A/N: Readers...do not shun me! There WILL be more tomorrow. I promise. Sadly, this story is coming to an end shortly. It's well past half over. I think. I guess we'll see. Thanks for reviews. Read!
Needless to say, Christine was cast as Aminta. Once her former theater group had run their show she told them she would not be returning for the next season. Richard huffed and puffed about losing their lead. Andre seemed genuinely upset about her leaving. Meg was devastated. Not only would Christine no longer see Meg at rehearsal but rehearsal at this new theater was early in the day. She had to rearrange her school schedule and take night classes.
This also meant that Erik had to do some rearranging. He worked with the staff, bunching his classes either in the earlier part of morning, or late afternoon. Erik would be there for every step of his masterpiece. The managers of this new theater had already gotten Erik's sketches of set designs and costumes. Production for the show would begin after the New Year.
The semester had ended, and Christmas was quickly approaching. Erik was clueless as to what to get Christine. He supposed he'd have to venture forth to the dreaded stores. They'd be packed solid with Christmas shoppers. Since she was out somewhere with Giry, he guessed there was no time like the present.
There were no spots in the parking lot. Erik groaned and pulled into a nearby store's parking lot. He pulled his collar up around his neck and started the hike toward the mall. It was worse than he expected. With a little more than a week before Christmas, kids and parents were lined up to sit on the infamous Santa Claus's lap. The pudgy baby on the red man's lap took one look at him, and wailed loudly. Erik winced, and pushed through the crowd.
Erik roamed the lower level of the mall in search of the 'perfect gift' for Chrisinte. Nothing he looked at would suit. Although, he did find a new collar for Lucy. He'd waited twenty minutes in line for that; he hadn't realized people actually bought pets Christmas presents.
Obviously people didn't realize they didn't have to just stand on the steps of the escalator because Erik was stuck behind a large family, their arms full of shopping bags. He tapped his fingers anxiously on the hand rail. Exiting the escalator proved to be quite a challenge. The small boy in front of him seemed to thing that the machine would eat his foot and proceeded to jump about. Despite himself, Erik felt a smile tugging at his lips.
He was quite sure he wouldn't be able to choose proper clothes for her. They had similar tastes in music, so anything he had was hers. Same goes for literature. There was even a store where one could make teddy bears. That too seemed to be the wrong direction. He stopped briefly in front of a bridal shop, gazing at the dummy bride and groom. After another moment, he moved on, slipping into a jewelry store. His idea pool had run dry.
After browsing for a moment, he saw it. He knew it was perfect. It was no bigger than the end of his pinky, but it was 'the gift'. At once he motioned for the sales person. The cheery woman blinked in surprise for a moment, then regained herself.
Erik tapped the glass gently. "May I see that?" The thin delicate chain was silver. Rubies and emeralds had been formed into the resemblance of a rose. It was exquisite. Erik shook his head. "Yes, I'll have it." The woman boxed and gift-wrapped the necklace. Once Erik had paid, he thanked the sales woman, even went as far as wishing her a nice holiday.