Horse King (Phantom of the Opera)

Chapter 8 - Erik

One Weeks Later:

Alexis's POV:

I stood in front of the Horse King's piano. I hadn't played in years but I thought I might remember how. He was outside with Jewel. That is normally where he spent his time. He had really devoted himself to that girl. I had no idea why though. What did they have in common?

I hit on key and smiled at the sound. It was perfectly tuned. I shouldn't be surprised. The Horse King was meticulous about his music. I had learned that from listening to him critiquing Jewel's piano playing. He was particular.

I slid down onto the bench and started to tap out a piece I learned to play a long time ago. It was a common minuet but I loved it. I kept playing and when I stopped I heard a quiet clapping. I spun around and gasped. The Horse King was standing there in the doorway, clapping. A content look was in his green eyes.

“Bravo, Alexis. Bravo. That is quite good. I didn't know that you played the piano.” I laughed nervously. I was so completely embarrassed. This was really embarrassing.

“I normally don't. I haven't played in years. Jewel is much better than I am.” The Horse King sat down next to me and said,

“You play pretty well for someone who hasn't played in a while. What else do you do?” I chuckled.

“Not much.” He looked at me and said,

“Can you sing?” I stared at him and shook my head.

“I can't sing. Under no condition can I sing. Don't even think about asking.” The Horse King raised his eyebrows.

“Well, then, why don't you sing for me?” I glared at him.

“I thought that I told you not to ask!” He laughed and walked over to his guitar. He picked up and settled down on the couch with the guitar in his hands.

“I never agreed to do all that you said. Come on, it can be fun. Your voice is pretty smooth to begin with. Your tone is good right now. I want to know.” I glared again and he laughed. I didn't stop glaring until he said,

“Well, if you would prefer not. But I would certainly like to hear it.” I took a deep breath and said,

“I know what a perfectionist you are. I would hate to ruin a friendship just because you can't stand my singing.” He chuckled and said,

“Now, I wouldn't dream of letting that get in the way. Come on. Please?” He had changed in the past week. He was actually polite and somewhat sociable when he wanted to be. He talked well and communicated easily. But I had yet to see under the mask. He never talked about it. I didn't mind but I suspected it didn't have anything to do with the Horse King persona.

Because he begged me I gave him a song title, He Stopped Loving Her Today by George Jones.

He said I'll love you 'til I die
She told him you'll forget in time
As the years went slowly by
She still preyed upon his mind.

He kept her picture on his wall
Went half crazy now and then
He still loved her through it all
Hoping she'd come back again.

He kept some letters by his bed
Dated 1962
He had underlined in red
Every single I love you.

I went to see him just today
Oh, but I didn't see no tears
All dressed up to go away
First time I'd seen him smile in years.

He stopped loving her today
They placed a wreath upon his door
And soon they'll carry him away
He stopped loving her today.

[Spoken:]
Ya' know she came to see him one last time
Oh, we all wondered if she would
And it kept running through my mind
This time he's over her for good.

[Sang:]
He stopped loving her today
They placed a wreath upon his door
And soon they'll carry him away
He stopped loving her today...

When I finished I gave him a weird look. He had played it perfectly. He was betting at the guitar then at the piano if that was possible. It he looked amazing while doing it. Don't think for one moment I had forgotten how handsome he was. That was impossible. He smiled at me.

“Considering that song was meant to be sung by a man, you did well. I won't bother to correct your singing. I doubt you would appreciate it.” I laughed.

“Well, I don't want voice lessons.” He laughed with me and said,

“We should do this more often. Singing enjoyable. You're voice will pass so I would be willing to do it again.” He put his guitar away and said,

“I think I need to go made sure that Jewel is alright. She is riding one of my newest mustangs so I better make sure she is going okay.” He rose and started to walk out the door.

“Horse King, what is your name? I don't want to keep calling you Horse King.” He turned to look at me and said,

“Why?” I walked over to him and said,

“Because I would like to know your name.” He chuckled.

“Well, I guess that is a good enough reason. My name is Erik.” His mask moved and I sensed his smile as he walked away. Erik. That fit him. He looked like an Erik and acted like one. It was the perfect name for a man who was shrouded in mystery.