Hello my devoted readers! I am exceptionally sorry that it literally took me forever to update this story. I have quite a long list of excuses, but the most likely cause of delay was my internet these last few weeks. Anyway, I gave this chapter to a devoted Phantom Stalker. I promised her that I would not change a word and that she could have her own plot for this one (I had no choice, I was hospitalized). Lol! But please, read it, enjoy it and review it. :)
Chapter 8
Christine found Erik's arms replaced by the blanket he had wrapped her in. She was uncomfortable and mildly stiff and opening her eyes she understood why. She was still lying on the floor of their living room where they had spent the night. Erik had lit the fire as she slept and the warm air was welcomed.
She found Erik in the kitchen over a sizzling pan of heavenly smelling chicken breasts and bacon; in another pan she saw mushrooms in some sauce that made her mouth water. She scanned the counter further and found a bowl of crisp fresh salad in a delicate looking glass bowl. She marvelled at the way he worked over the fire lit stove, how he carefully worked with the food as if he was busy with a work of art. He was an exceptionally talented cook.
Erik felt two small arms wrap around his torso from behind and soon after soft kisses made them known on his back. He took the pan from the hot stove and placed it on the marble slab that served as a cooling board for hot surfaces. He then took her hand and spun under her arm pulling her closer to him in the process. They danced and laughed for a few minutes before she let him go to finish the preparations.
"How was yesterday, love?" He was busied himself with the food again, setting up the plates and organising the food extraordinarily.
She could have told him it was wonderful. Playing dumb, she could have said they should have more nights in front of the fire, but she sensed he wanted a serious answer. "Both Madam Giri and Meg are attending."
"That's wonderful news! I look forward to see Madam Giri again. I owe her so much." He talked on about his appreciation towards her for helping him all those years ago.
"I saw…" she took a deep breath as he talked. "I saw Raoul," she said a little more firmly.
He looked up from his artwork at her, his mouth still frozen in the form of the word he just uttered. She didn't look at him. It wasn't guilt that made her look away, it was the pure fact that she was afraid of what could lurk beneath those eyes. She had seen him murder before and she didn't want that anger to trigger his more violent nature again, ever!
"What did he say?" His voice was gentle and calm.
She had to look up now, just to see the face that accompanied that beautifully calm voice. "He wanted answers I didn't really have. He wanted to know why I left him and I understand that he wasn't satisfied with the reason I gave him." She paused a moment. "He does seem to be adjusting well enough. I presume he and Meg fancies each other." At that she smiled.
"My dear, I need you to do me but one favour. Please, don't ever be alone with that man." He wrapped arms around her shoulders. "Despite my exceptionally insecurities," he chuckled at his own joke and Christine smiled with him, "it is not for my benefit. A man's jealousy is often a dangerous thing. He might not even want to do anything, but one wrong word uttered can trigger exceptionally scary repercussions." He took her face in her hands. "Promise me."
"I promise you that I will never, on my own accord, be alone with him." She saw the confused look Erik gave her. "Sometimes certain actions cannot be stopped."
Erik smiled that beautifully crooked smile that made her heart jump. As he finished plating their breakfast he couldn't help but wonder if she regretted her decision to choose him. That thought was soon dismissed with memories of their excursions of the previous night. She came back and that's all that mattered.
Over their meal they discussed where the wedding will be held, what will be worn, who else would be invited, exc.
"He could always have that traditional chapel wedding," Erik suggested.
"Because we've acted traditional these last few days," Christine said with her eyebrow raised.
"Just think on it, dear. I'm willing to walk into a crowded room without a mask and staring faces… all for you." He sighed. "It will ultimately be your choice."
"You do realise that you are also sharing my blissful day which makes it your choice too. I will not take up responsibility alone."
"Let's discuss the attire then. What will we wear?" He took her hand. "My dear, spare no cost. This is my gift to you."
Christine smiled softly at him. "I don't want anything bought or made. I'm hoping you kept that exquisite wedding dress you showed me on our first encounter." She stared at him through lazy lids with long lashes. "As frightening as it seemed at the time I could not stop imagining myself in that dress."
Erik's chuckle was one of pure delight. "I would not rid me of that dress even if I had the courage to. It was my only hope at a time."
"And you could wear that rather dashing suite you wore on the last night the Populaire saw."
"It would seem fitting as I'm quite sure it was the outfit you fell in love with more than it was the man." Erik smiled.
"I cannot deny the impression it made was quite… exhilarating." She brushed her fingers over his arm.
The last few weeks they had shared together came rushing back to her. Each touch still made her shiver. Each kiss still made her stomach flutter. It was as if every sensation was experienced as the first each time. She looked into his eyes and saw the darkened pools of lust. She wished that she had the courage to tell him that she wasn't as fragile as he handled her. She wished he would be less afraid of hurting her and more open towards her.
She couldn't complain all too much. Every time they made love it was unexplainable. Nothing could compare, but she yearned for him to touch her like he'd never had before. She wanted him to want her as badly as she wanted him. She wanted him to lust after her and show her how much it frustrated him when he could not have her.
She had nothing to complain about and she didn't intend on starting now, but she just wished he'd handle her less fragile. She'd show him. She'd work up the courage and show him what she wanted from him. Not now, but soon after their marriage. She intended on changing their whole sex life, but like any woman should… with instruction.
"Would you mind accompanying me to the town this afternoon? We need a few supplies, including new sheets." Erik gave her a devious smile and she blushed. Yes, she still had to build up the courage.
Christine had her own agenda as they headed to town. She would slip away for a few minutes, not long. She'd go to that dark shop were woman wore large hats to hide their faces when they wandered in. She promised herself to be more daring and less fragile. She had to take that chance, at least once.
As they neared the town her heart began to thrust against her chest. Doubt seeped into her mind, but she quickly dismissed those thoughts out of fear that she might change her mind. She had her plan all made up, no going back now.
They browsed the windows of the shops that held elegant dresses and handsome suits but still decided on their discussed attire. Erik offered to buy her a few beautiful dresses, but she declined them saying that she only wore clothes when she left the house and didn't need any more. He smiled and kissed her lovingly to which a woman gasped. And then she heard them… the whispers.
"It's the Phantom," they whispered.
"Look at his deformed face. It's hideous," someone said with acknowledgement from surrounding people.
"Such a beauty must have been kidnapped."
There were harsh words. Words that made her flinch and her heart ache. She kept her eyes locked on Erik's and saw the pain it caused him. His eyes were still soft, but it was the eyes of a broken hearted little child. She touched his face, the face he cursed and people found revolting. She stroked his cheek.
"I'm not them. I love you for everything you are, mistakes and all." She pulled his face closer to hers, but he resisted. She still pulled him closer and finally their lips met accompanied with appalled noises around them.
"Are you all that perfect that you can judge a man's face?" A deep voice questioned the crowd. "Are you all unscarred within as well? This man has murdered, yes, but why? Did any of you pathetic people of perfection show him the compassion he deserved? Did you realise how deep his pain went? Do you know his history?" The crowd had started to part for this mysterious man. "You know nothing of pain. You know nothing of suffering! This man was once a boy given up by his mother, pulled around by the circus. Tortured soul. How dare you judge a man on his appearance?" Christine could see a silhouette of the man. She saw him turning to the man next to him. "You, sir, are a pretty ugly bastard and you judge him? How cowardly." The man he just faced wore a shocked expression and made a high pitched gasp. "Shame to all of you!"
Finally the crowd had moved away from the man enough for Christine to have clear view of the man who stood up for The Phantom of the Opera. He was exceptionally well dressed. His clothes oozed money. He had a handsome face with good sharp features. But his eyes startled her; they were a pale shade of grey that stood out from the crowd. His eyes met hers.
"How hard can it be to accept that every person can be loved no matter the past they hide?" He looked at her, silencing her with his pale grey eyes.
The man started walking towards them. For a few moments nothing really mattered for this man intrigued her beyond anything. He had the confidence to stand up for a murderer in front of a hateful crowd yet she sensed he was no stranger to Erik. When he at last reached them she could inspect him more closely. He was undoubtedly handsome. He was broad shoulders and an olive complexion, his hair was dark and touches his shoulders. His face was perfect with a straight nose and chiselled jaw, save for the scars that covered his features.
He stuck out his hand to Erik, now looking at him. On his hand she also saw many scars covering his hand. Erik stared at his hand for a few moments and suddenly the mysterious man was pulled into a warm embrace.
"Nicolas!" Erik laughed.
This man named Nicolas was clearly a dear friend of Erik, something that made Christine exceptionally curious. When Erik finally let Nicolas go he turned to Christine and took her hand.
"I am Nicolas, fair lady," he said before he kissed her hand. "Who might you be?"
"Nicolas, I would like to introduce you to Christine," Erik wrapped an arm around her, "my fiancée."
Nicolas's eyebrows lifted as he processed the news Erik just gave him. "How did someone like you manage to find someone as beautiful as this creature before me?" Nicolas laughed as he teased Erik.
Christine looked at Erik to see whether he was offended, but he was smiling. Between them something happened. These were friends who had seen hardship together.
"Would you like to accompany us home?" Christine asked. "I would love to hear you tale of friendship."
"Please do, Nicolas. We have much to catch up on."
"I suppose I could do with company for a while." His smile was warm and welcoming.
"Erik, love, would you mind waiting here? I need to run an errand of my own." With the thoughts of this new man still running through her mind she almost forgot the one thing she needed done here.
She didn't wait for Erik to respond, or for the crowd to disperse. She didn't need his questions. She walked with her head down to the filthiest corners of the square, the darkest store. There was no sign, the windows were lined with dark red curtains and the floor was dusty.
"What brings you round this here store, love? You look like the type that buys from expensive boutiques." She wasn't the friendliest person ever.
"I'm looking for something." Christine wanted to continue, but was interrupted.
"Oh, you want something raunchy?!" The woman shouted in a shrill loud voice. "I know what you want, hold on."
"I really don't have time to wait too-"
"Yes, yes, yes… don't worry I won't take too long, either," the woman interrupted her again.
Christine waited until the woman came back with a black box. It wasn't sealed with a ribbon like other stores she bought at, instead the lid just barely fit and she could see lacy material peeking from under the lid. The woman placed the box on the table and lifted the lid off slowly. Christine gasped at the outfit that stared at her. She blushed when the woman took it from the box.
"I guarantee you'll be able to fix any problem with this outfit, love." The woman smiled mischievously at Christine then pushed the box in her hands.
It was quite something new, but Christine found the idea of Erik's reaction much too amusing to pass the chance to buy the outfit. She paid what she owed and was soon off. She didn't head to Erik directly after she had made her purchase, instead made a detour to where the carriage stood. She stuffed the parcel under the seats and then made her way to Erik.
"Nicolas will be joining us at our wedding, dear," Erik said when she met up with them again.
"Nicolas, you promised me the story of how you and Erik met… and your history. Can I look forward to an eventful evening tonight?" Erik took hold of Christine's hand.
"Fair lady, you will be introduced to a tale of woe and friendship like none you have ever heard of." Nicolas's eyes sparkled when he spoke of the evening ahead…
So, a few people have asked me why Erik turned so immaculately soft throughout my story. Well, the answer is simple: He was shown compassion. Erik was shown love and acceptance with no limits, on its own time it caused Erik's hatred to deteriorate. I tried to do it in stages... In the first few chapters he is still quite formal towards Christine, but now he is willing to walk without a mask and talks openly about his appreciation for Madam Giri. (I'm mushy like that)
