Love of a Stranger
Ob1MegOb1
Author's Note: A big turn of event's and a familiar face comes to visit the Dinea family. I wish to talk about such character but it will probably be better served in the Author's Note for the next chapter. I will have a lot more to say about that character without giving away who it is right now and why I am personifying him a certain way in this story. Especially with how he was characterized before even in this story. Like I said…more of an explanation to come in the next chapter. For now. Here is Chapter 38. Enjoy!
Chapter 38
(Erik)
I sleep throughout the night almost harkened back to my insomnia days of not sleeping at all. Between checking on Jasmine and taking care of Alex when I let Evelyn have a break I was exhausted and stretched thin. Jasmine's pulse had gotten stronger over night and her breathing steadier but the chance of a fever was still at the forefront of my mind.
Alex was cooing softly in my arms as I held him while sitting next to Jasmine. The sun had just started peeking through the curtains when Alex had started crying. When he caught sight of his mother he started getting fussy and crying. "I'm sorry," I said softly, "she can't hold you right now son."
Eventually, Ev came in claiming she would take care of him. "You worry about Jasmine," she said softly, "don't worry he will have people to take care of him."
"Is the mob still outside?" I asked observing how quiet they had gotten over night.
"Unfortunately," Ev said, "they are out on the main road though. Its almost like they are afraid to get any closer right now." Yes, I wonder why I couldn't help but think myself. I reluctantly handed over my son sorry that I couldn't give him the attention I wanted to give him. But right now I was still so distracted with Jasmine that I knew it was best he be with Ev who could give him attention.
And once again I found myself sitting beside a still body. I was beginning to understand how she had felt when she had laid beside me during those two days after I had been poisoned. But she also didn't have the guilty party sitting right outside almost mocking me with their taunts and jeers. Either way…I understood now.
A couple of hours went by and I tried to compose hearing a tune very clearly in my mind right now….but the words weren't quite so clear yet. But my mind often became very easily distracted by too many things. And then I saw it again…the small fluttering of her eyelids, the tips of her fingers beginning to move. She was waking up again.
"Jasmine," I said taking her hand in mine.
Slowly she gave out a groan I don't know whether out of exhaustion or pain, but after a few moments, she finally turned her head in my direction. "Erik?" she said softly.
"I'm here," I said gripping her hand a little harder, "how do you feel?"
She sighed, "My side hurts, and I'm incredibly thirsty for some reason." I reached to the endtable to pour her a glass of water. The doctor had this all set up ahead of time for when she woke up.
"How bad is the pain?" I asked remembering how bad it had been for her yesterday.
"Its still pretty bad," she said her voice raspy, "I don't think I will be able to move by myself." I wasn't going to let her do that anyway so that wasn't a big concern for right now. I got up and gently grabbed her in a way so I could get her to a sitting position. But even though I helped her a few moans of pain escaped her lips. Finally, she was up enough so that she could get a few sips of water hopefully without choking. I put a pillow behind her back so that hopefully it was a little more comfortable for her.
She could barely lift her arms but she did taking the cup and taking a few small sips. Finally, I took the cup holding it to her lips for her. I was impressed she had been able to do it herself but I also didn't want her pushing herself too far.
Finally, she put her hand up signaling that she didn't want anymore. After that, I took her hand giving it a comforting squeeze. But I could still see the pain on her face from it all. Finally, she gave a small smile, "Who helped?"
"William's doctor was still here when—," I started to say but I almost couldn't finish it, "when you got shot. He's the one who has been right beside you just as much as I taking care of you."
"Is everybody alright?" Jasmine said going back into that protective mode I knew all too well. I nodded my head, "Everybody's fine." I decided to not mention the raging mob outside for right now. She smiled her face relieved for a moment before she groaned in pain again.
"Let me get the doctor," I said quickly, "I don't like that you are still in so much pain." She held my hand for a moment like she didn't want to let me go. "I'll be gone for a second," I said comfortingly. And literally, it was a second. The doctor must have felt something was up because he was making his way down the hall.
"Well well," he said as he came in the room, "I see somebody is up. Did you get up on your own?" She only shook her head.
"She was still in too much pain," I said quickly, "I had to help her. She wanted water so that's why I helped her up." He nodded his head understanding. He gently lifted up her shirt to inspect the wound.
"It seems to be healing okay for now. There is a lot of trauma that comes with this though so that is why you are still in pain. And you will probably be uncomfortable for a while because of it." He seemed to say this more to me than her. He must have sensed I was the one who was worried about her level of pain. She nodded her head, "I understand."
"Good I figured you would," he said softly. "You're family seems to be unfortunately knowledgeable about such things." She smiled sadly, I'm sure she was thinking back on all the things that had happened in her and her sibling's short lives. She had already had a gauntlet of things happen and she was only 23 years old. I couldn't help but think I had added to her problems instead of helping them.
"Well I will give you two some time," the doctor said kindly finally making his exit from the room. As he did I felt a lot of things swelling to the surface…anger, sadness, fear, and joy. And I knew she could feel it all just through touching my hand. I shook my head trying to shake it all of but I couldn't.
"Don't keep it all inside," she said softly.
My voice shook as I said, "I am so scared Jasmine. For once in my life I am terrified. I am fearful for you, this family, the mob standing outside waiting to pounce, and for me."
She looked at me confused, "Yourself?" And I thought of all things I knew she would pick up on that
"I nearly tore that mob limb from limb for what they did to you and almost did to Rebecca. It was only thanks to Rebecca that I didn't do anything. But Jasmine," I said shaking, "I felt those old feelings coming up again. I literally saw red and thought that was it I was going to become that man again."
"Erik," she said softly, "I know that you think you should hold back what you feel is this beast inside of you. But I know that sometimes despite our best efforts sometimes we fail to keep our own emotions in check. So don't feel that I will abandon you because of them."
"Jasmine," I started to say but she put her hand on my lips. I could tell that statement had tired her out already. Better not to go into a fight on her first lucid moment. I put my hand on her cheek, "Rest love. I know you are still tired."
She smiled, "Stay strong love. I will still be right here if you need anything." I only hoped that statement would stay true.
After she fell asleep I finally took the chance some air and get out of that room. I was starting to feel a little crazy just thinking about everything right now. The mob, Paul, Jasmine, Alex…all our futures had become so crazy. I would have thought that by now I would be used to it. Turns out it all still could catch me by surprise.
"Erik!" I suddenly heard William call downstairs, "You need to get down here now!" I thought maybe the mob was starting to make their move. But to my surprise, there was a carriage of some sort sitting outside. "Erik I recognize that carriage," William said next to me. "It belongs to the Vicomte de Changey."
At first, I didn't want to believe him but my eyes widened as I saw the all to familiar man step out of the carriage. His eyes surveyed the house as if searching for all signs of me. "What the hell does he want?" William said through clenched teeth. Probably remembering all too well our last meeting with the Vicomte a year ago.
"I say we find out," I said as calmly as I could. "Let him inside."
William stared at me disbelievingly, "You are just going to let him in here. Have you forgotten what he's done?"
"No," I said simply, "and he hasn't forgotten what I did, and yet here he is. I want to know why and personally I would rather have him here where I can see him then away possibly plotting with Paul."
William sighed still unsure but I glared at him, "William trust me." And finally, he got up and headed to the door. I still don't think he was with me on this…and quite honestly I couldn't believe I was doing this myself. But for some reason, this felt different…he was coming here…but why?
(William)
I was not happy with this at all. This man had taken us, burned down our house, used me and Rebecca to capture Erik, he had also shot Erik…this list just kept going on and on. But for some reason, Erik was acting like all these things were nothing. Maybe in comparison to what he had done to him was what he was thinking. Maybe the things he had done to him then…had not only been long but worse. We didn't talk about that much though. And mostly because that man was not the one we saw before us. The one who had become part of our family.
I grabbed the doorknob and took a deep breath before opening it. The Vicomte's eyes were surprised as he caught sight of me. "William?" he said surprising me he remembered the name of his abductee. "It is amazing how much a year an change a person," he said seeming genuine and I wondered if he was talking about me or himself.
"I warn you,' I said my voice terse, "you try anything you know what you will face."
"I know," he said simply. I felt like I was staring at a very different person. The anger, vengeance was gone from his face. As I let him in he was observant but I knew he was keeping his eyes out for Erik. Too many experiences of him slipping in and out of his line of vision.
"In here Vicomte," I heard Erik's voice say from the lounge and he immediately made his way in. So did I and I was afraid that Erik was going to tell me to leave but only motioned for me to close the door. He had his mask on, which now felt so unusual to us who were used to him having it off.
"I heard about your wife," the Vicomte said his voice sincere, "I am sorry. She is in our prayers. "
(Erik)
Several things went through my mind as he said this. He knew that we were married, and I couldn't believe he was offering condolences to me of all people. "I know that you and I," he began, "have hurt each other in numerous different ways this past year. Too many to count." I could tell it was difficult for him to admit that, and I had to admit if I had tried to say that it would have been difficult as well. "But enough is enough," he said, "and I wished all of our parties could have moved on before it got to this. And now I fear there are very few options left."
I grimaced, "So you were the one controlling Paul's movements?"
"Initially," he said reluctantly, "although I never advised him to kill anybody. When I heard what he did to his fiancee and attempted to do to both sisters…I cut ties with him there. There was only one man I wanted killed—-," and he stopped not finishing the sentence but we knew he was talking about me.
William tsked in the corner, "Yeah just like you didn't advise the gedarmes to burn down our house with my sister inside."
"I will not deny I asked the house to be burned. But I was told there was no one inside," he said a tone of guilt in his voice. "If I had known there was somebody inside I never would have asked that it was." I could choose to believe that or not but the point was it was passed now.
"So are you trying to tell me you lost control of Paul like you lost control of the gedarmes?" I asked simply.
"Yes I did," he answered immediately. "Unfortunately Paul has become insanely jealous…and now he wishes to destroy everything about your lives. I don't know if he ever had the intention of killing Jasmine but judging by the mob outside."
"I take it that is his doing as well," I muttered softly as all the pieces began to come together in my head.
"Yes," he said sadly. "When he found out you two had been married he immediately headed into the city and started inciting them. Saying how you were a demon, the devil, and how you had manipulated this poor family. And now you had a mistress and had even spawned a child. Well, naturally the mob mentality grew from there." So there was my answer as to why all of this had happened. Dammit, I had dealt with these people all my life and this wasn't good. If he had incited the right people they would not leave until they had achieved what they wanted.
"You're starting to understand," Raoul said softly.
"Oh believe me Vicomte," I said softly, "I know far better then you what they are capable of."
"Do you know what it is they are asking for?" Raoul asked. I only shook my head even though I had a fair idea of what they would want to do with me. "They are asking for your arrest," he said with a straight face. And I had to admit that caught me completely off guard. "Apparently Paul incited them by saying why the monster who killed people, and nearly burned down the Opera House has not been brought to justice."
William shook his head, "They are asking for arrest, but the first thing they will do is string him up. Especially with Paul at the head." It felt weird to hear about myself being on the other end of a noose. Especially when I had been the one handing them out before.
"And that is why I am here," Raoul said his eyes on me. "Let me be the one to take you in. I can guarantee that they do not execute you, and you receive life in prison instead. That way you are in one place away from those people and we can try to figure out a way to get you out. It's not ideal but it may be your best option."
"Why on earth should we trust you?" William said his voice rising.
"Because I am tired of this!" he said finally raising his voice. "It is obvious we have moved on and made mistakes as well. We both have families now," he said his voice shaking. And now I understood.
"Christine is with child," I muttered softly. He wanted to sever ties with this madman. He didn't want to dirty his hands anymore. I laughed, "It is amazing how becoming a father changes you," I said staring at him. "Isn't it?"
"I never wanted to believe it," he said softly, "especially that you could. But now I look at you and you're different. I have no other words for it. And I can't ask you to trust me but I am offering you an option. We need to do this as soon as possible though because you know the longer they sit out there the worse it will get."
"How soon are you talking about?" I asked.
He sighed, "Tonight would be prefereable."
"Tonight?" William exclaimed continuing on I'm sure but in the meantime, everything else faded out around me. Tonight? I would be taken away from everything I cared about and put back in a cage. I wanted to say to hell with it…but when I saw Jasmine bleeding and barely holding on I knew I couldn't bear to see that again. I was not going to put this family through more harm because of my pride. I had said I would do anything to protect them. Even if it hurt more then life itself.
"I will take your offer," I finally said making the whole room go quiet.
"Erik no," William said his face furious, "you can't!"
"But Vicomte," I said steadily, "I can not leave tonight. I understand why you want to do it so soon but…I have a wife, a son, and family I must say good-bye to. I have affairs to put into order," I said glaring at William. "I have to ask for at least three days." He sighed and I knew he didn't like that much time but finally, he nodded his head.
"I understand," he said standing up. "So in three days time I will return to take you in," he said clasping my hand and sealing the agreement.
I pulled him in, "Try not to look so pleased about it," I said snidely.
"On the contrary," he said, "I take no pleasure in taking a father from his family. I only hope that this method will allow you to eventually return to them once more."
"Let's hope," I said softly as he finally made his way out and back to his carriage. William in the meantime stormed out without a word. I sighed, and he had reverted back to his old self so quickly.
"Don't be hard on him Erik," Nadir said at the door. "You're like a brother to him, and he's losing you just like everyone else now." I nodded my head understanding what he was saying. I just needed him…all my plans and affairs I needed to confide in him because Jasmine wouldn't be able to do it all by herself. Especially not until she was better.
"You need to talk to everybody else first," Nadir said softly. "Jasmine is going to take the longest to come to your side and," he said softly, "She's the one you are going to want to spend your time with. Her and Alex. So get the others out of the way now so you can capitalize your time with them."
I nodded my head but I wasn't looking forward to this at all. "Can you give me ten minutes please?" I said softly, "And then let them in."
"Of course," Nadir said quietly leaving the room. My head dropped in my hands and I tried to take deep breaths. I needed to keep it together. This was the only thing we could do…the only way I could protect them all. But the thought of being in a cage again and isolated was a chilling thought. But now it was ten times worse because I was leaving my wife and child alone. The love of my life…and then I felt that twinge of emotion I wasn't used to. Something that I would never have experienced if I had stayed on my old path. I would have been spared this pain and longing that was aching in my soul. But deep down…I wouldn't have had it any other way.
I had always known I would have to suffer the consequences of my actions. And I had always thought it would be through my death. But I was being given an option that didn't have to end in my death. And I guess I would be damned if I didn't take it. And I knew as long as I was living and breathing I would find a way back to them. No matter what.
(Jasmine)
My head felt heavy as I slowly began to stir again. My side immediately starting to hurt as I tried to stir. Although I had to admit it was far better than the first time I had woken up. I had truly thought I was going to die then and I had never been more afraid. Well, I guess that wasn't true…the moment I had realized I had been shot had been terrifying. If Erik hadn't jolted me with his voice I don't know what might have had happened.
"Do you want to sit up?" a voice I recognized as the doctor's said beside me.
"Not at the moment," I muttered softly. I realized now that I didn't hear or feel Erik's presence in the room.
"Where is Erik?" I asked curiously.
The doctor was silent for a moment before saying, "I'm not sure what's going on. All I know is that everybody is downstairs right now talking about something."
I paused my mind going crazy. Why was everybody downstairs? What on earth was going on? "Would you like me to go find out what is going on?" he asked kindly.
"If you wouldn't mind," I said nervously. The fact that the whole household was meeting had me nervous. Erik had mentioned something about the mob outside…did that mean the situation here had become dangerous?
"I will be right back," he said heading towards the door and making his way out.
(Erik)
I walked out of the lounge rubbing my temples. A mix of emotions had been in that room. Ev felt I was abandoning my family, Nadir supported whatever I decided and poor little Rebecca was so taken aback she didn't know what to feel. I still found myself debating it myself. But I needed to be resolute in my decision because the hardest person was about to come. "Monsieur Dinea," the doctor said at the top of the stairs. I still wasn't used to hearing my new last name out loud so it caught me by surprise. "Your wife is awake and wondering what is going on," he said calmly.
I sighed to myself trying to gather all my thoughts. But I knew that no matter how much preparation I did it was going to matter. So slowly I made my way up the steps each one feeling heavier than the next. It didn't help my nerves at all that she was already suspicious about what was going on.
As I made my way into the room I guess the doctor had helped her into an upward position. Of course, she had numerous cushioning items under her back I guess in an attempt to make her comfortable. I could still see on her face though that she was uncomfortable.
"You are coming in quietly and slowly," she said a slight edge of annoyance in her voice, "that can't be good. Then again a meeting with everybody downstairs doesn't sound good."
I sighed, "Jasmine-"
"Please," she said sighing, "just tell me the truth." She shifted uncomfortably obviously still in some degree of pain.
"I wasn't going to lie," I said softly, "I was going to tell you that what I have to say is extremely hard." Her eyes immediately turned concerned at that and I could see that she almost didn't want to hear what I was about to say. I came forward and gently took her hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.
"Tell me," she said softly. And so I did. I told her about the Vicomte's arrival, his offer, and my decision. And how in three days I would be leaving her, Alex, and her family so that I could protect them. And so that I could atone for what I had done in my past. As I finished her eyes were distant and faraway, and she hadn't said a word during my whole explanation.
"Jasmine?" I said softly, "I need you to say something please."
She closed her eyes almost as if pained, "What can I say? It seems you have made up your mind," she said her voice brimming with anger.
"Jasmine—" I started to say.
"No when do you get to make decisions like this without consulting me?" she said her voice shaking. "I am your wife, we are married!" she said her voice becoming angry.
"You were hurt and unconscious Jasmine," I said my justifications sounding shallow in my own head.
"So you wait until I am well before making this decision," she said nearly shouting. "And most of all you made this decision with the Vicomte de Changey who we do not know if we can even trust. But that's right you trust him because of some speech that he gave you about family." She was shaking now and I didn't like how upset she was getting.
I sighed, "I know its hard to believe. But Jasmine I have to do this for you, for this family's safety."
"No I would never want you to do this for me," she said shaking her head, "and do you think any of this family wants you to?"
"I swore I would do anything to protect this family," I said my voice rising now, "and I cannot forgive myself for what happened to you. I failed to protect you and Rebecca, if this will appease them and make them leave then I will gladly do it."
"But I don't want it," she said her voice becoming distressed. She leaned forward gripping my hands, "I can't lose you, Erik. I just can't," she said her voice shaking and she fell back her hand gripping her side the pain clear on her face now.
I went over to move her hand and check on her wound but she slapped her hand away. "Go away," she said through clenched teeth. "Erik I would storm out right now if I could walk but I can't. Please just go!" she nearly screamed. "I can't be here with you right now. I can't," she said tears starting to stream down her face.
I felt the doctor's hands on me, "Out right now." I didn't know what to do…I didn't want to leave her but she was so angry. I had never seen her so angry. Finally, I found myself standing outside the room in a daze unsure of what to do next. I knew I needed to give her time to breath, it was a big thing I was telling her.
(Jasmine)
I felt like my heart was going to explode, my mind going a thousand different directions. How could he have done this? This was more unforgivable than the secret meeting with the men, his past misdeeds, everything. He made a deal with a man I couldn't believe.
"You need to calm down," the doctor said sternly beside me.
"Calm down?" I nearly exclaimed, "My husband has just agreed to give himself up to people who would see him dead."
"He is doing it to protect you and your family," the doctor said calmly. "And do you think it was easy for him to come to this decision. He is choosing to give up everything that makes him happy in this world so that he can protect it. And considering the situation this is the best opportunity for you to see him again someday."
But these words were bringing no comfort to me. I was going to lose him. The man I loved more than life itself. I felt my defenses begin to crack and slowly the tears began to fall down my face. I couldn't believe this was happening…
The doctor gave my shoulder a gentle rub, "You love him so much as does he. You have three days before he gives himself up. You should spend as much time with him as possible." But I just lay there not saying anything, still unable to be comforted. My mind had reached a state of numbness now. I could not feel anything but the overwhelming sorrow that was running through my body right now. Nothing more…
(Erik)
I sat there for what felt like an eternity. I had heard her crying a few hours earlier. But now it had become quiet in the room. In fact, the whole house had become eerily quiet. Even Alex was quieter than usual. And slowly dusk fell and the house became dark starting to fit the mood we all seemed to be in.
(Jasmine)
I knew he had to be sitting right outside the door stubborn until the end. I guess we both were like that actually. Once we had our mind set on something we usually didn't let it go so easily. But this was…well, I was going to say different and I guess it was. Instead of getting time to make up and move on…in three days he would be gone. And did I really want my last conversation with him to be an angry one? Or at least did I want to leave things unresolved and angry? And my answer was the same no matter what.
I heard a soft knock on the door and I turned in its direction. There was a little bit of silence before finally, "I'm sorry. You're right I should have discussed this with you. I just…like I told you earlier, got scared. All I could think was you and how I couldn't stand for something to happen to you again. And I am afraid my calculating nature seems to disappear when it comes to you. I promised to protect you and that is what I will do forever and always."
And then there was silence. And I sat there trying to find the words I wanted to say.
(Erik)
She smiled, "I know. I know exactly how you feel Erik. And believe it or not, I am quite protective of you as well. You are my husband after all." But her smile faded as she sat there, "And I am scared just like you. I am scared that if they take you I will never see you again. That Alex will never be able to know who his father is."
I gently grabbed her hand giving it a squeeze and cupped her face in my hand. "I would be lying if I didn't say I was afraid. Giving in is not something I usually do. And that's why I am not going to view it that way. I will be coming back to you and Alex. Even if it takes a hundred years to do so."
She smiled sadly, "A hundred years…you'll really be an old man then."
I laughed to myself, "Oh it doesn't mean I won't love you any less."
She leaned forward and I laid beside her on the bed. "Me too," she said softly. And I leaned forward kissing her gently. And then the small sobs began to escape from her and I cradled her in my arms. I was careful not to aggravate her injury. She buried her head in my shoulder and let herself finally release all that tension. I held her close a few tears now making it down my face. We just lay there in each other's arms like we always did. Until finally we both drifted off into the tired depths of sleep.
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