Chapter Two - Evening on the Town

When Erik and Christine exited the apartment and walked out onto the street they were still arm in arm together. Erik called for a cab and they both got in. Christine was too lost in her own thoughts to hear when Erik told the driver where to take them. They hardly said a word to each other throughout the entire journey, they just sat there now holding hands. As Christine watched the streets fly past she was wondering how Erik's face now looked normal. It was either a skinned face or a prophetic mask. She decided to make a point of asking him about it when they were next alone together. No doubt they would be.

When the car stopped Erik paid the driver and they stepped out of the car. Christine looked up at the grand white building that stood before her. It had the lit up words "Broadway Bistro" over the double glass doors, and on either side of the door were green hedges that were neatly cut into pretty swirls. "This place looks wonderful" said Christine staring in awe. Erik put his arm round her shoulders "Indeed it is" he said "I come here so often. As you heard earlier I am a show producer. After shows or in between matinees I bring the cast and crew here for dinner or just for drinks and we all have quite a ball." Christine smiled up at him and he returned a smile to her. He peered down at his watch "Come along then my dear, we mustn't keep them waiting. I'm sure that Mr Henderson and your friend will be along shortly" Christine blinked "Meg?" Erik nodded "Yes, I told him to come here and I am sure he will bring her too." After sharing another smile Erik gave her a kiss on her forehead.

As they entered the restaurant they were greeted by a black haired lady who wore a white blouse and a black waistcoat and skirt. "Mr Foster, how nice to see you" she greeted him "Amelia, you're looking well" she nodded "They're expecting you upstairs sir, if you'd like to go through?" Erik nodded and led Christine past a bar and through a restaurant where a lot of people were having their dinner. They walked to the back of the restaurant where there was a lift. They entered and Erik pressed a button, the doors closed and the lift went up. When the doors opened they walked into a huge room that had a long table in the centre, its own bar, a huge stereo and a dance floor. There were already people there walking around chatting with each other and sipping drinks. They all greeted Erik and he introduced Christine as their new star. Christine spent the next twenty minutes being introduced to all of the other backers and a few crew members.
The lift doors opened and Meg and Mr Henderson walked in. Christine grinned "Hey, Meg!" She called over to her and Meg skipped towards her. The two of them met with a hug "Oh Chris, it's so amazing. Roger has told me all the plans and we've sorted out all the paperwork so it looks like you're good to go."They hugged again and Erik came over "Is everything in order?" he asked Meg She nodded "Yes, Mr Foster sir, everything is all in order." He shook her hand then the three of them rejoined the others. Meg had a lot of fun meeting everybody and having endless chats with each and every one of them.

As Erik and Christine were enjoying a glass of wine they were approached by a glamorous lady with curly black hair wearing a red satin cocktail dress and red heels. "Ah Erik" she said in a seductive voice. "Madeline, how nice to see you again" said Erik and she leaned up and pecked him on the cheek. Then she turned her eyes to Christine "Is this the new Prima Donna?" She asked. Erik nodded "Madeline this is Christine Day our new star. Christine this is Madeline Price one of our hair and makeup ladies." Christine shook her hand "Nice to meet you" Said Christine. Madeline smiled back "Likewise, my dear girl." She turned her eyes back to Erik and said through her red lips "I'm just going to get a drink my dear, I had quite a trip getting here and I need to chill." She strutted away to the bar, her black curls bouncing as she walked. "She seems to have a certain likeness for you." said Christine turning back to face let out a small laugh "I have noticed many times, she does indeed fancy me. I told her ages ago that my heart already belonged to another girl, but I could accept her as a close friend." Christine smiled and gently shook her head and said in a sing-song voice "She still seems to think that she is more than that." Erik laughed and hugged her to his side. "She will never be. You are the one my heart belongs to Christine and so it will always be." And they leaned in for a kiss.

Everyone then went and took their seats for dinner. Erik sat in the middle of the long table with Christine sat at his side, Meg and Madeline were sitting opposite them. Strange thoughts crossed Christine's mind again and she could hardly taste her food or wine. She decided to put the thought on hold.
At the end she was only able to eat half of her trifle so Erik kindly finished it for her after his own helping. While the waiters and waitresses came and cleared the table everyone went to the bar for another drink. As Erik handed her a drink she said "Excuse me a moment please, Erik." She walked over to one of the tall windows at the other end of the room, and just like earlier she looked out at the city of New York. Placing her glass of wine on a small table she let the strange thought fill her head. This time it was the thought of becoming the lover of a past murderer who'd skinned his victims all for the sake to hide his hideous face. Though this man will always have blood on his hands, would it be a crime for her becoming his lover. Christine didn't want to think badly of Erik even though she was still haunted by the hideous face that she remembered still laid beneath his mask (If it was a mask that is).But he had done so much for her today by giving her the part in the show. Something which Christine had half believed was possible due to the fact that there had been so many girls auditioning for the role.

"Christine, is something troubling you?" Erik's voice behind her snapped her out of her thoughts. "It's nothing Erik" She said. He put his hand on her shoulder and gently turned her to face him. He studied her face closely, concern filling in his eyes "It doesn't look like nothing Christine. Please tell me what is wrong my dear." Christine decided that it surely wouldn't hurt just to tell him her worries. She looked round to make sure they weren't being watched and was in luck. "I'm just...worried of becoming the lover of a past serial killer. I'm scared that I will be committing a crime or sin. I mean I know you won't hurt me but you will always have that blood on your hands"she said in a whispered murmur and dropped her head. He lifted her chin with his index finger to look in her eyes. "Don't worry about it Christine, you told me so earlier. What has happened is in the past, those things are now forgotten. Back then I was Erik Destler the Phantom of the Opera, but now I'm Erik Foster the rich successful show producer. So it won't be a crime if you become my lover. Forget those fears and worries Christine and just be happy and enjoy do want a love life of endless happiness don't you?" he asked. Christine nodded and Erik leaned forward placing a small kiss on her forehead "Well that is just what I will give you, so stop worrying." Christine wrapped her arms round his waist and he held her close "There we are all better now." He whispered and indeed it was. Christine felt a lot better now from hearing his words of comfort.
As they broke apart he said "Come dance with me Christine." He led her back across the room and the song "Who wants to live forever" by Queen began playing on the stereo. Erik and Christine held each other and began to dance among the others. When the song ended Erik stopped dancing and said "Excuse me a moment Christine I just need to go to the bathroom." Planting a quick kiss on her cheek he strode off in the direction of the toilets.

As Christine went to have a quick sip from her wine glass she was joined by Meg. "Chris I've been watching you for most of the evening. And I'm surprised that you've developed a strong romance with a man that you met only a few hours ago." Christine froze for a moment and quickly thought up an explanation that would make more sense that the unbelievable truth. "Well we both had a lot in common Meg, and we seemed to already know each other but don't know how. I suppose it's just like in the films, you know love at first sight?" Meg grinned "Lucky you. You've gained a leading role in a show and now the man of your dreams. Wish I could be as lucky as that." Christine patted her shoulder "Your chance will come at some point Meg, maybe it will happen when you're least expecting it." Meg Nodded "I hope you're right Chris"

When Christine saw Erik come back into the room he looked round for her, when he saw her and Meg he smiled and came over towards them. When Erik reached them he held out his hand and said "Miss Day" Christine smiled and took it. They went back to the dance floor and the bouncy Beatles track changed to "Endless Love" by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie and the two danced so close that there was no space between them. Christine was so relaxed now as she danced with her head rested on Erik's shoulder and she hoped that this happiness would never end.

Author's Notes

Thank you for your wonderful reveiws. Because you wanted more I decided to write another Chapter, hope you like it.
Keep leaving your reviews :)