My Blue Rose (Phantom of the Opera)

Chapter 5 - Promise Ring

Carly's POV:

I settled into a booth and gave Jonathan a smile. I had gotten back from my lesson and Jonathan had left me a message saying he wanted to go on a date today. I wasn't surprised. He usually called me to find out what happened at my lesson. He was very interested and I even got the impression he was slightly jealous. I didn't know why though. After all Erik was just my teacher. Nothing more. I knew we were good friends, but there was nothing romantic between us. Or at least I didn't think there was.

“Carly, how did you lesson go? Having as much fun as usual?” I nodded.

“It was very good. I can tell my voice has gotten better over the past two months. I love it.” Jonathan nodded quietly. I decided to ask him something.

“Jonathan, are you jealous?” I got the exact reaction I had expected.

“Of course not. I mean, you two aren't in a relationship. We are, right?” I smiled and said,

“Yes, you are my boyfriend. He is just a friend. Besides, I don't think I am his type.” I smiled and Jonathan returned it. Even though I had tried to make him more comfortable I could still see the hint of jealousy in his eyes. We ordered dinner and I watched him silently.

“What's wrong, Jonathan? You aren't your normal self.” He looked up at me and said,

“Well, you see, I have a problem.”
“What's the problem?”
“Carly, we have been dating for several years now. We have grown to really like dare I say love each other. We will both be going to collage soon and I think we need something tangible to bind ourselves together. I am not proposing as I don't not like long engagements. I was wondering if you would accept a promise ring from me. A promise that we will not separate.” I gasped. This I hadn't expected.

“Jonathan, you think I wouldn't stick to you?” He shook his head.

“You see, it would be a warning to other guys that you are already taken.” I looked at him and saw through his facade. He wasn't talking about collage. He was talking about Erik. I wasn't an idiot. Even though I knew he wasn't telling the truth I said,

“I would be fine with that. I would like to think we could stay together through that.” I blushed and he pulled out a simple gold ring. There a couple tiny diamonds set in it but I knew it hadn't cost him much. To tell the truth, that hurt. I wasn't about to hold it against him. He slipped it on my finger and I smiled again. It was nice. I couldn't disagree with that. We finished our meal and parted ways.

Next Tuesday:

Carly's POV:

I knocked on the door and Erik opened it. I gave him a big smile and he almost returned it. I never had seen him smile. I wanted to. I could only imagine what he would look like. He gestured for me to go to the music room and he went to get me a glass of water. It had become tradition. I sat down on a chair and played a piece I used to know. I didn't even hear him come into the room. I suddenly looked up and nearly had a heart attack when I saw him standing there.

“Erik, don't do that.” I laughed and he chuckled.

“Well, I can't help you were completely immersed in your music. You never told me you could play the piano.”
“You never asked.” He chuckled and handed me the water. I moved from the bench so he could sit down. As I moved I noticed how he stared at my hand. I blushed and realized what he must have seen.

“What is that?” He pointed to the ring. I blushed. I really have got to stop blushing. It is really annoying.

“Well, my boyfriend gave me this ring so that when I go to collage all the guys will know I am taken.” I saw a flashed a pain in Erik's eyes but it there and gone so quickly I wasn't sure if it had even been there.

“Does that make you happy?” He asked. I nodded slightly.

“I think. I mean, I know my boyfriend isn't made of money but this thing didn't cost more than a few dollars.” Erik sighed and said,

“Hand it to me.” I pulled it off and gave it to him. He looked it over and frowned.

“It is worth approximately ten dollars.” Now it was my turn to frown. I took the ring from Erik and slipped it back on.

“Well, I guess it is okay. After all he did give it to me. I think that makes it worth something.” Erik gave me a prying look. He always knew when something was wrong.

“Is there something wrong between you and your boyfriend?” I took a deep breath.

“I don't know what I feel for him. He means a lot to me but I am not sure if I want to stay with him for the rest of my life. I took the ring because I thought I might. I am confused.” Erik tried to smile but failed.

“Let's start singing and try to forget those memories.” I smiled. That was a good idea.