Forgetfulness

Once Erik had finished showing Christine all of the many elegant rooms in the Royal Opera House, he led her to the stage as rehearsal was beginning.

There were different groups of people scattered across the stage, gossiping amongst each other. Although as Erik walked into the room, the crowd quickly fell silent.

"All right everyone, thank you for coming this morning. I would like to introduce to you the newest member of my staff: Christine Daae," Erik announced, looking at Christine from the corner of his eye.

Christine blushed and ducked her head as there was a murmur of hello's throughout the audience. Her shyness amused Erik.

"Everyone grab a script, we'll begin today by working on the ballet dancing in Act Two. All dancers in this scene get on stage. The rest of you need to take a seat and review your part," Erik yelled, giving his orders. Christine marveled at how everyone followed exactly what he said with no complaint. For the short time she was in Il Muto, there was always someone who had a problem with the director.

Erik guided Christine onto the stage where a short lady, with a stern look on her face greeted them. She had dark, brown hair that was twisted sharply into a bun at the back of her head. Her dark eyes were not unkind, but her jaw was set in a way that made her look determined.

"Good morning Marie. Allow me to introduce you to my new assistant, Christine Daae," Erik said, for what seemed like the 50th time that day.

"Welcome Christine. I am the ballet director. I'm sure you'll love it here." Although this lady had a strict appearance, Christine decided that her voice was very motherly and soothing.

"Thank you…" Christine wasn't sure what she should call her.

"Madame Giry," Marie finished.

"Thank you, Madame Giry. I do love it here, everythingisso beautiful," Christine replied which earned her a warm smile from Marie.

She fits right in, Erik thought.

Hours later, rehearsal was over and everyone began filing out the door. Once most everyone had gone, Erik approached Christine who had been sitting in one of the chairs, watching the performance.

"Thank you for coming today, Christine." Erik just loved saying her name. "You should come the same time tomorrow. And you might want to look over this tonight also." Erik handed her a copy of the script, hoping she'd get a better understanding of the opera. She took it gratefully.

"Thank you, I can't wait to read it!" Christine exclaimed, having wanted a copy all day. Erik was amused at how this had excited her so.

"You're quite welcome. I'll see you tomorrow," Erik responded. He stared at her for a moment before awkwardly patting her shoulder and walking towards his office.

Once he left Christine sat back down in the chair and glanced at the title: An Ocean Apart. As Christine sat there, she gradually became emerged in the story and found that she couldn't tear her eyes from the page. The opera was about a girl named Clara, 19, in the late 1800's who traveled from America to Athens on a summer vacation. While there she fell in love with 21 year old Demetrious who thought of her only as a little sister. She spends her whole summer trying to make him fall in love with her. By the end of her trip she not only discovers that he's completely oblivious to her loving him, but he is already courting someone that attends school in Italy. Brokenhearted, Clara returns to America, when a year later Demetrious appears at her window. After they both share a passionate love song to test their feelings for each other, he kisses her and proposes marriage. Before she accepts he tells her that he had found out that his previous girlfriend had not truly loved him for she had found another guy in Italy. After hearing this, Clara accepts his proposal and they are wed two months later in Santorini, Greece where they spend the rest of their lives.

Christine finished the story, wiping the tears from her eyes. She had always been easily touched by romances such as these. She began putting the script in her bag, and heading towards the front door. She was supposed to have left an hour ago, but couldn't bear to have stopped in the middle of Clara and Demetrious' love story.

She saw the rain still pouring outside, and that's when the events of the morning came flashing back to her. It had taken her this long to remember that she didn't have a car. Stupid, Christine, stupid! She only prayed Erik was still here.

After talking to Christine, Erik made his way back to his office where Nadir was already working. He sat down at his desk and began going through the script, making mental notes to tell Christine. He had enjoyed watching her today, as she sat on the edge of her seat whenever someone sang or danced in a way that shocked her.

"How was Christine's first day?" Nadir finally inquired.

"I think she will adjust well," was Erik's abrupt response.

"She seems to be a smart girl. I'm glad you hired her." Nadir glanced out at the dreary rain that was still pouring outside. "So, how did Christine get home?" He had heard one of the dancers talking about Christine's car troubles earlier. She had apparently overheard the incident between Christine and Erik upon Christine's arrival.

"What do you mean?" Erik asked. Then it suddenly hit him. He remembered her mentioning that this morning.

"Erik, please tell me you remembered…" Nadir began, but was cut off. Erik had abruptly stood up and ran out the door in search of Christine.

I'm horrible! How could've I forgotten that she was soaked this morning! The worst thing is, she was probably too shy to remind me. I just hope she's not trying to hail a taxi in this weather. Erik suddenly found himself concerned with a women whom he had just met this morning.

Unfortunately, for the second time that day, as Erik rounded the corner he bumped into the person he was looking for. With a shriek of surprise Christine began falling backwards. This time, however, Erik's strong arms managed to catch her before she hit the ground. He pulled her up against him and she regained her balance. Both embarrassed, they realized how close they were standing and quickly jumped apart.

"I just remembered…" they both began saying at the same time.

In spite of her nervousness, Christine began laughing at the situation. This caused Erik to smile at her entertainment.

When she finally began to regain her composure, she straightened herself up, blushing. "Sorry, I just remembered, I don't have a car."

"That's ok, you're not the only one," Erik smirked. Christine smiled at that. Suddenly, the awkwardness struck both of them again, and neither knew what to say. Fortunately, Nadir came behind the corner, having heard what happened.

"Come Christine, we'll drive you home. We'll have atow truck take your car to the shop, and if it's alright with you, we'll drive you to and from the opera house until your car is fixed," Nadir suggested.

"Thanks, but, my friend Meg can…" Christine began.

"Nonsense, it's much easier for us to take you," Erik commanded, having found his voice again.

"Well, I guess. Thank you very much," Christine replied.

They all gathered their stuff and headed to Erik's car. Whenshe realizedwhat the car was, she nearly died.

"Erik! Th-that's a limo!" Christine burst out before she could control herself.

"Very good, Ms. Daae," Erik teased. Nadir laughed silently. He couldn't remember the last time Erik had been sarcastic. This made him suspicious.

"It's just; I've never ridden in one before. I'm sorry, if I offended you." Christine felt bad now.

"You didn't. Now get it in before we all get soaked," Erik replied.

When they pulled up in front of Meg's apartment, where Christine had just recently moved in, Erik opened the door for her and walked with her. The discussed the time Erik should pick her up in the morning and worked out schedules for the next couple of days.

"Thank you for all your help Erik. Not just for the car ride, but, for giving me this job.I don't know what I would've done," Christine said, grateful.

"Think nothing of it. Your talent is needed in this opera," Erik complimented.

This made Christine smile and blush.She bade him goodnight and went inside.

As she lie in bed, she decided that despite the morning, she was satisfied with how the day went.

A/N: Yay! Two updates back to back! That's an improvement for me. I vow to do that more often. Thanks to those who reviewed since my last update. I'm eternally grateful. Please let me know what you think of this chapter. Criticism is good! Review!

Your humble servant,

Greek-Phantomphan