Erik turned to Cat.
"Really? You mean I can stay?"
"Yes."
"I really hope I won't be a burden to you."
He laughed. "A burden, how ever so? It's been years since I enjoyed any companionship at all."
Cat grinned, "Then I'll give you some," she then gasped and giggled, "that totally came out wrong!"
"Hmmm," Erik was glad he was wearing a mask; he was turnind red," I suppose I should get you off that conch and in to a proper bed."
Cat's eyes lit up." I can get up?"
Erik sighed, "Yes, you can get up."
At those words, Cat placed the chain around her neck, then stood up. Erik let out a small gasp. The shirt he had dressed her in fell to her knees; showing off her white legs.
Cat looked at him confused, and then looked down. "Oh grow up, this shirt is longer then some of the dresses..." she trailed off," I was not wearing this shirt at first was I?"
Erik shook his head, still staring at her legs.
Suddenly her hand came in to view. It waved its fingers upward "Erik? My Face is not on my legs."
Again, Erik felt himself redden," Your clothes were wet and cold. So I-"
"Hey, it's cool. I was just wondering."
Erik nodded He led her into his room to the second guest room, but she stopped. Erik looked at Cat. She was staring at the coffin. No, not staring -admiring. "It's beautiful. The craftsmanship is great." she gazed at it, staring at the designs craved into the black wood.
Erik was surprised," Do you know what it is?"
Cat turned to give him a look that clearly said 'do you think I'm stupid?' "Of course I know what it is. It's a Persian cat box," sighed seeing the shocked look in Erik's eyes. "I suppose I should stop it. It is a coffin. Is it comfortable?
He glanced at the coffin, "It is."
"Good. So long as you'll comfortable ,"
At Erik's look, she shrugged," What?
I'm not crazy, just a tad eccentric." She said,
"Is there any difference?"
"Yes, insanity," She kidded.
He laughed. It was the first time he'd been in the presence of a woman who enjoyed his company, not shrinking in fear or demanding he kill for her amusement. All it took to amuse her was a simple joke
"Do you still play?" She indicated the massive organ that dominated the entire right wall. "Often my music is the only reason I am still alive." He said solemnly.
"The truth is I am a huge fan of music in all forms, especially Opera. But, I can't sing."
"Sing me a song." He asked, once again distracted. Cat's eyes narrowed. Erik got the impression that if she could, her ears would be pinned back. "I DO NOT sing. I can't. I never sing."
"I did not get the feeling you were shy."
"It has nothing to do with shyness. It's my heart. Too much exertion is bad. So I don't sing."
Erik nodded. No need to anger her and rouse her heart up. "I need to go do a few things. So rest," With that Erik
He turned, and then looked back at her. "You can play if you want; the only thing I ask is that you never touch this." He picked up his manuscript of Don Juan Triumphant and placed it in his coffin. 'It isn't finished." With that he slipped away so fat he was there on minute, gone the next.
Cat stood there, not knowing what to do. She then smirked. He thought she could play and read music. Ha! Her playing sounded like a 5 year old banging on pots and pans. And reading music? It was like trying to breathe underwater. Impossible! But Cat did know what music was beautiful and not. When she was allowed to sing, she could listen to a peice, then sing it right back. It was one of her talents. Copy Cat. That's what they called her.
Erik hadn't really disappeared; He fell through the trapdoor in his bedchamber and landed on the dirt path that led straight to the Paris Catacombs. It was an escape route should he ever need it. He heard Cat talk to herself. Erik smiled. Finally, someone other then Nadir to talk to. Not that Erik had been talking back. The girl was strange. She knew about him, but did not run screaming or did she cringe when he had touched her. Completing on how she enjoyed talking to him, Erik stole to the costume rooms of the Opera House. He had a felling she would hate dresses; Erik grabbed only two. Her shoes were fine, so he also picked up three pairs of breeches and a few shirts. Erik tried to get the smallest he could. Cat was so small. When she stood she came only up to his chest.
When Erik came back he saw her running her hands over the organ. He stood and watched her. She head her eyes closed. Running them along the pipes that she could reach; she then ran they along the keyboard, never actually touching the ivory keys.
"Why don't you play?" Erik's soft voice made her jump.
With out opening her eyes Cat told him," 'Cause I can't," she then opened her eyes and looked at him," Not all are musical geniuses, Erik." She smiled, "Those for me?" Indicating the clothes.
"Oh, Yes .Here, "with that he placed them in her arms.
"Thank you. My legs were getting cold."
Erik forced himself not to glace at her legs again.
Cat smiled when she saw that he got her mostly breeches. "Wow Erik. You really are a genius."
"Why?"
"Because you would've had a high-old-time getting me into a dress." With that she turned and went into the bedroom.