Title: Good Riddance

Rating: T

Disclaimer: Anything anyone ever writes that is Phantom involved will belong to Leroux. Except if, you know, it belongs to someone else.

Summary: (Modern Telling)The final year of high school can be tough, even with the best friends in the world. Christine Daae knows this for a fact. The account of her senior year- new plays, loosing friends and much more. Most importantly, meeting Erik...

Chapter 5- Mr. Song and Dance

"I'm starting to panic, wait wait

Remember she asked you,

remember to breathe.

And everything will be okay."

-Dashboard Confessional's Remember To Breathe

Charlotte

"Who is all coming tonight?" I asked Christine, spraying body spray on.

Saturday went along dull as dirt. Christine and I went grocery shopping. I did a bit of cleaning while Christine took care of Chaucer and watered the flowers.

For some reason, we were both excited about Saturday night.

She ran a brush through her mahogany curls and pulled a face, "Meg and Nat for sure. Rayne said he would, right?"

I nodded, "Yes, so is Erik."

Her hand halted, "How did you find him? I didn't see number anywhere."

I thought back to earlier that day when I spent an hour searching for Erik's work place and nodded as we continued to get ready.

I had went to the mall and asked in the galleries, book stores, and café's. I had no such luck.

After driving through town in the crap-mobile, I finally found a place that might work.

It was a huge brick building that had banners hung off the side of it. There was a pink one that read "Art", a blue one that read "Coffee", a green one that read "Books" and an orange one that read "Boulevard Bakery"- the name of the café/bakery.

I smiled at once, knowing it had to be the place.

I parked the car and headed up the stairs to the entrance. There was a little balcony outside with tables.

I had been there before but never really noticed who worked there. I didn't think Erik had been long (at least not since summer started) because he had just started attending Garnier.

After entering and having a smile at the sight of the little tables and paintings and shelves filled with books, I heard a voice singing. It was low and raw but undeniably exquisite. It had a lure in it. There was a piano accompanying the voice. I didn't really think of it aside from that it was amazing.

I waited in line at the register (there were only two people in front of me). When I reached the man at the register, he let out a smile.

"Hello. Welcome to Boulevard Bakery. Would you be interested in any scones?" he said in a friendly and not fake tone.

I gave a polite smile, "Hi, no thank you, but I was wondering if a guy by the name Erik Dautron worked here?"

His smile grew, "Sure thing. Are you Anne?"

I nodded, lying, "Yes, yes. Anne. That's me."

"Well, go ahead and go up. He should be ready for a break."

"Um... where?" I asked, nervously.

He gestured to the stairs behind me, "Up two flights."

"Thanks," I said, nodding. I turned to leave but paused, "Wait, can I have two blueberry muffins, a frappe and a black coffee?"

I had no idea if Erik liked muffins and black coffee but I decided to go for it.

The man gave me a funny look, "He has your stuff up there. Don't worry about it, Anne."

I blushed, "Oh, of course. Silly me. Thanks, again."

Hurriedly, I went up the stairs to the very top of the building and pushed the door open.

There, on the roof, sat a man with his back to me, seated a piano. He had the same voice as the man I had heard singing downstairs.

I smiled. This was Erik's job. His voice was outstanding. He belonged in our Theatre Company for sure.

I walked over to the piano and smiled as he saw me. He jumped and stopped singing.

"What are you doing here?" he cried.

"Sh!" I laughed, pointing to the microphone.

He blushed and mumbled into it, "Sorry, Charlie."

I assumed Charlie was the man at the register.

He turned off the microphone and glanced back at me.

"How did you find me?"

I rolled my eyes, "'Art, coffee, and books'? It didn't take much brain power... after I looked everywhere else."

He smiled, "You came looking for me?"

I laughed, "Sure. We wanted to invite you to Nat's house tonight."

He scratched his head, "I'm not..."

"Oh, come on, Erik, please? We're not that scary. And I doubt Carly will come."

He smiled a bit.

"So, you sing?" I said, pleased at the fact.

He nodded, "I sing. That is why I auditioned at the school. But..."

"You got nervous," I smiled and he gave a faint nod. "Well, secretly. You're much better than Rayne."

He grinned and I wished I could just see his face. I had seen his smile and that was it.

"Listen, Erik," I said, quietly. "I don't want to be rude-"

"You want to see my face."

I remained silent for a minute, "Please?"

He sighed and was quiet for a long time. Finally, he took his hat off and flung it to the side.

I don't know what I expected the hat to be hiding. A bald spot. A not so pretty face. Maybe a third eye.

I did not think it would reveal a little black mask.

It covered from the top of his lip, up one side of his nose, to his hairline and the entire right side of his face.

Not only was it the first time I saw that side of his face but also the perfectly good side.

It was handsome. More handsome than both Nat's and Rayne's but not in the California hunk way. He was classically handsome. It was defined. He was pale compared to the tan fad going on. His eyes were clear baby blue- the eyes all girls wished to get lost in.

While Nat and Rayne were like Orlando Bloom and Brad Pitt, Erik... Erik just had this serene elegance about him that made him like Cary Grant or Gary Cooper.

I was utterly at a loss for words.

"Eri-" I began.

"Don't ask 'why' or 'how' because I can't talk about it," he said in a rush. "And please don't tell anyone because I'm sick of everyone knowing my secrets."

I nodded hurriedly. He sounded so distraught.

"And I know it's weird but please... just don't ask-"

"Erik," I finally said. "I don't have to ask. I know you have good reason. I mean, you wouldn't go around wearing a mask for no reason, would you?"

He smiled a little. He had a precious smile.

"You won't tell-"

"No!" I said.

"You promise?" he begged.

I looked at his pleading face with his eyebrows knit together in concern and regret. I bent down and picked the hat back up, putting it over his face.

"I swear."

Before he could mention another warning or excuse, the door behind us opened and a girl entered.

I immediately knew it was "Anne". She was younger than Erik (for sure- she looked like she might have just entered ninth grade) but had a striking resemblance in the face and form. She was very pretty with long blonde hair unlike Erik's brown. Seeing me, she raised an eyebrow.

She wore no mask.

"Charlie told me that 'Anne' was already up here but I thought he was joking," she said in a light, high voice.

I blushed and Erik peered at me strangely.

"It was a mistake," I mumbled.

He smiled again, "Anne- this is Charlotte. Charlotte- my baby sister, Anne Dautron."

She gave a pleasant smile, "Hey. It's nice to meet you. I didn't know Erik had friends..."

"Shove it," he blushed, I'm sure. I know I would have.

"Well," she said, giving a shrug and knowing nod. "What's up?"

I smiled, "Nothing much, really. Just inviting Erik to a party tomorrow..."

"Oh, my God, Erik... you are going to party? Someone has convinced you to go? You're going?" she squealed. I laughed and Erik dropped his head in his hands.

"Anne-"

"Where is it? Who all is going? Are you a popular girl?" she asked eagerly.

I grinned, "Erik, can you come? No work?"

He turned to his piano, "I'm not sure if-"

"Oh, he's going," Anne intruded. "Just give me the address."

I smiled, "Erik, you're sister is charming."

"As much as a-"

"Watch it, moron," Anne stuck out her tongue and then gave me a fabulous smile. "So, what time?"

Christine and I left for Nat's at six. He lived in a really fancy part of town a few blocks away. All of the citizens in our town lived nestled together.

We drove the crap-mobile in all of its junky glory.

"Are you nervous?" Christine suddenly mumbled as we drove into his drive-way that sat in front of a luxurious white house.

"What?" I asked, slamming the brake (not from fury but to stop the sorry-excuse for a car).

"I'm nervous for Rayne and... Erik..." she murmured.

We both got out of the car and she smiled as she jerked her door close.

I grinned and hugged her as we went to the door, "You're just sweet like that."

I rang the doorbell and almost immediately, a maid opened to door. I recognized an elderly lady named Deb. She gave a sweet smile.

"Hello, girls," she said. We had known her for years. She had worked in the Persion's massive house since they moved here from New York. She, a butler, Geffory, and a cook, Tony, all worked at the house full time.

"Hello, Deb," I smiled, following her inside and Christine nodded. Suddenly, we were attacked by two little brown fur balls named Nicole and Nancy. They were Nat's little sisters. Nicole was ten and Nancy was nine. We adored them like they were our own sisters.

"Christine!" Nancy yelled.

"Charlotte!" Nicole yelled as well.

They gave us both hugs and began talking at the same time.

"Whoa- darlings-" I laughed holding up a hand. "Where's your brother?"

Nancy giggled, "With Meg in the game room."

I pretended to whisper, "Well, we better get down there."

Nicole gave a knowing smile and Nancy gave a silly wink. They waved goodbye before dashing away and Christine and I made our way to Nat's game room.

The game room was outstanding. There was a home entertainment system featuring karaoke, a fuzz ball table, pinball machine, pool table and even a bowling lane. It was a room you could never get bored in.

When we entered, Meg was on the couch, sipping a drink and Nat was flipping through the DVD shelves. Janie was seated next to Holden on a love seat and he was fiddling with her hair.

"Hey," Meg brightened as we came in. She had dressed up a bit for seeing Nat. I smiled at that.

"Hi," Christine said and I waved.

"What's up?" Holden asked, draping an arm around Janie who waved to us.

"We're just waiting for you guys," Nat grinned at us.

"Who all is coming?" I asked, putting my purse on the table to the side.

Nat shook his head, " Andy had to work at the shop and Carly and James had plans for a date. Are Rayne and Erik-"

"They should be," I said.

A moment later, the doorbell rang. Nat made his way to the stairs.

"I better get it before Nan and Nic get to them."

I laughed and sat next to Meg as he left.

"This should be interesting," she said. "Having two new people to hang out with... Rayne the Cali god and Erik the..."

"He's not so weird," I said. "I talked to him awhile today. He's normal like the rest of us. He even has a little sister and a job."

"Does she where a hat?" Meg asked, grinning.

"Meg-" Christine started to say but suddenly Nat walked down, both Rayne and Erik following.

"Hey," I said, standing. Rayne gave a big grin and Erik smiled, meekly.

"Did you guys ride together?" Janie asked, puzzled.

"No," Rayne said, glancing at Erik. "Just the same timing."

Erik smiled again and nodded.

"Well, guys," Nat said. "This is my house and this is my game room. Bathroom's down that way, you can set your coats and hats here and drinks are over there."

"So," Christine said, clasping her hands together and plopping on the couch. "What shall we do first?"

"What do you guys want to do?" Nat asked, grabbing a drink.

"I want to bowl," Meg said, standing and moving to the little lane.

Holden shrugged, "Bowling is good-"

"Bowling is stupid," Janie said at the same time. Holden gulped and sat back down. Nat adjusted the music player and a bit of jazz music began.

I grinned at Nat as he sipped his drink, "Nice boys like jazz."

He nodded and moved to the pool table and set it up, "Who's up for a game?"

Christine stood and moved, "Only if I get a partner."

Meg stopped bowling and scurried to where Nat was, "I'm up for it."

Rayne nodded, "I'm alright at it."

"Well," Nat said. "How about the two guys against the two girls? That is unless Erik and Lotte want to play?"

"No," I said, holding up a hand. "I'm set."

Erik nodded, "No, thanks."

Nat began the pool game and I smiled at Erik.

"This is your type of music."

He nodded and relaxed into the space next to me, "Very much. I love jazz."

We chatted on about the greatness of jazz music for awhile until Meg brightened, "Karaoke!"

"Yeah!" I smiled and Nat nodded. He plugged up the machine, pulled out the microphone and grabbed the karaoke cds.

"Everyone pick a song to perform," he said, handing out the discs. I glanced over them before picking.

"Who's first?" Nat asked. Meg hopped up.

"Here- I'll sing the inevitable," she grinned. Nat glanced at the cd then rolled his eyes.

"Not again..."

The music started and "My Heart Will Go On" began.

"Oh, Meg!" I said, slapping my head.

"Be more creative next time," Nat laughed.

She finished her overly dramatic performance and I went next- singing "Beauty and the Beast".

Christine giggled, "Attack of Celine Dion."

"Are you trying out for Belle later this year?" Rayne asked.

I nodded, "I try out for the leads most of the time. If I don't audition for Belle, then I'll try for the really annoying feather-duster."

Nat smiled as he stood and started his song. "Kissing a Fool" by George Michael. He just always blew me away. He had a very rich voice full of talent.

Not as much as Erik.

Rayne went next (we didn't ask Janie and Holden to go). He sang "With or Without You" by U2 (an excellent choice in my opinion). He was well-trained and such but not natural like Nat and Erik.

He was great, though.

Erik stood, hesitantly.

"Oh, you'll humiliate us all," I said, nodding. "Go!"

He bit his lip and Nat peered at me, "You've heard him sing?"

I nodded, "Today at his work. He's just mind-boggling."

Erik gulped and nodded to Nat who started the song.

At that moment, Nan and Nic ran down.

"We want to sing!" Nan cried.

"Yeah!" Nic agreed.

"Back off-" Nat warned, pushing them towards the door.

"Oh, Nat," Christine insisted. "Let them stay! They won't harm anything."

Nat huffed but finally returned to his seat. Nan and Nic scrambled to the couch and peered strangely at Erik who looked scared out of his wits.

The music began and I smiled. It was "My Funny Valentine" by Frank Sinatra (and many others).

He started. Slowly, Christine's mouth started to fall open. Nat's eyes widened. Rayne looked surprised to say the least. I smiled. He was really that good.

When he was finished and there was a full minute of silence, Rayne finally said, "And you left the audition why?"

He shrugged, "I didn't think I was really good enough."

Christine laughed, "Good enough?"

"Dude," Rayne said. "You belong on Broadway now."

He smiled, humbly, "Thanks."

Nat shook his head, "This guy needs to be in Drama."

"I know," I mumbled.

"So?" Christine said with a smile. She looked at him and I saw a dazed little look in her chestnut eyes that I had never seen in seventeen years. "Do you dance?"

I couldn't help but grin.

We should only be so lucky.