Disclaimer: I own nothing, but you knew that.

Chapter 11: Four Month Interlude

Four months went by fairly quickly. You're probably wondering why I'm skipping so much time. Simply put, there really isn't much to tell about those four months. It was a rather quiet period in my stay there. I continued to help Louise around the house and Erik continued to have dinner with me. The bruises Erik had inflected soon disappeared. Less then a month later, I was back to normal.

There were, however, two important events that happened within those four months. One of them was that Erik played the piano again for me. It happened two months after the disaster of the first time. The subject of music had been avoided since then. Neither of us was anxious for a repeat.

I was busy in the kitchen that day, helping Louise cook some sort of soup. It was known by then that I was a terrible chef, so Louise had me stirring it. While she was down in the pantry fetching some sort of vegetable, Erik walked into the kitchen. I was surprised to see him. He never showed himself before dinner.

"Smells delicious. I take it we're having this for dinner?" He questioned as he walked over and looked at the soup. Without answering, I scooped a little up and offered it to him to taste. He gladly accepted.

"That tastes wonderful. You two outdid yourselves today." Louise heard that comment and laughed as she walked back into the room, arms loaded with vegetables. "Why are you laughing?" Erik asked, cocking his head to the side.

"She's laughing because I had nothing to do with it. I can't cook. My biggest part is stirring the soup." He laughed at me. His eyes were alight with joy. I always loved seeing him like that. There were too many times when those eyes were sad or angry.

"Louise, you better not leave my service anytime soon then. With that report, I don't think I'd trust Elizabeth to cook my supper." I was tempted to throw some soup at him. Instead, I opted for one of the vegetables Louise had laid down on the table. Erik caught it in his hand and shook his head.

"You should learn to throw better, Elizabeth. But, I didn't come down here to congratulate you on good soup. I came to see if I could take your helper away for a few minutes, Louise."

"Well, of course, sir. You can take her if you wish. She's not much help anyway." Louise winked at me. "She can't even cook a loaf of bread. Take her away and leave me and my kitchen in peace." Both of them enjoyed teasing me. Probably because I was the youngest of the group.

"Will do, Louise. Will do. Come, Elizabeth. There is something I want you to hear." I followed him out of the kitchen, sending evil glances Louise's way. She just laughed and continued to cook.

Erik and I walked up the stairs to the piano/parlor room. I hadn't been up there since had he asked me to forgive him for the bruises and his anger. Nothing had changed. There was still a couch, some high backed chairs, and the piano. He walked over to that and sat down.

"I wrote this a few days ago and I wanted to see what you thought of it." It dawned on me that he was actually going to play something for me. I couldn't believe it. I was overjoyed. I loved his playing and I still heard it sometimes in the dead of night when all other creatures were asleep, save him.

He started played the song. Emotions washed over me; mainly those of sadness and sorrow. It was a sad song. Being careful not to get too carried along, I made sure I didn't hum or sing but just swayed along with the music. The song ended too soon for me. He sat back and waited to hear my remarks.

"I thought it was beautiful." I said, smiling at him. "Where did you ever learn to play like that? I've known plenty of musicians and none of them could ever play that well." He smiled happily.

"I'm glad you like it. It's not finished and I do not have a name for it as of yet. Where did I learn? I taught myself." He sank into deep thought. When he emerged, his first comment was on my knowing musicians. "You've known some musicians, yes? That is something you've never told me before."

"Well, I haven't known anyone famous, but my brother liked to play the piano." More appropriately, it would have been that my brother will like to play the piano, but Erik didn't know about my "past" yet. "Please, let's not discuss that." I begged. He agreed.

From then on, every few days or so, he'd invite me upstairs and play something for me. Those were the best of times. He was usually in a good mood and we'd talk for an hour or two. The only downfall was that he still treated me like a child. And I hated it. I was in love with him and he couldn't or wouldn't see it. As frustrating as it was, though, I sort of understood.

The second important event of those four months was Christmas. Yes, Christmas. That is one of the best times of the year. For me, though, it only reminded me of what I had lost. It was my first Christmas without family. And though I was beginning to think of Erik and Louise as family, they couldn't replace my mom or dad or brother. I tried to loose myself in the holiday and not think of them.

One question nagged at me as the time for Christmas drew near, what was I to get Erik? What do you get for someone who seems to have everything? I asked Louise about it. She was no help.

"Whatever you get him will be good, dear. As long as it's from you." I wanted to scream. This was worse than buying for my boyfriend, who only wanted kisses for Christmas. I finally decided to get him something generic: a music book. Silly, I know. What did the greatest genius of all times need with a music book? Nothing. But, it was all I could think of.

Christmas came. We had a nice breakfast and then we exchanged presents. Louise was included in this because she didn't have family close enough to visit with and because she was just part of the family. I gave Louise a scarf and a brooch. She was very happy with them. Erik laughed at my gift but said he would have great fun playing the songs out of it (in reality, I don't think he ever used it).

For me, Louise had gotten a fairy tale book, full of colorful pictures. I absolutely loved it. I started flipping through it and reading one of the stories when Erik cleared his throat. I had forgotten that Erik still had a gift to give to me.

"Here you go, child. I know it's not practical, but I hope you like it." He handed me a small box. I opened it, nearly screaming. No, it wasn't a ring. That comes later. It was a silver bracelet with sapphires in it. It was gorgeous.

"Thank you so much, Erik. I love it." He smiled and I leaned over and gave him a hug. It was the first time I'd ever dared to do that and I caught him off guard. But, I think he liked it.

"Merry Christmas, Elizabeth." He pulled away and looked at me. "I'm glad you have made yourself at home here. I hope we have many more good Christmases to come." We all agreed to that. So, my first Christmas in Paris went well.

New Years came on fast after Christmas. I decided to throw a party for the three of us. Louise thought it great fun. She helped me make appetizer food (which turned out okay, if I may say so myself) and I decorated the house with colorful paper I had found. Erik just shook his head and let us have our fun. I suppose the concept of a New Year's party without friends was a little weird, but I didn't care. He had no friends and I had none either, so it was a "family" affair.

It went rather well. Around ten o'clock, we heard fireworks. Someone else was obviously having a party. I went outside to try to see them. Unfortunately, the other houses in the area blocked the view. Needless to say, Erik stayed inside. I stood outside for a few minutes, though, watching the snow fall down. It was a beautiful night.

At midnight, Louise and I cheered. Erik just smiled. I had a feeling he was just doing this to please us and had no real interest in it at all. I ran around and hugged each of them. I must admit, I hugged Erik longer than I probably should have. Couldn't help it. He was slightly uncomfortable and I let him go due to that.

"Happy New Year"! I exclaimed. I received the same answers in return and we all went to bed. I had a hard time falling asleep because of the image of another New Year's party floating around in my head. It was the one that happened in the Phantom of the Opera movie. I wondered if Eric had been thinking about that. It wouldn't have surprised me. With those lovely thoughts floating around in my head and "Masquerade" playing in my head as well, I went to sleep.