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Chapter 11
I drove home is silence, still going over my time with Mr. Donovan in my mind. I felt giddy, with the butterflies still raging in my stomach. He was just so handsome and tender and romantic...wait, she had Rory to think about. Were we actually dating? What was our relationship, really? Just then my cell phone rang. It was Rory. I hate talking on the phone while driving, so I answered the call, hit speaker and tossed my cell on the passenger seat.
"Hi Rory"
"Sweetie, where were you? I've tried to get a hold of you all afternoon."
"Oh I'm sorry, honey. I had my first vocal lesson today and I lost track of time. I'm sorry, dear!" I apologized quickly
"It's alright. I wondered if you wanted to go catch a movie, but it's to late for that now. Can we try tomorrow afternoon?"
I sighed. Erik wanted to meet me tomorrow. I so badly wanted to see him and I couldn't say no to those beautiful blue eyes.
"No, Rory I'm afraid I can't make it. I've made plans" I told him
"With who? For what?" He snapped
"Maybe it's none of your business" I replied coldly. "And thank for not asking how a very important appointment went for me." The sarcastic words fled from my mouth before I could think.
"Fine, Kirsten. Whatever. I'll see you tomorrow" With that the line went dead.
I moaned in frustration and reached for my phone, chucking it into my purse harder than I intended. I took a deep breath, feeling tears in my eyes. I shoved my OLC Love Never Dies CD into the player, found Til I Hear You Sing, and cranked up the volume, relying on Ramin's voice to ease the hurt in my heart.
Later that evening, my phone rang once more. I ran to the desk in my bedroom where it sat. I smiled to myself as I saw Erik's number.
"Hi Erik." I answered
"Hello Kirsten, I hope you don't mind my calling" That smooth voice washed over me sweetly. The voice was so comforting after the drama earlier.
"Not at all. You are more than welcome to call me whenever you like"
"That's very sweet of you. I was calling to see if you would like to have lunch with me tomorrow afternoon. Your mother is also welcome."
"That would be lovely." I smiled. "That's very kind of you to think of her; thank you"
"How about around noon? Would that work?" Erik asked
"Yes, I think it will. Thank again."
"You are most welcome, my dear. Have a lovely evening Kirsten"
"And you Erik" I hung up and set my phone on my desk. I called my mother and told her of my plans, checking to make sure everything would work out. She eagerly agreed. Returning to my room,I began jumping around and squealing happily. I threw myself on my bed, proclaiming.
"Erik Donovan, you are the greatest man on Earth"
I could barely concentrate throughout the church service the next day. I felt like a little kid. I forced myself to let God calm my heart and focus on Him. The service ended quickly. Mom and I returned home and got ready to head to Erik's house. As we drove over to his house, I spoke with Mom about Erik.
"Mom, I want you to know that Erik's...not like other guys"
She raised her eyebrows "How so?"
"It's a good thing. He's very...old fashioned, I guess is the way to put it. But he wears... a mask"
"Well looks like someone got her dream come true. You got yourself a Phantom" She laughed lightly.
I smiled "Momma, I'm serious. He wears a mask, all the time."
Her smiled dropped, concern in her eyes. "For real?"
I nodded "That mask is very real. I'm trying not to let my imagination take off, but I keep thinking there's something underneath."
"It could be possible" My mom replied
"It could just be me phangirling" I leaned my head against the window.
As we pulled into the driveway, my mom let out a long whistle.
"I know, right?" I said excitedly
I practically sprinted to the porch, and pressed the buzzer.
"Hello Kirsten" I could here a smile in Erik's tone
My mom raised her eyebrows as she heard his voice, and mouthed to me 'He sounds hot!' I giggled and nodded
I hit the button to reply "Hi Erik"
The door swung open, revealing Erik once again. He wore a white, red pin-striped dress shirt, and red tie, and brown dress pants. He ushered us into the foyer, welcoming us again to his home. He beamed and me and I hurried to hug him. He pulled me in a tender embrace and once again I smelled that cologne that made my knees weak. It felt good to back in his arms. He released me all too soon.
"Lovely to see you, Kirsten" He smiled
"And you, Erik" I blushed
He extended a hand towards Mom.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Doyle" He took her hand in both of his
" Call me Abigail, please. You as well, Erik. You have a beautiful home." She seemed just as in awe of his home as I had been.
Erik escorted us beyond the living room to the grand dining. A long mahogany stood in the middle of the room and it was laden with several large bowls and assorted pans. In the middle of the table two silver candlesticks held two glowing candle. Being the music nerd I was, my mind went straight to Les Mis. I grinned seeing Mrs. Andrews bustling around the table, her eyes twinkling as she saw me.
"Lovely to see you again, deary" She hugged me tightly and kissed my cheek.
Again, introductions were made. Erik pulled out my chair for me as well as Mom's. Mrs. Andrews was about leave when Erik graciously asked her to join us. He hurried from his seat to pull her chair out for her too, pecking her cheek. Seating himself again, he took my and Mrs. Andrews' hand. I reached for my mom's hand as he said "Let us pray" and poured his heart out to God. Then we began the meal. There was potato soup with freshly baked bread, fresh salad, and cheesecake.
"Erik is an amazing baker." Mrs. Andrews told me as I took my first bite of my favorite dessert
My eyes widened, looking to Erik "No way!"
He blushed, nodding "It's my secret talent" He said with a smile
"Looks like I'm coming over more often"
Erik squeezed my hand "I'd like that"
After lunch, Erik led us to the studio, where there were two large sofas that had not been there yesterday. He gestured for us to sit. He took a seat at the piano.
"I always like to entertain my company, so I hope don't mind if I play for you"
"Go right ahead" My mother said eagerly
"Well I thought about a duet. Kirsten, would you be so kind as to join me?
I nodded, a bit nervous
"Don't fret, it's a song I'm sure you know"
He played a melody I saw all too familiar with. Chills rose within me as he began;
If I said I loved you,
All my life I loved you.
Would the line be crossed?
Would the words make sense?
Would the thought be cause for concern?
Would you turn to frost?
Would you take offense?
Or perchance feel love in return?
His voice was some angelic combination of Hadley and Ramin, but with that same smooth tone he spoke him. This man took my breath away. My knees buckled, but then I saw that strength and admiration in his eyes. After a deep breath, I took the lead
If I said I loved you
All my life I loved you.
Would you think me cruel?
To presume as much?
Should I take more time to declare?
Would I seem a fool
At admit as such?
In my heart you've always been there.
Again the music worked within me again as I sang. I almost found myself believing I was in love with Erik, because it's almost as if I saw. We sang together with such a passion that overwhelmed us both. When the song was over, we stood breathlessly, looking into each others eyes. The claps from Mrs. Andrews and my mom broke our spell. Erik stood an kissed my hand.
"You are amazing, Erik" I told him through tears
"I am nothing compared to you"
I turned to face him.
"That is not true. You are an angel."
He just looked tenderly into my eyes and kissed my hand again.
Afternoon grew into evening, and we had to leave. Erik embraced both my mother and then me, holding me there for a long time.
"I'll see you soon, Erik" I promised him
"I look forward to it" He smiled.
As we drove home, my mom commented,
"He's quite affectionate towards you"
"Yes, I know. Does it bother you?"
She shook her head. "No, not really. He's quite the gentleman. Just be careful alright?"
I nodded. I couldn't wait until I saw him again.
Yep, more sappiness. Hope enjoyed it! Review please. And please feel free to send me a PM whenever. Also, there is a link on my profile to what Kirsten is wearing in this chapter. Much love! I do not own the music of Pirate Queen or the LCO LND productoin