Love of a Stranger

Ob1MegOb1

Author's Note: So I just finally saw the video for Love Never Dies the musical sequel to ALW's POTO. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by both the story and music. Now personally I am not a fan of the Erik/Christine pairing (obviously look at my story) but I do acknowledge that his relationship with her has a great impact on his life. If you have read my story you know I have addressed this. But also Love Never Dies brought up the fact that Erik's music suffered without Christine. So if any of you were wondering where that conversation in the last chapter came from that's where. I felt that I needed to address that he could love someone else and not feel like his music suffered because of it. So yeah I thought an explanation was in order for some reason. Thank you and please enjoy the next chapter!

Chapter 31

(Erik)

Voices were all around me. They were yelling, shouting, and never giving me a moments rest. I wasn't worthy I was a monster to them all. "Not all of us," a voice said. And through my darkness shone a light. It was bright and warm and illuminated her perfectly. I came close to her touching her face gently. And yet the voices around us continued to shout and scorn. And they continued to grow no matter how close to each other we got. And then the area around us was illuminated by rapidly burning flames. I pulled her in close to protect her as they slowly closed in around us. I turned to her but she was already laying in my arms her eyes closed in death. And on my hands was the bright red hue of her blood. "No," I said my voice shaking. I couldn't have done this…I couldn't have…"No!"

"Erik!" she said as I jolted awake. I looked over where we both were sitting upright in the bed. I was shaking all over and she grabbed my hand comfortingly.

"More dreams?" she asked gently.

At my lack of answer she put her hand on my face and I gently nodded my head. She embraced me cradling my head in her arms. "Remember they are nothing but dreams," she said softly. "They are things long since past or things that will never be."

I nodded. She knew exactly what to say now because unfortunately this had become a routine for us. She had dreams and I had dreams that haunted us both. And no matter what we held each other and told each other it was going to be okay. But this had shaken me…never had I dreamed of her death at my hands. Never. But I found myself distracted as she suddenly gave a small jerk her hand flying to her stomach.

"Jasmine?" I asked knowing already what she was going to say. She gave another small groan of discomfort. She looked in my direction her eyes sure.

Immediately I was on my feet and yelling for Ev down the hall. I took a second to gather myself. The dream was gone…death was gone…now I needed to concentrate on a new life about to be created. I quickly headed back to her grabbing her hand. She was breathing deeply but she didn't appear to be in too much pain yet. "How are you feeling?" I asked trying to distract her until Ev came.

"Not too bad yet," she said but even as she finished she bent over her face trying to stay composed but her hand that was crushing my own was saying otherwise. "It came on so fast," she said softly.

"You were asleep," I said simply, "the minor pains could have passed you by while you were sleeping." Or could she have been distracted trying to help calm after the dream.

Now her breathing was become more labored as I assumed the pain began to increase. Finally Ev came in with little Rebecca in tow. "Thank you Erik," she said softly. "William is right outside you may wait with him."

I leaned forward gently kissing her on the forehead, "I'll see you soon. And I love you."

She smiled in return, "I will see you soon. And so will your son."

I shook my head smiling, "I cannot wait to see your face if this child turns out to be a girl." She was hoping and wanting a son so much. I didn't care what it ended up being I just needed mother and child to be okay.

My mind was flooded with memories of another young boy I had come to care for. And it had ended being me who took his life so that he could live without pain. Maybe that was why I found myself favoring a girl more. But I needed to not think of that right now. Right now the woman I loved and our child was all that mattered.

"I sent somebody for Nadir and a doctor just in case," Evelyn said simply. "She'll be fine Erik…don't worry." I nodded my head finally kissing Jasmine's hand and turning from her towards the door.

Finally I made my way out and there true to Ev's word sat William. He looked frightful and I had to remind myself what time of day it was. He was so pale and weak and even then he was coughing into his handkerchief and spouting blood. I sat down next on the floor trying to appear calm. "You should go rest," I said, "its hard to tell how long this may take."

He stubbornly shook his head, "Don't worry I'm fine." He could barely utter those words though because he was so out of breath. And the dark circles under his eyes suggested that he hadn't slept at all either. It was good that Ev had sent for a doctor because we might end up needing it for him if he wasn't careful.

(William)

Damn I hated being so easy to read. It was true I hadn't slept at all so far tonight and I had had more trouble breathing tonight then usual. I had probably been the first one to hear Erik yell down the hall for Ev…that's how much I wasn't sleeping. On top of that was a case of the chills which meant it just was not a good night. Not for me anyways.

But I wasn't going to let that get in the way of the incredible things that were happening in the next room. I could see on Erik's face that he was a mix of anxious and excited…probably how must fathers were. But there was something else in his eyes…a remembrance of something perhaps? It was hard to tell.

"How was she?" I asked curiously.

(Erik)

I laughed to myself, "I think she was excited quite honestly. Still going on about how sure she is that it's going to be a boy."

He smiled at that, "Well we haven't had a lot to be excited for the past few years. And I'm surprised. As a father I would think you would be pining for a boy as well."

"I don't care," I said simply, "just as long as mother and child come out of it okay."

He stared at me curiously and he looked like he was debating asking a question in his head. I rolled my eyes, "Ask it William."

He sighed, "Are you worried the baby will be scarred? Is that what you are worried about right now?" It made me pause because that actually hadn't been at the forefront of my mind. Although I would be lying if I said I hadn't been thinking about it. Of course I had.

"I just wouldn't wish this life I have had on anyone," I said softly. "Especially my own child."

"But they won't have that life Erik," William said confidently, "no matter what happens. This child will always have somebody to love them." I smiled at the boy grateful for his kind words…but unfortunately life had forced me to become a cynic in the ways of family. Even though I would try my hardest to give this child a normal life, I was still so afraid that it was never going to happen. And it was going to be my fault.

Sounds of disgruntlement were beginning to leak through the closed door. I began to clench my hands as my anxiety went up a level. "I don't think I have ever seen you so nervous," William teased trying to lighten the mood. I knew how dangerous childbirth was for all parties involved though and I prayed for once that god might grant me some grace in this long life of hatred. Just this one moment was all I needed. And I would be content.

(Jasmine.)

The pain was beginning to grow inside of me. But I was channeling that pain into excitement. Little Rebecca was at my side holding my hand, which was more awkward than helpful. When the pain would reach its peak, I found myself watching myself because I thought I was going to break her little hand in two I was squeezing so hard.

And that was when I wished I was holding his strong hand in mine. And I laughed to think that he would not object to me squeezing the hell out of his.

(Erik)

Slowly the tones of disgruntled pain turned into scattered cries. Becoming more and more frequent as an hour and then another ticked away. I turned as I realized the sun was beginning to rise. It's rays warm and comforting. But as another hour ticked away my anxiousness began to rise.

The front door opened and closed downstairs and I sat up quickly making sure my mask was secure as the doctor came up the stairs followed closely by Nadir. The doctor simply brushed past me going right into the room while Nadir stayed behind. I took the mask off and slid back down on the floor massaging my temples gently.

"She is still in labor?" Nadir asked sitting beside me. I only nodded my head in reply.

He gave me a gentle nudge, "My friend you need to breathe. Everything is going to be alright."

I sighed leaning back, "How long was your wife in labor?"

Now it was his turn to sigh, "A long time but that was because there was—"

"Complications," I said finishing for him.

"She could still have a long labor and it be perfectly healthy my friend. All labors are different," he said smiling.

"But it's harder on her," I muttered, "the longer it is, the more strain it puts on her."

He smiled, "You wouldn't believe how strong women are during childbirth. Even when things go wrong they still manage to surprise you with how strong they are." I didn't say anymore even though my mind still continued to race. So Nadir decided he would try distract me with more worry.

"I think its William you should be worried about over there," he said softly, "he doesn't look good." I looked over at his sleeping form. It was probably the most peaceful I had seen him all night.

"Tonight has not been a good night for him," I muttered, "at least he is resting now." I jolted as a small scream came from the room.

"Its progressing I would say," Nadir said softly.

(William)

I wasn't really asleep…I mean how could anyone sleep through their sister screaming in the next room? Well she hadn't quite reached screaming yet but it sure did seem like it was taking her a long time to get there. Erik meanwhile had started pacing nervously in front of the door with Nadir looking on. It must be torture to not be able to go in there and save the day like he always did.

"Erik sit down please you are driving me crazy," I muttered opening my eyes a little bit. He turned surprised to see me awake, as did Nadir.

Finally he sat down next to me his voice a little irritated, "Boy you need to rest."

I didn't get a chance to argue though, as we heard a full-fledged scream finally escape my sister's lips.

(Jasmine)

It hurt…dear lord there was a lot of pain. But I tried to forget the pain and think about what would be the product of this pain and suffering. "Alright Jasmine," Ev said, "we are nearly there, just a little bit longer."

Suddenly a huge wave of pain coursed through me that I couldn't help but scream this time. "Alright darling," Ev said, "the next time you feel that coming push." Well that wasn't too hard because I think I would have felt these pains coming a mile away. Slowly I felt it building up and then right before it reached its peak I pushed with all my might.

"Good Jasmine," Ev said, "Do that again." And once again I found myself pushing right before the pain reached its greatest level.

(Erik)

I was shaking now, trying to remind myself that she was strong. She could handle this. William and Nadir put their hands comfortingly on my shoulder. Normally I would get after them for treating me like a child. But at the moment I had no words. They were lost in the anticipation of my child's birth. I was breathing deeply and trying to keep myself calm. Another cry from Jasmine penetrated the air and I kept praying that it was close to being over. I couldn't take it anymore.

"Just hang on for a few moments," Nadir said softly, "those cries mean we are almost there. And they are good strong cries which means the mother is doing fine."

"It seems counterproductive…cries of pain to signal that you are fine," I said sarcastically to him.

He laughed, "Glad to see your wit is still intact."

(William)

It was hard to believe this man beside me had once been the cold blooded Phantom of the Opera. Of course I would be lying if I didn't admit I was feeling pretty nervous right now also. Which unfortunately was not helping with my condition. In fact I was finding it quite difficult to breath right now. But I needed to be strong for him and for my sister.

(Erik)

And then there was a deafening silence and everybody froze. I couldn't hear her or anything else going on in the room. My heart began to drop as the silence continued. Oh God please no I couldn't help but think.

And through that silence broke the smallest but shrill cry. William couldn't help but let out a small laugh as the realization slowly hit us. I suddenly didn't feel steady and my heart was racing. The baby's cry was strong which gave me some relief. But how was Jasmine? I knew they would probably clean up the baby and mother before letting us back. But I suddenly felt like I had the patience of a child…none.

Finally the door creaked open and we all jolted to our feet. Ev came out looking tired as she turned to us. "The child is in its crib," she said simply. "Jasmine is very tired from the birth so she might be out of it when you go in. Otherwise both the mother and child are fine." She finally turned her eyes to me and grabbed my hands, which made me stare at her in surprise. Never had she done such an accepting gesture to me. "Congratulations Erik you are the father of perfect baby boy."

"A boy?" William said his voice excited. "She got her wish."

Meanwhile I was too taken aback. This all felt surreal and couldn't really be happening. Why should I be blessed this way? After everything I had done…

"Erik," a weak voice said from the next room. It was Jasmine. I didn't like the way she sounded but then again being in labor for most of the day could do that to you. I rushed in and I saw she was lying on the bed. She was pale and still her eyes closed. She looked exhausted but as she heard my footsteps come in a small smile spread on her face. She reached out her hand, and I rushed over taking it and kissing her quickly. We had only been separated for a little while and yet it felt like so much had happened in that time.

"Where is he?" she said softly.

"One moment," I said turning behind us where the cradle was. William and Nadir were already there staring down at the child.

Nadir smiled in my direction, "Congratulations you two. He is beautiful."

I actually found myself having a hard time approaching the bed. And as I peeked over the cradle bars I saw before me a small being. Bright pink skin and a head of dark hair. I faltered as I went to pick him up. Like I had thought earlier I was so much of a cynic I expected the child to burst into tears at the sight of me. "Don't let him know you're nervous," William said. "You're his father. Show him you're strong." Such a simple sentence and yet it had so much impact.

I gently reached my hands out taking the small child in my arms. I gently folded my arms so that his head rested comfortably on my arm. I felt myself taking the most cautious steps back over to Jasmine who was waiting so patiently for me to get my bearings. As she heard me sit down beside her she slowly opened her eyes and reached out her hand. I gently took it guiding her hand to her son so that she could touch him. Her eyes were smiling but sad too.

"What does he look like?" she asked. Her voice cracked as she did and I forgot how hard this must be for her. She wanted to see him so bad and was unable to.

"He's very pink," I said shaking my head not believing I had said that. "He has a lot of hair on his head for being newborn. Its midnight black….he must get that from you." She smiled at that. "I can't tell because he hasn't opened his eyes yet," I said softly, "but why do I get the feeling he's going to have your eyes?" The hallucination from when I had been poisoned was my guide for that comment.

And then I found myself struggling for words as I continued to look at him. I felt this great sense of pride, worry, and fear when I looked at him. So many emotions rushing through me I didn't know what to feel. Good god, was this what it normally felt like to be a father. "He's-he's perfect," I finally managed to mutter. "He's absolutely perfect."

Her eyes changed to a sympathetic look. Dammit my voice had cracked at the end there showing how emotional I was. She gently reached her hand up stroking my face. As she did she brushed the edge of my mask and she looked in my direction surprised. "Erik?"

I looked away from her embarrassed for why I was wearing it. "Erik," she said softly removing the mask. "He needs to know his father. Not the mask he wears." There was a double meaning in that sentence. I finally turned my face to him and was surprised to be met with nothing. I couldn't help but laugh to myself…he was just a baby. What did he know?

"He needs a name," Jasmine said softly. Her voice sounded weaker then before.

"Are you alright?" I asked concerned.

"Just tired," she muttered softly. "I just don't want to fall asleep before we have named him."

"Did you have an idea for one?" I said admitting that I had not even thought of it. I was a master of many things…but thinking of our child's name had not been one of them.

She turned to me her eyes heavy, "Alexander. That was our grandfather's name." William gave a small smile as she said that.

"Alexander," I said softly looking at our. "Alex," I said once again. I smiled realizing it fit him perfectly. "It's a proud name," I said to her and I smiled squeezing her hand, "and it fits him perfectly." She smiled gently stroking his little hand. "Alexander William Dinea," I said completing it. William's head shot up at that.

"Yes boy," I said sarcastically, "I am allowing your name to be apart of our son's."

He shook his head knowing I was kidding. He looked at me with gratefulness in his eyes though, "Thank you. Both of you."

"No thank you," I muttered softly, "you're the one who kept me sane out there. I would have been tearing the door down if it hadn't been for you and Nadir." Jasmine laughed at that and I knew she was visualizing that all too well.

"Yes well I tried," he said a small cough escaping. It was then I noticed that he was leaning heavily on the cradle. He also had a bad case of the chills as well. Nadir sat up beside him noticing his symptoms as well. Suddenly William's eyes rolled back in their sockets and he fell in a heap on the floor.

"William!" Jasmine cried. I immediately handed Alex over to her and rushed forward. He was drenched in sweat, his whole body shaking badly. And then suddenly he stopped and Nadir came next to me his eyes alarmed.

"He's not breathing," he said getting on the other side of him.

"Evelyn!" I cried and immediately she ran in the room. "Get the doctor now!" She left without a second thought. Immediately my hands were on his chest pushing down and trying to get everything working again. We stopped as we realized we couldn't provide air for him fearing we could get the disease as well. But thankfully William resolved that by letting out a hacking cough as he began to breath again. I turned him on his side so that he wouldn't choke if he coughed anything up.

His breathing was shallow, and my worry was growing. "You listen boy," I said through gritted teeth, "its not time yet. I still need you…they still need you. So don't you dare die now."

Finally the doctor came in and we all worked together to carry him to his room. The doctor began to check on him and Nadir made me leave so I could be with Jasmine and the baby. He promised he would give me an update as soon as possible. I stood outside the door taking a deep breath. There were too many emotions rushing through me and I couldn't settle on one. Finally I balled my fist and hit the wall as hard as I could three times. And then I took one more deep breath and headed back to Jasmine and Alexander.

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