As always, thank you for the wonderful reviews. They got you a quick update :) I'm glad everyone likes this story, despite the darker tones. Some of you have found sympathy toward Erik, and others don't seem to see too many redeeming factors. If I'm being honest, my Erik is going to be fairly level with Leroux Erik. He can be extremely dark and insane, but he does have some innocent, endearing qualities. There are plenty of fluffy E/C stories out there, and I wanted this to be different and to keep at least some of the tones of the original. I hope you enjoy it.
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Without touching her, Erik led Christine up the steep concrete steps and into the chilly evening air. Her heart thundered as she hugged her arms to her chest for warmth, for she knew that an opportunity to run could present itself at any time. As she reached the top, she realized that time would not be soon. Broken beer bottles lined the cracked roads, and most of the street lamps were out, leaving the streets bathed in eerie shadows. Disgruntled and shady men roamed the sidewalks, holding cigarettes and leering at any woman that came into view. Christine swore she caught the glint of a knife in one man's hand. Erik's hidden apartment was a haven compared to this, and she had a better chance of surviving by staying with him.
A shiny black car suddenly pulled up in front of them and stopped. Christine couldn't tell if it was the same one she had taken to the cemetery, but the spotless windows were tinted in the same way. Erik nodded at her to get inside. Biting her lip, Christine opened the door and slid into the warm, plush interior. She saw that, like before, an opaque screen separated her from the front seat. The door beside her immediately locked. Whoever the driver was, he was clearly following Erik's exact orders.
Several seconds later, her captor climbed in on the other side, although they still remained several feet apart. The vehicle pulled forward, causing Christine to lurch back a little. She began to gaze out the window and to try to get some idea as to where she was located. It certainly wasn't her hometown in Vermont. Decrepit buildings lined the streets, mostly with no lights and the windows boarded up.
As the car continued on, the surroundings became more pleasant. The buildings were still older, but most were still in use. Antique stores popped up on many corners. The people that walked around appeared less menacing, likely shoppers searching for specialty items.
"I could show you this city, Christine" stated Erik, causing her to turn her head away from the window. He was sitting up straight and staring directly at her. "I could show you everything, if you'd promise not to run away. If you desired, I could allow the world to hear and adore your voice as I do. Anything could be yours, if you would stay."
She swallowed and placed a reassuring expression on her face. "I told you that I'd stay," she softly replied. "I will stay. But I do like to go out sometimes." Christine steadied her voice, hoping to hide any of the falsity within her statement.
He nodded. "We will see. You have not always proven yourself trustworthy."
Christine winced at the cold tone. "I'm sorry," was all she knew to say.
"Yes, Christine. I imagine you are sorry after what you saw." He continued to watch her. His arm lifted as if he were going to touch her, but he quickly drew it back and folded his hand into a fist. "But some mistake can be forgiven-as long as trust is regained."
Christine nodded, knowing for certain that this would not be the night to run. "I'll stay, Erik. I promise."
He nodded again, and they rode in almost complete silence. She merely stared out the window at the lighted shops and restaurants, feeling melancholy at the Christmas decorations and groups of families and friends. Her heart clenched as she thought of Mrs. Valerius, lying alone in the hospital over the holidays. And what was Meg thinking about her disappearance by now? Christine turned to Erik, wondering if there was any way of convincing him to release her. The look of strange contentment in the two yellow orbs made her keep silent.
When they returned and the car came to a stop in front of the dilapidated complex, Erik again turned to look at her. "Did you enjoy it?"
She quickly nodded. "Yes. It was nice to get out for a while. Thank you."
The car door did not unlock until Erik came around to the other side and opened it. Murmuring a thank you, Christine walked ahead of him toward the steps and descended. He acted as a sort of dark wall behind her, ensuring that she would not turn around and try to escape.
As Erik unlocked the door, she noticed that it so closely matched the outside walls that the frame was practically invisible. No one would see the door unless they already knew of its existence. After stepping inside, she immediately began to head to her bedroom, feeling weary from the tension that plagued the outing.
"Christine."
She inhaled and turned around. "Yes?"
"Let's have one more song tonight. We cut our earlier lesson a little short, I believe. Unless, of course, you are too tired."
Although exhausted, Christine nodded. "No. One more song is fine."
She certainly didn't want to discourage him from taking her on any more outings. Besides, Erik was so pleased when she sang. As she stepped next to the piano and cleared her throat, Christine became aware that her anger was being replaced with sadness. For herself. And for him. A sorrow marred her voice as she sang that night.
She was still afraid, but it wasn't so much a fear that he would harm her. It was a fear of what the future held. Sadness and terror mingled together to produce despair. How could this possibly end happily?
Nevertheless, whatever she did or said that evening must have been effective in earning at least some of Erik's trust. The following evening, after another long day immersed in music and books, he again approached her. His eyes glowed with a pleasant intensity. She thought that if she could see his twisted mouth, the corners of his thin lips would be turned upward. "Another evening out?" he questioned. "You do seem to enjoy it."
A tiny but genuine smile formed on her face. "Yes. Let me get a coat."
"So are you going with us?"
Raoul blinked several times and attempted to focus, looking up to see his two close friends staring expectantly at him from across the circular table. Over the ceiling speakers, Bobby Helms was singing "Jingle Bell Rock." The voices of holiday shoppers came from all directions, mostly people stopping for a cup of hot coffee and trying to escape the cold weather. Like every other coffee house in New York City at that time of year, the café was crowded and noisy.
"Raoul?" Kimberly Adler shook her head of thick brunette curls and laughed. "Are you awake over there?"
"Sorry," he said, rubbing a hand over his face. "Going where? I didn't hear you."
"We've only been discussing it for the last hour," replied Brian Welsh with a smirk. "What's on your mind tonight?"
"Nothing. Just tired, I guess. What are we talking about? Skiing?"
"Not just skiing," said Brian, taking a drink of coffee and sitting up straight. "My dad wants me to check out some of the property down in Aspen. You know...condos and plazas. He wants to buy some real estate outside of the Northeast, and Colorado is booming right now."
Kim smiled and took Brian's hand. "But I'm sure there will be some time for skiing! That's why I'm tagging along anyway."
Brian laughed and gave her a light kiss on the temple. "Always time for skiing!" He turned back to Raoul. "So do you want to come with us?"
"Don't you think you'd have a better time by yourselves?" asked Raoul, looking between the enamored couple.
He'd been somewhat surprised to return from Dartmouth and find them dating. They'd all known each other for years, attending the same private schools and sharing laughs while their parents attended frilly parties and dull social gatherings. Brian's father owned millions of dollars in beachfront property and was always involved in one business venture or another. Kimberly's family was heavily into politics, a couple of her relatives even serving in the US Congress. Raoul had dated her several years back, but, after only two months, they had mutually decided they were better off as friends. Like many of the girls he had met over the years, he hadn't been able to connect with her.
"I could sure use some help looking over things out there," said Brian with a shrug. "Besides, maybe you'll meet a girl on the slopes. It's about time you found someone."
Raoul looked to the table for a moment, suddenly becoming exhausted. A nagging feeling of concern had constantly plagued him ever since he had seen Christine disappear into the winter night with a mysterious shadow. "Nah. I think I'd better stay here for a while. You two will have a good time by yourselves."
Kim tilted her head. "Something wrong tonight? You're acting kind of stressed."
He hesitated a second. "No. I'm fine. I saw one of my old friends up in Vermont. She was acting a little strange. I guess I'm worried about her."
"Her?" said Brian with a grin. "So that's what's on your mind! What do you mean she was acting strange?"
"She wouldn't talk to me. And she didn't look that well, either. Really pale and thin compared to when we were kids."
"Aww," cooed Kimberly. "Your childhood sweetheart! I think I remember you saying something about her a while back. Kirsten? Was that her name?"
"Christine," he corrected. "Anyway...yeah. We used to be good friends. I learned to play the guitar from her dad."
Brian shrugged. "Maybe she was busy with other things."
"Maybe. But she disappeared all of a sudden. I couldn't even get anyone when I called her over the last several days." Raoul paused. "I guess I should have tried knocking on her door..."
"Do you think she has a boyfriend?" asked Kimberly, gently.
Raoul shook his head. "I really don't know. But she still could have told me that. Then there was this weird thing at the cemetery." He sighed, not even knowing how to go about explaining that bizarre occurrence. He mainly remembered being in severe pain and then waking up in the snow to see Christine's concerned face. "I'm worried about her. That's all. "
"I'm sure she's fine," said Brian, stretching out his arms and yawning. "Forget about her. Come to Aspen with us next month and relax a little. I'm sure you'll find someone to get your mind off of her."
"I'll think about it." Raoul finished the last of his drink and set the cup down. "Phillip may want me around to help with the company."
People continued to form a long line at the front counter, and many were looking around with dismay to see that there were no vacant tables. "Deck the Halls" began to play over the speakers but was almost inaudible over the chatter of the crowd and clinking silverware. Someone left the door open too long, causing the wind to swirl napkins and straw wrappers off the tables and onto the floor.
Brian cringed as a baby began to wail. "Let's get the heck out of here. I'm starting to get a headache."
Kimberly nodded and got up from her seat. Raoul followed the couple out the café door. They looked nice together, both tall, slender, and with darker features. For a second, he paused to wonder why he hadn't found the same connection with anyone. Most of the girls he had met throughout his life had always seemed preoccupied with possessions and social events. Their lives were perfectly planned out for them, first rate colleges followed by either marriage or jobs within lucrative family businesses. It's not that they were all conceited or shallow. Kim had always been very open-minded and kind. Still, he'd never really felt like he could talk to any of them
That was what he had missed about his summers by the lake with Christine Daae. He had met her when she dropped her necklace into the water, and he had jumped in and fished it out for her. Ever since that first meeting, Raoul had found her easy to talk to. She didn't care about most possessions, and those things that she did care about, she treasured deeply. The gold necklace was a birthday present from her father, and she had admired it for hours upon hours. Christine was never judgmental or condescending. She was kind and a good-listener.
Sometimes I wish we could run away from all of this he had once said to her as they lay on the rocky shore of the lake, watching the orange sun make its steady descent. It had been their last summer together. I'm tired of private school and of my parents' parties and of Phillip. We should totally run away.
Christine had softly laughed. And where would we go, Raoul? she had asked in her bell-like voice. I think I'd miss my dad too much.
Yeah he had agreed. Your dad's great. You shouldn't run away. Sometimes I wish I could.
She had turned to him and smiled, the light glinting off her light blonde hair and blue eyes. I'm sure you'll be fine. But if you do run away, don't forget to come and visit me.
He'd laughed. I would always visit you. Just no one else.
Good! She had giggled and ruffled his hair. Then when I'm older, maybe I'll come with you. We can buy a house by the lake. And buy some horses! That would be fun!
Yeah! He had peacefully lain back down with a smile. That would be perfect.
Of course, time had eroded all talk and thoughts of freedom. His family had stopped taking trips to Vermont after the booming stock market brought in business. He had become busy with school, trying to please his father and measure up to his older brother. Then, this last year, his dad had died of a heart attack, likely brought on by stress at work.
Seeing Christine again had been like falling back into those tranquil summers by the lake. He realized how much he had missed her smile and voice, and, now that they were both grown up, he couldn't help but feel a stronger affection for her. That is, until she had pushed him away.
Stepping outside, Raoul lost his memories of the summer to the frigid air. Kimberly and Brian continued to walk hand-in-hand ahead of him, quietly murmuring to one another. Yawning, he followed them with his gloved hands in the pockets of his jacket, looking at the ground to make sure he didn't step on a patch of ice. Cars and taxis passed on the street next to him, inching by on the slick, congested streets.
"Wow!" he heard Kimberly exclaim up ahead. "That's a strange car. Is it a limo?"
Curious, he glanced up to see a long black car going by. Its tinted windows glinted under the streetlights, and the vehicle seemed to almost blend in with its darker surroundings. Raoul started to look away, stopping when he noticed that one of the back windows was rolled down halfway.
Raoul froze in his footsteps.
Strands of blonde hair flew in the wind as a head turned to look out the window. A pair of blue eyes and a familiar face gazed in his direction. As the eyes met his, they widened in shock.
"Christine!" he immediately shouted, walking as fast as he could down the sidewalk. "Christine!"
She continued to stare at him. Someone must have said something to her, for her head immediately turned back around. As Raoul neared the vehicle, the window suddenly rolled up. The car picked up speed, passing the other ones in front of it in an almost unsafe manner.
Raoul attempted to go after it for a little ways, finally standing hopelessly as it faded off into the city traffic.
"Get out of the way!" a driver shouted behind him.
He felt someone give his arm a sharp tug from behind and realized he had been standing on the side of the street. Raoul turned to see his two friends staring at him in bewilderment.
"What the heck was that about?" asked Brian, releasing his friend's arm. "You practically ran out into the middle of the road."
"That was Christine," Raoul replied, attempting to catch his breath. He looked toward the street and watched the taillights of the dark car fade away. "That was her!"
"Man," Brian muttered, shaking his head. "You're going to get yourself killed over that girl."