My Blue Rose (Phantom of the Opera)

Chapter 21 - Beginning

Carly's POV:

I sat back and looked over our new domain. It had been four months since the day that Erik had agreed to my idea. The shelter had was opening today. I was worried. We had a lot of things. I never truly realized how talented Erik was and how rich. He had gotten the best of the best. His music made him a wealthy man. I walked around various game tables and over to a window. Outside was a basketball court, tennis court, soccer field, football field, and a baseball field. Erik had put all his energy into this. We had enlisted the help of Jonathan and Sapphire once they came back from their honeymoon. They had been married about a month ago. They were the perfect couple. Erik and Jonathan would be outside, coaching those kids, while Sapphire and I would be inside, working with the those. We also would have volunteers if we found we needed them. Erik was outside, double-checking everything. Suddenly I heard the door open. It was Charlie and another girl. The girl looked like his sister. I hurried over to them and gave each a hug. Charlie smiled and said,

“This is my sister, Jennifer. We call her Jen. So this is your new place?” I nodded.

“Erik, is outside checking on some last minute things. You are our first people.” He laughed and walked around. “Feel free to do anything you want. If you need help just ask.” I smiled and continued to make sure everything was alright. I was worried something wouldn't be perfect. Then I heard the door open again. This time it was Erik. He looked over the room and smiled when he saw Charlie and Jen. He smiled at me and walked over to them.

Erik's POV:

I walked through the door and smiled at the two kids that were in room. It was a young girl and a teenage boy. They looked like they hadn't see a bath in years. I walked over to them and held out my hand.

“Good morning, my name is Erik.” The boy took my hand and shook it firmly.

“Good morning, Mr. Erik. My name is Charlie Smith and this is my sister Jen.” I looked at the girl and she stared up at me. I dropped to one knee so I could be on eye level with her. I held out my hand carefully and she took it gently.

“It is nice to meet you both. Charlie, do you play any sort of sport?” Charlie grinned.

“Football. I love it. My sister plays as well, believe it or not.” I had a hard time believing that that little girl played football but if he said so I would believe him.

“How does a easy game sound? I am not to familiar with the rules so you might have to refresh my memory. I didn't have a chance to do that as a child.” Charlie smiled and squeezed his sister's hand.

“Sure, Mr. Erik, I would love to do that. You want to, Jen?” The girl nodded and we made our way to the football field. Maybe this wasn't going to be as hard as I thought it would be.

Later That Night:

Carly's POV:

I settled back against the sheets and sighed deeply. Erik slipped in beside me and pulled me against him. I smiled into his chest as he said,

“That was fun. I enjoyed working with the kids.” I looked up at him and kissed his lips.

“They liked you as well. I could see it. It was so sweet when Jen fell asleep in your arms.” Erik blushed a little.

“I haven't ever been accepted by children. They always ran screaming from me. A mask scares kids.” I laughed slightly.

“Not these children. They are used to strange things. You may look dangerous but you really aren't. I know that you have a heart of gold. Under that ruff exterior is a sweet and gentle man.” I leaned forward and kissed his nose. He sighed and shook his head.

“You really do see stuff in me that I didn't know existed. Anyone who listened to you would think that you were talking about an angel.” I laughed and nodded.

“I think that you are an angel. But I much prefer to think of you as my blue rose. That is more original.” I giggled and snuggled against him to go to sleep. I was so tired and he was so warm. He served as a great pillow.