Love of a Stranger
Ob1MegOb1
Author's Note: So…the Vicomte de Changey…also known as Raoul. I know he is called many things in this fandom. And I was guilty of that as well when I first discovered Phantom and fell in love with it. As I have said previously I try to integrate many different mediums and forms of the Phantom universe books, films, musicals, and otherwise. Raoul and Christine are no different in that regard. I tend to go to the 2004 movie Raoul (Patrick Wilson's turn as his character) when I think of his personification. After watching and reading many versions of the Phantom universe his ultimately became my favorite version of the Vicomte. He wasn't arrogant or airheaded like many iterations make him appear. He was level-headed and knew what he needed to do. Especially when it came those he cared about and sometimes when it came to the Phantom he did become tunnel-visioned because of that. And that's why there was such a big turn in his character last chapter. He had been fighting this ghost for almost two years…and it was bringing nothing but pain. He wants a family disassociated with that pain. He does not wish to repeat it once more. What he said in the chapter was true. I'm not saying the trust and respect between them is magically fixed. But now there is an understanding above all things. Alright…three days…and then a sentence for life. Oh and the song at the end of the chapter…well obviously not mine. I'll speak to it more at the beginning of my next chapter. Anyways…here is Chapter 39 and happy reading!
Chapter 39
(Jasmine)
I slowly began to stir and I could feel his body weight next to mine. Three days starting today. And then I could lose him forever. I was actually surprised he was still here next to me, to be honest. I'm sure he had lots of things to be getting ready before he turned himself in.
"I can feel your mind thinking from here," he groaned.
"Good morning," I said softly. I gently felt for his face before gently leaning forward and kissing him. My side protested in discomfort but I didn't care at this point. I would take every moment I had with him.
"How's your pain?" he asked softly.
"Better," I said simply, "But still there."
He nodded his head beneath my fingertips, "The Doctor said it might be good to try to get out and get some fresh air if possible. Especially knowing you," he laughed. I hated being cooped up with a fiery passion.
I smiled, "Sounds refreshing to me." So we began the arduous process of getting me in an upright position. Sitting was harder than I expected so I leaned up against the headboard while he got my clothes. And then he helped me changed his fingers gentle and careful as he did. How different those hands had become since he first met us.
He gently tried to tie up my dress as loosely as he could but I still winced in pain. Thank god I was not somebody who was used to a corset. "Sorry," he muttered noticing me wince.
"Can't be helped," I muttered. "Where's Alex?" I asked noticing I hadn't heard him at all.
"Ev's been watching him. She told me to focus on you." I nodded my head but I wanted to see my son. "If we see her on the way down we'll ask her to bring him down," he said reading my thoughts as per usual. And then he very gently picked me up in his arms. I laid against his shoulder taking in every touch and feeling. His scent…his breathing…
And then the smells of outside raided my senses and a cool breeze chilled my skin. "It's cooler than I expected," he muttered softly, "Should I get your shawl?"
"I'll be fine," I said softly. I tried to pay attention to where he was going. And then I noticed him walking uphill and I smiled, "You taking me to my tree?"
"I figured it was as good a place as any." I smiled to myself thinking of all the confessions that had happened beneath that tree. When I had begun to realize how much he cared. How much I cared…and the last time I had spoken to Elizabeth before she died. So much had happened in that time. He gently sat me up against the tree before sitting beside me. I leaned up against his shoulder with a deep sigh.
He reached down grabbing my hand and holding it on his own. "I will be leaving everything to you once I am gone," he said quietly. "Nadir will help in any way he can." I knew he needed to talk to me about this but still…
"Erik please," I said quickly, "we have three days. Can we not talk about this right now?"
He squeezed my hand and I could feel the reluctance in his touch, "Alright. I promise."
I leaned back trying to take some deep breaths and relax. Everything was so calming…And yet my mind kept going ahead to that night when the Vicomte was going to come and take him away. And I might never hear his voice again or feel his hand in mine. His gentle voice as he sang to me or Alex.
"Hey," he said stroking my hand, "if I can't discuss the plans right now you cannot be thinking the worse." I took a deep breath nodding my head. He was right I knew it deep down. That didn't make it any easier though.
(Erik)
And then slowly but surely the sounds of the mob began to filter in from the main road. Damn, they were still coming back. Her hand tightened on mine and I could see the fear beginning to emanate in her eyes.
"Do you want to go inside?" I said softly.
She closed her eyes a few tears falling down her cheeks, "When I think back," she said softly, "I am so thankful that Rebecca wasn't killed that day. I didn't even notice I was shot until we were inside because I truly thought that—-," and her voice shook.
I wrapped my arm around her shoulder pulling her in, "But you're both okay."
"But they will be getting what they want," she said, "they might not have killed me or Becca. But they will still get what they want in the end." I rubbed her shoulder comfortingly.
She laughed softly, "I'm sorry I'm doing it again." She lifted her head up and smiled, "There are so many good memories under this tree," she said holding me close, "that's what I should be thinking about."
"Yes," I said tilting her head up towards me, "this seems to be the one that I am most fond of." And I leaned forward kissing her gently and passionately. I pulled her in closer but suddenly she cringed and I had forgotten about her injury. "Sorry," I said quickly.
She shook her head, "Its alright. I kind of forgot also." We both smiled sheepishly at each other and reminisced about past events. We were already halfway through the first day. And I knew it wasn't absent from anybody's mind.
(Erik - Later that day)
Dinner was actually quite pleasant despite everything. We brought a table up to Jasmine's room big enough to seat everyone because Jasmine couldn't sit up in a chair without pain. But despite all the peace, there was one glaring thing missing from the room. William wasn't at dinner and I hadn't seen him all day.
"He's upset like everybody else," Jasmine said already done with eating and now proceeding to feed Alex. "Give him time."
But she had barely finished when we heard a crash and what sounded like something shattering. And then it was proceeded by more shattering. "Stay here," I said to Rebecca and Jasmine. I made my way outside and barely managed to avoid some object that was flung in my direction and shattered on the floor.
The sight I saw caught me by surprise. It was William but he wasn't steady and his eyes looked unfocused, his breathing heavy. "William," I said approaching him but he launched another object into the wall.
"Go away," he said his voice venomous. But as he hurled another object he just about bowled over from his imbalance. And then it hit me.
"Are you drunk?" I said incredulously.
He smiled just about falling down again, "What do you care?"
I stormed over to him "What do you mean what do I care? What kind of asinine question is that?"
His eyes suddenly became dark, stormy and incredibly ferocious. "You're just like them," he said his words slurred. "You're just like them!" he said his voice rising pushing me away from.
"William—" I started to say.
"NO!" he screamed. "They left and abandoned us and you are no better than them. So go ahead and die for all I care. They did and we were so much better for it." I had to admit my heart gave a pang at that. He was comparing me to his dead parents, especially his mother. "So why don't you just go then!" William continued to spew his face contorted with anger, "Go!"
"Stop it!" a new voice screamed behind us and I jolted around realizing it was Jasmine. She was leaning heavily on the doorframe her other hand on her side, clearly in pain.
"Jasmine," I said rushing forward and catching her as she collapsed on the floor her whole body shaking from sobs.
"Do you think you are the only one in pain right now?!" she continued to yell at him her whole body jerking as she said it. "Do you?!" she said once more.
"Jasmine stop you're going reopen your wound," I said softly. William in the meantime just stared at his sister not believing the aggression coming from her. She keeled over and that's when I saw the faintest signs of blood on her dress. God dammit…
"Rebecca," I said quickly in the room, "go get the doctor please." She only nodded her head running off while I swiftly but gently picked her up. And I put her gently on the bed, "Stay here," I said sternly. She nodded her head not giving much of a fight.
I walked out of the room to still find William standing there a look of uncertainty on his face. I grabbed his collar and half walked him, half dragged him down the hall to his room. "Let go of me," he said resisting me.
I threw him in his room and closed the door behind me. I went into his changing room and grabbed the bucket of water in the back and the proceeded to dump it all over him. He sputtered and spit the water out and stared at me his eyes annoyed. "Sober up," I said through gritted teeth, "And grow up. Nobody is happy with this situation William, and don't you think I wouldn't just want to throw everything away also? But my love for all of you is keeping me from doing that…as it should be for you."
He sneered at me, "That's bullshit and you know it. If you really loved us you wouldn't be doing this. It's just another pathetic excuse for you to cover up your guilt at abandoning us."
That was enough I waltzed right up to him and drunk or not I shoved him against the wall pinning him there. "You are drunk and not thinking straight. When you are sober then you can say that. This isn't easy for any of us William."
"It was pretty easy for you," William said, "but then again you've done nothing but run all of your life. Now we will be nothing but the newest victims in your long history of them." And then I found myself pushing him so hard against the wall that it was causing him pain. Finally, I released him and he almost fell to the floor. I turned to start to walk away from him when he sneered, "Maybe Paul was right you are nothing but a pathetic violent man. Never capable of loving or being loved by anyone." And then without even thinking I backhanded him and he fell to the ground dazed. Dammit, stupid boy….
"I promised you I would do anything to protect your family Will," I said my voice shaking. "Anything. That hasn't changed." And with that, I made my way out of the room. As I headed back to my room the doctor was just coming out. "She'll be fine," he said simply, "She needs to restrict her movement though until that is healed."
"I know," I said softly, "this, unfortunately, was an unusual circumstance. Actually," I said embarrassed, "you may need to check on the boy back in his room. Things got…out of hand. He should be fine but just in case." The doctor didn't ask questions he just walked back glaring at me the entire way back. I wasn't going to hear the end of it I'm sure.
As I went inside Jasmine was lying on her back her head turned towards the window. I think the warmth sometimes felt good on her face, and comforting. Her eyes slowly opened as she heard me come in. "Is he alive?" she asked snidely.
"Yes," I said simply.
"Too bad," she muttered back. I sat down on the bed taking her hand. "Although," she muttered softly, "I can't really blame him though."
"For what?" I said jokingly, "For being drunk?
"For feeling abandoned," she said her eyes straightfaced and serious. "Sorry love but that's exactly how I felt when you told me what you were going to do. That you like everybody else who we loved in our lives, have abandoned us. And I truly wonder sometimes if this family is cursed."
"Nonsense," I said turning her head towards me my hand lingering on her cheek, "you all are anything but cursed." But even though she gave a small smile there was a hopelessness in her eyes I hadn't seen before. William's words had hit home and made her realize her own pain and feelings surrounding this event.
"I hate this," she said through gritted teeth, "I'm just handing you over." A few tears found their way down her face and she looked in my direction, "When I should be fighting my hardest to keep you." I leaned my forehead against her and she gripped the hair on my wig so tightly I thought she was going to rip it off. And I leaned forward kissing her on the lips our bodies both shaking. She held my head against her chest and we just lay there again.
"I'm sorry my love," I muttered softly. "I wish there was another way so that we all could be safe and happy."
She gently stroked my face, "I know…I know."
(Erik - Later that Night)
I gently got up trying not to disturb her too much. Her eyes were closed peacefully for the first time today. But the tear stains on her face were unmistakable. Cursed…that's how she felt right now. Funny, I had been thinking the same thing about myself. I always lost the things I cared about…whether I wanted to or not.
I slowly made my way downstairs and headed to the study where I found Nadir already sifting through some items. His eyes barely flicked up at me as I entered. "I heard there was some excitement upstairs," he muttered.
I slowly made my way over to him and was just about to answer when the study door opened again. I glared over at the figure as I realized it was William. I could already tell his movements were more controlled as he came in. The alcohol obviously having left his system. He looked up at me his blackened eye standing out in stark contrast to his pale skin.
"William," Nadir said concerned but I stopped him.
William hung his head in shame. "I know there is nothing I can say to you that can forgive what I said or did. I'm so sorry Erik," he said his voice shaking. His eyes incredibly sad even more so then Jasmine's. When his eyes met mine I nodded my head understanding why he had done what he had.
"I'm sorry as well," I said regretting that I had struck him in the first place.
William smiled, "Don't worry I know you have been wanting to do that for a while now."
I laughed thinking of how unfortunately true that statement was. I thought all the way back to when I had come to get him and Rebecca when they had been taken. The way he had spoken to me then had driven me mad as well.
"Is Jasmine?" he asked his face concerned.
"She's fine," I said softly, "not happy but she's fine." That's all I had to say and his eyes spoke loads. None of us were happy about this.
"Alright," William said sighing, "where do we start?"
(Jasmine)
Everything was so quiet as I finally woke up. I was lying on my uninjured side feeling very peaceful for some reason. I must have gotten a good night's sleep for once in a long time. Why I wasn't sure. Then again…as I wrapped my hand in his maybe this was why. His arm was wrapped protectively around as per usual. His head snuggled into the crook of my neck and his warm breath comforting as well.
I sat there memorizing every feeling and every touch. So that when it was gone…maybe I wouldn't forget it so soon. I felt his arm tighten around me and he gently kissed me in the crook of my neck. Something that always managed to send my heart racing. "Good morning," he muttered softly. He sounded tired, almost like he hadn't slept all night.
"Good morning," I muttered softly gently rubbing his hand with my thumb. "I didn't hear you come in last night."
"It was late," he muttered. And he didn't say anymore probably because we knew it led to a subject we were trying so hard to stay away from. I had told myself that I was done feeling sorry for myself about this. He had made up his mind and I wouldn't say anything out loud anymore about how upset I was. It was my last few days with him and I didn't want them to be sad anymore.
He sighed, "Way too much thinking going on in your head for this early in the morning." I gently turned over and smiled, "even if I am thinking this?" And I slowly slid my hand down his back and pulled him in closer. My side gave some groans of discomfort but I didn't care. I leaned forward kissing the crook of his neck. He let out a few deep breaths and I could feel his heart beginning to thud against mine.
I flipped him up and he was now above me while I was on my back. There was a moment of hesitation on his part. "Your inju—" he began to say but I pulled him down planting my lips on his. And let's just say after that we didn't care so much about my injury anymore.
(Jasmine)
After our…exertions from that morning, I had Erik bring me downstairs while he continued some work with Nadir. I could hear Becca playing in the next room and Alex's gentle breathing as he slept beside me. Everything at peace like it had been for almost a year before all of this. And would it ever be again? I turned my head hearing my brother's footsteps approaching. He sat down beside me sighing…
"I'm so sorry about yesterday sister," he said softly.
I leaned back in the lounge shaking my head, "I'm more upset you allowed yourself to get to that position. I expected you to be upset but that was reckless Will."
"I know," he said softly, "believe me." He was quiet for several moments before talking again. "How are you feeling?"
"Sore," she muttered, "Also like an invalid because I can hardly move. Makes me wonder how he was able to move around so much after you shot him at the house."
He laughed, "Maybe because it went through and through?"
"I would think that would be worse," she muttered laughing softly. "I also think he's inhuman sometimes. Everything he has endured in his lifetime…and now will have to continue to endure."
"I know Jay," he said softly. I leaned on his shoulder taking a deep breath. "Everything will sort itself out. Everything happens for a reason right?"
"Since when did you believe in that?" she said softly laughing.
"Let's just say a lot has changed in the last year." She smiled nodding her head. That it had.
(Erik - Later that night)
The second day went entirely too fast. We spent time with Becca and William but as with everything else…our minds were elsewhere. After both of the siblings had retired for the night I gently carried Jasmine to our room and sat her on the bed. I helped her change just like that morning. But if found my fingers lingering on her bare shoulders. I gently kissed the crook of her neck and she leaned back into me her breathing becoming heavy.
She turned to me and I could see how desperately she was trying to keep her emotions at bay. Tomorrow was their last day, and then taken away. I gently stroked her cheek and she leant into it. I then went forward meeting her in a kiss before we lay back on the bed…becoming one once again.
(Even later that night…)
My sleep was restless, in that I could not go back to sleep. I couldn't stop staring at her and thinking how long it would be before I lay beside her like this again. Before I felt the warmth and comfort of somebody's body against mine. A few tears went down my eyes and I gently stroked her hand. The hands which I loved so much. "I'm so sorry my love," I whispered softly. "I'm sorry."
(Jasmine)
I woke up to the warm rays of sunlight gently warming my skin. The third day. I slowly sat myself up. My pain had substantially gone down but was still bothersome. As I put my hand down beside me I realized he wasn't in the bed. "Erik?" I said worriedly. And then I heard the soft creaking as his footsteps came back in the room.
"Sorry," he said softly, "I was just getting Alex."
I sighed in relief as he gently gave me Alex who let off some gentle cooing and happy gurgles. And there we sat in sad silence for a stretch of time. There were a million things we should be doing or saying, but in the end, there was nothing more to say. We knew what was happening…and we loved each other. What more could be said?
(Erik)
I took in this sight of the woman I loved most holding our son. Like so many things the last few days, I was trying to engrain this moment in my mind as well. For as long as I could.
I turned as I heard footsteps come in and William was standing there his eyes sad. "Good morning," he muttered softly. Jasmine's head shot up at the sound of his voice. And then some more little footsteps came running Rebecca throwing herself into my arms. I caught her without even realizing it. "Please Erik," she said in between cries, "please don't go." I rubbed her back comfortingly trying to calm her. While William came over putting a comforting hand on Jasmine's shoulder.
I gave Rebecca a gentle squeeze, "I'm sorry Becca," I said softly, "I truly am. But this is not good-bye. We still have this day…and even after that…it is still not good-bye."
"Promise me," she said softly.
"I promise," I said right back trying to smile for her.
"Come, Becca," William said softly and very reluctantly she left my side taking William's hand.
"William," I said softly my voice catching. He shook his head smiling deviously, "You don't need to say anything. I know." All the arguments and snide remarks…and somehow we had gone from enemies to brothers.
The door closed behind him and Becca and I felt my heart break again. A thousand times more then I had ever felt. More than the pain of being in a cage, disregarded by my mother, and when Christine had left. And then I turned and looked in Jasmine's eyes and my heart shattered a thousand times over. Tears began running down her face and I gently reached up wiping them gently away. My hand was shaking though and she reached up gently putting her hand on top of mine. I pulled her in holding her close. Our son gave a little bit of cry in between us and we slowly moved to a lying down position.
(Jasmine)
Slowly I laid on my side and Erik put Alex between us while he laid on the other side. And for a while we just lay there gently fingering our son's little hands. Erik sighed, "So everything will be going under our family name. Which means as of tonight you will be the one in charge of it." I nodded my head knowing that he was speaking of all he had accumulated these past years.
"Nadir will also stay and help with any support you might need," he said softly. "And I want you to promise me that if even after I leave this mob doesn't dissipate, you will take our family and go."
I jolted, "Erik I can't—"
"Yes you can," he said seriously. "And when I am able to find a way out, I will find you. No matter where you are." He put his hand on my face and gently caressed it. His hands so gentle compared to the first time we had met.
"Alright," I said reluctantly.
"My love," he said softly. "My love, my wife, my friend….you have changed me so completely and utterly. And despite everything that has happened, I don't regret a single moment with you. And I never will."
My voice had begun to shake now, "Neither will I. My phantom, my angel, my love," I said smiling, "You have been so much to me. Believe it or not, you saved me also, and for that, I will always be grateful." We held each other's hands each of them resting gently on Alex's stomach.
"I have a gift for both of you," he said softly.
I smiled," I figured you would."
"At first I wrote it solely for you," he said gently stroking my hand. "But then I realized it not only described our love but our love for our son as well. And no matter what whether good or bad…our love will always endure." His voice was cracking when he said that but I heard him take a deep breath. And slowly his voice came out steady as ever when he sang.
Who knows when love begins, who knows what makes it start
One day it's simply there, a life inside your heart
It slips into your thoughts, it infiltrates your soul
It takes you by surprise, then seizes full control
Try to deny it and try to protest
But love won't let you go, once you've been possessed.
The tears started flowing already and he had hardly begun. I couldn't help but think about that night when he had appeared in the house. I'm sure that love had been the furthest thing from our minds but somewhere along the way it had transformed into that. And now I knew that I would feel it my entire life. No matter what happened.
Love never dies, love never falters
Once it has spoken, love is yours
Love never fails, love never alters
Hearts may get broken, love endures
Hearts may get broken, love endures
(Erik)
I was speaking of hearts being broken and I could see a reflection of my face in hers. But this love had endured so much…and I knew that it would endure. In fact, I was sure of it. Even if it took years, I would feel her love again. No matter what.
And soon as you submit, surrender flesh and bone
That love takes on a life much bigger than your own
It uses you at whim, and drives you to despair
And forces you to feel more joy than you can bear
Love gives you pleasure and love brings you pain
And yet, when both are gone, love will still remain
(William)
I still remembered the early days of not trusting him and how I had felt like I was sacrificing so much to finally trust him. I didn't know whether it was because of Jasmine or because I had come to care for him as well. God knows we had all gone through so much with each other, and yet despite that had found our greatest joys in each other as well. And even though he was physically leaving this house his presence wouldn't be gone. I smiled to myself…because God knows he would never allow that.
Once it has spoken, love is yours
Love never dies, love never alters
Hearts may get broken, love endures
Hearts may get broken...
Love never dies, love will continue
Love keeps on beating, when you're gone
Love never dies, once it is in you
Life may be fleeting, love lives on
Life may be fleeting
Love lives on
(Erik)
I pulled her close to me after that final chorus kissing her gently. When I pulled away her eyes were still teary and I said softly, "No matter what happens to me my love for you will never diminish. Even if I end up sitting at the golden gates of Heaven, my light will be on you…forever loving you. All of you. So promise me that no matter what happens you will live your life. For William, for Becca, for Alex, and most importantly you. Be happy my love but also know," I said softly, "I will find my way to you. I will find you again."
She smiled nodding her head and I gently kissed her forehead smiling. We all held each other and slowly closed our eyes thinking of all the things that had come to pass. The joy, the pain, the anger….but most importantly the love is what lingered most in our minds. Or I hoped it was at least.
(Jasmine)
And then evening came….the end. We slowly made our way down and I could hear all the nervous pacing downstairs. It all came to a quick stop though as we entered the main hallway. His arm was holding me tightly helping me walk as that was still difficult with my injury. But I was at least able to stand a little on my own holding Alex. Immediately Becca's little feet could be heard running over.
(Erik)
She ran right into my arms and I held her close. The whole room was quiet because nothing needed to be said. We had all said our good-byes and shared our love earlier. I made my way over to Jasmine who was holding Alex and I reached over taking my son in my arms for the last time in a long time. "Hey there," I said softly. "Promise me you will be good for your mother. Don't drive her mad while I am gone." Jasmine let out a muffled chuckle at that. I kissed him gently on the forehead and then handed him gently to Evelyn who gave me a sad but comforting smile.
William stepped forward and wanted to say something but didn't. I put my hand on his shoulder and gave him a look which he returned with a smile. "I'll take care of them don't worry."
"I know you will," I said softly, "you're the man now. I expect you to."
Nadir had no words for me…we knew by now what to expect from each other after so much time.
It was the last person that I knew would be the hardest like always. Her eyes were strong…probably ten times stronger than mine. Her hands were shaking though and I grabbed them in my own shaking hands. I put my hand on her cheek and slowly we came together kissing each other. A long simple kiss. And then we embraced holding each other close. "I love you so much," she said softly.
I paused running my hands through her hair. "I love you too," I answered. And then I looked as I saw a figure coming down the hall and I immediately recognized the Vicomte. His eyes were sad as he watched us.
"I'm sorry," he said softly, "but its time." I separated from Jasmine and I could see the tears threatening to take over. And the hardest thing was to take that first step away. Slowly I finally took the one step but her hands shot out grabbing mine. I felt my heart ache as I quickly turned kissing her one last time and then I just turned and walked away. Every step painful and unsure.
(Jasmine)
I wanted to run after him hold him, and beg him not to go. I didn't care if it put all of us in danger…I just needed him here. Alex began to cry in Ev's arms and I sometimes wondered how young children knew all too well the emotions going on in their family. Their footsteps continued to disappear until finally the door opened and closed.
My legs felt like they were going to give out and William stepped next to me just in case I did fall. I slowly made my way to the door and just stood by it. I considered running out a hundred times…but I couldn't. The carriage wheels slowly departed and I fell to my knees as slowly it became quiet outside. He was gone. He was gone…
My head fell into my hands and I found myself crying. My brother wrapped his arms around me slowly pulling me in and rocking me gently. And then Rebecca laid in my lap and I could feel her little body shaking as well from crying. It felt weird to be the three of us again. It had always been the three of us…and then it had become four. And then with Alex, it still kind of felt like four. But not really. Now it just felt like we had slipped back to our trio again.
"We will be strong," I muttered softly, "just like always."
William gave my shoulder a squeeze, "You bet we will sis."
"You-you can count on it," Rebecca said even though her voice was wavering horribly. I smiled sadly remembering Erik's words about living our life.
"I promise we will," I said softly. "And we will be ready when we see you again."
Thank you for reading!
3-month time jump in the next chapter!
Please Please Please Review and I will see you next chapter!