Chapter 14

See, I told you guys it wouldn't be long. Anyways…

"Christine," Meg muttered softly as we washed dishes. I was trying to hide my sobs as I dried glasses one by one. "Christine," she repeated, "you've got to talk to Erik. It's been days, and you're both miserable."

"He doesn't want to talk, Meg," I squeaked out. "He doesn't believe me, and I can't do anything to change that. Besides, it's not like he's ever home. He's always at this hotel, that bar, this restaurant. He's seen half of New York while we're stuck in this hell hole. I'm angry with him, Meg. I don't wish to speak with him just as he with me."

"He's been home even less than he has been before the two of you fought. I didn't even think that was possible."

I sniffled. "Can I be very frank with you, Meg?"

"To be fair, Christine, I don't think things could be any more intense than they are already."

"I think Erik might be having an affair," I said barely above my breath.

She gasped. "Christine, you can't be serious. He's done lots of things, but I don't think he'd ever be capable of that."

"Why shouldn't he be? He's murdered. He's lied. He's stolen. He's an adulterer. Why shouldn't I have any reason to believe that he's a cheater too?"

"Christine!" she scolded, "that's enough! You and I both know he's loyal to you."

"Do we, Meg?"

"You're just saying that because you're angry with him."

"Perhaps, but really think about it, Meg. Do we really know?"

She looked at me for a moment then sighed. "Fine, if you believe in this nonsense, why don't you just follow him one night and see for yourself? I'll cover your shift, and when I'm right, which I am, you owe me."

I huffed and nodded. "Deal."

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I pulled my cloak around me as I watched from the back of the restaurant. Meg was right. All he had done was sit and play the piano all night long, the same scowl etched in his features. The night wasn't quite over yet, however, and most of the band was putting away their instruments as Erik played one final song. Some nights, he didn't come home at all. Perhaps this would be the moment of truth as to where he goes.

The song ended, and he stuffed the sheet music in his briefcase before snatching up with a grunt. He started to storm out of the lobby. I pulled my hood around my face and began to scamper off after him when I ran into a body that was much taller and sturdier than my own.

I looked up into the face of Dr. Gangle who had an eyebrow raised and his arms folded.

"Miss Christine," he said calmly, "to what do I owe the pleasure?"

I felt my cheeks grow hot as I looked at the floor. "I had come with Erik to hear you play. I suppose he forgot I was here. You know how he is when he gets wrapped up in his music. I'd best be going so he doesn't get too far ahead of me."

I started to run off, but he outsmarted me and blocked my path. "Miss Christine, I hope you don't think that I mean to invade your personal life, but I know you had a fight with Erik. I am concerned about him. I've never seen him this upset, and considering you are here following him alone in the night, I suppose I must be concerned for you as well."

I felt tears prick my eyes as I quickly shook my head. "I can take care of myself, doctor. We will resolve these issues. I am sure of it. Now, if you'll excuse me…"

He blocked my path again and sighed. "I don't mean to pry," he said gently, "but won't you at least tell me why you're here not speaking to him?"

I twisted my hands and looked at the floor again. "I was following him," I confessed. "I thought perhaps that he was going somewhere other than work at night, so I came to see for myself. I know that it's silly."

He shook his head. "It's not silly. He's out until morning some nights. I know. He doesn't just go to work."

I looked at him wide-eyed. "Then where does he go? Surely he doesn't…"

He shook his head and placed his hands gently on my shoulders. "No, Miss Christine, nothing like that. He's been staying with different members of the band. That's all. I don't know what your fight was about exactly, but it has him pretty shaken up. He hasn't really spoken at all. I don't know as much about Erik as you do perhaps, but I still can tell that his life hasn't been easy. I don't want to push him anymore than I have to. He doesn't speak, eat, or sleep. I am concerned. Won't you please tell me what is wrong, Miss Christine?"

"No," I said softly, "you probably already think I am a terrible person for following him. I don't want you thinking even less of me."

"I won't," he said reassuringly. "I can tell that you are a deeply caring young lady. We all make mistakes. Please, I just want to help you both."

I teared up as I thought for a moment and glanced around at the tourists in the hotel. "Alright," I said finally, "I'll tell you, but could we talk in some place more private?"

He took my arm and led me to a back room in the hall of the hotel. It appeared to be an empty ballroom perhaps, but he left the door open for light.

"Miss Christine, what is wrong?" he asked softly.

Tears trailed down my cheeks as I wrapped my arms around myself. "Well, Erik is never home…" I began.

"Yes, but you've fought about such things before. Surely that is not the only reason you are upset."

"No, it isn't," I sniffled.

"What is it, Miss Christine? I assure you that I will do my best to help you – to help Erik."

I looked up and bit my lip. "I found out…" I gasped for air and squeezed my eyes shut. Dr. Gangle would think me a terrible woman.

"You found out what?"

"I am with child," I said barely above a whisper. "It's Erik's. I know that for certain. He's the only man I've ever been with in that way, but he doesn't believe me. He doesn't believe the child is his, and that hurts me more than I can tell you."

Gangle looked down at the floor with a confused expression on his face. "Why would he think the child is not his?"

"It's complicated," I sighed. "He doesn't believe that he could father a child. Where he gets that assumption, I have no idea. He's never been told otherwise as far as he knows. I just think he doesn't want to admit that it's a possibility. I don't think he wants a child, so he runs away. Little does he know that I need him."

I looked down at the floor ashamed of myself as Dr. Gangle looked me up and down. I cried as he stared at me. I thought he would scold me, but he didn't. He reached out and grabbed my hand before kissing the back of it.

"I will fix this, Christine if you trust me. Perhaps Erik will not speak to you, but he will speak to me."

I shook my head. "I don't want to drag you into this. Erik and I should be able to fix our own problems."

"You have, Miss Christine. You had the courage to tell me the truth when you could have easily lied. You have done the right thing, and it will pay off. I promise. Just know that I am here for you. I do wish to be your friend just as I am Erik's. He has done the wrong thing, and as his friend, it is my duty to tell him as much. Do not cry, Miss Christine. This will all blow over, and you will laugh one day."

"Dr. Gangle, do you think me a terrible person for what I have done?"

He shook his head and held my hand in both of his. "No, Miss Christine. I would never think that way of you. I just believe you are a young girl who made an unfortunate mistake, but you are not alone. You will see."