Chapter 14
Christine spent several more hours with Erik before she decided to return so that no one worried about her. Like a gentleman, Erik escorted her to the third basement, where they exited what he considered his world and entered the opera house.
"There's no performance tonight," Christine informed him.
"Yes, I am aware," Erik replied.
She squeezed the leather folder to her chest. "Would you consider escorting me for a pastry?" she asked. Erik heard her stomach growl. "Fresh air would be nice, don't you think?"
He hesitated. "At what hour?"
"Nine…ish?"
"Why don't I bring you a pastry and we may dine together in my apartments?"
She frowned. Or was it pouted? It was difficult to tell the difference with her.
"That defeats the purpose of going together for fresh air and a walk."
He sighed and felt more and more deflated. Once she was safely returned, Erik planned on taking a long nap.
"I helped construct this very building, Mademoiselle, I assure you that there is nothing wrong with the air."
Turning her back to him, Christine allowed her shoulders to drop in stage-worthy form. "I'm beginning to think you don't wish to be seen with me."
Erik panicked. "No, no, of course not, Christine don't be absurd I…" And then it sunk in and he shook his head at her, his face and neck burning with a sudden flash of anger. "You are quite crafty, Christine, but your antics will be noticed and go unrewarded. Know this: Your attempts at fooling me are all in vain, and I do not appreciate your mocking ways."
Christine bristled at his harsh tone. "You expect to entertain me in the confines of a basement? And this, you think, will earn my undying affection for you?"
She made him sound so incredulous that he couldn't stop himself from blanching. Keeping his voice as low and even as he could manage, he took a step forward and looked her straight in the eye.
"Is this a game to you, Christine? Is this merely an experiment to see how long you are able to torture me?"
Her expression sobered. "For as long as you've known me, have I ever taken pleasure in anything that caused others pain?"
Erik was breathing harder as they stood face-to-face. He didn't know how to answer, as with every passing moment she seemed like more and more of a mystery to him. He most certainly would have remained suspended for much longer had Christine not reached up to touch his face.
He turned swiftly away from her and her hand fell against his shoulder.
"Why do you turn away from me?" she asked, her voice filled with sincerity.
"I've asked you not to touch this mask," he said, his voice low. He watched her from the corner of his eye as they stood in the musty confines of the third basement. "And yet…I know one day you will disobey me."
While watching her sleep, Erik had played it out in his mind. He saw her reach across the table and snatch it from him. Then he imagined her removing it while he was asleep and unaware. Then lastly—the most incongruous of all—was standing on a stage before a crowd. The humiliation he felt merely thinking of the possibility made him inwardly shudder. He couldn't imagine a greater deathblow than Christine giving him false hope of finally being human.
"Then if you wish, I will swear to you that I will not attempt to take it from you." She paused, her hand squeezing his arm tighter as she continued to cling to the folder. "But I hope that one day, if you do care for me, that you will trust me."
"It's time for you to return to your room," he said as he turned his back on her. He couldn't promise her anything, as he didn't know if he would ever be able to look her in the eye without his mask.
As he stood in the hall he heard her breathing hard and knew she was waiting for him to agree.
"Christine? Do you think this corridor is dark?" he asked.
"Yes, I do," she answered meekly.
"You have no idea where I've been," he said at last. "And you don't know true darkness."
"Erik, please look at me. I want to apologize to you."
Without another word, he disappeared.