Hey hey another chapter guys :) I think you know the drill and if you don't shame on you but for those people who don't know I don't own anything related to Phantom or any lyrics mentioned in this chapter :) I only own my own character Charlene :) Extra points and hugs from Erik who recognise the song and can tell me something special about the song used as the chapter title :) Not giving any hints though :)
Erik: I don't want to hug anyone.
Me: But you like hugging Charlene so why not hug any of the reviewers who are smart enough to answer the quiz question correctly?
Erik: Because I love her that's why
Me: Ok whilst I knock some sense into Erik's head about hugging you clever reviewers out there on with the show guys :D
Heartache and Pain
Chapter Twenty-Two: I feel alive...
Charlene's POV
After walking around the entirety of Hill Top Farm we went back to the car to drive to our next destination.
"Are we going to Lake Windermere now?" I asked excitedly.
"Indeed we are my dear." And with that we kept driving towards our destination. Soon enough we arrived at Lake Windermere and after parking the car we went out to look at the view. As I looked at the vast expanse of Lake Windermere I marvelled the view that was in front of me and looked on in awe as the water sparkled like diamonds under the sunlight. I got my phone out of my pocket to take a picture of the view in front of me.
"If you think that is marvellous wait till you see the surprise I have in store for you." He then led me towards a small dock and I looked in awe at the boats in front of me.
"Wow look at all the boats! But look at that one; it's huge!" And I pointed at a particularly large boat in front of us.
"Well that large boat in front of us belongs to me; and we are going to board it to sail around Lake Windermere." He explained and I looked at it again and said excitedly.
"You own a boat; when did you get the money to purchase a boat that big?!"
"A while back before I even met you. It cost me a lot of money but it was worth saving for; I have enjoyed many trips around Lake Windermere on my boat." And with that I ran towards the boat like an excitable child. After Erik helped me onto the boat he went towards the wheel and started the boat up.
"What did you think I couldn't steer the boat?" A voice asked teasingly and it made me realise I probably had a shocked expression gracing my features.
"Well I did wonder for a moment who was going to steer the boat. But when exactly did you learn to steer one?"
"Well I was taken under Nadir's wing at the age of 16 so I was probably about 18 when I learnt how to sail a boat." He replied and my mouth fell open in shock.
"Let's just say I am a man of many talents." And with that we continued to sail around Lake Windermere. As we sailed around the lake I took pictures on my phone of the surrounding scenery. I then gasped as the island in the centre of Lake Windermere came into view.
"What is the name of this island?" I asked curiously.
"It is called Belle Isle. Let's see what wildlife we can spot today." And with that we pulled up at a small dock and clambered off the boat. After tying the boat we headed into the wilderness hoping to spot some wildlife today. As we walked around I took in the scenery as well as took pictures as we walked around. Suddenly I picked up some rustling and I stopped to look around for a moment hoping to find its source; my eyes then fell upon a little red squirrel and so I quickly took a picture before it ran away. After taking a picture I noticed it coming towards me; I knelt down on my knees and slowly held out my hand so it could sniff my hand a little. I then giggled when it climbed onto my shoulders like a parrot. Soon enough it jumped off my shoulder and I smiled as it went back into the undergrowth.
"Erik did you see that? It came this close to me!" And I showed with my fingers how close it came to me.
"Yes and it was such a photogenic moment too."
"You don't mean...you took a picture of me didn't you?" And with that he got his phone out of his pocket and showed me the picture he took of me with the squirrel on my shoulder.
"But my dear I just couldn't resist; you are so photogenic after all." And I blushed a little at his comment; he then kissed me gently on the lips which I returned happily. We then continued walking around and spotting more wildlife as we went; soon though it started getting dark and so we proceeded back to the boat to get back to the mainland. When we got back we went to a quaint little restaurant near the hotel and ordered some warming soup with fresh bread. We then went back to the hotel and I fell into a dreamless sleep.
The next morning I woke up bright and early to smell freshly baked bread and bacon.
"Morning darling. I brought you breakfast in bed." I smiled as I sat up in bed before the tray was placed in front of me. After finishing off my breakfast I went to the wardrobe to pick an outfit for the day.
"I'll give you a tip; wear something comfortable and I'd recommend you to wear jeans." I nodded and so picked out my favourite plaid shirt with embroidery on the neck part as well as a pair of denim jeans.
"Where are we going Erik?" I asked.
"It's a surprise my little curious angel." He replied teasingly and so I followed him out of the room and we clambered into the car. As we drove to our destination the radio was playing in the background. I smiled a little as the opening chords from one of my favourite songs started playing and I just had to sing along.
I gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I'm older
Now this mountain I must climb
Feels like a world upon my shoulders
I through the clouds I see love shine
It keeps me warm as life grows colder
In my life there's been heartache and pain
I don't know if I can face it again
Can't stop now, I've travelled so far
To change this lonely life
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me
I'm gonna take a little time
A little time to look around me
I've got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me
In my life there's been heartache and pain
I don't know if I can face it again
I can't stop now, I've travelled so far
To change this lonely life
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
And I wanna feel, I want to feel what love is
And I know, I know you can show me
Let's talk about love
I wanna know what love is, the love that you feel inside
I want you to show me, and I'm feeling so much love
I wanna feel what love is, no, you just cannot hide
I know you can show me, yeah
I wanna know what love is, let's talk about love
I want you to show me, I wanna feel it too
I wanna feel what love is, I want to feel it too
And I know and I know, I know you can show me
Show me love is real, yeah
I wanna know what love is...
"Do you like that song?" A voice asked and I blushed a little when I realised I sing along to something out loud; when I was living with my parents I tended to sing along to songs when I was alone as I believed my voice wasn't that good.
"Yeah I do. It's one of my favourites but for a while it made me feel kind of sad."
"Why is that my dear?" As we continued to drive to our destination.
"Well I wanted to find someone to love me for who I am and I thought I wouldn't find that; until I met you." And I smiled in reply which caused Erik to smile through the mask too. We soon arrived at our destination and I stepped out of the car to find myself at some sort of centre.
"What is this place exactly?" I asked curiously.
"A horse centre." He replied simply. But why would he bring me here? I mean I know next to nothing about horse riding.
"I know you can't ride at the moment but I will change all that." And with that he led me towards some buildings nearby. Before I knew it I saw lots of horses in front of me and I went straight up towards a beautiful little hazel coloured mare; she nuzzled my face which caused me to giggle a little.
"She seems to like you; I am glad because she is the mare you are to ride today."
"But I know next to nothing about horse riding; the last time I was on a horse was the night you rescued me from Joseph and the man who wants to marry me." I explained with panic lacing my tone.
"Don't worry, I'll teach you and I'll be with you every step of the way." He explained and with that he went towards the stable to help me get my horse out. He then lifted me up suddenly by my waist and placed me gently on top of the horse.
"Ok hold onto the reins firmly and kick the sides of the horse firmly but gently to get her to move. You don't want to kick too hard or you will hurt her but you don't want to kick too gently either otherwise she won't go anywhere." Erik explained and after nodding in assent I tried to get the horse to start moving. However she wouldn't budge and I looked at Erik pleadingly hoping he could help.
"Why isn't she moving Erik?" I asked pleadingly and I watched as Erik stroked the mare's head gently.
"You remember about being firm but gentle with your horse? All that is wrong with your technique is you are being too gentle with her and so she believes you are not the boss of her. Try again but a little firmer this time." I nodded and tried again but a little firmer this time. She then started to trot gently around the ring.
"Look Erik I'm doing it!" I said excitedly and I giggled a little as I continued to trot gently around the ring.
"Well done you! I thought you'd never ridden in your life but you appear to be a fast learner. Now to stop her moving firmly but gently pull the reins towards you and she should stop." I nodded and followed his instructions and soon enough she came to a stop.
"Well done. Soon we will be able to go on more horse rides together." He said gently and so I tried to elegantly slide down off the horse. However, I felt myself falling off quickly but before I could hit the ground I felt a pair of strong arms encircle themselves around my waist.
"Are you ok my dear?"
"Yes I'm fine thanks. Thank you for catching me though." I replied gently and with that Erik laughed deeply a little. He then looked down at his watch and said.
"It's approaching dinner now; I know this nice restaurant near the hotel that I would highly recommend."
"I like the sound of that." And with that we went in the direction of the car after putting the mare back in her stable. As we drove in the direction of the restaurant the radio was playing softly in the background and Erik asked.
"How did it feel to ride a horse for the first time?"
"It felt great. I felt so free and I feel alive right now."
"I am glad you enjoyed it."
"I would like to do it again sometime." I said gently.
"I will see to it that you get more lessons then." He said gently as we arrived at our destination. After locking the car we went into the restaurant and we immediately got a table next to the window.
"So how are you enjoying your stay here so far?"
"I am enjoying it very much. I can't wait to see more of the Lake District."
"I am glad you are enjoying it so far." And Erik stroked my knuckles gently just before the waiter came into sight with our meals. We then sat in contemplative silence as we ate our meals. That night I slept peacefully beside Erik as I dreamt of horses and rabbits.
One week later...
It had been one week since we had been to the Lake District together and we went to so many places during our two week stay there. We went horse riding along the beach, we also went to a local farmer's market and another market where there were lots of clothes and other locally made crafts and we went to a few National Trust and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) nature reserves. It seems we have become even closer since going on the holiday together and it feels weird going back to our normal routine again. Today was like any other normal day; Erik and Nadir was at work and I was staying at home completing chores around the house when there was a knock on the door. I stood there confused for a moment as I knew we weren't expecting any parcels and I didn't think we'd get many visitors to the house; I decided to ignore the door and maybe the person would go away which they did. But why would anyone knock at the door though? I guess I'll wait until Erik gets home to ask him if he was expecting any visitors. I looked at the time and was shocked at how quickly the time went so I decided to cook Erik dinner as he usually always cooks for me so I wanted to return the favour. I looked in the fridge to find some vegetables as well as some fish; I then decided to cook a dish my father cooked once when we had hardly any ingredients which consisted of fish, vegetables and pasta. As I prepared the vegetables I kept thinking about Erik and how long we have been together for. I looked at the calendar on the fridge and realised it will be soon a year since we first met. Had it really been that long since we first met? I mean it will only be two days before we celebrate our first anniversary; I wonder if Erik knows and has planned something wonderful for this special occasion? Just as I finished preparing the vegetables I heard a key turn in the lock and I smiled a little as I started to cook all of the ingredients.
"Charlene! Are you home?" I heard Erik yell and I decided to keep quiet and hope Erik follows the smell of my cooking.
"Charlene are you...there you are. That smells good...what are you cooking?" I heard him ask and all I said in reply was.
"It's a surprise."
"Again with the cryptic replies dear." And I smiled and leaned back a little when he embraced me from behind.
"Dinner will be ready in five minutes." I said and so Erik proceeded to set the table. Just as he finished setting out the drinks the meal was ready and I dished it up onto two plates.
"Hey don't I get some too?" I heard someone question teasingly and I saw Nadir come into the room.
"Oh sorry I forgot about you for a second." And I grabbed another plate out of the cupboard and dished up another helping onto it as well. We then sat down at the table and tucked into our dinner.
"Wow Charlene this is so good! You'll have to give me the recipe sometime so I can cook it myself." Nadir said through a mouthful of food.
"Sure no problem; I'll write it down for you after dinner." And with that I continued eating until my entire plate was clean. I was about to get up and wash my plate when Erik cut in and said.
"I'll wash up since you spent ages cooking dinner."And before I could protest he picked up all of the plates and went in the direction of the sink to wash them. I then remembered the fact Nadir wanted the recipe so I found a pen and paper and quickly wrote it down for him whilst waiting for Erik to come back from the kitchen.
"Ah Charlene thank you for the recipe; maybe I'll try cooking it for you some time and see if you approve of my cooking skills."
"Well as long as you don't give my girlfriend food poisoning like you did to your manager at your first job after you graduated. If it wasn't for me you might have poisoned yourself." I heard a voice say teasingly and I turned around to see Erik with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Hey she didn't need to know about that; and my cooking skills have vastly improved since then."
"What happened exactly Nadir I'd really like to know." I asked teasingly.
"You really don't need to know." Was his adamant reply.
"Oh why not?" I whined a little.
"Yes Nadir why not tell her what happened?" Erik said teasingly and yet again I saw the mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Oh fine I'll tell you! After I graduated and got my first job as an admin assistant at an architect company there was a Christmas party and we each had to bring in our own dish. I brought in a traditional Persian curry but didn't cook the meat well enough so the manager spent the rest of the night in hospital with a bad case of food poisoning. After that I was told not to come back to work and for a while Erik here laughed about the incident and always made sure to bring it up now and again. He also taught me to cook so I would never ever give anyone food poisoning ever again." All through him telling his tale I was trying really hard to stifle my laughter but eventually it just came out and I couldn't stop myself.
"Oh I am glad my culinary disaster is so funny to you." And I couldn't bring myself to reply to his teasing statement through all the laughter.
"Sorry Nadir but I can't believe you managed to poison your manager like that." I said through my laughter. I felt Erik embrace me from behind and then I remembered the fact that someone knocked on the door earlier.
"Oh Erik something I just remembered; someone knocked on the door but I ignored them and they stopped. Don't you think that's a bit odd? Were you expecting anyone?"
"No I wasn't, but if they didn't keep knocking maybe they were just a salesperson or something. I am glad you didn't answer the door because I do worry for you when I leave you on your own." And all I could do was hug him in response and lean my head against his chest.
"By the way thanks for cooking dinner it was lovely. Was that one of your dad's recipes?" Erik asked gently.
"It was; I never forgot any of his recipes as he was such a good cook. I wanted to make sure I was well fed; guess that didn't go according to plan for a while though."
"I'll allow you to cook more often then; especially if I come back from work late and find myself too tired to cook."
"I like the sound of that." And I kissed him on the lips gently.
"Now how about we go out for a moonlit stroll around the park?"
"I'd like that." And so I changed into something more comfortable for walking and soon enough I was getting my jacket on as it was chilly outside.
"You ready Erik?" I asked and he nodded in assent. We then left out of the door hand in hand. Soon enough we reached the park and I smiled as the stars twinkled above our heads; I bet my parents are up there watching me right now and feeling proud for having me for a daughter.
"What are you thinking about my dear?" I looked at him with a smile and replied wistfully.
"I was thinking about us and what my parents would be thinking right now."
"And what would your parents be thinking about right now?" He asked as he stroked my knuckles gently.
"They would be thinking of the fact that they are proud of having me for a daughter."
"And you would be so right about that too." And he kissed me on the lips as the stars twinkled above us. When we stopped for air I tried desperately to stifle a yawn.
"You're tired; I best take you home darling." And with that he led me out of the park.
Third Person POV
Little did they know they had someone observing them the whole time. They stepped out of the shadows for a moment and whispered seethingly.
"Don't worry we will be reunited soon and I will have your hand just as your father promised me." And with that the person disappeared into the shadows...