Sorry for the long wait, I haven't had much time to do anything. Anyways, here the next chapter, I shall be updating again, so that's why its not too long. Hope you guys like it!

Chapter 11: Awaken the Friendship

I step back as I catch his astonished facial expression. I must have really caught him of guard, all I wanted to do was show him that I cared.

He turns his back on me, his hand brushing over where I had just kissed him as he thrusts his mask back on. I can't take this, I can't stay here, and wait for his reply.

"Erik, should I leave?" I ask cautiously. He is the one who wanted me gone in the first place! He has to take me back so I can get out of here.

He says nothing but brings the boat to me and as soon as I step on, we take off across the lake. He is so confusing, shouting and raving but as soon as I am nice to him, not a word leaves his mouth! I only ever wanted to be his friend. But I know of his past and his reclusive tendencies. WHY am I bothered so much by his silence?

As the boat stops and I step off, Erik's gloved hand takes my arm.

"You shan't need rehearsals anymore, Miss Katia." His head is down and his eyes refuse to meet my own. No more rehearsals? Why? What have I done now?!

"How come?" I ask politely, trying to keep my worry inside. Is he going to fire me?

"There has never been one soul whom has treated me like you have before. I am repaying you, you do not have to see me again."

I take his very large hands in my own, I want him to look at me, I want him to see sense!

"I still want to see you, we are friends, right?" I smile at him. His eyes finally look upon me and I see a sliver of a smile grace his features.

"Alright, yes. Friends."

After that scary moment that I had spent with Erik, I decide to give myself some time to think. Aside from piano practice and playing for shows, I spend most of my time in the chapel. I pray a lot that Erik would come out of his shell and stop this crusade of seeking Christine. He has to give up at some point, I mean she told me that she is betrothed to Raoul. I have not said a word to any one else especially Erik. He would have my head!

As I return back from my recent trip to the chapel and enter my room, I find a red rose, tied with black ribbon on my bed. What on earth? Carefully I lift the rose and take in its beautiful floral aroma. That is when I notice the envelope underneath. What could Erik want from me now? I rip it open in haste and begin to read:

Miss Katia,

Please make your way down to the lair, I wish to see you again.

Your Friend,

Erik

I fold the letter and clasp it to myself. He wishes to see me again! Right now? I must change! I dress myself in my favourite emerald green gown Madam Giry gave me. I wonder why she only ever wears black.

Quickly pushing away thoughts of anyone else but Erik, I check myself in the mirror. Could Erik be spying on me in this mirror? If he is then it would make for an awkward conversation!

I slowly make my way to the lair, taking my care not to be seen by anyone. If I was seen going into the phantoms lair in the dead of the night, there would surely be questions and some absurd gossip being told around the Opera House. I would be spied on more than ever!

As I turn down the steps, I see Erik standing next to the boat. I smile and greet him, and he greets me back.

"I'm glad you could join me Miss Katia. I have a little surprise that awaits you!" He grins taking my hand as he helps me into the boat. I feel giddy, almost like this were a romantic encounter. Oh no, Katia. Why must you think in this way? You and Erik are mere friends, you hardly know one another to even be friends.

"How have you been these past few days?" I ask politely, creating conversation. I wish for him to be more open to me, to tell me more of him. I feel that he is holding something back every time we speak. I know he holds much affection from Christine, but does he treat her as I am treated?

"Very well. You shall hear more of it later. But for now..." He stops the boat as we near the edge of the waters and I come out as well, clinging to his hand for balance. I look down where his eyes are guiding me, and see that he has set out a sort of picnic! There are several bowls of breads, grapes, ruby red apples, cherries and more. It looks like a mini feast! Surrounding the blanket the food is set, candles light the area, making seem all the more intimate.

"Wow, Erik, this is lovely!" I rush over a seat myself down as does Erik.

"I'm glad you like it. I thought that if we were to be friends, we must know all about each other. Starting with you, Katia."

Pushing a strand of hair behind my ear, I take an apple and start to eat it. I'm so nervous, WHY am I so nervous. He wants to know more about me and I'm going to learn more about him. This is what I wished for, right? I can tell him about me, right?

"Ok, I'll start," I get comfy and think of where to start.

I decide to tell him about my parents and I. About how we grew up in the south of France, of all the trips we would take together. How my mother and father told me that I had an older brother who passed away before I was born, and of the day that they died.

"She gave a beautiful silver cross necklace. It had ivy wrapped around it, I never took it off. Until the day that my Aunt and Uncle, sold it." I grow somber thinking of that dreadful day. Erik takes my hand in his.

"All is not lost, Katia. You have been strong through all your pain and suffering. Your Aunt and Uncle will be punished in time."

"Please, enough of them. I want to enjoy this night." I wipe off my tears and put on a smile. "Now what about you, Erik? What's your story?"

Part of me wishes I didn't ask, judging by his reaction. He takes a deep breath and tells me. He tells me it all. About how his mother abandoned him, how he was 'raised' by the circus freaks. And how he escaped with the help of madam Giry no less. And ever since he has hidden away from the world, in fear of others rejecting him all over again.

"You too have been through, much worse than myself, Erik. I pray that in time, your wounds will heal." I take his hand in mine and squeeze it, comfortingly.

"We are much alike in that sense, we both have pasts which would like to move on from."

"Thank you, for sharing with me, Erik. But it is very late and I must be getting back." I stand up to leave when Erik does aswell. He gestures to the swan bed.

"You may sleep here, I do not wish to sleep tonight." He takes me by the hand and guides me to the curtain, which he lifts.

"You are sure?" I do not want him to be left without somewhere to sleep!

"Yes, I will play you something on the piano, you shall soon fall asleep."

"Thank you, again Erik. Goodnight," I turn to the bed, and lay on the duvet and fall asleep to the music of the night...

YEY FINALLY a new chapter! SO Yes, I'm sorry for not updating, I have had a lot going on, and I am going to be working full time for the next 2 and a half months so I am going to cram in as much chapters as possible! In the next chapters, there will be the events leading to the masquerade which is my faveourite dance number of the phantom! Thank you and see you next time!