Chapter 9- Point of No Return
The were silent for awhile as they walked until they approached a garden and sat next to each other on a secluded bench away from the crowds. Isabelle took this opportunity to speak,
"Erik… I know you have dreamed of his your entire life, I cannot doubt it. But are you scared?"
Erik shifted
uncomfortably at the question, little scared him, "If you could do
it, so can I. I am strong and this means more to me than anything."
Isabelle looked down hurt by his cold words but held his hand in
affection anyway. "I think I love you Erik, I love you the way you
are. If you need somewhere to stay you are more than welcome."
Erik squeezed her hand, "Your words flatter me, Isabelle. You have been so much more than a friend to me you must know that. I owe you a great many dreams, but I don't think I can ever love another person that way again. I would never want to hurt you…"
Isabelle stopped him in an attempt at self-preservation, "I mean I love you as a friend Erik… despite our having, you know, just, don't worry about it. But I insist that you stay with me."
"If you insist, Isabelle, as I am forever in your debt for
my surgery."
Isabelle blushed, "I do what I can Erik."
For the next couple hours before the surgery, Isabelle walked Erik around the city, avoiding a lot of people since he was still unmasked. They ate dinner at a small café (Isabelle paid for them again.) And the time drew closer, and closer. The soft hue of pink in the sky told Erik that his time had approached. The moment that would change his life had come at last.