A.N: Hey you guys! I would like to apologize for the lateness of this (in my opinion) much needed chapter! My editor went away for a while, and then I got really absorbed into a musical that I've been acting in, so yeah. Please accept my apologies humbly bows Enjoy this next update!

Ch.8

The days went on as usual, Dani cleaning, Lissa and Alia planning (unbeknownst to Erik or Dani), and Erik moping around or composing. The two lovebirds still hadn't spoken about the fact that they were sleeping in the same bed only two weeks ago. It was sort of an… unspoken agreement. Well actually Erik was hoping Dani had forgotten, and Dani was just too embarrassed and ashamed of herself to bring it up. To say the least, things were tense.

"So, Erik, what's going on? No, that won't work! Umm… how is everything, are you feeling alright? Oh yeah, just great, sound like his mother!" Dani had been trying to think of something to say to Erik. They hadn't spoken in 168 hours, and the silence was driving her berserk! She decided to take council from her two best buddies.

She walked out of the peacock room, across the hall, and into the room that Alia and Lissa had deemed 'The Cool Room'. Dani was only staying in the peacock room for privacy. She passed Erik on the way there, and sighed as her scribbled something on a piece of parchment.

"What am I gonna do girls? I mean seriously! 168 hours is a long time not to talk to someone." Lissa and Alia nodded understandingly. "I mean, it's not like I haven't tries to approach the subject, it's just that it's so embarrassing! For goodness sakes, he's the man, why can't he bring it up!" questioned Dani.

Before the girls could even their mouths to speak, Erik had already called,

"Danielle!"

"Speaking of which," commented Lissa. Alia looked over at Dani, who had a foolish grin on her lip.

"If you'll excuse me…"replied Dani.

EJ

Come on Erik, just ask her! But what if she refuses? Why does it matter? Mlle. Danielle, may I escort you to the Opera? No, too formal! Dani, would you like to come to the Opera with me? No, no, no!

"Yes Erik?" Dani came out in her new crimson red dress. The bosom of the dress was cinched with a black ribbon, while the skirt flowed out gracefully sweeping the stone floors and beautiful Persian carpets.

"Is there something you need?" she asked, rubbing her hands together and feeling nervous.

"No…no," he stuttered. He put on a blank face and started scratching on his parchment again.

"Oh, well I guess I'll just get started on dinner then." Replied Dani, feeling extremely disappointed and wishing she had the courage to say something.

"Danielle wait!" called Erik, probably louder than he should have.

"Yes?" she asked slowly, feeling hopeful.

"I, uh," he stuttered. "I was wondering if…umm," he cleared his throat. "They are having a final dress rehearsal for Il Muto," he finally got out.

"Yes?" she asked again slowly.

"And well, I was simply wondering if…Well we'd have to put up with Carlotta's incessant singing, (if you could call it that) and rambling on of the lines…"

"Yes…" she repeated once more, starting to get impatient. Why didn't he just ask her already!

"And well, if you could bear that, I was wondering if you would like to go-with me?" he finally blurted, and proceeded to turn red. Scratch scratch scratch. Danielle smiled, a beautiful, feminine smile.

"I'd love to come!" she replied in an excited voice. Erik's head snapped up.

"You would?" he asked, absolutely astonished. "I mean good! I'll be waiting here at 7 o'clock sharp, don't be late because I won't hesitate to leave without you. " he cautioned seriously, trying not to sound happy for the first time in years.

"What should I wear? Does it matter?" she asked.

"No, it doesn't matter, it's completely your choice." He answered.

"Alright then, what would you like for dinner?" Erik looked up, raising an eyebrow. She ignored it. "I have decided that everyone will have dinner together tonight, " she said. "And we will all eat." Finished Dani firmly. She pivoted around and walked briskly to the kitchen to start dinner.

EJ

Dani walked into the kitchen, shut the door, and sunk down, leaning against the mahogany door for support.

"Aaah," she sighed happily.