Quality Time Together
I let Erik lead me down to his lair. I didn't ask any questions, and he didn't speak a word. I sat in the boat as silence surrounded us. I looked around at his home that I hadn't been down to in about a week. I wonder why he's brought me down here so urgently?
We reached the shore, and Erik helped me out. He held my hand as he led me up to the organ. So many of my dreams over the past month have revolved around him and his organ. The music that he plays has dwelled in my mind, and I cannot seem to rid myself of it. When we reached the organ he motioned his hand at the bench, inviting me to sit down with him.
Once we were seated he turned from me and began to pick something up from the organ. He slowly turned back around to face me. In his hand was the same picture of me and him when we were younger that he had shown me when I first arrived here. He stared at it for the longest time, and I watched as so many emotions danced across his face. He appeared sad one second, then happy, and confused the next. I placed my hand on his, which caused him to turn and face me.
"Erik, why have you brought me here? Why was it so urgent?" He shook his head as if he had forgotten all about why he had brought me here. He placed the picture back on the organ and then faced me.
"Well, I was in Box 5, simply observing the rehearsals, when I over heard Miss Sherry and Firmin talking. She was telling him about the Phantom of the Opera, and how he is a close friend of yours. Firmin, at once, decided to come and question you, along with many other nosey people. I decided to come and save you from all of that torture. Of course, now they will be wondering where you have gone, but I have written a letter to Madame Giry explaining everything."
Well, what can I say to that except "thank you"?
"Well, thank you, Erik, I'm glad you did come and get me when you did. I don't think I could stand anymore questioning!" He smiled faintly, but then stood up.
"I have derived you from your sleep, so I insist that you go to the spare bed and get some rest. I shall be in here if you need me. Goodnight, Rachel."
He bowed and walked away into another room that I have never been in before. Why is he so mysterious? I sighed and picked up the picture that he had been looking at a few minutes ago. It made me smile. We look so happy and innocent! Me with my braided pigtails, and him with his lopsided grin. Of course, part of it is covered up by the mask. Which brings me back to my thoughts from long ago. Why does he wear that mask? I've never seen him without it, and he's never attempted to take it off around me. I might as well just imagine what's under it, because there is no possible way that he'll let me see.
I placed the picture down and headed towards the bedroom. I was already in my night gown, so all I had to do was pull the sheets back and climb in. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I started to drift off into sleep. I guess I hadn't realized how tired I was.
I awoke to the sound of Erik's organ. Wondering why he was still awake, I climbed out of bed and walked out of the bedroom. I could see his silhouette outlined by the candle light. I walked over to the organ and placed my hand on his shoulder. He suddenly stopped playing and turned his face around to look at me.
"What are you doing up, Rachel?"
"I could ask you the same question, Erik."
"I do not wish to sleep. You, on the other hand, need rest for rehearsals."
"Erik, I want to know what has been bothering you. Why have you been ignoring me? Why must you push others out of your life?" He abruptly stood up and began pacing back and forth. He did that for about five minutes, until he turned to me with an angry expression on his face.
"I don't expect you to understand. You have had a perfect life! I cannot seem to trust anyone completely. I can't remember my past, and the part I can remember I cannot stand! I do not want to bring you into my twisted life, so that is why I push you away! If only you could see my face and understand, but even my mother turned her face away at the sight of me! I have never known love!"
His voice seemed to rise with each sentence. He finally stopped talking and fell to the floor with his hands covering his face. I knelt down beside him and placed my hand on his head, stroking his hair.
"Erik, I cannot even imagine what you've been thru, but I think the only way to make this better is to have someone to help you thru each step. I am willing to be that person, Erik! You have always been my best friend, and you always will be! I will not leave you, no matter what you believe. As for your face, you don't have to show me unless you want to. I mean, sure I've wondered what was behind the mask, but I am willing to wait for you to show me."
His tears began to slow their pace down his cheeks as he raised his head to look at me. I could see pure admiration in his eyes, as if I had somehow helped him thru something. He smoothed my hair out of my face and caressed my cheek with his hand. I could feel my eyes closing at the contact of his hand on my cheek. It was as if his touch were pure magic. I felt his hot breath on my neck and mouth as he lowered his lips to mine. It was nothing like I had felt before! Sure, he had kissed me once before, but this seemed more...permanent. I know, that's a strange word to describe a kiss, but it's what it reminded me of.
I could fill his lips pull away from mine. I opened my eyes to see him staring at his hands. In a voice that was barely audible, he said the words that I had longed to hear.
"I will tell you everything there is to know."
(Author's Note: Sorry it took so long to update! I have been busy. So, I think there will only be like 2 more chapters. Or 3 but I'm not sure yet. Please, please, please update! Love you lots!)
