Voice Of A Troubled Angel

Chapter Ten: How Dare You?

      'Warning, violence.'

   Erik followed Christiana's fearful eyes to Mrs. Dame's imposing figure. Well, she was only imposing to Christiana; Erik merely found her annoying.

     He could not allow Mrs. Dame to win, and damn it if he let a good performance be ruined by such a troublesome wench. Because this was the only option he felt he had, he dared to do something he never planned, nor thought he would ever do.

      He lifted an arm to Christiana's delicate, mostly bare shoulders, ignoring the way she shuddered under it, though she barely felt it's weight, and brought his other hand to her face. "Turn your face away," he spoke the lyrics and made her look at him.

   Being caressed by a practical stranger made Christiana turn to him more than anything. For Erik, sparks shot up his body. "Sing."

   Christiana blanched. "I can't hit the E6!" She softly exclaimed, staring into his hypnotic gold eyes.

   "Sing!" He said louder. The audience anticipated her singing the cadenza now. "Sing for me!"

    Christiana was faced with a new problem. Public embarrassment. Should she give herself to the man whose arms held her close and made her feel safe? Or did she remain practical and embrace her limits? Reject the fantastical or welcome it?

    "He's there, the Phantom of the Opera." She couldn't do it, she told herself. Deep down, the risk was all she ever wanted, the enchantment, crossing the tightrope.

    She can, Erik thought.

    "Sing my Angel of Music!"

     Mrs. Dame was far more than angry, as her daughter continued to sing.

    "Beware the Phantom of the Opera!"

   "Sing for me," Erik's voice was hushed.

   Christiana began the cadenza.

      "Sing!"

   She hit the E6.

      The Phantom and Christine bowed to their audience and walked off the "stage," immediately after the final song ended. Christiana shook from head to foot and Erik was smiling. He hadn't genuinely smiled in years.

   Christiana rushed them into the office. She couldn't be out in the open with everyone else. She was too vulnerable.

   "That was so incredible! I didn't know I could sing like that, and you were amazing! You had me entranced!" She clapped her hands and threw her arms around Erik, who was so shocked he, he was not able to return the embrace.

    She pulled back, blushing. He didn't want to hug her, apparently. But nothing could dampen her mood.

    Erik cleared his throat. "Yes. Er... Christiana your voice is heavenly. Of all the people I have ever sang with, you by far, are the mosy talented, kindest... loveliest...." Erik trailed off.

   "Thank you. But you had me entranced, and I was shocked - you could be an Opera singer."

   I am, in a way, he thought. But he only said "Thank you."

     The two of them spent a few more minutes chatting in the office before they were interrupted. Mr. Cathy came to tell them that they were a success. He begged Erik to come back for the next party.

   Erik declined, keeping his promise to himself.

   "Okay. Oh and... I do hate to put an end to your evening but... Christiana, your mother asked me to tell you she needs you to come home. She's upset about something."