Wow, so yeah. This is just filler (major filler) chapter. Don't laugh at the title, i was bored and feeling uncreative. Oh, and if you're a Star Trek fan don't laugh at the guy's last name. And yeah, just major filler, don't worry the good stuff will start happening again!

Rebecca

Chapter 10: Wake Me Up, When December Ends

One frosty December morning, when the air was cool and a thin layer of ice rested upon the underground lake, father and daughter were found to be sipping hot tea while reading in front of the hearth. The last month had been spent quite pleasantly, with only minimal fighting and disagreements. Now, as they sat together reading, a calm atmosphere filled the cave and it truly seemed like a home.

Around midmorning, Erik looked up from his novel. "Rebecca," he said.

"Yes, father?" she replied. It still felt strange to her referring to him in this way, but gradually it did become more natural.

"I just realized," he said, "that you have not really shared any of your past with me."

She smiled, "You're right. Well, would you like to hear it now?"

"Yes, please indulge me." He set his book down and settled in to hear about his daughter's life.

"Well, as you know, I was put up for a adoption at birth. I was adopted by a kind couple named Avril and Leopold Thomas. They were always very kind to me, and loved me as their own. I was always provided for, though we were quite poor. What more can I say? We lived in a small village where there was nothing to do, unless you could afford music lessons or to travel to the city. I grew up thinking that I was their natural child, and I have to admit that I was somewhat upset when they revealed the truth. However, I have gotten over it, and in a few days I shall send them a letter." She gave him a weak smile, "You life has been much more interesting than mine."

They continued to chat about their lives until noon, and then had a meal. Later on, Rebecca went to explore the Opera House, while Erik began to put the finishing touches on Don Juan Triumphant. She enjoyed poking about the building, as it gave her a sense of how those more fortunate than she lived. She especially enjoyed watching the rich patrons gad about in their expensive jewels and furs, sharing the latest gossip. There was one rich family in particular that caught her eye, the Vicomte and Vicomtess Louis and Marie Picard. They seemed to be very down to earth, and also had a handsome son named Alistair.

Rebecca very much wanted to grab the young fellow's attention, but was unsure how. Eventually, she just borrowed some of her father's famous roses, and would leave them on his seat during performances. She loved to see the puzzled look on his face when he would find the fresh flower lying on his chair, and would blush when he would bring each one to his nose and smile. She decided that if she was going to attempt to capture the young man's fancy, she would have to do more than just leave him a rose. Rebecca quickly got to work composing a note.

Erik noticed his daughter busy scribbling away at a piece of parchment, and wondered what could have her writing so furiously. "What are you writing Becca?" he asked, coming over to read over her shoulder.

She quickly covered the paper with her arm and glared at him. "None of you business, father."

"Excuse me? You are my daughter, your business is my business."

"Not in this case it isn't. Please, leave me be."

"Fine," he gave in. Erik went back to his organ and worked some more on his opera.

Later on, while Rebecca was in the tub soaking, he snuck over to her desk and picked up the paper. It read,

Alistair:

I thought that you would want to know who has been sending you the mysterious roses. If you do indeed wish to meet your secret admirer, please meet me on the roof of the opera tomorrow night at intermission.

Your Obedient Servant,

RL

Erik began to fume, immediately after reading this. She is far too young to be finding any interest in the opposite gender. I shall have to give her a stern talking to about this letter. He placed it back on the desk and went back to his organ to wait for the girl. Several moments later, she appeared with a towel wrapped around her long black hair. "Rebecca, I need to speak with you."

"What is it, father?" she asked, sitting near to him on a plush velvet chair.

"I will not have you going to meet Alistair tomorrow. You are too young to become entangled within the world of romance. Please, refrain from sending him rose or note. You are not to speak to him. Understood?" He gave her his sternest, most fatherly look and awaited her response.

"Understood, but that doesn't mean I'm going to listen to you," she said with a defiant air.

"Pardoné moi?" he said, aghast.

"I said, I will not listen to you. You have no right to tell me who I can and cannot see. I shall see Alistair if I please and you cannot stop me. Besides, if I'm not allowed to see men then neither is Christine. She is the same age as me, and you know that perfectly well." She glared at him, with a twinkle in her eye, knowing that he could not argue her point.

He muttered something under his breath (his very minty breath, by the way) and then sighed. "Fine, but just be careful, alright?"

"Alright, thank you father," she said, giving him a hug and then skipping off to her room to change for that night's performance.

Erik shook his head and laid his head down on his organ. Will she never bloody shut up about Christine!

So yeah, that was my filler chapter. I don't really expect much of a reaction. You were probably predicting something of this sort to happen eventually. Don't worry, the Masquerade occurs in the next chapter!