. "Carly will not be coming today. Apparently she's decided to fall down three flights of stairs and break her leg."

"Oh no! That's terrible!" Andre's face saddened.

"I know. How dare she, who's going to take her place?"

Andre's brows furrowed and he opened his mouth to speak.

"Surely she's got an understudy?" Ryan stood, crossing his arms over his chest.

"No. There's barely enough cast members as it is."

Ryan's face grew angry. "What! You two better have someone to take her place by the end of the day." Ryan stormed out of the theater.

"What are we going to do Andre?"

"Christine Daae could sing it." Meg Giry stood at the edge of the stage. Christine's head turned toward Meg, her mouth slightly agape.

"What? Who?" This from Richard.

"Christine." Meg pointed at her.

"A dancing girl?"

"She's been taking lessons." Meg grinned at her.

"Ah well, we've nothing to lose I suppose although perhaps a chorus member would be more suitable…."

"Oh let her sing Richard." Andre motioned Christine forward. Christine gave Meg an I'm-so-going-to-kill-you look. Christine bit her lip nervously.

She knew she could sing it. Hadn't Erik praised her all week long? She took a deep breath and blew the managers away.

"Well, yes, I think she'll do, don't you Richard."

"Yes, yes, she'll be fine. Let's begin then."

"I'm going to kill you." Christine told Meg as they walked out of the theater.

"No you're not. You're going to thank me for telling them you could sing, therefore landing you the lead role. I'm waiting."

Christine shook her head, and laughed. "Thank you."

Meg grinned at her. "Welcome. Sounds like your lessons are really paying off."

"Yes, I suppose so." She smiled to herself as Meg headed in a different direction and she got into her own car. She didn't notice the familiar SUV that followed back to her house.

Erik

The sound of the darker manager's aggravated conversation had Erik's lips curving into a smile. Bless Giry for putting the spotlight on Christine. Nerves tightened her throat; he could hear it when she started to sing.Gently rising from his seathe watched her. Once she relaxed the song flowed beautifully and he was unable to tear himself away from the sight of her.

Her voice righted all the wrongs of the previous evenings he sat here. He never wanted the practice to end. It did, of course. Why he followed her home, he had no idea. No cars were parked in the driveway. No lights on until she put them on. When she was safely inside he pulled away. Surely she didn't live alone in the big house.

"Erik?" He'd just pushed the janitor's door open when he heard his name. His head shot around.

"Christine." With her lessons and her practices he no longer had time to go and use the organ after classes. In between classes was his only chance now. "Yes?"

She smiled strangely at him. "Where are you going?"

How does one explain they are going to use the magnificent forgotten instrument in the dank cellar of the building?

"Uh…come, I'll show you." For some unknown reason, she followed him. He flicked a flashlight on, and offered her his hand. "Watch your step."The steppedover the litter of brooms and mops on the floor. The dim light barely penetrated a few feet in the dark, but he knew the way. Her small hand fit perfectly in his. When he glanced back at her, she was looking at him oddly.

"Almost there." He whispered. His voice echoed off the walls. "Stairs." He told her when they reached them. When they were nearly at the bottom, she missed a step and nearly tripped. With his quick reflexes he turned just in time for her to fall against his chest. His arms went around her, to steady her. They were practically nose-to-nose with her on the upper step. She grabbed his broad shoulders. Her eyes closed, and she seemed to breathe in the scent of him. His jaw tightened when her lips parted and he could feel her breath against his uncovered cheek. Tendrils of her long hair tickled his fingertips. He wanted to pull back gently on her hair, and ravage her mouth, and neck, and collarbone...

When her eyes fluttered open, they met his. Her head tilted back, just as he wished. A small pink tongue darted out, wetting her lips. His control was about to snap. A small taste, that's all he wanted. Needed.Indulging himself a bit, his hand curved around her chin and his thumb grazed her lips. Why did he have to remembershe was his student when his lips were a mere breath away from hers.

Groaning inwardly, sighing outwardly,he stepped down onto the next stair.

"Only a few more steps." Her hand slipped into his again.