A/N: Sickity, sick, sick. YEAY *enter sarcasm here* Well this will at least be good for the story. I should be able to get a lot written. Well... I hope you enjoy!

Chapter Sixteen:

Blushing Cheeks

Darcey had returned to her own bed at about four in the morning. She had slept soundly during the time she had been with him. It was strange that even while he was sleeping, she had felt comforted. She laid back in bed to wait for Erik to come and get her when it was time to return above. She closed her eyes and fell back to sleep.

He walked into her room to find her fast asleep. He chuckled to find she was curled up on top with a blanket wrapped around her. He walked over to her and gently shook her shoulder. "Darcey, it's time to go." She stirred and he froze when her big green and blue eye locked on his.

"Hello," she said softly. She blushed when he continued to look at her. He cleared his throat, heat rising in his cheeks. He turned away from her until his masked side of his face was towards her.

"Good morning. It's five o'clock. Get dressed and I will take you back." He turned back to her to see her stretch before he left the room.

When the door was closed, Darcey stood up and lazily walked over to the closet. It turned out that he was right about leaving some dresses down here. She picked out a sky blue bodice and a brilliant blue skirt and pulled them on. She was pleased to find her ribs hardly hurt at all when she tightened the corset. It had taken a few days to get used to doing one up after the time she had spent without one. She brushed the knee-length skirt smooth before slipping some shoes on. She glanced at herself in the mirror and sighed. She wished she had longer hair. She ran a comb through her short hair and decided it was as good as it was going to get. She couldn't just wish it longer; she would have to wait until it grew out. She wrinkled her nose at her reflection before making a funny face. She couldn't help but smile before she left the room.

Erik was standing next to the organ, looking through a stack of music sheets. She slowly approached and he glanced up at her. "I'm finding some songs for you to practice. They are a little bit more difficult but I think you can handle them." He straighten and placed the sheets of paper in her violin case before closing it. He picked it up and held out his arm for her to take. She took it gratefully and they headed up to the surface.

On the way up, Darcey counted the number of turns, finding some places that she recognized. She hoped she would be able to find her way on her own before too many more days. Soon she reached twenty and they were at her room. She let go of his arm and took the violin case from him. "Thank you. For everything."

"You're welcome, Darcey. Until tonight," he said before disappearing back the way he came. Darcey closed the entrance and put her violin away. She could hear the sounds of people waking throughout the opera house. She glanced at the mirror before pulling out her timepiece. Five thirty. She tucked it out of sight before opening her door and stepping out into the hall. She saw a few people wandering the halls. The faint smell of fresh bread drifted to her nose and she followed it towards the kitchen. She entered and giggled when she saw Garren. He was teasing one of the maids into giving him a taste of bread. The poor girl was cherry red from the attention of the handsome young man. The girl handed him a slice of the bread and he took a bite before exclaiming how good it was. She giggled and straightened in pride. He winked at her and her faded cheeks went straight back to bright red. At this time, he saw Darcey standing in the doorway and motioned her over.

"You have got to try this bread that Marie has made this beautiful morning. It's sublime!" he exclaimed.

Marie sliced off another chunk and handed it to Darcey. She had to admit it was good. It reminded her of the bread she used to make with her grandmother. "It is good."

"It's better than good. It's amazing! It's fit to feed a king!" Darcey rolled her eyes at him as Marie giggled. He was too handsome and far too charming for the good of all the young girls. He probably left a trail of broken hearts where ever he went.

"Darcey?" Meg called as she entered the room. "Oh, there you are..." She froze when she saw Garren. He winked at her and she blushed.

"I'll see you ladies later," Garren said before bowing and leaving the room.

Darcey heard Meg sigh and she couldn't help but giggle. "Oh stop it," Meg said, pulling her out of the kitchen. Meg watched as Garren disappeared out of sight before continuing.

"You're in love with Garren. Aren't you?" Darcey asked, grinning at her.

"Shh. Not so loud!"

"Aha! It's true. You are in love with him." Meg nodded and sighed. Darcey nudged her shoulder. "Don't worry about it. I won't tell him." Meg breathed a sigh of relief. "Did you really think I would tell him? Heck no. That's your job not mine."

Meg shook her head. "I couldn't. I think I would die if he didn't love me back." Darcey rolled her eyes but remained silent. Meg was quiet for a while too before she spoke up, changing the subject. "Lord Rossau wants to meet everyone today."

Darcey sighed. "What time?" She looked at her timepiece to find it was six o'clock.

Meg giggled. "As soon as La Carlotta is awake and ready." They both giggled. She wouldn't be up for at least another hour and then would take at least another hour to eat and dress. It looked like they had two hours until they had to meet on the stage to meet the patron. She wondered if he would remember her. They had grown up near each other and had played together as children sometimes. She had seen him at later times as well, at balls and parties. She sighed. She would just have to wait and see.