Chapter 18

Erik's house, Nadir's car, Christine's car… July 28

Nadir's POV

I sat in Erik's den pretending to read a book. Really, though, I was not reading. How could I when I had just left my two best friends alone together? Especially when those friends were completely and totally in love with one another. There was no way I could read a book. Neither Erik nor Christine knew of the other's feelings. It was just too great!

It was a brilliant idea on my part to leave them alone together. Now, I would listen intently for any sign of their situation.

--

Third Person POV

Erik led Christine to stand in the bow of his grand piano. Immediately, Christine situated herself into a singing position.

Erik smiled as he walked to the piano bench excited about how much talent she already possessed. I cannot wait to hear her. "Warm-ups?" he asked while gracefully sitting on the bench.

Christine smiled. "Yeah, I'll definitely need those."

Erik began to play, and she sang. Sure, her voice was a bit rusty due to not using it in over three weeks, but she was still so great. Erik closed his eyes focusing fully on her energy and continued up the keys of the piano, her voice getting higher and higher.

Then, though, something happened. Her voice cracked. Erik's eyes instantly opened, and he returned to reality. What am I doing?

"I- I'm sorry.." She was blushing fiercely.

Erik was blushing just as deeply beneath the mask. "No, it was my fault. I was not fully focused. You should not sing this high so quickly. My apologies.. Now, let's see. Your breath support is extraordinary." Beneath the mask, one could see a look of extreme pride. Christine smiled. "Your strength on notes is somewhat tarnished, though. But, all can be fixed with time, my dear."

Christine nodded sadly thinking about everything in her life that needed fixing, but she quickly let go of those thoughts and looked determined. "Yeah, it'll be fixed."

They continued warming up for quite some time before Erik finally said, "I believe we are finished for now. It would not be wise to continue."

Christine understood, glad to take a break. As it turned out, Erik was tough. She liked it. She found she wished to please him. "Ok."

If it were possible, his love for her grew. He had a feeling it would after hearing her voice, but it surprised him by just how much it did. Music. It was who he was. It was in his veins. So, to meet the voice of an angel was just too great. His heart could almost not handle such warm feelings, for it had been cold for far too long. And, to keep those new feelings hidden? It was too much to ask. But, he had to try. "Christine," he said with every ounce of control he could muster, although it still came across with husky undertones.

She suddenly felt her mouth go dry when he said her name. "Yeah?" she asked softly.

"Would you like some tea?"

"Sure," she replied. "But, first, could I have some water?"

"Of course."

They went to the kitchen of the house, and Christine sat at the table. Everything was beautiful in his home. Very unique, completely what she envisioned for Erik.

--

Erik's POV

I led her to the kitchen of my home inwardly praying to whoever would listen that everything would be perfect.

We sat and drank our drinks in quiet complacency, or I supposed and hoped Christine was as complacent as I.

Oh, how satisfied I felt. Christine had shown me her voice. She had shown me her instrument without disruption, without some looming danger. But.. Yet, there was still something holding her back. I just could not define it.

"Christine," I finally whispered.

She'd been in a day dream, I knew, for her head jerked towards my direction. "Yeah? "she asked softly.

I paused thinking of what to say next. "How is your tea?"

She smiled, which I always adored to see. "Wonderful. Thanks for making it."

"It was no trouble at all." I really wanted to discuss her singing. I needed to discover her reason for holding back, although I had a feeling I knew. "You sang well. Vocal performance is your calling." I looked at her intently.

"Thank you." Her eyes told more than her words. An expression of hurt suddenly entered her features.

"What is it?" I asked concerned. Maybe we were about to get somewhere…

She sat in thought for a moment. "It's just, I know I could have done better." I said nothing waiting for her to continue. "Of course, I know why, and I hate it. What he did to me was horrible. I just wish… I wish it didn't show."

"The scars will never fully heal," I said truthfully. I could not help but think of my past, as well. "But," I continued, "Life must go on."

I could tell she was about to speak, but I needed to say more. "Christine, what he did to you was unforgivable. It will stay with you for the rest of your life." My fists clenched. "How I wish I could make it all disappear… But, I cannot." I still was not finished. I needed to get through to her. I wanted so badly to lessen her pain. "My own scars, the scars brought about by the Grant brothers, will never fully heal." I moved a little closer to her. "Do you want to know something?" She nodded. A soft look entered my eyes. "You, my dear, have helped me."

--

Christine's POV

I blinked. I have helped him? "But.. no.. You've helped me. Erik, you've done so much for me. I can't even begin to express my thanks. You.. you saved me." That's right, he did save me. He's helped me in countless ways. He's given me life. He's my hero. He… I……

I couldn't finish my thoughts, for he began to speak again. I didn't want to miss a word.

--

Erik's POV

"Christine, you give me much more credit than I deserve." You sweet, sweet child.. Seriously, I began. "You have given me life, Christine. I don't think you realize it. Before you, I was cold without a care in this world. All I wanted was revenge. But now.. Now, I want something else." I gazed at her with adoring eyes.

She looked at me for a long moment before asking, "And, what is that?"

Before I could say more, none other than Nadir entered the room. Damn, I couldn't help but think.

"There you two are," he cheerfully announced.

Neither of us said anything, both being focused on our unfinished conversation.

"I just remembered something it seems all of us forgot. Christine, you left your belongings at my humble abode." Nadir waited for her memory to check in.

Christine sat up a little straighter. "Oh, man! That's right! Thanks for telling me, Nadir." She glanced at her watch and glanced at Erik still curious as to know what he wanted. "Well, it is getting late.. Aunt Giry and Meg will get worried. I guess.."

Nadir continued for her. "We will take you to my home to collect your things."

Christine stood, and I slowly did, as well. I did not wish for her to leave! How long would it be before I saw her again? What if I didn't see her again? No! That could not happen! She held something very valuable. She held my heart. I could not let her leave my life!

I drove them to Nadir's house in silence. Really, I was in deep thought. How can I ask to see her again?

All too soon, we arrived. Nadir got out quickly to open the garage where her car was.

I hurriedly got out and opened Christine's door for her. I had to act now. There would be no other chances.

"Christine," I said abruptly.

She stood before me looking so beautiful. "Yeah?" she asked timidly.

I basked in her ways before just going ahead and letting out my thoughts. "I wish to see you again."

It seemed she was shocked. "You do?"

"Yes," I said while nodding.

"But, I didn't think either of you would want to see me again.."

"Why in the world would you think that?" Now, I was shocked.

"I thought you both just felt sorry for me.. I thought that was the only reason Nadir invited me over today." She was blushing.

I shook my head bewildered. "No... It was not even Nadir who thought of inviting you, although I am sure he would have. But, it was I. Of course I wish to see you again. Christine, I-"

Yet again, Nadir interrupted our conversation! That damn man! I thought viciously.

"Well, your car is ready, Christine. I know your family is worrying about you. I do not want you driving at night."

Christine laughed and sarcastically said, "Thanks, Dad." I smirked.

Nadir laughed before saying, "Goodbye, my friend." Christine walked forward and gave him a hug.

"Take care of your shoulder, Nadir."

"Do not worry. I will. Take care of your wrist."

"Do not worry. I will," she mimicked, which caused my lips to curl upward, despite my worry of never seeing her again.

Nadir then walked past me and winked. I could have punched him for that.. Now, it was only Christine and I.

I do not wish to say 'goodbye'! I stubbornly thought. Why must this world hate me so?

To my utter disbelief, Christine walked forward and embraced me.

I could not move, in fear that she would let go. Slowly, though, when she lingered, I wrapped my arms around her petite form. How I didn't wish to let go!

Then, to my dismay, she ended the hug. "Thank you, Erik. Thank you for everything. I-.. Take care of yourself."

I found no words would escape my mouth. I could only stare at her in melancholy.

"Bye," she softly said before walking towards her car in the garage.

I held out my arm for a moment, as if to reach out to her, but I then lowered it. There was nothing I could do. She does not love me. It is foolish of me to think that she ever could.

I bowed my head and walked towards Nadir's car. Opening the door, I faintly heard Nadir speaking. It seemed as if he were far away.

"Erik, how did it go?" When I said nothing, he sighed. "Well, old friend, I hope it is alright if I return to your home. For one, you are driving my car. I also believe you could use a friend.."

I shrugged dejectedly, and Nadir closed his garage door before we drove away.

--

Christine's POV

I opened the door of my car and got in. With a shaky hand, I started the ignition and drove down the driveway behind Erik's car. I let out a heavy sigh.

He said he wanted to see me again.. I never replied to his offer.. I have ruined everything.. Yes, I knew my feelings for him ran deeper than friendship. I was not blind or stupid. Well, then again, maybe I was stupid, for I did leave. There were two things left unanswered, and my curiosity would plague me until I got answers and reasons. What could he possibly want? What? And, why does he wish to see me again? Why? My thoughts were giving me a head ache.

I did know one thing for certain. If I were to never see him again, I would regret it. Thoughts of him would plague me for the rest of my life. There is no way I could forget Erik. There was no way I wanted to. We held a connection, an unbreakable bond.

My thoughts drifted back to our earlier conversation. He told me I had helped him. He has helped me! He saved me.. He saved me! Oh, God.. I look at my reflection now, and I see a broken girl. But, if I were to look at my reflection with him beside me, I would see no such thing.

For some reason, I knew that for a fact. Something else dawned on me, as well. He saves me every time I look at him. I didn't know how that was possible. But, I loved it. I loved looking at him. His face made me feel safe. His personality caused me to forget all of my fears, doubts, and worries. If ever there were a man I wished to grow old with…

Suddenly, I pulled over to the side of the road and stopped the car. "What the-," I whispered. "Oh, my God," I whispered again. "No way.." My breath caught and tears came to my eyes. My hands left the steering wheel, and I covered my mouth while memories flew through my mind. He rescued me from hell, he found out who raped me, he helped me find him, he helped me put him away.. He's done more for me than anyone ever has. He's been more than a friend. He… I… I love him. "I love him," I announced to no one. I breathed heavily and gripped the steering wheel with all of my might.

How could this be? I'd only known him for about two weeks. Yet, the feeling was so strong. There was no way to deny it. I was hopelessly in love with him. I smiled and it grew to a huge grin.

But, I thought. The smile faded. My love is wasted. It isn't reciprocated. He could never love me. He could never love poor, broken Christine. No one can. My love is wasted.

I cried. I cried harder than I'd cried since the whole incident took place. I wept, I moaned, I yelled. Why is life so unfair? Why did I have to fall in love?

Ten minutes later, I found I could breathe fairly easily again. I would just have to try to move on. But, the more I thought about it, the more impossible it seemed to be.

I would never, never get over Erik.

Well, everything might seem a little hopeless at the moment, but things can get better ;)

Thank you for all of the kind reviews! I really love reading them! They cheer me up when I'm down, and school has been keeping me pretty down lately. So, thank you so much for helping :)

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-Lauren