Hello everyone! This is my first multi-chapter story. This first chapter will be in Madeleine's (Erik's mother) POV.

Hope you like it!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters.

Newborn

I held both of my babies in my arms, trying to figure out what a normal mother should feel after the birth of my children. Probably happiness, joy, and love. Well, I was feeling any of those free right now. Not to the baby that was surly from the pits below.

But my other son, the one napping in my right arm, was perfect. His porcelain skin, his cute tiny nose, his tiny fingers—everything about him was perfect. He was worthy of his deceased Father's name: Raoul.

The monster in my left arm, however, was not worthy of a name. I shall deny him this right as I shall deny him the right to love and be loved.

A disgrace to the deChagny name, that was all the monster was. He shall pay for forcing me into an uncomfortable position with my other high-rank friends and partners. I shall pretend I only have one son worth loving.

One month old

In our house, there are two stories plus an attic that was left empty. When my sons were both one month old, I found that I could no longer be near the monster without feeling mentally sick. Therefore I placed him in a cradle in the attic and could promptly forget about his existence for days at end.

However, like any mother, I had a natural pull to him and fed him but infrequently. He has to learn to take care of himself sooner or later.

But Raoul—I pampered him. He was my true son, my only son. Already he showed signs of intelligence. When I played simple puzzles with me, he was always so quick to solve it and grew bored shortly after we had finished every puzzle I had. I found that I needed to keep Raoul busy in order to pacify his growing knowledge. It gave me great joy to know that my son was a true genius.

It never occurred to me that there might be a genius in the monster.

Five months old

Whereas Raoul was calm and dignified, the monster was rebellious. During the day, I could always hear his childish calls for attention. Once I even found him outside of his room, trying to get down the stairs. I had screamed, nearly fainting in shock. I didn't even want to consider how he got out of his room; all that matters was that he had disobeyed my rules. I picked him up and almost threw him into the cradle. Not noticing how he had already outgrew the tiny bed I slammed the door shut, ignoring his cries.

I leaned against the door, trying to calm myself. The monster was not understanding the fact that I will not—could not—look at him. Determinedly, I picked up my sewing kit and fashioned a mask that will change his outlook in life forever.

One year old

I felt so proud for my little Raoul. He was only one year old, but I could tell he will be smarter than most adults in a few years. I found that he had a growing aptitude in math, a subject that never really fascinated me. But I was nevertheless pleased with this. A deChagny, after all, does need to have a good education.

In celebration, I held his first birthday party with a chocolate cake, one candle and a message that I put myself: I love you, Raoul!

To my shock, Raoul looked at me with shining eyes and chirped out, "Thank you, Mama!"

I nearly fell out of my seat! I hugged Raoul, feeling the joy and happiness a mother should feel.

I wasn't aware that the monster upstairs was also calling, "Mama! Mama!"