Chapter 6
Erik couldn't believe she wanted to be taught by him.
Can I still teach? Can I even sing? I haven't sung since that night.
He stopped himself. He shouldn't even be considering this. The last pupil he had ended up betraying him and breaking his heart. Nothing good could come out of teaching Nicole how to sing.
How do I let her down? I will just have to hear her sing. She may not have any ability at all.
He watched as Nicole fidgeted where she stood anxious for an answer.
He nodded to himself and said, "I will have to hear you sing to determine whether or not I can teach you."
She blushed deeply and nodded, "Yes Monsieur."
She took a few deep breathes and started to sing Amazing Grace. He assumed it was one of the only songs she knew by heart. He listened closely as she sang, closing his eyes.
She wasn't giving him false modesty when she told him she couldn't sing. Her voice was rough and out of tune. But he couldn't say that without his guidance she wouldn't be able to sing. He heard something in her voice that made him stop. Talent. It was there, deep down hidden under all the abuse she received from her mother. Her mother's emotional abuse more than physical. He could tell she was trying too hard, like she was trying so hard to earn his appreciation.
She must sing like this for her mother. Always trying to earn love and acceptance.
He put his hand up signaling for her to stop, which she did instantly. He opened his eyes and looked her.
She was clearly embarrassed, knowing that she wasn't good.
He knew he shouldn't do this, he knew. Nothing but trouble would come from it. But his life has been so empty, now was his chance to have a reason to go on. To be a teacher once again.
He hadn't spoken for some time and he could tell she was growing anxious.
"Well?" she asked impatiently.
"Mademoiselle, you cannot sing it is true."
She nodded taking this as a no.
"But, with my help that can change."
Her mouth broke into the largest smile he had ever seen, and he could tell she had to stop herself from hugging him.
"When can we start?" she asked clapping her hands together.
Nicole approached the front of her house. It was near midnight and she could see a light on in the window.
Mother must still be awake.
Before she went inside she paused to look at the sky and think of all that had happened tonight.
Erik had agreed to teach her. His price was that she keep it a absolute secret, that no one could find out that he was still alive. She agreed instantly.
That way I can keep him all to myself.
She grinned like a silly school girl.
They would meet once a week, always after dark. He then lead her back to the opera house, and he told her he would be waiting here, at the mirror in the old dressing room for her next week.
She thanked him again, and walked to the stage where she could already hear the frantic calls of Belle.
Belle was all but crying when Nicole walked up to her. Belle threw her arms around her neck and asked where she had gone.
Nicole told her the truth, leaving out a great deal of course. She told Belle that she went exploring and found a tunnel to a lake, explaining that she accidently fell in and left.
Belle accepted the tale without a thought other than to get her friend home and safe.
Now Nicole stood in front of her home not wanting to go in and face the wrath of her mother.
Her home was large, with two stories and a stable in back that kept their one horse. Her father had been a good business man, but died before she was old enough to even remember him. Her sister Anne was the one that received all of their mother's love and attention. Anne was the oldest and had the talent to sing which was more ladylike than dancing. At least that is what their mother always said.
Even with such clear favoritism Anne and Nicole were the best of friends. They told each other everything, and Nicole knew it would be hard to keep her secret from her sister.
With Anne being the favorite, Nicole was the one their mother relied on to get married. Nicole was to marry for money, to save the family and Anne from destitution.
Thinking of this Nicole suddenly remembered why she went to the opera tonight.
She wanted to avoid Jacques. Jacques, the man she was to be married too. There was nothing formal yet, as they were not engaged, but her mother would make sure it would happen.
She groaned knowing he would be inside as well.
She sighed, knowing there was no way to avoid it any longer. She went through the front door, which entered into a foyer. She slowly closed the door behind her hoping that no one heard it.
"Nicole, come to the den this instant."
She cringed. Nothing could escape her mother's sharp ears.
She trudged to the den, and saw her mother standing in front of the fire place, arms crossed. Nicole mused that her face was just as cross as her arms.
She saw a shuffling and the sofa, and noticed Jacques for the first time.
Most women would envy Nicole for having Jacques pursue them. He was everything a young man should be. Rich and handsome.
Nicole felt nothing for him but friendship. She had tried once to make herself love him, but it didn't happen.
Her heart had been taken by the Phantom of the Opera, and no one else could ever have a chance at it.
"Where have you been? And what on earth happened to your dress?" her mother asked in a calm and icy voice never allowing her time to answer, "Jacques has been waiting hours to see you. Did you not remember that he was coming?"
"I am sorry Mamma, I lost track of the time." said Nicole trying to look tired.
She looked at Jacques and saw his eyes filled with disappointment.
Her mother glared at her, but before she could say anything, Jacques spoke up, "I am sorry, but it is rather late, and I don't want to keep you both up any longer. Nicole, I am sorry we did not get to spend time together this evening, perhaps some other time."
With that he showed himself to the door.
After she heard him leave, her mother looked at Nicole and said, "That man is truly interested in you. And how do you thank me? You yawn like he doesn't even matter! It is too late to argue with you and we may wake Anne. So go to bed, and think of what you have done this evening."
"Oh I will, Mamma, I will."
She was speaking the truth.
For as she went to bed that night she thought of nothing but Erik.
Erik watched from the shadows Nicole's return home.
He had followed her home to watch over her and her friend. It was nighttime and all manner of monsters lurked in the shadows willing to prey on young girls.
He kept a safe distance from them and made sure they both got safely home.
Now he stood outside Nicole's home and watched as her mother berated her in front of some man.
He could only assume that this man was meant for Nicole. An all too familiar fire of jealousy stared to burn, but he stopped himself.
She is my student nothing more. Nothing more.
He watched Nicole leave the den, and decided to go home.
He thought of his future lessons he would have. With a new student under his wing he would have to compose some songs for a novice. He liked the thought of a new challenge. He was going to enjoy this.