That was fast! New chapter again. Just to be on the safe side, I don't own anything or anybody, yada, yada.
Thanks to my loyal readers, especially my most loyal reviewer Fairyteyla! I am sorry, though, still not much action, but I promise the Girys will be back next chapter, and once Christine is back with the de Chagnys things might get a bit more dramatic. This is still mostly our two heroes. Remember, they haven't seen each other in over a year, and both have suffered a lot. Now they are suddenly reunited... But they both know they won't have much quality time together once Christine is back with the noble family. They need to make the most out of the time they have together.
I am curious what you think what exactly their relationship is at the moment, once you have read this chapter. :-)
Chapter 10 – Train Ride
After a while Christine and Erik resumed their journey towards the little town with the train station where they would meet with Nadir and Darius, entrust César to them and take the train to Paris. They did not talk much, since they were both lost in thoughts, reliving the scene at the little clearing. Erik felt incredibly happy. Christine had accepted him for what he was, she could look at his horrible face with affection, she even was able to touch and caress his disfigured cheek without revulsion. He was beginning to believe that she really cared for him and would want him to be a part of her life again, allowing him to see her regularly. What more could he want?
Christine, on the other hand, could not get Erik's reaction to her shy caress out of her mind. That incredulous look in his eyes, when she had smiled at his deformed face and actually touched the hideousness that was his right cheek, had been proof enough to her that he had never experienced anything similar. She vaguely remembered now that he had told her something about his mother the night of "Don Juan". What had he said then? Something about his mother loathing his face and forcing him to wear a mask? Her heart went out to him. To think that an innocent child had been denied a parent's love because of something he could not help. It was no wonder his self-esteem was so low. What was surprising, though, was that this neglected, unwanted child had grown into a sensitive, understanding, caring person, who had been able to help her deal with her father's death and had supported and nurtured her emotionally during her formative years. One thing she knew for sure: She did not want to lose him again. She wanted Erik to remain in contact from now on, to see him regularly. If she was honest, she would want him to be with her as much as possible. He certainly meant a great deal to her, and she had the feeling that he needed her presence as well. She once again snuggled closer to his chest, enjoying his nearness.
Xxx
The sun was already setting when they reached the outskirts of the little town and the meeting point with Nadir and his servant. Nadir had already checked the train schedule and found out that the train to Paris would leave the next morning. Since the train station was still open, Erik decided to get the tickets right away. Christine gave him a concerned look. "Do you think there will be problems, because…" she did not finish the sentence, but her eyes glanced at Erik's mask. He smiled. His Christine was worried he could get into troubles, or might not get treated with due respect!
"If we do it right, they will not even notice my mask," Erik told her. "First, it is getting dark now, second, I am wearing that hat which shadows part of my face, and third…" he hesitated. Christine looked up at him, expectantly. "Third?" she asked. "Third," Erik continued, "if you are with me, standing to my right side, so that I can turn to you, as if I were your loving husband, concerned for my heavily pregnant wife, the clerk selling the tickets will only see my left profile." Christine smiled, she liked that plan.
They left the horse with their two friends, after Erik had detached the satchel containing Christine's clothes, his cloak and a few other necessities from César's back. If they traveled without any luggage at all they would arouse suspicion. The satchel was a bit small, but it would have to make do. Nadir looked after them, smiling. He had a feeling that he need not worry any more. Erik and the young widow seemed so comfortable with each other, as if their hearts were about to find the way to each other. Allah was obviously listening to his prayers. They both deserved some happiness after what they had been through in the past year.
Xxxx
At the train station everything went as planned , the elderly man selling the tickets did not even notice Erik's mask. He was too busy looking at the pretty young woman, who was obviously heavily pregnant. She could not wait for the train here at the train station! "Monsieur, if you allow me to make a suggestion?" he addressed Erik. "Your lovely wife should not spend the night here in the waiting room. It is not comfortable enough for somebody in her condition." Erik was about to tell him to mind his own business, when he felt Christine's tiny hand squeeze his reassuringly. He calmed down immediately, smiled at her lovingly, and thanked the man for providing him with the address of an inexpensive inn, where he could pass the night with his "wife".
Arrived at the inn they used the same trick to hide Erik's mask, except that, since the inn was more brightly lit, this time Christine was clinging much closer to Erik and he put his right cheek on top of her head, hiding his unusual facial garment in her hair. The inn-keeper smiled at them, as they left for the room he had assigned them. It was good to see a couple as much in love as these two seemed to be.
Xxx
As soon as they had reached their room, Erik locked the door behind them. Then he turned to Christine. "Since you do not have a nightgown with you, I am afraid you will have to sleep in your clothes," he said. "If you want to take off your skirt, I can turn my back to you, while you do so." He turned around and faced the wall. Christine was touched. He was such a gentleman! She quickly got out of her skirt and slid into the bed. "You can turn around," she announced. "I am decent."
Erik sat down in the chair next to a small table. "Good night, Christine. - I know this is not at all, what you are used to," he added apologetically, "but I guess it is still better than another night in a barn." Christine gave him a quizzical look. "Are you not coming to bed, Erik? You must be tired as well?"
Erik blushed. Surely he must have misunderstood. Christine could not have possibly asked him to sleep in the same bed with her? "I… you.." he fought for words. Christine realized a bit too late what could be implied by her words. She turned a deep shade of pink as well, but then she laughed. "Oh Erik," she giggled. "I know it's not appropriate, but nobody sees us anyway and we are both fully clothed, so nothing untoward can happen, not to mention my huge belly, which would prevent us from any… activity… even if we wanted to!" Erik looked at her uncertainly. How could she be so sure her belly would keep him from touching her? Was she not aware how desirable he found her despite her pregnancy? He was a man, after all, and he had the same needs as any other man.
"Come on," Christine urged. "You always take such good care of me, I want to return the favor. You need rest as much as I do, so please, come to bed." Erik hesitated, then it suddenly hit him. She trusted him. She knew she would be safe with him, that he would not dishonor her or take advantage of her in any way. "Are you sure?" he asked once again. Christine nodded. "And take your mask off," she whispered. "I saw you sleep with it last night and it seemed uncomfortable enough. When we are alone you do not have to wear it."
Erik turned off the gas light, then removed his mask in the dark, climbed into bed and stiffly lay down next to Christine. A few moments later, he felt Christine's soft touch on his deformed cheek again. "Sleep well, my Angel," she whispered and snuggled up to him. Erik did not dare to move until her regular breathing showed him that she had fallen asleep. Only then did he gingerly put his arm around her and held her close. Soon he was asleep as well – with his Christine in his arms.
Xxx
Erik awoke fairly early the next morning. It took him a while to realize he was already fully awake and not dreaming anymore. He barely could believe his eyes. The vision in front of him seemed too good to be true. His Christine was lying in bed next to him, her head on his right shoulder and his right arm was holding her protectively, while her right arm had somehow found its way around his waist. She was sleeping peacefully. Erik thought he had never before experienced such happiness. Having Christine sleep in his arms, trusting him to keep her safe, was pure ecstasy. Never before had any woman wanted to have anything to do with him, they had all been disgusted by his face and afraid of him. Except for Christine. She was different. She was not afraid, she could look at his face without disgust and she trusted him. She was aware of his feelings for her and she still trusted him to behave like a gentleman and not to touch her.
Christine stirred in his arms and opened her eyes. She smiled at him. "Good morning, Angel," she suppressed a yawn. "I hope you are well rested?" Erik was in awe. Despite the highly inappropriate situation, all Christine could think about, was if he had slept well? He looked down at her. "Christine, you are aware that we should not be in the same bed together," he began. Christine nodded. "Yes, I know, we discussed this last night. But you are also aware that my life is in danger and the life of my baby as well, that I barely escaped an attack the day before yesterday. I am only alive and well because of you and your friends. I know that there might be other attempts at my life in the future, but I also know that you will protect me and keep me safe. It's just…" she hesitated. "I need to feel your presence. It makes me feel safe."
It dawned on Erik that after all she had been through recently, Christine needed physical contact and comfort to deal with the shock of her husband's death, the attack and the revelation that a relative had planned to kill her and her unborn child. He hugged her and pulled her closer to his body. "My poor Christine," he murmured soothingly. "I am here with you, and I will always be there for you. You can count on me, always."
Xxx
An hour later, Erik and Christine boarded the train to Paris. They tried to get a compartment to themselves, but the train was rather full. Finally, they found a compartment which was occupied only by an elderly lady. They entered, Erik maneuvering carefully so that she could only spot his left profile. "Pardon, Madame," he addressed the woman. "Would you mind, if we joined you? My wife needs to stretch out and rest." Christine turned to face the elderly lady, fully displaying her pregnant belly. The old woman smiled at her. "Of course, child, make yourself comfortable. You are due soon, are you not?" Christine nodded. "Only a few more weeks, five, six at most." Their new acquaintance continued, "you are so young, so I presume this is your first child?"
Erik grew a bit impatient. He had sat down in the corner, his right cheek turned to the wall, and he urged Christine to sit down next to him, stretch her feet on the third seat in the row and rest her head against his chest. He comfortingly put his hands around her and held her close. "Are you comfortable, Lise?" he asked. They had decided that using her real name in public might alert Théophile-Auguste on their whereabouts, so Christine had asked Erik to call her "Lise" while on the train. She had picked that name for two reasons. First, it was a fairly common name in the countryside, and second, it felt like the French version of Elyssa, the role that her Angel had studied with her and which had been her first big triumph as a singer. She felt that by using this name rather than another, they were building somehow on their past history, on their shared success, brought upon by his spirit and her voice.
Once settled down comfortably in Erik's arms, Christine turned to their fellow passenger again. "Yes, it is my first child." She remembered in time that Erik was supposed to be her husband and smiled at him. "Our first child," she added, her left hand reaching for his unmasked cheek and fondly caressing it. The old woman was moved by this display of affection, but she could not help but reproaching Erik. "Monsieur, is it really necessary to take your wife on a trip in her condition?" she asked. Christine felt him stiffen. She could sense his anger. She looked at him, conveying a message with her eyes. "Let me handle this," she pleaded with him silently. Erik gave her a small nod, and she continued. "My husband is taking me to Paris," she explained. "My mother and my sister live there." Well, that was almost true. After all, Erik was taking her to Madame Giry and Meg, and these two were like a mother and sister to her. Erik chimed in. "Yes, my mother-in-law asked that I bring Lise to her shortly before the baby's birth, so that the baby could be born in Paris, in her presence." He thought by himself that whatever relationship he had with Antoinette Giry, he had never envisioned her as his mother-in-law, rather like an older sister.
The friendly old lady nodded. She imagined that the young lady's mother was probably frail and sickly, unable to travel, but would of course want her grandchild to be born in her presence. "I am sure your mother is looking forward very much to your visit and probably can't wait for the new grandchild," she continued and remembered the day when her oldest had given birth to her first grandchild. "Will it be her first grandchild, or does one of your siblings already have children?" she addressed Christine again. This question caught Christine unawares and she had to think quickly. "No," she finally uttered, "my sister does not have any children. This will be mother's first grandchild." She rubbed her belly lovingly. The little one was kicking her and showing her that he or she was starting to feel a bit confined in there. Soon she would be able to hold her baby.
Erik was beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable during this interrogation, but Christine smiled at him encouragingly. The situation was harmless enough. The old lady did not even know their real names and there was no way she could see Erik's mask the way he was facing away from her. Even if one of Théophile-Auguste's men interrogated her any time soon, she probably would not even be able to give an accurate description of the young couple that had shared a compartment with her on her trip to Paris. It certainly was less suspicious, if they talked to the lady than if they made it clear that they wanted to be left alone.
Their new acquaintance continued the conversation. "So, where are you two from?" she asked. Christine grew nervous. She had no idea where exactly she was and she most definitely knew no names of villages or little towns in the vicinity. Erik smirked at her. Served her right. She had wanted to talk to the old lady, now she had no answer. Then he turned to their fellow traveler and said calmly, "Boscherville." He was surprised at himself. He had not thought he would be able to pronounce the name of the town where he had spent his miserable childhood in such a quiet manner. The anger at what had happened to him there was still very much present, and all the pain caused by his mother's rejection felt fresh and like a raw wound. Christine sensed his discomfort and nestled herself even deeper into his arm, comforting him by her physical presence and reminding him of their friendship and her trust in him. Erik smiled at her. Christine had once again chased away the demons of his past. With her in his arms he could forget the horrors of his life and pretend to be a man like every other, since an angel like her had learned to accept him and to see past his disfigurement.
The old lady had never been to Boscherville, but she vaguely remembered having heard of this place before. Suddenly it hit her. A few months ago, on her way home from Paris – her son lived there with his family and she had been visiting, as she was now – she had shared the compartment with a very nice lady, who also had been from Boscherville. What had been her name? She racked her brain. "Marie, I am sure of that. Marie. And I think her last name started with a P. Something like Pinot, or maybe Pedault." Erik suddenly smiled. The face of his mother's friend surfaced from his memory. The woman who had tried to make his mother see the wrongness of her treatment of him. "Marie Perrault?" he asked softly. The old lady nodded enthusiastically. Yes, that had been her name. "Do you know her?" she asked. "Yes," Erik acknowledged. "I do know her. She was a good friend of my late mother, and some of my happier childhood memories involve her." Christine listened attentively. She was certain that Erik was not making this up. There obviously really was a place called Boscherville somewhere in the vicinity, and it was quite obviously Erik's birthplace. His mother had been friends with a Marie Perrault, and apparently the woman had been kind to the neglected child that her Angel had been. She wished she could meet this Marie one day and ask her about Erik's childhood – since she somewhat doubted she would get all the details out of her Angel. Or maybe she did not want to hear all the bad stuff, but she would like to learn about those happier childhood memories Erik had just talked about.
Christine's reaching for his hand brought Erik back from the past to the presence. He realized that Christine knew nothing about the things he had just mentioned. He pulled her closer and whispered into her ear. "I will tell you about Marie, just not right now." Christine smiled at him affectionately. She understood that now was not the time for big revelations.
The elderly lady finally seemed to realize that the young couple wanted some privacy and leaned back to rest. For a while she observed the two. The husband was not really a young man anymore, she decided, though still fairly young, but definitely in his thirties, while his wife was barely more than a child, certainly not twenty yet. But there was no doubt in her heart, that they were very deeply in love with each other despite the age difference. After a while she dozed off, happy thoughts of love and family on her mind.
