Thanks everyone for your reviews! It means so much to me. This chapter seemed to end up only in Erik. I also stole a song from someone else. Some dude from the What a Girl Wants soundtrack deserves credit for that. Not I. I just like it. Um...I guess that's it. On with it.
Erik
She came. Flushing slightly, he rose from his desk.
"Ah, Ms. Daae." Hmmm, he thought, let's see how things play out if I act as if nothing happened.
"Mr. Grenier. Are we still having a lesson today?"
"Of course, if you wish."
"Oh yes, I need all the practice I can get. Didn't I tell you, our singer broke her leg, and I'll be singing the lead?"
"Ah, that's good news." Of course, he already knew.
"You should come. It's opening next weekend. I'd like for you to be there."
Having already purchased a ticket, it was an easy promise to keep. "If you wish it, I will come."
"Thank you." She smiled warmly at him.
"Yes, well, shall we begin?" Christine nodded and took her normal place standing at the piano. "Your first number then." He already had her role mapped out. To run the whole show with her had been his intention. "Have you got the time for the show today?"
"Should be fine." He didn't bother with warming her up, but just got into it. They were only halfway done, when he paused, in amazement.
"Who taught you to sing? I can tell your voice has been trained before me." His eyebrow rose at her. He leaned back to gaze at her, and saw her face fall.
"M-my mother taught me." Her lips quivered.
"Well, why then do you want me to…? Ah." Realization dawned on him. "I'm sorry, Christine." Tears shimmered on her lashes. He stood and took her hands in his. "How long?"
He pulled her into one of the chairs, and sat next to her. He felt his heart breaking for her as she told him her story. She had no one left. She was alone. Just like him. Of course he felt bad for her loss, but there was something else they had in common. Although, he hadn't had anyone to begin with. That didn't change that they were both alone now. He held her while she cried. Amazed with his ability to comfort. Was that something else that just came naturally to a person? Unable to recall a single moment of comfort in his life, it came easily to him. Perhaps just because it was Christine. His fingers ran over her hair and he wiped her tears away with his thumbs. "It's alright." Her face was buried against his neck.
"Thank you, Erik." He tilted his head at her in a most endearing manner, and then tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"Why?"
"For listening." His lips curled.
"I'll listen to anything you have to say, my dear." Rising, he pulled her up with him. "Perhaps we've had enough of a lesson today."
"Yes, I suppose so." He gathered the score up. "Indulge me?" He turned around at the use of the phrase.
"Of course." He leaned against the piano.
"Sing something for me."
"Hmm. Any requests?" Slowly, he reclined back on to the bench.
"Something of yours?" He thought on it for a moment then started playing a slow tune. It seemed fitting.
Thank you for this moment,
I've gotta say beautiful you are
Of all the hopes and dreams I could've prayed for,
There you are.
He gazed at her, a smile playing at his lips.
If I could have one dance forever,
I would take you by the hand,
Tonight it's you and I together,
I'm so glad I'm your man.
And if I lived a thousand years, you know,
I never could explain,
The way I lost my heart to you,
That day.
But if destiny decided,
I should look the other way,
Then the world would never know,
The greatest story ever told.
And did I tell you that I love you tonight?
I don't hear the music,
When I'm looking in your eyes.
But I feel the rhythm of your body,
Close to mine.
It's the way we touch,
It sends me.
It's the way we'll always feel
Your kiss, your pretty smile
You know I'd die for.
Oh Baby,
You're all I need.
And if I lived a thousand years you know
I never could explain,
The way I lost my heart to you,
That day.
But if destiny decided,
I should look the other way,
Then the world would never know,
The greatest story ever told.
And did I tell you that I love you,
Just how much I need you.
Did I tell you that I love you?
Tonight…
Tonight…
And if I lived a thousand years you know
I never could explain,
The way I lost my heart to you,
That day.
But if destiny decided,
I should look the other way,
Then the world would never know,
The greatest story ever told.
Did I tell you that I love you?
Just how much I really need you?
Did I tell you that I love you tonight?
Christine blinked a few times. Her lips curled into a smile.
"How do you come up with such wonderful songs?" She shook her head, as if she was baffled.
"Different things inspire me in different ways. Sometimes there's so much inside my head, music, lyrics, I'm afraid I'll lose something. Usually it's mostly crap, but on occasion one sticks with me." He chuckled at himself.
"Crap? Yeah…sure. It must be amazing to have that talent."
"Everyone could have it, if they only listened."
"Listen to what?"
He shook his head, and then patted his chest. "To this. Where do you think inspiration comes from? Everyone's got that. Architects, poets, composers. Everyone."
Her head tilted in thought. "Yes, I think you're right. I should go, I'll be late."
"Yes. Practice. I'll see you tomorrow then?"
"Uh huh. I'll be here. Goodnight Erik." Christine walked out of the room, toward the parking lot. Meg Giry followed behind her.
That lil sneak!