Pulse (Phantom of the Opera Fanfiction)

Chapter 14- This Bliss

Chapter 14- This Bliss

Christine had finished talking to her very proud father on the phone and had already discussed the night's performances with Meg, who was planning to stay out and party all night.

Now she was left alone in their hotel room sitting on her bed wishing a certain person would call…

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Erik was currently in a state of distress. Sure, he might have been acting confident while watching Christine on TV a short while ago, but now that it was off and he was left to his own thoughts, he could not act any longer.

I must call her… Or must I? Surely she is busy, far too busy for me. After a performance like that, I would not be surprised if she is out signing autographs. If she hasn't realized what a freak I am by now, I know she will soon, once she has had time to think… I am not worthy of her time.

It was just then that Nadir walked into their hotel suite. He let out a tired yawn and was about to head to his bedroom when he noticed Erik. "Well hello there," he greeted with a kind smile.

"Hello," Erik mumbled, his voice downtrodden and his thoughts elsewhere.

Nadir paused mid-step. Sleeping would have to wait. He could tell that his friend was upset. His demeanor said it all. He walked over to a recliner and sat down. "Erik, I know tonight must have seemed different with you not being a judge, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. Perhaps you could enjoy the lack of pressure that has been put upon you for so long."

Erik's brow furrowed. "What are you going on about?" Nadir's words sank in and he sighed. "That is not what is troubling me, Nadir. I actually enjoyed not having to judge and being able to watch the show by myself."

Nadir was quite glad to hear that. "Well then, what is troubling you?"

Crossing his arms, Erik flippantly said, "It's nothing."

"It is obviously something. You can talk to me, old friend."

His fierce exterior melted somewhat at his caring tone. It would be nice to talk to someone. "…I did this for her. I am sure you know that by now. I ended my career for her sake. She is all that matters, after all. But what if, after everything, I do not matter to her? She is too busy to pay any sort of attention to me."

"I know for a fact that your thoughts are inaccurate," Nadir said. "Christine was nowhere to be seen after the show. I am sure she went back to her hotel room."

" 'You are sure'? Well, being sure is not being right. Perhaps she did not go back to her hotel room. Perhaps she ran off with a fellow contestant. Or left with a admiring member of the audience. Perhaps she-"

"Do you mean to tell me that you are afraid she has forgotten you and has formed a relationship with someone else? That is preposterous, Erik. She is in her hotel room waiting for you to call."

"And how might you know that," Erik snapped. He wasn't at all convinced.

"I know because I just so happened to speak with Meg Gene, Christine's friend and roommate, after the show. Meg was 'going out', as she put it, and Christine was going back to her hotel room. She was going back for you."

That caused Erik's eyes to widen. "You do know, then," he whispered in shock.

Nadir nodded. "Yes, and I am sure your delay in calling is causing her to worry…just as you are worrying."

Realization dawned. Erik urgently grabbed his cell phone and dialed the number to Christine's hotel room. I hope Nadir is right…

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