Chapter 54

A/N: So... I had this really cute idea for a Phantom short story that involves some song lyrics from another show. I was wondering if you guys would maybe like me to post it on this story sort of as a "bonus" since I will not include it on my Wattpad version of this story. Tell me what you guys think. Feel free to send me messages and reviews. I love hearing for you. Anyway... It's tech week! Wish me luck. Lots of love -E.B.

Erik woke with the morning sun as usual, but for once, he didn't feel like getting up. Instead, he wrapped his arms around Christine's torso and buried his face in her curls. She groaned slightly as he stroked her arms from elbow to wrist. He couldn't help but notice how hot her skin felt. Kicking them with his bare feet, he pushed the duvet and sheets away from her body, but she groaned once more in protest.

"Stop it, Erik! I'm freezing," she grumbled as she absent-mindedly reached for the covers.

"Christine, you're burning up." He propped himself up with one hand and felt her forehead with his other. "I think you've got a fever, darling. You probably caught it while we were out in the cold yesterday."

She shrugged and sniffled as her arms wrapped around her pillow, holding it tightly to her chest. Erik sighed and kissed her temple before sliding out of bed. He pulled the covers back over her and secured them under her chin so she wouldn't get cold.

"Don't you even think about getting up," Erik said softly. "The last thing we want is any one of the triplets catching it. I'll take care of them. Don't you worry. You just lie here and get better, alright?"

"Are you sure?" Christine asked with a sniffle. "I mean, are you sure you can take care of Angeletta, the triplets, and me? I can call Gustave or…"

"No, don't call Gustave. He and Lotte got in a fight last night, and I don't think we should disturb them. I'm sure it won't be that hard to handle, and if it is, I promise I'll call Meg."

"But you can't stand Meg."

"I tolerate her though."

"Erik."

"I know, I know, but I would still do it for you." He kissed her cheek and tucked some of her hair behind her ear. "Now, don't you worry your pretty little head about anything. I'll take care of it. Just get some rest."

Just as he was about to shut the bedroom door, Christine called once more. "Erik?"

"Yes, my love?"

"Thank you. You're the best husband a woman could ask for."

He smiled gently. "Just doing my job."

Needless to say, Erik had received more than he had bargained for. Within the first hour of going downstairs, he certainly felt like he was a failure as a father.

Angeletta awoke as Erik was in the middle of making breakfast for Christine. Quickly, he turned the stove off and tended to Angeletta's sudden need for a particular hair ribbon that she had misplaced. Once they found it, Erik continued his cooking as Angeletta drew a picture at the kitchen table. All was well until Angeletta decided to show Erik her drawing. As he held the paper up to admire it, the corner caught on fire from the stove eye. Angeletta squealed, waking all three triplets, as Erik tossed the drawing into the sink in attempt to put it out.

"You ruined it!" Angeletta shouted, stamping her foot.

"I know. I'm sorry, angel. I didn't mean to," Erik quickly apologized. "I'll help you draw a new one when I get back, but I have to tend to your sisters and brother now."

"It's always them nowadays!" Angeletta protested as Erik ran up the stairs, taking two at a time.

Erik calmed all three children down the best that he possibly could before taking them downstairs and putting them in their high chairs, which of course, took two trips. By the time he had gotten all of the children settled, he realized that Christine's breakfast had burned. Muttering under his breath, he cleaned the mess up and began to start another, this time including something for Angeletta and himself to eat as well. Much to his satisfaction, everyone seemed content long enough for him to fix the food, but as he turned around to give Angeletta her meal, he noticed she was gone. He shrugged it off and darted upstairs to set Christine's plate by her bedside for whenever she was ready to eat it. As he descended back downstairs, however, Angeletta was standing on the bottom step with her arms folded.

"What is it, angel?" Erik replied with a deep sigh.

"Someone has to take me to school, Papa."

He bit his bottom lip as a wave of panic washed over him. "Okay, well, how does your mother usually take you to school? Does she take the triplets too?"

"Obviously, Papa. She can't leave them here, but they aren't ready. Papa, I'm going to be late aren't I?"

He kissed her head and ran to the kitchen. "Of course not, darling. We'll get you to school." Erik grabbed the strollers and began strapping each child in as Angeletta watched with one eyebrow raised. "What is it now, angel?"

"Nothing. It's just… It's really cold outside, Papa. Don't they need their coats?"

Erik mentally slapped himself. Of course the children needed their coats. He was wrong. There was no way that he was going to make it through the day alone. "Angeletta, is there any chance that you would rather stay home today and help Papa?"

She sighed. "As much as I would like to, I have a spelling test today. It's very important. Mama has been helping me study for a week now. She says my English grade is too low."

Erik groaned and nodded. Of course she had to go to school. "Well, if you need to go that badly, run upstairs and grab the coats for your siblings. I'll call your school and tell them you're going to be a few minutes late."

After a cold walk to Angeletta's school and a long, long unnecessary lecture on the importance of a child being on time to school, Erik returned home to just as much chaos as before. Within the next hour, he was calling Meg in utter desperation.

"Meg, I need your help."

"Good morning to you too, Erik," Meg answered sarcastically.

"Look, I've got to cut to the chase because Erika is screaming her poor little head off because of me. Christine is ill, and I promised her that I would take care of everything today. I really need your help, Meg. I don't know how Christine does this by herself every day."

"So you're admitting that women are stronger than men?"

Of course Erik pretty much believed that, but he would never admit that to Meg. "I'm not saying that."

"You have to, or I won't help you."

"Women are stronger than men," he grumbled through clenched teeth.

"Wow, you really are desperate."

"You have no idea."

"Well, here's the thing, I'm really busy today taking care of some finances for the dance department that you specifically asked for tomorrow, and I have to work with my girls on some brand new choreography. I'm swamped, but…"

"But?"

"My husband is off work today and…"

Erik groaned. If Erik had to make a list of the people he hated most in the world, Meg's husband would be at least number four.

"I'm sure he would be more than willing to help. I can call him."

"I swear you do this to torture me."

"Maybe a little bit, but if you're really that desperate, this may be your only option."

"Fine!" he snapped. "Fine."

"He'll be over in a little bit then I'm sure."

"Alright."

"Goodbye, Erik," she said half-teasingly.

"Bye," he snapped.

Within the next hour, Erik heard the doorbell. He groaned and opened it with Erika still screaming on his hip.

"Seems like we have our work cut out for ourselves, Mr. Destler," Jordan replied with the sort of jolliness that annoyed Erik. He gestured Jordan Johnson inside to the kitchen.

"You're going to regret wearing a nice suit," Erik grumbled.

"And why is that?" Jordan replied with a chuckle and bright white smile spread across his bright pink cheeks.

"Children are messy."

"Oh believe me, I know!" he said as he picked a crying Phillip up. Jordan grinned brightly at the boy causing Phillip to immediately go quiet and smile back. Erik felt jealousy rush through his veins in an instant. "I have twin nephews. They're the brightest light in my life, besides my Meg and little Jamie of course, and if I may, I might add that my sis-"

"I get it!" Erik snapped. "You have a large family."

Jordan smiled and placed Phillip back in his high chair. "I understand you're tired. Jamie kept Meg and I up for weeks. I can't imagine what triplets would be like." Erik grunted and began to gather three little bottles of milk to heat up. "If you would like, I can wash all of those dishes so you have more room in here."

"That would be very kind of you, Mr. Johnson," Erik replied very formally.

"It's not a problem. That's why I'm here, and please, call me Jordan. We're all friends here. In fact, with Christine and Meg being as close as they are, why, I would almost consider you a brother, Erik."

Erik shot Jordan a fake smile before turning around and making an expression of disgust. "If you don't mind me asking… erm… Jordan, where is your Jamie?"

"He attends the pre-school across the road from where Angeletta goes. That's why it took me a little longer to get here. I had to drop him off. He gets out at the same time as Angeletta. I figured I could go get them both so you could stay here with your lovely wife. What is it that ails her?"

"A cold," he answered simply, "but my Christine is very frail. She doesn't get sick often, but it takes quite the toll on her when she does."

"I see."

Erik had preferred to leave the conversation there. Much to his satisfaction, he was able to feed all three children and keep them happy for a whole half hour without any comment whatsoever from Jordan Johnson. As he was returning from the restroom, Jordan tapped him on the shoulder as he was making lunch.

"What is it?"

"Your wife is calling you, Erik. She sounded fairly distressed. Poor dear, her voice can't carry when she's so ill. I knew I needed to tell you before she strained herself."

With a nod, Erik dashed up to the bedroom without a second thought. He found Christine sitting up in the bed clutching her stomach. Her face was a sickly pale shade of green, and she was clutching her stomach with a groan.

"What is it, my love?" he asked as he knelt down at her side, soothingly rubbing her leg.

"Erik, I don't feel well all of the sudden," she groaned.

"Do I need to get you a doctor?"

"No, I'll be fine, but could you bring me the waste basket? I don't think I have the strength to make it to the washroom."

He nodded and did as she said, setting the waste basket right at her feet. No sooner than he had set it down, Christine grabbed it and wretched. Erik frowned deeply and pulled her hair behind her shoulders.

"Just tell me you're not pregnant again," he said jokingly as he gently stroked her back.

She wiped her mouth and shook her head. "I certainly don't think so. I'm pretty sure it's just sickness."

"You're sure that you don't want me to fetch a doctor?"

"I'll be fine. I promise I will let you know if I change my mind."

He nodded and tucked her back under the covers as she lay back in the bed once more. He gently kissed her forehead and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. "If you need anything else, just call. I'll be there as soon as I can." She nodded and closed her eyes, gently dozing back off to sleep.

Erik returned down stairs to find Jordan in the floor with his three children – all of them laughing at his funny faces. Erik could feel his face turn red. The triplets had ever laughed so hard at anything Erik had ever done. A wave of jealousy coursed in his veins.

Erik was going to be his children's favorite if it was the last thing he would ever do.