Chapter 10: Burnt Out

Phantasma was filled with energy; The queues seemed endless for every attraction but not a single visitor minded because they were all having such a wonderful time. Erik had a lot of paperwork to get through and Rose had to go and oversee work that was happening in the multiple bakeries over the island.

Rose had been on her rounds when she saw Christine and the Vicomte having a loud disagreement which resulted in the Vicomte storming off; Rose approached an upset Christine with a concerned expression,

"Is everything ok?" she asked, placing a comforting hand on the singers shoulder when she saw that she was crying and offered her a tissue; Christine smiled with sad sniffle, accepting it,

"Thank you... Oh. Things just haven't been right between us lately... Not like they used to be. I'm sorry... I shouldn't be burdening you with this" Christine murmured sadly,

"It's alright. Talking helps... So does a nice cup of tea. Come on, I'm on my way to another of my bakeries" Rose invited and Christine smiled tearfully before following after her.

Rose brought Christine and herself some tea and sat down at the table with her,

"... If you don't mind me asking... What were you and your husband arguing about?" Rose asked gently and watched as Christine wiped away some fresh tears,

"... Raoul... He has always loved to have a little thrill in his life... Unfortunately he gets that thrill from gambling... He was on a business trip in Monty Carlo and... He ended up going out for drinks with his business associates. It resulted in him gambling away our entire fortune on a roulette table..." Christine admitted and Rose could only frown,

"I'm sorry. That must have been hard for you both" Rose replied, watching as Christine nodded in confirmation,

"It's the only reason why I took the opportunity to sing here. The money will help us start again... Raoul hates it when I sing. It brings back bad memories for him... I'm sorry. I really shouldn't talk about this. I should go and find him. Thank you for your kindness" Christine bid before hurrying out of the bakery and Rose couldn't help but feel sorry for the singer; She gave herself a mental note to inform the establishments which served alcohol to put a strict limit when it came to serving the Vicomte.

It was the end of the day after the last ferry had left the docks and Rose made her way to the Phantasma cafe and sat down at one of the tables; Gangle's wife came over and gave her a menu before lighting a candle that sat in the middle of the table,

"Do you know what you would like or would you like some time to look over the menu?" she asked,

"I'm actually waiting for someone so I'll wait if that's ok" Rose explained politely with a smile and Mrs Gangle smiled before placing another menu on the table,

"Ok. Just call if you need anything" she told her before going back into the kitchens.

Erik was finishing off some paperwork when there was a knock on his door; He stood from his desk and went and opened the door and was stunned,

"Christine..." he murmured, not sure what to do as he saw her smile,

"I knew you would be here... The song I sang last night... Only your music could make me feel that way" Christine told him and Erik was speechless as she reached up a tender hand, brushing her fingertips against his masked face causing him to close his eyes in bliss,

"Christine, I..." Erik tried,

"I need you to forgive me, Angel... For all that I did. For betraying you... For being so blind... I understand now... It's you I love" Christine whispered, cupping his cheek and Erik was lost in her deep blue eyes,

"... My name is Erik..." he murmured, watching how she smiled brightly,

"Erik... I love you" she whispered and it all happened so quickly as Christine moved forward and pressed a sweet kiss to his lips which soon became passionate as Erik wrapped his arms around her before pulling her into the room and closed the door behind him.

Rose waited... And waited... And waiting; Mrs Gangle couldn't help but look at the girl with a sad expression. Rose finally looked down in defeat as the candle in the middle of the table burnt out and she stood, wrapping her shawl around her and offered Mrs Gangle a sad smile,

"I'm sorry for keeping you open so long... Goodnight" she told her before leaving a tip on the table and left; Not allowing Mrs Gangle to see the humiliated tear fall down her cheek.

It was the very next morning that Erik stirred to find a bare Christine in his arms and he smiled softly; Brushing a gentle kiss to her bare shoulder and only stood from the bed, pulling his trousers on when he heard a knock on his door. He opened it to find a rather upset Rose standing there and he realized,

"... Dinner... Oh Rose I am so sorry" he told her, putting a hand over his eyes,

"I didn't want to believe the obvious reason as to why you didn't show up... I told myself that work detained you over and over again in my mind... I hope you and Christine had a wonderful night together" Rose said firmly, gesturing over his shoulder causing him to turn to find a rather bashful Christine whom had pulled on his dress shirt to hide her naked body; Erik turned back just as Rose walked away,

"Rose, please... I can explain..." he called after her in vain and inwardly winced when he heard the door at the end of the corridor slam with a loud bang.

Erik tried to talk to Rose but she would always walk away from him or not open the door when he knocked; Things got worse a few weeks later due to the fact that Erik had to send for the doctor... Christine had began to suffer from morning sickness.

UH OH! Feel free to send Erik a virtual slap! Also well done to lovepeacebubble121x for predicting what would happen! haha :D lol I am becoming too predictable but don't worry! There is more to come! Don't give up hope! Review for Chapter 11!

Kind Regards,

TheAuthor1996