Hello my awesome readers (or reader, I guess) So sorry for the delay in the next installment. I hope you enjoy it and please tell your friends here about it!

Chapter 8

Thankfully, the rest of the week flew by quickly, a blur of homework and shifts at the cafe. Rory continued to chat with me at lunch and in between classes. Maggie was excited about our growing relationship, and Mom was too.

Friday after school Rory asked me over to his house so we could study for our huge Pre-Calc test that was coming up on Monday. I dropped Maggie off at her house, drove to my house to freshen up, and Rory picked me up.

"Hi Kirsten." He smiled "Haven't seen you in a while"

I laughed "Yeah it's been forever"

I couldn't help but noticed his sleek, black BMW. I shifted in the black leather seat; I could tell it was a pricey car.

Rory seemed to notice. "Sorry about the car. My parents won't let me get a junky one. I hate this thing, it's so stuffy and well-to- do"

I smoothed my ponytail. "Oh it's fine! It's beautiful"

He chuckled "So I heard we're doing Phantom for our school musical. Are you auditioning?"

I completely had forgotten about auditions. "Yeah, yeah of course I am. I'm hoping to get something in the ensemble. We all know that the role of Christine is going to Charlotte" My heart sank.

He took my hand. "Hey, cheer up." He gave me a tender smile. "You never know, you could get it. Charlotte doesn't have the voice nor the heart for Christine"

I nodded "I know. It's just frustrating because she gets every good role, every important role."

He shook his head "I don't get it, always puts her in everything. You have way more talent than her"

"I don't know, I haven't really had an opinion made on my voice. I don't think I'm that good."

"You're talented, Kirsten Doyle, I can see it. I see that light in your eyes when you talk about music, the way your cheeks get pink when you start one of your Phantom rants" He smiled.

"You are the only one who puts up with my Phantom rants, Mister" I replied

"You can see your passion for music in everything you do, Kirsten. That's the gift, honey"

I smiled, blushing under Rory's praise. I played with his fingers, tangled in mine. He turned on some music, a soft Mozart melody swelled through the air. I leaned my head against the window, watching the world outside as we drove. As we turned into the driveway, butterflies awakened in my stomach. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself.

"Relax, my parents already love you. Don't worry about a thing." Rory seemed to have read my mind

"Th..they do?"

"Yes, you've all I've been able to talk about the past few days" I felt my cheeks heat.

Rory turned off the engine and stepped out of the car, opening my door for me. He took my hand and led me up the large stone steps that led to a large mahogany door , He typed in a passcode and the door unlocked.

"Please don't let all this intimidate you. My parents like to show off their wealth. Just ignore it" He pressed a kiss in my hair.

My mind reeled. This had been the first time he had kissed me since he had acted snotty. Somehow I felt safe near him, the way his hand clasped around mine. Rory led me inside a beautiful foyer. The dark wood walls gleamed and were decorated with beautiful paintings of nature and portraits. A small chandelier sparkled over our heads. The warm scent of cinnamon greeted us as Rory closed the door behind me. As grand as it all was, it felt homey and welcoming.

"It's lovely" I whispered, drinking my surroundings.

"Thanks" He grinned, following my gaze. "Dad and Mom are big fans of art"

"I can tell."

Rory led me to the left,where there was a cozy day room and behind it opened into a large kitchen and a connected dining room. A tall blonde woman sat at the island in the kitchen, drinking from a mug and flipping through a magazine.

"Hi, Mom" Rory said brightly

Mrs. Chandlen gave start as she saw me next to Rory. "Rory, you didn't tell us you were bringing company!" She jumped her chair and smoothed her shoulder-length hair.

Rory chuckled "Kirsten, this is my mother. Mom, this is Kirsten Doyle. We go to school together"

I extended my hand "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Chandlen. You have a beautiful home"

She gave my hand a gentle shake. "The pleasure is mine. And thank you, dear. Rory speaks of you often" She smiled warmly, her blue eyes shining behind her brown frames. I smiled sheepishly.

"Kirsten needs some help with Pre-Calc, so we decided to study together." He continued

Just then two girls came running towards us, wrapping their arms around Rory. They were both blonde, blue-eyed and thin. The smaller of the two whispered loudly to Rory.

"Who's the girl? She's pretty!" She pushed back her soft blonde curls with a small hand.

Rory chuckled, picking up his youngest sister. "Alli, this is my friend Kirsten"

Alli smiled bashfully and gave me a small wave.

"Hi there, Alli" I said. "It's really nice to meet you"

A tall, athletic looking girl stepped forward "Hi Kirsten! I'm Shelby!" She flashed a huge smile that lit up the room.

"Hi Shelby, great to meet you!" I replied

We made the usual small talk and Rory then declared it was time to get studying. He led me a large study past the dining room.

"Your family is so sweet" I told him as we sat on a sofa

"Thanks" He smiled "Dad's still at work, but I'm sure you'll meet him soon"

"Alli is a sweetheart."

He smiled at me

"You're great with kids, Rory. That's a nice thing to see in a guy."

He chuckled, taking my hand and pressing a kiss to it. For the next two hours we poured over worksheets, notes, textbooks, and vocabulary. Rory was gentle and slow with me when he saw just how frustrated I got. He just patted my shoulder and walked me through it. Finally it all made sense. I saw the tenderness in those beautiful, pale blue eyes. He wanted to help me succeed.

"Game over" He chuckled, tossing aside a binder full of notes

I laughed, relaxing against the sofa. "Thank you for your help Rory, I needed it"

"I know you did, sweetie. I'm always here to help" He took a lock of my hair between his fingers

I wrapped my arms around his waist, leaning my head against his shoulder. He pulled me closer and I could smell his cologne. I closed my eyes, feeling safe in his embrace. Rory leaned his head against mine.

"Kirsten" He whispered

"Yes?"

" Would you like to go to homecoming with me, love?"

" I would love too" I smiled up to him

He took my face in his hands, his thumbs stroking my cheek as he smiled. He kissed my forehead.

"We need to get you home" He took my hand as I gathered my things

We bid his family goodbye and drove home in silence until he pulled up up to my house.

"Thank you for everything Rory" I smiled

"You are most welcome, dear" He replied

I leaned across and kissed his cheek and pulled him in for a hug.

"Have a good evening Rory"

"You too Kirsten" He gave my hand a squeeze and I got out.

I waved as he pulled out. Of course, Maggie wanted to know all details of our first 'date'. Her word, not mine. She was overjoyed that he asked me to homecoming. As I finish a few other bits of homework, I remembered the business card from Mr. Donovan. I reached for it and dialed the number feeling my heart pound in my chest.

"Hello, Erik Donovan speaking" Came a soft , deep, velvet voice.

I cleared my throat. "Yes, hello Mr. Donovan. My name is Kirsten Doyle. My choir director, Amy Admick, told me who wished to speak with me."

"Ahh hello, Ms. Doyle. It's a pleasure to finally be speaking with you."

"Why, thank you very much. Call me Kirsten, please"

"Only if you'll call me Erik"

"Alright then, Erik." I smiled

" I do hope we get to meet in person soon, Kirsten" The way he said my name sent chills through my body

"Yes sir. I was hoping we could set up an appointment, if that's alright"

"Of course, of course. I have a slot open tomorrow if that suits you."

I checked my planner "Yes, I'm free anytime around 1 'o clock"

"That works out nicely"

"Is there anything I need to bring, sir?"

"No, nothing at all. And please, Kirsten, call me Erik"

"Yes si- Erik."

"I believe the address of my studio is on my business card. I hope you will have no trouble finding it"

"Oh, I should do just fine, thank you"

"I look forward to seeing you, Kirsten."

"As I do you Erik" And with that, the line at the other end clicked off.

Ahh yes we finally get taste of Erik! I promise you'll see more of him in the next chapter! Please review and tell your friends!