hiya!sorry this chapter ain't that long!thanks to those that reviewed, it really makes my day when i see those!

Chapter 9

Erik sat outside Nicole's windowsill on the very small sill. The curtains her room where closed, and he was thankful for that or he surely would have been noticed.
But he wasn't as worried about being noticed from the bedroom as he was from being noticed outside.

What am I doing here? Its broad daylight, I am risking everything just to leave her a note!

He had climbed up with little issue, and hoped that because it was so early in the morning no one would spot him.
As he finally reached her window, her heard muffled voices.
He then heard a woman speaking; whom he assumed was her sister, Anne.

"It's a shame you will never get over it! Now, Jacques has waited all morning for you so get dressed!"

He now just had to sit and wait. He knew she would be leaving soon, then he would enter her room. Her heard noises from inside the room, assuming Nicole was getting ready for the day he then heard a door open and waited. He heard nothing else.

Now is my chance.

He opened the window with little difficulty. He laid his foot on the floor without even making a sound. He looked about her room for a moment, not sure if he should be here. Her room was delicate, just as she was. Her bed was covered in a quilts with flower print. Her armoire had little bottles on top of it and a few small portraits
The art on her walls was juvenile, and he assumed this room hasn't changed much since she was young. There were pictures of flowers and horses in meadows and dancers all in a row. Footsteps down the hall broke his reverie of her room and he quickly laid the note on her pillow. He jumped out of the room and hugged the side of the house, hoping she wouldn't look outside.
He heard her slowly approach the window then stop.

"E" she whispered aloud.

Erik smiled and relaxed.

She found the note.

He then left, hoping no one saw him. He was sure why he would risk his life for her. Deep down he knew what was happening, but he tried to surpress those feelings. He tried bringing up his most painful memories as an example to himself.

It will not happen again!

But he had to ask himself, why was he out in public? In broad daylight. Why did he risk his neck to leave her a note?

Deep down he knew why, but he wasn't going to admit it.

Nicole arrived home with Jacques later that afternoon. They walked through the park, and went to lunch. The whole time he was cordial, sweet, and funny. He would hold the door open for her, ask about her day and how her dancing was coming along. He was the perfect gentleman.
Other women that would walk by would first look at Jacques with longing, then look at Nicole with jealousy. Jacques was handsome, with rich brown eyes, and light red hair that wasn't too long and wasn't too short. He was lean and fit, and was very authoritative.

There was something about him that troubled her though.

Jacques was perfect. Almost too perfect. It was almost as if he was putting on a show for her, and those around them. He would laugh at just the right times, know when to talk and when to listen all the while it seemed as if he was just bidding his time.

Waiting for the right moment to show his true self.

Nicole knew that was one of the reasons she couldn't love him. She knew in her heart he was lying through his teeth.

At times she would say she was just making excuses, but he would say or do something in a just a way that she would doubt his sincerity. She tried not to think of it, but on days like this, were he seemed so perfect for her, she knew that someday he would change.

And she didn't want to be there when it happened.

As they were approaching her home, he slowed, turned to her and said, "I know I have been visiting a lot lately, and I know you only see me as a friend. Nicole, I know I have not yet earned your love, but I intend to keep trying."
He then took her hand and kissed it.

Nicole didn't say anything, she didn't know what to say. He took that as a good sign and continued on to her front step. He bid her farewell with promises of seeing her again soon.
She watched him leave, utterly confused. When he had turned to walk away she could have sworn she saw him smirk. Not a mischievous smirk, but one that was filled with malice.

She shook her head to clear it, and she wished she had to the courage to tell him to move on, no matter what her feelings were toward him, he was her friend and deserved better than a girl that was stuck on another man.

A man she knew in her heart would not love her.

I am still in love with the Phantom of the Opera; I have been for two years and always will be. Erik, what would he want with me? A scrawny little girl that cannot sing. I should just be grateful he wants to teach me to sing.

She walked through the front door, and heard her sister in the den having her usual music lesson with Mamma. She tiptoed past, hoping not to draw attention to herself, wanting very badly to read the note hidden under her pillow.

She made it to her room without incident, and quickly closed the door behind her.

She practically ran the few steps to her bed and reached for the note.

Her fingers found it under her pillow instantly, and she tore the wax seal.

Dear Nicole,

I have come to realize that we may need to meet more often, for your voice needs much improvement. I can hear talent in you mademoiselle, and in order to let it free we must have more lessons. Your voice has true potential to be great. I know it.
Come to my home tonight, if you are able. I shall be waiting.
I remain Your Obedient Servant;
Erik

Nicole read the note at least four times, and sat on her bed mind reeling.

He thinks I have talent? He would be the only one…

She looked out her window as the sun was beginning to sink in to the sky. It was early evening, and she only had a few hours until she saw Erik again. There was no doubt that she would go. Nothing would stop her. For as much as she wanted to see Erik, his words had given her a confidence she never had before. He had encouraged her to believe in herself. She was happy to feel that she was excited to learn to sing, and not just see Erik. She knew she would work harder then she had before, and that her feelings for Erik would not interrupt her real goal.

I shall sing, Mamma! Just you wait and see!