Chapter 14

Erik's POV

I followed Christine out of the music room in slight irritation. Anya always had marvelous timing, but this was the absolute worst moment to wake up. I still hadn't explained the precautions needed to be taken to Christine, and everything we had to do to ensure her safety. I had to admit though, she was taking this a lot better than I originally anticipated. However, perhaps she had just passed her level of shock and remained in a state of total acceptance. Then again, as my mind went down that dark path after first mentioning my face, my ramblings actually formed a few true statements. Christine certainly had to have a touch of the same darkness I found in myself... somewhere. How else would we be able to tolerate each other? Not to mention, how could she have been able to set a trap like that?

It sent a slight chill up my spine to think if I had been anyone else, that first single swing would have more than likely crushed my skull. Christine, poor thing, probably never would have thought of that possibility. Her goal was probably to render the person unconscious so she could escape. Perhaps she doesn't have that darkness in her, perhaps it was a last desperate attempt to free herself? A fight or flight instinct? Locking my gaze on her as we climbed the stairs, an epiphany suddenly struck me; I had her file locked away in a drawer in my study. All of my questions could be answered there.

Striding into Anya's room I found her sitting up in her bed holding, a somewhat reluctant, Ayesha. Finally noticing us Anya scrambled to her feet and laughed as she ran towards us, "Miss Christine, you're here! Look, did you see this kitty? She just strolled in here and climbed up on my bed. She started licking my face and I woke up and-... Miss Christine why are you in pajamas? And why are you here on a Saturday?"

If it were anybody else in this situation I'm sure I would have felt more empathy for them. Not to say I didn't feel bad for Christine, I did. However, the pink tinge that blossomed on her cheeks and the way she discreetly crossed her arms over her chest tested my sanity. The silk clung too tightly to her body and her disheveled appearance did nothing to stop my imagination from running wild. There really should be a law that says she is not allowed to wear silk unless she's- shaking my head I brought myself back to the present. Christine was grasping for an explanation when I stepped in front of her, coming to her rescue as I explained, "Well Anya, there's a perfectly good reason for that. You see, Christine is going to be living with us until she finishes her role in Wicked."

Anya seemed to freeze, looking almost petrified. Leaning around me to lock eyes with Christine she questioned, "Uncle Erik asked you to live with us?"

Swiveling my head to stare at Christine as well I caught a glimpse of the confusion in her eyes before she laughed sarcastically, "Asked me? He practically forced me, but I can't say that I'm not over joyed to stay. I like your family very much, and I hope you won't mind me being here."

Dropping Ayesha with a plop Anya ran to Christine to embrace her. As Anya locked her arms around her waist Christine bit her lip, forcing herself not to cry out from the sudden attack. The added pressure to her injury forced her to shift most of her weight to her left leg. Bending to hug Anya back she began to bub her back, whispering soothingly, "It's okay. Anya, what's wrong? Are you all right?"

So focused on Christine, ready to catch her if she proved to be unable to support herself, I didn't notice Anya had been shaking until Christine asked her. Anya tightened her hold slightly, her voice muffled against Christine's stomach as she answered, "I'm fine. I'm really happy. This is the best birthday ever!"

Christine's head jerked up to look at me as she asked, "It's your birthday?"

"Tomorrow," Anya clarified, bowing her head and sneaking a hand up to wipe away a few stray tears. "That doesn't matter though, Uncle Erik got me exactly what I wanted."

Knowing where this was going I quickly interjected, "Anya, why don't you go downstairs and I'll fix you some pancakes? I'm sure Christine would like to change into something more... not for sleeping."

I felt Christine's eyes glare at me a bit but Anya, blissfully ignorant, simply nodded, "Alight. Can I take the kitty with me?"

Christine, seeing I was about to say no, quickly answered, "Of course you can. Her name is Ayesha, by the way."

"Oh. She's yours?" Anya asked a little dejectedly.

Christine, Angel that she was, shrugged, "Now that I'm living here I suppose she's not mine anymore. She belongs to whoever lives in the house, so she's ours."

"Really?" Anya beamed, "She's mine too?"

"Yes." Christine smiled, "Now, why don't you head downstairs? Just snap your fingers twice and she'll follow you out."

Anya, looking like a kid in a candy store ran to the doorway and snapped her fingers. Ayesha, who had been on the other side of the room, perked her head up and trotted over to the bouncing girl. Giggling like crazy Anya picked her up and carried her downstairs with her.

Christine smiled after her then locked eyes with me. The atmosphere around her suddenly changed, her crossed arms tightened as she asked, "When were you going to mention that I was going to be living here?"

Not able to meet her gaze I turned to Anya's bed, walking over to straighten it as I replied, "I was leading up to it. It was actually my next point of discussion."

Surprising me Christine limped over to help me, pulling the opposite corner of the sheet up agreeing, "Fine. I realize I can't stay in my apartment, but Erik, how am I supposed to live here when I don't even have clothes? I can't stay in that vault either, I couldn't even find my way out of it for crying out loud! I'd go mad if-"

"I have several guest bedrooms upstairs. That was a safety precaution I took to keep you protected while I was out, nothing to get worked up about." I supplied, "As far as the basic necessities go, I'll buy you clothes and anything else you may need. Until then, I'm sure Madame Giry wouldn't mind lending you a dress or something that might fit you."

Dropping the portion of the comforter she was holding Christine began to tremble. I was about to question this when she suddenly advanced on me, similar to the day we first met, and true to that day I took a step back before she stopped. She could have burned a hole in me with the fire in her eyes, but she didn't say a word. She just looked up at me as if she wanted to say so much but couldn't form the words. Taking in a deep breath she hissed, "I have clothes, my clothes that I can get in my apartment. You will not waste your money on me and that is that."

My brows furrowed in confusion before I challenged, "No, that's not that. Christine, it's no trouble, and it certainly wouldn't be a waste. It's too dangerous to go back to your apartment at all, so the least I could do is buy you the clothes you require and supply you with things you need."

Returning to making her side of the bed Christine snorted in disbelief, "I don't want you to buy me anything! You don't get it. You can't just buy new clothes, or-or give me a new room and say everything is alright. Everything is not alright!"

That's when the warning bells went off in my mind. Now was the moment when that shield of acceptance I saw earlier would come crumbling down and the full force of her situation would hit her. This was a fine wire she was trapesing, and if I didn't help her across I truly feared what might happen. Slowly placing the comforter down I tried to just talk to her first, hopefully she wasn't too far down the rabbit hole yet. Taking a step closer I reasoned, "Alight, Christine. I can go by your apartment and pick up your belongings if you'd like. I can't do anything about you living here though, it's for the best. You need to be protected from-"

"That's another thing! I shouldn't need protection! I-" She squeaked, covering her mouth after hearing her voice crack as it had. Tears began to trickle down her cheeks as she attempted to continue, "I can't... I can't do this again."

Cursing, I realized she was already at that breaking point. What the Hell did I say to cause her to spiral this quickly? Briefly my mind registered that she had said 'again,' but I couldn't focus on that right now. Christine desperately tried to reign in her tears, her hands shielding her face from view as her shoulders curved inwards defensively. Forgoing decency and my own personal discomfort I grasped her by the shoulders and pulled her as close as I dared. Trying to anchor her I let my voice slide into that honeyed tone that people usually calmed to as I emphasized, "Christine, calm down. Listen to me. I swear to you that you will walk away from this. This is all my fault. If you are going to be upset and blame someone, then blame me. Take your pain out on me; rage and scream and curse me. Do whatever eases your grief, but you cannot let this break you, is that clear?"

Tears still leaking from her eyes she nodded, attempting to pull herself together. We weren't in the clear by a long shot, but at least she was backing away from that tempting cliff. I opened my mouth to try and soothe her further, to say something, anything that might calm her in some way. At that moment I would have lied to the Devil himself, only if it meant she would stop crying. The words caught in my throat however, when I felt her lean forward, resting her head against the juncture between my shoulder and my neck. I took in a slow, deliberate breath, praying she couldn't hear my heartbeat. I assumed she could though since it felt like it would jump right out of my chest. In a futile attempt to calm down I reminded myself that we had been in a similar position late last night. Then, the oh-so-helpful part of my brain reminded me this was different, Christine was completely conscious and very, very vulnerable.

As if reading my thoughts Christine's body stiffened, pulling away as she removed her hands from her face and wiped the remaining tears away. Returning to fixing the bed she refused to look at me, mumbling, "I'm sorry, that was... uncalled for on my part."

Shaking my head vigorously I amended, "No, no. Don't apologize, its fine. I-"

I was interrupted by a few knocks on the door. Antoinette stood in the doorway, smiling sadly at us as she observed the two of us together. Clearing my throat I kept a hesitant hand on Christine's shoulder, leading her towards the door as we walked. Locking eyes with Antoinette I knew she understood how precarious the situation was, so I asked with no hesitation, "Could you find something for her to change into Antoinette? Please."

Nodding her head and slipping a hand around Christine she began to ramble on their way out about what Christine would like to wear, or if she would like to take a shower to clean up a bit. Literally ripping my thoughts away from them I quickly went downstairs to fix Anya the breakfast I promised her. Stopping in the doorway for a moment I watched as Anya chased Ayesha around the island, the two stopping at intervals to stare at each other. Catching sight of me Anya straightened and sat down quietly at the island.

The thought that Anya was afraid to play around me stung a bit, but I shook it off. It was better this way. Pulling out a clean pan and bowl to make pancakes I heard water begin to run upstairs. So, Christine would be taking a shower after all. I had just finished pouring water in the bowl when Antoinette breezed in, slapping my hand and scolding, "You stay out of my kitchen. What do you pay me for if not to cook for you? Just sit down and I'll make them. Do you plan to eat?"

Shaking my head as I took the seat opposite Anya I replied, "I'm not hungry."

I felt Antoinette roll her eyes as she let out an aggravated sigh. Haughtily she replied, "I'm making you some anyway."

I hid a smirk as Anya giggled in front of me. Once she stopped minutes of silence followed. Hearing the water shut off upstairs I remembered why I coerced Anya to come down here. I turned to her and asked, "Anya?"

"Yes, Uncle Erik." She replied as she pulled Ayesha up to sit on her lap.

Sighing I requested, "Don't tell Christine what you asked me for your birthday."

Tilting her head to the side Anya asked, "But why?"

Pinching the bridge of my nose I tried to explain, "It sounds a little strange, and I'm sure it would make her feel a bit uncomfortable."

"How would it make her feel uncomfortable?" Anya questioned as Ayesha jumped from her lap to explore the rest of the house.

Antoinette called over her shoulder as she flipped a pancake, "And just what did she ask for that you think she shouldn't tell Christine about?"

"It's nothing bad!" Anya defended as she stared at me, "I don't understand why it would bother her."

Sighing I explained to Antoinette, "She asked if Christine could live with us."

Laughing as she poured batter for the next pancake Antoinette admitted, "It looks like you got your wish Anya. I agree with her Erik, where's the harm in telling Christine?"

Eyes falling to the empty plate in front of her Anya guiltily confessed, "Well... that's not... exactly what I asked Uncle Erik."

Taking her eyes off the food Antoinette inquired, "Then what did you ask?"

Squirming in her seat Anya rambled, "Well, at the time it seemed like a good request. I guess... Miss Christine would probably feel embarrassed if she didn't want to. She wouldn't want to hurt my feelings. Miss Christine... she's really nice and- well, the day something happened at school and she brought me home I thought, I wish Miss Christine could be my mama."

"Anya!" Antoinette gasped.

"No, no." Anya quickly explained, "She could never replace mama. She'll always be my mama, even while she's in Heaven, but maybe Miss Christine could be my temporary mama while I'm still alive."

Sighing Antoinette explained, "Anya, Christine couldn't be your mother unless she adopted you."

"Antoinette, don't." I warned, knowing where this was going. "She's already thought of a way around that."

"You have?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

Nodding Anya pointed to me, "Uncle Erik thinks it's a bad idea."

"No," I clarified. "I said it was impossible."

"No, it's not." Anya argued, turning to Antoinette asking, "Miss Christine could be my Aunt couldn't she? If Miss Christine married Uncle Erik wouldn't that make her my Aunt? That's not impossible is it?"

Antoinette looked like she was at a loss for words, not really knowing how to respond. She looked to me, and as usual I was the one to cause the broken look on Anya's face. I simply reiterated, "It is impossible Anya, leave it be."

"People get married all the time." She persisted, "Miss Christine is single and you like her don't you, Uncle Erik?"

"Anya, there is a difference between like and love." My patience was beginning to run out as I explained, "To get married two people have to be in love. That is why it is impossible for the two of us to get married, Miss Christine does not love me."

"How do you know?" Anya asked, looking more curious that anything, "Have you asked her?"

"No, I haven't, and I don't plan to." I growled, "And I'm not having this discussion with you anymore. You will not mention this to her and that's final."

I caught the wince that Antoinette made at my harsh tone, but Anya didn't say anything more. I thanked God, because a few moments after that Christine walked in. When I turned to look at her my eyes automatically glued themselves to her form. I imagined at that moment she was acting on behalf of some divine karma, punishing me for being so impatient with Anya. She was wearing a mouthwatering black dress, with sleeves just ending at her elbows with lace around the edges. The skirt, I noticed, fell just below her injury but still revealed her cream colored legs, which glowed after her shower. In truth, the dress itself reminded me more of an evening gown, clinging and hanging in all the right places so perfectly. She had somehow managed to pull her sopping curls into a loose bun, a few strands escaping here and there to rest gently on her exposed neck.

Sitting next to Anya she locked eyes with me and turned her head away quickly, blushing as she explained, "It was the only thing that would fit me."

Antoinette nudged me as she chimed, "And I think you look lovely! I've yet to ever see you wear black dear, but it suits you very well. Since I can't fit in it anymore you can just keep that dress, it looks better on you than it ever did on me."

"Thank you Antoinette." Christine smiled, "That's very kind of you."

Clearing my throat I agreed, "Yes, black is definitely a flattering color on you, Christine."

"Thank you." Christine said as she nodded her head once towards me.

After a few moments of silence I asked, "Have you picked out a stage name yet, Christine?" At her look of confusion I continued, "As you may well remember I recommended you do not go by Christine Daae while you perform, just to be safe of course."

Finally understanding what I was implying Christine bit her lip, "I'm still thinking. Have you come up with anything?"

Nodding I offered, "You could turn your name into an anagram. Or, perhaps a nickname your parents called you as a child. If not we could-"

"Charlotte." Christine suddenly spoke, "Charlotte Little."

I was stunned a name had come to her so suddenly, but never look a gift horse in the mouth, as my father use to say. It seemed reasonable enough, and was the least suspicious as far as names went. At that point Anya had turned to look at Christine and added, "You look like a Charlotte. I like it."

Smirking I agreed, "Then I guess that settles it, nice to meet you Charlotte Little."

Laughing slightly Christine offered me her hand, "Nice to meet you Mr. Destler. I look forward to working with you."

Everyone shared a laugh as we shook hands, then the front door opened and we heard a loud, "Hello! Anyone home? I could use some help here!"

"Amir?" Christine wondered, carefully standing and heading towards the door, with Anya trailing after her like Mary's Little Lamb. Reluctantly I followed suit, trying to figure out what on earth he could need help with.

I felt my mouth drop as Amir walked in carrying two very large suitcases, smiling, "I thought someone might want their clothes, not that you don't look absolutely stunning in that black ensemble Christine. Oh, if I wasn't a married man."

The bell toned giggle Christine let loose caused my blood to boil. He didn't need to flatter her like that! What was he doing with her clothes to begin with? Taking one of the bags Christine gushed, "Amir, this is amazing! I really can't thank you enough! This means so, so much to me!"

Waving her off Amir chuckled, "It's no big deal really. Why don't you head upstairs to change, I'm sure Erik won't mind helping me with the rest."

"The rest?" Christine and I asked simultaneously.

Amir smiled cheekily, "Well, besides the cookies I found on the counter top, everything I could get my hands on I brought with me. I didn't know exactly what was special to you and what wasn't, so I basically brought everything in your closet... and a few things I'm sure Ayesha would want."

Christine's mouth dropped open as she stuttered, "I-I don't know what to say. Oh, th-thank you! Thank you so much!"

Holding up his hand he glanced over at me and lied, "Don't thank me; thank Erik. It was his idea."

"It was?" Christine asked curiously as she turned to me.

Not sure what to do, it sounded more like a question as I answered, "Yes?"

Before I knew what was happening Christine had dropped her two bags and thrown her arms around me, squeezing tightly as she whispered in my ear, "Thank you, Erik."

Giving me another squeeze she returned to the dropped bags and called over her shoulder as she went upstairs, "I'll be down in a minute to help with the rest."

My eyes followed her as she left before I turned to see both Anya and Amir grinning at me. Pointing at Anya and working my way towards Amir I said, "Not a word from you, go eat your breakfast! And you, you I should throttle."

Amir laughed as Anya scampered back to the kitchen with a proud smile on her face, "I hardly think I deserve to be throttled. You should be thanking me. You got the credit for this."

"How did you know to bring things from her apartment?" I asked as we walked to his car and pulled more suitcases out.

Amir shrugged, "I knew she'd want something familiar. Something that was hers when everything she had was being ripped away."

"But how?" I stressed, realizing what Christine must have felt like earlier when I tried dodging her questions.

"I read her file." Amir stated, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. He looked at me strangely then whispered as we walked back in the house again, "Erik, please tell me you've read her file."

"No," I bit back a little irritated. "I've been a little busy if you hadn't noticed."

Amir's expression turned grim, "Well, seeing as Antoinette is still fixing breakfast I suggest you read it while they're busy. It should shed some light on the subject."

Antoinette poked her head out of the kitchen wondering, "Would you like to stay for breakfast Amir?"

"Don't mind if I do. Thanks Annie." Amir replied.

Christine came pacing down the steps at that point, fixing her hair from a bun into a ponytail. She was clad in dark jeans and a red V-neck sweater, a silver locket hanging securely around her neck. Finishing her hair she sighed, "Alright, I'll get the rest."

"That's it," Amir clarified.

I hadn't realized it at the time but Amir and I had both carried three bags each, and Amir had added the cat box to his load. Flabbergasted Christine responded, "Oh, alright. Here, hand me those two bags and Ayesha's box."

Stopping Amir I suggested, "Why don't you go ahead and eat? I can handle the rest and I'm sure you're starving."

Amir took my hint, nodding, "Gotcha."

I hefted the remaining four bags, ascending the stairs with Christine. I didn't know which room Antoinette had chosen until Christine offered, "I hope you don't mind that I took the room next to yours. Madame Giry suggested I have that one because it was the biggest, and should anything happen you'd be right next door."

Did I mind? Not at all. Was I furious Antoinette did it on purpose? Very. However, Christine sleeping a mere twenty feet from where I would be sleeping was actually a very comforting thought. Nothing would go wrong, but stranger things have happened, and I could get to her quicker should the worst occur. Realizing I hadn't given her an answer I quickly recovered, "No, not at all. I just hope you don't mind sleeping next door to an insomniac."

"You don't sleep well?" She asked, opening the door to her room.

"No." I replied as I sat her bags down in the corner, "Sometimes I have a lot on my mind, so I'll pace until I've either worked through it or I've tired myself out. Whichever comes first. Then, there are nights where I will wake up with music teasing my ears and I'll compose till morning."

"Wow." Christine grunted as she dropped her bags. "I didn't know you composed. What else do you do? Besides be an Uncle, architect, secret mafia spy, and teacher to girls who couldn't afford lessons, of course."

Not wanting to boast I replied, "I dabble in a bit of everything."

"Ah." She remarked as she clapped her hands, "Well, I'll unpack later, it'll keep me busy most of the day. Those pancakes smell heavenly though. Are you coming?"

I shook my head, "No, I have some things I'd like to take care of."

"Alright then." Christine replied as she left the room.

Waiting a few minutes I crept down the steps and made my way towards my study. Hearing laughter from the kitchen I shut and locked the door, longing for a bit of peace and quiet. Amir looked troubled when discussing Christine's file, but how bad could it really be? Unlocking the drawer I pulled the file out, which didn't seem very thick, and sat down. Opening it up I began to scan through it and stopped when a certain sentence jumped out at me. I continued to read that paragraph and stopped once again.

Bozhe Moi

PLEASE READ!

Hello everyone. I am so, so, so sorry for putting this story on hiatus for as long as I did. After I lost my flash drive everything hit me at once. That includes, my councilor sending the wrong transcripts to the only college I applied for, losing scholarship money until the correct paperwork was filed, getting the worst cold I've had since before I had my tonsils out, beginning work as a fulltime lifeguard, AND all the stresses included with graduating from High School. Finally I am back, so please be kind and READ AND REVIEW. Anything you'd like, and if you have any questions I will be happy to PM you to discuss them. Thank you! 8D

Bonus Snippet of the next chapter to anyone who can tell me what action packed movie I got the phrase 'Bozhe Moi' from!