I dont own Erik or Bahi Ha'i(or Peter Concetti for that matter, but hes a real person, so it would be hard to own him.. haha). I know my last chapter was a bit slow, this one is a bit better, i think. I mightt make some changes on it, not sure yet. But since I'm going to D.C. tommorow mornign and will be gone all week i wanted to get this chapter up. Chapter 6 is writen, butI am yet to type it.
But the story will start picking up pace VERY soon... and in this one you get more info on Aslynn.
I think thats all ya'll need to know... Thank you to all my reviews, and kitty for the wonderful drawling. haha. Enjoy :)
When Erik reentered the room over looking the lake he noticed that Aslynn was gone. He realized that she probably had gone to bed, since it was late.
What was up with her this morning? She was yelling about being in a competition somewhere. She really must have hit her head hard. But yet she was determined to get out of here. Erik thought as he recalled the encounter they had earlier in the day.
She still shows no sign of fear around me, which is odd. Hasn't she heard the stories? Unless she really isn't form here, like she was ranting about. She has a strong fight in her too, she fought my grip hard. But she stopped fighting. Why did she stop fighting me? Did she realize that she couldn't go? She was shaking, but with a different type of fear.
She didn't talk to me for the rest of the day, which was good. She probably would have started to ask questions, questions about me. She will want to see behind my mask. That will never happen. She will not break me.
As Erik thought about Aslynn, he walked over to a table near the organ. HE flipped though pieces of parchment, looking for something. Being unsuccessful in finding what he was looking for, he got up and walked out of the room.
That's when he heard her. Aslynn was screaming.
"What's up with her now?" Erik softly asked himself. He continued to walk down the hall.
When he heard Aslynn scream again he stopped, and turned around. He walked towards her room. He couldn't guess what she was yelling at.
He didn't really care why she was screaming, but out of curiosity was the reason for his change in direction. He knew that no one would get into his house with out him knowing.
As he approached her room he heard her screams grow louder. When Erik was outside the mahogany door he listen closely. She stopped screaming, but he could hear her thrashing around.
I told her that I would not enter unless she wished me too, Erik recalled as he put his hand up the knob. He pulled back. But to see what she is screaming about…
Erik slowly opened the door to find Aslynn thrashing madly in the large bed, like a fish out of water. He heard her muttering something, but couldn't make out what she was saying.
She is only dreaming. Erik slowly closed the door; It has been a while since I have slept. I probably should sometime. Its not like she is going to be getting up soon. He pondered as he made his way down another hall. He came to the old door that guarded his room. HE opened it, and silently entered, closing it behind him.
Aslynn awoke with a jump. She was drenched in sweat and shaking. Realizing that it was only a nightmare, she lay back down, and closed her eyes.
When she awoke again in the morning the house was silent. She lay in bed, and reviewed the events of the past two days. She was no longer in America, or in 2005 for that matter. She still couldn't figure out how she was in 1875, and was staying in a house underground.
As she lay she took the time to study her new living quarters. Next to the bed was a small, unlit fireplace. There was a hearth made out of the same tile that was in the bathroom. On the hearth was a pile of wood. There was a chair on the die, facing the fire. It was made of mahogany, and was covered in a red cushion, which matched the bed. Nest to the chair was a side table with a hurricane globe lame. Lying on the table was a book and a dead rose.
Aslynn turned on her side to get a better look. As she did so a pain went flying though her stomach. She put her hand over the bandages, hoping to stop the pain. It slowly faded.
The one candle that lit the room didn't give much light, so she couldn't make out the title of the book. She lifted her self out of the bed and walked over to the chair. Carrying the candle in her hand. She raised the wick of the lamp, and lit it. With this new light that illuminated the room she saw a black ribbon around the rose. The rose was dead; but still had some red visible in the brown.
"I wonder how long that has been here?" She asked her self. She looked at the rose again, and made her way to the door.
She walked into the hall and listened for Erik. She didn't hear any noise or music. When she entered the open room her eyes searched for the Phantom, but he was know where to be found. Thinking she was alone in the house, she walked over to the organ.
There were many manuscripts lying on top of the organ. Many of them were started, but never completed. She dully flipped thought the music, and not finding anything of interest she sat down at the bench. She looked around her again, and still not seeing the Phantom she stretched her hands over the keys.
She softly brushed her fingertips on the top of the keys, not pressing down. After a few minuets of this she pressed won, and a sweat sound filled the room.
Aslynn smiled, and stared to play different chords. The sound was different from a piano, but it had a fun feel. As she fell deeper into the chords, she started to recall a melody. She gently played the new song. After playing the jazzy melody thought once, she started to sing softly.
Bali Ha'I may call you any night, any day
In your hear you'll hear it call you
Come away, come away
Bali Ha'I will whisper
On the winds on the sea
Here am I your special island
Come to me, come to me
As she sang she flashed back to a warm memory…
It was a warm, starry summer night, with a cool breeze blowing from the east. Aslynn was wearing a short black strapless dress. Her hair was pulled back, and she wore a brownish red lipstick. She was sitting in a front porch swing waiting for Chris to be ready. Finally the front door opened, and out walked a handsome young man.
His wavy brown hair fell past his ears, and his deep brown eyes shown brightly. He was wearing a blue dress shirt and black slacks. On his cleanly shaven face was a warm smile.
"Ready?" Chris asked.
"Ready? Come on Chris, I have been ready. You're the one that's slow." Aslynn playfully replied getting up from the swing.
"You look wonderful tonight." Chris said to Aslynn.
"Thank you," Aslynn replied, blushing, "Lets not keep dear Peter waiting."
"Yes, lets not." Chris said, escorting Aslynn down to a parked car.
They drove to a small nightclub, near the beach. Out side was a sign reading, "Peter Cincotti, live tonight only."
"I can't wait to hear him," Aslynn said joyfully, "He is always great."
They entered the club, and saw Peter standing off to the side. The couple hurried over to him.
"Good luck dude," Chris said shaking Peter's hand, "Aslynn has been talking about this all week."
"Ha ha, thanks, I hope you enjoy tonight," Peter replied with a wink, " I'm on, see ya after the show."
As Peter walked away Aslynn grabbed Chris, "Come on, lets go get a good seat, and maybe a drink." She pulled Chris with her, playfully glancing behind.
Once the concert started, both Aslynn and Chris were lost in Peter's music. Half way thought the concert Chris pulled Aslynn up, and walked her over to the dance floor. There were already couples swing dancing to the lively music.
They swung each other around while Peter played the piano and sang. His music was always different, since he would always change it up. Usually it deepened on Peter's mood.
The next song started, and Aslynn whispered in Chris's ear, "This one is my favorite."
Chris smiled, "I know," she whispered back, kissing her softly on the cheek.
After doing so, he stopped dancing, and held Aslynn gently around the waist. He then bent down on a knee and said, "Aslynn, you mean a lot to me, I mean, you're my world. We have talked about this before, but now I am serious. Aslynn, will you marry me?"
As he said the last line, he pulled out a burgundy box from his pants pocket, and opened it. Inside was a elegant diamond ring on a silver band, with two rubies on either side.
Aslynn's eyes where wide, she had a big look of shock on her face, and tears in her eyes.
"Yes, Chris, I love you," She said, he voice shaky from excitement.
Chris then slipped the ring on her finger.
"Wow, its wonderful. I love you so much Chris." Aslynn softly said, tears of joy gently falling from her eyes.
"I love you too, so much, more than the stars in the sky," Chris said, standing up. He then kissed Aslynn. Aslynn passionately returned the warm kiss. His lips against hers sent a tingling feeling thought her body. As they ended the kiss the song ended, the song was Bali Ha'I.
Erik was asleep in his room when he heard music. Unused to hearing someone else's music he work up with a start. A sweet melody was coming form the other room. He got out of his "Bed" and walked into his bathroom. He lathered up the visible side of his face, and shaved.
When he was done, he left, and slowly walked to the room on the lake, following the music. It was different, like nothing he had heard before. It had a lot of syncopation to it, and odd chords. As he quietly entered the room he heard Aslynn start to sing.
He was shocked from hearing and seeing her play and attempt to sing. He playing was great, but her voice could be improved. It wasn't as sweet as Christine's, and Aslynn had an alto voice.
He walked closer and saw that the woman's eyes were closed, as her mind seemed to be else wear.
Your own special hopes
Your own special dreams,
Bloom on the hillside
And they shine in the streams
If you try you'll find me
Where the sky meets the sea
Here am I, your special island
Come to me. Come to me
Your own special hopes
Your own special dreams,
Bloom on the hillside
And they shine in the streams
If you try you'll find me
Where the sky meets the sea
Here am I, your special island
Come to me. Come to me
As she finished the song, she opened her eyes, and realized that she was being watched. She jumped up form the organ, and turned away from Erik.
"I thought I was alone, I no it wasn't that good, I was just fooling around." She softly told Erik. He could see a lot of color come to her cheeks. She was embarrassed.
"The playing wasn't bad, but the singing need work," Erik replied, his voice cold.
Aslynn briefly looked at Erik, her cheeks full of color. She could feel her cheeks burn.
"I don't sing in front of people." She added, turning back around and walking off. She was very embarrassed and did not wish to have Erik stare at her.
"What was it?" Erik asked, as Aslynn was leaving.
She stopped, "The song is called Bali Ha'I. I sang my friends version of it. It's jazz, usually played on the piano."
Her back was towards Erik, she was tense. Erik could tell that she was uncomfortable. Her breathing had increased. He stood in silence, unsure of how to respond to Aslynn. Even though her singing would never be like hers, she still had a bit of a voice.
"What kind of lessons have you had?" Erik then asked, breaking the silence.
"Only piano, for about ten years. I have taught my self other instruments." Aslynn replied, her voice shaky. She turned around and faced Erik; she could still feel the color in her cheeks.
Erik just nodded, and looked into Aslynn's eyes. They were filled with all the sadness in the world. He then noticed the cuts on her face, which still hadn't fully healed.
"Does your head hurt?" he asked.
"Off and on, it was hard sleeping last night." She replied, playing with her hair.
"Here, come with me, I have something that could help." Erik said, gesturing towards the hall. He lead Aslynn to the kitchen and offered her a chair. Silently he then lit more candles in the room, and went over to a wine rack. He pulled out an old bottle and healed it up to one of the candles. Seeming satisfied, he slowly opened it and poured it into a glass, and gave it to Aslynn.
She looked at the glass, then at Erik, and took a sip. It was a rich wine, richer than anything she had tasted.
"Tokay wine," Erik told the young woman, seeing question on her face.
Aslynn nodded, and took another sip. As she did she noticed how Erik stood silently, and watched her. His face was emotionless and still half covered with a white porcine mask. She was going to ask him why he wore a mask, but remembered that he warned her not to.
Feeling uncomfortable having Aslynn study his mask he turned away, and asked, "I'm sure your hungry. I bet it has been a while since you've had a real meal. Would you care for something?"
"Yes, please," Aslynn replied, noticing how Erik as trying hard to be a host, but at the same time pushing her away.
Aslynn then watched as Erik pulled stuff out of the icebox and cupboards, and then put it on the stove.
"Do you like shellfish?" He asked.
Aslynn nodded. Erik didn't say anything else. After several minuets of Erik moving around the kitchen, he got a plate out and placed something on it. He brought the plate over to Aslynn.
On the plate was half a dozen steamed, bright red crawfish. On the side was buttered bread.
"Wow, for being a prisoner your feeding me pretty good, this looks amazing." Aslynn said, looking at the food in awe.
He can cook, that awesome. One of the few things I know about him, but it's a good thing to know, Aslynn thought, amazed at the meal in front of her.
Erik just smiled and replied, "Go ahead and eat, you must be famished."
After Aslynn ate one crawfish she realized that Erik wasn't eating.
"Are you going to eat as well?" She asked.
"No," he replied, recalling how Christine asked him that same question. He then realized that he gave Christine the same meal of Crawfish and Tokay Wine when she was forced to live with him for five days. He shook the thought off. I'm just trying to be nice for a change, Aslynn means nothing to me, he told himself.
Aslynn ate in silence, and seldom looked up at Erik. It felt like he was pushing her away. She didn't enjoy this mainly because she didn't know what she did to have him push her away. She wanted to learn more about this man she would be spending time with.
She looked up when she was done eating and saw the unmasked side of his face. He was looking at a spot on the wall. His unbuttoned shirt showed his muscular chest. Aslynn for the first time thought that he looked somewhat attractive. He's got a nice body, she thought, recalling his strength in holding her back yesterday. She then shook this thought out of her head.
"So, Erik, have you, ummm, have you lived here all your life?" Aslynn asked, trying to break the uneasy silence.
Unused to hearing his name, Erik glared over at Aslynn.
"No," he said, his voice deep.
"So, where else have you lived?" she asked, disappointed in how shortly he answered the last question.
His eyes burned as he said, "Many places." He was getting agitated with her, for asking such personal questions.
"Sorry, didn't mean to offend you." Aslynn quickly replied. She was yet again disappointed that she couldn't find out more about Erik, and shocked how he didn't want to talk.
Maybe he had a crappy childhood, and it brings back bad memories, she thought looking down at her empty plate. I wonder how long ago his childhood was, how old he is?
Erik's eyes burned as he stared at Aslynn. How dare she ask about me, he thought, but yet, she was trying to make conversation. She still doesn't show any sign of fear from me. She still has no reason to pity 'poor Erik'.
"I told you that I wouldn't be the best company." Erik said.
"I have met worse, at least your honest about it," Aslynn replied sarcastically. Since Erik remained silent, she tried to get a conversation going again.
"So, how old are you?" She questioned the phantom.
Erik looked into Aslynn's eyes; this wasn't a question he was expecting.
"To be honest," he said mocking her, "I don't exactly know. Probably about thirty-six, thirty sevenish."
"Oh, well, that's odd." Aslynn started, "I have never met anyone who didn't know how old they were, hmmmmm, when's your birthday?"
"I don't know," he said a little annoyed with these questions that he was unable to answer. He was a bit amused with her reaction, but didn't let the amusement show.
"Oh," Aslynn said, turning from Erik's eyes.
"How old are you?" Erik asked, trying to keep the conversation going with the young woman.
"I don't know, but in 2005 I was twenty three, so I think I'm still twenty three," she said with a puzzled look on her face.
"Still on that whole 'I'm from 2005 thing'" Erik said with a rich laugh.
"Ha ha, you must think that is so funny," Aslynn said with a sarcastic smile, "but I'm telling the truth."
"Okay madam, as you wish," Erik replied with a smirk.
Frustrated, Aslynn rubbed her temples with her fingers. "What ever, that's for the meal. It was good." She said, getting out of the chair. She was still sore.
Erik could see a flash of pain cross her face as she got up. He watched her leave the kitchen, placing the empty plate in the sink. She walked with a bit of a limp in her left leg, the muscles looked tight.
Aslynn made her way to the side room on the lake. Her left leg had fallen asleep when she was sitting at the table, so it slowed her down. When she finally reached the desk the feeling in her leg was back, but the muscles were still tight. She slowly sat down at the desk. She pulled out a sheet of paper and pressed a pen onto it.
She spent the rest of the day drawling, and when she was done there was a picture of Chris looking up at her. She looked at it, and tears came to her eyes. She wiped them away before they could fall.
Drifting into the room was a sweet sound form a violin. She listened as it softly called to her.
She got up and followed the haunting melody. She followed it to Erik's door, and stood outside listening. A deep, beautiful voice joined the voice of the violin. It was a voice so rich, that it made Aslynn's heard weep. It was the prettiest music she had ever heard.
The music took her soul, and her eyelids began to droop. Shaking her head, and trying to get back to reality, she walked away from Erik's room in awe.
My longest chapter! now please Review! muchas gracias!