Chapter Twenty-Six - All I Have To Give You
It was the peace that awakened him.
He half-expected to wake up alone, once again in the cellars of the Opera House. He thought to find himself slumped over the keys of the organ. Often, during those brutal nights when he composed Don Juan Triumphant, he'd fallen asleep like that when exhaustion at last drained the rage from his body, if not his soul.
No, he was here in his father's house. In Christine's bedroom. In his bride's embrace.
Her arms were entwined around him, her body nestled against him. Her breath was warm and soft on his neck.
Had he been a fool not to take her? She was his wife, it was his right.
How much time did they have now? Was it only hours or a lifetime?
If he did not survive the day, what would become of her?
There was still time. He could awaken her, they could leave...together.
He turned towards her and shook her gently.
"Christine, wake up."
She opened her eyes slowly and, when she saw him, she smiled.
If only it could always be this way, seeing her smile each morning.
There was something that needed to be said.
He sat up and reached into the inner pocket of his now-rumpled jacket. He took out two pieces of paper. Unfolding them, he laid them in her hands. One was his baptismal record, the other a record of their marriage.
"Erik, why are you giving me these now?"
He took her hand and held it near his heart.
"Listen to me, Christine, listen to me carefully. Keep these papers safe. Do not lose them, not matter what. If anything should happen to me...they are the only proof...of my birth, of our marriage. Do you understand me?"
"Erik, you are frightening me. What is going to happen to you. Please, don't talk like that."
"Christine, tell me you will do as I say. Guard those papers, keep then with you. They are all I have to give you."
He took her pale face in his hands.
"Christine, whatever this day brings, know that I love you. Nothing can alter that love. Nothing."
He knew that to kiss her now would be more than he could endure. He already felt his soul breaking under the strain. If he kissed her now, he would lose his resolve, he would take her and run.
Abruptly, he rose and left the room as the clock on the mantle chimed nine times.