Chapter 6

A Rose

Christine stirred fitfully before waking. She looked at the clock. 9:30 a.m, had she slept all night? She groggily sat up in the bed. She looked around the room for any sign that Erik, could have been in the room He was nowhere in sight. Had this all been a dream, or some terrible nightmare, and she was back at the de Chagny estate? She began emerging from her groggy state, and realized she was not at the estate. She breathed a sigh of relief at the realization. She would much rather be at the Giry house than at the huge de Chagny estate, where she obviously felt she didn't belong. She smiled at the realization that she was with Erik and not Raoul. She turned back to the night stand and noticed something that she had not found earlier. It was a single blood red rose tied with a black satin ribbon, just as she had received at the opera.

It certainly brought back fond memories of the days when she was a young protoge' at the opera, and she was being tutored by her mysterious tutour. She then noticed something that was laying beside the rose. Beside it was a note. Christine picked the piece of paper up, and cradled it in her hands. It was folded neatly. On the front of it, written in very neat handwriting, was her name. This must be from Erik. She smiled once more. He must have slipped in while I was sleeping and dropped this by, she thought to herself. She then opened the note carefully.

My darling,

I trust you slept well. I made sure you were not distubed as you slept. If you haven't noticed already, I placed a rose on your nightstand, along with this note. Please accept it as a token of my love. And also, please do not think you are disturbing me if you wish to visit me. You are always welcome.

I will be in my room most of the morning, taking care of much needed business, but Mme Giry and Little Meg will be here. I am sure you will not be bored. I will do my best to finish as quickly as I possibly can.

All my love,

Erik

Christine glanced over the note once more and smiled. She folded it back up and returned it to the nightstand. She then slowly made her way out of the bed kicking the covers of her. She walked to the wardrobe and picked out a pale green day dress. She dressed and went to the mirror, and looked at herself in disgust. She always hated that she looked so pale, She picked up a hairbrush, and brushed it and pinned it up, She smoothed out her dress and and looked at herself in the mirror once more, just to make sure she hadn't missed anything.

She hurried out the bedroom door, and into the hall. She paused a moment at Erik's door, and then walked out the door and headed for the stairs. Just as she reached the bottom stairs, she was met by Meg.

"Hello Meg," Christine said cheerfully.

"Hi Christine, Mother is in the kitchen making breakfast." Meg said as the pointed toward the kitchen, that was set at the very back of the house. The fresh scent of buscuits and gravy along with the scent of bacon and eggs escaped the kitchen and to Christine's nose. She took in a deep breath and looked toward the kitchen.

"Something sure smells good, Meg.' Christine said as she stepped off the bottom step.

Meg turned her head in the direction of the kitchen. She shrugged her shoulders. "Oh that's just Mother doing what she does best, making people fat."

Christine chuckled. "Meg, you don't know how I'm in dire need of a good meal."

"I think I may have an idea, Christine." Meg said with a smile.

Christine turned and looked back up the stairs, briefly before joining Meg.

"Meg, can we have breakfast in the kitchen this morning since Erik isn't going to joining me for breakfast.

As she reached the botton step, she felt a gentle hand placed on her shoulder. A voice then whispered in her ear.

"Who says I'm not going to be joining you for breakfast, my angel."

Christine closed her eyes and smiled. She recognized the voice instantly. She slowly turned around to face him.

Erik glanced at Meg, who in turn gave him a nod and disappeared into the kitchen. Erik then turned his attention back to Christine.

Christine was a bit puzzled. "Erik, I thought you would be working most of the morning, and didn't want to be disturbed,"

He replied with a gentle kiss to her neck. "Who says I can't take a break and have breakfast with the woman I love,"

He ran his fingers through her curly, chocolate locks. "Christine, you've only been back with me a few days, take it easy and relax."

He looked at her intently. "Is something wrong? you seem a bit tense."

Christine shook her head, she turned away, not meeting his gaze, but she did not say anything.

"Christine."

He breathed a deep sigh, and took her by the hand, "Come on, lets go upstairs. We can talk in my room in private." and he gently led her upstairs.