Chapter 14. Christine again.

She had just been given a dressing room, the best one there was, but something in her had changed, my dear Christine was no longer the woman who loved music and sang for joy, but now for money.

"What has happen, Christine?" I said to her as she came from her bathroom.

She pulled her robe tighter around her and said. "It is you."

"When was it that money became your priority?"

"Eric your obsession with me isn't healthy."

"Oh when is it obsession and when is it love? I knew you had a better life now; I tried to stay away and let you live your life, I really did try, but I couldn't stand the thought of you in his arms!"

She was about to reply when suddenly her little daughter came in holding a mouse saying. "Momma can I keep it?"

Christine screamed at the sight of the mouse, causing the girl to drop it and it ran around in a scurrying mess.

I simply picked it up and said. "Oh Christine you frightened him."

"I frightened it?" She said motioning for me the toss it out he window, which I did ever so carefully.

"Hi I'm Erica." Erica said with a smile. "I like your mask."

"Well thank you very much. I never go anywhere without it."

"I never go anywhere without my doll. Her name is Angel."

I stared at the poor doll she held up and said. "It's so ragged, why don't you get a new doll? There are plenty of toy shops here in Coney."

"Oh but she's not just any doll, she's my best friend, I had her since I can remember."

Christine sighed and said. "Remember when I said your obsession wasn't healthy? I take it back. She can't tell what's real and what's not."

I kneeled down to Erica's level and said. "You have an active imagination don't you?"

"Yes sir."

"I did too at your age. Still do."

"What's your name?"

"You can call me Mr. E."

"The man who owns this place?"

"That's me."

"Your park is amazing Mr. E. I just love it!"

"Well thank you, if you ever want a grand tour, just say the word."

She nodded.

"Sweet heart," Christine said. "Erica, can you please go play while I talk with Mr. E."

Again the girl nodded then ran off.

"Christine, just to make sure you don't leave, if you don't sing for me, the girl won't be going home with you. Of course I will still pay you, but just taking precautions."

"Eric no more threats please."

"This will be the last one."

And with that I turned and left.