Secrets left behind
Forum Alert – I have started a forum entitled: Secrets Left Untold, Q & A. If you would like to join our next round robin that Terpsichore314 is now writing the first chapter as we speak, please post your name out on the forum. We will be taking the first eight authors. Also I think there was a question if we were only going to have 10 chapters on this story; I can't answer that as we will just have to see where we are led. It was my intention that each author would get to write at least two chapters, but who knows?
Chapter one - ToryD
Chapter two - Terpsichore314
Chapter three - KatieKay90
Chapter four - MJ Mod
Chapter five - LostBluePhantom
Chapter six – Moonshine's Guide
Chapter seven - Phantasmarose
Chapter eight - Splendorous Night Unfurled
Chapter nine - Hatred Behind a Mask
Chapter ten – ToryD (we start over again)
A/N: I am currently the author of Black Despair, a Leroux based period story. This is a very different type of story. Imagine taking a cross-country trip and you only get to control the car between Ohio and Indiana. I had a lot of fun writing this.
Author: Phantasmarose
Chapter 7
Darius took Ana home. Once the girl had left an uncomfortable quiet descended on the household. Erik growled and left for his room. Christine picked-up Ben and played with him for a while. Strange, what a calming effect the baby had on her. Changing and cleaning him were not chores, simply a part of a loving routine. Her feelings for Ben ran deep and she could not have loved him more had he been her son. She fell asleep cuddling Ben in her arms.
As soon as she had finished her breakfast, Jeanne walked up to her and with a smile on her lips said, "Christine, Mr. Demetrius said for you to pack all your things as quickly as possible and Darius will take them down for you." Christine was shocked by the abruptness of her dismissal. She liked Jeanne and felt hurt that the older woman thought it amusing that she was being kicked out. Quietly she went to pack her bags and gather Ben.
Christine sat in the limousine. All her bags had been stuffed in the back. Tears threatened to spill, but she held on to them, much harder times were ahead now. She had expected the ax to fall but she frowned at Erik's way of getting rid of her. She felt like last nights garbage. He was probably tired of all the problems she had brought him. Ana's visit must have been the final straw. He was an important, busy man. He did not need all the aggravation she and Ben and brought into his life. She also remembered that she had lied to him and that he had been so very upset. She could not blame him for throwing her out as quickly and as efficiently as possible. After all he was a business man. On the other hand, she would forever be grateful for all the things he had done for her. Despite all the logical reasons, she had for feeling grateful, Christine hurt. Why hadn't he told her himself that he wanted her out. He had not even said good-bye! Ben sat on his car seat busily sucking on his knuckles. She bent over him and kissed his head.
"We'll be fine sweetie. Somehow we're going to make it," she said to Ben. His wide innocent eyes stared up believing in her. Please, please, don't let me fail him!
She rested her head on the side window. The city looked beautiful as they left it behind. She should ask Darius where was taking her, but she was too tired to ask, too tired to care. When you had no roots, and nowhere to go any place was as good as the next.
"Ms.? Ms. Christine? We are here"
Christine awoke and looked out the window. They were in the woods on a winding gravel road. At the end was a small stone cabin with an untidy pile of wood next to it. Darius opened the door for her and let her out. She held Ben in her arms.
"This way Ms. Christine." He pointed to the front door of the cabin
"My things" she said pointing to the car trunk.
"I will take care of them. Please do not worry yourself."
They went inside the cabin and Darius took Ben from her arms. Inside was a finely decorated room. Modern furniture belied the rustic outside of the cabin. A fire was lit and Erik stood by poking the ambers. He was dressed in a white shirt and grey slacks.
"Christine! Welcome," he said turning to her.
"What is this all about Erik? Why am I here?" She felt completely confused.
"You need a period of relaxation. There is too much stress at home right now. I borrowed this cottage from Sameh, a trusted employees' brother. It is untraceable. So, Ms. Leigh and her slew of investigators will just have to entertain themselves doing something else. However, if anyone should make their way up here…I will take the situation into my hands."
"Erik you are just wonderful!" She ran up to him and gave him a hug promptly followed by a kiss on his good cheek. "Oh! I'm sorry…I shouldn't have." She felt the heat rise on her cheeks.
He stood stiffly by the fire. A small smile played on his lips. He started poking the fire again.
"Darius, show Christine to her room. And, Darius…don't look so nervous. There's a nurse upstairs ready to take over Ben."
The chauffer looked relieved and gave Erik a half smile.
Once she had left the room, he touched the cheek she kissed. His stomach was still constricted. Why did Christine always have this effect on him? She is nothing to me. Just a passerby in my life. He knew he was lying to himself, from the first time he'd seen her she was special to him. He would protect her against all odds. Christine.
The rattling at the windows continued throughout dinner. Erik had said it was a northeaster. He'd cooked for them
"I'm surprised a man like you knows how to cook. Mr. Demetrius," she teased.
"I demand the best because I know intimately what it is. That goes for everything I own or enjoy." He had made them poached Sea Bass seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice. He added roasted potatoes with julienne carrots and green beans. "It's a simple meal. Try it."
"Erik it's delicious." She said swallowing quickly so she could eat more.
He looked proud of his meal
"Our wine should be just about right." He checked the wine's temperature "It's a 1998 Chateau Soucherie Anjou Blanc." He said holding the bottle.
She gave him a blank look.
"It's a white wine," he conceded shrugging his shoulders and pouring for them.
As soon as the meal was done he announced, "I have fresh fruit for dessert."
"Oh kiwi I love those"
He pealed and cut it into thin slices for her. "Have you ever tasted mango?"
"Yes, I love it ripe."
"Believe me, this one is ripe." He put a thick slice on her plate. "Here, see if it's to your liking." He said pushing a small piece into her mouth. Her lips touched his finger.
He felt a tremor that when down his back. His whole body reacted. He removed his hand and poured them a little more of the cold wine. He could still feel the softness of her lip against his fingers. She is here to relax, not to have to put up with the likes of you.
Their conversation flowed easily. Mainly about the state of unemployment, the possibilities of getting a good education on the Internet. By the end of the evening, they had finished the bottle and fruit. The storm was truly raging now.
"Good-night Erik."
"Will you be all right?" he asked her.
"I'll be fine Erik. I think."
"Good-night Christine."
Erik was lying on his bed when he heard the crash and a scream. "Christine!" He was out of his room and on his way down the hall to Christine's room. He opened the door to shattered glass. A branch had come in through the window. The wind howled through the opening. He reached for her and picked her up. "Glass" he said, carrying her out of the room.
Her eyes were wide as they fell on his face. "Erik?"
In a split second he realized that in his rush and worry, he had left his mask behind. Her face was two inches away from his. His mouth opened but nothing came out. Before he could, put her down to run away, her hand had come up and she caressed the rough side of his face. "It's all right," she murmured softly. "You wear yours on the outside." He leaned his forehead on hers and sighed. Their eyes met and silently he changed direction, going toward his room.
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