Erik was sitting on the sofa reading the newspapers. I kept to my house chores and to Charles, who nursed me as I dusted the mantel and swept the chimney. Erik went wide-eyed and called me over; he handed me the paper and stood up to pace the room. I sat where he was and began to read as Charles still nursed...
Monsieur le Vicomte searches for his fiancèe, Madamiouselle Christine Daáe. According to all of the Paris Opera staff, the infamous Opera Ghost has ran off with the young lady. Christine has been missing for an entire year and will not be left alone until found dead or alive. Christine is about five foot six with blonde hair and dark eyes. If you find her, please send a letter to le Vicomte De Chagny's mansion on Rue Scribe.
"What the hell are we going to do, Christine?"
I stared at the paper once more, did people miss me that much? I stared back up at Erik and began, "There's only one thing we can do. We have to go to Paris."
"No. Christine, do you have any idea what will happen to me in Paris?! There's got to be another way!"
"There is no other way. We have to go to Paris and turn me in."
"Christine, what if we never see each other again? What about Charles?"
"He'll stay with you. I can't trust being with him. Erik, we've come this far. Believe me, we'll never have to be without each other."
"But Christine..."
"Erik. I need to do this. You need to stay here. I'll be back, I promise."
He nodded and took Charles from me. I ran upstairs into our room and started to pump milk from my breast, as I did that I packed a small bag with clothes. I finished pumping milk and left three full jars on the end table. I ran back downstairs with my bag and Erik gave me a handful of money. I gave him a kiss and said, "I left three jars of breast milk on the end table. Charles should be fine until I get back."
Erik stared at me with a sort of sadness, "What if you don't make it back? What if they take you?"
"I'll be fine. Believe me, dear. Even if I don't come back, I love you. Remember that."
"Always."
I stepped out of the house and ran up to the train station, which was right across the road. I bought one ticket to Paris and boarded the train quickly, with my bag in hand. I went into my cart and looked out of the window as Germany went away righty before my eyes. I never thought I'd call this place my home, but it was as home to me as Sweden.
It's short, I know. But I promise that the next chapter will be much longer :)
