Christine hesitated as she raised her hand to knock on the door to her husband's study. She didn't want to tell him. She knew that he was going to overreact. But it wasn't something she could just keep from him. He'd grow suspicious when she started getting rounder in the stomach. Even if she managed to keep it a secret until the baby was born, how was she going to hide an infant? No, it was best to tell him now.
Perhaps his reaction would be a pleasant surprise. That's what she was hoping for, at least. She knocked three times and waited for a response. When she heard nothing, she called, "Erik? I know you're in there, you've been avoiding me all day."
"I'm avoiding nobody," boomed a voice from deep within the room. He sounded both defensive and annoyed. Christine sighed.
"Erik, please come out. I need to talk to you."
There was a long silence before the doorknob turned and the door slowly opened, revealing the once-terrifying Opera Ghost in all his disheveled glory. His mask and wig were the only things that had been meticulously placed. It was obvious that he was doing something which required him to be comfortable, as his shirt was unbuttoned and he'd decided against the vest and jacket that usually completed his dapper ensemble.
"What is troubling you, ma chérie?" her angel asked, cupping her face gently in his hands. She smiled, closing her eyes at his touch. There was something so strangely calming about his cool skin.
"Erik," she said, slowly taking one of his hands between her own and guiding it down from her face to her stomach, "I… We're going to be parents." Her voice cracked on the last two words. She couldn't believe what she was telling him.