CHAPTER 3 :
Modern-Day : Erik's House
The car braked quietly in front of a tall, white house. Its walls weren't cement, but glass that did not allow nosy passerby to peek into the house. Surrounding the building were large oak trees with a bench located in the far back. Red roses and other species of flowers grew on the green grass. Indeed, it looked modern and expensive. Erik unstrapped his seat-belt and got off his car. He walked over to the side and opened the doors. There, on the seat, was a sleeping Christine. Her eyelids were shut and her skin seemed to glow as night approached. Erik's amber eyes remained fixed on her face - she was too beautiful. Only an angel could have her face and personality. He removed her seat-belt and using a bridal-style carrying way, he carried her to the front porch after slamming the doors with his feet and locking the glossy Jaguar. The glass doors slid automatically as he entered the fancy living room which was furnished with expensive furniture and technology. He walked up the white spiral stairs where a second level waited with many doors leading into many rooms. He stopped in front of a door which had words labelled in gold on it : Christine.
"Here we are," he murmured, stepping inside. The cool breeze that blew from the air-conditioner located on the wall kept the room cold and protected from the frowning sun as rays of sunlight shone through the windows. Erik shielded his eyes. He wasn't particularly fond of the heat and light but he knew that his beloved did. Gently and patiently, he laid the motionless body onto the soft springy mattress and swung his head around. He had been preparing for this day to come. When Christine would finally be with him, when she would probably learn to love a monster like him. But then, clouds of doubt poofed into his head. What if she didn't show any interest in him? What if she tried to escape? Or worse, proclaim that she hated him for taking her away! He shook his head - she was too polite and obedient to do such rude things. But then, a hand had unknowingly moved up to touch his mask cautiously. He blinked. But what if Christine did hate him ever since he had helped her treat her cut? He looked at her and took in her beauty.
Oh, what longing he felt for her! Couldn't she take a hint? Ever since their first lesson together, Erik had started to form feelings that he could not identify in his heart after a few weeks. He couldn't explain it but it felt warm and fuzzy whenever he glanced at her or even think about her! But now, he knew that it was love. He took a step back, his focus still locked on her. He reluctantly left the room and closed the door - feeling a bit excited at the thought of her waking up and her bright almond-shaped eyes open.
Modern-Day : Erik's Memories - Lessons
"Hello, Mr Stoker," Christine's voice sounded when she entered his house. As usual, he was seated on his armchair and was waiting for her arrival. Christine appeared in the hallway, dressed stylishly and it proved that she had a brilliant taste in fashion. Erik watched her from the hole in his half-mask as she took a seat. She seemed to pick up things quickly and ever since when he blew up at her the first time they met, she was prepared for every class during the weeks.
"We shall now start with one of my own composed music," he announced and felt an arrow of satisfaction shoot through him when Christine's blue eyes grew paler and wider. Obviously, who would have suspected that a man wearing a mask would actually be a creative and musical genius?
"Okay," her reply surprised him. It did not sound shocked, but impressed! Forcing himself to not smile at her response, he hastily grabbed the sheet of papers from his bag and gave a printed copy to his student. Christine took it and at once she took a good look through it.
"It seems...complicated," she commented, her eyebrows furrowing as she scanned through the papers.
"Of course, if you had sang an beginner's song for children, what makes you think that you could improve?" he replied a bit coldly. Christine did not flinch nor react, she had grown accustomed to his behavior and did not mind it at all. But she did get a bit annoyed and tired when he would always interrupt her singing or speech. "As expected, she is unique,' Erik thought as he sat down by his shiny black piano.
"Well, I think that if I sang a child's song, it would help me to warm up my voice before moving on to others," Christine said quietly as Erik flexed his fingers. Not bothering to turn his head around, he glared at her from the corner of his eyes.
"You can do that by humming beneath your breath, Miss Daaé. Now, get ready for I shall start the opening of the song," he instructed icily. He may had seemed cold and rude in the outer but in the inner, he just wished to hold Christine in his arms and run his gloved hands down her soft curls. Ah, what sort of beast was he? Telling off his poor, sweet Christine off even though her suggestion was so sensible and true! But, he couldn't let his emotions for her slip. If she knew, she was bound to run off and never return to him! Instead, she'll go to that fashion slave of hers! No, he wouldn't allow it.
Modern-Day : Erik's House
Chuckling softly to himself as not to wake the dozing figure, he silently glided out of the door, closing it shut behind him.
E/N : Okay, I know some of you think that I am copying Eriksangel's 'I Belong To You' fanfiction. Let me make this clear, I am not. Though some of the paragraphs in my story are similar to hers and are inspired by her chapters, the rest comes from my own ideas. Please do not accuse me without sorting it clearly with others.