YES! I got another reader! Which makes me wonder, how can someone get over 200+ hits and only 6 reviews from 3 different people? PLEASE REVIEW!
To my newest reader, Lou-Chan: THANK YOU! I'm so glad you like my story. I agree with you completely. I hate phics that have Erik meeting the OC and then suddenly falling in love with her, and sleeping with said OC. I don't think someone who's been so lonely all his life will do something like that. It's just plain disgusting. SAVE IT FOR MARRIAGE! Anyway, your English is really good, better than my French, I'd say. You should make an account on it's just easier to handle the stories.
MasqueradingThroughLife: Missed you! I know how you feel…chocolate is the stuff dreams and happiness is made of. Thanks for the cookie jar! Question: do you know how to put in breaks? You know, the lines between the A/N and chapter? 'Cause, being the tech idiot I am, I can't seem to figure it out. Help me!
A/N: I don't own POTO, or PTO, or OG, whatever you want to call it. But you can't have my plot or my OW, which I'm very proud of, by the way.
Chapter 4 – Re-introduction
Erik crept down the stairs, highly sensitive of the surroundings. The few times he'd been out in daylight, it had unsettled him, and he felt exposed without the protection of darkness. The spiral stairs led to another long hallway, with the front door ahead. To his left was a small and cozy kitchen, where various confections seemed to be cooling. A quick look to see if it was empty, which it was, and Erik moved on. Just beyond that, there was a doorway to another room, which, unfortunately, was occupied.
Erik silently slipped into the comfortable living room, trying not to wake the woman asleep on the chaise. A sweeping glance showed the back door, a large bookcase crammed with books, and old furniture. He quickly turned his attention back to the woman, and for the first time, got a close look at his mysterious savior.
She was, in brief, Christine's polar opposite. Exotic, a sharp contrast to Christine, who had been a classical beauty. Thick black waves were tangled and hastily tied back, but escaping the confining ribbon to make a black halo around her face. Her face was, in sleep, serious and solemn. Though Erik couldn't see her eyes, he was still intrigued by the shape of her features. A strong nose, rounded chin, and the fullest and most sensual mouth he'd ever seen. Her skin was the shade of brown sugar, not like Christine's flawless porcelain complexion. At the thought of Christine's beautiful face, Erik's heart gave another lurch, and for a moment slipped back into the deadly ocean of sadness that threatened to drown him. Trying desperately to put Christine away from his mind, he continued the examination. Definitely, she was not of French or British descent. Her skin tone suggested Spain or Portugal, maybe even Italian. Her colouring hinted at a seaside home, full of sunshine and salty winds. Erik, never one to shirk a good puzzle, went through all the possible options as to her heritage, and circumstances.
Suddenly, Erik was looking into a pair of eyes. Startled blue-green eyes, like the Mediterranean Sea on a summer day, met sleepy dark brown ones, and the world seemed to stop. The woman rubbed sleep out of her eyes, and looked back up to Erik, who was frozen, unsure of himself, a terrified expression on his face. She looked at him, and smiled kindly, hoping that her nervousness didn't show. Sitting up, clothes rumpled, hair disheveled, she stretched, and smiled at Erik.
"Are you feeling well enough to be on your feet? I can manage to get you into your bed without help, but I don't want to attempt to carry an unconscious man up the stairs. Please, sit down." She motioned to the large armchair beside him, and Erik obeyed, still speechless and apprehensive. "I'm Eleyna Donatella, and welcome to Augustine." Here she paused, to see if he'd offer his name in return, but was met with silence. She carried on, determined to get something out of him. "What's your name?"
Here, Erik swallowed, not trusting his voice to function correctly. The one thing that had kept him alive every time his cowardly parents considered killing him. The one thing that wasn't as repulsive as the rest of himself, suddenly was lost in his bewilderment. "My name… is Erik." There, it was done. Erik had just told this complete stranger what he hadn't told to his beloved Christine. Poor, sweet, trusting Christine, who, even after ripping off his mask and being aware of his biggest secret, still hadn't asked this one simple thing. His name. Erik spoke it uncertainly, not knowing where to look or put his hands. Erik couldn't bring himself to look back into Eleyna's face, reminding himself, once again, that he was a monster who didn't deserve to live.
Eleyna was outraged. Her cheeks became flushed, tears started to form in her eyes, and she clenched her hands as she watched Erik stare at the floor, looking liked a whipped boy, ashamed and dejected. She noticed how he wouldn't meet her eyes, how he looked so uneasy around her. Eleyna had seen countless others with the same demeanor; it was one of someone who had lost all hope and the will to live. She knew that when someone's spirit was broken to the extent that Erik's was, healing was a hard and long road. But for this poor man sitting in front of her, she was willing to do anything.
"Nice to meet you, Monsieur Erik." Eleyna said, trying to calm herself down. Finally, she couldn't take it any longer. She pushed herself off the chaise, and walked over to Erik's chair. Erik was stunned, when suddenly, two bare feet and shapely ankles came into view. Her dress was too short: it barely reached her ankles. Erik looked up, into Eleyna's face, and was even more amazed to see her eyes swimming in tears, moments away from falling. But they weren't tears of fear, they spoke of sadness, and pity, and Erik found himself finally surrounded by the sympathy and kindness he'd wanted all his life. Sympathy and kindness he'd only experienced one other time before, from Madame Giry.
Eleyna reached down, and took one of Erik's large, strong hands in her own. "Please, please don't feel that you have to hide here. I live alone, and I am not bothered in the least by your face. But I am troubled by your obvious lack of self-respect. Life dealt you a cruel hand, and although I don't know what your life has been like exactly, I can imagine. And I'll help you in any way I can. Just trust me. Feel at home here. It's amazing how fast this place grows on you. Now, I don't like to listen to people who speak to the floor, so I'm going to have to ask you to just look me in the eye." Eleyna sat back down, and continued. "Now, I know you must have a lot of questions, so I'll answer them to my best ability."
Erik, slowly succumbing to the overwhelming kindness, raised his head and met Eleyna's gaze. It was open, friendly, and non-judgmental. Drawing a shaky breath, he started. "How did you find me?"
Eleyna squinted, trying to bring back the memory. "Ah, yes. I remember. It was in the…less reputable part of Paris. I have a friend there, who supplies the cocoa beans to me. I was making my monthly trip to the city for goods, and it was just after midnight. I had just finished getting the last of my supplies, when I walked out of my friend's flat, and nearly fell over. I looked down, and there you were, unconscious, lying in the middle of the alley. I knew enough about you within two minutes, and I realized that the best thing for you and your health is to stay under my care. So I loaded you into my cart, and drove home. You regained consciousness for long enough for me to get you into bed without carrying you up the stairs, and then you slept for four days. I broke your fever, and took care of some minor cuts and bruises, but other than that, you were fine." Finished, she sat back and smiled, waiting for the next question.
Erik was confused. She had said that she knew enough about him. What and how did she know?
Looking at Erik's perplexed expression, Eleyna laughed. Her skill had always rendered that reaction from anyone who observed them. "Let me guess. You are wondering what I knew about you, and how I found out those things. Don't worry; I've tricked many people with my skills. Some were even convinced that I was a fortune teller or psychic, but all it really is is a keen eye and basic reasoning skills. I discovered several things about you, just from your appearance.
First, you aren't a titled man. You couldn't have been a noble because you had no family rings, handkerchiefs embroidered with initials, or engraved cardholders, pocket watches, and the like. Nobles are very proud of who they are, and don't hesitate to flaunt it. Also, you were in the side of Paris commonly known as Criminal's Paradise. No noble is ever in that area, unless it is to make shady deals or satisfy foul desires. And then, they are not as obvious with their wealth as you were.
Second, you are, or were, wealthy. Your clothing, though very dirty, is well-made, with the finest materials. Your boots are of the finest quality, as well. They were obviously tailored to your specific needs. But you weren't of Paris. That is, you didn't belong in Paris any more than I do. Though the craftsmanship and material is excellent, not to mention brand new, they aren't the latest Parisian fashions among the upper class. I observed many nobles on the streets that day, and their clothes didn't look like yours. That, I admit, perplexed me.
Third, you couldn't be a wealthy man beaten, mugged, and then left in the street to die. You had no injuries, the area around you didn't show any evidence of a recent struggle, and an expensive diamond ring was on your finger, clearly visible, even in the scarce light. But you had no coat on a rainy Parisian night. No thief takes a coat and leaves a diamond ring. So, another option was eliminated. You weren't the victim of a robbery.
Fourth, you weren't expecting to go outside when you were dressing. Your boots are brand new, and as I mentioned before, expensive, made of the finest leather. Definitely for indoor wear. There was no wearing around the toe or heel. But the soles are severely scuffed, and all the marks are fresh. So they were obtained that night, running through the uneven cobbled streets of Paris. Which you probably didn't anticipate. I knew, by now, many things, but I didn't, and still don't, know the answer to the big question. Who are you and what, or who, are you running from?"
Erik was yanked out of his open admiration by the question. Of course, she would wonder where her mysterious patient came from. That was a right she was entitled to, as his rescuer. Surely he had not emerged from the Seine, or fallen from the sky. But how could he reveal his shameful past to the woman who had just saved him? Even if his face wasn't enough to drive her away, without a doubt his past actions would. And for reasons unknown even to him, he suddenly felt desperate at the thought of being turned away.
Eleyna noticed his inner turmoil. Obviously, Erik was very reluctant to divulge his history with her, and she thought that it wasn't her position to push. Heaven knows, she has more than her share of secrets. One of which being the biggest reason why she'd brought Erik to her home. Eleyna eased his agony by making the decision for him. "If you don't want to tell me now, I understand. That wasn't a very fair question on my part; all I need to know if there is anyone waiting or looking for you back in Paris. You're welcome to stay for as long as you like."
"Thank you." Erik replied softly. His gratitude was expressed in every corner of his face, in every syllable uttered from his lips. "I don't have anyone looking for me, in Paris or anywhere else in the world. I'm afraid I will be intruding on your privacy for a moment longer. I do not wish to be a burden, and I will leave as soon as I am able."
Eleyna vehemently denied such an allegation. "Of course you are not a burden to me. To be completely honest, I welcome such company. I've lived alone for the last three years; I think I would lose my mind with no one but a dog for company. If you have no ties to the world, as I do, stay. Please. I've been very lonely for so long, I would be grateful for your companionship."
Erik couldn't hide his shock. A woman was practically begging him to stay with her! Of course, that's because she doesn't know what you really are. Wait until she learns of your past, Erik. See how kind and caring she is then. She hasn't realized who she saved, but you won't be able to fool her for long, MONSTER! That mocking thought entered his mind, and blinded him momentarily.
Eleyna was glad he didn't have any ties in Paris, or elsewhere. She didn't want him to just run away again. Life had opened the door; all Erik had to do was step through. And she'd be there, to guide him and help him. Not to mention redeem herself on the way.
So, what do you think? I promise she's going to get grittier as the story goes on. Please review!
Note: Eleyna is pronounced el-AYNE-a.