Chapter 26- Wedding

April 3, 2005

Well, Nadir and I finally convinced Erik that we should have the wedding in California. It is the perfect place. For one, we'll be far away from here, which will be ideal. Also, Nadir has connections. I mean, he did live there. Wow, he's really been so great through all of this. We'll drive, since Erik absolutely refuses to fly, and we'll stop and spend the night somewhere along the way. Nadir has arranged where we will stay in Redding, California. Erik was, at first, really against traveling to where Nadir used to live. I can understand that the very thought of doing such a thing would bring back bad memories of his loneliness. But, Nadir and I finally convinced him. It took a lot of talk about the magnificent buildings in California (although, there may not be any at all… I wouldn't know…), and he knows I won't be completely happy until we make our bond official (the only way to do that is through marriage).

So, we have it set. Erik, Ayesha, and I will begin our drive in a week from today. Nadir has already arranged a meeting with two people who will perform our marriage on the twentieth of April. Thanks to Nadir, our apartment will be ready for us when we get there. The one thing that we haven't decided is if we will ever come back to North Carolina. Erik and I have discussed going to Italy or Paris or Australia for our honeymoon, and who knows if we'll want to come back. Personally, I couldn't care less where we go, as long as I'm with him. He insists, since he hasn't had to spend his large amount of money in so long, he wants to spend some of it.

Nadir won't be able to come to our wedding because of his job, but it's ok. Erik and I want a small wedding, just the two of us, although I have teased that Ayesha should be the bridesmaid. Whatever happens, I'm sure everything will be perfect. I would expect no less from Erik.

"Erik, what are you doing?" Christine asked lowering her pen and journal. They were in the library, she on the couch and he in his armchair. Ayesha was relaxing on the arm of his chair.

"I am drawing you, Christine. Now, please, stay still. I know it is hard for you."

She stuck her tongue out playfully.

"Now, now, Dear, you know how I love that tongue of yours, but please, put it away… for now." He smirked. She blushed and did as he said. His smirk turned into a devilish grin.

"Pig," she mumbled barely moving her lips.

"What was that?" he asked innocently while drawing intently.

"Nothing, Sweetheart," Christine replied slyly.

Erik put his drawing aside and stood stretching his muscular limbs. He then walked towards her deviously. "Nothing, hmm?" he whispered. She only rolled her eyes when he approached, but that jaded expression didn't last. Suddenly, Erik was upon her, tickling her sides and stomach.

"Erik!" she screamed kicking and laughing hysterically.

"Yes?"

"Stop! Erik!" Tears came to her eyes, she was laughing so hard.

"What's the magic word, Darling?" he asked calmly reveling in her hysterics.

"Please! Stop!" He did as she commanded and pressed his lips to her own. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and the laughing turned into satisfied moans.

"My god, Christine, I love you," he growled against her.

The week passed surprisingly quickly, and soon, Christine was waving frantically through the car window to Nadir, who came to say good bye. Neither knew how, but everything of importance fit into the car, even Ayesha. Christine was shocked at how easily Erik could part with some of the things that she thought were valuable in the house. He assured her they could buy a new piano. He also felt no tie to any of the ornaments or dishes, which filled the house with majesty. However, they did gather some of the books from the library, Christine's mother's violin, all sheet music, clothing and shoes, and some food for the road.

Nadir assured them that everything was ready and waiting for them in California, and they were off.

"Well, this is going to be a long drive," Christine said about two minutes down the road. She propped her feet atop the dashboard of the car with a leisurely sigh, since Ayesha's cat carrier took up the foot space on the passenger floor. "Let's turn on some music."

He smiled at her state of relaxation and turned on some classical music. "As you wish, Darling."

Indeed, the drive was dreadfully long. Erik only gave in to finding a hotel when the car finally needed gas. He could have driven all night, it was no trouble to him. Christine looked peaceful sleeping in the passenger's seat, and Ayesha was fine. But alas, their vehicle was not. Maybe Erik did not 'want' to sleep, but once he and Christine were snuggled in the hotel bed, he realized he 'needed' sleep. It was a sort of awakening to him, that need to sleep. But, his dreams were filled with the fear of encountering others. He wanted to be brave for Christine's sake, though.. but how can one gather bravery when they have been ridiculed all their lives for their appearance? He may have needed to sleep, but that didn't mean it'd be easy.

They made it to Redding, California the next day. The first question Erik asked upon entering the city was, "Where are the buildings?" Christine just laughed and assured him they were around, while enjoying the view out of the car window. "There is not any decent architecture here, is there?" he asked with disappointment.

"Aww, Erik, I wouldn't know, but Nadir said there was. I guess we're just going to have to trust him. Now, where are the instructions on how to get to the apartment?"

He sighed, still disappointed, and handed them to her. They were going to stay in an apartment complex called Shadowbrook Apartments.

Eventually, they completed the drive to the apartment and got moved in. Christine and Ayesha were exhausted and couldn't wait to sleep. Erik, on the other hand, just sat in the new den looking at a wall. When waiting for him to come to bed became old, Christine went to check on him. "Erik? Are you ok? Aren't you tired?" She sat beside him on the couch and rested her head on his shoulder.

"No, Darling, I'm not tired. Please, you go ahead. I will join you soon." He stroked her curls absentmindedly, still looking at the wall.

She gently grabbed the hand that was stroking her curls and held it. "You can talk to me. What's wrong?"

He looked down into her eyes, which were looking up into his face, and sighed. "Christine, it has been a very long time since I have been out in public. I am just not comfortable with it. All of the people… All of the stares…"

"I know you're uncomfortable with it, and I'm so sorry. But, I don't think you should worry. Maybe society has changed."

"Society never changes," he interjected. "They always judge others by their appearance. It will never change."

"Erik, people won't care. They'll glance at you once and go back to their activities. They won't know the truth. I do, though, and I think you're perfect." She removed his mask and kissed the disheveled flesh.

He closed his eyes in peace and smiled. "Thank you, Angel. I do not know why I worry so. It is very unbecoming."

"No, it's completely normal. Now, will you come to bed?" She kissed his lips.

"Yes…" he replied still in awe of her lips. He allowed himself to be led to the bedroom in a trance-like state. Not only could Christine lose control and be manipulated by him, but he could by her, as well.

The week passed peacefully. Christine was actually right; no one really cared about Erik's appearance. They would glance at him, but then would quickly resume what they were doing before.

The twentieth was finally upon them, and with that, the meeting with the people in charge of their wedding. "Erik, it's going to be fine. They're going to be nice. They just want our money, after all," she reassured

"I know, I know. I just have not had to communicate with anyone thus far." They were sitting in the car outside a lovely house. The sign in the front yard read, "Harmonious Weddings". "Christine, it has been over eight years."

"I'm sure they will treat you like Nadir and I do. One's a priest and one's an organist. How bad could it be?"

"Well, perhaps you are right. Come, let's go inside." They went to the door and were greeted by a happy couple, Richard and Stephanie Etiwah. Richard would perform the ceremony, and Stephanie would play the organ. Christine was correct, they didn't mention Erik's mask or stare at him for too long. The wedding was to be held on the first of March.

When they were through with planning, Christine had a huge smile on her face, and even Erik was in high spirits. "That went well," he admitted.

"Yes, I agree. They were really nice. I could tell they were really in love with each other, too. It makes me think about our future together."

"I have the same thoughts." They held hands while he drove back to the apartment.

"Erik, when are we going to go shopping for wedding clothes? I want to have a pretty dress."

He smiled. She was adorable. "Of course, Darling. We can go out tomorrow."

"And you won't mind being around people?" she asked hopefully.

"No, I will not mind. I will only pay attention to you; forget everyone else. You are all that matters." He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly.

The next day, they shopped for clothes. Christine helped Erik find a nice black tuxedo, but she wouldn't allow him to see the dress she picked out. "I love seeing the look on your face when I wear new clothes."

"And what look is that?" he asked amused.

"Well, it's hard to describe, but you just sort of brighten."

"Well, you are my light," he told her seriously. "So, you really won't show me the dress?"

"Nope." She smiled at him sweetly refusing to give in. "You will just have to wait."

"You know how impatient I am, Christine."

"It doesn't matter. I'm not going to show you." There was finality in her tone.

"Fine, then. Would you like to go back to the apartment? Perhaps we can sing?" He was becoming uncomfortable with being in public.

"Sure," she replied, knowing what he was feeling. "That'd be great."

When they got back, Christine hid the dress so he wouldn't find it, and they sang for a long time. That night, Erik and Christine lay on the couch in comfortable silence just enjoying their bond. "Christine, have you thought about where you want to go for our honeymoon?" Erik suddenly asked.

"Well, I… I haven't really thought about it much. Where do you want to go?"

"It does not matter to me. I only want you to be happy," he said while kissing her shoulder.

Knowing it was probably out of the question, Christine laughed and said, "I've always wanted to go to Paris. It sounds like such a beautiful place."

"Then, we'll go to Paris." He chuckled at Christine's surprised gasp. "We can visit the Paris Opera House, if you would like."

"Do you mean it? We can really go?" She turned her head to look at him with shining eyes.

"Of course I mean it, Angel. I think you will find Paris to be an exquisite place."

"I can't wait," she sighed, her head pressed against his chest. He stroked her curls, and both continued to lay in comfortable silence, each daydreaming about the future.

Nadir called once before the wedding to see how things were going. "How do you both like Redding?" he asked. Erik had him on speaker phone.

"It's great, Nadir! It's so beautiful here. And, you were right. Richard and Stephanie are so nice!" Christine was putting her hair up while talking.

"Well, that is good to hear. Erik, what do you think of Redding?"

"Daroga, I must ask, where are the buildings you were speaking of?"

"I am sorry to say, but there are no magnificent buildings in that part of California. Erik, it was the only way to convince you to go."

Erik crossed his arms against his chest, but Christine spoke before he could. "Oh well, it's ok. I'm sure there will be plenty of nice buildings in Paris."

"Ah, so, I assume that is where you will go for the honeymoon?"

"You assume correctly," Erik replied, still agitated about the lie.

"What will you do with Ayesha?"

"We will bring her with us. After all, she is part of the family," Christine said while picking the feline up and petting her.

"Will you travel by plane?"

Christine looked at Erik for an answer. "Yes, I believe we must," Erik answered looking at Christine. She smiled excitedly. The three continued talking for a while, and Nadir convinced Erik to take Christine to an expensive restaurant in Redding he was fond of.

Nadir wasn't lying. Erik and Christine enjoyed a divine meal at the restaurant he recommended that night. "I guess Daroga is acceptable to have around," Erik confessed while enjoying his glass of wine at their table.

"Yeah, he's been incredible. He's a good friend."

"I must admit, I do appreciate all that he has done."

Christine knew it was very unlike Erik to acknowledge Nadir's goodness. I'm so proud of him.

The first of March finally arrived, the day of their wedding. Christine and Erik left Ayesha at the apartment and went to Richard and Stephanie's house. Although it felt as if they were already married, they both couldn't help but smile at the thought of having it made official.

They got to the house, and Christine went with Stephanie, while Erik went with Richard. The couple smiled at each other one last time before separating. Christine dressed in the much anticipated gown. It was cream colored, and the length reached the floor. She didn't want anything too gaudy, so it was fitted and made of satin. It held thin straps on the shoulders, and she wore a pearl necklace. The veil was the most extravagant piece of the whole attire. It was a lacey cream-colored piece, and the length reached her ankles. Stephanie fixed her make up and hair.

"You look very beautiful, Miss Daae."

"Thank you, Stephanie. And, thank you so much for helping with my hair and make up."

"It was no trouble." Stephanie paused before asking, "If I may, will you keep your last name, or take his?"

Christine froze. My gosh, what's Erik's last name? She'd never even thought to ask him. How stupid could I be? I don't know my soon-to-be husband's last name! "Umm.. I think I'll take his."

"Lovely, just lovely. Well, I need to go tune the organ. The ceremony will begin in ten minutes. When you're ready, just walk down the hall and it's the first door on the right. A nice little sanctuary my husband and I designed. When you hear the music, walk down the aisle. Again, you look beautiful." She left the room, and Christine stared at herself in the mirror.

I want to do this. Erik and I love each other and we need to make our bond official. But, my gosh, I can't believe I don't know his last name! What if he doesn't have one? What do we do, then? He has to know his last name! She began shivering, nerves dancing in her stomach as she thought about walking down the aisle. I can do this, I can do this. It wasn't that she was nervous about marrying Erik.. It was just-.. Well, it was going to be a change. Of course it was going to be a good change, but still a change.

The ten minutes passed quickly, and she headed down the hall. She peeked through the window leading into the sanctuary, and her eyes were immediately drawn to Erik. Nothing else mattered. My love.. Why am I nervous? I have no reason to be! Aww, he's nervous, too.. I can tell. A smile came to her face, and determination seeped into her veins. Of course I can do this.

The music began; she opened the door and gracefully walked through.

Erik was standing with Richard on the other side, and when the music began and Christine walked into the room, his heart stopped beating. She was intoxicatingly beautiful. He couldn't help but stare stupidly. This is the look she likes to see when she wears new clothing? The look of shock and awe? Well, I'm sure she can certainly see it now. She is perfect.

She finally reached him and smiled while blushing. His heart beat resumed, and he smiled back warmly.

Richard spoke. "We have come together to join this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. Marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God. Into this holy union, Erik Destler and Christine Daae now come to be joined."

Christine distantly thought to herself, Oh, so that's his last name. I like it!

Richard faced Christine and spoke. "Christine Daae, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

Christine just stared at Erik and answered, "I will." Erik couldn't help but smile at her.

Richard then faced Erik and said, "Erik Destler, will you have this Woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"

Erik answered confidently while looking intently at Christine. "I will." Both smiled at each other.

Richard then instructed, "Now, present the rings."

Erik reached into his jacket pocket, and two gold bands were revealed. Christine stared with wide eyes. He handed them to Richard, and he gave one back to Erik. "Now, Erik, repeat after me. I, Erik Destler."

"I, Erik Destler."

"Take you, Christine Daae, to be my wife."

Erik repeated.

"To have and to hold from this day forward."

Erik repeated.

"For better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health."

Erik repeated with love in his eyes. Christine felt tears in her own.

"To love and to cherish until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."

Erik repeated with finality and determination in his voice. He then put the ring on Christine's finger.

Richard repeated the process with Christine, and she placed the ring on Erik's finger. He then said, "And now, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Both had tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces. Neither had ever been happier. Erik moved forward and kissed Christine deeply, but not for too long. The kiss held power and a bond that would never be broken.

Christine and Erik thanked Richard and Stephanie profusely for everything before leaving. They didn't speak to one another or stop staring at each other until they were in the car. Then, before a word was spoken, Erik reached over, gently grasped Christine's chin, and kissed her passionately. The embrace lasted for a very long time. They were married, and it felt so good.

Finally, they parted, yet still, neither spoke. They only stared at each other while resuming breathing after such a kiss. Eventually, though, Christine found words. "I didn't know your last name was 'Destler'."

He chuckled. "Yes, well, you never asked."

She laughed. It's true, she never had. "Oh, you should have been there. When the thought came to my mind before the wedding that I didn't even know your last name, I was so nervous! To tell the truth, I began to think that, maybe, you didn't know it."

"I found out when I was young. Before now, I despised the name, but I believe I will come to like it now that it is yours, as well."

"Christine Destler…" She hugged him and smiled. "It's perfect!"

"Yes, it suits you nicely." He shook his head lightly in wonder. "I cannot believe I am married to you. I always thought I would only dream of such a thing."

"Well, it's not a dream." She held his left hand in hers and stared at their matching rings. "I'm yours."

He stared at her in awe. "And I am yours." They kissed again.

No time had ever been more perfect in their minds. Christine could almost feel her mother's presence watching over them and approving. Erik couldn't keep his eyes off of his angel, his Christine, his everything. It was quite some time before either felt like driving back to the apartment. That moment was just too perfect to end.