Chapter 14
Christine ended a phone conversation with her father and sat still at her desk thinking. Dad will get here at 4:30 pm tomorrow. The recital starts at 5:00 pm. I'll be getting ready up until time for the recital, so Dad and I will just have to hang out when it's over. Then, the party starts at 8:00 pm.
"Daydreaming again, Chris?" Meg asked from her desk.
"No, not this time," Christine replied with a laugh. "I was just thinking about all I have to do tomorrow. So, you're coming to the recital?"
Meg nodded. "Girl, I wouldn't miss it for the world, and that's not just because we music and dance majors are required to go to ten of them. It's because I want to hear you blow everybody away with your talent."
That made Christine nervous. "Don't expect much, Meg. I'm most likely going to mess up." God forbid...
"What are you talking about? You're not going to mess up. You've been practicing harder than anybody else on campus. And your accompanist, Bill, has been telling me how good you're getting."
Christine blushed. "Well, I guess we'll see..."
–
"Christine, you must be more confident," Erik instructed. It was Friday, the day of both the recital and the party. The recital took precedence, though.
"I'm sorry, I just.." She sighed. "I just don't know if I'm ready.."
Erik needed to get through to the woman he loved, so he spoke his next words slowly. "Christine, you know Vittoria, mio core backwards, forwards, and upside down. We have made sure of that, have we not?"
"Yeah, but Dr. Gratsia-"
"Do not think of her at a time like this," he interrupted. "That disgrace of a woman has real problems if she cannot recognize your talent. Remove her from your mind."
"Ok," Christine mumbled, looking down.
"You are ready for this. I cannot force you to believe that, though. You have to find strength and confidence within yourself." Oh, how Erik wished he could enter her practice room and gently raise her chin so that she was looking forward... into his eyes. He couldn't, it was out of the question. However, it was nice to dream. "Christine, when do you sing in the recital?"
Nervously, she replied, "I'm the last one. I have to listen to everybody else before I can get it over with."
"'Get it over with'?" he asked, appalled. "Is that what this means to you? You only wish to 'get it over with', to hurry through it?"
Christine winced wishing she hadn't said that. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way. I'm just nervous. I mean, this is going to be the first time I sing in front of everyone. People are going to expect a lot... Rumor has it that I've really improved."
"And you have," Erik confirmed proudly.
"Because of you," she told him with a fond smile.
"No, Christine," he contradicted, shaking his head. "I have only helped. The talent was there, inside you. You brought it to the surface." There was a pause. "Now, I believe you have a class soon."
She looked down at her watch. "Yeah, I do.. I kind of wish I could just skip classes today and stay with you."
Erik's heart seemed to flutter. As do I... "You mustn't do that, Christine. Your classes are important. I cannot let you fall behind." He watched her stand and gather her belongings. "Good luck, my child."
Christine blinked at his use of 'my child' and blushed. Before she could leave, though, she remembered something incredibly important. "Angel, you will be at the recital, won't you?" She couldn't bear the thought of him not being there for her.
"Of course I will be there, Christine. You will not see me, but I will be watching."
Relief spread through her. "Thank you." I'll sing for you and you alone.
"You do not have to thank me."
Smiling, she said, "Well, I'm hopefully going to be able to warm-up and practice a little before the recital. Do you think you could-"
She didn't even have to finish her question, for Erik immediately replied, "Of course I will be here. Do not worry." He gazed at her with soft eyes.
"Thank you, Angel. Well, bye." Christine left the practice room in order to head to her first class.
–
Recital time came faster than Christine would have liked. It seemed her classes had flown by, and the thirty minutes of warm-up and practice time she'd had with her angel before the recital seemed more like thirty seconds. Erik had reassured her, though, that everything would be fine. And Christine knew she could trust her angel. He was never wrong, after all.
So, with those thoughts, Christine waited backstage while other students performed.
Her turn was fast approaching as she complimented each performer. In return, they all wished her luck.
"I know you'll be good," one girl, Rebecca, said. "I've heard you've been practicing a lot lately."
Christine only shrugged with a small smile, thinking about her practice times with Erik.
Before she knew it, she was standing at the door waiting to walk onstage. Please don't let many people be in the audience... Please don't...
"You ready?" Bill asked softly beside her.
She didn't have time to answer, because it was time to walk out.
The strangest thing happened the moment her feet hit the stage... A sort of calm determination spread through her body. Christine didn't notice the audience, nor did she notice her welcoming applause. All she could think of was her angel. In her mind, this was just another practice.
It was time to please Erik, her devoted angel.
And so, she sang. She soared. She outdid every other performer. The audience was captivated, and so was Erik as he listened from the rafters above the stage. His angel had never sung so well. It was shocking.
He knew she had become the best freshman singer at Ballad, but quite frankly, she had also become the best singer in the entire conservatory. She sounded like she could sing at the Metropolitan Opera without a problem.
Vittoria, mio core had never sounded so good. Christine's technique was flawless. She was obviously portraying the emotions of the song perfectly. Everyone could see that, even Dr. Gratsia as she sat in the front row listening intently. There was nothing to correct, it was an utter masterpiece.
When it was over, Erik snuck away and down to his lair with a proud smile on his masked face.
Christine stood still on stage, not able to process what she had just done. She barely heard the thunderous applause she was receiving. How did I do that? I've never sung like that before..
Finally, she accepted that she'd done so well because of her angel. He'd probably transferred some of his power to her. Coming back to reality, she smiled and blushed as the applause continued on. It's time to go, she thought. She did a small bow, as Dr. Gratsia had instructed in a previous lesson, and left the stage. Still, though, Christine was stunned. Really, how did that just happen?
Numerous compliments were being directed towards her as she gathered her purse backstage and walked towards the area where she would meet her father. Christine made sure to thank everyone politely, though the only compliment that really mattered would come from her angel. I hope he thinks I did well...
Charles was waiting and quickly approached his daughter when she entered the lobby. "Christine, you were amazing," he exclaimed, hugging her.
He wasn't the only one approaching her, either. Dozens of people, including Meg, came up to her and complimented her performance. She could only blush and say, "Thank you."
When Christine and her father were finally able to leave the building, he said, "I can't believe how good you've gotten." He seemed to be in awe. "Really, Christine, you have always been a gifted singer, but now? Well, it's unbelievable..."
Christine laughed. "I guess I've just been practicing a lot." She didn't want him to pursue the subject of her voice too much further, because she didn't want to slip up and say something about her angel being the cause of her talent. "I'm starving. Let's go somewhere to eat."
"You pick the restaurant, and we'll go. My treat," he said grinning.
They ate at one of Christine's favorite off-campus restaurants and discussed various things without bringing up Charles' depression. Christine was concerned, but at the same time, she didn't know how to approach the subject or if she even should. Maybe not today, she finally thought. He was just so happy. She didn't want to see that happiness disappear.
About forty-five minutes passed before Christine knew she needed to start getting ready for the party. It was already 7:00 pm. She and her father said their goodbye's deciding that she would come home the following weekend but would talk on the phone a lot during the week.
Then, she ran to her dorm room to get ready with Meg.
–
Christine, Meg and Chad, Chelsea, and Miranda entered the frat house with smiles on their faces.
Music was playing loudly causing the floor to vibrate. Immediately, a set of guys came over and gave each of them beverages.
The one who invited Miranda who's name was Chuck said, "This beer is on the house," while regarding Miranda with hungry eyes. She took off with him, leaving only three girls and Chad standing there.
Christine's eyes traveled the area. There were people everywhere, both girls and guys. So, this is what a college party is like.. She'd never experienced one until now. There just wasn't time for it.
Right at that moment, Raoul walked towards them, beer in hand. "Christine, hey!" He hugged her, which caught her off guard. It seemed his words were already slurred.
"Hey, Raoul." She looked at her friends and said, "This is Meg. You've already met her before. This is her boyfriend, Chad. And, this is Chelsea."
"Hey." He then glanced at their untouched drinks. "Drink up. Makes the party better." He smirked.
Meg smiled at Chad, and they both took swigs of their beverages. Chelsea followed suit.
Christine, on the other hand, only pretended to take a sip of hers. Guess I'll be the designated driver tonight.
Raoul led them further into the house introducing them to many people along the way.
–
Meanwhile…
Erik drove like a mad man through the campus of Harlow looking for any sign of Christine's car.
The party was the only thing on his mind now. Perhaps someone else chose to drive? No, he decided. He would not accept that.
Finally, he found a section of campus with cars everywhere. There was obviously a big get together nearby.
He quickly discovered Christine's car with his sharp eyes and decided to park his own- well, Madame Giry's- close-by.
He got out, glad that it was dark, and approached the house loud music was coming from. I cannot just walk right in. I shall just have to spy without being seen. For someone such as myself, it will be all too easy
There were windows, which Erik was quite thankful for. He made his way to one and peeked in. There were people and alcoholic beverages everywhere. In fact, there were so many people that it was hard to tell one from another. Finally, though, his keen eyes picked out the disgusting boy. Raoul.. He and some other males were laughing, and girls were surrounding them. But, where is Christine? He could not make her out from the crowd.
His eyes continued to travel the area when, at last, he located her. The poor, darling girl was sitting as alone as she could on a couch. She obviously looked uncomfortable and out of place. Erik had to briefly close his eyes to resist the urge of taking her away from it all.
–
Raoul made it to a group of his friends and introduced Christine, Chad and Meg, and Chelsea. One of the guys was immediately interested in Chelsea and approached her. She was eventually taken away, leaving Christine as the only single girl. Though, she could definitely tell Raoul didn't want that.
So, as he chatted with some friends and played a drinking game, Christine managed to scoot away to sit down. There was a little room on a couch nearby, which she immediately took advantage of.
Why did I come to this party, she thought in distress. I don't belong here..
In fact, now that she thought about it, she belonged at school. That was where she wanted to be. So, why am I staying here? I should just leave.
Christine got up, ready to tell Meg and Chad she was leaving. Luckily, Chad also drove that evening, so there were two cars.
It seemed her plans just couldn't go through, though. Raoul approached her. He was now pretty drunk. "Hey, Chris. I was wondering where you went off to." He stumbled over and grabbed her hand rather forcefully.
Christine's brow furrowed as she looked at his hand holding hers. "I just needed to sit down.."
"What happened to your drink, baby?"
'Baby'? "Um, I finished it.." she lied.
"Thirsty, huh? Well, there's plenty more where that came from. Let's go get you some more. We've got stuff harder than beer. Let me show you.." He began leading her towards the kitchen.
During this, Christine was trying to locate Meg and Chad to tell them she was ready to leave, but they were nowhere to be found, and before she knew it, she and Raoul were in the kitchen. "It's ok, Raoul. I'm really not that thirsty."
It seemed he was going to take that as an invitation. "Not thirsty? Hmm.. hungry maybe?" Before she could even open her mouth to speak, his face was right up next to hers, the smell of alcohol invading her senses. "I am," he smoothly continued before kissing her hard on the lips.
Christine immediately tried to back away, but he just backed up with her until she was up against a wall. Then, she finally turned her face away from his prying lips. "Raoul, stop." He continued kissing her cheek, and she pushed him away. "Seriously, stop."
"Baby, what's wrong? Stop what?" Raoul was slowly losing his cool.
"Raoul, I'm not interested. I'm not into you like that."
He growled at that and pressed Christine hard against the wall. "You don't know what you want!"
She looked down to try to escape the smell of alcohol, but his hand came up behind her and grabbed her hair, forcing her head back up. Christine gasped. She honestly never thought he'd hurt her. "Raoul!" she screamed. Not having any other choice, she kicked him.
He instantly backed away and yelled, "Bitch!" before throwing up all over the floor.
Christine ran out of the kitchen and to the front door not caring that people were stopping their activities to stare at her. Once out of the house, she ran towards her car. When she made it there, she hit the side of it with all of her strength. "Damn!" she yelled. Why did I come? Why does Raoul have to be such an asshole? She slowly got in her car and just sat there. "I'm in no condition to drive," she murmured, tears invading her eyes. She decided to sit and wait until she regained control.
–
Erik watched as Christine was taken away by Raoul. To say the least, he was furious. What is he up to? Once they left the room, he couldn't see anymore. "Damn," he whispered.
He decided to wait. Maybe they will come back? About five minutes later found Erik leaning his arm against a wall of the house. But, his leaning stopped and his eyes widened as he watched Christine run through the room towards the door. What happened?
She was outside in a moment, and Erik watched from his distance as she ran to her car. He watched as she hit it with an angry strength, and he watched as she got in. She was obviously crying. What did the boy do to her?
His rage was increasing as he watched Christine finally drive away. So help me, the boy will pay.. It was then that the front door of the house opened once more. Erik watched as Raoul stood on the porch looking around. He was looking for Christine, of course.
Erik could hide his anger no longer and took an opportunity. Tipping his hat down further and wrapping his black cloak around his neck so as to obscure his appearance, he approached the porch with quick but smooth grace.
As soon as Raoul noticed the strange man, he murmured, "What the hell.."
Erik took the opportunity to sarcastically say one word. "Boo." After all, he was known as a ghost to some.
"Who-"
"Do not ask stupid questions, boy, when there are important ones to be asked. What did you do to her?" Erik's voice was filled with venom.
"Dude, I don't know what you're talking about-"
"That is not the answer I wanted to hear!"
Raoul was about to walk back into the house when, quick as lightning, Erik was on the porch with his fingers wrapped around his neck. "Now, this is better." He slowly turned the boy around to face him, never losing his grip. "Tell me.."
"What the hell, dude!?" Raoul was shaking, his eyes darting everywhere looking for help. None would come.
Erik dragged him off the porch and away from any impeding light. Quietly, he said, "I can break your neck in one simple motion."
"Ok, ok! Look, I took her into the kitchen. I was going to get her something else to drink. I didn't know she wasn't into me like that! I tried to kiss her, but she pushed me away and left.. I swear that's all!" He didn't include the fact that he hurt her.
Erik seemed to accept what he said. In one swift moment, he made a move that knocked Raoul out and walked away from the scene. He quickly got in Antoinette's car and drove away.
I know I'm placing Raoul as the bad guy in this story when he was never really bad in the books or musical.. Sorry about that. I only hope you will stick with me. No, Raoul will not turn into a good guy, but I believe this is the last we will hear of him. He's finally taken the hint that Christine doesn't like him, not to mention the fact that she did kick him. No guy would put up with that haha.
Anyway, I thank whoever is reading this for reading this :)
Please review! As fellow writers know (and as I'm sure others of you can guess), feedback is always nice.
-Lauren