Distractions (Phantom of the Opera Fanfiction)

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

As the couple walked to Raoul's car, Erik kept his attention fully focused on their voices from his distance.

"What restaurant are we going to," Christine asked curiously.

Raoul glanced over at her as they walked and smiled knowing his answer would wow her. "How about Juniper's?"

She gasped and the his smile grew wider. "That place is really expensive! Are you sure?"

"Yeah, it's no problem. I can afford it." He seemed to notice Christine's uneasiness and quickly added, "Oh, and I'm paying for you of course, so don't worry."

Erik watched from the shadows with a scowl. So, the boy apparently thinks this is some sort of date? …Well, I think otherwise.. With that thought in mind, Erik quickly headed back to the music building to make preparations. I shall have to go to this restaurant, Juniper's, as well.

"What kind of music do you like?"

"Pretty much anything," Christine replied while admiring the inside of Raoul's red Corvette. It was the most expensive car she had ever ridden in.

"That's cool," Raoul commented while adjusting his Ipod, which was connected to the car's stereo. After a few seconds, the booming sound of some rapper Christine couldn't place filled the car. "This alright?" he yelled over the loud music.

Christine flinched a little, trying to adjust to it. Not what I would have picked.. And whoa, I hope I don't go deaf.. "Yeah, it's fine," she yelled back sweetly. So I don't like his music. Oh well, it's not a big deal. It's only one thing..

After about fifteen minutes of having to listen to the music Christine finally decided was complete trash, they finally made it to the restaurant, much to her relief. Getting out of the car, Raoul locked the doors and they made their way inside.

Once they were seated, the two made some small talk while looking through their menus.  Christine was realizing something else about Raoul as they talked.  Their interests, which were once so similar, were now very different. She tried to shrug it off, but the knowledge was so evident that it was hard not to be disappointed.

While Raoul rambled on about sports and parties, she sat and listened quietly.  There really wasn't much she could add. But, not wanting to seem bored or rude, she maintained eye contact and nodded occasionally.

Although the difference in their personalities was a bit of a let-down, Christine still felt a sort of connection with Raoul. Maybe it was just their childhood history, maybe it was something more...

Whatever it was, she found she didn't want it to end.

Meanwhile…

Erik was focused on one thing- getting that boy away from Christine. Or, at the very least, just watching over the pair to make sure things remained low-key.

Not thinking of the consequences his actions could have, he expertly hot-wired Antoinette Giry's white Honda Accord and used her GPS to get to Juniper's. Since he rarely stepped foot off Ballad campus, he obviously had no idea where the restaurant was.

What am I doing, he finally thought to himself about ten minutes into the drive. I never allow myself to be seen in public. ...But I must keep an eye on Christine. She is too important..  And if that means being seen, then so be it.

He arrived at Juniper's, parked, and walked in with his black fedora lower than usual on his head so as to create a sort of shadow over his face.

When he entered the restaurant he immediately found to be a bit too gaudy, Erik instantly felt an anxious stare from the hostess. He didn't even have to look at her to know she was fearful of his appearance.