Chapter 10
A Birthday Surprise Turns Into A Nightmare

Erik couldn't help but notice how her rosy cheeks made her look even more beautiful. After she danced with her brother, Corrine breathlessly put her brother down.
"Go on to bed sweet. I'll be there soon to say good night," Corrine said as she tried to catch her breath.
Alec walked over to Erik and hugged him.
"Night Erik."
"Good night Alec. I hope you sleep well," Erik said as he returned the hug.

Corrine watched as Alec ran to his room. After he was gone, Corrine turned to Erik.
"How long have you been watching us? You aren't a spy are you?" Corrine said jokingly.
Erik couldn't help but to catch the twinkle in her eye.
"I've been watching long enough. As for the spy accusation, that's my secret."
Corrine could tell there was something different about Erik, but she just couldn't put her finger on it. She turned to go to her brother, when she remembered something. She turned to face Erik, and all joking ceased.

"Erik, tomorrow is Alec's birthday. My parents have never observed it, but I always try to have a little something for him. I am going to the bakery first thing in the morning to get a small cake. Do you think you could keep an eye on him for me? It would only be for a hour or so."
"Of course, Corrine. I'd be honored."
"Do you suppose you could join us? I know he'd be completely upset with me if I didn't invite you to his party."
Erik was taken by surprise. Was she serious? She was actually inviting him to a party?
"I do believe this is the first time I was personally invited to a party. I usually just attend regardless whether I've been invited or not," Erik chuckled.
"Actually, it won't be much of a party. It will only be Alec and I."
"Alec is such a dear boy. Of course I'll be there. What time?"
"Is two o'clock tomorrow afternoon all right with you?"
"Yes, I'll be there. Until then sweet lady," Erik said as he gently kissed Corrine's hand.
The simple gesture made Corrine blush, which didn't go unnoticed by Erik. Before she could ask him the reason behind the simple kiss, he turned to leave.
"Erik?"
Erik stopped in his tracks and turned around. Corrine walked over, and had to stand on tiptoe to gently kiss his unmasked cheek.
"Thank you for giving me a wonderful evening."
"The pleasure was all mine," Erik said.
He watched until Corrine was out of sight.

"Yes, Corrine. The pleasure was all mine," Erik whispered.

"Erik, you came to my party," Alec shouted as he ran to greet his friend."Happy Birthday Alec."
"Don't mind him Erik. He's been like this for the last hour. Now Alec, I know you're excited, but you'll have to calm down. Do you want to cut your cake first or do you want your gift?"
"Gift."
"Why doesn't that not surprise me?" Corrine said as she rolled her eyes.
Corrine walked over to her wardrobe to get the present she'd hidden there a month ago.
"Here Alec," Corrine said as she handed him his gift.
He opened it and found a stuffed rabbit that Corrine had obviously made herself.
"I love it Cori. I'll sleep with it every night. I love you," Alec said as he ran to hug his sister.
"Okay you want to cut the cake now?" Corrine asked.
"Not yet, Corrine," Erik interrupted.
Erik could tell that Corrine was confused.
"I haven't given Alec my gift yet. Come here Alec."
"Erik, you didn't have to get him anything. I didn't mean for you to feel obligated to get him anything," Corrine said feeling guilty.
Erik waved her away as Alec walked over to where Erik was sitting. Erik waited until Alec was standing right in front of him before he started speaking.
"Alec, this is my favorite thing, but I know you'll love it just as much as I do. Promise me that you'll take good care of it."
"I promise Erik," Alec said solemnly.
Erik carefully handed him the gift. Corrine saw it and gasped. It was a music box with a monkey on top.
"But Erik, it's your monkey box. Are you sure you want to give it to me?""Alec, you were the only one that really saw the person I am. You have become a really dear friend to me. I could never think of anyone I'd rather give it to."
"Not even Christine?" Alec whispered low enough that Corrine couldn't hear.
The statement shocked Erik, and he wasn't prepared to hear that name again.
"No, Alec. Not even Christine. I must go. Happy Birthday Alec," Erik said trying quickly to leave the room.
"You haven't had any cake yet," Alec called out as Erik closed the door.