So... Yeah.. I wanted to update before I left for my vacation, though I will be writing late at night there (Huzzah for RVing and electronic hookups!) I'll probably update again by the end of this weekend, so stay on the edge of your seat until then.

Tell me what you think as usual, and thanks for the reviews this time, they were awesome. Keep up with it and I'll keep up with the quick updates, seeing that I have the entire story mapped detail by detail in my head already. I love all you reviewers!

~The Phantoms Flutist~

Chapter 9:

Redemption and Deception

The days went by unnoticed to anyone counting, it was like someone hit the pause button on life for just a little while as we both seemed to wind down. Erik, I believe, sent away Anne and I knew this was going to happen eventually. He said she needed a break, and I tried hard to believe those words for once, but I honestly doubted it. Anne didn't do anything, like usual, and it was hard for me to cope without anyone to talk to except for Erik, so I found myself with my lips pressed shut for most hours except for lessons and sometimes, if I was in an okay mood, at meals.

Before I knew it, June breezed past and leaving us with July. The days were longer which caused me to go insane almost instantly. I put a chair next to the window in my room so that I could sit there and look out and read in the light of the blinding sun, which was hardly evident anymore because thunderstorms rumbled by often.

I found myself more comfortably talking to Erik who asked me questions of my past that even my former stalker didn't know, like what I used to do with my father before he became ill and what my mother was like and of what else I remember of my childhood and my early teen years. I didn't think I should ask him much on his history, but all was bottling up in my chest and curiosity never seemed to fail me.

"What did you do when you were in your teens, Erik? Obviously, you didn't go to school..." I trailed off, looking to him with my head tilted, and book resting on my lap.

"I traveled anonymously," He surprisingly replied informatively, seeming actually proud. "I had a mentor that I followed and studied with, and he was one of my good friends, actually..." He went on, looking off somewhere else as if remembering something horrible, "I studied architecture with him and together we traveled the world and I learned faster than today's ages. And then I came to the middle east before traveling to America and living here."

I nodded thoughtfully, raising my brows, but I never knew what I could think of when Erik was in the picture. He didn't describe the middle east, and suspicions arose, but he didn't want to share it and so I didn't think I wanted to know it exactly. It wasn't descriptive, but it was just enough to begin to understand him even more, causing less of the arising questions that were normally placed. I nodded to myself again and then went on reading my book.

"What are you reading?" He asked quietly, as he usually did when he wanted just one more word with me.

"Pride and Prejudice," I replied, "This would have to be my fifth time reading it." I added, smiling to myself. He didn't answer, and went on reading the newspaper, gaining the position of an ordinary man once more.

He wore a mask, yet he masked so much more than just his face. It was like he was a different man then when he had his face covered, and when it was covered, he was a gentleman that was simply begging for my attention and somewhat kind, but has his phases, and then when the mask was off, it was like everything bottled up inside comes out, and rages physically and mentally and he wept at my feet, begging for my mercy unto him... I'm not sure I could consider it just moody, it's like there's something hiding from me that he doesn't dare to show. There's a black hole in his past that's not revealed to me what-so-ever and by all means, he intended on not showing it to me. I didn't understand at all... how could a person hide so much? I couldn't certainly enough, I was a horrible lier when I don't actually mean to lie. Erik could pull off being an actor very well, I suppose, because it would take another genius to decode him.

It wasn't long before I began to think of how much I hated being kept inside, so the burning question had to let itself be known, days had already passed and I haven't breathed fresh air since that situation at the opera, and Erik's kept me locked up like his own personal singing canary since, making the lessons draw out longer and longer, and before I knew it, we were going on four hours a lesson. I was sick of it... I needed another hobby, something else to get my mind off of the world and being in this house was not helping at all I don't care what Erik thinks.

"Can I go outside, Erik?" I asked after a lesson when he was closing the lid to the piano.

"No." He answered simply. My shoulders slumped over instantly and I groaned in desperation.

"Why not?" I asked, whining like a child.

"Because I said so," he replied simply dashing out of the room before I even said something more. That was the time I literally threw myself before he exited the room and I wouldn't be able to catch up with him after that. I grabbed his thin and bony shoulder, fortunately, and I saw the side of his face as he slowly turned around and looked at my hand as if it was something remarkable.

"That's not a good enough answer." I pressed demandingly. "You said you wanted to make me happy, and you know what would make me really pleased is that I can see the sun for once without having to look through a window."

He sighed, glaring to my hand still as I took it off, "If that is what you want, I will please you. How about we eat dinner outside?"

I smiled victoriously, "That sounds wonderful, Erik." I replied, very excitedly, almost bouncing up and down.

"Meet me at the front door in thirty minutes, then, Christine." He ordered, and went off in some other direction when I went off to the living room waiting for that amount of time to pass, looking at the clock, as if it would move quicker by my staring at it. It was the slowest thirty minutes I've ever known, I think.

I laid down eventually on the couch, stretching my limbs all over the place and waited... and waited. I almost fell into a sleep-like state before Erik's cold hand seemed to startle me from the state I was in.

"Time for dinner," he pressed, and helped me from the couch and I slid from his touch once more, following him out the door to the outside.

Once outside, I let out a gasp. The sunset was stunning, as if an artist painted the sky with watercolors, as the warm sun was fading in the heat of July, leaving the earth a comfortable warm temperature, almost perfect. The smell of damp rain that had came before was fresh on the grass, though not too wet that my feet were soaking by the time we got to the garden.

Erik laid out a cloth in the center of a clearing in the garden and placed out a bowl of spaghetti and another bowl of sauce next to it, along with a covered plate of bread next to it, along with a jar of tea.

"Did you make this?" I asked curiously, knowing he probably dismissed the maid and cook together, it only made sense.

"Yes," He replied shortly, and grabbed a plate, making sure I was watching him, his movements grabbing my attention, acting like a puppy cautiously watching its owner.

"It looks delicious." I grabbed a few scoops of the noodle and poured the sauce over top of it and began to fork through it. Erik poured me a glass of tea, and placed it on a firm place on the grass for me to take. "It tastes very good," I commented, not wanting to be rude despite what I really felt like doing right now. I finished a serving of the spaghetti and leaned back onto my arms watching the rest of the sun falling through the trees. It was very beautiful, one of those rare moments where I was poetically comfortable of my standing for once. I think Erik savored it more than I did, for I felt his eyes resting upon myself every now and then and he would ask me a question and I would give a short answer.

He was so desperate, I knew it... I just right now couldn't bring myself to love another man more than I love both Raoul and my father. I honestly didn't see how I could love him, it was all too confusing and I barely trusted Erik... and isn't that what love was built upon? Trust? Not over-bearing jealousy, and keeping you locked up for safe-keeping.

I needed to escape Erik... I really did. I just wasn't sure, exactly, how. I mean, it would take careful planning, and amazing acting to pull it off. I just needed to get him comfortable with the thought of me never leaving and then make my escape somehow. Who knows? Maybe he'll give me back my cell phone even in the act and then I could make my escape through there.

How could I dance on broken glass without bleeding was the question... How I could play with a harmful man's heart without breaking it enough that he'd be suspicious. It felt nasty and devious and something to use my free time on...

After all, I would return wherever I may go because I don't have any other place to go to except here, I had my belongings and clothing and all that... I could stay with Raoul if I got my cell phone back... maybe I'd be able to escape my fate altogether with Raoul by my side. It was risky and it made my heart pound with sudden agility, I felt faint.

I gained a stronger composure as I sat up straight, and looked to Erik looking at the sunset now as well.

"Will I ever be able to leave, Erik?" I asked, it was the same question as always, and it was begging to receive the very same answer.

"Maybe sometime," He replied, which was more reassuring then the definitely not I received before. But the maybe wasn't acceptable. Yes, looks about time to put my plan into action.

"Thanks for the lessons, by the way... I know I haven't thanked you before, but it's really great to sing again." I said full-heartedly for I meant it partially, just wasn't too excited with Erik acting as my agent for future careers.

He seemed startled by my sudden move to say something kind and blinked a few times before looking to me with those big, golden eyes. "Anytime, Christine. You know that I'd do anything for you." Sure.... I thought to myself, rolling my eyes as I looked away. Well, that was the first step, at least. Now... what else could I do?

"Why do you love me, Erik?" Well, that wasn't necessarily a question that popped out of nowhere, I've been wondering it myself, "I'm not pretty... And I'm so young and stupid and naive."

"I beg to differ, Christine." He began, and I knew he was going to say something more, but he didn't. I waited patiently, hearing his mouth open and then shut in indecision. "You don't see yourself very well." Then maybe I don't want to be pretty and naïve. Maybe that would end the horrible love story all together, and not have two men falling for me. What's this supposed to mean, anyway? One is slightly insane while the other is a childhood friend. Is God trying to say something, here?"

"We should be getting inside, it's getting dark." He began, and I was instantly frowning at myself that I could possibly have wasted my entire time out here plotting to fake affection in order to escape and now I won't be able to go outside anymore.

"Just a little longer!" I begged. He grunted, looking down to me and sighed.

"I can't deny you anything..." He sat back down on the same side and I watched as the sun disappeared into the horizon, leaving the sky with the beauty of the stars to overtake it.

"Look, Christine, to your left," He urged, pointing his finger to a spot in the sky where there was a fixture of light gliding its way through the sky.

"A shooting star," I breathed.

He laughed musically and then chided, "Make a wish."

I wished that my plan goes through well and I'll be able to see Raoul again and we'll be as happy as we were again... and I would kiss Raoul again... Oh... how that felt absolutely astounding! But I didn't let Erik know that I only looked like I was thoughtfully thinking and then sighed.

"Now it is getting dark, darling, we should go inside."

"I guess so," I replied, feeling very saddened all of a sudden. "Can we come back out tomorrow, Erik?" I asked, trying to be sweet.

"Whatever you wish, dear." He replied as if already set on his tongue. I smiled to myself as I rose from my seat to face him and he put all the things back into a basket and took it by the handle and led me back inside.

The following night we had a very decent conversation about... a lot of things, actually. He had a firm opinion as I had mine on particular authors classical and modern. We both were insanely stubborn when it came to quite a few topics like music, which was how we were alike in many ways, but it wasn't a subject that's easily livable... His stubbornness seems to drive me off the edge when mine most likely does the same. I couldn't help it... he was just a strange man. He wasn't easily likable, but I remember the words Mrs. Giry told me, "You must grow to love people as they are, and take it in." I don't see how that's possible with Erik... But maybe... I could never love him as much as he loves me, if I could even love him to begin with.

"Goodnight, dear," he bid to me as I walked up the stairs automatically. I turned and looked at him for a good long while, and mentally shook my head in the negative.

"Goodnight, Erik," I replied slowly, and continued to ascend the stairs.

"I love you, Christine," He added and I didn't turn, I just went up the stairs, swallowing the sudden knot in my throat.

The following day was the same as before, though this time it was raining hard. A summer thunderstorm rolled in and swept the entire lawn in a big mass as it dangled and withered. I curiously eyed out the window, wondering what it would be like in my childish hopes to run around in the rain as it poured down. The taste of freedom was hard on my tongue, and it was there, just forbidden. I don't believe I could hold it up much longer. It was time to resort to plan B... begging...

I felt like I was swimming with my head ten feet underwater and upside down, hardly surviving in this home. The pitiful man was maddening... I needed time away and to relax and he didn't understand that much.

Erik was in the music room, composing for the first time in a while, and playing a few measures and then let out a disgruntled groan before going back and writing it down.

"Erik?" I asked from the doorway. I seemed to have startled him out of a sort of trace he was in while composing.

"Yes, dear?" He asked, turning to me.

"Sorry to disturb you..." I apologized coming to sit on the chair in the farthest corner and sat up with a business-like posture.

"It's nothing. What is it that you want?" He asked carefully.

"I was just wondering... if I could see another friend of mine. You know... Meg."

He grimaced and then looked at me with my hands folded and my muscles tenses on every inch.

"No," He replied simply and turned away. Not again!

"It's just Meg!" I replied, now sounding extremely desperate. "She has a car she could drive me back here... We'd just go to the mall and see a movie or something and I'll be back at whatever time you want me to be back. Just...please, Erik!" I felt like crying if he didn't give in.

He looked as if he was deciding! Actually deciding again! This was something positive, looking me over, and I felt once more as if I was being put under an x-ray, studied almost...

"Before you say something, Erik, I know that you think by keeping me here close to you for this long would make me love you... It's nothing to be offending for you, but I do, eventually, need to be away. If you didn't know, all relationships need to be built like that..." I was very desperate now, I could feel my heart beating in the back of my throat which caused the world almost to spin.

He sighed, and once more looked me over, "Very well," He said slowly, and glared at me. "You must be true to your word, Christine."

"Are you serious?!" I asked aloud, jumping up from the chair, my eyes wide and startled.

"As long as you do as I say, you may be with your friend." He replied. I bounced over to him, not thinking very much through, and I wrapped my arms around his bony figure very quickly, too fast for him to even react, and pulled away, smiling very brightly for the first time since I saw Raoul.

He looked awestruck as I backed up to look up to him.

"Can I call her now?" I asked excitedly, restraining myself from jumping up and down.

"I believe it would be most respectful if you wait until morning." He commented dully. Well, great, now I won't be able to sleep tonight, I'm too excited to get out of this house! I ran out of the room and changed quickly into my night clothes.

I read for the rest of the night, as usual, though I sat staring at the ceiling until about midnight before sometime around then, I dozed off.

It was after breakfast that Erik gave my cell phone, finally, to me, and I opened it almost automatically to check through the history and see if Erik sent any more of those nasty text messages I never even saw, and nothing was there. That didn't relieve very many suspicions, but it was good enough for me to put it on good terms for me if I ever see whoever was threatened, accused, et cetera.

"Thank you so much, Erik!" I replied, looking at my old and worn phone in awe.

He didn't reply, simply staring at me, studying my movements. I dialed Meg's phone number in as I knew it by heart and began to walk away from Erik across the room for I felt his stare burning a hole on my back. I tried to ignore it as I spoke, and it was almost successful.

"Christine?" Meg asked tiredly. I looked at the clock... it was noon.

"Hey, Meg... sorry to disturb you if you were sleeping." I rolled my eyes, for it was expected of her to sleep in this late especially during the summer.

"It's fine... I haven't heard from you, so I guess that makes up for you calling me at this ungodly hour." She yawned. "Anyway... what's up?"

"I was just wondering if you wanted to go to the mall with me today and we could hang out... as we used to. See a movie or shop... or something. I just... need to see you." I explained quickly.

"Sounds great, Chris. I just need to take a shower and stuff, and I can pick you up." she sounded at least a little enthusiastic even if she was tired. It relieved me to know we were still on good terms even though I've been forced to neglect my friend.

"Want me to call Raoul up for you? I know he's dying to see you..." she added after another yawn.

I knew Erik was intent on listening, and I looked over to him and raised my eyebrow, my heart suddenly racing. I wondering if he could hear on the other end... He didn't seem to be attacking me just then.

"If you want, Meg, go ahead." I said, careful to not mention his name. "Also, you don't need to drive me, I have someone else... to take me. I'll meet you there at 1:30-ish?"

"Sure, Chris." She answered, now sounding with more energy then before. "Meet me in the cafe at Borders, .m'kay?"

"Sound great." I replied. "See you then."

"Yeah, then." She hung up before I could say much more. I turned back to Erik, trying to make my expression neutral.

"Thanks, again," I began, smiling again, about to lie if I must.

"You're not meeting that boy, are you?" He asked coldly. What do I say? What do I say? My acting skills were put on a test right then.

"No, he's busy with his business." I replied reassuringly, which was partially truth, it'd be a surprise to see him there in the middle of the week if Meg mentions it.

"I'll be watching," he assured, and my heart dropped.

"Do you not trust me?" I asked, trying hard not to beg again. I was already pushing Erik far enough. He eyed me as if I said something very stupid. "I'm going to take that as a no... Um... I'm going to go and get ready."

I raced up the stairs to fix my hair and change my clothes to something more presentable, washing my face and then putting on a little makeup to my pale face. I then raced back downstairs and met up with Erik downstairs.

"Christine," he began, digging through his pocket and produced something that he held into his hand. "As much as I want to be happy, I want to trust you," He explained, and almost had to pry my hand from my side, and I looked at his gloved hand touching with mine, and held his hand out, revealing a ring that he forced onto my left hand's fourth finger. I looked at it curiously, a plain gold ring and he held that hand in between his two hands, pressing it tenderly, and looking at the ring. What was he trying to say...? What was he proposing here? I wanted to smack his hand away and take off the ring but all I could do was stare at it with utter disbelief.

"You must keep this ring on and I will always be your friend. If, somehow, you were to take it off, then I will take my revenge." He sternly said and pressed his lips to my hand once more and all I could do now was stare at it in disgust, and began to back away, wanting to block him away forever. Was this some sort of engagement...? How dare he! I'm only seventeen... I'm only seventeen and he has a consent of being my guardian.

"Come, Thomas is waiting," He instructed briefly and led me outside, putting a hand against my back as if that ring gave him permission to touch me more. I bent over and tried to get out of his grasp, sneering to myself that he had no intention of seeing.

Now... it was all mapped out in my head... Raoul was going to be there and Erik didn't know. Erik will be watching so I need to get Raoul so that he won't be watching... I might be able to pull this off...