First, I must apologize for the horrid typos in my Fic! I'm so sorry! I will get them fixed ASAP! Please enjoy the next addition!

Chapter 14

"Answer it sweetheart." Erik urged me. "I don't want you to miss the call."

I nodded, reluctantly pulling myself our embrace. I looked back up to him, caressing his cheek with the back of my hand.

"I'll be right here." He smiled "Go."

I stepped out into the foyer, pressing the button to put the call through. "Hello?"

"Hi Kirsten! How are you?" Rory's chipper voice reach my ears

I smiled to myself "Fine thank you."

"Are you free right now? I want to have you meet my dad."

I sighed. "I'm sorry, Rory. I am at an appointment at the moment."

"Oh." I could hear the disappointment in his voice. "An appointment,huh?" He said in an icy tone.

"Yes, I'm at a vocal lesson." I explained. "I'll be here for a while." Or so I hoped.

"You always seem to be with the vocal coach, don't you? What's so great about him?" He challenged

"That's none of your concern, Rory." I tried to keep my tone even

"Kirsten, I just want to spend time with you!" He said, clearly frustrated

"I know, and so do I." I said, knowing that my heart really wasn't in the words. For now, Erik had me under his spell.

"I'll just see you tomorrow, okay?" I asked him.

"Yeah, Kirsten fine" With that the line went dead.

I leaned against the wall, tears filling my eyes. I was hurting Rory. He was such a dear, so sweet. He clearly likes me, and I ignore him time and time again.

"Rory, I'm sorry." I whispered

Erik opened the door of the study, peeking out. His eyes widened as he saw the state I was in. He rushed to me.

"Kirsten, darling, what is it?" He took me in his arms.

I leaned my head against his shoulder "Nothing, sweetheart, nothing. Just stupid high school issues."

"You can tell me." He caressed my hair.

I sighed. I couldn't tell him. I didn't want to hurt Erik. My feelings were too strong for him.

"Just..a guy. He's kinda clingy. And rather rude. But don't worry about it, alright?" I ran my thumb across his cheekbone,

"What fool would be rude to you?" His eyes narrowed, but softened again "You are utter perfection, an angel in the darkness of the world."

I gave him a sad smile. "Erik, don't praise me. I'm no better than anyone."

"Oh but you are! You are perfect." He wrapped me in a tighter embrace.

I laughed. "Honey, only Jesus is perfect."

He chuckled "Well, you are pretty darn close." He paused. "You said you'd like to hear me play sometime. Would now be okay?"

I gazed up at him nodding. "That would be lovely."

He led me back to the studio, where he pulled me a chair beside the piano.

"I hope you enjoy it." He said, seemingly nervous

"I'm sure anything that comes from you I will love." I smiled.

He beamed, clearing his throat. He readied himself, and began. The music started slowly, gently, soft like a lullaby. Soon the music changed, into a sound of triumph, as if a man were declaring his love unconditionally to a woman. Erik's fingers skipped across the keys; his eyes closed, as it soared, sweeping and beautiful. It had warm, rich undertones beneath the gentle melody. The song ended, slowly returning to the sweet lullaby. It was smooth, gentle and utterly romantic. A song any girl would die to have a man play for her. With the song over, Erik looked at me to see what I thought.

Tear streamed down my face, dripping into my lap. My hand was clasped over my mouth, in shock. Erik knelt next to me, panic in his eyes.

"Kirsten, what's the matter?" He asked

"Not a thing, Erik." I replied through hiccuped sobs. "I have never had the privilege of witnessing such beauty."

With a gentle hand he brushed my tears away. "Sweetheart, I didn't mean to make you cry."

"Erik these are happy tears, grateful tears. I'm grateful that I have someone like you in my life." I gushed

"Kirsten, I'm not the kind of person all the time that I am around you. I can be hateful and nasty and-"

"So can any other human being on the planet, Erik." I cut him off . "If you would've seen the way I went off on Ror-" I stopped myself.

"Who?"

I sighed, "Rory, the boy I was telling you about."

"Oh." His tone was sadden.

"Erik please don't think that I have major feelings for him, because I really don't." I hurriedly explained.

"Because," I continued, "yo...you have my heart right now." I stuttered.

He pressed his lips together. "Truly?" He whispered.

I nodded. "I mean it. I've never had any kind of relationship like this, but I know it's right." I stood up, pulling him with me.

"Kirsten, I don't know what to say." He faltered, a stunned look upon his face

"Then make no sound." I whispered as Erik smirked at the Les Miserables reference.

"We need to get you home." He whispered.

"Are you sure?" I pouted

He nodded with a chuckle. "Very sure. There's a storm coming and I want you to be able to drive home safely before it hits."

I nodded. "Erik, I hope I wasn't too bold, telling you my feelings." I looked into those cobalt eyes.

He looked down tenderly towards me. "Not at all, my darling. Those words meant more to me than you'll ever know." He placed a gentle kiss on my hairline, and I felt chills throughout my body. What would those lips feel like against mine? I pulled him closer to me, wrapping myself in that glorious embrace.

"Really Kirsten, you need to go. I need you to be safe." He kissed the top of my head before releasing me and leading me towards the door.

"I'm sorry we didn't get much done today." I told him.

"Not to worry, practice Ave Maria and you'll be set, alright?" He sent an encouraging smile my way.

I nodded. "Thank you, Erik. For everything." I pulled him to me once more.

"You are more than welcome my dear." He stroked my hair.

"I hate this part." I whispered.

"I know, honey. Me too." He sighed

"I see you you soon, sweetheart." I promised

"Until then." He kissed my hand before I stepped out the door.

As I reached my car my phone buzzed again. This time it was Maggie.

"Hey girl!" I answered

"Hey!" Her bubbly tone came through, but then she became serious. "Are you hiding something from me?"

"No, of course not." I said, puzzled by her question.

"Oh really? Tell me about your Phantom."

Why do I like writing cliff hangers?! Okay, I PROMISE that I'll develope the Kirsten/Rory relationship more, but I wanted to make certain that her relationship with more established. I hope everyone enjoys it! REVIEW!