Chapter VII
Henri watched as her body slowly began to shift, her eyes fluttered but did not yet open. She let out little moans and her eyebrows furrowed with confusion. He wondered if she would panic at the sight of him or of Erik. She was a woman of a higher class, after all… they were known to have weak nerves. Still, she treated him kindly when she had opened the door for him the night prior. Any other noble woman would have cried out or called the guards on him; she didn't but accepted the letter with trust. What could have possibly happened to her?
Christine's eyes began to slowly open, the candlelight causing her eyes to strain. She lifted her hands to cover the blinding light but felt that the task was too hard; she had no energy in her to even move.
"Are you awake?" Henri asked above a whisper. Christine turned her head slowly and let her eyes gain focus of the boy who was looking down at her from his chair. She looked around and realized that her surroundings were not anywhere she knew.
"Where am I?" Christine croaked. She didn't realize her throat was on fire until she spoke. She quickly grabbed her neck and massaged it gently but it caused her to let out a painful cough.
"Wait here, I'll get you some water!" The boy ran out and Christine couldn't help but think it was an unnecessary statement. It wasn't like she could exactly run off – she was too sick to move. In a matter of second, he was back with a glass of water. Henri placed the cup down on the table before turning to her, "I'm going to help you sit up, all right?"
Christine nodded her head and allowed him to fix her into a sitting position. He grabbed the glass and raised it to her lips before helping her drink. He held back a chuckle as she drank it almost desperately and nothing like a lady from her class would do. In times of desperation, no one will care about idiotic manners.
The cold water soothed her burning throat as well as her thirst. She looked at Henri and let out a "thank you" that sounded rather raspy. Henri gave her a smile and bowed his head, almost mockingly. "You're welcome, milady." he replied as he sat back down at his chair. Christine never stopped eying him and he knew that she had many questions that needed answers. "I supposed I do have to point out that we didn't kidnap you."
"We?" Christine asked, her voice not sounding better than a hoarse whisper. Henri simply nodded his head but decided not to clarify who was the other person he referred to. Christine sighed and wrapped the cover around her shoulders. "The letter you sent… who is… your friend? Who… is Erik?" She let out forcefully.
Henri sat up straight as if she had shocked him. She read the letter…
"That… you weren't supposed to read that!" Henri barked angrily and he stood and rubbed his face in frustration. Oh this was bad… this was very bad. Christine was surprised at his reaction and watched as he paced back and forth.
"Is it true?"
"Of course, it's true!" Henri snapped. "I never lie!"
Christine bit her lip and looked down at her hands. Well, she didn't mean to upset or offend him; maybe it would have been better if she never asked. But then again, this was her sister that was mentioned and if he says it to be true, Marie has done something terrible. Suddenly it hit her… she was supposed to be engaged to Raoul, but what of that man she had promised her hand to before?
"Erik?" she let out. Henri looked at her confusingly and Christine tried to speak even though it was causing her great pain. "Story – what happened… with Erik… and sister. M-my sister…. Please."
Henri sighed and slumped back down to the chair. He rubbed the back of his neck as he wondered if she should be told what had happened. Maybe if he told her, she could help and have Marie stay far away from Erik. "Well, she met Erik in Persia," he began and Christine's mouth fell open. Persia? That was three years ago! How could Marie have been so stupid! "Erik was a worker for the Shah of Persia… and well, she chased after him, I suppose. She did want his attention and didn't stop till she had it. After a while, Erik had to leave Persia and he asked her to leave with him and marry him. She had told him yes but…"
He stopped as he remembered the day oh too well. Henri looked at Christine as she tilted her head to the side in confusion. "But?" she pressed.
"But the day that had we agreed to leave on arrived and she never showed up. He rushed to her home that she was staying in at the time and found it empty. She and her family had left the night before."
Christine couldn't believe it. How could Marie do such a thing to this man called Erik? He must have been devastated and heartbroken. She knew Marie to be cold and even sometimes unkind but she was cruel and inhuman if she left a man who was deeply in love with her.
Henri watched her expression and seemingly frowned. "You are a rare person indeed, mademoiselle," he pointed out. Christine stared at him with a blank expression, hoping he would explain himself. "You awake in a place that you don't know and your health is fairly poor, yet here you are… worrying about other people – a person who you don't even know."
Christine knew that to be true. She always knew that was something that would evidently be her downfall; she cared too much about other people and always wanted to help. Surely that's not such a terrible thing but this is not the first time that people have seen her strangely for putting others before herself. But he did say something that was true. He never told her the reason behind her being in a strange place.
"Why am I here?"
"Why are you here?" the booming voice asked.
"I heard that coming here was the only way I was able to reach you," Raoul began, his voice not faltering despite his surprise. Erik had changed drastically since that last he saw of him, many yesterdays ago. He is much taller and his voice almost sounds too heavenly to be true. He wore elegant clothing which surprised Raoul as he believed Erik to have no money.
"Why are you here?" Erik repeated forcefully.
"I might ask you the same question – why is this a place that one must meet you in?" Raoul asked, standing up taller. "I remember you enjoyed music but my opera house–"
"Your opera house?" Erik raved at the ownership and stepped closer to the Vicomte who instinctively took a step back. "This is hardly yours. I designed this place to what it has become,"
"I meant no ill intent with my words," Raoul said apologetic. "The reason I am here is because… recall it or not, you and I were once friends, Erik. Hell, we even planned to run away together and move around with the money I had."
"Ah, so you are here to be reimbursed," Erik yanked his coin purse from his waist before roughly flinging it on the floor and before the Vicomte's feet. The sound of the gold coins clinking against the floor made such an ugly sound that seemed to mock Raoul. "That should repay my debt and for any interests that may have accumulated along the years."
Raoul stared at the masked man before him and sighed. He was not an easy man to speak with and anything that was said simply twisted to sound terrible. However, Raoul did not blame Erik for his attitude. How could he? Erik suffered for many years and had to grow up alone… the protective and aggressive persona was understandable. "I am here to offer you my amity," Raoul said after a moment.
"Yet all you will find is animosity," Erik retorted as he moved back into the shadows. It was a pathetic attempt in Raoul's part and Erik wanted nothing to do with him. All his life, he had to be known as a freak of nature and a peasant while de Chagny was able to live the life of a king. It was clear that life was not fair and he had no reason to accept Raoul's offer.
"I will offer it anyway!" Raoul called, knowing that the masked man left. It was strange… a man who could move in the shadows? He never knew of a person who was capable of doing that. Raoul checked his pocket watch before placing his back its area. He was greatly disappointed by this meeting as he believed it would have ended better. Still, Erik could come and find him if he needed anything. That he was sure of… he wouldn't let the mask man go through things alone anymore.
.
.
.
"Where is Christine?" Gustave asked as he sat down at the table with Marie. The spot that was usually occupied by his eldest daughter was empty which came to be such a surprise to him as Christine was an early bird. She was always the first person to be sitting at the table.
Marie bit into her toast, attempting to avoid all contact with her father. Christine was probably in bed from depression, especially with what she told her about her engagement to Raoul. It was terrible to say, but Marie couldn't feel bad about it. Christine always told her what to do and such, for once it felt good to have left her speechless. "I don't know," Marie said simply before taking of sip of her tea.
"That is strange," Gustave murmured. Just then, the bell rang from the front door causing both Gustave and Marie to jump from surprise. A visitor so early in the morning? Julie scurried to answer the door and found a little boy with rough clothing and dirt all over his face. The maid frowned at the peasant and snapped at him to leave before she sent the dogs on him. However the little (now frightened) boy announced that he had a letter from Madame Giry before handing it to Julie and running off. "Julie? Who is it?" Gustave called from the table. Julie shut the door before making her way into the kitchen.
"It's a letter, monsieur, from Madame Giry." she said as she handed him the letter.
"Ah, Madame Giry." Gustave said with a smile. "I haven't seen her in quite a while." He took the note and read it, a frown growing on his face. Marie stared at him and waited for him to explain the contents of the letter. "It says that Christine is at the opera house and will spend the night at their home."
"There you see," Marie said nonchalantly. "She's out doing that silly music stuff she enjoys,"
"Yes, but it is not proper to simply spend the night at Madame Giry's in such a way. She should have come to me and–"
"Oh papa," Marie brushed off. "Christine has never done anything wrong in her life. She always plays by the rules. She probably just wants to have one night alone with Meg and Madame Giry." she said trying to excuse her sister's actions. "Besides, she needs more people to talk to and let out her feelings with."
"What about us?" Gustave asked, slightly offended that his own daughter wouldn't want to talk to him in her desperate need.
"You're her father, there are certain things she cannot discuss with you." Marie said as she took another sip of her tea. Gustave still felt uncertain about the whole situation but decided not to press it further. Christine was an adult and Marie was right, she had always been responsible so perhaps he shouldn't be so upset about this. There were more important things to think about especially as the twinkle of the sun that came from the windows lit Marie's engagement ring.
How could he happy for his daughter and yet despise the whole situation at the same time? It was completely unfair to Christine but it was unfair to Marie as well if he did not allow her to marry Raoul. There was nothing that he could possibly do in this Earth to take away the pain that Christine will feel when she discovers the news about the engagement. How he wished there was an easier way to fix this whole ordeal.
.
With Henri ignoring her questions, Christine sought to give up asking. He simply sat on the other side of the room, not wanting to say anymore information to this stranger. She had lied back down and closed her eyes, wishing for all this to be a terrible dream. Yet, despite everything and her being in a strange place, she did not feel afraid. Quite the opposite, she felt a strange warmness as if this was home. It was bizarre, no?
"How is the girl?"
Christine snapped her eyes open at the familiar and angelic voice that she knew too well. She tried to sit up quickly but her weak energy could not allow her to. Instead she tilted her head to the doorway where her dark and brooding teacher stood. "Maestro?" she called.
"Erik, you're back!"
Christine's eyes widened at Henri's comment as she stared at the lad before looking at the masked figure who was now making eye contact with her. "E-erik?"
Erik shot a deadly glare at Henri who cursed himself for being so foolish. The dark figure moved to where the petite soprano was and loomed over her, his eyes piercing through her soul. "Maestro." He corrected. "How do you feel?"
"All right," she let out, her voice slightly better than it was before. She looked at Henri whose eyes pleaded her to keep her mouth shut. She understood their meaning and said nothing in regards to Marie.
"Why were you out in the snow last night?" he asked sharply. "Have you any idea of the damage you could have done to your voice?"
Her voice? That was a strange mention, she thought. After all, it was her life on the line but he was only worried about her singing ability. Well, in all fairness they did not know each other all that well for him to be concerned over her anyway. Christine gently shook her head but said nothing to his first question which he noted. He moved closer and Christine couldn't help but to shrink back anxiously causing him to halt. His eyes narrowed her at annoyingly and Christine could do nothing but stare back at him with an apologetic gaze.
"If I wanted to harm you," he began harshly. "You wouldn't be awake now. I had plenty of time to have done something to you if I wished it."
"Why am I here?" Christine let out.
"Why, indeed." Erik moved around to his chair before turning it to face her. He sat upon it and looked at Henri understand the stare and left the room, closing the door behind him. Erik portrayed an enormous shadow with the fireplace roaring behind him. "I found you wandering the Parisian streets in the middle of the night with nothing but a nightgown. Care to explain why?"
Christine bit her lip remembering why it was that he found her in such a state. After Marie had told her about her engagement, she lost all of her senses. All she could remember thinking what that she had to leave and not look back. It was idiotic but she needed peace and when she stepped outside, it was like the night was welcoming her in with it dark skies and lovely white snow. She could not feel the cold, not when it all looked so beautiful to her. Christine couldn't help but keep walking into the night even if she did not know where she was going. And yet she became lost in thought about Raoul and Marie… how was it that they became so close and behind her back? It wasn't fair at all, was it? Christine had done everything right; she was a proper woman who was well educated and had elegant mannerisms but that didn't matter to Raoul or any man. When it came to her and Marie, men always chose Marie.
"I was upset about something," Christine sighed but wanted to say no further. "And you brought me here to help me?"
"Obviously," Erik replied harshly. Christine shifted uncomfortably and averted her gaze away from Erik, feeling as if his disappointment was speaking through his eyes. "What upset you so considerably that you felt the need to sicken yourself so greatly?"
"Nothing at all," Christine wished he could not press anymore but he seemed determined to know the answer and he knew that she was hiding a great deal.
"I am putting much effort into your voice, deary." Erik slowly leaned forward from his chair, his voice becoming lower and deeper. Christine did nothing but stare back at him with her a frightened expression. "Believe it or not, your voice now belongs to me and anything that comes in the way of harming it is now my business. I will ask again: why were you roaming the streets at night?"
Christine could feel shivers running down her back from the fear that he instilled within her. He was a man who seemed capable of doing the worst of things. Still, her dignity could not allow her to speak the truth of why she did what she did and she knew that he would not harm her since he cared about her potential too much. "Nothing... at… all," she repeated despite the quivering in her voice giving away her fear, she refused to tell him the truth.
The masked man only let out a mocking laugh causing Christine to frown. Was he laughing at her? "Not such a timid mouse anymore, are we?" he stood from his chair and left the room without saying another word. Christine lied there in confusion wondering what the bloody hell just happened.
.
"Philippe!" Raoul called in surprise as he walked into his home and found his friend still in the sitting room with his mother. He went over to Philippe and stuck out his hand to be shaken before giving him a half embrace. "What a pleasant surprise to see you here!" Raoul turned to Celeste with a childish grin as he remembered to introduce him. "Maman, this is Philippe de Jouventeau, he was in schooling with me in Italy."
"Yes, he was kind enough to keep me company until you're arrival. Sit and talk, I will come back and let you know when lunch is ready." Celeste said as excused herself and left the room. Both Raoul and Philippe sat down on the chairs and Raoul leaned over to the end table and reach to serve themselves brandy. "Do I what do I owe the honors?"
"I just came to see if it was true that you were as wealthy as people said," Philippe said with a chuckle. He took the cup of brandy offered by Raoul and leaned back in his chair. "You have a remarkable home, truly."
"Thank you," Raoul said. "I take it you're staying in the city?"
"I was but the Comtesse was kind enough to offer me a room here in your home," Philippe revealed as he took a sip. "I hope that is no trouble to you."
"No trouble at all," Raoul replied with a smile. They discussed business situations with each other and mentioned other situations about acquaintances they met while in Italy. Raoul talked about many changes that have happened in his while for all the years he was gone and all the things he planned to change now they he was home. Philippe listened and chatted back politely and suddenly remembered one thing that he wanted to ask Raoul.
"Have you seen Marie?" he asked knowing that Marie's home was somewhere in Paris as well. Raoul couldn't help but smile at the thought of his beloved.
"Certainly," he said. "She and I will be married soon."
Philippe couldn't hide the shocked expression that came from his face causing Raoul to chuckle. "Really?" he asked to which Raoul only nodded his head. "You are undeniably quick. How did it happen?"
"Well I had mentioned to you that our families were close. When I returned to Paris, I confessed my feelings to her and how I loved her so. I proposed and she accepted." Raoul told shortly. Philippe raised his eyebrows in surprise and sat taller in his seat.
"That easy?"
"Well there were some complications," Raoul slowly let out.
"How so?"
"Beyond my knowledge, I was engaged to her sister." Raoul began. He went on to tell Philippe the whole story with Christine and their false engagement as well as Celeste's persistence to have him marry the eldest Daae. However, Raoul told him that he had been set on Marie and refused to marry any other woman. Philippe listened with great interest as he found it so fascinating that two women would be fighting over a man – even if that man wasn't him. Still, he envied Raoul for many things… this happened to be one of them.
"So Christine joined the opera house from grief?" Philippe asked after Raoul finished his tale.
"It would seem so."
Philippe scratched the top of his head as he allowed his brain to take in all the information. "How terrible and what a waste – 'waste' meaning of course if she is a beautiful woman."
Raoul ignored his comment. "Yes, well that is everything that has happened."
"Is there any way to change her mind?" Philippe questioned. Raoul shook his head but his friend continued. "Of course I ask for myself as I would like a beautiful bride–"
"We have your room ready," Celeste said as he walked into the room, interrupting the conversation between the two men. "Philippe won't you go and rest for a while in your accommodations? I would like to have a word with my son." Philippe agreed and excused himself from the room. Celeste turned to look at her son and flashed his a kind smile.
"He's very kind," she said politely. Raoul said nothing in return because he knew that his mother was not there to talk about Philippe rather Erik. As predicted, she turned her statement to a question the another topic. "Did you speak to Monsieur Khan? What did he tell you about that fiend?"
"I met with Erik."
Celeste stared at Raoul with astonishment. "You met with Erik?"
"Yes, it was a short exchanging of words, really." Raoul said, remembering the fleeting conversation. "And he returned to me the money that I let him borrow. Do you recall the money father would give me?"
"How uncharacteristic of a peasant such as he," she spit out as she began to fan herself to cool her anger. Raoul could only resist the urge to roll his eyes from his mother's dramatics.
"If you met him, you wouldn't say such a thing." Raoul sat up in his seat. "He has good standards, is arrogant and haughty."
"Vain is the word you're looking for." She corrected snippingly. Raoul made a face of agreement as he continued,
"Certainly, he wasn't very friendly. I couldn't very much explain why it was I was looking for him." Raoul pushed his hair behind his ears, feeling very defeated at the memory of not being able to talk to Erik. "He left before I could even fully converse with him."
"Let that be a lesson to you! You shouldn't interact with those kinds of people; freaks and peasants." Celeste said as she pointed a stern finger at her son. Raoul rubbed his forehead with annoyance as his mother continued to speak and scold. "You must promise me that you will not look for him again, Raoul. Promise me!"
"I will not go looking for him Maman but if by chance Erik should change his mind and accept my amity, I will not repudiate him." he said, his voice seemingly more serious. He stood from his chair and walked towards the door, stopping only for a split second to excuse himself before leaving the room. Raoul moved into his office where he found Philippe waiting for him. "What are you doing here?"
"I couldn't help but to eavesdrop on your conversation with your mother? Who is this Erik?" he asked as he sat in the chair across from the desk. Raoul sighed and move to sit on the elegant and large chair behind the desk, pondering the idea of telling Philippe or not. "Is he a relative?"
"No," Raoul said. "He was a poor orphan that my father took in when I was just a boy. He promised to raise him alongside me so he could be well-educated." he explained and Philippe seemed visibly confused.
"Who cares about those kinds of people? Even your father's word must have no power since his passing," Philippe tried to reason but to Raoul, it sounded as if he was hearing his mother all over again.
"A man's word is everything." he stated flatly. "However it's not just about my father. I am very fond of Erik. I was even envious of him when I was young –"
"Envious of a impecunious and derelict boy?"
"He was free and adventurous," Raoul elucidated as he naively thought about Erik living the life of a pirate or explorer. "Without anyone telling him what to do. Meanwhile I was restrained with rules, tutors, nannies, and even my own mother. Erik had many experiences even with knowing how to swordfight!"
"Well I imagine that is very admirable but anyhow if he doesn't want your help why insist?" Philippe said as he looked down at his fingernails, picking at the dirt under to make them look cleaner.
"I'm not going to insist," Raoul agreed, letting out another sigh of disappointment. "Although I must confess, despite his poor manners and hostile attitude, I still do not have a bad impression of him. There is a strong will within him… despite everything that people say of him, he pertains my admiration."
"He certainly has left an impression on you," Philippe said but his tone was far from interested. "Conversations about men bore me. Let's talk about women instead. You mentioned this Christine, no? Tell me more about her."
Raoul shot Philippe a dark look. Despite him not having anything sort of feelings for Christine, he felt a sense of protection over her. That was his fiancee's sister and Gustave's daughter… she was important to him and his family. Philippe was known to be a playboy and that was not the kind of man he wanted for Christine. He was raised as a gentlemen of course, but nevertheless Raoul knew of Philippe and his desires. "I would tread carefully as you are stepping on very thin ice, Philippe." he warned very coldly.
Philippe did not falter, instead he smiled. "Why thin ice?" he pushed chuckling while ignoring the angry look that Raoul was giving him.
Christine awoke to someone caressing her hair. It felt so soft and so comforting… in these moments of anxiety, she felt a mother's touch. She fluttered her eyes as she adjusted to the candlelight around the room. Once her vision was fully intact, Christine looked up and saw Madame Giry looking down at her with concerning eyes.
"How are you feeling, my dear?" she asked. Christine frowned at the sight of her as well as her observation that she was now in Madame Giry's home and no longer in Erik's. She was lying on Madame Giry's bed, with the older woman sitting on the edge. "Are you feeling any better?"
Christine slowly nodded her head and slowly began to sit up. Her energy was stronger than before and she was thankful for that. Being helpless was very irritating for her especially when she was in a stranger's home. Not a stranger… her teacher's. "Where's Erik?"
"Shh," Madame Giry reached over for the cup of tea on the bedside table and handed it to Christine. "Drink this. It will help your throat feel better."
Answers would help her more, Christine thought. Suddenly she realized that if she was now with Madame Giry, then she knew who Erik was as well. "You know of him, don't you?" Christine asked as she brought the cup to her lips, her eyes never leaving Madame Giry's.
"I'm afraid I don't know of whom you speak,"
"Please, Madame Giry." Christine begged as her throat welcomed the soothing yet burning hot tea. "There have been many secrets and lies that I'm beginning to see. I don't wish for you to be one of those people too." Christine could tell that the older woman's stern face was simply a facade at the moment. Madame Giry let out a long sigh and relented.
"Yes." she finally said.
"How?"
"Nevermind that," Madame Giry strictly said. "How do you know him?"
"He's my teacher," Christine said honestly. Despite him not wanting for her to know the truth, she believed that it was better for Madame Giry to know the truth. Afterall, they seemed to be acquainted. Giry frowned at Christine's answer and her stare made Christine shift uncomfortably in her spot.
"What kind of teacher?" she pressed.
"He's training my voice," Christine bit her lip once she realized that Madame Giry was highly against this realization. "But please! You mustn't interfere!" she begged. Madame Giry gave her a disappointed look but also seemed interested in why Christine would not want her help. "He promised to help me succeed so that I may audition for the next production. Oh please, I wish to be on stage very much."
"All right, I won't say a word to him," Madame Giry agreed. "But if you ever feel… unsure in his presence, I want to you to come to me right away."
"Why would I be unsure? He is very truculent, I'm aware but he saved my life." Christine murmured the last part softly as she came to realize how true it was. Had he not found her… it would have been such a terrible outcome. She took another sip of her tea, no longer wanting to think about the whole situation that was brought due to her stupidity.
Madame Giry silently concurred before she said to Christine about bringing her more blankets, then excusing herself to leave the room. She took one last glance at the young girl sitting in bed before shutting the door behind her. It was interesting that Christine did not seem afraid in the slightest of Erik… any women who would meet him in an open street would practically faint at the sight of him. But she seemed unafraid and almost compassionate towards the thought of him. She knew that she had to know why. Christine was a very religious lady who believed in empathy and understanding – very unlike most people of the wealthy class world. The only people who understood and showed pity for Erik were the poor. Could it be that for once in a life, someone has come to know Erik in a better light?
Erik was not the type of man to harm without justification. At least not since Persia… but he helped those in need even if he was very stern and cold about it. He made everything seem like a hassle but he truly cared for the beggars and freaks. Those were the only people he seemed to understand. Yet he saved Christine, a girl who has nothing in common with him save for music. Madame Giry moved towards the closet, her mind thinking exactly the what could have motivated Erik to want Christine –
"How is she?"
Madame Giry whirled around, biting back a scream only to find the masked figure emerging from the shadows of the room. She placed her hand on her heart, trying to bring it's rhythm back to normal. "I have told you to never sneak up on me!" she hissed. The masked man could only chuckle but said nothing. "She is fine. Much better,"
"Good." he said sharply. A silence fell upon them as they stared at each other, both having so many questions for the other. At last it was Erik who broke the ice, "I assumed she gossiped to you that I am her teacher."
"She told me, yes." Madame Giry corrected before turning back to the closet and pulling out blankets. "She said she was tired of secrets which I presume to be the cause of her telling the truth as well as us knowing each other."
"Hmm." Erik did not seem convinced. "Since we are on the subject matter of knowing others, I would ask you how it is that you know of my protege?"
"I was her caretaker when she was young," Madame Giry began, turning to look at the shadow as she shut the closet door with blankets in hand. "Her father had lost two wives and he was unable to raise his daughters on his own given his justified depression."
"And?"
"And nothing." she snapped, glaring at Erik who gave a sharp look back. "The story ends there. I help raised her and her sister as well as my own daughter."
"Care to delineate why she was on the verge of suicide?" he demanded more than questioned. Madame Giry felt anger rushing into her very core as he said such terrible words. She lifted her head high and gripped the blankets harshly, trying to control her temper.
"For a man who hates the aristocratic society, you sure are inquisitive about the daughter of a Baron." she declared with a grimace. Stepping forward to move towards the bedroom, a hand caught her arm and halted her movement. Madame Giry looked up at Erik who was now narrowing his eyes at her.
"Do not test me, Madame." he growled lower than timbre of a tiger. She felt a shiver go down her spine, attempting to still seem strong. "You will tell me and it will be now."
Madame Giry sighed, glancing at the bedroom door across from her with a bit of guilt. She only stared at it as she began to speak, "Her fiance left her. She was told that she was to marry him her whole life and fell in love with the idea of being a wife to him but… he fell in love with her sister." Erik could see that this also affected the older woman as she bit back tears from her somber face. Madame Giry jerked back her arm to release his grip before hastily justifying, "As you can tell, it devastated her. She turned to music because she believes it is all she has. But Christine is only building up walls against those around her; afraid that now anyone can hurt her."
Without another word, she moved towards the room where Christine was before entering and shutting the door behind her. Erik could not say anything and wanted to blame Christine for being so stupid and falling in love… but he was once a victim of it too. But still he found it so terrible cruel of their world to force this girl to withstand a marriage ceremony for her sister and her beloved.
Life never was sympathetic, was it?
2 days later...
She was feeling better and Christine knew that she had to go visit Erik to ask when it was that she may go back to her lessons. Despite his cold demeanor, he had left her a letter saying that she was to rest and it would be the only times that she may be excused from a lesson. Frankly, it made her smile for the first time in a long time. Christine couldn't help but to think back to what it was that Henri told her about Erik and Marie. How could Marie be so careless and so indecent? She gave herself willingly to Erik only to abandon him? Nothing about that made any sense.
Christine sat at the dining table, waiting for both Marie and her father to come downstairs and join her. She dreaded seeing her sister but she knew they both needed to talk about what is happening. Just as Christine brought the cup of tea to her lips, Marie strolled into the dining room but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Christine.
"Oh, I thought you would be at rehearsal." she let out. Christine said nothing but she clanked the cup of tea against its plate to show her annoyance towards her sister. Marie slowly made her way to her seat and plopped down on her chair, across from Christine. "Look, today Raoul will visit me and perhaps if he mentions the engagement, you could act happy for us. In that case, everyone else could believe that your devotion to music is true and you're not depressed over Raoul."
"Depressed over Raoul," Christine repeated the words with a chuckle. Coming from Marie, it made it that more stinging.
"It's for the best, Christine… truly. If you do that, Raoul wouldn't pity you." Marie said to which Christine shot her a hard look. Marie almost flinched at the cold stare that came from her sister. Truthfully, Christine had always been the one to cause her irritation because of her perfect persona but now she was bewildered at this harder and stony attitude that Christine was giving her.
"Very well," Christine agreed after a long pause. "I will do it. More so to avoid any discomfort that Raoul could feel over the whole ordeal." She looked at her sister who was smiling and yet she could not do the same. Christine was not happy at all and despite how terrible that was, she could not help it. "There is one thing that I wish to make clear. My devotion to music is not in any way a pretense. If papa or Celeste would never have told me I was engaged, I would have joined the opera house long ago."
"I believe you," Marie said honestly. As if being a theatre freak was something to be proud of, Marie thought.
Christine stared long and hard at her sister and narrowed her eyes at her. Something was so off about Marie but Christine was going to make sure that she behaved now that she was going to be a married woman. "Do you care for Raoul?"
"We hardly know each other," Marie confessed. "But he is so committed to me that I am certain that I will fall in love with him too, I assure you Christine."
"I do not care if you fall in love or not," Christine snapped at her, harder than she intended. "You accepted his proposal and from here on out, you will behave properly as you should. Your little tantrums and adventures with whatever morals you pertained are now finished." She saw Marie's nose flaring from anger but still kept her mouth shut, much to Christine's surprise. "Such as giving false hope to men and then abandoning them," Christine said as she remembered poor Erik and noticing the look of confusion on Marie's face.
Before any of the girls could say another word, Gustave walked in with a happy smile plastered all over his face. "Hello my dears, I am very famished this evening!" he said as he sat down at the table along with his daughters. "What are we eating tonight, hm?" he questioned, not noticing the tension between the sisters and calling Julie to serve dinner.
Their supper passed quickly with Gustave mainly talking about his day and discussing his new thoughts of composition with Christine. As always, the brunette conversed with her father lovingly, never taking a glance at Marie who was angrily eating her food. Arriving at Paris, it was obvious that she envied the relationship that Christine and Gustave had. Christine knew that it was once of ridiculous fits as Marie had become so used to being the center of attention back in Italy.
Once they finished eating, both Christine and Gustave moved to their music room and went to practice their own devices. Marie could hear the piano and the violin throughout the whole house… there was nowhere she could escape from that dreadful noise that she longed to eliminate. The terrible screeching from the violin and the loud painful keys from the piano were like mocking melodies that only told her she would never be the daughter that Gustave wanted her to be. She would never be Christine. Not that she wanted to be of course. Christine was a prude and practically a nun – nothing beautiful about her really expressed. While Marie was certainly the most eye-catching in all of Paris and she knew how to flaunt it; even how to be a tease.
The bell from the door rang which caused Marie's heart to flutter. It had to be Raoul on the other side of the door! She moved quickly to the mirror that was over the fireplace and fixed herself up real fast. Marie noticed Julie who was moving towards the door and stopped her, telling her to call her father and Christine down to the front room. The little maid nodded her head and left to do as she was told.
Marie walked to the door before opening it with the prettiest grin that she could give. There stood her betrothed with an elegant stance and handsome smile. "Hello, Raoul." she greeted with a sweet and flirtatious tone.
"Hello, Marie." he greeted back. He could feel his palms begin to sweat as he glanced at the beauty before him. Certainly it wasn't possible for a woman to be more beautiful than the last time he saw her. Quickly trying to take his mind off such obscene thoughts, he moved to the side. "I have a surprise!" he declared and presented the man behind him who was Philippe.
"Oh, Philippe!" Marie cried out from joy. The lesser good-looking gentleman moved to her and kissed her hand. "How wonderful it is to see you! Please come in, both of you!"
Marie closed the door behind them and brought them over to the front room and told them to sit down. Raoul sat beside Marie in the loveseat while Philippe sat across from them in a single chair. Raoul turned to Marie before asking, "How is Christine?"
Her father certainly gossiped more than women, Marie thought. Christine's cold was visible the day she came back from Madame Giry's. Her eyes shouted exhaustion and Madame Giry had spoken to Gustave that Christine had been ill with lady issues so she believed Madame Giry would be better in helping her. Obviously her father later told Celeste on her visit and the lovely Comtesse then told Raoul. Marie knew women gossiped but it looked as though men were not any better.
"She is much better," Marie assured with a fake smile. "Julie went to fetch them so they will join us momentarily. But Philippe, won't you tell me more about Italy?"
.
Julie had left after announcing their guests' presence in their home and both Gustave and Christine tensed at the news. Gustave moved towards the door before he stopped and looked back at Christine who was sitting on the piano stool. ."Raoul is probably here for a short visit," Gustave said with sad eyes. "You don't have to go downstairs."
"I can't be rude," Christine felt her shoulders slump from somberness but her voice stayed strong. Gustave stared at his daughter blindly, wanting to protect from all harm.
"I could say you are still ill–"
"There is no reason to lie." Christine objected back with a sigh. "You mustn't worry papa, that sentiment has passed."
"Truly?"
"Yes papa." Christine reassured with a soft smile. She stood and made her way towards the door, planting a kiss on Gustave's scruffy cheek before moving past him. Gustave shut the door behind him and followed his daughter to the front room. There was so much pain that his daughter was fighting and he admired her for being so strong.
They walked down the stairs to the front room and found the Marie and the two gentlemen talking amicably. They seemed to be in deep conversation that they didn't even notice them walk into the room. Gustave used this chance to look at Christine with questioning eyes, asking if she was truly ready for it. His daughter responded with a soft smile and a tiny nod. Gustave turned back to his guests and cleared his throat.
"Good evening," he greeted. Both Raoul and Philippe automatically stood up to greet Gustave and Christine.
"Good to see you again, Uncle Gustave." Raoul said with a charming grin. His eyes panned over to Christine but his smile never faltered. "I am glad to hear that you are better, Christine."
Christine's lips curled up only slightly, more for obligation rather than pleasure. "Yes, thank you. It was a simple flu or such but I am much better now." she assured, her voice soft and uninviting.
Marie quickly decided to move the conversation elsewhere. "Papa, Raoul brought a friend that I also had the pleasure of knowing." she said, giving Philippe the chance to introduce himself.
"Philippe de Jouventeau, at your service monsieur." he said, shaking the Baron's hand before turning to Christine. He took her extended hand and placed a longing kiss that caused Christine to jerk her hand back in the most politest way she could.
"But Marie how could you have our guests here without offering them anything!" Gustave scolded playfully, attempting to lighten the air. He rang his bell for Julie who came within seconds before asking her to bring in some tea and biscuits. "So tell me, Raoul," he began as they all sat down. "Will you be going to Vasing?"
"In a couple of days," Raoul confirmed. "Which reminds me that my maman invites you all to spend some time there with us. The garden is grand, the estate is enormous for all of us to enjoy, there is a music room, and there is much to see there."
"Oh that would be so wonderful!" Marie said, clapping her hands together joyfully. "I don't even remember Vasing! Is that where we will live once we're married?" she asked.
Christine flinched at the question and everyone suddenly became very quiet. Gustave's eyes darted to Christine who only stared blankly, trying very hard to keep her composure. Raoul noticed her as well and couldn't help but feel sorry for her. He looked at Gustave who was trying to comfort his daughter with his eyes. Marie tapped her fingers to her mouth softly. "I'm sorry… I forgot." she said, excusing her outburst. "Did Raoul tell you of our engagement?" she asked Philippe.
"Yes and I offer my congratulations." he replied sincerely. "I am happy for you both."
Christine bit back tears before turning to Raoul and giving him a kind smile. "I am happy for you as well." she expressed. Raoul looked back at her but he could not return the smile, not when he could see that the pain was eating her.
"Thank you," he softly said.
Marie opened her mouth to say something but quickly closed it again. Christine was the least person she cared to think about but even she felt pity for her at this moment. It seemed that no matter what happened, her eldest sister was going to be in love with Raoul de Chagny forever. Perhaps only if someone else came to steal her heart away could she be happier again. That way, Marie wouldn't have to deal with her melancholic attitude and face wherever she went.
Only time would tell.
A/N: Hope everyone had awesome holidays and a safe New Years!
Seems like Erik and Christine are more alike than they think eh? Woot woot!
Gustave is such a sweet father! Along with Madame Giry, ofc.
Aweawee .3. glad Erik was there to save Christine too. Shoooooot. That could have ended badly and then my story would only have been six chapters long lol.
R&R! (:
