A/N: Hey guys! I don't really have much to say I just wanted to answer a few reviews, so here it goes.
Phantazm: You're right most people back then couldn't swim. But she did meet Raoul at the beach, and how else was she supposed to get across the lake to see Erik?
Librarian of the Deep: Thank's so much! I try to keep everyone in character, even though I may not like them. (-coughcough-Raoul-coughcough-)
And as always, all reviews are welcome!
Disclaimer: See previous chapters.
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Christine did not return to Erik's home for a week, and for that Erik was grateful. He hoped she would stay away, but he knew that wasn't likely. Since he had a feeling she would be coming, he took his boat to the other side of the lake and left it there for her, and swam back himself. He didn't want her to get sick. While he waited for her, he played his piano, letting all his pent up emotions out.
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Cautiously, Christine crept through the passageways that led to the underground lake. She knew he was angry and hurt, so she had waited until she hoped he would be calmer. She was used to his moods, and his temper flaring up. Sometimes, when he had been her teacher, he would disappear for weeks at a time, without explanation, and then just show up one day for her lesson.
When she reached the lake, she was surprised to see the boat there. Maybe she should come back another time, she thought, he's probably out. Then she spotted a small piece of paper on the seat of the boat. She carefully stepped into the boat and picked it up. On it was written, "Take It." Assuming he meant the boat, she made her way across the lake in it. At about the halfway point, she heard him playing. His music was so sad, yet so passionate. As it wrapped around her, her heart pounded, and her eyes filled with tears. It was so beautiful. Before she knew it she was at the other side of the lake.
Quietly, trying not to break the trance of the music, she stepped out of the boat and walked towards Erik. She stopped about 3 feet away from him, and let the music fill her. By now her tears were falling freely, and she didn't even bother to wipe them away. She didn't know how long she stood there, but suddenly he stopped playing. Turning around he stood to face her. He didn't seem surprised to see her at all. "Hello Christine," he said softly.
"Hello Erik," she replied just as quietly. For a moment she studied him. He looked like he had a fever. His face was flushed, and sweating. It was almost as if all the sadness and passion was drawn from him, leaving him weak, and feverish. "That was beautiful."
"Thank you." He gestured to a seat nearby and took a seat himself across from the other chair.
Christine gratefully took a seat also, for the music had worn her out emotionally. He seemed well enough, besides the sweating, and flushed face, so she didn't say anything about that.
Erik sighed. "Why are you here Christine?" he asked for the third time.
Christine looked away from him, not meeting his eyes. "I don't know," she finally said. "I feeling like something is missing from my life. Music is missing, and you are my music. You are the person who made music come alive for me. You are my teacher."
"What did I tell you about playing games Christine?" He snapped.
Christine looked him in his eyes. "I'm not playing games," she said, placing her hand on his arm. He immediately flinched away from her touch, but she continued like he didn't. "Erik will you bring music back into my life? Will you be my teacher again?"
Erik studied her silently, contemplating. He would do anything his power to make her happy, but he wasn't sure that he could stand being with her, knowing that she was married, and was taken. For the past two years he had been trying to forget her, yet wishing he could see her, and hoping that she didn't hate him, and now he had the chance. There was also Raoul to consider. If he found out he would probably come after Erik and kill him, but then again it would be a quicker, and less painful death than dying of a broken heart. "What about your precious Viscount?" He snarled, anger glimmering dully in his eyes.
Christine sighed. She had forgotten about Raoul for a minute. He undoubtedly would not let her take lessons from Erik, but she hated to lie to him. It was the only way though. She just wouldn't mention it to him, and come while he was at work. "I wouldn't tell him."
Erik sighed, inside himself. He knew he couldn't deny her anything. Again he studied her, trying to see if she was sincere. He could always read her so well, and he could tell she was. He sighed again, this time out loud. "Fine," he said unhappily. "Be here tomorrow at 2:00."
Her face light up. It was almost worth giving her lessons to see her so happy. Almost, but not quite. He knew that he would eventually regret it.
"Thank you Erik!" She exclaimed happily. "I better go," she said standing up. "I'll see you tomorrow." She walked to the boat, but stopped. "I don't want to inconvenience you. I'll just swim across."
Erik held up a hand to silence her. "No. Take the boat. There are other ways in and out of my home that you don't know about."
"Thank you," she said looking deeply into his eyes, as if trying to tell him more.
He nodded, strode to his bedroom and closed the door. Christine stepped into the boat, and started across the lake. It had gone better than she planned, she just hoped Erik would begin to trust her. He seemed cold and distant, as though he was afraid she'd hurt him. She really couldn't blame him though, after all the last time he had been open she broke his heart. She just hoped that he would be friendly, instead of a distant stranger.