Erik and Christine: Loves Secret (A Phantom of the Opera Story)

Chapter 44

In Isabelle's room, Erik and Isabell enter. Isabell closes the door. She then walks to her changing area and changes. "I'm sorry about that," apologized Isabelle. "Working here is not easy when you have a manager getting on to you about doing things more than just singing and dancing."

Erik sits down and asks, "So you haven't?"

Isabelle comes out of her changing with a robe. "Oh God, no! I just started last week. I'm not comfortable with it, and so after I perform, I just come straight here."

"Oh good, I was going to say."

"Yeah."

Suddenly the sound of a door opens. Erik and Isabelle turn as the sound alerts them. A little boy with a deformed face burst into the room, crying his eyes out. "Sissy!" He cried.

"Oh, Lucas, what's wrong?" Asks Isabelle walks towards and kneels to him. "Did you have another nightmare?" He nods his head. Isabelle sighs and hugs him. "Oh, it's ok."

Lucas sheds a tear. Erik takes a few steps towards and kneels to them. "So this must be your little brother?" Isabelle and Lucas turn to face them. Lucas is a bit surprised to see him. Isabelle stands up and says, "Oh yes, um...Lucas. Please meet a very good friend of mine. Lucas, this is Erik Destler. Erik, this is my little brother Lucas."

Erik put out his hand and replied, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lucas. Your sister has told me so much about you."

"It's nice to meet you too, sir," said Lucas as he shakes Erik's hand. "Wait, are you the man that -"

"Yes, I am."

"Not to be rude or anything, but may I see your face?"

"Lucas!" Snaps Isabelle.

"No, it's ok. I don't mind," said Erik. He gently takes off his mask and looks at Lucas. Isabelle looks at her brother and waits for a response. Lucas slowly and gently places his hand on Erik's face.

"Wow! So you were born that way?"

"Yes, I was."

"So was I! So can I ask you something else."

"Of course."

"How do you deal with people staring and laughing at you?" Asks Lucas. Isabelle looks at Erik, knowing that not only is this a very personal question for him. But a personal question she would also like to see for herself. Erik paused and replied, "Well, when I was your age, I was very hurt by it. Cause I couldn't understand why. But when I got older, I started to accept it. It did take me a while, but it wasn't until I met a friend who helped me be more accepted."

Lucas and Erik smile at each other. Isabelle stands up, touches Lucas's shoulders, and says, "Well, it's getting late, Lucas. Say goodnight to Monsieur Destler."

"Ok," said Lucas as she nods to his sister and then turns to his sister. "Goodnight, Monsieur Destler."

"Goodnight, Lucas," Erik replied. Lucas turns around and walks back to his room. Isabelle looks at Erik and says, "Just give me a few minutes."

"Take your time."

Isabelle walks to Lucas's room and closes the door. Once she does, Erik turns back to a chair and sits down patiently for Isabelle to return. A few minutes later, Isabelle quietly closes the door and walks toward Erik. "Hey, I'm sorry about that," apologized Isabelle.

"It's ok," he replied. "It was about time that I would son meet your brother anyway."

"Well, anyway, you wanted to talk right?"

"Yes."

"Ok. Please sit on my bed. I'll make us something to drink," said Isabelle.

Tilting his head, Erik slowly gets up and replies, Ok?" While he walks towards her bed and sits down, Isabelle gets a tea kettle, and two mugs and looks for tea and a coffee box. She even opens her cabinet of wine. Finally, Isabelle turns to face him and asks, "Would you like some tea? Wine?"