CHAPTER 21
Dr. Gilles' visits were as regular as clockwork. Everyday promptly at 10 he would arrive at the mansion. Lisa would greet him and escort him to the guestroom where an anxious Mr. Y and eager Gustave were waiting. While the physician attended his patient, Kara would bring a pot of steaming hot coffee for him to enjoy.
The old man had a wonderful bedside manner, especially when it came to children. His own offspring were grown and starting families of their own so he especially enjoyed interacting with his younger patients.
Erik watched the doctor interact with Gustave with an envious eye. The way some people, like the doctor and Lisa, were so easily communicative perplexed him. It was an art that he could not get a handle on. Even though he'd made vast improvements on a social level, he still couldn't envision himself out there making friends or rubbing shoulders with the general public.
When he was younger he desired to rise up and reach the world, to share and be loved for his music. That dream had died like so many others, but he found a level of contentment in the amusement park. Through Phantasma he was still able to connect with the world in a small way. It was his vision that gave pleasure to multitude of park goers that flooded the island every day.
When they applauded the performers at the concert hall, it was his music and design that entertained them. It may have been a pale shadow of the opera's he so loved to compose and still longed to see performed, but it was enough in the end.
Though it had been a difficult journey, Erik had started coming to terms with the fact that he would never see his life's work on a stage. But there was still hope for Gustave. Phantasma would be the legacy to ensure the boy's future.
Erik wasn't sure what path his son would choose in life, but he would do everything in his power to make sure he had limitless options. Whether he chose to be a composer, pianist, inventor, or adventurer, Erik knew that Gustave would not only outshine the world. His son gave him pride and hope unlike anything he'd ever imagined.
Dr. Gilles' examinations of the boy were taking less time with each passing day. When the old man came into the guestroom with their hostess he went straight to attending his patient. He'd only acknowledge everyone else after his task was complete, at which time he would sit at the small table, take us the coffee cup Lisa had prepared and started to give his prognosis.
"I am very pleased with his progress. He's made a remarkable recovery in record time considering the nature of his ordeal. There's no sign of the fever's resurgence or lasting impairment from his head injury. He's in excellent spirits and energetic." He concluded before diving in to his beverage. Dr. Gilles knew the Aguilar's were more tea drinkers than anything else, but Kara made the best damn cup of coffee he'd ever had.
"I want to go outside." said Gustave from across the room.
"I think I'd be the best judge of that young man,."
"Just to the garden, it's so beautiful outside and I miss the Sun." he asked, using that very endearing and rather affective tone that often got him what he asked for. Gustave wasn't a spoiled child, but he had a way of asking for things that made others think it was in his best interest to get his way. He didn't use this talent often, but like any child it was a tool he always had readily available. The old man couldn't help to smile at the boy's enthusiasm.
"Well, perhaps just an hour a day for now, but only during the high point of the day when there's the least amount of chill in the air. Be sure to dress him warmly and if he even coughs bring him directly inside and back to bed with a hot bowl of broth." Dr. Gilles directed this last comment to Lisa and it made her suddenly uncomfortable.
She suddenly realized she must have been giving Gustave a fair amount of mothering during his recovery, though Erik had not commented in any way about it she suddenly felt embarrassed by it. Dr. Gilles new pretty much all there was to know about her history, so she was sure he could comprehend how she felt towards the boy.
"Of course; the kittens are running around the entire yard now that they are almost weaned. Maybe we can convince a couple of them to come out to play." Gustave beamed. When last they'd seen the litter they were just wriggling little fur balls, but the child had been enchanted by them.
Gustave had told Lisa he'd been forced to leave behind his own pet dog when his family had left for the journey to America. Although he later wrote to inquire as to the animal's well-being, he'd never received a reply. All he could do now was hope that his cherished Philippe was happy and being well cared for.
Erik listened to the exchange without commenting. Gustave couldn't quite read his expression, but he didn't look enthused. Had it been up to the boy they'd have headed to the overgrown garden the instant Dr. Gilles took his leave, but Lisa made him wait until after lunch.
At first hid father had not wanted to accompany them, but with just a little cajoling from his son he agreed. Gustave was given a long knit sweater called a lopapeysa to wear. Lisa explained that it had been given to her on a trip to Iceland with her father. Gustave was amazed at just how warm the material was, as if it held its own heat source. But by the time he felt the sunlight on his face there was no amount of discomfort from the cold that could distract him.
Like his father Gustave loved the night and the new seductive world that emerged in the darkness. But there was a freshness and levity to the daytime that no child could ignore. It called out for exploration and adventure like the songs of birds from the trees and bushes.
His father trailed behind them as Gustave and Lisa exited the side door into the foliage. Even though Erik knew the grounds were guarded by tall stone walls and the abundance of greenery shadowed the lawn in a perpetual twilight, being outside in the middle of the day made him edgy. Gustave had noticed his father's unease, but it could not dampen his spirits and he longed to share his joyous exuberance with the most important people in his life.
The trio travelled through the well-worn stone path winding its way thru the brush for several minutes before they found their quarry. Lisa had given Gustave a length of blue yarn to dangle in front of the spot where the kittens had been born.
Within a few seconds one golden mackerel tabby fearlessly leaped from the bushes to attack. After a few more moments its sibling joined in the fun and dived for Lisa's red string as well. It was a simple pleasure, but one that filled the air with laughter.
Erik had once thought of getting a pet while he'd lived under the Garnier, but had decided against it when he'd discovered Christine. When she'd come into his life everything else except his music had taken a backseat. Still, he'd always felt a level of affinity for animals.
In the gypsy circus he'd empathized with the creatures who received the same level of irreverent care he had. There had even once been a large tomcat, velvety grey with golden eyes that would slink in and out of the bars of his cage. It had never come close enough for Erik to touch, but he'd imagine that its fur would have been soft and warm.
The thought stirred an impulse inside of him, and while the other two were entertained making the kittens jump and leap for the strings knelt down next to them. As if on cue an adult cat emerged from the bush and marched confidently up to him. Without hesitation she began to rub the length of her body against every part of him she could reach.
Erik reached out and started to pet her soft pelt. It was just like he'd expected, luxuriant and silken. The feline responded by purring loudly and pushing her head into Erik's hand. Lisa watched in awe. The cat, which she'd named Andromeda, had always been sweet, but she'd never seen her take to someone as readily as she had to this man.
"Is this usual?" Erik asked absently. Nobody answered. Even Gustave watched struck by the creature's open affection towards his father. In time the kittens and their mother grew tired of the group and retreated back into the jungle.
They continued their walk around the property, following a path that meandered through the trees and bushes. When they came to small clearing Lisa took a seat on a long stone bench that was set in front of a gurgling fountain. It was probably the only space in the entire lawn that being mostly maintained.
The fountain was relatively large for a city dwelling, even a mansion. Its waters were clean and clear, flowing freely from 3 tiers to the large basin below. The suns ray shone fully on the area, making the jetting streams sparkle brilliantly.
Gustave walked up to the structure and began to interrupt the flowing water with his hand.
"Try not to get wet or we'll have to go inside. Remember what the doctor said." Lisa remarked.
"Alright." responded the boy.
"He seems perfectly well. It won't be long and you'll be able to take him home." She said offhandedly.
"Indeed." She wasn't looking at the man, but he was looking at her. The sunlight gave Lisa's skin a new radiance and locks of her hair shimmered like a crystal. Surrounded by the wildness of the garden she looked like a sprite that had escaped from a painting.
Erik took a seat next to her on the bench. Immediately the proximity of her body to his affected him. Lisa turned to look at him, and when their eyes met their gazes seemed locked together.
"Can we play a game?" asked the boy, effectively breaking the spell.
"Of course, but it has to be quick. Dr. Gilles said 1 hour and it's nearly been two.
"How about hide and go seek. Fathers played before, one time in the fun house, but it will be so much better with the 3 of us. Erik was not averse to the idea and didn't argue, though Lisa seemed hesitant.
"That's a great idea." She said finally, I'll be it first and the fountain can be home base." Lisa covered her eyes and the game began. When she looked up both her comrades was nowhere to be found. She didn't rush her search, knowing that the boy wanted to draw out his time as much as possible and the day was wonderfully pleasant.
Lisa stood a few moments under the drooping limbs of an old oak waiting for a sign of her prey. It wasn't long before she heard the rustling of under growth made by someone walking slowly. She followed the sound carefully, causing no noise of her own. Just as he emerged from the foliage in a dash for the fountain, Lisa grabbed Gustave around the middle and swung the laughing boy around in a circle before setting him down on his feet. He was much heavier than that day she'd carried him up the stairs.
"Gotcha!" she announced.
When both of them looked up they saw Erik standing quietly by the fountain. The next round started a moment later, and Lisa hid herself well among the bushes along the far wall. She had the advantage of knowing every inch of the grounds and the best places to be concealed. She could even see the fountain and watched while a dark figure moved through the bushes.
"Gotcha!" yelled Gustave as he pounced on his father and wrapped his arms around the man's middle. While they were distracted, Lisa slid out of her spot and sat on the edge of the fountain, waiting to be noticed.
Next was Erik's turn to be it. Lisa found a place far across from where the fountain stood, in a crevice made by the bend of the building and covered thickly by decade's worth of ivy hanging off the walls. She waited until all was silent, even the chirping of the finches and scurrying of lizards, before moving slowly towards base.
Lisa had only gone a few feet when a black mass moved out of the shadows and strong arms wrapped themselves around her, securing her body against the hard wall of a man's body. His heat instantly engulfed her and she gasped to catch her breath.
"Gotcha." He said against her neck. The sensation made every inch of Lisa's body tingle. He just held her there for an unknown length of time. Lisa stood completely still encased in his grip, like a trapped fawn. His arms crisscrossed over her abdomen while long fingers folded over each of her hips.
She should have been scared, and trying to get away, but she wasn't. It was like she'd fallen into the welcoming arms of a dark angel with no desire to be free.
"Safe, safe, anybody out there?" came Gustave's voice, interrupting their suddenly encapsulating world. Lisa pushed off from Erik's solid form and quickly made her way to the fountain. When she saw Gustave she instantly calmed, but her mind felt foggy like she'd been awakened from a deep sleep. A few seconds later she heard Erik's boots crunch the gravel behind her.
"Um, I think that's enough games for today. I think I'd really like a hot cup of tea." Gustave was about to protest, but one look from his father told him it would be unwise. Either way the boy was still content. It had been a glorious day to him.
When they reached the side entrance of the manor, Kara was already waiting to call them in for tea. Ever observant, she noted the flushed look on Lisa's face as well as the faintly embarrassed expression on Mr. Y's half face. The stark white of his mask seemed to make the flesh of his face more animated than usual.
Kara didn't want them to notice what she had, so she took Gustave's hand and led the way to Mrs. Aguilar's sitting room.
"So you and Gustave have played this game before?" asked Lisa, trying to dissolve the awkward cloud around them.
"At night in the park once; in the dark when there is no one else around, Phantasma takes on a new life, especially in places like the hall of mirrors. It just happened the first time I took Gustave there. He found it very thrilling." He remarked.
"Sounds enchanting, it sounds delightful having an entire amusement park at your disposal, especially for a young boy."
"Maybe one day you'd like to see it."
"Yes, that would be lovely." She replied. On the outside Lisa wanted to look as calm and still as one of her paintings, but inside there was a frenzied storm whipping in her mind.