Disclaimer: I do not own the lyrics used from Aida.

A/N: There you guys are! I'm a review whore so seeing them makes me happy and my fingers type faster. I feel bad for Etienne too but we have to see how things between him and Stephanie will work. Maybe in this chapter there will be some opinion changing… Thank you to those who reviewed and my beta, Halley. Please don't forget to review!

Chapter 13: A "Sucky" Evening

He was a fool…

Gazing down at the opera that was written for her, he gripped it tighter to prevent the overwhelming emotions from taking over.

He had believed, even hoped…

How could he have forgotten?

Etienne's vision blurred as sadness dissipated into red-boiling anger, taking its revenge on the manuscript.

How could he have forgotten Dan Shaw? How could he after all those years of listening to the story?

She would never be his. Never.

A mound of shredded and twisted paper piled at his feet, but he paid it no mind. It was all his hungry rage could suffice for now, though he rather wished it on the physical person of his torment.

It was Etienne's fault and hers. He should have known better than to fall in love, yet his heart had overpowered his rational senses. His pride and arrogance had him assume that Stephanie would want him. What woman would not? And did she not nearly swoon when they bumped into each other last night?

Closing his eyes, Etienne's memory recalled that scene quite vividly. Her light scent filled his nostrils, her half-lidded eyes barely containing the intense desire that flashed. Had it been his imagination? No… he was adamant that he saw something in her eyes that gave him the possible hope of her belonging to him.

Fool.

xxXXxx

It was close to sunset.

Her horse was galloping to keep close to her companion. Into the forest, she seen him up ahead and urged the animal to hurry. Before long, she found herself in the middle of a circle of ancient ruins. But as she looked around, he was nowhere in sight.

Climbing off the horse, she called his name. No response.

As she was about to call for him once more, a pair of hands covered her eyes, his breath a whisper in her ear. Slowly, his fingers removed themselves from her vision as the sun was setting.

"It's beautiful," she sighed in awe.

She turned her head just as Etienne's lips were lowering…

Bolting upright, Stephanie drew in a deep breath. The dream felt so real, she could still feel the warmth of his hands on her face, his warm breath at her skin. Shuddering, Stephanie pulled the covers closer.

Why did I dream about him? I hate him for Pete's sake. Shaking her head, she turned her thoughts to Dan as guilt crept on her. Dreaming of another man when you have one waiting for you…

How do you know if he is at all waiting? Her conscience asked. Irate, Stephanie refused to acknowledge the possible thought. Of course, he was. This was a temporary setback.

Sure…but what of Etienne? Stephanie scowled at the mere mention of his name. He was one of the worst people she ever met, not counting Bernie. And she couldn't picture him doing something as romantic in her dream. Could it be since I spent about a year without a man I'm pining the need for romance with Etienne?

She would hope not. Then again, she was a red-blooded woman with needs. Etienne was definitely handsome, that was certain, and he was the kind of guy a woman would fantasize about… if he doesn't speak. But Stephanie was not the type to jump quickly into a man's bed for any pleasure. She preferred the romanticism of it, unlike her good friend Veronica. And if she were to be too forward, then what impression does that give off? Besides, she refused to act on carnal behaviors and she would be cheating.

I love Dan too much to hurt him. No. I would never forgive myself if I did. Before returning to bed, Stephanie continued to think of Dan and fell asleep with Dan on her mind.

xxXXxx

The next morning, Etienne was conspicuously absent from the breakfast table. It wasn't until around mid-afternoon he emerged from his bedroom, freshly dressed but eyes rimmed with weariness. He fled into his music room, where he spent the next few days, banging on the keys, venting his frustration through music.

Stephanie heard the violence that was coming from the room, but decided to shrug it off. Her dream of Etienne was the first and last. It was pure need and she was able to overcome it. Though, there were far better thoughts to occupy her mind, especially since tonight was the opening night of Aida. A favorite opera of hers, Stephanie was excited to at last hear the soprano sing in person. She wasn't too worried about the crowd and the questions that would arise. All Stephanie was looking forward to was a night filled with good music and friends.

And as Madam Laverne promised, a messenger was sent earlier to tell them her dresses were complete. Erik had his manservant go and fetch them straightaway. Stephanie couldn't wait to see what they were. An hour later, the servant arrived with the dresses.

Giddy as a schoolgirl, Christine helped Stephanie and the servants take the new clothes into her room. When situated, the two women fawned over the gowns.

"I think you should wear the pink one!"

"Naah, I kind of like this better."

Stephanie picked up the one of her desired choice, holding it in front of her. Christine's hazel eyes widened with delight as she squealed. "That's the one! You will steal all the attention away."

Stephanie laughed. "I don't think so, not when the prima donna is next to me."

The singer snorted. "My dear, those people have seen my face hundreds of times. You are new and an enigma. My thunder will be stolen by you, mark my words."

"Believe me, I don't want to steal your thunder. A peaceful night with music and good friends is all I ask for."

Christine smirked. "I should tell you beforehand that since I'll be performing and Erik will be conducting. Our maestro was struck ill unexpectedly and Erik's the next one to take over."

The relaxed smile on Stephanie's face was starting to wilt. She didn't like the direction this was leading into.

"And you'll be in our private box with Etienne. He's your escort."

Bug-eyed, Stephanie gaped at the soprano who winked and floated out of the room.

Meanwhile, with the same news be given to, Etienne's reaction was more animated than Stephanie's.

"Have you both lost your senses? Papa, I cannot and will not do this!"

"Etienne," Erik sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I know the last time didn't go well, but it's opening night and Stephanie needs an escort. I'm tired of the bickering that occurs between the both of you. For one night, could you set beside your differences and enjoy yourselves?"

Etienne scowled. "I have other reasons Father. Do not make this uncomfortable…"

"Son, the only one who is making it uncomfortable is you. Now I must go and prepare myself."

The conversation was over. As Erik left, Etienne could feel the cracks beginning to break in his heart. Alone… We would have to be alone.

For the first time in his life, Etienne dreaded going to the opera.

xxXXxx

Pacing anxiously in the foyer, Etienne prayed that Stephanie had fallen ill or had the nerves and didn't want to face the public. Anything, anything would do if he wouldn't have to be with her.

Of all the awful designs God had set upon him, this was torture knowing he would spend the evening with the woman he loved who loved another. He had destroyed his opera, a masterpiece that would have been reveled were it not for the ache in his heart. Etienne was fearful, an emotion he rarely felt, for the events that would follow in the night. He wasn't sure if he could control himself around her…

"You're going to ruin the floor."

Halting abruptly, Etienne raised his head to the sound of the voice. Heaven help me.

Stephanie stood in front, no trace of any illness (or future one) could be seen, but Etienne felt himself falling sick though. She was divine… utterly divine in the sea-foam gown that fell to the floor, trailing her feet. Turquoise gems sparkled on the lace attached to the skirt as well as the matching tear-drop jewels around her throat and ears. Her auburn tendrils were pulled half-way, allowing the rest to cascade down her back and shoulders.

Her smile was soft, almost shy-like as he gazed at her with such ferocity that Stephanie couldn't tell if it was welcomingly or disapproval. After a few tense seconds of silence, Etienne snapped out of his trance and offered his arm of her.

Beaming, she accepted his arm. Etienne inwardly shut his eyes, willing his body to cool the warmth that was spreading in his limbs as her jasmine scent consumed him. He began damning his father and mother for leaving earlier, having no one else in their carriage. It was temptation he was sure of it, and he needed a strong will to survive the night.

Stephanie didn't say a word, taking advantage of the quiet to study her companion. Etienne was dressed handsomely in a suit of charcoal, dark gray shirt and matching cravat. His long dark hair was slicked back; his sea-green eyes were battling with multiple emotions, not sure which one to show. She feared that being with Etienne would stir some sort of conflict and she wouldn't want to embarrass her friends. Before going down on the stairs, she solemnly promised herself she would not allow any action or word of his to upset her, no matter how harsh or condescending it may be. This was the night for Erik and Christine. She dare not ruin their limelight for a man such as Etienne.

Once in the carriage, Etienne didn't speak a word and kept his attention anywhere but on her. Stephanie frowned, not sure what to do with his indifference. She badly wanted to make a comment, but remembering her vow, bit back any scathing word that crept into her head. She couldn't understand why she longed to hear him say something, anything even if it was trivial. Perhaps she still hoped for some kind of amiable compromise to occur so it wouldn't be awkward?

Whatever it was, she let the matter rest as another interesting thought lingered in her mind. Recalling the dream, the closeness and warmth she felt for him produced a chill down her spine. His lips were firmly pressed together and she wondered what sort of kisser he was.

Chastising herself viciously, Stephanie thought of Dan's kisses and how a simple caress and taste would burn her skin. Grinning triumphantly, she found the waters to douse future musings of Etienne Destler.

xxXXxx

He had a hard time concentrating.

From the moment they walked into the theatre the thousands of eyes were on them. Amazingly, Stephanie took it in stride and didn't make a scene, which Etienne feared would happen. He could hear the whispers and talks that were taking root, but he ushered her into the box before anyone approached them. Etienne wanted to wait until the end if it was possible.

Stephanie put up a fight, wanting to speak to his parents before but Etienne kept a tight grip on her arm so she couldn't get away and in turn, received an unladylike gesture. He sensed there would have been more, but he was saved by the dimming of lights to signal the start.

Throughout the first three acts, Etienne barely focused on the music. With the view of Box Five, he could see everything—the stage and audience. He noticed a few straying stares in his direction, though with one glare on his part they were reverted to his mother, singing gloriously.

He smiled softly as his mother and the young tenor playing Radames sang of their love and running away from the danger.

"Come with me,

Together let us flee

From this land of sorrow.

Come with me,

I love you,

I love you!

Love shall be our guide!"

Stealing a glance to his side, Stephanie's eyes were glistening with tears. In that second, his breath caught in his throat at the vulnerable state she was in. Never had she looked so beautiful than that single picture she portrayed. The sadness radiating was true, not at all false, as Aida and Radames were in each other's arms waiting for death to come.

"Ah! Heaven is opening for us!

Oh earth, farewell; farewell, vale of tears

dream of joy which in sorrow fades.

For us heaven open,

Heaven opens and our wandering souls

Fly to the light of eternal day

Heaven…

Heaven opens for us!"

Sniffling, Stephanie wiped away a tear and half-smiled. "Your mother was… sublime. And her voice! It's so much better in person than what I listened to. She was the best Aida. There's no debate on that."

Etienne's brow rose. "Oh?"

"Yes. Aida is my favorite opera. There's something about the music and lyrics that brings the passion of the lovers to life. Every time I see it, a part of me hopes that the ending will change and they can live happily, but then I remember they do… in heaven."

He nodded. "If you thought this was good, you should hear both of my parents."

"Oh, I know what it would be like. I would be blubbering like a baby."

Etienne chuckled and handed her his handkerchief. Stephanie took it with surprise and nodded her thanks. "You know, I thought this would be sucky. But it turned out pretty well."

"I don't believe 'sucky' would be right, but I understand. I enjoyed myself immensely."

"What a pair we make, huh? Anyways, I'm glad you're an opera-nut like me. Dan never understood the idea and would complain throughout the performance," Stephanie remarked, her mismatched irises darkening. "Well, he went for support and I appreciated it. What are you doing?"

Etienne was standing up and offered his hand. "Ah, the evening isn't over quite yet. I suppose your 'sucky' might be entitled soon."

She gazed at him quizzically.

Smirking, he pulled her up from the chaise. "We have a gala to attend, my dear."

TBC…