The Girl Next Door
"Happy Birthday dear Christine, Happy Birthday to you!"
Christine blew out the candles as her workmates cheered and applauded. She blushed and grinned around at them, straightening her yellow party hat.
"You didn't have to do this, guys."
"We wanted to. It's not everyday you turn twenty-five!" Jammes said cheerfully. Meg sniggered.
"You're a quarter of a century old!"
"Great, now I feel ancient." Christine muttered, as Tessa began to cut the cake up and hand bits out. Sorelli thrust a present at her.
"Here! Open mine first!"
As she unwrapped the brightly papered gifts, Meg asked,
"What's Erik got you?"
"I don't know."
"I bet it's something really romantic. He seems the type." Sorelli said, sitting down and placing her hands comfortably over her stomach. Now five months into her pregnancy, her bump was at a considerable size. No longer could she get away with pretending that she wasn't pregnant. Of course, being a fashion lover, she had devised several stunning outfits to not only focus on her pregnancy, but make it part of the design. Although the purple party hat, perched at a jaunty angle, rather took away from the effect.
Christine was happily examining her latest gift (Jammes' present of scented bath oils) when Firmin stopped by and held out a bouquet of flowers.
"For my best girl."
"Richard, I'm hurt! I thought I was your best girl?" Meg said in a wounded voice. Firmin rolled his eyes and Christine smiled.
"Thanks Richard."
"No problem." He eyed the cake and Christine laughed.
"Help yourself." He promptly did so and as he sat down with them all to chat, they were joined by Steven. Sorelli simply picked up a piece of cake, balancing it on her bump as she started to talk with Meg. Steven handed Christine a box of chocolates.
"From the communications department."
"Thanks Steven." Christine smiled. Steven nodded, cast a wary glance at Meg and Sorelli and hurried away.
Firmin arched an eyebrow.
"You made an impression on that one, Meg."
"Are you going to tell me off?"
"Don't be ridiculous. I can't be bothered to sort out office dramas." He brushed a few crumbs from his moustache and stood up. "Enjoy your birthday, Christine."
Christine nodded and looked around at the numerous gifts.
"I think I might call Erik and see if he'll give me a lift home. I'll never be able to carry all of this back."
"Yes, it must be tragic, being so popular and loved." Sorelli said in a cheerful voice. Christine had actually been very surprised at the number of gifts she'd received. She hadn't realised how many people she'd actually made an impression on at the office.
"Happy birthday, Christine." Said a voice behind her. Christine peered around and inwardly groaned as Raoul smiled, clutching a gift in his hands.
"What are you doing here, Raoul?" She said tiredly.
"I needed to talk with Firmin and since I was here, I figured I'd drop off your gift."
"Do you not remember what I said about gifts?"
"Accept them, say thank you and not return it to the shop as soon as I leave?" Raoul guessed. Christine couldn't help smiling. She was in a good mood and even Raoul's presence wouldn't put her off.
"Not quite."
"Have it anyway. Happy birthday." He put it down with her other gifts and strolled to Firmin's office, whistling nonchalantly.
Christine chewed the inside of her cheek. Meg watched her impatiently.
"Well? Aren't you going to open it?" She demanded after several moments. Christine shrugged.
"I don't know."
"Fine, I'll do it." Meg said, seized the gift and pulled the paper off. Christine began to object but Meg had already opened the present. It was a box set of classical CD's. Meg looked decidedly unimpressed but Christine picked up the case to read the list of songs.
"Wow… I hate to admit this, but this is really good."
"Aren't you being a bit childish? I mean… he really looks like he just wants to be friends again. There's no rule that divorced couples have to hate each other." Sorelli pointed out. Christine shrugged again.
"I don't know. Maybe. Anyway, I'd better pack all of this stuff up and ring Erik."
Of course, Erik agreed to come and meet her after work. He was standing outside when she struggled through the door with a large number of gifts and balloons, still wearing her party hat. He smirked at the sight and took several gifts off of her, placing them in the boot of the car. She smiled.
"Thank you, Erik. I never would have made it home."
"It's not exactly a chore." He pointed out. Christine beamed at him.
"So… do I get a birthday kiss?"
He happily obliged. Christine waved goodbye to Sorelli and Meg, who were heading to Sorelli's for an evening of Johnny Depp films and climbed into the car.
"What's the plan for the evening then?" She asked. Erik lifted his visible eyebrow as they stopped at a red traffic light.
"The plan is that I make you your favourite dinner, pour you a glass of your favourite wine, put on one of your favourite films and then seduce you."
"Excellent plan."
"I thought so too." He smirked. Christine laughed and as he pulled forward he asked, "What did you get for your birthday?"
Christine began to run off the list of presents, before hesitating.
"And…uh, Raoul stopped by to see Firmin and gave me some classical CD's." Erik looked at her with an expression that can only be described as irate bewilderment. "I thought it was weird as well. But if he's going to be all sensible and mature about it, so am I."
"Hmm." Erik replied flatly. Christine smiled.
"But right now, I just want to get home and spend the evening with you."
"I'm extremely glad to hear it." Erik commented, pulling into Gaston Place. Cat was sat patiently by the door and followed them inside. Once upstairs, Christine went to change into something more comfortable than her work clothes, whilst Erik began to prepare dinner. He had imagined that her favourite meal would have been something far more extravagant than Shepherd's Pie, but each to their own.
Christine crossed back to Erik's apartment. He was in the kitchen. Christine smiled and then caught sight of some music that was perched on the piano. She went to have a look and found it to be from Don Juan Triumphant. The folder was lying on top of the piano and she tucked them inside, not wanting them to get ruined. But as she opened the folder, she saw some costume designs. The name Aminta was written carefully next to each of the drawings of a woman with dark curls, brown eyes and pale skin in a variety of beautiful costumes. Christine lifted one of the drawings to examine the picture before glancing at the music. He had been changing it, altering the notes. She read some of the lyrics and then jumped as Erik, who was standing just behind her, said,
"Did I leave that out?"
"Erik! I mean… yes, there was some music out and I didn't want it to get ruined…" She said, going rather red. Erik looked at her curiously.
"Are you quite alright?"
"Yes, I just… I didn't mean to look but-"
"It's fine." He shuffled the music back into place. Christine glanced at the paper.
"You've been changing it?"
"Slightly. A few songs needed altering." He glanced at her. "Calm yourself. I'm not angry. Tea?"
The atmosphere warmed again and Christine sat with Erik to watch the evening news, Cat sat on the coffee table, cleaning his face with one paw. Christine stroked Erik's hand softly, admiring the long fingers and how pale the skin was.
"I've been thinking about buying a car." She said.
"Oh?"
"Yeah. I mean, I've never had much need for one before, but with everything getting so hectic, it might just be the easier option."
"We can go and look for one next week, if you like." Erik offered. Christine nodded and settled to watch the television.
The evening was one of those rare perfect ones. They left the balcony doors open, allowing a balmy July breeze to seep into the apartment as they watched Casablanca and ate Shepherd's Pie.
"Leave the washing up, we can do it in the morning." Christine said, stretching lazily as Erik began to clear the plates. He put them in the kitchen and then returned them to her, pulling her to her feet and over to the balcony. They stood on the small ledge, watching the view. It wasn't generally much of a view, lots of buildings and a few trees in the distance, but the sun had finally begun its descent and cast a beautiful golden glow over the land.
"Would you like your birthday present now?" Erik asked, oh-so-casually. Christine smiled.
"Do you even need to ask?"
He smirked, reached into his pocket and pulled out a narrow jewellery box, covered in black velvet. Christine's eyes widened as he handed it to her.
"Erik…" He was watching her closely and her curiosity overwhelmed her. She opened the box, stared at the contents for a moment, before looking quickly up at Erik and then back to the stunning necklace in the velvet case.
Christine owned many necklaces, in many different colours, but she had never seen one as purely beautiful as this. A slender chain of white gold with a small crystal sphere hanging from it, changing in the light from dark pink, to ruby red. It was one of those laser-shot crystals, with a 3D image in the centre. Christine lifted it form the box to eye level to examine the image inside. It was a rose, petals at full bloom, the stem free from thorns and with a ribbon tied around it.
She gazed at the rose for a moment before looking at Erik.
"This is too much…"
"I want to see you wear it." He interrupted her protests and Christine fell silent. She looked back to the necklace. Erik took it from her hands and turned her, so her back was to him. He softly brushed the hair away from her neck, slipping the chain around her and doing up the clasp at the back before reaching around with his hand to straighten it, with the crystal hanging at the front. He pressed his cheek to her hair and held her gently.
"Happy Birthday, Christine." He murmured, as they watched the setting sun hang in the sky.
"Erik, who is she?" Anna whispered, holding the drawings of Aminta in her hands. Erik stared at her.
"Who is she?" Anna asked again.
"…Christine."
Anna looked down at the drawings again. Erik looked her up and down, bewildered. She looked so… different. She was blurred, as though he were looking at her through frosted glass.
As though he had forgotten exactly what she looked like.
"Christine." She murmured, touching the pencilled face before placing the paper on the piano and turning to him. Erik steeled himself for her words, wanting to push her away and pull her close all at the same time.
"You've forgotten me, haven't you Erik?"
He woke with a strangled rasp. Christine didn't wake, but rolled over in her sleep, dark curls spilling over the pillows. Erik stared down at her and then climbed out of bed, going into the living room. He sank onto the sofa, trembling although the night air was warm. Beads of cold perspiration slipped down his face and Erik made no move to wipe them away. His breathing was ragged but a single word escaped his lips.
"Anna…"
Meg and Sorelli were both very impressed by the necklace the next day. Sorelli whistled as she examined it.
"That, Christine, is one hell of a guy, you've got there."
"I know." Christine smiled in spite of herself. She touched the necklace hanging at her throat and then glanced at her work. "I'd better get some of this editing done. I've got a few final designs to send over to the Hawthorn for their approval. The advertising gig starts at the end of next week, I just don't know where the time has gone."
"That's a non-too subtle hint for us to get lost." Meg grinned, hopping off the desk. "Meet you tonight for birthday drinks?"
"Can't wait." Christine smiled. The four of them (they had invited a delighted Jammes) were meeting at Club Garnier for a couple of hours that evening. She picked up her final pieces and left her office to go to the fax machine. Carlotta and Firmin were nearby and he smiled at Christine.
"Are those the Hawthorn pieces?"
"Ye, just sending them for a final approval before we get the lot printed and sent out. Meg and Jammes have finished the radio advertisements as well, I'll take those over to the theatre later on and if they like them, I can just send them straight out to the radio stations."
"Good work, Christine. I must say, you've been handling your workload remarkably well." Firmin commented. Christine smiled.
"Thanks, Richard."
"Oh, I almost forgot. Jammes has a review coming up, just to see how she's managing here. She's been here for six months now. I'd like you be there with us, you seem to know her best."
"That's fine." Christine checked that the faxes had gone through and then returned to her office, feeling rather cheerful.
Erik, on the other hand, was feeling far from perky. The rehearsals had been fine, the singers on key, the dancers in step, the cues and lighting perfect – but Erik barely noticed.
He had not, of course, told Christine about his dream. How could he? But he did not understand why he was having these dreams again. After Christmas Eve, he had not had a single dream about Anna. He had thought about her, obviously, and had told Christine about her. But he hadn't…
Erik sat in his office, staring at the wall opposite him as he once more became lost in his thoughts. They were only interrupted when he realised Nadir had come into the room.
"I do so hate to interrupt your staring competition with the wall, but the final designs have arrived and I wanted to run them by you." He said, dropping the pile onto his desk. Erik glanced at them and Nadir eyed him. "Is something wrong?"
"No."
"You're lying, Erik." Erik looked at him flatly and Nadir sat on the chair opposite him. "Care to discuss it?"
"Do I ever care to discuss things?"
"No, but I'm hoping Christine has softened you up a little."
Erik picked up the top design from the pile.
"I'm afraid not, Nadir. You may just have to cease in your attempt to turn me into a conventional member of society and get on with your job." Nadir held up his hands in surrender, before standing.
"Your choice, Erik. You know where to find me if you change your mind, although I know exactly how likely that is."
Erik didn't reply. He turned to the next design. Nadir watched him for a moment, sighed heavily and left the office. Erik glanced at the closed door and tossed the design onto the desk, wishing suddenly that he had had the courage to tell Nadir exactly what was on his mind.
Christine left the office a little early in order to take the radio adverts to the Hawthorn. She sat on the bus, examining one of Jammes' designs until it was her stop. She walked the few minutes to the theatre and went inside. The receptionist glanced up.
"How may I help you?" She asked.
"I'm looking for either Mr Khan or Mr Destler, I'm from Populaire Advertising."
"Mr Khan is in the main theatre and Mr Destler is in his office."
"No, I'm right here." Nadir said, emerging from a corridor. Christine smiled at him and held up the CD's.
"Radio advertisements. I just need you to listen and approve so I can send them to the stations."
"Come right through."
She followed Nadir along a corridor, until he stopped her.
"I don't suppose you have any idea what's gotten into Erik?"
"No, why? Is he alright?" She asked, concern growing. Nadir shrugged.
"He's been completely absent all day. Mentally, I mean. He was barely paying attention to the rehearsals and he's refusing to talk to me, although that's nothing new. I was wondering if you knew anything."
"No, he was fine earlier…"
Although, come to think of it, Erik hadn't been completely himself that morning. He had behaved normally but she had caught him staring at her and then looking away quickly almost as soon as she looked at him. Christine frowned.
"I don't know. I'm sure he's fine."
"Maybe." Nadir paused and then smiled. "Let's listen to these recordings. I'll find the great virtuoso himself."
He led her to Erik's office, knocking on the door and entering before a reply was given. Erik was scribbling on some paper, clearly deeply occupied.
"What do you want?" He snapped, not looking up.
"We were wondering if you'd like to listen to the radio advertisements before I send them to the stations." Christine answered for Nadir. Erik's head snapped up in astonishment.
"Christine!"
"Well, at least he's glad to see one of us." Nadir commented dryly. "Let's listen to the advertisements, shall we?" He crossed to the CD player and began to set it up. Erik glanced at the clock, surprised at the time and began to clear his desk, stopping once the sound began. Meg and Jammes had taken excerpts of the music that the theatre had provided and hired a professional female voiceover to give the name and details of the opera. Christine had been incredibly pleased with the result. Jammes and Meg had been overjoyed at the praise they were receiving, Jammes especially. Christine had already decided to keep her on the radio gigs from now on.
"That…" Nadir said as the advert finished, "is exceptionally impressive."
"I thought so too." Christine agreed. She looked at Erik, who nodded.
"I don't think it could be much better than that."
"Fantastic. I'll send it off tomorrow then, it should be ready in time for the advertising campaign."
"Good. Well, you may as well leave, Erik, there's not much else you can get done today. And try to come back in a sweeter mood tomorrow." Nadir said. Erik glowered at him for a moment, but he merely smiled beatifically and left the office. Christine suppressed a smile as Erik muttered darkly about a noose and Nadir.
"Someone's in a bad mood." She commented lightly. Erik looked up at her and finally gave a smile.
"Hmm. I didn't sleep particularly well and I just can't concentrate today."
"Let's go home. I'll make us some dinner and then you can get an early night, whilst I go to meet Meg, Jammes and Sorelli for birthday drinks."
"That sounds like a good idea." Erik said, reaching for his jacket.
"Twenty-five years and counting! Congratulations, Christine." Meg gave the toast as they all clinked glasses. Jammes smiled.
"You make it sound like she's got a week left before she croaks."
"Just because you're still young and carefree." Sorelli commented.
"I'm twenty-two! It's not like you're that much older than me!" Jammes laughed. Christine smiled at their banter and Meg looked at her.
"Well, anyway, happy birthday."
"Thanks guys. It's been a really… interesting year. But at least things are finally alright now. Touch wood." She rapped the table with her knuckles. Meg smiled.
"Yeah, your life has sucked for a while."
"Thanks Meg."
"But as you said, things are better. I mean, you've got one hell of a boyfriend, a great job, absolutely fantastic friends… what more could you need?"
Nothing, Christine thought, as she watched Jammes and Sorelli squabble cheerfully over whose turn it was to buy drinks.
Nothing at all.
A/N: Well, chapter is up! Hopefully it won't be too long before the next one is up either, since I've got half term at the moment, which means a week off. W00t! Anywho, I tried to end on a vaguely cheerful note, it being Valentine's Day tomorrow and, for the first time ever, I actually have a boyfriend to celebrate it with! And if you hate Valentine's Day, there's enough angst in the chapter to get you through, hopefully!
So we're going to see Underworld 2. How romantic.
Anyway, thank you for all the reviews; they are all much loved and appreciative. Please keep them coming! Over 1100 now, unbelievable! You guys rock. You really do.
Love
Katie