Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to these characters or any settings/places. This is merely a fanmade writing experiment and is in no way profit making.
The Phantom and Moppet
Chapter Twenty Five
'Erik?' Nadir called as he cautiously entered Erik's and Christine's underground home.
'Hello Daroga. Is it not a little late for social calls?' Erik mockingly asked irritated at the disturbance. Erik watched as Nadir seated himself next to the fire, and with a sigh got up from his organ and moved to sit in his own arm-chair opposite.
'Perhaps, but I have just come from speaking with Minette, and we were both concerned we had not seen either you or Christine in over a week. Are you both well?' Nadir asked.
'Keeping tabs on me, Nadir?' Erik asked dryly, annoyed at both for their meddling surveillance.
'Not at all my friend, just ensuring all is well.' Nadir replied, relived to see by Erik's actions and appearance that all, did seem to be well. 'Did Christine enjoy her birthday.' he asked undeterred by Erik's unwelcome gaze.
Erik sighed, he knew that look in Nadir's eye and knew he would have no peace until he had at least briefly filled him in on their movements this last week.
'She did.' Erik answered, without much hope his brief answer would satisfy the former police chief.
'And what did you do to celebrate Christine's birthday?' Nadir asked with raised eyebrows, and a wry grin.
'We went out.' Erik's replied tersely, and Nadir chuckled.
'Come Erik. I have not seen you in over a week. Can not two old friends catch up?' Nadir asked, 'And you are not the only one who dotes on Christine, I only wish to know she had an enjoyable day.' Nadir said, enjoying their verbal sparring.
Erik's ire eased at the mention of Christine. Erik had to concede that Nadir did indeed adore Christine. He treated her as she were his own daughter and with another sigh Erik realised he would have to endure the interruption to his work whilst he filled the Daroga in.
'If I'm to undergo an interrogation, I shall need a brandy, will join me?' Erik asked standing to fetch himself a glass.
'Yes please.' he heard Nadir say over his shoulder as he swiftly went to the kitchen, and then returned a moment later with two half full brandy glasses. He handed one to Nadir and then sat back in his chair.
Erik took a steadying sip of his brandy, and after a few moments of continued silence, Nadir prompted, 'Well…?'
'We went to the villa. I surprised her with a moonlight picnic in the garden, lit with lots of candles.' Erik said with a smile, as he remembered how delighted Christine had been by her surprise.
'Although it was a delayed celebration. Christine's monthly flow began on her birthday and she did not feel up to doing much on the actual day. Hence why were gone so long.' Erik explained, and was curiously amused to see Nadir choke on his brandy.
'What?…' Nadir choked out, putting down his glass, as he gasped in air.
Erik grinned. 'It was just a picnic Nadir. Christine loves to play and eat outside, and as she insists I leave my mask off when we are alone, I was more comfortable with the eating to take place at night.' Erik said, realising as he did that he was not actually wearing his mask.
Christine's living with him had left him careless, and as he put down his own glass, and stood to retrieve it, Nadir motioned for him to sit back down, having followed Erik's train of thought, regained his breath and wiped the tears from his eyes.
'Leave the damn mask, Erik. What do you mean her… that she…' Nadir trailed off and his cheeks burned crimson.
Erik sat back down, his self-consciousness without his mask forgotten, as he saw how embarrassed his friend was.
'Her menstrual cycle began Nadir. Surely you must know that all females have monthly flow of blood - you were married?' Erik asked, bemused by his friends attitude, and was bewildered to see Nadir gasp and turn a deeper shade of red.
'Christine told… You mean… you and Christine spoke of this?' Nadir asked shocked.
Erik laughed, 'Of course we spoke of this. I taught Christine human reproduction years ago.' Erik told him perplexed.
'You taught her….' Nadir trailed off scandalized.
'Of course I taught her. How else is she to learn these things. What would she have thought if she had woken one morning covered in blood if she did not know.' Erik defended his teachings, confused.
'Erik…' Nadir trailed off and focused his thoughts. In all the years she had lived with Erik, with all his concerns that Erik was taking care of both himself and Christine, it had never occurred to Nadir to worry about what Erik was actually teaching the child.
'Erik young girls should not know such things. And when they need to know such things they should be explained to them by their mothers.' Nadir explained exasperated.
Erik fixed him with a piercing stare, 'Christine's mother is dead. How exactly was she to enlighten Christine about sex.' Erik asked astounded at Nadir's backwards logic.
Nadir blushed again and Erik sighed. 'Daroga I did not realise that not only were you such a prude but that you held females intelligence so low. You would think nothing of it, if you or I were to discuss human reproduction, or if Christine were a boy.' Erik said shocked at his friends attitude.
'Girls should be kept innocent, protected, even from knowledge of such things. They should not be taught the same things as men.' Nadir stated, offended.
'Christine is intelligent. She is very clever, and more learned than most adults. She may well be even smarter than you, Daroga.' Erik glared.
'She is more than capable of dealing with the realities of life, and I would not have her ignorant of something that she needed to know.' Erik argued as his temper flared then, a thought struck him and he grinned.
'I would love to know what Minette would say on the subject of women being kept in the dark.' he smirked at Nadir.
Nadir swallowed, Christine knowing such things, and worse talking of such things with a man went against all he believed in but he knew, Erik meant well and that concerning, Minette he was right. Minette would have a lot to say if he treated her or Meg thus, he mused.
Nadir felt Erik's gaze and saw he was grinning smugly at him. Nadir acknowledged to himself, he had some things to consider, and he changed the subject. 'How has Christine handled… becoming woman.' he tentatively asked.
'A woman? Nadir she has just turned thirteen.' Erik scoffed.
'With this development, she is now a woman, Erik. Thirteen is marriageable age in many countries my friend.' Nadir said, overcoming his discomfort at the subject.
'She is still a child, Nadir, she is just growing up. A child whose monthly flow has begun. Become a woman?' Erik shook his head at the absurdity of the idea.
'So she has not changed? Nothing is different between you?' Nadir asked his uneasiness forgotten, at Erik's denial.
'Nothing has changed. Christine is still a child.' Erik stated emphatically.
Both men became lost in their own thoughts at Erik's statement. Erik frowned as Ayesha jumped up onto his lap, and kneaded his legs with her claws, before settling down to sleep.
Unconsciously stroking the cat, Erik wished time would slow. His little friend was growing up quickly and how he wished she would remain a little girl forever.
Although Nadir was mistaken, (Christine was still his cheeky urchin), Erik demons taunted him with the future, and what it would hold once Christine became the prima donna, he knew she was destined to be. Erik shied his thoughts away from what may come when his little tyke was grown.
Nadir thoughts ran along similar lines although they differed in opinion. Christine was now a woman, and whether Erik admitted it or not things were about to change.
He knew from Minette, that Meg was to ask if, Christine would accompany, Meg to one of their fellow ballet rats birthday parties at a nearby tavern.
Said ballet rat was only a year older than Christine, and had a suitor who was paying for the party, and Minette would only allow the girls to attend together, and then only because herself and almost all her other students would be in attendance.
Nadir knew Erik would NOT be pleased and would not want Christine to go. The winds of change were blowing and Nadir worried a storm was brewing, but he wisely kept his fears to himself.
Both men's thoughts were interrupted as Christine, swathed in her dressing gown joined them at sat on the stool at Erik's feet, and gentle stroked the purring cat on his lap.
'Hello Nadir. I thought I heard, Erik talking to someone. How are you?' she asked with a sleepy smile.
'I am well, Christine' Nadir smiled fondly in return. 'And yourself, Christine you are well?' Nadir asked without thinking.
'I am fine, thank you Nadir. Erik has been wonderful, and really helped take my mind off, my monthly flow which has begun.' she calmly told, an aghast Nadir.
'It has knocked me about more than I thought it would but I am sure I will soon get used to it. Especially with Erik to help me through it.' Christine said as she smiled adoringly at Erik.
Nadir saw the look she gave Erik. He was mortified at her casual conversation about such things, and frightened by the open devotion on her face.
'Christine you should not talk of such matters.' Nadir chastened more sharply than he intended.
Tears welled in her eyes at his tone, 'I am sorry Nadir, it's just you asked how I was so I just…' she broke off embarrassed as she huddled closer to Erik's legs, and the tears fell silently from her eyes.
'Get out Daroga. Get out now before I'm forced to hurt you.' snarled Erik, barely able to contain his rage at Nadir for upsetting his Christine, and causing a disgruntled Ayesha, to jump down from his lap.
Nadir watched as, Christine took Erik's hand and drew his attention. 'It is ok, Erik.' she soothed. 'Nadir did not mean to…' Christine paused as she realised she had no idea why Nadir had spoken such.
'Forgive me, Christine. I did not mean to be harsh. It is just that, this is not a subject that young lady should discuss with a man.' Nadir explained, once again turning beetroot red.
'I… I did not know. I am sorry, Nadir.' Christine said, her confused, wounded look more of a rebuke than any threats Erik could offer.
'Do not apologise to him, Christine.' Erik ordered scowling at Nadir, 'I've have learned several unpleasant things about our uptight Daroga tonight and apparently, making children cry is one of them.' Erik snarled.
'Again, Christine I am sorry. I had no wish to up set you.' Nadir said standing, and beating a hasty retreat to the door. 'I shall see you both tomorrow?' he asked, anxious to be away from the disquieting conversation and Erik's lethal temper.
Christine felt self-conscious, at her social faux pas, but it was Erik referring to her as a child that rankled. She tightened her grip on Erik's hand, and regained and held Erik's gaze as she said, 'Thank you, Nadir but I am ok. We will see you tomorrow.'
She held eye contact with, Erik till she saw his temper recede and that he gave Nadir a dismissive nod.
'I'll say goodnight then.' said Nadir and made fast his escape. As he walked the now familiar pitch dark tunnels back to the world above his mind was awhirl.
Other than his inappropriate female hygiene teachings, Erik had done a wonderful job of raising Christine, and Nadir could not help but adore and be proud of the young lady she was fast becoming.
Then he had a shiver of ill trepidation. Christine may well be only thirteen, and a child in their eyes, but they did not mean she had not grown a woman's heart, wants and needs.
Neither Christine or Erik might know it yet, but it was obvious to Nadir from the look on her face, that Christine's feelings for Erik had deepened - it was no longer a child's adoration she held for their dear friend.
Nadir had longed hoped that when Christine was old enough, she would be able to love and accept Erik as a husband, so that his rejected friend would be no longer alone.
But Nadir knew it would be a long bumpy road to traverse before his two friends could even begin to find happiness with each other, and there was sure to be heart broken tears before long, but exactly whose tears they would be, he was not sure.
Christine still sat at Erik's feet, watched him closely, as he brooded and stared into the fire. She was annoyed at her angel for calling her a child, but the feeling soon passed, as she watched the firelight flicker over his adored features.
She smiled as remembered what a wonderful week they had shared, how Erik had cosseted her all week, making sure she was not in pain, or distressed, by the start of her monthly flow.
They had spent her birthday, (and most of the week singing) and Christine had savoured every minute. Madam Giry, Meg and Nadir had heard Erik sing a few carols but she knew that paled to the magnificent melodies he performed when they were alone at home.
She knew the others would not understand this need she had to be near Erik - to hear him sing. She was not sure she understood it herself. Christine just knew that when she was with, Erik she felt safe, happy, and complete.
She could not help but smile when she thought how he had fussed when she rode Julius to the villa. He had made sure they stopped regularly and had made the whole day an outdoor adventure, to ease her discomfort.
She had known this was going to be her greatest birthday yet, and the memories of her outdoor midnight birthday feast, she held close to her heart.
In the rose garden at the villa, Erik had lit dozens of candles, to light their meal, not they had needed it as the moon and stars had shone almost as bright as the sun.
Surrounded by hundreds of different coloured roses, Erik had served her course after course of the most delicious foods, and then when she was so stuffed she could eat no more, he began to play her Papa's old violin, and he had sung to her.
Happy Birthday, Christine,
May your days be many and bright,
May your future be filled,
All, with laughter and light.
Your spirit and your voice,
Are a truly magical gift,
A lighthouse in a storm,
A beacon in the mist.
You deserve to be happy,
To be always full of glee,
May you achieve all you wish,
And let music set you free.
Christine did not understand, nor could say what but something had changed that night. Somehow, Erik had become more precious, more dear to her, and ever since she had seemed far more attuned to his moods.
She would never forget the perfume of the roses, the mouth watering taste of the food, the flickering candlelight, the look on Erik's face as he poured out his soul as he played and sang.
Christine had already pressed between the pages of her favourite book (Beauty and the Beast), the single red rose tied with a black ribbon, Erik had given her that night.
'I am glad to see that fool of a Daroga has not overly upset you.' Erik said focusing her thoughts, on her dear angel.
'I am ok, thank you, Erik. I was just thinking how much fun this week had been.' she grinned at him, but then frowned. 'Why did Nadir say we should not discuss my cycle? Does he not know that all women endure it?' Christine asked confused.
'Oh he knows, but Nadir is one of life's hypocrites. He knows but believes it should not be spoken about. Ladies should be kept innocent and in the dark, and only told of the curse they must endure, and of reproduction, by other females, and then only when necessary.' Erik said in disgust of Nadir's ignorance.
'But why are men and women not allowed talk about it? I understand in front of strangers but Nadir is family.' Christine asked, still confused as to why she should hide something so natural.
'Nadir beliefs hold that a women's place is in the home. That her purpose is to look after and care for her husband and that she should not bother him with such indelicacies.' Erik said still bewildered that although it was Nadir's faith, that his learned friend, still held such archaic views.
'But I am not embarrassed to talk to you about it, and you are a man.' Christine told him, 'Or is it that should I be embarrassed that we talk naturally of such things?' she said, suddenly understanding.
'Yes, or at least that is Nadir's view.' Erik agreed, watching Christine closely, as she frowned.
'Do you want me to be embarrassed Erik?' she asked with a puzzled smile.
Erik returned her smile, but it gave way to a scowl of concern. 'I most certainly don't. I hope that you know, that you can tell me anything, Christine. I won't have secrets and lies between us.' he told her sternly.
'I will never lie to you Erik.' Christine promised him. 'I trust you, you are my best friend.' she assured him, 'I want to and can tell you everything my angel.' she smiled at him.
'Then I propose that we should keep our enlightened conversations to ourselves from now on, thus saving Nadir's blushes.' Erik suggested with a relived smile.
'They can be our secret conversations.' Christine agreed with a grin, unable to define the excited feeling she felt at keeping secrets with Erik.
'But I don't believe his blushes will save him when, Madam Giry realises his views.' Christine giggled, and was overcome an unnamed emotion when Erik laughed out loud in response.
'Indeed not. I believe their budding romance has yet, another obstacle to overcome.' Erik grinned at Christine, pleased she had not only guessed Minette and Nadir's ill kept secret but that she instinctively had the same thought as him.
'Poor Madam Giry. She has waited a long time for Nadir, but I feel it will be poor Nadir running from Madam Giry's cane if Nadir tells her, her place should be in the home.' Christine chuckled.
'Yes it seems they still have a way to go before they find each other.' Erik said thoughtfully.
'All we can do is hope they have the strength to believe in their love for each other, and be there if they need us.' Christine replied earnestly.
'Indeed.' Erik agreed, but silently thinking that it looked to be a far distant date, before Nadir and Minette would find happiness together. He shook off this melancholy thought, and checked his pocket watch.
'It is after one, Christine, and you should be asleep as you have to be up early, so bed for you.' Erik ordered.
'Yes, Erik,' Christine agreed, yawning as she stood and briefly kissed his twisted cheek, 'Goodnight.' she said with a smile as she made her way back to bed, closely followed by Ayesha.
Erik smiled after Christine, then stood and returned to his organ. Before the music once more consumed him, Erik guffawed as he remembered Nadir words.
'A woman.' Nadir had called Christine, but he was wrong Erik told himself. His little sidekick was still his innocent angel yet, her cycle changed nothing, she was still his little moppet.