Chapter 39
A few hours later, Christine is asleep. Madame Giry turns to her uncle and whispers, "Gabriel, do you think Erik would say those things?"
"I don't know," Gabriel replies. "Do you?"
"I don't think so. I mean, Erik always talks about her and says that she means the world to him. It just doesn't make any sense."
"I think I can. Jealousy. Christine did say that Erik did see her and Raoul arguing and that he kissed her."
"Of course. Erik has always been jealous of Raoul, but I don't understand why he would just listen to Christine if he knows that he loves her."
Gabriel adds, "I don't know. I know she can lie from time to time. But I know that she loves him and wouldn't want to lie to him. She told me that she would want to tell him everything because she trusted him."
Madame Giry continues, "I just wish there was some way we could help."
"Maybe you can," Christine implies as she sits up from the bed. They turn as they see Christine leaning up. Gabriel sits down next to her. Madame Giry stands close to them.
"How do you feel?" asks her uncle.
"Better now," she replies. "But to be honest, uncle, I felt like I couldn't sleep." Christine pauses. "Uncle Madame. I was thinking about what you two were talking about, and I have an idea. I know that I don't Raoul to find out because he might do something drastic. And I'm afraid to tell Erik because of how he'll react. Plus, I know that he will not want to talk to me, let alone see me. I want what is best for my child, so I have decided that I want to leave Paris and this mansion and never come back."
Madame Giry is shocked as she places her hand on her abdomen. Gabriel takes Christine's hand and asks her, "Christine, are you absolutely sure that you want to do this?"
"Yes, uncle," Christine replies. "Please, I feel like I'm not safe here anymore. And I want my child to live a life where he or she can be happy and follow their dreams. Don't get me wrong. I loved the dream that I wanted. But living in a world where a man wants to control their wives? Falling in love with someone who lies to you?"
Madame Giry adds, "Christine. I understand you ou only want what is best for your child. And you don't want Raoul to find out because he will take his vengeance not only on you but on Erik." Christine glances down as she knows where Madame Giry is going next. "But…Erik will eventually find out and will do anything to see you even if you believe that you will not want to. If he finds out that he is the father, he will want to see his child. One way or another."
"Madame, please," Christine interrupts You may have known him the longest, let alone know what he will want to do. But Erik has hurt me so many times that I don't know if I want him to be involved with my child's life. Let alone Erik believes that I would lie to him. You and I both know that he has anger problems. He may be my angel of music, my mentor, and someone that I love. But I don't know if I can be with someone who doesn't trust me."
Gabriel sighs and says, "Alright, Christine. If you want to do this, then I will not stop you. But you realize it isn't going to be easy."
Christine nods and replies, "I know. And I'm not afraid to be a single mother. If my father could raise me, I know I can raise my son or daughter independently."
"Ok. But you know that you don't have to do this on your own. For you have your cousin Charlotte and I."
"But uncle, I couldn't."
"No. I promised your father that I would always look out for you. And you know that you are more than welcome to stay with us. Christine, I see you as one of my own. And I want you to stay with us, please."
Christine leans over and hugs her uncle. She says, "Alright. Thank you." Gabriel leans away and turns to look at both Madame Giry and Christine. "Alright, so this is what we'll do. We will pack however much we can in a carriage and leave early in the morning. We'll make it look like you ran away and make sure that Raoul and Erik do not know about this." Christine nods her head in agreement. Gabriel stands up. "I'll be right back. I'm going to tell the others about the plan."
Gabriel leaves the room. Madame Giry glances at the door, and as she turns to the door -
"Madame, please do not tell Erik about this," pleads Christine. "You have to promise me."
Madame Giry's heart sank to the floor as she feels conflicted because she cares and loves them both. "Christine, I do not know if I can." Christine gets up and walks up to her. With tears in her eyes, she pleads once more, "Please. Do this. For me." Madame Giry sees the tears in Christine's eyes and sighs. "Alright, I promise," she agrees.
Christine smiles and says, "Thank you." Madame Giry gives Christine a slight smile and heads to the door. Christine looks to the floor and wipes the tears away from her eyes.
A few minutes later, everyone in the parlor is stunned at what Gabriel had to say and what Christine wants to do.
"Are you sure about this?' asks Ralph.
It's her choice," Gabriel replies. "I didn't force her to make this decision."
"I know, but don't you think this is a little wrong," interrupts Emily. "Not telling Erik will eat her up inside. Plus, running away from this isn't going to help solve anything."
Gabriel replies, "I understand, Emily. But Christine just wants to do what is right for herself and her child."
Everyone glances at each other, then Ralph asks, Alright. So what should we do first?"
Gabriel replies, "First, I want to make sure that we pack, however much we can; that is Christine's. Secondly, I'll need you, Eliza, to dress up in one of Christine's dresses as a decoy. Because thirdly, I'm going to have Christine ride on horseback just in case someone follows us."
"Are you sure that it is safe for her?" asks Emily.
"Yes, it is," Gabriel replies.
"Ok, so then what will we need to do next?" asks Ralph.
"The last thing we will need to make sure is that Raoul does not know in any way," Gabriel replies. "So we need to do all of this before dawn."
Emily stands up and worries, "That only gives us two hours."
Gabriel adds, "Yes, which means we should get started." He turns to Emily and Eliza. "Emily, Eliza, I want you to help Christine pack. But first I want Eliza to change clothes and wear one of Christine's dresses. Something convincing just in case someone tries to follow us."
Emily takes Eliza's hand and says, "Come on, Eliza." Emily and Eliza leave and head to Christine's room.
Gabriel turns to Madame Giry and says, "Madaline, Ralph, I need both of you to find a carriage and someone to drive it. I also need one of you to make sure that no one else notices what we are doing."
"Leave the carriage to me," Ralph implies. "I know someone that will help us." He quietly leaves the parlor room. Gabriel turns to Madame Giry. She says, "I'll make sure that the servant doesn't hear anything." Gabriel nods.
Sometime later, Christine and Emily are packing up the last of her belongings. Emily picks up a hat and asks, "Christine, do you wear hats?" Christine turns around and looks at Emily. Christine replies, "Oh no. I never wear hats. Only if I have to." Emily puts the hat back down and continues to help Christine back. Eliza comes out from behind the changing board with a beautiful dress. "Christine, is this ok?" asks Eliza. Christine and Emily turned to look at her. "It's perfect Christine replies. ,"
Gabriel enters the room. Eliza, Emily, and Christine turn as they see him. "Christine, come with me," says Gabriel. "I need you to write a letter to Raoul."
"What for?" asks Christine.
"So Raoul will believe that you left him instead of you running away," he replies.
"Isn't it the same thing?" Christine asks once more.
"Sort of yes, but now is not the time to ask questions," Gabriel implies. He reaches out with his hand. "Come on." Christine puts down a piece of clothing and follows her uncle. Eliza and Emily continue doing what they were doing.
As they leave, Ralph enters the room and asks, "How's everything in here?"
"Good, darling," Emily replies. "We are just now finished getting Eliza ready. We also have a few of Christine's belongings packed."
"Oh good, I'll take some of it while you finished whatever is left." Ralph grabs some of Christine's packed belongings and leaves the room. Emily and Eliza continue doing what they were doing.
At the same time in the library, Christine is has a quill and parchment in front of her. "Are you sure this will work, uncle?" Christine asks.
"Yes," Gabriel replies. "Knowing that it will come from your handwriting and not someone else's. It will make it very convincing. Know my darling niece that he will start looking for you, and once he does, he will look for you everywhere, even at the mansion."
"I know, which is why I'm glad that there are some good hiding spots at the mansion." They smile and softly chuckle. Christine looks down at the sheets of paper and begins to write.
One hour before dawn, Ralph, Gabriel, and Madame Giry meet in the parlor. "Alright, everything is set and in the carriage," says Ralph. "And I have two horses waiting for you and Christine whenever you're ready."
"Ok, good," Gabriel replies.
"Is Eliza ready?" asks Ralph Eliza and Emily enter the room. "Yes, I am," Eliza replies.
Gabriel walks towards her and says, "Good. You look perfect. Let's get you in the carriage and leave now before someone wakes up and sees us."
"Where's Christine?" asks Madame Giry.
Christine enters the room and replies, "Here I am." They all turn to her as they see that she is wearing one of Eliza's gowns. "Are you ready to go?" asks Ralph.
"Yes," Christine replies.
Everyone quietly leaves the parlor room and walks outside. Once everyone is out, Ralph quietly closes the door. A coachman opens the entrance to the carriage, and Eliza gets inside the carriage. Christine and Gabriel walk towards the carriage. "Eliza, remember if you get pulled over, just use them to tell them that you're false name and tell them you're going to see your family," addresses Gabriel.
"Will do," replies Eliza.
Christine places her hand on top of Eliza's and says, "Eliza, be careful."
"You too," Eliza replies. Christine backs up as the carriage leaves the mansion.
A few seconds later, Ralph gives Gabriel two horses. Gabriel approaches his niece and says, "Christine. We should get going." Christine nods. She takes her uncle's hand and gets onto her horse. Christine looks down at him, Emily, Madame Giry, and Meg. Meg gives her a small bag of essentials that she made for her. Emily walks towards her and says, "Christine. Take this with you. It will protect you." Emily gives Christine a crucifix. Christine smiles and looks down at Emily. With gratitude, Christine replies, "Thank you, Emily. Take care of yourself and your baby."
"You too," says Emily.
Christine looks at Ralph and takes his hand. Christine continues, "Mr. DeChangy, thank you so much for helping me. I'm so sorry that Raoul and I couldn't."
"My dear, I would rather see you be happy than be miserable," Ralph implies. They let go of each other's hands. Christine turns to Madame Giry and Meg. "Madame, Meg, I'll miss you," says Christine.
"So will we," Madame Giry replies.
"Christine," Gabriel interrupted. She nods her head, and they turn to leave. Christine turns her head back once more and says, "Goodbye everyone, I'll miss you all. And thank you." Gabriel makes a clicking sound then he and Christine leave the mansion. Everyone watches them go. Ralph turns to Emily and hugs her as she whispers, "God have mercy on her."
A few minutes later, in the forest, Gabriel notices that Christine had stopped. He stops next to her and asks, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, it's just...there's one last thing I have to do," Christine replies. She makes a small clicking sound then she rides off to the town. Her uncle follows.
A few minutes later, once Christine enters the town, she goes to Erik's secret hideout. Once there, she finds that he is sound asleep. Christine puts the letter on his desk and gazes at Erik as she admires his sleep. Before she leaves, she gently touches his hair and whispers while crying, "Goodbye, my love. May God protect you."
A few seconds later, Gabriel sees Christine walking towards him. He goes to her horse and helps her get back up. Once she's on, Gabriel walks to his horse and gets on. After he gets on the horse, he notices a look on his niece's face. "What did you give Erik?" asks Gabriel.
"A letter," she replied. "Telling him goodbye."
A few minutes later, Christine and her uncle ride deep into the forest as dawn approaches outside of Paris. And as they ride, the taste of freedom is in Christine's reach. The wind rushing through her hair expresses to her that she free from her past. And once they make it to a high hilltop that oversees all of Paris, she gazes at it as she knows that there is no going back.