Chapter 8: The Lovers and the Stars

By: PittsBurghFuzz

Abbey had asked Erik for the day off, and he allowed her, because in his own words, "Abbey, you have served me more than any of the other workers, and you have never received a proper day off, so you may have the entire week if you so desire!"

Abbey was to spend time with her sweetheart, Johnathan. The young man had blonde hair, blue eyes, and was dashingly good-looking. Johnathan's frame was well-built, and was fairly tall, though not as tall as Erik. Johnathan was a respectable young man, but had primitive views on women and men. He felt that women should stay home and take care of the house, while the men would work. This way the only thing Abbey didn't like about Johnathan, but she tolerated it to a certain extent because beyond that, he was perfect.

Abbey and Johnathan were having tea at a local tea shop, sitting outside on a gorgeous day.

"So your boss gave you the week off!" Johnathan asked.

Abbey nodded. "Yup."

"So when are you going to resign?"

"Johnathan!"

"What? I'm just asking, because we are going get married soon and-"

"We may not get married if you have that kind of attitude! You have to get your head out of the past!"

"Alright then, I guess I'll try."

"Good." Abbey smiled and gave Johnathan a light kiss on the cheek. Johnathan smiled.

"So your boss, I've never seen him. Is he a reclusive man?" Johnathan asked.

"Only if you don't know him well." Abbey told him. "Once you get to know him, he's very friendly."

"Yeah, friendly."

"Johnathan! You speak as if you were jealous!"

"Jealous! Me! I am jealous of a masked weirdo, who hides himself from the rest of the world?" Johnathan yelled.

"Pipe down! Do you want to embarrass yourself?"

"No, but you must admit, he is a bizarre fellow, who takes interest in you."

"Oh come on Johnathan, I don't think he's trying to seduce me. Besides, Erik good get better girl than I."

"You know what? The more you talk about him, the more I think you have feelings for him."

"Its your fault for bringing the stupid topic up! Stop talking about him if you don't want to here it! Besides, it almost seems like you want to court him yourself!"

Some people in the backround were chuckling at Abbey's joke. Johnathan was not amused.

"Johnathan? It was only a joke, you know that, right?" Abbey asked with concern.

Johnathan was mumbling some profanities to himself.

"Look, I love you, alright? Now come on, pay the bill. I don't want to spend my entire day here you know!"

Johnathan smiled and got up from his chair to pay the bill.

Jacob was at the Royal Opera House, practicing a piece Erik told him to practice. Paul entered the room.

"Paul, have you seen Miss Abbey?" Jacob asked.

"Erik gave her the week off." Paul replied. "What are you practicing there?" Paul pointed to the sheet music.

"Oh, this is the new piece Erik is working on. Something to do with stars."

"Huh. Oh yes! Now I know what you are talking about. He's been working on it for the past few months now. Its an opera about a police inspector who falls in love with a criminal, but is conflicted by the duties of the law."

"Huh." Jacob scratched his head. "Sounds interesting."

"Yeah."

Christine was walking around Erik's gigantic mansion, looking for her former masked mentor. Christine went to Erik's private study. It reminded her of the first time she went to Erik's lair. He was so gentle, so reassuring.

Erik heard Christine's footsteps and turned around.

"What do you require of me?" he said coldly.

"I just wanted to say hi."

"Okay then, hi. Goodbye." Erik turned around and went back to his music.

Christine got very angry, and went behind Erik.

"Why are you trying to avoid me Erik?" Christine asked.

Erik shrugged his shoulders. "Don't worry yourself on such trivial matters, Christine. Now, if you need to go anywhere, just tell Gordon and he will take you. If you would like to purchase some clothes or whatever, feel free. Just charge it on my account. Now go, I need to finish my work."

Christine got even angrier, and made an impulsive decision. Christine took Erik's head, turned it toward hers. She kissed him.