Ch 22: You are Not Alone

Rain was falling, tapping the roof of the cab as it carried Meg, her mother, and I home. We rolled to a stop and I alighted. I made my way up my steps, unlocked my door and waved my good-bye as they rolled away. In the rush of the audition and show I had yet to hire a housekeeper. I didn't really want one but I was skirting propriety. I removed my cloak, hanging it upon the hook to dry in the entryway. I would have a snack in the kitchen and then get myself to bed.

Ever so softly, pianissimo, I heard the first strains of a violin. Did I have a neighboring musician? And then the notes wove themselves into a familiar pattern washing over me welcoming me home. I followed its melody down the hall to the parlor, my heart beating more rapidly with each step. A warmth spread over me. I raised my right hand to the knob, twisted and pushed the door wide open, washing my face in the glow of candle lights. "Erik!" I cried in relief. He ceased playing, set the violin down and opened his arms to me, inviting me. I wrapped my arms about him. His arms surrounded me pulling me closer to him. I pressed my face to his chest feeling his heart beating as rapidly as my own. Then he was pulling away. "No, you can not leave again," and I tighten my hold on him.

"Oh dear girl what have I done to you?" he asked and I felt the brush of his lips and mask against my forehead. "There is so much of you I love. I love your spirit, your kindness, and how you make me feel whole. My heart beats for you alone. Christine Daee, choose me, marry me if I can bring happiness to your life."

"Yes, Erik. I want to be your bride, your wife," I replied eagerly.

"Are you certain Christine? I am not an easy man. I have been a creature of darkness my whole life. I fear I will make mistakes and I may hurt you again. I do not want to cause you any pain, my Angel."

"I know you think me without fault Erik but I am not. Let us love each other as best we can. Promise me you are never leaving. Promise me that we will be together always. I do not care where I am as long as it is with you. I only want you," I cried, my voice muffled in his coat as I pressed myself to him. "I trust you."

Then I felt his hand caress my face. I felt the stirrings of our connection deep within. We belonged to each other. I longed to touch him too. I pulled away to look up to see his hopeful eyes adore me before his lips descended upon mine. the mask no longer covering his visage.

And I lived happily ever after. My father's words returned to me. 'You reveal love through words and acts of kindness. Be good to others Christine and your life will be good. People are drawn to people with beautiful souls. There will still be challenges, pain and strife. I wish I could protect you from them but I would be denying you the chance to live.'

The struggles of life reminded us that we were alive but I had Erik and he had me. There were moments when we each would slip and need the other's support more. We were each not alone, our friendship, devotion, and love made for all the happiness I needed. Children were not to be and we moved frequently those first few years. Finally we settled on a small lie to give Erik a chance at a normal life as a man. His face became a casualty of the Franco-Prussian War. We dared not return to Paris, the memory of Monsieur Le Phantom was alive but Erik was determined that I sing. I did not want to endanger my husband in any way so I had been content to sing only with him. We crossed the Atlantic and I auditioned for the Metropolitan Opera House. Erik said they would love me and they did.

Years passed and my beauty faded with my voice but Erik never spoke of it. I retired from the stage. I am standing on the fire escape of our New York apartment, an ocean breeze giving relief to the humid summer night. We live in an artist section of town, where people are accepting of Erik and I. I know he wished he could give me all the finery in the world but it is not what I want. I am a simple girl who dreamed of singing and friendship with my love. I can hear the beginning notes of the second movement of Beethoven's Moonlight sonata on the piano, he stumbles over a few notes, fingers not as nimble but he is forever my Angel of Music. I come and sit beside him. He glances down at me and nods, his unmasked face breaking into a smile. We have our happy memories.

Fini

xxx

Thank you for following me on this journey. I adore this characters as you do. Christine and Erik have their well deserved happy ending. I hope that I have captured their connection and growth so that their relationship is believable. Thank you Ritzybeth for your support in this writing process as I too continue to grow. i can't wait to read your piece when you click the publish button and celebrate with you. You have been invaluable. Please do leave a review if you enjoyed this piece or have ideas or plot bunnies that you would be willing to share. Happy reading and writing to all.