Chapter 23

Nicole awoke to hear birds chirping outside her window. She breathed in deeply, enjoying the morning. Then the memories of last night cascaded over her, and she smiled.

Erik

"Well last night must have been exciting!" she heard Anne say.

Nicole sat up with surprise at Anne's voice.

Anne's eyes went wide and she said, "Nicole your head! It's got a large bump on it! Are you all right, how did that happen?"

Anne examined the bump closely and she touched it. When she did Nicole flinched from the pain.

"It's nothing really." said Nicole as she drew away from Anne.

"Nicole."

"All right," said Nicole, "Last night, I was jumped from behind. I got away from whoever jumped me and hid in the ruins of the old opera house."

"Nicole! Oh, I am so happy you are all right! How did you get away, surely that blow to the head must have rendered you unconscious?"

It's now or never, I must tell Anne of Erik. She will understand, she is my best friend!

"Someone helped me."

"Who?"

Nicole motioned for Anne to close the door to her bedroom. Once that was accomplished she patted the bed inviting Anne to sit.

"It's a long story."

Anne was beaming with excitement, she knew that Nicole was going to tell her all about the mystery man that she has been running off too.

"He loves you? You are certain?"

After Nicole related everything to Anne about Erik, that was the only question she asked.

Nicole vigorously nodded her head, "Yes, I am positive."

Before another word was spoken the door was thrown open by Mama.

"Nicole you lazy child! What are you doing still in your night clothes! Get up! Jacques is coming over to take you out today, and you are going alone. No little friends of yours can tag along!"

With that she left, never noticing the large bruise that was on Nicole's head. Or if she had, she didn't care.

"What will I tell Jacques of this bruise?"

Anne grew thoughtful and said, "Let me style your hair, I will make it cover the bruise."

Nicole smiled gratefully at her sister, and got out of bed to begin her day.

Anne was being very quiet and she did Nicole's hair, and a contemplative look was on her face.

"What are you thinking on, Anne?"

"Erik. I am still not sure if he deserves you."

Nicole tried to hid her smile, she knew Anne was just being overly protective.

"Well then come with me tonight, and met him yourself."

"Yes, I think I will. You too should not be left alone together any way. Not with how you described that kiss to me!"

"Anne!"

They both broke down in laughter, when Mama came back.

"Good, it's about time you got ready. Jacques is waiting for you in his carriage, hurry up!"

Jacques . This won't be easy news to break to him. I must tell him today! How am I going to do it?

Mama walked away, and Nicole rose to leave. Anne stopped her by bringing her into a tight hug.

"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

Nicole had spent the whole day with Jacques, but could never work up the courage to tell him that she didn't, and couldn't, love him. They went to the park, a cafe, and an art gallery. She feigned interest in all of it, too preoccupied to care. Her mind kept drifting to Erik. She could still feel his arm on her back, she was sure she was bruised. She blushed, and then remembered Jacques, but thankfully, he didn't notice. He would have mistaken it as a blush for once of his compliments.
Now they had arrived back to her home, and she still had not told him anything. She hated herself for being such a coward, but every time she went to say something, the words got lodged in her throat.

"Would you care to come in for some tea?" she asked, knowing it was the proper thing to ask, but wishing he would decline.

"I would love too!"

Inwardly she groaned in annoyance. They walked in to hear Anne practicing in the den. They both tried to quietly walk past to the kitchen to retrieve their refreshments, knowing that if heard they would be scolded. Jacques walked ahead of Nicole and grimaced every time a floor board creaked. Nicole giggled at his silly face, knowing as soon as the sound escaped her lips that they would be discovered.

"Nicole, is that you? Is Jacques with you?" he mother asked.

"Yes, it is I. Jacques and I were going to enjoy some tea."

"Well come into the den, Anne is finished, and the tea is already made."

Nicole knew she could not refuse, but wanted too. She desperately needed to talk to Jacques alone. They walked into the lounge and saw a peculiar site. Her mother was smiling. Instantly everyone grew tense. Something was not right. They all sat, and started to drink tea. There was a ominous silence that no one wanted to break. Nicole looked at Anne worried that her secret was not kept. But when their eyes meant, Nicole saw confusion in Anne's eyes as well. No one knew what was about to happen.

Finally her mother spoke, "Nicole I know your secret."

Fear clenched Nicole's stomach.

How does she know of Erik? Surely Anne has not told her everything!

She tried to stay calm as she replied, "And what is that, Mama?"

Her mother's gaze grew cold, "You know very well what! You've been sneaking out at night! For how long, I am not sure! But I know you are leaving to met a man, and bringing shame onto this family!"

Nicole almost laughed.

So she knows nothing! Well almost nothing. She just assumes I am a trashy whore!

Jacques coughed uncomfortable, and Nicole said, "Mama, maybe we can discuss this as a family, Jacques need not be present."

"Oh he will be present!" her mother spat, "He must know when he might be purchasing damaged goods! He might not even want you after this is all revealed."

Nicole stood up in anger, "I am not a whore, Mother!"

She said that last word with a must hatred and sarcasm as she could.

"Do not use such language with me! Tell me the truth! Why have you been sneaking out?"

"I have not been throwing my virtue away, that's for sure! I have been a fool! I have been learning to sing! I thought perhaps, that if I could sing, YOU would love me!"

The room fell silent, the only sound was Nicole angered breathing.

There is no going back now. They all know.

"Learning to sing?" her mother said quietly, "Prove it."

Nicole was taken aback by her mother's order. She had never sang for anyone but Erik. But she knew she could do it. This was the moment she had been waiting for. To prove her worth to her mother. But now that she had her chance, she wasn't sure that she cared any longer to prove anything to her mother.

Mama, you don't deserve my love! You don't deserve anything! I have earned love elsewhere, I am loved more deeply than I have ever known. I don't need you.

She wanted to say these things out loud, but decided instead to sing. She would show her mother that she didn't need her through her voice. Nicole's voice started slow, filling the room. It began to raise, her soul filling her song. Her voice was crystal clear, vivacious, and soothing. Nothing could compare to it. Just as with dancing there was not an equal to Nicole in singing. She knew she would never have been able to do it without Erik's help. She ended her song, and waiting for her mother to respond. She looked at Jacques and saw his eyes filled with pride and desire. She quickly looked to Anne, wanting to know how her dear sister would feel about this new revelation. Anne's eyes were filled with tears of joy.

"I am so proud of you, my dear little sister." She whispered.

The beautiful moment between these two loving sisters was broken by their mother saying, "How dare you."