Christine sang scales and sweet melodies for over an hour before Erik finally signaled for her to stop.
"You have a fine voice," he said, turning to her. "But it could use a little work."
Christine blushed. Although she knew that it was an incredible honor to have such a musical genius like Erik say that she had a 'fine voice,' she felt embarrassed and disappointed with herself. She jerked out of her own thoughts when Erik spoke again.
"Would you like to stay here for some time while I tutor you?" His green eyes stared, almost pleadingly, up into Christine's. Christine desperately wanted to stay, but she knew that she must return to her own time, somehow, before it was too late.
"Well... I would like to..." she murmured, "but..."
"Ah. I know." Erik stood and Christine followed his lead. "You know you must return to your family in the future." Christine was baffled. How did he know about that? Erik continued, answering her question. "I am one of the few exceptional magicians in the country that possesses true, rare magical power. So, I guess you could say I am some sort of Wizard." He laughed. "Although I much rather prefer the title of magician. Anyway, I brought you back here. Into 1870. In the meanwhile, I can keep time frozen in the future for up to six months." He smiled. "Is that satisfactory?"
Christine gasped. "Oh, yes! I would love to stay!" and she flung herself into Erik's arms, much to his surprise and confusement. Stunned, he awkwardly patted her back in return. Christine broke the embrace. "But... can you go into the future? I know if I could time-travel, I would like to see a glimpse of what lies ahead."
Erik sighed. "It doesn't work that way. I don't know why..." he ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm trying to figure it out." And with that, he walked quickly towards the door, his long black cape billowing out behind him. "The evening meal is found in the kitchen," he called back, still walking. "First door to your left in the hallway. I hope you don't mind that I won't be joining you. I am not like normal men; I feel no need to eat on a daily basis. Please do not seek me out. I do not wish to be disturbed. Good day to you, Madamoiselle." And with one fluid movement, he opened the two grand doors and shut them swiftly again behind him after he exited the room.
Christine raised her eyebrows, feeling a little uncomfortable. She didn't exactly like the idea of staying in this gloomy place all by herself, much less not knowing when Erik would make his next appearance. Christine gave a long sigh, and then walked the long length of the room to the doors. She shuddered as she closed herself out into the sinister hallway, and quickly hurried to the first door on the left -- where Erik had said her dinner awaited her.
Erik
After storming out of the music room, Erik raced down to his bedroom, deep underneath the hallway and other rooms. He cursed himself for being so quick to anger. He had meant for Christine to feel welcome here; he did not want to scare her away like that! But he just could not control his temper. His tinkering with time was one of his many frustrations; as much as he tried, he could not seem to be able to throw himself into the future. Christine had been his first attempt at bringing a person into the past, as well. With this motivation, Erik was sure that the discovery for going into the future was due to come soon. However, one terrifying thought occured to him... if he was not able to send himself into the future... would he be able to return Christine to her home in 2006?
Another wave of self-fury engulfed him, and he ripped open the door to his bedroom and flung himself onto his knees in front of the fireplace, tears of frustration brimming at the edge of his eyes. He was determined to return the poor girl back to her home after the six months had passed; the horror of accidentally trapping her in the past would tear him apart.
He gazed around in anger at his bedroom. Dark gauzes of black and blood-red were streamed across the room, and the looming fireplace had a silently crackling fire dancing deep within it. His bed was a large circle; draped across it were sheets of black silk. The room had a haunting, gothic feel to it... but it comforted Erik. His breathing slowed and his head cleared. He must return to Christine and apologize... tomorrow.
It could wait.
A/N - Hoped you like it! More to come soon, when I have time to write