Dear Diary,
Although I have never been a big fan of writing down one's thought, I feel the urge to do so. Maybe I should start from before you came into my possession.
Erik allowed Meg and I to go shopping one afternoon without Raphael keeping an eye on us. Erik always claims he is there so I will never have any need in Erik's absence. I doubt Raphael is there just to carry my bags. I think Erik has a fear of something taking me away from him forever.
There have been several times that I have tried to discuss the issue with him, but he always refuses to admit that Raphael is there for any other reason or discuss the issue further. I suppose considering what happened that afternoon Erik's fears were valid. Someone grabbed me on the way back to the car in the parking garage. The awful memories are still too fresh in my mind, and I have no desire to discuss them right now.
Erik did get back home just like he promised he would. Okay, so maybe I did play a small part in it, but he did the majority of the work. Going home was a present within itself. It is funny how at one time I considered this place a prison and now it is home. Anyhow, back to the matter had hand. I was simply satisfied with being at home, but Erik always has to make things magnificent. Good is simply not what Erik is willing to settle for.
When I got out of the shower that evening, there was a beautiful new dress waiting for me on the bed. I have never been big into clothes, but whenever a new outfit appears that I didn't have to buy myself it means that Erik has something big planned. I hurried and changed. I did my make-up and searched for a pair of shoes to fit. I could have sworn I had a perfect pair of black shoes to go with that dress, but they weren't in my closet. I went to the library to see if maybe I had left them in there. Instead, I found Erik playing the piano. There were a few boxes of varying shapes and sizes.
Erik pointed to a chair. Understanding his command, I went to sit down. He handed me the boxes. Erik refused to let me put it on myself though. Each earring he lovingly slipped into my ears. It was the same with the shoes and the necklace. Well, he didn't slip them in my ears, but you know what I mean.
Erik drove us himself. Not David. No Raphael. No palace guards. It was just the two of us. A pleasure that we hadn't truly enjoyed in months. No one seems to realize, not even Erik. My soul does something in the presence of Erik that no one else can seem to do, but it is hard to soar to the heavens when everyone else is watching, listening to him. They seek him for the magic that he seems to possess. Yes, it was nice to be with just him for the evening. It is sad that we always seem to ruin everything.
We slipped into the dead of the night, twisting on the dark road. Erik's hand moved from its position on the steering wheel to the center and hit a button. The next thing I knew the aria that I had sung in Italy was playing.
"Is this from the opera?" I was thoroughly surprised. The symphony sounded good. I even sounded good. I know that I have been singing my whole life, but I have always thought that people took pity on me and allowed me to sing in their chorus because of who my father was and him dying like he did. Erik has never seen me in that light though. He genuinely believes that I could be a great singer. One of the best. Daddy would have liked him for that reason.
"Of course."
"They did a good job with re-mastering it."
"They did no such thing. You honestly think that I would let a computer mess up the perfection that was given to the heavens that night."
"Thank you, Erik." Erik probably didn't see me turn the bright red I am sure my blushing brought on.
"The angels wept that night. All of Italy wants to know if you will be making a return trip." Erik was silent for a moment before he continued. I didn't bother say anything in the silence. Erik would have the trip already planned if he desired me to perform again.
"Although with the events of late, I understand if you don't want to go." It seemed as if though he was actually asking for opinion.
"I would like to stay home for awhile before we go anywhere else. That is if you don't mind, Erik."
"Of course not."
We didn't say anything the rest of the drive. Erik somehow got us into a restaurant that you had to have reservations for months in advance. I didn't bother to ask how he got us in so quickly. Chances are Erik either built, owns it, or someone owes him a favor.
Dinner was lovely although we didn't say hardly anything, and it was more me eating while Erik drank wine. Erik refuses to eat out in public. I think it is because it takes longer with the mask. I have made a promise to myself that by the time the year is over I will have him eating with me without that stupid mask.
The opera was wonderful. Erik still found problems with it. Nadir and I once spoke about Erik's opera houses. He says that Erik owns several around the globe. Not just the one in Italy. He told me that Erik only hires the best of the best for any of his business adventures. However, when it comes to music, especially works of Erik's, he is even more precise as to who he lets work for him.
Thankfully, Erik neither wrote the composition nor owned the opera house. I wish that I could tell you what a wonderful conversation that we had on the journey back to the house. Unfortunately, I fell asleep, and Erik carried me up to my room, placing me under the covers. I am not sure if I dreamt it or if he actually said it, but I swear I heard Erik say, "Rest peacefully my angel for the monsters shall not get you here. This demon say protect you."
I wish that I could say as well that all is well with Erik and me. That too is not true. Before I found you resting on the piano bench, Erik and I had a squabble. Okay, so it was more of me telling Erik that he couldn't do something, and then him going crazy on me.
When I came out of my room, Sarah informed me that Erik had left on a business venture and would not be back for several days. Tomorrow, David and Raphael are taking me shopping to keep me busy while he is away.
I am tired and going to bed. Until another day.
Christine.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA/N: Sorry about the wait. My computer is on the fritz right now.

Thank you Timeflies for all of your help with this story. I know this chapter wasn't what some of you were hoping for, but I got the idea from a review.

Please review and let me know what you think. Maybe I will get some more inspiration.