Oh my goobers! It's a new update! (SQUEE!) sorry it took so long...I had a busy week...day...month...anywho, the update is here so now get some snacks and read! read! READ!
Actually, I look back on all that i've done with this story, and i wanna say that i couldn't have done it without help from my phriend, Megan, and all my wonderful, super, awesomeness readers! (hugs) So thank you!
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing of Phantom of the Opera. But i really want to...
Part Forty-eight:
Like Rachel had said, Erik remembered well where Richard's study was. Coming up to the handsomely carved wood door, he rapped his fingers against it. "Enter." A weary voice came through the door. Erik silently came in and a tired, flustered looking Richard looked up from his desk that was seeping with loose papers. "Ah! Monsieur Erik!" The familiar jack-o-lantern smile it up the young man's tired face. He got up and went around the desk and shook Erik's hand warmly. "I thought I heard Lark's voice downstairs."
"Yes, she has a very penetrating voice…" Erik smirked as he shook Richard's hand briefly. His host gave him another jack-o-lantern smile and turned back to his desk, sorting some of the loose papers. "Please excuse me," Richard laughed, "But I need to sort these, first." Erik nodded his consent looked around with interest at the study's walls that were covered with intricate paintings. "Are these your sister's?" he questioned curiously, staring up at a painting of a nightingale. Richard looked up at the paintings and nodded his head wearily. "Yes, these are hers. She used to paint so much…"
"'Used?'" Erik echoed, not sure if he heard right. Richard looked at him sadly. "Yes," he said slowly, "she used to do about three a week at least but now…all she does is focus on that one picture." Erik could say nothing to this. Three a week? She must have had plenty of time. Richard shook his head sadly. "I'm getting worried about her, Monsieur." He confessed, "She's too obsessed with it, she doesn't eat as often, she doesn't come out," Richard shrugged helplessly, "She doesn't even sleep most days!" Erik shook his head; surely such a woman as Rachel couldn't let the arts take control…it had happened to Erik with his music.
"How long has she been working on this?" He asked Richard, dreading the answer. His host shrugged and turned back to his papers. "Long enough." There was a silence, not awkward, just quiet. Richard then smiled slightly. "Although, she has been getting better, with Lark and yourself visiting us." Erik's eyebrows rose with surprise. He shook his head, the hard lump his throat returning with a vengeance. "I don't believe that, much, Monsieur…" Erik trailed off. The young man just smiled. "Ah, but it is true, my friend!" he sighed. "My sister has been more sociable when you both come over. She's fond of your company."
Erik stared at the painting of the nightingale. "I'm glad we can help…" he murmured uncomfortably. Richard peered at the older man thoughtfully. "Yes…"
Luckily, the door of the study was thrown open and Lark skipped in followed by a beaming Rachel. The girl scuttled over to Richard and gave him a hug to which he squeezed her, lightly, back. "Rich! Erik!" she squealed, almost dancing back to Erik's side. "Rachel and I have the most fabulous idea!" Their host and guest looked back and forth between the women, one with a bemused look and one glaring at Lark.
"What did you do?" Erik demanded through his teeth as he glared at the young girl. Lark beamed up at him and squeezed his hand but said nothing. Rachel then blushed and started, unconsciously, to twirl her long hair in her hands. "Well, sister?" inquired her brother. She looked at Lark. "Do you want to tell them, dear?" Richard looked blankly between them.
"Alright!" Lark clapped her hands together and turned to Erik. "Did you know there is an event every New Year at the Opera?" He grimaced, how could he not? Taking that as a yes, Lark continued. "Well me and Ra- er, Rachel and me have decided it would be fun to go together!" Erik blanched as Richard's weary face lit up once again into an over-large jack-o-lantern smile. Rachel beamed and looked eagerly at her brother. "Wouldn't it be good for us, brother?" she insisted, tugging his sleeve.
Richard looked down at his older sister, even though he was the youngest, he was still taller than her. Her bright, sapphire eyes sparkled with excitement as she beamed up at him while Erik and Lark bickered characteristically behind them. "It would give us a chance to get out once and a while." She said, smiling. Richard sighed then grinned, glancing at the quarreling two. "It would indeed."
Erik gave Lark his best withering look. "A ball?" he hissed. "You want us to go to the New Year's ball?" She tugged on his sleeve while chirping, "Aw, but it would be so much fun, Erik!" He scowled heavily his golden eyes flashing. "No! We're not-!"
"Don't tell me we are only allowed to take Lark with us, Monsieur Erik?" Rachel suddenly appeared at his side, her hand unconsciously touching his as they hung by his side. The hard lump came back with a vengeance as Erik found himself staring into Rachel's bright blue eyes. He tried unsuccessfully to swallow past it, and was able to mutter, "Er." She suddenly beamed, nearly blinding him. "Oh, is that all you can say?"
Erik couldn't find his voice. "Um…" Lark bubbled up next to them and seized his hand, rocking it back and forth. "Please, Erik?" Both females begged him with large eyes. He glanced at Richard who shrugged, smiling. Erik sighed.
It really does get hard to writ now adays, cause unfortunately we are nearing the finish line. (tear)
Reviews are lovingly appreciated:D