Mr. Erik Destler (A Phantom Of The Opera Phanphic)

Chapter 34

In case you didn't know, this story is going to be very long. :) Here is the disclaimer... Erik: Elyza.... oh, I'm sorry, you guys know her as 'Elizabeth'-- does not own me. Fortunately. Me: *throws pillow at him* Well, you're rude. Erik: Just write the story!

Erik

The students' schoolwork seemed never ending. I put them into a pile and tossed them aside. Suddenly, I heard the most intriguing music... A soft, low voice drifted down from up the stairs, accompanied by a pianoforte... I rose and followed the sound. I knew it could be no other than Elyza. Liz-Marie did not sing. She preferred to dance. Ballet was her favourite. I was going to surprise her with ballet lessons for her birthday.

Elyza

I was so immersed in my music that I hadn't paid much attention to the doors to my room creaking slightly. I merely played harder and sang louder, unable to control myself. I sounded happy, nonetheless. I hadn't sung, truly sung, in over two years... Tears sprang to my eyes at the memory and I abruptly stopped everything. I stopped everything and I cried. Cried tears of sorrow and hate. I despised myself and I wanted myself to realise that. I was nothing.

"Why do you weep so", a soft, deep voice inquired. I whipped around on the bench and saw Erik. I quickly turned away. "Go away! Don't look at me!" I suddenly felt strong arms enclose me in a warm embrace. I took advantage of that and cried into his clothes. I did not even attempt to quiet my sobs because I knew I wouldn't be able to. He rocked me in his arms, hushing me. Erik began singing. His voice was rich, smooth, and heavily French accented, which surprised me. Overall, it was beautiful. Obviously, he was classically trained. It alleviated all my pain and I stopped crying. I looked up into his eyes and placed my hand on his chest, which was very hard, firm. They were filled to the brim with sadness, concern, worry. I knew I looked a mess and I looked away from him. "I-I'm s-sorry, Er-Erik... I didn't m-mean t-t-to..." He placed an icy finger at my lips. "Hush. Do not aplogise... You needed to let it out and you needed to be held." I blinked, letting the remaining tears fall. "O-oh... Uh... Your voice is.... Perfect." He smiled. "Thank you. You are too." "Oh, no.. No, I don't think that--". "Oh, yes. You are. I know." He was still holding me and I decided I was making him uncomfortable and pulled away. "Thank you, but.... Uhm, I'm sorry for ruining your vest." He shook his head and stood up. "I will go make dinner with Liz-Marie. Just rest. We'll talk later." I didn't want Erik to leave, but I suppose he needed to. I nodded "Okay."