Hello! sorry for the late chappy, it's getting harder to get on the computer to type before my parents come home. they don't let me on the computer during the week, but i sneak on so i can still type:)

anyways, i apologize for it being short...

Part Thirty-eight:

"Well…" Lark turned on one heel, pivoting completely around. "I was going to give you a gift for Christmas here, but you don't want to stay so…" she shrugged, "I can't get it to give to you 'cause it's lost somewhere here." She gestured around the house with a small hand and grinned mischievously at Erik. He scowled, this was one of the girl's little plots, he was sure of it. But she had a gift? For him? Erik could feel his curiosity get the better of him. He pursed his lips and studied Lark's smiling face and sighed, defeated. "Fine," he muttered, "but do not be surprised when I want to leave early." The girl squealed excitedly and pulled him hurriedly, but gently, back to the parlor where Rachel fanned herself slowly with a decorated fan.

A small, knowing smile was on her lips and only grew wider as Erik and Lark came into the room. "I see that you have returned," she said happily, putting down her fan to get up. Richard was rocking back and forth on his heels by the fire, warming up his cold backside. He beamed his jack-o-lantern smile as the young girl led in a sulky Erik. He clapped his hands together excitedly. "This is excellent," he declared, "I'm very, very pleased you both can stay, right sister?" Rachel nodded agreeably and walked over to Lark, collecting her from Erik. "We women will just leave you men to chat," she said, tucking the girl's hand in the crook of her arm.

Lark laughed at her guardian's bewildered expression as he watched her being led out of the room. Rachel winked at him as they passed, Erik only scowling in response; the hard lump in his throat nearly smothering him. Richard smiled, shaking his head, and turned to face the roaring fire to warm the other half of him. "That is my sister for you, Monsieur," Richard laughed, "always confusing people with her actions and manner. You get used to it of course, but then, I'm her brother." Erik nodded, not sure of how to respond to anything. His host turned to face him again and gestured toward a seat. "Make yourself comfortable," he said. Erik sat down on the nearest chair, Richard sat in another near the sofa and they talked.

Rachel had laughed quietly when she and Lark had exited the parlor. "Now we can let them talk and get to know one another," she said happily. Lark nodded in agreement and smiled. The older woman pressed one ear against the door for a moment before grinning. The girl looked curiously at Rachel who took her ear away and nodded to herself. She looked confused about something, though; Lark could see it in her eyes. The deep, prodding curiosity that usually dwelled in a small child was now dwelling in the woman. "Lark," Rachel began curiously, "why does Monsieur Erik wear a mask? It is very curious." The girl looked calmly up at the woman though her heart was pounding. Should she tell her about him? "I can't answer that," Lark said finally, "only Erik can answer that question."

Rachel gave her a funny look but it was washed away as she sighed understandably. "Alright," she said, "I should have not asked you, but Monsieur Erik, sense it is his business alone." Lark nodded seriously, but the sparkle in her eyes ruined the image. "Oh, Rachel?" called the girl as the woman started down the hall. Rachel stopped and looked back as Lark caught up. "Yes, my dear?" she asked inquiringly. The girl grinned mischievously, "Don't call Erik 'Monsieur'," she said, "he says it makes him edgy." Rachel's eyebrows rose and a delighted smile bloomed on her face. "Is that so?" she laughed. Lark gave a quick nod and grinned. "Well I best not make him edgy!" the lady declared, the smile still on her lips.

"Come now," Rachel said, holding out her hands, "let us see how we shall prepare Christmas dinner!" Lark squealed eagerly and tugged on Rachel's outstretched hands down the halls. The two friends left for the kitchen's, laughing.

sorry it's so short, i had a small writer's block while i was writting but i managed to finish XP