Guess who decided to write another fic? If you guessed Erik, you are very close, but oh so far! Me! Erik shall help me commentate this bad boy, but, as he did in the Love's Music.....give away my whole plot line! Most of you people were going to say....I'm not going to say anything in case you have never read my first fic. READ IT! This story is called Red Rose Thorns and I hope you all love it because I shall have a great time writing it and Erik shall have a great time talking about it!
Erik: I will?
Me: Yes, you will. Isn't that what I'm paying you for?
Erik: You aren't paying me anything!
Me: Right....ignore him! Oh crap, Punjab lasso! R&R and I'll being seeing you at the bottom of the page if I'm not dead!
Red Rose Thorns
Christine paced back and forth in the parlor; a little bundle lay in her arms, restless and hungry.
"Be still, Little One, be still. The carriage shall be here shortly and we can leave. I promise he won't ever hurt you again." she smiled sadly at her child and gently brushed the bruise that was forming over her daughter's disfigured forehead.
Her baby didn't have a name yet, even though she was nearly 2 weeks old, but Christine wanted her real father to name her. Her real father had supposedly died 6 months ago and how it broke her heart! Christine refused to leave her room for days and if she did, it was only to use the bathroom.
Christine knew from the beginning that the child was Erik's. She knew she would have to tell Raoul eventually, but she was too afraid.
Soon after "rescuing" her from Erik, Raoul had begun to drink. At first Christine thought nothing of it; what could a glass of brandy after dinner do? But, within a few weeks, it turned from one glass to 2 to 3 to a bottle and to 2 or 3 bottles a night. And how it frightened her when he would get drunk and angry. She still remembered the night when he first beat her; it was also the night he found out she was pregnant.
"Raoul, darling, don't you think 4 glasses are enough? Besides, I didn't think you liked alcohol?" she asked one, cold, rainy night. They had just gotten back from evening Mass and he was already hitting the bottle.
Raoul turned to glare at his wife. How dare she tell him what to do? She was a woman and he was the man! Throwing the glass into the fire, he was quickly at Christine's chair in the small bedroom that the two shared.
"You will listen and listen good: I do what I want and if being in a stupor all day is what I want, then I'll have it!" he yelled and punched her face.
Christine tumbled out of the chair and onto the menacing wood floor. He had punched her. Punched her! Where had her sweet and darling Raoul gone to? He, who promised love, safety, comfort, luxury, was hitting her.
"I-I'm sorry, Raoul. I didn't mean-" Christine started, but broke off as his foot hit her stomach. The pain was horrible and, for some reason, she knew that there was still more to come. Receiving another blow to her small stomach, Christine covered it with her arms, trying to protect the precious life she knew grew inside her.
"Remove your hands, my dear, or else something even worse may occur."
Shaking her head furiously, Christine only clung tighter to her torso and thankfully accepted his kicks to her arms. "At least its not hitting my baby. His baby. But, please God, make him stop! Please bring back my Raoul! Please, please, please!" she prayed. It was all she could do as his fists and feet kept hitting her and never once gave a hint to when the torture would stop.
Eventually, Raoul's kicks became lighter and lighter and a few minutes later they had ceased. Finally looking up at him, Christine saw regret shining in his eyes.
"Christine?" he whimpered. What had he done? How could he beat her like this? Was he becoming...a monster? Reaching out to touch her arm, Raoul was horrified that Christine flinched. '
"Darling, I'm sorry. Please, forgive me."
"No." was her simple answer.
"Why? I never meant to hurt you like this-"
"But you did. You hurt me and m-" she broke off, fearing that his temper would flare if she told him. Raoul was curious now; what else had he hurt? Gently stroking her brown curls and slowly moving down to trace her cheekbones, which were covered in blood because he had kicked her nose in his blind rage.
"You'll find out soon enough what else you hurt. Now, if you'll kindly excuse me, Monsieur, I wish to sleep in my own room." she replied firmly, but was also afraid that her words might also upset him again. Raoul was now really mad. She refused to tell him and now she wanted her own room! Keeping up the calm, gentle facade, Raoul slowly moved his hand back into her curls and, in one quick movement, clutched them in his fist and pulled her up from the floor.
"You shall tell me what I hurt now, or I will hit you again, Little Lotte." he hissed. Christine cried out in pain.
"Fine! I'll tell you, but please, let me go. I promise I'll tell you every little thing you wish to know." she cried. Releasing her hair, Raoul laughed wickedly as he watched his wife crumple to the ground in a crying heap.
"Good girl. I knew you would tell me."
Gathering up her strength and courage, she prayed one last time, but not to God, but to her angel. 'Wherever you are, help me tell him and help me put up with whatever beating he has in store. I'm sorry, Erik'
"Raoul, I'm pregnant."
Everything past that point was a blur. The 9 months she was pregnant were Hell on Earth, but she gladly accepted them. All Christine had cared about was the little baby growing inside of her and that her true father was not a beating drunkard. That was another reason she accepted those painful 9 months: Erik.
What a fool she'd been when she left him! She knew she loved him from the very beginning and she never regretted the day they joined together and created their darling daughter.
Erik sat at his bench in front of the organ as Christine sang. It had been a few weeks after she'd performed "Hannibal" and she loved being down in her Angel's lair. It was different, but beautiful at the same time; every little detail showed his true genius.
Chancing a quick glance at him, Christine noticed the Angel's eyes were closed as he swayed back and forth to the beautiful music the two created. For once, he seemed happy. Usually the Angel was moody and, at times, his temper would scare her enough that she'd run to her room, but, today, he was peaceful and his temper was no where in site.
After the short piece, Christine sat on the bench next to him, wanting to ask a question she was dying to have an answer for.
"Angel, do...you-I mean...if you have one-but do...." she stumbled. For some reason, she was nervous about asking him the simple question. 'What a silly idea! He would never get angry at me for asking him such a simple question.'
Hearing a small noise coming from somewhere close, she looked up and saw her Angel laughing! It was a beautiful, deep laugh and it made her giggle too.
"What do you wish to ask, my dear?" he asked a few minutes after the two had burst into full fledged laughter.
Lowering her head, Christine mumbled, "What is your name?"
"Is that all you wanted to know?" she nodded in response; her face blushing a deep crimson in embarrassment. She felt a finger underneath her chin and she let her Angel tip her head up to meet his masked gaze. Why did he have to wear that thing all the time? She knew what lay underneath, a memory Christine wished she could forget, and it honestly didn't bother her.
His golden eyes bored into her wide brown ones as he gently replied,
"Erik."
"Erik?"
"Yes, thats my name, my dear. Now, I do believe that it is time for you to go to bed." he smiled again and held out his hand. Christine still marveled at how graceful her An-Erik, was; even holding his hand out for her to take held power and grace. Taking his hand quietly, she followed Erik into her room where she quickly changed into a thin nightgown and called for him to come back.
"Is everything alright?" he asked when he entered her room; his face turning a deep red at the sight of her only in a thin piece of fabric.
"Everything is perfect, but would you come here and sit with me? At least until I fall asleep." she patted the space where she wanted him to sit; it was extremely close to her. Stumbling over to her, Erik sat lightly on the bed and hesitantly took her hand in his.
Christine wasn't sure what emotion was controlling her, but before she could stop herself, her lips met his in a gentle, yet demanding, kiss. Looking up into his eyes, Christine saw shock pass through his eyes and...fear? Was he afraid of her?
Carefully pulling out of the kiss, she saw what she thought looked like tears entering his eyes.
"C-Christine?" a tear escaped down his cheek. She quickly moved her hand to wipe away the stray tear, but his hand firmly held her wrist.
"Erik, I love you." she whispered. She knew this was the real thing! She'd been with a few sweethearts, but nothing could compare to this. The kiss had awakened her deep love she had always felt for her Angel and for her Erik. Christine felt his hot tears against her skin and wondered why he was crying. 'Why is he crying at such simple words? Unless....'
"My poor Erik. You don't have to be lonely any longer." she smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist. She felt Erik tense at the contact, but soon relaxed and he gently put one arm around her shoulder and the other around her petite middle.
"Oh, Christine. You have no idea. I've been alone for so long. I love you so much, ma muse." he cried into her curls. Looking back up at his face, she slowly moved one arm from his waist up to his mask.
"Can I?"
Erik only nodded as she took off the piece of porcelain that covered his right cheek. Quickly searching her face for fear or disgust, Christine heard his sigh of relief; his lips hovering above hers for a second before they met.
Christine moaned with pleasure at the contact and felt that their clothes were completely unnecessary.
Breaking the kiss, she cupped his face, her thumb gently rubbing his marred flesh, and saw nothing but pure bliss on Erik's features. She felt nervous about what she was going to ask, but they needed to do this. She didn't want to be with any other man but him!
"Erik, love me. Please, I only wish to be with you. I need you." she moaned as he kissed her neck; nibbling on her pulse point.
Erik lifted his head to meet her gaze and saw nothing but pure love, and what looked like a hint of lust, in her brown orbs and flawless features.
"Are you sure? I have no idea-"
Christine cut him off with another kiss and moved her hands down his shirt. She was glad that he was only in a white button-up shirt and brown trousers; she couldn't contain herself any longer.
Before the couple knew it, they were both bare skinned and a virginal blush creeped over Christine's pale body.
"I promise to be gentle, mon ange." Erik smirked as he kissed her stomach. Christine clutched his arms tightly as he entered her body for the first time, breaking past her thin barrier. He saw the tears course down he cheeks and wanted to ask how she was, but before he could utter a word, Christine gave his arm a reassuring squeeze that she was fine.
Christine never felt such pleasure in her short life. Erik was amazing, considering that they both were virgins, and before they both reached their climax, Christine felt a warm sensation in her stomach as Erik finished and collapsed onto the sheets; his breathing coming in heavy pants.
"Christine, thank you. You're more wonderful than an angel." he whispered into the crook of her shoulder. With their hands intertwined, the two fell asleep side by side, never wanting to wake up from their wonderful dream.
But that wonderful dream had ended once he killed Joseph Bouquet. Christine knew by then that she was carrying his child and was more afraid for it than anyone else.
Speaking of his child, the baby was restless in her Mother's comforting arms, wondering why she wasn't being fed.
"Wait just a few more minutes, Child, and I'll be able to feed you." she cooed and kissed the baby's forehead. Despite the deformity, which ran from her eyebrow down half her cheek, her daughter was quite precious; she had Erik's golden eyes, her curly brown hair, and his musical voice. She would've been a fabulous opera star if her face was normal, but that doesn't matter right now. All that matters is that the carriage is here before he wakes up.
Raoul had gone to bed after striking the baby on the head with his cane.
"I'll no longer have that demon seed in my home! Either you kill it or get rid of it, or, I'll send you to the local whore house, my wife." he had shouted before slamming his bedroom door in her face.
The sound of the door opening broke through Christine's thoughts. Turning around to face the servant who was at the door, she asked if the carriage was set.
"It is, Madame Chagny, but, you have a caller." the older gentleman announced.
"Do you know who?"
"No, Madame, but he did tell me to give you this." he handed her the infamous single, thorn less rose with a black silk ribbon tied elegantly around its stem. Trembling slightly, Christine smiled and looked back up at the servant and gave him a nod.
"Tell him I'll be there in a moment."
The servant bowed slightly before shutting the door. Christine couldn't help but twirl around the room. He's here! He's here for her! For them. "Did you hear that, Ange? Your father is here. I only pray that he'll be happy when he sees us." she whispered. She knew Erik had every right to hate her; she'd left him below the opera cellars to leave with her "rescuer". Left him to wallow in his loneliness and anger.
Walking steadily down the hallway, Christine heard a voice muttering in the parlor.
"Why am I here? She's perfectly happy. Even has a baby."
"Oh, Erik."
Hearing his name, Erik turned around to confront whoever was talking to him.
"Hello? Is anyone there? Answer!" he pleaded; it had been her voice he had heard. Her beautiful, sweet voice. "Christine?"
His voice was covered with fear and hope and how it hurt her to hear it him like this; her strong, brave angel was now a lonely man, clinging onto one final hope that she might return.
Pushing the door open, Christine burst into tears; he looked awful! Erik was so thin and pale! His wonderful golden eyes were even more sunken in than she remembered and his thick raven black hair now held a few gray hairs in it. Gently putting their daughter on a chair nearby, she ran as fast as her legs could carry her and hit her angel with enough force to knock them both down. Thank God he was strong.
"Erik, I never thought I would be able to see you again! I'm so sorry for everything I have done! I was stupid and young and I promise to be with you forever." she sobbed as she felt his hands stroke her back.
"Its alright now, Ange. Just wake up and everything will be fine."
"You're not making sense, Erik. Wake up?"
Tilting her chin so she could meet his gaze, Erik firmly laid his lips upon her swollen, bruised ones. Both were gasping for breath by the end, but Christine was still confused. Why did she have to wake up? She wasn't asleep. She was right here, with her angel, who was talking complete nonsense. Settling her gaze back onto his face, she gave a cry as she saw nothing but darkness in front of her.
"Erik! Erik, where are you?!" she screamed and collapsed onto the floor.
"Christine, wake up. I'll be there when you wake up." the deep, tenor voice called.
Christine couldn't help but to obey the wonderful voice so she closed her eyes tightly and when she opened them, she was back in her bedroom, her hand maid looking down at her with a look of fear in her young blue eyes.
"Madame, are you alright?"
"Of course I am. Where is my baby?" she demanded when she noticed her child wasn't with her. How she worried about her!
"She's in the carriage, Madame. Are you sure you're well enough to travel?"
"I'm fine, really. Let me grab a few things and I'll be out." Christine smiled and got off the couch. So, it was just another useless dream. Christine slowly made her way to her vanity and picked up a few little trinkets that she refused to leave behind; the picture of her father, her rosary, a pair of gloves, and the simple golden ring he had given her.
"I promise to be with you as soon as I can, mon Ange. I love you." she whispered and sealed the promise as she slipped the ring onto the appropriate finger and walked silently out of her room for the last time.
Told you guys I'd update, but not Memories, even though it would be nice to update it but I simply don't have time. I'm leaving in just a few days and I don't have enough time to update. Like I said before, I'm not leaving-
Erik: You're leaving?! What about you're duty as an authoress?!
Me: I"m not leaving forever! Its only for a week or so and then I'll update again. So now thats out of the way, did you guys like it? Please say you do! But if you don't, than thats cool too. Have a great day and God Bless!
^.^