A/N: Hey, everyone! It's exam week for all of those still in high school, so this is for everyone suffering right now, may it be a mental, physical, or spiritual struggle. I'm praying for you all! Enjoy!

Chapter Eight

Two weeks later…

"Christine, can I talk to you for a minute?" asked George from the kitchen.

"Yeah, Dad, what's up?" It was 9:15 and she had just returned from Erik's house. It was no longer just music lessons, however. Christine never returned home after her workshop, but came home with Erik instead. He would cook them dinner and they would start singing at seven. So far, her favorite meal of his was his Raman Noodles. Obviously, Erik was hopeless in the kitchen, so Christine usually helped with most of it. If they were lucky, Edna would have precooked an extravagant chicken for them, but that was only on Friday.

Her voice was now clear as a bell and as elegant as chimes, Erik was elated with pride. Even though they were making practical progress with her talent, their situation proved to be rather annoying and frustrating. There was now no denying the attraction, and they both went through the day trying to suppress their longing.

There was even a point at which Erik almost asked her out. Tempting, but it wasn't right. She was only seventeen… eighteen in three weeks.

"My car's out of shop, so you can have your's back." George had absolutely no idea how much Christine resented his words. Would Erik and she still carpool?

"Oh, thanks, Dad," she replied with a frown contorting her flushed face. "Is it out front?"

"Yeah, go for it. The keys are on the front table."

Upon instinct, she ran out the door, car keys in hand, and hopped in her car. Turning on the ignition, she quickly sped out of her driveway. Then, she practically flew down the street and through the ally behind her house. Christine sailed her 4Runner into her garage and closed the door. There, now we only have one car again, she thought triumphantly.

She knew Erik would notice the presence of her father's car, but surely, he would pick up on the hint. The last thing she wanted to do was cease her moments with Erik in his car.

The next morning, when it came time to pick up Christine, Erik did notice her father's forest green BMW. Before he knew what he was doing, however, habit brought him to drive into her driveway just like every other day.

"Good morning, Erik!" Christine greeted cheerfully. She was different somehow, but Erik really couldn't put his finger on it. Was it the way her smile was a little too wide or that her nervous eyebrows contrasted to her happy face?

"You're awfully chirpy today," Erik replied playfully. "Did you get your car back?" Why is she riding with me still? Wouldn't she want to take off that burden?

"Yes," was her only reply.

"Would you rather ride alone?"

"NO!" she shouted suddenly. "I mean, you know with the o-zone layer these days. Someone's got to make up for Ralf's Hummer, right?" She tried to laugh off her embarrassment, but Erik picked it up too soon.

Did she just make up a lame excuse to ride with me? No, she couldn't possibly… could she?

"Yes, I guess we should. No one wants the o-zone to fade." One that note, they drove away from their neighborhood.

Once they arrived to the college, Christine's face paled in panic.

"Oh, no! I can't believe I did this! Oh gosh!"

Erik, in complete confusion, pulled her hands away from her face so that she could look at him.

"What is it, Christine?"

"I completely forgot! Usually I write it on my hand, and I did! But it washed away last night when we were doing dishes! How could I forget?" Her rambling wouldn't solve his confusion.

"Forget what, Christine?" he asked again.

"The college is closed today!" Erik was a little taken aback at this, but when he opened his mouth to ask why, she read his mind. "They've had bug problems in some of the classrooms so they're exterminating the place today."

"Oh," Erik said obliviously. Then Erik thought of a brilliant plan. Or so he thought.

"Hey, do you want to go to work with me today?" What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?! They'll believe you thought it was bring-your-daughter-to-work day! You're absolutely bonkers you know!

"Yeah!" Christine replied a little too loudly. "I mean of course, if you don't mind, I don't want you to baby sit me or anything."

You have no idea…

"No, not at all, this could be a good experience. For art. Since I'm an architect and all. There's some art to it, I guess." Now you're just making up a bunch of rubbish to cover your tracks. You're absolutely loony.

"Yeah, that sounds awesome! I've always wanted to see how you work." Again with the sexual undertones!

"Why's that?"

"Well, I've always seen you at home, and you seem friendly, but I bet you're a hard ass at work," she replied with a humorous smirk.

"Only with some," Erik chuckled.

Jon, who was at the moment gossiping about the newest office romance, noticed a beautiful young woman walk out of the elevator with her even more gorgeous accessory, Erik, by her side. He dropped everything and ran to the pair.

"Hello, welcome to Elements Architecture, I'm Jon. And you are?" He kindly extended his hand with the sincerest of smiles to go along with it.

"Hi, I'm Christine, Erik's neighbor." Oh dear, Lord. Now everyone would know.

Jon's heart fluttered and a huge grin stretched to his ears. "Ohhhhhhh, nice to meet you, Christine. Good morning, Erik." Then, as fast as he could walk without bringing attention to his shaking form, Jon fled to the others.

"OH MY GOD! You will never believe who just walked in here!" Jon whispered to Megan and Rick.

"George Clooney?!" Megan asked with a voice filled with hope. Rick's face, however, filled with jealousy.

"Even better… CHRISTINE!" Jon's voice was still in a whisper, but it could be heard 'round the world.

"And this is supposed to be exciting because…" Rick asked in annoyance.

"Erik's neighbor!"

"Oh my God! Where?!" Megan jumped from her chair and looked over her drawing board.

"She's in Erik's office."

"Does anyone know why she's here?" Rick was still being skeptical about the whole situation.

"Let's find out," Jon said as his mischievous smile only grew wider.

"Please no!" Megan was dragging Rick by the arm.

While the trio prowled to the office of Erik Desmond, they were caught by none other than Edna.

"Just what do you think you're doing?"

Edna wouldn't have stopped them if they didn't look so suspicious. Jon, Rick, and Megan were all crouched by Erik's closed door, pressing their ears to the wooden frame. What in God's name could they be doing?

"Nothing," they said in unison.

Erik must have heard some commotion outside, because the door opened and all three of them fell inside at Christine's feet.

"Hello, up there." Jon just had to add the jokes.

"Hi, again," replied a slightly stunned, half amused Christine.

"Christine, these are my partners, Rick, Megan, and you've met Jon." Erik was glaring at his immature coworkers scrambling off the floor, and then he noticed Edna. "Oh, and this fine woman, is the one who makes our delicious Friday chickens."

"Oh my goodness! You must be Edna. You're chicken is amazing!" Edna thought she sounded so polite and melted on the spot.

"Why thank you, Darlin'. I'll make it anytime you want!" She loved Christine.

"So, what brings you to Elements, kid?" Rick refused to acknowledge her as an adult.

"Well, I take an art workshop at the college, but they're exterminating a bug problem, so it's closed today. I didn't want to make Erik drive all the way back to my house, so we thought I could learn a little something about architecture."

"Here, why don't I show you some of the basics. Do you mind, Erik?" Megan asked wanting to give Erik the chance to talk amongst everyone.

"Not unless Christine does," he replied looking at her expectantly.

"No, not at all. It should be fun." Then with a warm smile, she turned to Megan.

"Alrighty then. I have all the paperwork from the project on my desk if you need it. I'll be showing Christine around." While they turned and walked away, Megan gave approving thumbs up behind her back.

"Oh, Erik, she's gorgeous! And so sweet! That is one rare mixture these days, as you well know," Jon said referring to Vicky.

"I love her!" Edna bursted.

"Edna, you've only just met her," Erik tried to argue.

"I love her!"

"Okay, whatever suits you."

"I personally think its wrong." Rick just had to destroy every ounce of hope.

"She's not a kid as you so lovingly put it. She's a smart mature woman who deserves more respect!"

"That's right, Erik! Protect your woman!"

"Shut up, Jon!" projected Erik and Rick in unison.

"I don't know, it just spooks me a little."

"I'm not a pedophile, Rick. Even if I were trying to pursue her, she doesn't like me like that."

"Sure she doesn't, she just offered to go spend the whole day with you at work just so she could see what it's like to be an architect," Rick laced with sarcasm. "I bet she's just gushing to Megan about how much she's always wanted to be one!"

"You don't know what you're saying!" Erik growled.

"Okay, you little hooligans, stop arguing this instant! You're acting like a bunch of children!" Edna's short and stout form was now lodged between the two fighting opponents.

"So, how long have you and Erik been together?" Megan's forward question took Christine's head for a ride. As quickly as she could, she replied her defense.

"Oh, it's not like that, we're just neighbors. He just gives me music lessons and rides."

"Sure."

"No, really, he doesn't see me that way." Her eyes were downcast now and Megan read her body language perfectly.

"So that's why he invited you to work: to just 'hang out'." She picked up Rick's sarcastic humor even before they dated.

"What? No, Erik would never see me that way." Why did she doubt it so much?

"Seriously, sweetie, he's head over heels. He's just scared is all. He isn't too familiar with the whole dating scene."

"How come? He seems perfect to me." Realizing her confession, Christine tried to hide her blush.

"People are scared of the mask or they just torment him about it. Dating is not in his vocabulary."

"That's just cruel! Why is the world so flipping superficial? Why can't they just look at him for the brilliant man he is?!" Christine truly looked offended and Megan was relishing in her loyalty.

"I'm glad you see it that way, Christine. Erik needs someone like you."

"Thanks," She was now shaking from an excitement she couldn't quite explain.

Meanwhile, Vicky stared from her corner office through the windows at the beautiful woman walking with Megan. Who was she? She would soon find out as she left her office and walked terrifyingly toward the two women.

"Hello, I'm Victoria Edgerton, nice to meet you." Her sneer made Christine's insides grow cold.

"I – I'm Christine. Christine Darly," she returned in a shaky voice.

"She's Erik's neighbor and carpool partner, a very dear friend of his." Megan's retort slapped Vicky right in the face.

"Oh. Well then, welcome to Elements. I hope your experience is just spectacular." With her short conversation, Vicky quickly left them feeling triumph in her hidden threat.

"Should I feel threatened? Because I feel chills." Christine asked with a look of fear.

"That depends on who you are," answered Megan.

"Who am I?"

"You're a threat." What confused Christine about her answer was the smile that went along with it.

"Then why are you smiling?"

"Because, Erik needs a threat against Vicky now more than ever."

Presently, Erik, Edna, Rick, and Jon were all sitting in the break room in dead silence. Edna and Jon were playing a game of Go Fish while Erik and Rick were glaring daggers at each other. The monotone buzzing of the lights were soon interrupted by Megan's cheerful voice in the doorway.

"Hey, everyone! Christine and I are done with the tour."

Erik abruptly stood to greet Christine. "How did you like it?"

"It was really cool! Especially the contrast of the business and art. It must be fun to work here."

"Oh, you have no idea," retorted Jon, followed by a swat on the arm by Edna.

Christine just shook off Jon's comment and headed toward Erik feeling a sense of homecoming at the sight of his face.

"Would you like to go to lunch?" Erik asked.

"Definitely! Where do you want to go?"

"There's a great Latin place down the street." He offered.

"Ewww, sounds great! I've never had it before, but I've always wanted to try it."

"Well, then, I guess it's your lucky day." They were both glowing in each other's presence completely forgetting that they had an audience to their flirtatious show.

"Shall we?" Erik said as he held out his arm for her to take. Obviously, she did just that. Who on this planet wouldn't take the arm of Erik Desmond?

After they walked out of sight, Rick decided to add his own remark, "He's gonna get arrested one day, and I refuse to bail him out."

"Would you just shut up, Rick," scolded Megan, "she's almost eighteen and it's obvious they're crazy for each other! Why can't you just accept that? Can't you just be happy for him? He's finally found a great girl, one who really cares for HIM. Just shut your trap and smile!"

No one had really heard Megan have an outburst about anything, so they all took this moment to be serious. All except for Jon, as always.

"Yeah, Rick! Shut up!"

"So how'd you really like it? You look a little glum." Erik had noticed at the restaurant that she seemed a little shaken up and he just hoped Christine hadn't over heard Rick's negative comments.

"Oh, I'm sorry. It was great; it's just there was this woman who gave me to chills."

Oh no…

"Who do you mean?"

"Oh, I don't want to be dropping names." What if Erik liked this Vicky?

"Christine, if someone bothered you, I need to know. As long as it's not Edna or Megan, I really don't care."

She hesitated at first, still contemplating to tell him, but eventually after seeing the sincerity in Erik's face she barely whispered, "Victoria Edgerton."

"Oh."

"I'm sorry, are you two together? I really didn't mean to upset you. I mean, I could have just read her wrong."

"No, Christine, it's fine! We're not together. At least not anymore. If anything, I'm glad you picked up on it."

"Oh, so she's your ex." She paused and then picked up on a totally different note. "If it makes you feel any better, she's a total witch. You're better off without her." Christine then casually waved her hand and sipped her drink. The capability this woman had to switch emotions so easily baffled Erik.

"Thank you, I think." It was the first time that day Erik actually smiled.

"What happened anyway?" I knew there was a catch.

"She clawed her way to the top, me being one of her tools. I trusted the wrong person."

"I'm sorry, Erik." He could see true authenticity in her jade orbs. "You'll find the most trustworthy person alive soon. It just takes patience."

Suddenly, the waiter came up their table to retrieve their order.

"So, what would the happy couple like to eat?!"

In unison, they both tried to explain. "Oh, we're not –"

"Oh, I'm sorry, my mistake. You both just look so radiant. Anyways, what would you like to order?" The robust waiter was still smirking under his mustache. It was obvious the man and woman hadn't figured the attraction out yet.

"Umm, I'll have the bistec impadisado (A/N: Thin beef fried steak with lime) and she'll have your pulled pork. And could we have some plantains (A/N: fried, sweet bananas) on the side?"

"Certainly! Your order will be out shortly!"

When he left, he also left the table in an awkward silence.

"So," Erik said clearing his throat, "When does school start?"

"Umm, a week and a half from now." Apparently, she wasn't too happy about that aspect of her life.

"You don't look too happy about it."

"No duh. School is the devil!" Erik just had to chuckle at her enthusiasm. "I'm counting down the days till graduation!"

"Well what about your friends? Aren't you excited to see them again?"

"Yeah, I guess. I mean when I moved here, everyone already kind of had their cliques so all I had was Katie. Of course, I pick the social climber. She ditched me this summer for cheer camp. There are still a few people I can hang out with, but it's not like I imagined."

"I know how you feel, but trust me, once you're out of there, people will be dying to know you."

"Because I'll be such a famous singer! At my performance of Phantom of the Operah at Rockwood High, the critics will just shoot me into stardom! They won't know what to do with all my new found talent!" Her over-exaggerated hand movements and the laughter in her voice made Erik smile at her comic relief. He noticed that when something bothered her she usually used comedy to relieve the situation. This was new to someone who only knew depression. She made him laugh.

"Oh, you'll fly to the top." But rather than go along with her sarcasm, Erik was being completely serious.

After they had finished their delicious meals, they headed back to Elements. But before Christine and Erik could enter the elevator, he needed to reassure her.

"Christine, about Vicky, if she does anything or says anything to bother you, please tell me. It's going to be irrational and harsh and you have no reason to be attacked. You are innocent in this situation and I'll be damned if she hurts you." At his last proclamation, Christine practically swooned. He was the knight she'd been looking for. If only he saw her as the princess in the happy ending.

"Thank you, Erik. That means a lot to me."

At the moment, Erik was silently chuckling to himself at the sight he glanced at from the top of his computer. Christine was swiveling in one of his chairs until she got dizzy. Once she accomplished this, she would stop the circular motion and look at Erik. Through her eyes, there would be five Eriks and that result was the reason she started playing the pointless game. Five Eriks was like a dream come true. Of course, Erik himself was completely oblivious to her intention, but amused himself in the look on her dazed face.

"Having fun?" he asked.

"You have absolutely no idea. I can't believe you don't do this on your breaks. It's so addicting."

"I believe I'd like to keep my brain inside of my head, thank you."

"Party pooper," she came back with under her breath knowing fully well he would hear her.

"I'm sorry, I don't believe I got that last bit," he mocked with a smirk.

"Oh, nothing, I was just commenting on your incapability to have fun," she joked.

"Hmmm, maybe my idea of fun is a tad different than yours."

Before she could think, a paper ball was thrown square between her eyes.

"Wow, I believe you just attacked me!"

She then bent down to pick up the discarded weapon and walked toward him with her occupied hand raised high.

"And I get the notion that you are planning a counter attack." Dear Lord, she looks amazing when she's aggressive.

"That I most certainly am."

With her last warning, she pinned his wrists to his desk with her free hand as her other swung the paper at his retreating head.

"AHHH!" Before Christine could flee from his circumference, Erik had grabbed her by the waist and tugged her back against him. Neither of them could deny the instant shock of electricity at the feeling. They stopped almost instantly to just enjoy the feeling of being together, all games forgotten.

As quickly as it started, the moment came to a halt at the sight of Vicky in the doorway.

"Well isn't this just charming! Roughhousing in the office." Vicky tried to play it cool, but Christine caught the gleam of jealousy in her eyes.

"Hello, Victoria, it's nice to see you again." Erik's jaw dropped at the casualty and kindness in her voice. She was most definitely the more mature woman, even if they were roughhousing in the middle of his office.

"Umm you too." It was obvious that Christine's calm and gentle composure stunted Vicky. She was supposed to be embarrassed to be caught, not acting normally!

"Well, Erik's really busy, so I think he really needs to concentrate now." With her lifted eyebrows, Christine told the blasted woman to leave the safety of Erik's office.

"Oh, I can see you were rather busy," shot back Vicky.

"Yes, actually, he was. I was relieving his stress. Humor can do that you know."

"Fine. I guess I'll see you both later then." She left defeated.

"Have I told you how bloody fantastic you are?!" Erik was still staring in adoration at her.

"This would be the first, but it's greatly appreciated," she replied with a flushed face.

While Erik was driving them back to his place for dinner and a lesson, Christine blared the song Mr. Bright side through his speakers and was singing along. He remembered that this was the song she was singing to the first time he saw her and it brought back beautiful memories. He remembered the sun hitting her face at just the right amount and the sound of her pure, untouched voice. Now it was different. The sun lit up her entire face and her voice had been sculpted to perfection by HIM! Nothing, not even the past could taint this happy moment.

A/N: I know everyone's busy but I would greatly appreciate a review. And if I don't post before I leave for Colorado, Happy Holidays and Happy New year!

Erik: Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll catch Christine under the mistletoe or at midnight of New Years! (rubbing his hands mischievously)

Christine: Oh, you'll get your kisses.

Erik: ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU!!! And your reviews!