Chapter 12

The next morning Isabelle woke refreshed and very at home now. She had confessed to Erik what she had wanted to say for a while now, even after hearing his tragic story and seeing his deformed face, she loved him more than anything. Isabelle got dressed quickly, looked at her reflection in the mirror; her bruises had finally healed; though the cuts had left faint pink marks on her flawless cheek. Isabelle quickly made her way downstairs.

Erik was already seated at the dining room table and in a very good mood after the sequence of the night before. Isabelle came bursting into the dining room, very happy, she rushed to Erik and gave him a peck on the cheek and sat down.

"Good morning!" She said in a singsong voice.

"Good morning to you as well," Erik replied smiling, "Did you sleep very well?"

"Oh yes, better than I have since I first came here," she replied happily, "Did you sleep well, Erik?"

"Yes, I did thank you." Erik answered lamely, wishing he had something more exciting to say. At that moment Gertie entered with their food and murmured a good morning and set their plates in front of them.

"Isabelle," Erik started, " I was wondering if you would do me the honor of playing the piano for me this morning."

"Oh, I would love to," she said slowly, "but I am out of practice, I haven't played for months now."

"That is fine, you could start up again, and I would be glad to help you," Erik said, hoping she would agree. He had wanted to hear her talent since the moment she told him she played.

Later that afternoon Erik was waiting in the music room for Isabelle to come and play. She must have been occupied because Erik started to play a simple song off the top of his head. He was so absorbed in his music that he hadn't heard the door open and the brush of Isabelle's skirts when she entered.

Isabelle walked into the music room, having never heard such sweet music in all her life. She quietly made her way towards Erik, who clearly was oblivious to his surroundings while playing. She sat down on the bench next to Erik as the song came to a beautiful ending.

"Oh Erik, that was beautiful!" She said, very amazed at the music. "I never knew you played so well!"

"Thank you," he said, pleased that she enjoyed the piece, for Erik was thinking of her while playing it. "Now I believe it is your turn to enlighten me on your own talents." Isabelle blushed at that, and began playing some scales. After she warmed up she played a piece by Mozart she was fond of.

Erik watched her warm up and was shocked when she began playing Mozart 156, it was a very hard piece, yet her fingers played it brilliantly. He noted she closed her eyes once she got the tune starting, and realized she was indeed, talented and very modest about it. Isabelle played the last note, opened her eyes, and saw Erik smiling proudly at her.

"That was perfect," he said. "Your talent is better than you make it seem, you should be very proud of your playing."

"Oh, thank you," she said, blushing, yet thrilled that he was complimenting her, she was very nervous to play after hearing him.

"Isabelle, have you ever been courted?" Erik asked abruptly.

"Once, but my mother forced me, because he was a good suitor," she said wrinkling her nose, "He was rather rude, and said my head was too big for my body. I didn't care for him."

"Well, he sounds terrible, and I assure you, your head and body are perfectly proportioned," Erik replied with a smile. Isabelle gave a small laugh.

"Well I am glad you say so, I was very fretful about it afterwards." She teased. "Why do you ask if I have been courted before?"

"Well.. I.." Erik stammered, "I was wondering if you would want to be courted.. by me?"

Isabelle gave a genuine smile and said, "I would be the happiest girl in all of France, to be courted by you Erik." Erik smiled and took her hand, linking their fingers and gave a small kiss on the back.

"I would be honored to court you Isabelle and I am very relieved you agreed," he said honestly. Isabelle laid her head on his shoulder and sighed. Suddenly she sat up and looked at Erik. Before Erik could think she pulled his mask of and gave him an intimate kiss on the lips. Erik was shocked at that and didn't know what to do, but he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. Out of breath, she pulled away and looked into his eyes.

"Erik, when it is you and I alone in a room, I want you to not wear the mask," she said almost pleading, "I do not love you for the mask, I love you for your entire face, and never forget that."

"Isabelle-" Erik said, rather upset she made such a bold move. Isabelle silenced him by another kiss and then started to kiss the knotted flesh of the right side of his face. Erik felt as though his heart was bursting with joy and cupped her face and noticed she had tears in her eyes.

"No tears, I feel as though this is a dream, and I hope it is not, for its one that I never want to wake up from," he said and kissed her tenderly. They were broken apart by a sudden knock on the door, they hastily drew apart, and Isabelle handed Erik his mask as he put it into place. Gertie entered with their afternoon tea and Erik turned his attention to the piano, Gertie gave Isabelle a knowing smile and a small wink and left.

During the entire day Erik and Isabelle played the piano, only breaking for lunch and dinner. As they made their way to the stairs with their hands interlaced, Isabelle voiced something she didn't mean to.

"Would you stay with me tonight Erik?" She blurted, thankful the hallways were dark to hide her crimson face.

"Isabelle," he sighed, "it would not be proper."

"Please Erik, I promise we will only sleep!" She pleaded as Erik sighed,

"Fine, but let's go to my room, the bed is larger for two people."

She went to her own room and changed into her nightgown. She knocked on the door of Erik's room, and he let her in. She had the most endearing smile of joy on her face that made Erik's heart soar.

Isabelle noticed Erik did not have a shirt on and could not help but stare at his chiseled chest as she climbed into the bed with him. He turned to her and she smiled sweetly, she then reached over and took his mask off, his hand flew to his face, but she pulled it away.

"Erik that has to be dreadfully uncomfortable and you do not need to cover your face from me," she said, simply, and set the mask on the nightstand. She turned back to him and gave him a tender kiss on the lips. Erik laid down next to her as she snuggled up next to him and rested her head on his chest. He thanked the heavens for blessing him with Isabelle.

"I love you Erik," she yawned and started to fall asleep.

"I love you too Isabelle," he replied softly and gave her a kiss on her forehead. Erik had never felt so at peace in his life as he drifted into a deep sleep.

Hope you liked these two chapters! Please R/R and thank you to those who do review!