Chapter 25

Erik's POV

I froze, unable to move or speak in horror of what those words might mean. Christine chose this moment to return, leaning in the doorway to inform us, "Dr. Matthews is currently stitching up a boy's leg. He'll be here in about ten minutes, but is there anything you'd like in the meantime?"

"Well, if you could make me a cup of tea in the small kitchenette down the hall," Mrs. Valerious smiled. "That would be wonderful dear."

Christine matched her smile eagerly, "Right away, Mama. I know how you like it."

With Christine gone once again, Mrs. Valerious chose to answer my question. "Not even Christine knows this, but it was no coincidence that I met her in that restaurant those seven years ago. And it's no coincidence that I know who you are either. I worked as a Foster Care social worker, until Christine that is. Of course she never met with me due to her age at the time she was orphaned. You, however, were a different story."

I shook my head, trying to connect the dots to how Mrs. Valerious would recognize me, Anya's social worker had been a Mr. Hall, not Valerious. Voicing my concern I admitted, "I don't understand. I've never even heard of you until now."

"You wouldn't, of course." Mrs. Valerious replied calmly, "I know you through work as well, in one form or another. When your father died you were a minor of sixteen, right? If I'm correct that was probably the last time you were on the radar. You vanished for a long time after that, a decade or so I believe, until that tragedy involving your sister. I'm sorry to say I know more than I'd care to about that terrible situation as well."

I stiffened again out of reflex, narrowing my eyes at the old women. "Let me get this straight, you just happen to have taken Christine under your wing, you just happen to know who I am, and-"

Locking her jaw Mrs. Valerious gritted, "Boy, watch where that mind of yours takes you, because if you start implying nonsense you might end up in this hospital bed next to me- weak heart or not."

"Then speak plainly and tell me the truth," I hissed. "What part do you have to play in all of this?"

Sighing Mrs. Valerious confessed, "There's no way around it. Let me tell you what the past sixteen years have held for me."

Sixteen Years Ago:

Another day at the office. I glanced down at my desk calendar; I had a meeting at eleven before lunch, and a hearing at three. I sighed, I loved my job, but year after year it began to weigh on my mind. I'm sixty-six and still working when anyone else my age would have retired by now. Flexing my stiff fingers I thought of all of the children I had helped and found good homes for. Because of that, I could keep my job for as long as I needed it, and something kept telling me that I needed to stay.

I glanced over at the family portrait of my husband, Karen, and me. Picking it up, I stared intently at the details I had memorized so long ago. Karen was all grown up now, not that five year old with curly red hair sitting on my lap. And Howard... had it really already been ten years since he passed? Time is such a funny thing, I can remember taking this picture as if it were yesterday.

A knock on the door broke my concentration. I realized it must be my eleven o'clock and bid, "Come in."

My eyes widened as I noticed a girl still in her early teens walk in. She was wearing a pencil skirt, a white blouse, tall heels she could barely stand in, and her hair swept back off of her face in a bun. Obviously she was attempting to appear older than what she was, so I held back the smile threatening to split my face. She looked more like a child who was trying to fit in her mother's 'adult clothes' than she did a teenager.

"Hello, good morning." She smiled as she approached my desk on shaky legs and extended her hand, "I'm Amelia Destler."

I smiled, "Good morning to you Amelia, I'm Mrs. Valerious. Please, have a seat and tell me how I may help you."

Gracefully taking a seat, Amelia sat tall, her shoulders pinned back as she explained, "I am here to discuss my living situation. You see, our father and my mother have passed. My brother's mother is still alive however, and yet we are being put in the system as orphans to be processed. This is a grievous mistake."

"Oh?" I questioned. "Well, we can fix that easily, but I'll need to know your... brother's mother's name and profession so we can determine if she can properly provide for the two of you."

Confidence slowly draining, Amelia laughed awkwardly, "Now, you see, this is actually quite funny. My brother's mother is... estranged, not in our lives at all. But, my brother, who is almost eighteen, a legal adult, works for a construction company and provides for our family-of-two perfectly."

Raising an eyebrow I leaned forward, placing my elbows on my desk as I inquired, "Sweetie, what exactly are you here for?"

Biting her lip, her hands clasped together Amelia answered nervously, "I am here to ask you if you would allow my brother to be my legal guardian… please. His mother cannot, and would not, claim us. And we can't go into foster care, we'd be split up, I know it."

"That is highly unlikely," I explained. "Actually, in most cases like this-"

"Mrs. Valerious, please." Amelia pleaded, "Please let Erik be my guardian. The thought of us even possibly being split up is awful."

"Miss Destler," I stated firmly. "I promise you your fears are unwarranted. The system works in a way so the two of you will be together. Furthermore, have you even tried contacting your brother's mother?"

Amelia shook her head, "No. Mrs. Valerious I know for a fact she won't care, if anything it will only make the situation worse."

"How so?" I asked, genuinely intrigued.

Amelia took a deep breath, releasing it before admitting, "Madeline, Erik's mother, is not aware of my parents passing. If we were to find her and relay this news, she would not see fit to help us, she would see this as an opportunity. You see, she is a very self-centered and self-serving woman. If we were put in her care I'm afraid our inheritance, our home, and even our parents' memory will be destroyed."

I nodded in understanding, "I see. Then, your only other option is to be placed with a foster family until your brother is of legal age."

Bowing her head Amelia sighed, "That option means we would have to leave our home, the only home I have ever known, and live with complete strangers until my brother is declared legally mature enough to provide for us."

"That would be correct." I answered, my determination wavering slightly.

Amelia shook her head, "Don't you see? My brother can already provide for us! I mean really, it's only a year and a half before he's eighteen, isn't there something that we could show or bring in to prove that he is a perfect caretaker already? Our home was left in the will to us, so we have a roof over our heads, my brother has a well-paying job, and we have everything we need. Please, you can help, I know you can. So, please, help us."

My heart broke at seeing the tears gathering at the corner of Amelia's eyes. Considering her words I asked, "How old are you, Amelia?"

Swallowing hard she choked, "I'm t-twelve."

"Twelve?" I parroted in disbelief. "Dear, why are you not in school?"

Looking down guiltily Amelia confessed, "I told the school that I had a doctor's appointment. My friend's mom drove me to the doctor's office a couple blocks from here and I walked the rest of the way."

"You really feel that you need my help, don't you?" I asked.

Amelia nodded, a tear rolling down her cheek. I sighed, placing my hands on my desk I compromised, "How about this? You bring in some documentation that he does in fact have a job, a 'well-paying job,' and I will stop by to inspect your living conditions. If everything is up to par with standard care regulations then I will see what I can do about having your brother become your guardian early."

Thinking the offer over for a moment Amelia asked, "What if everything is up to code but permission for my brother's guardianship is denied?"

This question gave me pause, even if everything was perfect there was no guarantee that the boy would be approved. Knowing I would get into trouble if the wrong people found out about this, I made an executive decision. Clearing my throat I promised, "If your brother is not approved then for the next year and a half I will report that your brother's mother is caring for the two of you. After that I will designate your brother..."

"Erik Charles Destler." Amelia supplied.

"Yes," I continued. "Erik Charles Destler will be appointed your new guardian at the age of eighteen, only then revealing that his mother is estranged. For the next year and a half though you must come to see me once a month after school. At these meetings we will discuss how the two of you are living, if you are struggling or not- the truth. If you continue to do well then that is that. If you struggle you must tell me, and I will help you."

Amelia, kicking off her heels with a squeal, dashed over to me and hugged me, crying, "Thank you! Oh, thank you, thank you! Thank you so much!"

Returning her embrace, I prayed that I was doing the right thing. I could be fired over something like this, but the smile on this little girl's face was worth the risk.

Seven Years Ago:

Watching the news, reading the paper, or even overhearing gossip at work, there was only one name on everyone's lips and one face on everyone's mind. Christine Daae. The poor girl's parents had been murdered and the poor thing had been found in a blood bath. The horror of it all was that not only were the girl's parents found dead, but the attackers as well.

One of the men was said to have fallen down the stairs and broken his neck, but the other was shot. Police say it was Mr. Daae who fired the bullet that fatally wounded the second accomplice, the gun found upon his person. The strange thing was that police had also found multiple finger prints on the Daae gun, and the other two guns had been wiped of prints, leaving everyone to wonder what actually happened. Miss Christine Daae, now orphaned, was everything anyone wanted to discuss.

I shook my head, quite frankly that was just awful. That poor child had so much going on right now, so much a child should never have to go through. Thankfully she had a place to stay; at least that's what was said down the grape vine. She was residing at the De Chagny's, wealthy family friends that had immediately taken Christine away after she was released from the hospital.

I was penciling in a few afternoon appointments before heading to lunch, but just like everyone else I found my mind straying back to the Daae girl. I knew I shouldn't worry about her, following protocol, if the girl could find a job and support herself for a while then there would be nothing to worry about. After all, she was already eighteen, she would receive her inheritance after all the final arrangements and paperwork had been filed in a few weeks. I'm sure even if she couldn't find a job her friends and other relatives would assist her.

My stomach protested suddenly, demanding food and letting me know that I had waited to get lunch for too long. Grabbing my purse I decided to walk the two blocks to the bistro on the corner, they always had good food no matter what you were in the mood for. Not to mention the small walk and fresh air would do me some good. On my way, I contemplated retiring. I just turned seventy-five and I couldn't go on forever, nor did I want to. Something in me told me I needed a reason to quit now though.

Opening the door to the restaurant I immediately noticed two things: one, there was hardly anyone here, and two, one of the few people that was in here was none other than Christine Daae. I froze in place, knowing the girl hadn't noticed me walk in, and observed her demeanor. She wore all black, her long curly hair acting as a curtain to shield her face from others, silent tears falling as she stared down at the table in front of her. She was tragic in her loneliness, a solitary black figure that radiated misery.

Without really thinking I felt my feet carrying me to her, stopping me directly in front of her table. She didn't acknowledge me at first, flinching with a gasp when she finally noticed the woman standing next to her. Jumping slightly myself I apologized, "I'm sorry, I was just wondering, if perhaps I could sit down?"

Turning away Christine furiously scrubbed at her eyes, faking cheerfulness as she replied, "Yes, yes, of course. I know how busy it is and I hate to take up a whole booth."

"Crowded dear?" I questioned.

At this Christine surveyed her surroundings, blushing before she replied, "Well, it had been crowded."

I smiled, "Well, thank you all the same. Just for that, I'm going to buy you lunch."

Christine blanched, "Oh no, ma'am, I couldn't have you do that."

"I insist." I smiled, "Though if you feel that you are cheating me then you may converse with me a bit, tell me who it is I am sitting with exactly."

Immediately extending her hand in introduction she replied, "Christine Daae. It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am."

I scoffed, "Sweetie, please, if you must call me something call me Mama V. Ma'am won't do, and Mrs. Valerious is quite a mouthful."

At this a genuine laugh escaped Christine, which surprised even her it seemed. A waiter came and took our drink orders before disappearing again. At this point I asked, "Christine, if you don't mind my saying so, you seem upset. Now, I can't dine with a lunch guest who is upset, so, why don't you tell me what's wrong?"

Christine was silent for a long minute, our waiter returning with our drinks and taking our food order before she finally acknowledged the question. Taking a large gulp from her ice tea she sighed, "There are many reasons, but the current reason is that I have no place to live... no place close enough so that I may attend the college I've been accepted to."

I raised an eyebrow, "You've already been accepted?"

"I was accepted early because I have pretty good grades... and I only applied to one college." Christine paused here before continuing, "A University close to home."

Those words seemed hollow, as if they were an echo of a conversation not had with me. Planning in my head while I got to know this girl, I hummed, "What is your price range? Are you looking for something particular?"

Christine shook her head, "Just somewhere that's cheap, less than $1,000 a month, with a bedroom and bathroom."

"That's simple enough," I remarked. "Though there aren't many apartments around here like that."

Christine shook her head, agreeing with me before I immediately changed the subject. I asked her many questions, some that were relevant and some that were just general conversation, making sure to never bring up her parents. Little by little I noticed the gloom around Christine evaporate, and this only made me smile, feeling as though I had made a difference. At the end of the meal however, when Christine and I were about to leave I stopped her suddenly.

"Christine," I smiled. "It has been a pleasure talking with you, and I would like to help you. I happen to own a three story complex, the rent would be less than $1,000 a month, and the best part is it's just at the end of the street."

Christine looked dumbfounded, glancing around as if she expected someone to walk over and say this was a practical joke. When silence followed she whispered, too shocked to speak normally, "You're serious?"

"Why of course I am, dear," I laughed. "We could go take a look at it right now if you like."

Looking me over Christine wondered aloud, "Do you not have to return to work?"

I smiled, "Dear, I am seventy-five years old... and retired. All I do now is stay home and take care of my building and the people who live in it."

Present Day:

"I turned in my two weeks' notice that day." Mrs. Valerious continued, "I helped Christine move in, helped her pay for college and rent when she was taking classes, and I swore to myself that I would make sure she always had everything she needed. She was what I had been waiting on, she was the reason for me to retire, so I could continue the rest of my life as her Mama V."

My mouth was dry as Mrs. Valerious came to the end of her story. I had no idea, I didn't know that-... Amelia. My sister had pleaded to this saint before me, and with her help was able to keep us together. I thought the courts had just ordered that I was her guardian when I was sixteen, I never suspected that that wasn't the case. Swallowing the lump in my throat I whispered, "Thank you, for everything you did for Amelia and I."

Looking regrettably at me, Mrs. Valerious announced, "You know I spoke to Amelia-... a few days before it happened. She told me what was troubling her, but also how much she loved being a mother and wife. She also mentioned you frequently." Mrs. Valerious sighed, "You must know, she loved you dearly."

Looking away, afraid I would lose my composure I nodded, "I never doubted she did, I loved her more than she would ever know."

"She knew son," Mrs. Valerious replied. "She always knew."

Clearing my throat, I turned the conversation back to Christine, stating, "I read of Christine's tragedy, I also read about what she had been accused of. Her fate would have been different if you hadn't intervened. Thank you, for saving her."

Mrs. Valerious laughed, "We both know that all I did was unofficially adopt a child who was scarred from the death of her parents. Her saving was her own."

I recognized the double meaning in her statement, wondering aloud, "So, she did-?"

"Yes." Mrs. Valerious replied curtly, not allowing me to finish. Smoothing her hair back before confessing, "She had nightmares for a year or so, and one night she screamed so loud I thought someone was attacking her. When I got to her she was so tired that she had no idea what she was saying or who she was talking to. She told me everything, and that Sir, is something I shall take to my grave. I would sooner die than repeat any of that."

"I understand." I added, "I'm no innocent."

Shaking her head Mrs. Valerious defended, "It's not what you think. One of these days, when she's calm and reflective, ask her what happened."

I didn't say anything else, just nodded as Christine tapped on the closed door. I opened it for her, since she was carrying a cup of tea in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Slowly bending down she handed Mrs. Valerious her drink before turning to me and handing me my coffee. She smiled and sighed happily, "Everyone comfy? Hopefully Dr. Matthews will be here- oh, speak of the devil."

Dr. Matthews walked in and after drawing out his visit Mrs. Valerious was allowed to leave with Christine and I. The car ride was silent except for the occasional conversation between Christine and Mrs. Valerious, who now insisted I call her Mama V as well. I respectfully accepted, not turning her down after everything I had learned from her today. When we arrived at the familiar apartment I escorted Mrs. Valerious inside, doing a quick sweep and surprisingly found nothing. After checking again and once again coming up empty handed I took my leave and returned to Christine in the car, who spoke the whole way home, thanking me profusely for taking her. I was pleased that she was so happy, almost forgetting that she was currently dating that fop, De Chagny. Almost.

That's when I became silent. Not another word escaped my lips as we made our way home. As we ascended the basement steps Christine finally asked, "Why are you so quiet all of sudden?"

"No reason," I replied coldly.

Looking taken aback, Christine halted my reach for the door handle, arguing, "Yes, there is. What's wrong Erik?"

I could have snarled and raved, but kept my temper in check, calmly replying without any anger or gritting of my teeth, "Nothing is wrong. I am simply tired."

"Alright then." Christine admonished, not looking the slightest bit convinced.

Opening the door I was all at once reminded of what I had forgotten with the very loud, very shrill, and very over-emotional, "Erik, Darling!"

Sooooo, who wants to kill me for leaving it there? Hands? Anyway, I think I gave you guys some juicy information regarding Erik and Christine's life prior to now and some of you may be forming your own conclusions. I would love to know what some of you think may have happened or what you think will happen. Let me know in the comments, and since we are coming down to it here is the trivia question.

Trivia: The character just introduced was already mentioned early on in the story, who is it?