Chapter 11
"Dad, how are you?" Christine asked into her cell phone. It was late afternoon on a Tuesday, and she was longing to talk to him. After everything he'd told her that weekend, she needed to know that he was ok.
"Hi, honey. I'm fine. How are you?"
She frowned. Who cares how I am? It sounded like he was trying to avoid his feelings. "Dad, forget about me. How is therapy going?"
He actually laughed. "Christine, it's not like I go everyday. I go once a week and I haven't gone this week yet. I have an appointment Thursday." He sighed. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. You need to focus on school, not me."
Christine decided to ignore the last part of what he was saying. "I didn't know you only go once a week. I'd like to know more about your therapist, if you're willing to talk about it."
"I see a female therapist and we work through my problems. Let's just leave it at that." Changing subjects, he asked, "Now, how are voice lessons going?"
She had no choice but to comply, although she didn't want to. His problems were more important than the voice lessons she detested. She'd had a lesson with Dr. Gratsia earlier that day. It went better than usual, but the awful woman still treated her horribly. "They're fine. I think I'm improving." Thoughts of working with her angel came to mind. He was the reason for her improvement.
"Without a doubt you are," her father said confidently. "I cannot wait to hear how you are progressing. When's your next recital?"
"I'll be singing Friday, actually. You should come." Christine was incredibly nervous about her upcoming performance, but having support would help.
"Of course I'll come. I wouldn't miss it for the world." There was a pause before Charles said, "Well, I think I'll get off the phone now. Have a good night, honey. I love you."
Christine just didn't know how to handle the situation. Was it right to get off the phone with him, or would it be better to keep talking? She was supposed to have dinner with Meg soon, though, and he did seem to want to hang up.. "Well, ok," she submitted. "I love you, too, Dad. Take care of yourself."
"Don't worry, I will."
They ended the call and Christine sighed. All she could do was hope everything would be ok.
Dinner was uneventful for the most part. Meg and Christine ate with a group of friends, and Christine pretty much just kept to her thoughts the entire time. No one seemed to notice, for Meg was talking incessantly keeping everyone's attention. It was only after dinner when Meg noticed Christine's behavior.
The two girls were walking back to their dorm room. Christine's thoughts were on going to the park to meet Derik when Meg interrupted.
"Christine, you didn't talk at all at dinner. What's up?"
Christine came back to reality and defensively replied, "Nothing.. I was just.. listening to the conversation, that's all."
"You've been acting this way for a while. Is there something you're not telling me? I mean, I hate to be so demanding, but you barely eat anything anymore, you're losing too much weight, you're not talking, you look pale.. I could go on and on. Please, I just want to help you." Meg was really worried.
Christine looked ahead with a determined expression. There was no way she was going to tell Meg her secrets. She could tell her about her father, but that would take too long and she was due at the park soon. "Thanks, Meg. Really. But nothing's wrong. It's just college stress, that's all."
"But-"
"I'm going to go on a walk, ok? I'll be back soon. Don't worry, Meg, I'm fine." Christine smiled in her direction while thinking, I sound like Dad.
"Well, ok. I guess…I'll see you soon. Be careful."
"I will be. See you later." With that, Christine walked quickly to the park. She couldn't wait to see her new masked friend. Although the mask did make him look really strange, there was something about him that made her feel safe and like she could tell him anything. And that was exactly what she needed right now.
She made it to the park bench with time to spare and waited for Derik.
Erik paced his lair rapidly. "What am I doing?" He didn't care that no one was listening. That's the way it always was, after all.
He was beginning to dread his three personalities. Being so close to Christine in three different ways was taking its toll.
His feelings for her were changing from friendship to something more, and it couldn't be helped. The only way to rid himself of what he'd always considered 'man's worst trap' was to disappear from her life altogether.
But he most certainly didn't want to do that. Christine had offered him peace and a sense of belonging for a long time now. She was the best friend he'd never had. She'd helped him in more ways than even he could understand.
And now she was helping him in a different way. But, was this way really 'helping'? Well, no.. She could never love me.. 'Love'. There, the word was out. The word... The dreaded word... It really was a trap. This feeling began so quickly. Well, actually, he guessed it was a gradual process, but he hadn't known until it was too late.
Now he was victim to it. That horrible, wonderful feeling.. Love..
Erik sighed knowing it was time to meet her at the park. He tried to drown the feelings with a glass of water and began his walk to the park with a hat covering as much of his masked face as possible. Perhaps it will not be too noticeable to her lovely green eyes.
He made his way to the bench and found that Christine was waiting for him. She came… Just seeing her made his heart beat wildly.
But, she was different. She'd looked fine three weeks before... But now her appearance was changing. He'd noticed while in his other two personalities, but it was even clearer in person. She was so thin and pale. The pallor was very noticeable with her dark brown curls. Even they weren't as luxurious as they once were. Though she was still gorgeous beyond all reason, she looked too frail.
He greeted her before sitting down. "Good evening."
He came, she thought with delight. "Hello," she greeted shyly. "Thanks for coming."
"My pleasure, Christine."
She loved how he said her name. Actually, she loved everything about his voice. It reminded her of something so soothing.. Christine just couldn't place what that 'something' was.
"How are you?" Erik kept his face as downcast as possible. The sun is setting.. Good..
"I'm alright," she replied, although it wasn't necessarily true. She was better now that he was there, though. "How about you?" She noticed he wasn't looking at her and wondered why.
"I am well." He couldn't take not seeing her beautiful face, so he took a glance. After that glance, he couldn't seem to take his eyes off her. "How is school?"
Her wondering came to an end when he looked at her. She smiled, pleased. "It's busy. Being a music major is so difficult sometimes. But, I love it." She shrugged grinning.
"I agree. It is time consuming." Erik couldn't stop thinking about her health. She needs to eat something. Anything. "Christine, do you like ice cream?" The question was out before he could think of the consequences. What will she say to this? He was inwardly panicking.
Christine's face brightened. "I love ice cream."
Good answer, he thought with relief. "Fantastic. I noticed that there is an ice cream parlor nearby, within walking distance. Would you care to join me?"
She smiled. Actually, this was the most Christine had smiled in quite some time. "I'd love to."
They walked through the park and there was a Ben & Jerry's across the street. When they entered, the place was swarming with college students.
Oh no, Erik thought self consciously. He hadn't considered the fact that there would be this many people. No, he had only been thinking of Christine's frail appearance.
Christine immediately dreaded being there, just as Derik did, when she saw the one person she really did not want to see- Raoul.
Erik noticed who she was looking at and instantly glared in the boy's direction.
Raoul stood the moment his eyes fell upon Christine, and he approached her. "Hey, Christine!" He hugged her.
It was a very awkward moment. "Hey.." she replied, though she wished he hadn't hugged her.
Raoul then noticed Erik. The tall, dark, muscular Erik. And he noticed the dangerous look in the masked man's eyes. He instinctively took a step back. "Who's your friend?"
Christine turned towards Derik and smiled, although she couldn't help but notice that she was the only one smiling. "This is Derik," she stated proudly.
Frowning at Christine's tone, Raoul said, "Hey." His voice was tainted with mistrust.
Erik didn't say anything but continued to glare.
In an attempt to end the awkwardness, Christine asked Raoul, "What are you doing here?"
"I was just hanging out with some friends. You want to join us, Christine?"
She noticed that he didn't include Derik in his invitation, and that irritated her. She shook her head. "No, sorry. We," She looked at Derik and continued, "Are getting some ice cream to go."
Erik wasn't prepared for what she said. She'd used the word 'we' plus the two words, 'to go'. I suppose she is serious.. She is not interested in this boy. His lips curled upward.
"Oh.." Raoul began to back away taking the hint.
Good. Walk away, Erik thought coldly.
"Well, I guess I'll see you later then." Dejectedly, Raoul headed back to his table.
Christine turned to Derik once she was sure he was gone and not coming back. "I'm really sorry about that. I had no idea he'd be here." Why am I apologizing? It's not like I did anything wrong.. But, for some reason I get the feeling Derik doesn't want me to be involved with Raoul. We're only friends, though, so why should he care? And strangely, his care made her really happy.
Erik was just as happy as she was. "Do not worry. You handled it nicely. Ice cream?"
Christine proceeded to get a cup of chocolate chip cookie dough while Derik got an iced coffee. Then, they left and went back to the park bench.
It was dark, much to Erik's liking. Only the street lights shown down upon the pair.
"So, you play piano?" Christine decided to begin a conversation once they were seated. He nodded. "What kind of music do you play?"
"I will play anything, but I prefer classical."
"Yeah, that's what I prefer to sing. I'm more of an operatic singer. I could never be a pop star."
"Why would you want to be?" he asked with a short laugh, though he was inwardly frowning in disapproval.
"Well, they really get more fame.."
Erik shook his head. "Classically trained singers can receive just as much fame, Christine. It all depends on how good you are." He stared into her eyes and she blushed. He averted his gaze with a small smile. He found he loved to make her blush.
"That much fame would be so cool.." She went into a small daydream.
"Yes, it would be. You know, I would like to hear your voice sometime." Erik definitely wondered what she would say to that.
"Oh, really?" she asked, surprised.
"I would not have said it otherwise," he replied gently with a small smile.
"Well, I'm singing a song in a recital on Friday. I just hope I'm prepared. But I'm sure he'll be sure I'm ready..." Her eyes were distant. She obviously didn't even notice she'd just said the word, 'he'.
Erik did notice and immediately took advantage of the moment. "'He'?" She mentioned me.. How will she handle this?
Her eyes widened as she realized her slip up. Knowing she had no other options, she continued carefully, "My voice teacher."
Erik decided to test her. Will she reveal her angel? "Oh, I know of many voice teachers around the area. I probably know him. What is his name?"
Christine gulped. But still, she continued hesitantly. "I'm sure you wouldn't know him. He's new to teaching."
"Is he not a teacher at the conservatory? I would think you would have a faculty trainer."
Oh no.. Well, I guess I'll tell the truth about one thing. "I do have a teacher at Ballad, but she's horrible. Do you know of Carlotta Gratsia?"
She is not failing.. That was pleasing. "Yes, I do know of her, and I agree. She is a horrible woman. However, I must ask, what is it you do not like about her?"
"She hates me," Christine replied. "She really does."
"I cannot imagine anyone hating you." His own hatred towards Carlotta deepened as he thought about it. "Carlotta is the head faculty member of the vocal department, is she not?"
"Yeah, she is. She's supposedly the best voice teacher around."
Erik let out a sarcastic laugh. "I tend to disagree. She only thinks she is the best." He let that sink in for a moment. "Anyway, if I may be so bold, how is it that you were accepted into the conservatory if she hates you?" And why exactly did I just ask that question? If I do not settle down, I will set myself up for trouble...
Christine opened her mouth to speak, but no words came initially. Finally, she calmly said, "That is a very good question. Actually, an even better question would be, why did I receive a full vocal scholarship? Really, it makes no sense."
Because of me… "You must have real talent. That is the only conclusion I can come to. I would like to hear such talent." He decided not to mention her other teacher again. Perhaps she'd been interrogated enough for one night.
Christine blushed and said, "Well, you're welcome to come to my recital."
Erik distantly replied, "I might just do that," thinking more about how he most certainly would be watching from a distance. He, Erik, her angel, wouldn't miss it for the world.
Christine looked down and that was when she noticed her watch. "It's late. I've got a voice lesson soon. I should probably get going."
"What time is it?" Erik asked, although most of his attention was now focused on her coming lesson and her coming recital. She fully trusted that he would make sure she was prepared, and he intended to prepare her to the best of his abilities. She would be perfect.
"8:15," she replied, wondering what he was thinking about, for it was obvious by his tone that there was something on his mind.
"You're right. It is getting late. Shall we meet again, Christine?" He left it all up to her.
"I would like to. I really like talking to you. I-it's comforting," she admitted with a smile. "So, um.. School's pretty busy right now. I have a lot of course work. Maybe we could get together in a couple of days? Thursday maybe? At the same time as tonight?"
"Whatever you wish. I look forward to it." He began to walk away in the opposite direction of Ballad.
"Bye," Christine softly said, ending their time together.
Erik lunged himself behind a tree as soon as Christine began walking the opposite way. It was dark, meaning that it was dangerous for her to be outside alone. There was no way he'd allow his love to be in danger. My love, he thought, getting more and more accustomed to the newly acknowledged feeling.
With unintentional possessiveness, he followed her back to her dorm, unbeknownst to her. Then, the multi-personality Erik made his way to the music building to prepare for their lesson.