Disclaimer: Please see previous chapter.
Chapter 9: Singing
It was my sixth week there in Paris. July was almost over; August was only a week away. I was having my normal dinner with Erik. It wasn't a very lively dinner. No talking at all. We just ate and every once in a while looked at each other. I was bored and wanted to do something with him. We hadn't done anything together except eat. I decided to change all of that. A bright idea entered my mind: music. I wondered if I could convince him to play something for me. It was worth a try. I cleared my throat and he looked up at me.
"Yes, Elizabeth? I can see you have something you want to ask." He gave me a haggard look. "Is it another question about my past? You know I politely asked you to stop asking those kinds of questions." He had and I remained a good little girl and didn't ask any. But, I think he feared my curiosity and knew I just might ask a question. He had nothing to truly fear, though.
"No. Nothing of that sort. I was just wondering." I hesitated. Should I ask? He asked me to continue. "Well, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind playing something for me on the piano. You were wonderful the night I went upstairs and listened. I've also enjoyed your playing during the night. So, would you mind?" I gave him my best puppy-dog look. I think it went over his head, but he agreed anyway.
"All right, child. Since you enjoy it so much, I shall play you something. Are you done with your dinner?" I nodded. Louise came and collected our plates. We went upstairs and into the piano room, as I named the room with the piano. There didn't seem to be a better name for it.
Erik walked over and sat at the piano. He seemed to be thinking of a song to play. I stood on one side of the piano and watched. His eyes lit up and he began to play. The song was beautiful. There are no words to do it justice. I stood there in a trance, as the music washed over me. I didn't even know when I started to hum. I couldn't help myself. It was a beautiful piece and the music compelled me to. I hummed softly along, enjoying myself very much.
With a move quicker than I'd ever seen a normal human execute, Erik slammed his hands down on the keys, causing a noise like a shrieking cat. I jumped, my humming evaporating into the air. He sprang up off the bench and come toward me in a threatening manner. His eyes were a blaze with furry. It was then that I realized his temper was not completely gone or controlled. One mistake on my part and it would all be over.
"Don't you ever sing!" He cried, grabbing my shoulders and shaking me. His fingers dug deep into my skin and I could feel bruises forming. There was nothing I could do to escape. "Don't you ever sing in my presence. Do you hear me? I can't handle it. I just can't handle it." Tears pooled in his eyes and he let go. I slumped against the wall, my heart pounding and my body shaking uncontrollably. I couldn't move.
"Leave me." He whispered, turning his back on me. "Leave me." I fled out of the room as fast as my shaking feet could carry me. I was petrified. I raced past Louise who looked concerned and tried to question me. I ignored her. Running into my room, I slammed the door, threw myself onto the bed, and wept. I didn't see Erik again for another week.