I'm truely sorry for the slow updates. but i have been bombarded with school, parents, and most hated, a writer's block. XP
so yeah, i apologize and i hope you enjoy the next chapter!
Part Forty-three:
Richard sighed as he watched his sister and young friend clamored into their carriage. He turned to Erik and smiled helplessly. "Might as well join them, eh?" His guest looked over towards Lark, who was laughing happily, and nodded reluctantly. "I suppose," he sighed, "that we must join them also. I'd rather avoid walking, myself…"
Richard beamed at him and followed behind as Erik crunched through the snow into the night towards the carriage. "Ooh! Erik!" Lark called to him, hanging precariously out of the side, "come sit next to me!" He looked at her with surprise. "I will," he replied slowly, "if you wouldn't put yourself in such a dangerous position. You are making me nervous."
Lark sighed dramatically and pulled herself back in the carriage. The ends of Erik's lips twitched upward slightly in a tiny smile as he climbed into the back, avoiding the seat next to Rachel to sit next to Lark. The child beamed at him as he settled himself in and she bounced on the seat excitedly. "This will be so much fun!" she gushed. Erik looked at her with a pained expression though Rachel smothered a giggle.
Richard opened the door and hoisted himself in, taking the seat next to his sister. "Where to, Monsieur?" He asked Erik. Lark answered for him in a delighted voice. "The Opera Populaire!" she sang out, giddy for the ride to begin. Erik scowled at her but nodded reluctantly at Richard. "What she said, I suppose," he grumbled. Rachel laughed softly and immediately engaged a conversation with Lark as Erik glanced curiously her way.
Erik had them steer around Paris first, avoiding the Opera for awhile so they could all admire the city. But mostly because Lark begged him to make the ride last longer. "I always forget how pretty Paris is," Rachel sighed as they passed a beautiful park. "Very," agreed her brother, though he barely glanced out the window. Rachel looked at Erik and rolled her eyes. He only managed a grimace past his suddenly dry mouth.
Lark had fallen asleep, leaning against her corner of the carriage, but as soon as it made a turn she flopped onto Erik's lap with a small sigh. He stiffened and made to move her quickly off of him but stopped as she almost growled at him viciously as she slept. Rachel laughed softly as Richard peered over at them, smiling. "It does seem that Lark couldn't handle the excitement," he commented while Erik sat there, feeling uncomfortable. "Indeed," he mumbled, trying not to shift the sleeping child.
Somehow, Lark managed to stay sleeping on Erik's lap for the rest of the trip much to his discomfort. But as the carriage rolled to a stop outside the Opera Erik took to poking her in the shoulder. She groaned and unconsciously waved her hand around to shoo him away. "Wake up, Lark," he said loudly, poking her again. "Mph, I don't want to, Mama. Five more minutes…" she moaned. Richard's face took on a look of pity while Rachel sighed, smiling sadly.
Erik groaned and heaved both Lark and himself out of the seat. "If she won't wake up," he explained to his host and hostess's surprised looks, "I shall just carry her back." Richard silently opened the door to the carriage for Erik while his sister hid a small smile. Erik climbed down with little difficulty even with Lark in his arms and he landed lightly on the cobbled street beside the grand Opera Populaire. "Thank you," he said curtly and started off until Rachel leaned out and grabbed his shoulder.
"Wait," she asked, holding up a finger as Erik turned to stare at her. The woman rummaged around beneath her seat and pulled out a bottle and grabbed the parcel that the child had been holding. Rachel gently handed both items to Erik. "The bottle is some Pouilly Fuisse," she explained, "Richard and I wanted to give you some. Lark said you enjoyed wine and I think you will find that to your liking."
She beamed at Erik's stunned and outraged face and waved good-bye as her brother ordered the carriage home. Erik glared down at the sleeping child in his arms. "Little canary," he grumbled, shifting her in an easier position. Lark muttered something undistinguishable and leaned her head lightly against his shoulder. Erik sighed and headed off towards the Rue Scribe's door.
review's is not what i'm dying for, but i'm hoping for. XD haha, tell me if you like it!