Here, mrs. jacobb . I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous review that MADE MY DAY!
Erik sat at his piano playing a flowing, magical tune. His expression was nothing less than full of passion. (I am sure all of you can picture that expression ;) Christine sat next to him, with her eyes closed; listening. When he finished, he wrapped his arms around her, and she put her head on his shoulder.
"Oh, it was flawless. What shall you call it, my love?" Christine asked.
"Stars in the Water. It's not finished yet, though."
"Not finished?" Christine repeated; surprised. "It's perfect!"
"No, it still has some flaws here and there…" He said taking his quill and scratching something out on his music sheet. Christine chuckled.
"Well, I think it is superb." She said quietly, rubbing his back. She then gazed at the beautiful design. "Is this jacket new?"
"Yes, I bought some material from the clothing shop near by. I thought it would make a good jacket."
"You made this? Erik, you are a genius in everything." She said.
Once finished with "perfecting" his newest piece, he stood up and took Christine's hand.
"May I have this dance, Miss. Daaé?" He asked.
"But where is the live orchestra? You cannot play music while dancing!" She said.
"We don't need music to move around in each other's arms. I agree- it would be better, but we don't need it."
"I am surprised at you!" She said making an exaggerated gasp. "You, who thinks music is the most important thing in the world!"
"Oh, hush, Christine and place your hand on my shoulder." She did so.
"But look- we are bumping in to all the junk which surrounds us. You are so messy, Erik!" Erik let go.
"Fine; we won't dance." He said. She walked around the area behind his organ.
"You really should make some walking space in this mess." She picked up a piece of art work which was on the floor. And pointed at a shoe print which was right in the center of the picture.
"I stepped on it once."
"Oh, for a genius you are not smart at all; to step on this lovely piece of art with a muddy boot!" She said laughing. He put his hands on his hips sternly. "Don't pout, dear!" She rushed to him and wrapped her arms around him, smothering him with kisses. He smiled.
"What would I ever do without you, Christine?"
The days went by, and preparations were continually made. It was now one day before the wedding. Erik was now in his lair trying a tuxedo that Andre found where the costumes were kept. Erik said it was silly to use a costume, but after seeing the tuxedo, he agreed to wear it, for it was very nice. He was fumbling at the bow-tie when he saw Christine walk in through the reflection of the looking-glass. He turned around.
"Oh, dear, could you help me with this?" He asked. She nodded and walked slowly over and then tied it into a perfect bow. "Thank you. There- that's much better." He said, eyeing himself in the mirror. "Though I much prefer cravats." He noticed that Christine did not smile at his comment. In fact, she looked very distressed. She walked over to his harp stool and sat down. He pulled up the piano stool and sat beside her.
"What's the matter?" He asked. He saw that she had been crying.
"Oh, Erik." She said turning her face away from him. He gently put his leather gloved hand on her chin and wiped away a tear. She looked in his eyes and then burst into tears. He hugged her.
"There, there…. What is it, my sweet?" He said softly. He pulled out his handkerchief and gave it to her.
"I'm sorry." She said, clutching onto the white linen.
"It is fine, dear. Come now, what is troubling you?" She stood up and walked towards the mirror.
"My great-grandmother…." She began.
"The one in Uppsala, who could not take care of you when you were sent here?" He asked.
"Yes. She is very ill." Christine bit her lip, and turned to face him. "She's dead." Erik stood up and took her hands, kissing them.
"Oh, I am so sorry. I didn't know. But, you haven't even met her… have you?"
"No, I haven't. But- her late husband has sent for me immediately. He needs me to be there at the funeral. And to sign documents on her and her will…" Christine's voice trailed off.
"When is this to take place?"
"Today." She whispered; squeezing her eyes shut. Erik's eyes widened. And there was a brief pause.
"Oh, don't fret," He said embracing her. "We can put the wedding off. I'll come with you. It's all okay." He said.
"But you can't" Her voice broke.
"Why not?"
"In the will, it said, and this was not a request, that I am to m-marry her adopted son; for we were pledged to one another." She said, fresh tears in her eyes.
"Is this some sort of joke? Some trick?" He asked.
"No! Why on earth would I make up something as horrible as this? I cannot marry you, Erik! And I am to leave Paris forever!" She said rushing away. Erik paced around.
"I shall see to this!" He said to himself. "No one takes my Christine from me. And she cannot be forced to marry this man! After all those years; it just isn't possible!" He raced over to change and threw on his cloak. He then ran up to Madame Giry's room. She was not in it; but he knew how to get in. He opened a drawer and found a train ticket to Sweden; she had once told him where to find this ticket if he should ever need to get away. He took it and put his sword in his belt.
"No one takes my Christine from me!"