The Man In the Mask {POTO}

Chapter 4

Wednesday 

Erik pulled out of the long driveway with a heavy sigh. I am really doing this, Erik thought to himself, who would have guessed.  He turned on classical music, and followed the instructions given to him by Nadir. He seemed shocked that I was actually leaving the house, well I guess I would be as well if I were in his shoes.

There were many cars on the road, leaving him a little on edge. He had to constantly reassure himself that no one could see him, that his windows were extremely tinted.

Erik did not have his license. He did not feel the need to get one. As long as I drive carefully, I will not get pulled over. I will not get questioned.

Nadir was not very happy when Erik admitted this to him; that he was going to drive without a license. Nadir thought about it for awhile, and then realized that to take the picture, Erik would have to take off his mask. Allah only knows what would happen if they forced him to take off the mask, Nadir thought.

So, he let it pass.

"Just drive carefully," he had said, "and don't get in a wreck."

"Obviously, Khan, I will not. I am not stupid. Now, leave me alone so I can compose without you pestering me." Erik grunted.

Nadir laughed to himself and left. That was the end of that.

The masked man would never admit it, but the few times he had been outside the confines of his house, he had actually enjoyed it. Going out and seeing what normal, non-ugly monsters do on a day to day basis interests him. He realized that not everyone stays shut in their house with nothing but music, books, and one other person.

As he was driving, he noticed all the vivid green trees. I love the color green, thought Erik, it is such a marvelous color.

As he stopped at a crowded 4-way-stop, he noticed a little family of 3- a man, woman, and a little girl- planting flowers and seeds in a garden outside their quaint house. The woman had on a yellow polka-dot shirt with jeans. On her head, she wore a yellow and tan floppy hat. Erik laughed to himself, how could that woman see with that massive hat on? The woman stopped what she was doing to bring the little girl- whom was wearing a pink shirt and overalls with cute, curly pigtails- over to her side. She put down her shovel and took off her gloves. She showed the little girl a butterfly, whom was resting on a leaf.

He noticed all the flowers were in bloom and were boldly standing out against the green grass- pink, yellow, white, red, orange. He noticed the mix of huge, white flowering trees towered over his car and were blooming over the road; with their petals gently falling down off to the street below. He noticed a few red rose bushes here and there. Oh, how I love roses.

It was a beautiful summer day.

Erik never showed it, but he was sensitive. He never really realized how a beautiful day could make him so happy and carefree. Just looking out at the vivid plants and seemingly newly paved road ahead of him, he totally forgot about the fact that someone could possibly see him; that he was driving out in public.

He forgot he thought he was a monster.

I wish I could find something that makes me happy and carefree that I could have to myself.

Once Erik got to downtown Naperville, he drove around in a circle for a minute. What am I supposed to do here? I did not think this through. What in God's name is wrong with you today, Erik! I can not get out of my car, for people will see me. I can't just drive around aimlessly either. Perhaps I will just park along the side of the road and watch the people passing by? Yes-actually- I think that is exactly what I will do. They can not see me, so why not?

Erik pulled over to the side of the street. The cute town buildings surrounded him, along with all of the hustle and bustle of people on the sidewalks. Some ladies were walking their babies in strollers with their husbands, some couples with their hands clasped tight, men and women jogging with their headphones nestled in their ears. He could see many types of people. He found it interesting to see what people do with their time besides being crammed in their house all day by themselves and a piano.

The streets were lined with bright green trees, just like the roads on his way here. Flowerpots with different kinds of uniform and wildflowers were scattered along the sidewalks. The streetlights were obviously turned off but were standing tall, ready for the sun to go down.

Suddenly, Erik gasped. The noise shocked him, but he could not help it. He spotted a girl. Not just any girl, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

She had brown, curly hair; which cascaded down her neck and to her shoulder blades. Her eyes were so green, you could spot the bright color from a mile away. Her eyelashes curled up and away from her eyes and fluttered each time she blinked. Her nose was the most perfect size and shape, sitting in the middle of her face. Her cheeks had the most breathtaking tint to them- a natural pink. Her lips were plump and a darker, natural red. They were just sitting below her nose, begging to be kissed. Her eyes sparkled and her dimples were very prominent. She seemed to be humming a song- smiling- as she walked down the sidewalk. She was wearing very modest clothing- a cute floral dress with brown sandals. Her skin was a milky, porcelain color. No flaw in sight. He had never seen someone pull off being pale as well as she could. In her hands, she clutched a purse, water bottle, and a book.

She was an angel. A beautiful, beautiful angel.

She double-glanced at his car. His breath caught in his throat. Her piercing eyes seem to melt in an emerald puddle. Green is a marvelous color, Erik thought again.

For as second, as she glanced his way, he panicked. What if she sees me? What if she thinks I am the ugliest human alive? I mean I am, and it would not be the first time nor the last for that matter. She seemed to have looked right in his eyes. That is impossible though, the windows are tinted, you can not see anything but black. Perhaps she is looking at the car, I do have a nice luxury car.

Erik could not get himself to look away. He watched as she walked into a store, a bookstore to be exact- Oliver's Book Nook. He realized his jaw was practically glued to the floor, so he quickly shut it and blinked himself out of his daze. She is one of the most beautiful people- or even thing for that matter- I have ever laid my eyes on. He didn't know what to do with himself. He sat in silence with his eyes glued to the front of the bookstore.

A wave of realization and reality hit him. Hard. I should never, EVER look at her. I am a monster. She is an angel walking on the Earth. I should be worshiping at her very feet. I can not tarnish her beauty or innocence. I need to leave. Now. Before she comes back out.

He quickly put his car into reverse and drove away. He was headed home. Although seeing this special person made the drive even better, he needed to get away. To write something. Perhaps a book? No, I will compose.

Why did this one person stick out so prominently to me? What makes her special? I will never return. I will forget all about her and carry on with my day-to-day life.

Erik quickly drove home, with all of the greenery and flowers blurring past his window. He had melodies flowing through his head, itching to be written out on a music staff and to be played by the piano. Perhaps I can even turn this into a song, one I can sing. Or perhaps a duet? One about all the flowers, or the gir-

Erik stopped himself. No, I will never see - or even think- of her again. She will be just like everyone else- one big disappointment. She will no doubt judge me. Damn this cruel world! He slammed his fists down on the steering wheel.

Little did Erik know, the girl walking down the sidewalk was not like everyone else. She was not just a big disappointment. She was not someone he could just forget about.

She was unknowingly- by Erik and Christine- his new inspiration.