"Christine... It's always about Christine!"
The gun rang in my head loudly, but the sound was halted when I heard the Vicomte's name being screamed by my angel. I turned around and she held him in her arms, crying violently with Gustave. He was my own son, and yet he joined his mother in weep over this fop, this utter scumbag.
"I'm... I'm sorry Chri-Christine. For... Everything. Gustave... It's... High time you knew."
"Knew of what papa?"
"That I am not your papa. He is."
Raoul pointed a trembling finger at me, I didn't wish for Gustave to know this. It would surely scar him for life to know I was his father.
"Him? No, it can't be! NO!"
The poor boy ran off, struck by what he just found out. Christine could only watch as Gustave ran off, unable to piece together exactly where he was going. She down upon Raoul, his eyes barely open.
"Raoul?"
"Ye-yes?"
"Can you kiss me? Just one more time?"
"Of course."
The Vicomte gently enveloped his lips with Christine, I knew love this tender would never be mine to posses. I was jealous yet again, but what for, the Vicomte is finally dead and I have Christine all to myself, isnt that what I always wanted? No. I wanted her to be happy, and surely she would want me after I just stand there, watching her husband die, doing nothing about it. But she's a widow now, and a woman. She couldn't own a house, and surely no one would let her work, damned infernal Americans! Then I remembered, my mansion. Moving to America caused me to iimmediately gain in wealth, plus the taxes from Phantasma that I earn every year. Surely I could provide for her, be there for her again, but this time as a steady man.
Gustave came running back, immediately noticing Christine frantically weeping over the Vicomte. Gustave stared at him, for the first time, menacingly. As he did so, I saw how alike his temper was to mine, how very indignant andimprudent he was. Christine stood, gathering up Gustave in her arms and drying her tears. I watched all in wonder as she actually came willingly to me, willingly, to me?
"There's not a thing you can do Christine."
"I know... But I have no where to sta-"
I put a gentle finger up to her lips, freezing her next few words.
"Don't say any more, my darling. My mansion is just across the border."
"Mansion?"
"Yes. You see, thanks to my great increase in wealth, I can now own a mansion. Of course, I don't take much pleasure in having maids or servants of the sort, I prefer living alone. But, however, I will accept making room for you and Gustave. But you, my dear, will have to do a few chores for me, since I work most of the day."
"Erm... alright. What will I have to do?"
"You are a woman, my dear. You will have to cook, clean, and seed to whatever else may have to be done."
"Oh alright."
I walked her over the border and up to a large set of gates, engraved with the letters ED. I wrenched open the gates and let her pass with Gustave. We entered the threshold together, Christine being surprised by the amount of lights on in my home. As far as I thought, my house was child safe, no glass with reach large open spaces, stairs blocked off, terrace doors sealed. Yes, quite safe indeed.
I showed Christine to a room which Gustave would be able to sleep in. It was of middle size, vibrant yellow walls, fresh wooden floor boards, a twin size bed, very cozy room. Christine took the liberty of laying him down on the bed, tucked under the sheets and given a few kisses. I was a trifle jealous, my mother would never kiss me, obviously.
Christine came back to me wide-eyed, obviously not tired, maybe a little restless, but definitely not tired. I held out my arm and she slowly took it. I led her into the dining room, practically the smallest room of the whole house. She sank slowly into the brown chair and laid her hands properly on her lap.
"Would you like anything to drink? Tea, perhaps?"
"Yes, that would be wonderful."
I went into the kitchen and boiled some water. When it heated I added my handmade tea bags. I took out two glasses and poured the strong substance into each, adding a freshly cut lemon slice on each rim. I took them out and gave one to Christine. Then I sat down beside her and slowly sipped my tea.
"Mmm. This is delicious, so fresh."
"The ingredients are directly from my garden."
"You have a garden? Might I see it?"
"Maybe tomorrow. It's more beautiful in the sunlight."
"Mmm hmm."
She sipped the last of her tea and grabbed my free hand, holding it. I quickly let go and stood up, taking our glasses and putting them into the wash basin on the counter. Christine surprised me by giving me a kind kiss on the lips.
"Your bedroom is right next to Gustave's, Christine."
"I know, angel."
"I would much more prefer it if you call me by my name."
"I know, but I like calling you angel. Because to me..."
She planted another gentle kiss on my lips.
"You are an angel. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
