Chapter 26:
Slipping out the back door of the dormitories into the chilled and partially empty courtyard, May turned as the door slammed shut with a loud thud and froze with a delightful gasp as she witnessed the sight before her. Standing tall and proud was a beautiful midnight black horse saddled and ready to ride; it was a beautiful horse with a long mane and a speckle of white in between its wide dark eyes. May was in awe of the animal.
"What?" she asked perplexedly to the air trying to figure out why it was there.
Rounding the massive animal Erik appeared in all of his handsomely dark mystique dressed in his usual shadowy faultless clothing plus an added heavy black cape that added to his shadowy air. With the most nonchalant of tones Erik glanced at May and simply stated. "Haven't you ever seen a horse before?"
May gave him a skeptical glance then proceeded to cautiously approach. "Of course I have seen a horse before but, what is it doing here."
"She happens to be our source of transportation for the day." Erik announced as he gave the horse a pat on the neck.
"Transportation?" May questioned. "Where are we going?"
"I cannot tell you." He stated plainly.
"Well why not?"
"It's a surprise."
A surprise. May couldn't help but allow her mind to wonder on what could be in store for this said surprise. As he began putting the final touches to the horse's saddle Erik glanced over May and her bundled attire. She wore a warm winter dress colored a dark shade of green that made her eyes pop with their bright blue green shade, a knitted black scarf, dark fitted gloves, and a heavy dusky blue cloak that billowed out behind her as she walked. "Will you be warm enough?" Erik inquired. "We cannot afford another sickness on your behalf." He smirked.
"I believe so," May replied with a devious glance as she approached the horse. The animal was so large and grand, May felt almost minuscule beside it. "What's her name?" she innocently asked as she stroked the soft hair on its neck.
"She doesn't have one." Erik replied as he tightened the final belt on the saddle.
"Where did you get her from?" May questioned again.
"The stables; I've used her numerous times for different excursions, she's the best horse they have."
"You've ridden her before and never gave her a name?" May was taking a liking to the animal.
Erik glanced at May as she pet the horse amusedly. "Would you like to name her, May?" he asked slyly giving her a cynical raised eyebrow as she glanced to him in question.
She hardly took any time thinking before exclaiming the name. "Delia!"
"Delia?" Erik questioned suspiciously, he was answered with a confident nod from the excited girl before him. "Then Delia it is." He let May spend a few more moments enjoying the presence of the newly named Delia. Erik watched her closely as she smiled and laughed at the horse, he found it truly beautiful how gentle Delia was with May and how transfixed May was to the animal. Recalling there last night together as he watched May, Erik felt truly horrible for what he had done and for leaving her so abruptly and rudely. Earlier in the day he was sure that he would have to beg at May's feet for her forgiveness but as he met her gaze for the first time that day, he knew things were going to be alright.
"Shall we be on our way then?" He suggested motioning to Delia's saddle.
"I guess so." May replied with a grin. "Why can't I know where were going, Erik?"
"I told you, it is a surprise." He retorted.
"I hate surprises." May stated stubbornly.
Erik let out a gentle laugh in response to how childish she sounded. "Well I am positive you will like this one." He stated with a grin. "Now come," he bid, motioning to her. May approached him willingly and as Erik tentatively placed his hands upon her waist to lift her onto Delia's back, she made no protest and graciously accepted the motion with a smile as she clasped his strong shoulders for balance.
As he lifted her off of the ground Erik memorized her light feel and the gentle grip she had on him. He remembered one of the last time he carried her in his arms; it was the night she fell into the lake, they were both soaked to the bone, Erik's mask was gone and May was practically lifeless. It was a memory he wished to erase but knew he never could.
Now sitting side-saddle on Delia's back with the skirts of her dress cascading down the animals side in a waterfall of fabrics, May glanced down at Erik smiling brightly, thanking him without words. As May situated herself sturdily, Erik quickly placed one foot in a stirrup and swung his other leg over to Delia's opposite side sitting a rather close distance behind May.
As Erik readied himself he instinctually inched closer to May; his chest was now pressed to her back. They were so close; the intoxicating feeling Erik acquired from breathing in her naturally beautiful rose like scent made him dizzy in a way he had never felt before. He admired the soft tickle of the gentle curls in her dark blonde hair as they tickled his chin, and the warmth radiating off of her caused his heart to beat at a rapid pace. He felt ridiculous as he enjoyed such a nearness he had only ever experienced a few times in his life, but he couldn't help himself from becoming over enthralled by this sudden touch and closeness, he found that he quickly forgot the sudden facts of reality.
Pulling out of his daze he quickly asked. "Are you ready?"
"Very." May replied with a warm grin.
Trying to hide his satisfaction with the moment, Erik quickly gave a command as he latched onto the reins and Delia began off in a brisk trot. May jostled in her spot as the horse moved and without thinking Erik gently laced his right arm around Mays waist keeping her still and pressing her even closer to him enjoying her warmth even more as she excepted his motion and placed one gloved hand over another daring him not to let go.
Commanding Delia into a faster gallop, they rode on into the slowly dimming sun light through wooded paths that seemed to accompany no other rider than them. Snow covered the chilled forest paths as the horse's heavy hooves placed large tracks in its white covering; everything seemed so peaceful and serene.
May was enjoying the ride greatly, watching with excited eyes for any signs of the surprise Erik had in store for her; her mind was roaming rapidly over thoughts and ideas as to what the surprise might be. Growing impatient every so often she would innocently bid "Are we almost there?" where for Erik would respond uniformly with a simply, "Almost." Although 'Almost' seemed to be turning into forever for May. Becoming increasingly jaded May would entertain herself by pointing out random scenes of wildlife to Erik, such as a simple icy stream weaving through the woods, or a timid rabbit trotting its way through the snow. Erik enjoyed May's trivial discoveries, and would graciously look forward to each new one.
As they neared their destination quickly, Erik abruptly stopped Delia in her tracks, and removed his arm from around May as he retrieved something from his pocket without her noticing. As May glanced around excitedly searching for the 'surprise' she was met with nothing but more trees and mounds of snow alongside of the path they took.
"Is this it?" she asked excitedly turning to Erik but yet confused by the lack of anything surprising.
"Not quite, we are nearly there but before we come upon our destination I want you to close your eyes." He directed. May glanced at him quizzically but before she had any sense to protest she obeyed his request and shut her eyes. Acting quickly Erik unfolded what he had in his hands and held it up; a blindfold. Setting it over May's closed eyes she suddenly reacted with fear and sprang back away from the cloth, allowing her eyes to shoot open.
"What are you doing?" she asked with an anxious laugh.
"I'm blind folding you." Erik replied matter-of-factly.
"Why?"
"I know you well enough to know that even if I tell you to close your eyes, your curiosity will over throw my command and you will look anyways. Now come." He held out the cloth in his hands again.
"No," she sighed stubbornly.
"Maygen," he bid with a tone of voice that resembled an adult scolding a child. "Would you rather have me do this," without a second thought Erik maniacally reached behind May drawing the hood of her cloak forward and over her face blocking any form of vision.
She struggled and mumbled for a few seconds trying to break free of the sudden trap but as soon as she heard Erik's amused laughter she stopped moving and faced him with a huff of annoyance. Erik was still holding down her hood when she spoke. "You are impossible." She grumbled maddened.
Gently pulling her hood away and letting it drape out behind her back he glanced at May with satisfaction. "So are you," he grinned.
With a groan of regret she conceded to the shielding of the blindfold and graciously leant forward to allow Erik to fasten it around her eyes shielding her vision completely.
"Now, can you see?" he asked.
"No."
"Are you lying?"
"Yes." She lied in response giving a devious grin.
"You are a horrible liar." Erik replied matching her wicked grin. Turning her back around so she would not lose her balance due to lack of sight, he once again wrapped an arm around her waist and pushed Delia into a gallop. Within a few short moments they finally reached their destination; the gates to the entrance stood tall and menacing but thankfully open. Erik stopped Delia abruptly and instructed May to stay still as he dismounted the animal.
As his dark boots hit the soft layer of snow beneath him Erik paced to where May still sat and placed both hands on her waist as she cautiously grasped his shoulders. Setting her upon her feet Erik held her hands tightly in his grasp so she would not falter in her movements.
"I am assuming we have made it?" May asked hesitantly.
"Indeed we have." Erik responded. "Now, we have a bit of a distance to walk so make sure to keep hold of my hand and to follow instructions."
May gave a diffident nod in response. Erik began to lead her through the peaceful obstacle that surrounded them. As he let go of her right hand he still held her left in his tight gloved grip glancing back at her every now and again to make sure she was alright. May followed obediently with a smile as she kept her free hand out grazing through the chilled silken air in case of any on coming hindrance. She had no idea where they could be but decided to put wandering thoughts behind and just enjoy the excitement of what was to come.
They were quickly nearing there destined spot and Erik was growing more and more timid with the surprise and how May would react. Would she like it and be grateful for it or would she be regretful and scared; he had no idea how she would respond. Suddenly he was pulled from his wandering thoughts and shoved back into reality as May clumsily tripped over something in their path and tumbled into Erik with a frightened yelp. Luckily Erik turned to her in perfect timing, catching her mid fall and holding her forearms tightly as she pressed awkwardly against his strong chest. May's arms came to wrap around his neck as she searched for stability suffering from her temporary prevention of vision. Her cheek was pressed up against his chest and in the short moment Erik held her, she caroused in the sound of his quick, deep heart beat pounding lively in his chest.
"Very graceful, May" Erik joked.
A heated blush painted May's cheeks as she removed herself from his chest. "I'm sorry," she stated bashfully.
"It's quite alright," Erik smiled, "Now come, we are almost there." Deciding to retrieve both her hands now, he presumed to walking backwards the rest of their short distance in a means to make sure May did not trip again.
After a few short moments they were finally there. Still grasping May's hands Erik stared at what was before him cautiously; he was so nervous to find out how May would respond. With a heavy sigh he let go of her hands but still stood in front of her glancing over her form for a short moment.
Giving a heavy sigh, Erik began to speak. "I am going to remove your blindfold now, but when I do I want your eyes to be closed, do you understand?"
"Yes Erik." She responded with a smile as excitement over took her.
"You must not open them until I instruct you to. If you do you will ruin the surprise, and my trust in you shall vanish almost instantaneously." He joked.
May could hear the smile in his voice, "I understand Erik," she giggled.
"Alright." He stated timidly. His hands moved to the tie of the blindfold unraveling it with skilled fingers; he removed it slightly but still held it over her eyes. "Do you promise me that your eyes are shut?"
"Yes."
"Good. Now do not open them until I say so." With that he took away the blindfold completely, placing it back into his pocket. He granted himself one swift glance over May before moving beside her, staring straight in the direction she did.
After taking one last look at what was before them Erik solemnly spoke, "Alright, you may now open your eyes."
As her heavy lashes fluttered open and she allowed her vision to adjust to the new more grey lighting surrounding her, May stared straight ahead perplexed by what she saw. An old brick wall with a large snow covered tree before it; was this the surprise? Quickly moving her gaze down towards the ground she froze with a start as she stared at the sight her eyes caught on. A loud gasp escaped her lips as she read over two names and without any thought she grasped Erik's arm with a shaking hand, while tears threatened to escape.
Placed beautifully upon the cold ground was a large tombstone with the names 'Richard and Annabelle Daily' inscribed into its grey stone along with both their date of births and date of death. May didn't know what to do, she didn't know what to say, she couldn't wrap her flustered mind around the sight; she simply held onto Erik looking for any form of support, never once daring to take her eyes off of her parents grave.
Erik glanced at the flustered girl, her bright green blue gaze plastered to the stone, her shaking hand wrapped around his arm, her reddened lips were slightly apart as she stared in shock. Although she was giving no inclination as to whether or not she enjoyed this surprise, Erik knew without words that she was truly touched and extremely happy. He felt satisfaction and joy all at once; grasping her hand in his he spoke gently. "I will give you a moment."
Backing away gradually he watched as May precariously began to inch towards her parents grave. Happening upon a small bench under a large tree Erik sat and observed with contentment.
She still couldn't think as she stared down at the headstone, her mind was a whirlwind of unanswered questions and wild thoughts. Sliding to her knees upon the snow covered frozen ground she simply stared at every detail upon the stone. It was beautiful and simple yet slightly dated and weather beaten; bringing a shaking hand forward May hesitantly ran her fingers along her parents names tracing every letter and memorizing the chilled feel of the stone.
For years she believed that there was a slight possibility that her parents could still be alive, that the reason they were gone was because they stopped loving her. But now as she stared at their names she knew that they were gone, and as much as that saddened her it also gave her a strange sense of peace. She knew that they were in a better place and that they were together, watching over protectively guiding her through everything she did and loving her unconditionally. She felt so close to her mother and father at that moment that she couldn't help but let crystalline tears slip from her eyes.
As tears of joy continued to slide down her reddened cheeks, she glanced at Erik with unspoken gratitude written in her gaze. His eyes locked longingly with hers, as she gave him a wide smile and suddenly sprung to her feet racing towards him and grabbing his gloved hand in hers.
"Erik," May gasped breathlessly with excitement as she pulled him off of the bench and back towards the grave site, slipping on the icy ground as she hurried. When she reached the spot she quickly slid to her knees as her skirts flowed out around her upon the snow.
Erik stood beside the kneeling girl with his hand still in her tight grasp as he gazed down at her, highly confused by her sudden action.
As May pulled on his hand gently he followed her actions and slid to his knees alongside of her. "What is it, May?" he inquired curiously as he watched tears still stream down her cheeks. Was she angry, was she upset?
"Pray with me." She stated with a grin as she turned to him grasping both his hands.
"What?" Erik replied with slight shock. Never in his life had he ever prayed to any god or in general; it's not that he had no faith that there was a god, he simply believed that if prayers could be heard and even granted he would have been spared from his life of hell many years ago.
"I want you to pray with me Erik," May stated giving his hands a gentle squeeze.
"May I've never…"
"Please Erik," she pushed giving him a hopeful glance before turning to face the grave once more. "I want them to know that I am with you, and I am safe." She paused. "I want them to know you."
Erik didn't know how to respond, he was touched deeply by her request but he was not positive if he could follow through with it. He thought for a moment and realized that she was not asking him to pray to a god or heavenly saint; she was simply asking him to pray to her parents and to tell them that all was okay with their daughter. His mind was a blur. "May," he tired.
"Please Erik," she pleaded.
The instant her bright gaze met his golden orbs, Erik knew there was no denying; her eyes read of so much hope and youthful faith, he couldn't possibly turn her down. "A-Alright."
With a small grin May slowly released her grip on Erik's hands clasping her fingers together tightly and laying her hands in her lap. Turning away from Erik again, she leisurely shut her eyes and bowed her head beginning her inward prayer, speaking to her parents with hope and much joy.
After watching her for a moment, Erik followed her motion and shadowed the way she sat, peeking from hesitant eyes every now and again to see if she did anything different.
He didn't know what to do; he didn't know if he should actually pray or make up a lie saying that he did when he really didn't. He knew he couldn't lie, there was no going about it, he needed to pray. With a heavy sigh he began his inward monologue to Richard and Annabelle Daily.
'Dear Monsieur and Madame Daily, I am not positive whether or not you can hear me, for I have never prayed before and do not know the proper ways of going about this holy interaction… but if you can hear me, then that is wonderful. I um imagine you are busy listening to the young lady residing next to me upon the ground at the moment I can only envision how much she has to say, but if you don't mind hearing me out, I would like to say a few things about her and I do hope that you will listen. Your daughter is a brilliant young lady with unending amounts of talents; she never ceases to amaze me. Whether she's singing an aria or dancing about on her toes, she does everything with unending passion and perseverance. I imagine you are aware of the fact that she was recently struck very ill, she was sick for quite some time and I am not going to lie when I say that I was frightened for a while thinking that I might lose her. But I assure you she is currently in full health so there is no need to fret. I had the… pleasure of taking care of her while she was ill and in that time I came to know May very well… Monsieur and Madame Daily you must know that I am not a man with a clean past, my life has been nothing but misfortune after misfortune; I have been through unending amounts of hell in my time. My world as I knew it was black and colorless… but when I met May she brought light into my world of dark. She has shown me color and happiness that I never dreamt I could possibly know. I realize she may not see all that she has done for me but one day she will, I will make sure of it. Please know that your daughter is safe; she is a smart girl and I will make sure that absolutely no harm comes to her… Monsieur and Madame you must know as well that although my love belongs to another, there shall always be a special place in my heart for Maygen.
He continued his silent entreaty concentrating on every word he thought. Lifting her gaze to watch Erik, a sudden rush of tears sprang back into May's eyes as she observed him. His head was bent, his hands were folded tightly in his lap, and his breathing was slow and calm raising his strong shoulders with every inhale. He seemed almost angelic and pure, as if every vain detail about him had disappeared and left him completely vulnerable.
May couldn't hold herself back anymore, she couldn't control her need to thank him a million times over. Letting out a happy sob, she sprang towards Erik wrapping her arms tightly around his sitting form in a gracious embrace as she let her happy weeps escape in a flurry of tears.
Erik was shocked by her sudden action and instantly torn from his thoughts. Jumping at her sudden action Erik stared at the young girl wrapped around him crying heavily but still with a smile upon her red lips. His first instinct was to remove her from him, but as the warmth of her nearness seeped through, he could not bear to let her go and intern gently stroked her hair in a soothing slowness. "May, what is the matter?" he questioned quietly.
"Thank you Erik, thank you so much!" She exclaimed as she held onto him tighter bellowing her gratitude over and over again into the thick material of his jacket.
"Maygen," he breathlessly sighed as he pulled her closer wrapping protective arms about her frame as she continued to cry tears of happiness into his chest.
They stayed like that for a while; May's tears finally ceased and as Erik still held onto her upon the cold ground they both gazed at the grave before them.
"Erik, how did you find them?" May questioned silently.
"I did my research," he responded with a sly grin.
Daring to move from their current position May slowly sat up and gazed at Erik, instantly missing his warmth. "How can I ever thank you enough for this," she sighed. "You have brought me such peace and joy that I cannot even begin to fathom how truly thankful I am."
"I am glad you are happy." His mask lifted slightly as he gave a grin. Tearing his eyes away from her, Erik noted how the sun was quickly disappearing into a sky of dark clouds casting ominous shadows upon the numerous graves within the cemetery. "I fear it is getting late; the sun is quickly setting and we have quite a trek back to make." Standing on strong legs, Erik glanced down to May as she followed his movement rising slowly.
"May I return here soon?" she questioned innocently.
"Absolutely," Erik breathed. "But this cemetery is a rather long distance from the Opera House and I do not want you traveling alone, so I request that you seek my company anytime you would like to visit. Whether it be the latest hour of the evening or as soon as the sun rises in the morning; come to me and I will gladly bring you back."
"Thank you so much Erik!" she exclaimed excitedly.
He gave a warm grin in response "Shall we be on our way now?" he bid.
Glancing one last time at the grave site and all of its peaceful glory, May gave a happy sight and responded. "We shall."
There ride back was long but yet enjoyable; May took in every sight and every detail to directions attempting to memorize the exact way to get to the cemetery. She was so content, and happy that she didn't know what to do; her mind would not stop thinking about Erik, and having her back pressed up against his hard chest didn't help her hurried thoughts to cease either.
Once they arrived back at the Opera House, the darkness of night had fallen which was taken over by a soft flurry that spun through the air. May waited patiently for Erik as he returned Delia silently back to the stables, and once he was back by her side the two ventured into the warmth of the Opera house conversing all the while.
Expecting to spend the rest of the evening in Erik's lair, May was struck confused as they suddenly passed the secret entrance into the catacombs traveling in the direction of the stage. "Aren't we going to your lair?" she questioned.
"No." Erik replied plainly, never once faltering in his steps as he continued to walk.
"Then where are we going?"
"I assume that you have no knowledge of the new chandelier, since you have spent most of your recent time underground fighting a fever."
"A new chandelier?" May gasped as she recalled the horror of the old one landing mere inches away from her and Christine as it came crashing to the hard floor of the stage.
"Yes, while you were ill a brand new chandelier was installed taking place of the old one. And I have decided that we will spend the rest of our evening beneath its almighty glow." Making their way through the vacant wings, they quickly appeared on the abandoned yet warmly lit stage. "Ah, here we are."
The theatre was completely empty yet full of life as light danced from every seat and every box; the new chandelier was immense, even bigger than the old one if that was even possible and it was casting a brilliant glow over everything. May was astounded by the sight and couldn't help but twirl in its glow as she giggled with giddy excitement.
"Oh it's marvelous!" she exclaimed turning towards Erik and staring at him with a sudden confusion. May watched with a sly grin as Erik slowly approached with a picnic basket in hand. "What is this?" May questioned pointing.
"Our Christmas day picnic," Erik replied all knowingly. "Now come," May eagerly approached where Erik stood and sat before him as he came down to meet her.
Their picnic was made up of the finest fruits and sweet breads, and as Erik produced a large bottle of dark red liquid May had to inquire.
"Wine?"
"Only the finest in all of Paris." Erik replied with a grin as he poured the liquid into two glasses and handed one to May.
Idly twirling the liquid around in her glass she had to suppress a laugh as she recalled Jack's silly reaction to her distaste for the wine at his family's house. Deciding to push aside her trepidation, May quickly took a sip of the red liquid and grimaced as the sour yet somewhat sweet taste was swallowed.
She had not realized Erik watching her and blushed as he laughed. "You don't like it?" he chuckled.
May didn't want to disappoint him. "Uh, it is alright." She stated before taking another sip, grimacing once more.
"May, you don't have to drink it."
"No, I will."
"Alright," Erik laughed. May watched him closely as he lifted his glass to his lips tilting it slightly to avoid his mask. She never really took consideration into the hindrance of Erik's mask and was suddenly rather bothered by it.
She knew Erik always wore his mask in a means of hiding his true self, especially around her, but having seen what was behind it and knowing exactly who he is, May needed to have the true Erik exposed.
Rising on her knees and leaning forward hesitantly May met Erik's tense Gold stare as she slowly placed her hand at the edge of his mask.
"May what are you…" his question abruptly stopped as he suddenly felt cool air breeze over the mutilated side of his face, causing a tense shiver to run up his spine.
May stared with an accomplished smirk as she was greeted with the mangled right side of Erik's face. She was in no way scared of his face, only intrigued and accepting. She wanted nothing more than to have him feel comfortable around her without it.
"Why did you do that?" Erik questioned shakily as he suddenly lurched forward reaching for his mask.
May quickly countered his movement and pulled the item away holding it behind her back as she pointed an accusing finger. "You are unable to drink properly with your mask on."
"I am able to do whatever I want with it on, now give it to me." Rising to his knees as well, he went to reach for the mask again when May quickly stood and backed away.
"No." she stated arrogantly.
Erik stood and stalked to her with an unamused look upon his face. "Oh so we shall be playing this game?" he stated with a deep tone.
"I wish to play no games with you Erik; I only ask when you are in my company that you not wear your mask." Erik attempted to reach again but May swatted at his hand.
"I fear you are asking too much of me mademoiselle."
"No I am not." She cried stubbornly. "Erik your face holds no fright; please just do this for me. I want to be able to see the real you, not the man hiding behind a mask."
Agonizingly long seconds ticked by as Erik searched May's glance for any sign of fear or disgust. There was none; she stood stubbornly tall and grounded with the white material clutched in her tight fist. Her brow was furrowed with an ignorant arch; this irritated Erik for some unknown reason; the image of such a resilient girl clutching the weakness of such a feeble man.
"Fine." He groaned in reverse. "You win. It stays off."
May couldn't help the overwhelmingly satisfied grin that spread over her lips, and without a moment's hesitation yelled "Catch!" as she tossed the mask into the un-expecting hands of the man before her. With a delighted giggle, she quickly turned and sat back down upon the cool wood of the stage, retrieving her wine glass and taking a hesitant sip.
Following May Erik returned to his spot before her. "How was your evening last night with Monsieur Oliver?" he questioned with a dashing smirk.
May faltered a moment at his question, remembering the events of her evening. "Oh… it was very lovely." She responded with a bizarre highness to her voice.
"Is that so?" Erik pushed on.
"Yes, he was quite the gentleman, and gave me two beautiful gifts."
Erik could sense May's uneasiness about the subject. He noted her flushed cheeks and anxious tone. Something was up, and he needed to know.
"What are you hiding May?" he questioned with a forward glance.
"Nothing." She responded quickly.
"I know you are lying." May gazed into his golden stare. "I can see it in your eyes."
She looked away quickly, avoiding his remark all together. "It's rather cold in here Erik, don't you think? I mean-…"
Erik cut her off as he leaned forward grasping her chin to move her gaze to his. "What happened Maygen?"
She did nothing but stare for such long moments. She was sure Erik could hear the loud thud of her heart against her chest. May knew Erik would react horribly to what she was about to say, but yet she was sure that there was no means of avoiding the topic in Erik's presence.
Inhaling a shaky breath May finally spoke calmly and very slow.
"Jack told me he… he loves me."
As soon as the words were spoken they seemed to disappear into the vast emptiness of air, but not forgotten. As expected Erik retracted his hand and stared with a wide open gaze of golden raging fire. He looked horrified and ready to kill all at once.
"He what?" Erik stuttered.
"He told me he loved me." May replied calmly, cautiously spacing each word in fear of Erik's possible rise of temper. May prepared herself for harsh yelling and a loud yet stern lecture, but was rather shocked as she watched Erik slowly stand and pace towards the side of the stage.
"How could he do such a thing?" May over heard him muttering to himself. "The nerve of that boy!" his temper was beginning to rise as he spoke incoherent words of anger, each phrase getting louder and louder.
She quickly leapt to her feet and met the pacing man. "Erik, this is not a crime, he was simply expressing his emotions."
"Emotions that should not be felt at such a young and naive age!" He turned towards May and grabbed her by the arms gently, attempting not to frighten her. "Maygen you are fifteen, you are not supposed to know what love is." He sighed.
"That is precisely what I told him!" she exclaimed.
"How did he reply?" he inquired releasing his grip on her arms.
"He told me that he is 19 and quite sure he knows what love is?"
"Oh that insolent boy!" Erik exclaimed angrily stomping away from May.
May watched him pace again as she pondered everything. A sudden thought came to mind and in a quiet voice she inquired. "I will be 16 in a few short days; will I know then what love is?"
Erik stopped short, turning abruptly to look at her. It was true; January 3rd was May's birthday. It was quickly approaching, and Erik hadn't given thought to it.
With an apprehensive gaze he gently replied. "That is true ma ch`ere, but unfortunately a knowledge for this topic does not come with age."
They gazed at each other for long seconds, attempting to absorb one another's thoughts and feelings. May was annoyed by their topic; she was tired of talking about Jack and completely done with the discussion of love.
"Oh, forget love!" she bellowed. "It's Christmas, Erik, let's celebrate, not dole on trivial emotions!"
Erik gave a chuckle to her sudden change of expression. "You are rite. That reminds me, I have something else for you."
"Another gift? Erik no, you have done so much for me already."
"I will not accept arguments," He quickly retreated to the wings where he received their picnic basket earlier and briskly came back with a small yet somewhat long box in hand. Handing it to May she closely examined the black wrapping paper and red ribbon. "Open it."
Giving an excited giggle May quickly tore through the paper and opened the box. She couldn't help but gasp at what was inside; a beautiful pair of soft pink brand new pointe shoes. "Erik!" she gasped as she lifted one slipper into her shaking grasp. "Why did you…"
"Remember that one time out of many that you fell asleep on my couch and left your shoes in my company? Well after close examination I decided that it was well over the necessary time for a new pair."
"Erik I cannot accept this." May sighed pushing the box into his grasp.
"Yes you can, and you will!" he exclaimed pushing it back. "Now try them on."
May stared in awe of the perfect shoes for a moment waiting for the chance to try them on, but a thought dawned on her. "No, not before I give you your gift!"
"Gift?" Erik questioned shocked as he watched her retrieve her satchel and pull something out. Never before in his life had Erik received any sort of gift.
"Here." May stated holding out the newspaper wrapped object to Erik. "This is for you."
Erik didn't know what to do. He was left speechless as he took the object with shaking hands and stared at it wide eyed. "Well aren't you going to open it?" May questioned. Erik met her glance and quickly peered back down at the object.
Slowly he began to pry off the newspaper covering the gift; as soon as the title was discovered, Erik had to fight back tears of pure joy and surprise as he uncovered the gift.
"Romeo and Juliet." He read aloud with a shaky tone.
"I remembered you saying how you have never read it before, and since it is my favorite I decided to share it with you…Erik?"
He had gone completely quiet and strangely still staring at the play in his hands. 'My first gift' he thought 'this is my first gift!'
Letting his emotions get the best of him Erik suddenly let out a sob of joy as he lunged forward and wrapped May in his arms in a means of thanking her. He had never been happier and now with the young girl in his arms his joy was unfathomable.
May was shocked by his sudden action but she couldn't help herself as her arms laced around his waist and her cheek rest against his chest. She knew that this small action of giving meant the world to Erik, and only wished he could know just how appreciative she was towards him.
Without faltering at all May quietly bid "Merry Christmas Erik."
Hi friends… all I have to say is "Writers block, new job, rehearsals, and school." Yeah that about sums it up! I will try my best to update as much as possible but unfortunately I cannot promise anything with updating. I can although promise that no matter what I will NOT abandon this story, so please stay with me!
This was a long chapter and a toughie to write!
Please read and review with any questions, comments, or anything! I love to hear from you all and I want to know what you all think will happen next; I have a lot planned for the future of this story that I am very excited for so stay tuned!
Thanks so much!(:
Please review!