As the months drew nearer to spring, the jay's wing grew stronger, and its fear faded away; within a few weeks, it had turned instead to contentment. It beat Erik's morning song by a good hour, but Sophia usually stayed in bed until Erik could have his satisfaction. And while they were both happy to see the bird's progress in healing, neither one looked forward to the day they would have to set it free.
In the meantime, Erik and Sophia grew accustomed to studying the Bible each evening. Sophia would dine with the rest of the staff before filling a plate and climbing the stairs, finding Erik already seated and thumbing through the pages until he found a passage he wanted to study. Some days, their discussion went on long into the night, until a quick glance at the sleeping jay would remind them of the time. They would then say their good night prayers together before Erik would return to his passageway.
On one evening in particular, he chose to read through the thirteenth chapter of the first book of Corinthians. As each definition of love was spoken, it grew more and more difficult for them to look each other in the eye. Is this us….? Was the thought they both shared, but gave no voice to. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." As Sophia finally read the last two verses, their eyes met. A silence fell between them as they each waited for the other to begin the discussion. Is this us?
As if on cue, the jay gave out a soft chirp before preening its feathers, bringing Erik and Sophia back to their surroundings. "I...I suppose, then..." Erik cleared his throat, "if...love is not self-seeking...then we should not keep our little friend here longer than it needs to be..."
"Y—you're...absolutely right…' Sophia nodded, willing her cheeks to go back to their natural color.
"I'll check the wing at the end of the week..."Erik closed up the Bible.
"That sounds good..." She nodded, still lost in her own thoughts.
"..Shall we...pray then…?" Erik suggested, and Sophia merely nodded.
How can this one woman's smile erase a lifetime of anger...bitterness...hatred...? You sent her to me, didn't You, God? To use her to touch my life...my soul….to bring me to You….to show me Your love…? Oh, Heavenly Father...it's true, isn't it? I...I love her…!
The feelings in regards to Erik remained with Sophia throughout class the next morning, and Meg Giry was quick to pick up on them. Erik had indeed sought her mother's advice a few times since the afternoon tea, but it was obvious there were some questions he was holding back from her. Neither of them were aware of Meg's presence during these meetings, of course, but the secrecy was now weighing heavily on her. Now, seeing her teacher lost to her daydreams, she knew she couldn't let the issue rest any longer without her help. As she left the classroom that morning, a plan started to form in her mind. The Opera House would be hosting a special guest over the weekend—the Swedish violinist Gustaave Daae, his soprano daughter Christine, and Christine's baritone fiancé Raoul DeChagney. Perhaps she could persuade the three of them to provide background music….Yes, it just might work, but she would need to hurry. Rushing through lunch, she excused herself to get a 'forgotten item from her dorm room'.
Sophia,
I would very much enjoy your company in Box Five tonight, promptly at six o'clock. There is much I would like to discuss with you.
Your Friend,
E.
Erik,
There is something of utmost importance that I wish to talk with you about. Please meet me in Box Five tonight, around six o-clock.
Your friend,
Sophia
As Sophia stepped through the forbidden door, she was greeted with the sight of a candlelit dinner set up at a table for two between the two center seats of Box Five. Blushing, she felt Erik enter with a ruffle of the curtain. She turned to face him then. "Erik, what-?"
"I...was about to ask you the same thing..." Erik took in the sight. "How did you do all this?"
"I—I didn't..! Y—you mean..."
"No..." He reached into his pocket, retrieving a small piece of paper. When he showed her the contents of the page, her eyes widened.
"I...received the same thing, signed by you..."
"Well then….it appears someone here wishes for us to dine together..." Erik slowly went over, pulling out one of the chairs for her. As she sat, she felt her hands begin to shake. Sitting down across from her, Erik gently placed his hand over hers. "Don't be nervous...We're simply two friends, preventing this food from going to waste..." He offered a soft smile, and she felt herself relax. As they picked up their silverware, soft music sounded from the stage below. Bewildered, they peered over the railing to see their musical visitors.
"Perhaps...they're simply rehearsing…?" Sophia suggested.
"You could be right..." Erik responded. He did not reveal that the small family had already practiced earlier, and he now realized they'd been practicing for this moment.
"They're...very good..." Sophia took a bite of food, and whatever she believed, Erik noticed that she was relaxing with every note played and sung. It was as if they were once again watching her first opera, only this time, there was no reason for him to hide. And then, her mind drifted to the first masquerade and their dance together. Is this why the mystery matchmaker chose this location? But who else would have known of either of those nights? Madame Giry? Paulette?
"Tell me...what's on your mind…?" Erik brought her back to the present.
"Oh...everything and nothing, I suppose..." Sophia smiled a bit. "Trying to figure out who might have done this..."
"Having been the secretive writer and trickster before, I've learned that it's best to leave the mystery unsolved as long as no one is getting hurt..."
"Perhaps you're right..." She sighed a bit, smiling.
"But of course..." He chuckled, pushing his empty plate aside. As the music continued, he slowly rose to his feet, extending a hand. "Shall we…?" Sophia nodded, allowing him to help her up before leading them in a slow dance. It wasn't long before she felt herself snuggle into his arms once again, closing her eyes. I shouldn't get used to this...It isn't proper… But the more she felt his heartbeat against her cheek...the more she heard the music surround her and fill her...the more at home she started to feel. It scares me… Just as before, she reminded herself of her lack of experience in this area. Unlike with Monsieur Lauder, however, she could not picture her future without Erik being a part of it. And that scared her even more; she remembered he wanted her to not allow her happiness to depend on him. Just as she was about to pull back, however, he seemed to gently hold her closer. "You...you feel it too, don't you…?"
"I—I think so..." She slowly looked up at him, seeing tears in his eyes that matched her own.
"I'm...I'm not sure how to proceed from here, I'm afraid..." Erik admitted.
"N—neither do I..." The nervousness was returning, and Erik seemed to sense it.
"Fresh air, perhaps..?"
"Yes...that sounds perfect..." Sophia smiled, and she started to stack their dishes. Erik placed his hand on hers once more, stopping her.
"Whoever arranged this will surely take care of those themself. This is not your shift to be working..." He gently reminded her.
"If you insist..." Sophia giggled. With a quick wave to the musicians, they made their way to the main rooftop; neither one wanted to take the chance of passing through her bedroom with their feelings the way they were. The first handful of stars greeted them as another heavy silence fell between them. Erik removed his cape, wrapping it around her shoulders; though spring would soon be upon them, the chill of winter still lingered in the air. Sophia let out a final shiver before leaning into his open arms. He hummed a soothing tune, filling the void as they gathered their thoughts. The novels Sophia had read made the next steps sound so easy. None of those female characters, however, had never had to deal with a Monsieur Lauder.
"Sophia...I...I hope you know that I would never do anything that would cause you pain or fear..." Erik finally spoke, seeming to read her mind.
"I—I know..." She smiled reassuringly up at him. He returned it with a frustrated sigh.
"You place so much trust in me...I just hope that your trust is not misplaced or misguided...I want you to be happy, Sophia...I don't know if I can give you the life you've dreamed of living..."
"Erik, just being here and knowing you...it's more than I could have even thought about dreaming...!" She took his gloved hands in hers. "Outside of this...I don't know what I picture for myself...I have a roof over my head...good friends that love me...purpose in life...a God above Who provides for my every want and need...You put so much pressure on yourself...If I've added to it, I apologize...I just want you to know that I can't picture a happiness greater than this...right now, what I'm feeling..."
"But could you possibly be happy living in my caverns, Sophia?" Erik blurted out. "If...if we were to spend life together, your attic room is not large enough to allow for the children you'll eventually want...neither are the cellars safe enough..."
"Oh, Erik...Erik, I'm not worried about that..! Let's not rush things...let's take them one day at a time and see where God leads us...Perhaps, one day, if we are meant to be...He'll provide the right home at the right time..." She snuggled against him once more, reminding him of a handful of verses that talked about trusting in God and not worrying about the future.
"Y—you're right..." He finally nodded.
"Of course I am..!" She smirked, echoing his words from earlier. At that, he let out a relaxed chuckle.
"You...really are quite special, Sophia...I don't know what I would have done if you had never come here..."
"I feel the same way...I'm truly thankful that God brought us into each others' lives..."
"So...if we're to take baby steps from here...what would the next one be?" Erik gently tightened the cape around her shoulders.
"Perhaps that step has already been taken..." Sophia smiled up at him. "Realizing our feelings and...talking about them...?"
"Yes...that sounds about right..." Erik returned the smile. "That being the case, shall I escort you to your room?"
"You shall..." She linked arms with him, and they went back inside.
I talked with Raoul todayMuch of what he suggested made sense. And for him to mention that plot of land in the countryside should I ever want it...Oh, sweet Sophia, we're almost there! God, You've provided for us this far...if it is Your will, help us to get the rest of the way!
The opportunity presented itself with the first warmth of spring. Their feathered patient had healed completely, and it was time to let him fly free. At the same time, a picnic was conveniently planned for the girls to get a change of scenery before the busy season began, and so it was arranged for Madame Giry, Sophia, and Paulette to take them to the plot of land Raoul had set aside. Erik would serve as one of the carriage drivers, remaining hidden while still included enough to see the land for himself. He had not told Sophia of his talk with the young vicomte for fear of getting her hopes up too quickly. Instead, he simply described the land as being donated for the Opera House's use. There was truth in this statement, for Erik had sold a number of songs, operas, and art pieces through Madame Giry in order to pay for it. Until he could find some way of building a future for himself and Sophia, he would gladly allow them to use it whenever the occasion presented itself.
Upon arrival, Sophia glanced through the bars of the bird cage, a lump forming in her throat. She had grown used to the various squawks and chirps the jay emitted, to the point of finding it comforting. But now, it was time to say good bye. She knew, of course, that the countryside would be better for the bird, and much safer. Even now, as she breathed in the fresh air, her spirits lifted. Has it really been almost two whole years? How she longed to jump out right then and there, dancing in the warmth and freedom, not caring who was watching. This is home... "Your home, little one..." She whispered to her feathered companion. Accepting Erik's hand, she stepped out of the carriage, thankful that the other two women were keeping the girls busy with setting everything up. Together, Erik and Sophia made their way over to a small patch of woods. Together, they took hold of the cage door. Together, they laughed as the jay stepped out onto Sophia's hand, taking in its new surroundings. Together, they watched it take wing, disappearing above the tree tops. Together, they heard a final squawk and chirp, as if to say 'thank you.' "Will you be alright?" Erik placed a handkerchief in her hand, and she dabbed at her tears.
"Yes...I..I think so..." She choked, forcing a brave smile. He rested his hand upon her shoulder then, giving it a gentle squeeze. He could not take her in his arms like he wanted to; her pupils were too nearby. Instead, he locked his eyes on hers, silently promising that he would properly comfort her later on. Slowly, he took the birdcage from her hand.
"You should go join them..." He motioned toward the blankets. Drying her tears, she simply nodded and went over to them. When she looked back, he was already back in the carriage, in hiding once again.
As they were leaving the picnic, most of the younger girls fell asleep in their carriage seats, exhausted from the day's activities. Sophia checked to make sure the little ones in Erik's carriage were comfortable before climbing up next to him. He guided the horses to follow behind the rest before gently wrapping his arm around her. "Are you tired as well?"
"A little...It was such a beautiful day, though...and a beautiful place...The Vicomte is very generous."
"Yes..." Erik replied. He was about to reveal the whole truth when Sophia suddenly grasped his arm.
"Stop the carriage..!" Doing as he was told, he watched her jump down and run over to the bushes beside the road. Looking carefully, he saw what had caught her eye; a small boy dressed in rags was sitting there, hugging his knee. Erik climbed down and slowly approached them, careful not to frighten the child any further. "It's alright...we won't hurt you..." Sophia was saying. "Just tell me what happened..." The boy sniffled, brushing a dirt-covered hand across his face before finding his voice.
"M—my parents...th—they're sick an' w—won't wake up...I...I tried to find help...an' I got lost..." The boy was sobbing now, and Erik wrapped his cape around him. "I-it was three nights ago...a—and I saw your carriages...t—tried to catch them...an'...and I tripped an' hurt my knee..."
"Where do you live? Can you describe it?" Sophia gently wiped at his tears.
"I—I don't know..." The child choked out. "I—I just wanna g—go home..." By now, the other carriages had stopped, and Paulette came over.
"Have you had anything to eat today?" Erik spoke up. When the boy shook his head, he motioned for Paulette to fetch some leftovers. Once the boy got some fruit into his stomach, Sophia looked at Erik.
"If we move these girls into other carriages, we could take the boy and try to find his house..."
"I was thinking the same thing." Erik nodded. The arrangements were made, and, once Sophia was seated, Erik handed the boy up to her before turning back toward the picnic grounds. Between sniffles, the boy revealed that his name was Claude, and he was but five years old. The same age that I was...Sophia inwardly noted. While Erik and Claude sorted out directions and landmarks, Sophia tried to figure out how to help the boy cope with the inevitable loss he would face once they got there. Did he have family? Not nearby at least, for he surely would have gone there first... And even if he did, would they treat him the same way she was treated? An orphanage then... But most of the ones she knew of were in the poorest parts of the cities, where the children were forced to do nothing but wait to be chosen only to be disappointed day after day. It was nothing like the open countryside Claude was used to. If only...
"There!" Claude pointed excitedly, despite his weakness. Erik pulled up in front of the tiny, run-down cottage, and Sophia's heart sank.
"Why don't you stay here with me while Erik goes in to check?"
"Okay..." Claude settled back in her arms. She watched Erik climb down and knock on the door before slowly entering. Minutes later, he returned to the doorway, shaking his head sadly. Tearing up and taking a deep breath, she gently pulled Claude a little bit closer.
"I'm so sorry, little one, but it appears your parents have...gone away...to be with the angels..."
"W—without me...?" Claude looked up at her with big, brown eyes.
"Y—yes...They...they wanted to make sure that your bed in the clouds is all nice and comfortable for you...But they aren't very far away...they're right here with you...and in your memories..." Sophia gently placed her hand on his heart.
"I...I miss them..." The little boy gulped. That was all it took for Sophia to pull him all the closer, sharing in his sadness. She only vaguely noticed Erik silently join them, being the strength that they needed.
Finally, the boy's tears brought him to sleep, and Sophia gently laid him down inside the carriage, still wrapped in Erik's cape, before climbing back out to join Erik. "We should bury them..." He observed. "Should Claude be present for it..?"
"Only after they're covered..." Sophia replied, tears still drying on her cheeks. Erik pulled her close, running his fingers through her hair.
"It's been a long day, and it's getting late. You should get some rest...I'll take care of the preparations..."
"Don't stay up too late, Erik...You need sleep as well..."
"You worry too much..." He offered a small smile, tracing her jawline with his hand. Returning the smile, she gave him a hug before climbing back into the carriage and taking the other seat for a bed.
I studied them to ensure our safety in being near them. I would hate for Sophia or little Claude to meet the same fate. It appears a rusty nail is to blame, paired with an open cut as she tried to nurse him back to health. They went together, in each others arms. They went together, in love...Will that be us someday? I must keep working. The temptation to let my mind wander is far too great.
In the morning, Sophia awoke to find Claude already up and gone. At the sound of distant voices, she glanced out the window. Erik was walking back toward the house from the side yard, talking with Claude and carrying two makeshift crosses. Claude was clutching a handful of flowers, and from the sound of things, Erik had hinted at Sophia helping him make them into a wreath to drape over and connect both grave markers. At that, she climbed out of the carriage, stretching as they closed the distance. "Morning..." She greeted them with a smile.
"Did we wake you?" Erik looked at her with eyes full of concern. Smiling more, she shook her head.
"I got plenty of sleep, thank you..." She knelt down in front of Claude. "What do you have there?"
"A wreath for Mama and Papa!" The boy grinned excitedly, placing the flowers in her hands. "Except...it's not made yet..." He frowned.
"Well, we'll take care of that after breakfast..." She took his hand, leading the way into the cottage. By now, the bodies were in coffins Erik had put together overnight, using wood and nails from the stairs leading to the loft. Claude's things had been brought down and placed by the door, and the windows were open to air out the small house from the dust and sickness. Everything for breakfast was easy to find, and within minutes they were seated around the table. As Claude ate, he looked between Erik and Sophia.
"Are you gonna be my family now?" At that, the two adults looked at each other, wide-eyed.
"We could never replace your parents, little one...but...would you like us to take care of you?" Sophia finally answered.
"Would you?" There were those big, brown eyes again, and Sophia giggled.
"Then it's settled!" She grinned. "We'll return to Paris tomorrow!"
As they went about the day, Sophia noticed Erik had grown quiet and distant. He stood by, shovel in hand and emotionless as Claude said his good byes. Once the last of the dirt had been packed down and the crosses and wreath had been placed and marked, he went off by himself, mumbling something about readying the house for abandonment. Making a mental note to pull him aside later on, she took Claude down to the creek for a bit of fishing. By noon, they had caught two fish each; paired with the remainder of food from the garden and root cellar, they would have plenty for the next few meals. "Shall we go see if Erik is hungry?" Sophia dropped the last of the fish into the basket.
"I know I am!" Claude jumped up, and they made their way back toward the house. They found Erik chopping logs into planks to seal up the doors and windows, sweat pouring down his face and shirt.
"Lunch will be ready shortly, Erik...come take a break..." Sophia called to him.
"Just a few more...I must get this done if we're to leave tomorrow..." He stubbornly brought the ax down again, seemingly harder this time.
"Very well..." She fought back her confused emotions and brought Claude inside.
