Chapter 9

It was already 2 months after I had gotten sick. Ever since that night we made love after the carriage ride, Erik finally realized that I wasn't so sick anymore if I had the energy to do that.

Eventually I went back to school and we started my lessons again. Lessons weren't like they used to be though. Sometimes if father was home, it was an excuse to have the door closed and we would just kiss each other passionately. Other times when father was away, well, we would sing and make love.

In only 1 month, I would be out on summer vacation. Erik couldn't wait for that because father was usually gone for that entire time. It would be like we were married for 3 whole months! He was trying to plan this huge vacation for the both of us, but wouldn't tell me where. He just said it was a surprise.

One day I was looking through Erik's things to come across his driver's licence. It said it birthday was May 4. That was in two days! Why hadn't he told me? I had to get him a present!

I sat down at my window and began to write a song just for him. It was the perfect birthday gift from a child who couldn't drive yet.

May 4th came quickly. Thankfully, father wasn't home so I snuck into Erik's bedroom early that morning and crawled into bed with him. As he awoke, he was surprised yet pleased to see me there.

"Happy Birthday, Erik!" I said loudly

"Oh Christine, did you search my things again?" he asked

"Yes, I couldn't help it. I am just so fascinated with everything you own! But why didn't you tell me it was your birthday?"

"Well, to be honest Christine, I feel guilty. I turn 26 today, and you are still 13. I'm double your age, Christine. A man my age shouldn't be with a girl your age."

"Erik, don't be silly. I love you no matter your age. Now get up, come see the present I made you."

I took his hand in mine and brought him to the piano. I couldn't play the piano at all, so I had marked all the keys I needed to play with post it notes. Erik laughed as he saw me sit down to play him something.

"I know it looks ridiculous, but this is from the heart."

I began to play my song that I had wrote for him and he soon sat down on the edge of his bed, just watching with love in his eyes at me.

"Away from you, there is no music. There is no sunshine, the world is grey.

Away from you, the clocks are frozen. And times a traveler whose lost his way.

The people I meet, might as well be statues. The words we exchange, might as well be Greek.

The room that I'm in may be bright and cheerful, but to me, it's dim and bleak.

I'm half alive until the moment, the door swings open and you walk through.

And so you see, why I can never be away from you.

The people I meet, might as well be statues. The words we exchange, might as well be Greek.

The room that I'm in may be bright and cheerful, but to me it's dim and bleak.

I'm half alive until the moment the door swings open and you walk through, now my soul is afloat on a wave of music. That I should feel such joy, I never knew. And so you see, why I can never be away from you!"

Erik got up silently and kissed my forehead gently.

"My little Christine, thank you. It was beautiful." He said with a smile.