Love of a Stranger
Ob1MegOb1
Author's Note: So you are going to start seeing connections to Love Never Dies. About the time I originally wrote the last chapter Love Never Dies came out. I was so hyped at the time to have a Phantom sequel. And there are things I both like and dislike about it. You'll see those connotations in upcoming chapters. I will also be providing a lot of alternatives to how characters are represented in Love Never Dies. But it was really sad because the moment I heard the song Love Never Dies, a song meant for Christine and Erik…I knew…this was Erik's song for his family. This would be his good-bye to them when he was taken in. So here we go. Three-month time jump. Thank you to all who continue to read this story and I hope you enjoy! Happy reading!
(3 months later)
(Erik)
It had been a very long three months. Nothing but compositions and my thoughts. I had been grateful to the Vicomte for once in my life. Grateful that he had managed to keep me alive, and he had allowed them to give me something to keep my mind busy. Cages were just a reminder of my former life. What I called my former life now.
The downside of being confined to this cage….no visitors and no communication with the outside world. Not that Jasmine would have come to the prison…nor would have I wanted her to put herself and our family in that position…but to have no communication at all…at least that way I could have still heard her in some way. But for now all I could do was wait and hope. And see her so clearly in my mind, smiling and happy. And I hoped she actually was. I prayed that this sacrifice had not been in vain.
The days bled together. I had no window no light to the outside world. It was starting to feel all too familiar. Just like those years under the Opera House. With no one to keep me company but myself for the most part. "Love never dies," I sang softly under my breath. Remembering that day…her touch…her voice…the sound of our son sleeping beside us. The laughter of William and Becca at play….
And then one day…I received a visitor…though, not one I would ever care to have. "Look at you," that all too familiar voice said, "scribbling away like nothing was wrong." The disdain…the hate dripping from his every word.
My eyes slowly drifted up to him my heart beginning to rage and my blood boiling. There he was standing there cocky and so sure of himself. He was standing far away from the door though probably so I didn't slam his head into the bars. I slowly got to my feet and walked as calmly as I could to the door.
"You're wise to stay back," I said menacingly, "because if you come any closer Paul I can't be sure what I would do to you."
"Ah, there he is," Paul said snidely, "the bloodthirsty monster I've heard so much about. I saw a taste of him that night when you and I fought. If they hadn't interfered…who knows what you would of done to me."
I turned away from him, "What do you want Paul? You got what you wanted."
"Oh I haven't quite gotten it yet," he sounded pleased with himself. That gave me pause…had something happened?
"What else could you possibly want with me?" I said irritably.
"To see your reaction," he said calmly. "I am assuming by your nonchalant attitude that you didn't hear about the fire on the outside of town."
"We don't hear anything in here," I said sarcastically, "which I'm sure you know."
"Oh its too bad," he said his voice suddenly became dark and low, "considering it was the house where you were captured that burned to the ground." I stopped in my tracks my whole body going cold.
"Yes it was unfortunate," Paul said softly, "I had hoped to hurt you without hurting the Dinea family. Especially Jasmine. Unfortunately, she was just too protective of your spawn to care about herself. It was sad that she had to perish along with the child."
Her eyes flashed in my mind as those words left his mouth. "You lie!" I said immediately charging the door. "This is just another one of your games." It couldn't be true…she couldn't really be gone.
He held up something in the light, "They found this in the house. I recognized it from when her mother used to wear it herself." I looked up my heart breaking even more as I saw Jasmine's wedding band gleaming in his hand. Even if she wasn't dead he had gotten ahold of it somehow. This was a trick…a lie. She wasn't dead…but he obviously had her if he had her wedding ring.
"I swear if you have done anything to her," I said my voice a low growl now.
"Obviously you aren't listening Phantom," he said venomously, "I didn't want her dead in the first place. But the mob," he said softly, "I built them up too well. When they shot her I about nearly shot them myself. But they just wanted your whole essence eradicated despite my best efforts. Because you see Phantom it was them that burned down the house. It was them not me."
"You created them and spurned them on," I said my voice shaking, "And don't pretend you didn't want her to pay for loving me. For marrying me."
"That is true," he said softly, "I had something much more different in mind though." His eyes were so harsh and dark that I didn't want to know what he would have had in store for her. Knowing how he had treated Elizabeth and the stories that Jasmine had shared… "If the ring is not enough to convince you then maybe this will," he said holding a new object now. And I found my breath catching my whole body shaking. It was her locket…the one that had the pictures of her family inside. Her and Rebecca both had one. She never took it off…she slept with it on. "It was found in close proximity to the ring," he said softly.
"How do I know that you didn't just take them off her," I said trying to remain calm and not play his game. But there was a brief moment of emotion on his face…it almost looked like regret.
"I guess you can't know for sure," he said softly. "You say you don't hear anything in here…but I know that's not true. Maybe in the coming days, the rumors will start to make you believe. Hold on to your false hope…but your wife and son are dead. You'll have to face that sooner or later."
And then he walked away without another word and my heart sank a whole level lower. I hadn't even noticed that he had left the locket and ring in my cell. I slowly made my way to them fingering them gently. The locket was a little charred but the ring was intact. I knew all too well this was the ring….and as I slowly opened the locket, I saw those all too familiar pictures of her mother and father inside. This didn't prove anything…nothing definitive anyway. He may have labeled it as false hope but it was the only hope I had. I gently slid the ring onto the cord of the necklace so that the ring and locket laid side by side. I gently put the necklace around my own neck. At least now she was close to my heart in some way. It was almost like I could feel her here now beside me. And I just knew that deep down…she couldn't be dead. It just couldn't be.
(The Doctor)
The flames glowed in the distance outside the city. There were murmurings going around the city that the house were the Phantom had been captured was the one going up in flames. That justice was finally being served…
For my part, I hoped not…I had only just stopped treating that family a month ago In those months I had gotten to know them very well. I had delivered the baby, treated the young brother, and helped to save the mother when she had been shot. I had even been there to help them when their family had been torn apart. And despite everything they had sacrificed…this was still the final outcome.
I went to bed that night anxious and worried. I tossed and turned for most of the night actually thinking about nothing but that fire and the fates of those who lived there.
( A few days later)
The rumors had started to filter in, and I tried my hardest to ignore them. But with nobody to contact and only Paul's words floating around in my head, I couldn't help but feel a dip in my spirits every time I did. But I knew something was up…the mob had suddenly appeared outside the prison. I began to wonder if they had taken out the easy target and now would torment me for the entire time I was in prison. And the guards would do nothing to stop them because there was nothing better then tormenting the prisoners in here. So I had to endure their jeers and tormenting calls. Another question I had is what had happened to the rest of the family? Rebecca, William and Nadir as well. Nadir and William would not have allowed them to perish so easily.
Far too many questions and not nearly enough answers. It was slowly driving me mad. I began to the fear the truth…we had failed…and my family was gone. I shook my head…no I can't think that way. I had to keep believing…that stupid sense of optimism that I had inherited from them.
So I composed and I kept my mind busy. I thought of the happy times…which there were so many. I laid down that night and slowly began to dream of times long past. Of happier times and stressful times. And then my dream suddenly became far too real.
I was standing out at the lake behind the house. The sun warm on my face and comforting. I was happy to be back. But then I suddenly felt that familiar hand on mine and twirled around and there she was standing right in front of me. She was alive and well and beautiful.
I rushed forward holding her close my body coursing with joy. "I knew it wasn't true," I muttered softly. But she quickly pulled away from me.
"You need to get out of here," she said her eyes intense.
"What are you talking about?" I asked confused.
"Don't you smell it?" she said quickly. And then suddenly it invaded my senses the smell of something burning.
"It's so hot," she said pulling into me holding me close as the heat felt so intense. She pulled me forward kissing me soundly on the lips before stepping away from me as the flames begin to surround us.
"Jasmine," I said softly.
"Go," she said her eyes sad. "It's too late for me. But you can still live on…do something in this world my love." And the flames engulfed her as I screamed my heart dropping into my stomach.
I jolted awake coughing and sputtering as the smoke had collected in my cell.
"Get up!" a guard yelled as he undid the door of my cell. The fire was immense and I could see them attempting to divert the prisoners out of the cells. I was surprised they were even attempting to do so. Unless they were diverting us into the fire. Either way, I wasn't taking chances. I got out and started walking down the hallway the guard close at my back. The structure of the prison was beginning to collapse and I kept my eye on it as I was pushed forward with the rest of the prisoners. And then I heard it a beam cracking above us.
"Look out!" the guards yelled trying to pull the prisoners back. But I immediately pushed forward running with all might as the beams came crashing down. I dove forward feeling the heat as the beams crashed down behind me. I was inches from the flames my plant legs catching a small amount of flame which I immediately put out. I stayed low hearing the guards on the other side.
"There's no way," a guard shouted. I kept low gripping Jasmine's locket against my chest. My breaths deep and heavy…hoping they would give up…
"I don't see him!" they yelled, "we need to go back and find another way out!" And as I heard them running in the other direction I exhaled relief coursing through me. I had just killed myself…I hoped. I stayed low and carefully navigated my way through the prison avoiding guards when I could.
Outside it was pure pandemonium, thankfully. I slipped in making my movements erratic but keeping my mind calm. And despite everything I made it outside the barriers and kept walking my heart soaring. I got to an alleyway and leant up against a wall. My legs gave out and I slowly fell to the ground sitting there relief coursing through my body. I had made it…I had gotten out. I didn't know how long I had…either way I would take what I had. I had folded my hands together my forehead leaning against them when I noticed it.
I looked at my left hand and I felt my heart drop. My wedding band was gone. I must have lost it when I dodged the falling beam. But Jasmine's band and her locket were still around my neck. That at least gave me some comfort. I was just saddened that I had lost her father's wedding band. But voices began to filter down the street and I had to find somewhere to go. And as much as I hated to admit it…there was only one person in the city that I could find and trust right now.
(Beneath the Opera House)
I had to admit I found myself hesitating as I made my way through the labyrinths underneath the Opera House once more and finding my way to the quarters of Madame Giry. It was eerie walking through the empty halls. They had done much to start reconstruction since the fire but there was still plenty of damage. It looked like the had finished repairing most of the living quarters…thank goodness or I would never have been able to find her.
And as she opened her door to my knock the look on her face was one of astonishment. "I had heard about the fire," she said quietly, "they said that you had perished trying to escape." She immediately let me into her quarters. "Obviously they don't know you very well."
"Giry," I said immediately, "I need to find Jasmine and my family."
She was turned away from her body language immediately changing. She had known them…their mother…deep down still cared about the children of her friend. Her body language…was of defeat and sadness. "Have you not heard the rumors?"
"Of course I have," I said quickly, "why should I believe them though?" There was that stupid sense of optimism. That sense of optimism which was threatening to shatter my heart at this very moment. Jasmine…Alex….
She slowly turned towards me her eyes downcast. "And yet you wear the proof around your neck," she said softly. I gripped her locket and wedding band around my neck.
"No," I said defiantly, "No I won't believe it." I backed away from her shaking my head but now my dream was coming true in my head. She had said it was too late for her. I felt like I couldn't breathe my body shaking now.
"Erik," Giry said her voice shaking so horribly now, "she's gone."
I felt the ground falling out from me beneath my feet and I fell to my knees. So many things rushing through my head…her eyes, her smile, that last kiss before we had parted. I had promised we would see each other again. I had done it to protect her and it had been for nothing. She was dead…Alex was dead…they were dead because of me. I felt my whole body convulsing with silent sobs. My heart was broken completely and utterly. My wife was gone…my child gone. And it was all my fault. I felt Giry's arms encircle me and hold me close as I succumbed to the reality…to the grief of the moment. It all came crashing down on me.
"But you can still live on…do something in this world my love." But how could I continue on without them? Everything I had done I had done for them. My promises had been for them. Why did everything I love always end up in heartbreak tears. I couldn't stand it anymore. I can't…I can't….
"Erik," Giry said softly. But slowly my body stilled my mind going numb to the pain. I was not to be afforded any joy in this life…that was my truth. I sat up as the icy barrier began to form around my heart. I looked up at Giry my cold calm eyes reflected in hers. "Take me to the house," I said simply. And after that, it would be the end.
(The Night of the House Fire)
(The Doctor)
The next morning everybody was talking about how the Phantom's hideaway had been burned to the ground. And worst of all…his family had been killed in the fire. The status of the brother and sister were unknown. But Jasmine and the child…had perished. I had to admit I was heartbroken when I heard this news. I had helped to deliver that child…and sewn up his mother's wounds when she had been shot. I also wondered what had happened to the Persian? The man who was supposed to have been protecting them? I wondered if he had perished as well but nobody had known to look for him?
And I wondered if at this very moment Erik was getting the worst news of his life. That despite his sacrifice to protect them nobody had cared and still managed to destroy that family. Yes, my heart was aching so badly for that family.
I was awoken from my reverie though by a knock at the door. I was pretty used to people asking me to come out in the middle of the night so this was nothing new. As I opened the door I found myself face to face with William Dinea. He had pulled his hood up over his face. Hiding beneath that cloak was little Rebecca Dinea looking frightened and scared.
"Please," William said softly, "We didn't know where to go." And there in his arms was cradled the baby. Whose eyes were wide and awake curious as to where he was. But he was alive!
"Of course!" I said immediately, "Come in." And as he came in another figure was behind him and I recognized the Persian. So he had survived but what he was carrying in his arms took my breath away. She was cloaked and she was unconscious but I could tell who she was right away. It was Jasmine Dinea. She was alive!
(William)
I was still sitting in a daze in the room that the doctor had prepared for us. Rebecca was passed out on a bed and Nadir was keeping a watchful eye on Alex. Jasmine was still unconscious on the bed next to me and I was especially watching her.
I had just managed to barely get to her before the world came crashing down on us.
"Jasmine!" I screamed running through the house the fire exploding around me. My chest was burning from the smoke and I could hardly see. I finally managed to get to her room and I could hear Alex screaming inside. "Jasmine!" I screamed again. I backed up managing to break through the door. Smoke came pouring through the doorway and I could just make her out on the floor passed out. I rushed over quickly checking on her and seeing that she was still breathing for now. She had managed to get Alex into his basket where he lay screaming. I was barely able to lift Jasmine up in my arms and hook Alex's baby basket into the crook of my other arm.
I shuffled my way out as the house slowly began to fall around me. I painstakingly made my way downstairs and was almost to the door. But I could barely hold the two. The front doors were wide open and I could see Rebecca screaming outside. Immediately Nadir ran in relieving me of Jasmine while I quickly picked up Alex and we both ran for the exit as the house slowly came down.
I stared in shock not believing that another house of ours was burning to the ground. That after everything we had given up it hadn't made a difference. None of it had.
The only thing I was grateful for at this moment was that we all were breathing still for now. I was also grateful Evelyn had chosen to leave a month or so earlier to be with family. We had urged her to take the opportunity to get away from the madness.
I took a deep shuttering breath leaning back in my chair. "How are you young man?" the Doctor said leaning down in front of me.
"Suprisingly fine," I said softly. "I'm not struggling at the current moment."
He nodded his head, "That is good for now. But take it easy. You don't want to overburden your already overtaxed system."
"I know," I said softly. And he left to check on the others. I shook my head wondering how this could have happened. We had thought we were safe…they had left. We thought they had been placated. And yet still…
Jasmine began to stir beside me and I quickly kneeled beside her. Her hand went to her forehead and she seemed confused and dazed for a moment before bolting up her eyes wide. "Alex!" she said scared.
"He's fine," I said quickly, "he's fine. He's sleeping right now."
"William?" she asked confused, "What happened?"
"There was a fire Jay," I said softly, "do you remember?"
(Jasmine)
My head was so fuzzy right now. I remembered the intense heat and feeling like I couldn't breath. I had rushed to put Alex in his baby basket for some reason but the rest was a complete blank. "A fire?" I asked still confused.
"Yes," he answered softly. "It's gone Jasmine. The house is gone." My blood froze as he said that. I couldn't believe it…another house of ours burned to the ground. But Becca, Alex, and all of us had made it out okay once more. Sometimes I wondered how we could have the worst and best luck at the same time.
I clasped my hands together leaning my head back. But it was then that I noticed…my wedding band was gone. I traced my ring finger a thousand times but it wasn't there. My locket was gone also. "I'm sorry Jay," Will said softly. "They must have fallen off while we were getting you out but," he paused, "I couldn't find them." I was quiet realizing that one of my last remnants of both my parents and Erik was gone. Well, I had Alex at least which was still my strongest connection to Erik.
I smiled gently gripping my brother's hand in my own, "It's alright William. You got me and Alex out…that is the important thing."
He squeezed my hand in return. "Sis what are we going to do now?"
"Where are we actually now that you ask?" I said curiously.
"We are at the doctors," he said softly. "I'm sorry I didn't know where to go. Or I wasn't sure at least." He had a point….I wasn't even sure what was a safe place anymore. And I hated putting him in danger even more. Either way, at least we were safe for now…my head was pounding from the events of last night.
"Well we are not going to decide anything today," I said softly, "we might as well get some rest."
"Agreed," he said giving my hand one more comforting squeeze before I heard him go over to the other side of the room. But despite my words, I couldn't follow them. My head was going in so many different directions it was making me dizzy. I turned over on my side and tried to sleep…but my arm still never quite got used to the empty feeling on the side of the bed. And I missed that safe comforting arm around me when I slept.
I felt a small figure crawling into bed next to me and I smiled wrapping my arm around Rebecca. "Are you alright?" I said softly.
"Yes," she said right back. "I was scared but not anymore."
I gave her a small squeeze, "It's alright to be afraid. I was afraid when the fire started too."
Rebecca nodded her head, "Were you scared because Erik wasn't there to help you?"
I smiled sadly, "No. I was just scared. Scared for all of us, and whether we would get out okay."
Rebecca sighed, "I still miss Erik."
"I know," I said my voice cracking, "I do too." More then you could imagine darling I thought to myself. More then you could imagine.
(A few days later)
Our days had become ones of rest and uncertainty. We didn't know what to do next…Nadir was looking into things but to be honest I wasn't certain about anything right now. So we went to sleep every night hoping something would present itself.
That night I was awakened by somebody hurrying around in the house. I slowly got up trying my hardest not to disturb Rebecca. I recognized the light steps of the doctor who turned as he realized I was in the room. "There is a fire in town. They are not sure how many are hurt but I am going out to help."
"Do you need help?" I asked softly.
He paused for a very long time before finally answering, "Its probably best if you stay here. Just for your safety. I do appreciate it though."
I only nodded my head but I could tell something was wrong. Lack of answer and that long pause made me think he wasn't telling me something. But why would he lie to me about a fire? Was it because he thought it would be traumatic?
The door closed and it was amazing how despite everything we were always being held at arm's length…or maybe I just was. I sighed going back to my bed but I just leant my head up against the headboard. My mind was once again flooded with millions of thoughts.
"Are you alright?" Nadir's voice asked from the doorway.
I nodded my head not sure if I believed that or not. "The doctor left for an emergency and it just woke me up."
He nodded, "Thank goodness it didn't wake Alex up."
"Yes," I muttered, "thank goodness." I was feeling more sorry for Alex right now more then anything else. I felt my heart and soul wasn't into him right now and it hurt me a lot. But there were so many things to be worrying about. Nadir came forward gently taking my hand, "Do not take this all on yourself. He wouldn't have wanted that."
"It's my family," I said softly, "how could I not?" He was quiet for a few moments before finally saying, "I won't fight you on that. But if you truly want to help protect them you need rest."
I smiled sadly, "Yes I know." I knew I needed rest I just wished my mind would quiet down enough to let me. I slunk lower into the bed trying to calm my mind. I felt like I had just fallen asleep when my body awoke again. I knew I had fallen asleep for a little while because I could feel the warm rays of sunlight on my arms. Morning had finally come to drive away the night.
I turned though as I heard voices in the main room. I immediately recognized the voices of Nadir and the doctor. He had come back from his emergency I guess. Judging by the quiet in the room everybody else must have still been asleep. I slowly got up and headed towards the door when I heard Nadir say something that made me stop in my tracks.
"Are you sure it was him doctor? He is clever and crafty he could have left it behind just to cover his tracks."
"I'm sure," the doctor said a sad tone in his voice. "Believe me I checked the remains a thousand times to make absolutely sure. There was scaring on the corpse that was consistent with Erik's….even though the body was badly burned there is no doubt it was him. They also found this on the body." Remains? A body? Erik? My hand began to shake on the doorknob my heart dropping into my stomach.
"It could have been put with a different body—" Nadir continued to argue probably not wanting to believe it himself.
"There were also several accounts who saw what happened." And with that, the room went silent.
"She needs to be told," the doctor said his voice finally breaking the silence. She could hear the sadness leaking out in his tone.
"Not now," Nadir said, "I agree she needs to be told but at the right moment. He was her husband and they cared about each other so much. This could destroy her if not handled correctly. Or else poor Alex will end up losing his mother and father…very much like she did when she was a child." Was? Why are they talking about Erik in the past tense. What happened? Oh god, what has happened? The doctor had left because of a fire….could the fire have been at the prison?
Nadir was pacing from the sound of it and the doctor spoke softly to him, "I am sorry. He was a friend of yours for many years wasn't he?"
"Yes," Nadir answered softly, "so much so that I still can't believe he is dead. He always had a way out or found one. And to think that his brilliant mind is gone…I find myself still not wanting to believe it."
And that was it….those words were the ones I had been dreading to hear. Erik was dead…he was gone. My whole body suddenly went numb, I couldn't feel anything. I felt myself falling to the ground but two strong arms caught me and I knew it was William. His body was shaking and I knew in that moment he had heard everything as well. He slowly pulled me in holding me close.
But I didn't cry…I didn't scream. Everything just went numb and cold. Nothing mattered anymore…my whole world had come crashing down and I couldn't do a thing about it. So why should I scream and shout when nobody cared. They had killed him anyway…they had tried to kill us anyway. Well, they had succeeded. I didn't feel alive anymore….I don't think I felt anything anymore.
(William)
My heart was aching and I was trying so hard not scream and curse the world right now. But Jasmine…she just lay there in my arms. She didn't make a sound and she didn't fight me at all. I looked down and her eyes were empty and emotionless which frightened me. This wasn't my sister…she never was like this. I found myself looking at a haunting reflection of somebody…somebody else.
Slowly she pulled away from me and got to her feet that empty look still on her face. She slowly walked out of the room making her way towards Nadir and the doctor. "Jasmine," I said softly but she ignored me.
Nadir and the Doctor jolted as she came in the room. Jasmine walked toward them before stopping and extending her hand. Our eyes became sad knowing what it was that she wanted. The doctor slowly came forward extending his own hand and gently putting the wedding band in her hand. Her fingers slowly curled around the band and the briefest flash of emotion crossed her face. And then she turned from them the emptiness crossing her face again and she just walked out of the room clutching the ring in her hand. She didn't say a word…she just walked away.
(Erik)
I went to the house the next day…or what was left of it at least. A house full of so many memories was nothing more then ash now. I gently trailed my fingers in the dirt and ash. Everything felt dead to me now. I had lost what I cared for most on this earth…again.
"Will you not try to find William and Rebecca? See if maybe they are alive and well since it was not confirmed whether they perished or not?" Giry said behind me her voice soft. She had insisted on coming with me so that she could pay her respects as well.
I wanted to find them so badly…make sure they both were okay. But I had gotten their sister killed, their nephew killed, and their cousin…I think their family had endured enough death because of me. And the ice around my heart had already made me numb…I didn't want to feel concern…because what if it was true that they were dead? I don't think I could bear that…no I knew I couldn't.
So I merely stood up and stared at the house that had held so much joy for me in such a short amount of time. And I knew I would never experience anything like that again.
Giry had made plans the last few days to smuggle me out of Paris. Her and her daughter Meg were coming with me…against my wishes. The last thing I wanted was more victims in my wake. But Giry had always been fond of me and I guess there was very little I could do to stop them. We were heading toward Calais and after that who knew. I quite frankly didn't care.
I put my hand on the earth gently saying softly, "Good-bye my love." And then I got up and turned my back on the house. Dismissing all those memories from my mind…there were of no use to me now except to bring me pain.
(Jasmine)
I was leaning up against the headboard gently caressing my stomach. I was starting to show even more now and I couldn't tell if that made everybody more nervous or excited. I for one knew that this was what I wanted. Granted I hadn't expected this so soon, but I wasn't despairing about it. I heard his footsteps enter and the sound of a glass being put down on the end table beside the bed.
"How are you?" he asked his voice soft and gentle.
"Fine," I said softly.
He put his hand on top of mine, "Still nothing yet?"
"Not yet," I said smiling, "but give him time. I get the feeling he'll start moving and he won't stop once he does."
I heard him laugh softly and he gently leaned forward kissing my belly softly. "Still so sure it's a boy?" I smiled nodding my head. He chuckled leaning forward and kissing me. "Whatever it ends up being," he said softly, "I don't care. It's part of you and I could never stop loving that."
"I know," I said softly smiling, "I feel the same way." He kissed me again gently cupping my face in his hand. But then…I felt it and at first it caught me so off guard I didn't realize what it was. But when I felt it again my heart began to race.
"Erik," I said out of breath and excited.
"What? What's wrong?" he said his voice concerned. But I searched for his hand finally placing it on my stomach.
"Nothing's wrong," I said not able to keep the excitement from my tone. The baby gave another kick and I wished for once that I could see Erik's face right now. Even though his silence said a lot as well. I felt his other hand come up and lay on top of my stomach as well.
"My god," he whispered softly his voice a more nervous excited then mine.
"That's your child Erik," I said softly. He pulled me in hugging me close to him.
"I love you so much," he said softly.
"And I love you," I answered back.
I opened my eyes the memory quickly disappearing from my mind as they so often did. I didn't pay much attention to them anymore…I just let them come and go as they pleased. After three weeks of accepting that I would never hear him again…never feel him again…I chose not to feel anything concerning him again. I was numb and unfeeling. I didn't care anymore…I didn't want to care. William had gone to the site himself…only to be met with the same unfortunate truth as the Doctor. So I had sunk now…into a dark hole of emptiness. And I had no desire to pull myself out. I was gone and lost.
"Jasmine!" Will said suddenly bursting in angrily. "Have you gone deaf? Can't you hear Alex wailing?" Alex had been crying. Well, he was a part of him…he washed over me and then disappeared. I didn't care anymore. Didn't I?
"Jasmine!" William yelled again but I didn't answer.
His footsteps disappeared out of the room taking the crying child with him. I was glad I couldn't see…the world would be sad tones of gray and white. There was nothing now that shone brightly or beautifully.
"It would be as if there was no light in my life again," I said softly. "Like nothing would shine brightly, everything would remain in dull gray colors." I gently played with his fingers, "Like nobody could ever hold my hand again and make me feel safe. And sing a song that would bring me comfort and piece. It would be this piece missing from my life…a piece I can never regain back."
I shook my head letting it pass me once again. It was no good anymore. None of it was. And I just sat there feeling nothing but the rise and fall of the warm rays of the sun. I probably fell asleep, ate, and did other things somewhere in there but I hardly noticed. I hardly moved.
And then one day the door banged open and I heard the footsteps of my brother come rushing in. "Alright, this needs to stop Jasmine. This lying around feeling sorry for yourself. You know who you look like right now? You know who you are acting like?" At my lack of response, he let out a sigh of frustration. "You look like mom Jay," He said almost desperately. I jolted a little bit at that. "You look exactly like the one person you promised you would never be." I just continued to sit there almost stunned about his outburst.
"He would have hated to see you like this Jasmine," he said venomously. "And I despise you for it." And then he turned on his heel walking out. I just sat there trying not to think about what he had said. And yet it kept sitting there haunting me. I sat up giving a frustrated sigh my whole body complaining at suddenly having to move.
"Go away," I muttered to myself his words still echoing in my head. I clawed at my hair my frustration level rising. "I don't care!" I started to yell my voice shaking.
"But how can you just abandon your children like that?" "We worried about her, cried for her, all these things she didn't deserve." My own words echoed hauntingly in my head.
"No!" I screamed, "I'm not like her. I'm not," I stuttered out. I wasn't dead…I wasn't choosing to die.
"You might as well be," I heard his voice say to me. "If you think this is living my love then something is truly wrong with you."
"No!" I screamed, "You're not here. If you were here then this wouldn't be happening."
"This shouldn't be happening no matter what," he said right next to my ear. "You promised me you would keep living no matter what happened. Sitting there doing nothing…ignoring our son. This isn't you…this isn't the woman I love. So go ahead waste away…but it won't bring you any closer to me." I jolted up my heart racing. My whole body was aching with pain. A pain that had been stored away for a month…a pain that I had chosen to ignore.
"I—I can't," I stuttered out. "How can I do this without you?"
I heard that all too familiar chuckle, "You never needed me Jasmine. You're strong, beautiful, and capable. And you're right you're not your mom. Instead of giving in to your grief your going to be stronger and be there for your family. Just like always." And then he was gone…
(William)
I was shaking because I was so mad. And yet I felt guilty for saying that as well. I was just…so scared and confused myself. I didn't know what to do, I didn't know where to turn. I needed my sister…I needed her confidence and guidance just like always. I needed her….
"He's really gone isn't he?" I heard her say behind me. I closed my eyes relief and sadness coursing through me. I turned and she was standing there her eyes sad but the most alive I had seen her for weeks.
"I'm so sorry Jasmine," I said my own voice shaking. She ran into my arms and we both collapsed to the ground. At first, there was nothing but silent sobs from her. But slowly I heard the small groans of mourning began to emerge. I rubbed her shoulder comfortingly my own heart hurting so much.
And then after a few minutes, she sat up wiping the tears from her eyes. She took a deep breath, "I'm sorry William. I didn't meant to-"
"Jasmine," I said my voice shaking, "I understand. I just didn't want you to end up like mom. We can't-" my voice caught at that, "we couldn't lose you the same way we lost her."
She nodded her head a regretful look in her eyes. "I will never be able to forgive myself," she said softly. Then she slowly got up heading to the corner of the house where Alex was.
(Jasmine)
Everything hurt so much right now but I felt more awake then I had the last the few weeks. I could her Alex cooing nearby and I slowly got up heading over to him. I held him in my arms and he almost sounded relieved to see me. "I'm so sorry son," I said softly. I gently picked him up holding him close. "I promise you," I said softly, "I will never abandon you again." And even though my pain and sorrow was at the forefront I knew it was true. He was my life now.
"I love you," I said softly to myself. And for the briefest moment, I felt his hand on my shoulder. I took a deep breath and said, "Good-bye." And then he was truly and utterly gone. Good-bye….my love.
We all jolted though as there was a hard knock on the door. I heard the light footsteps of the Doctor rush out. He paused for a moment, "It is good to see you up Madame Dinea," he said softly and kindly. And then I heard him head to the door and open it. The footsteps that entered were familiar…
"What are you doing here?" William suddenly said.
The person sounded like he was about to say something but then he paused. "My god," the visitor said disbelief echoing in his voice, "You are alive Madame Dinea." I recognized the voice instantly then.
"Vicomte?" I said softly. "Vicomte de Changey?"
"I came here looking for Rebecca and William…wanting to offer assistance." He turned away from me now, "You didn't say that her and the child were alive." It sounded like he was addressing the Doctor now.
"Still concerned for their safety," the Doctor said simply, "I thought it best to reveal that information here."
"You told him to come here?" William said disbelievingly.
"I did," the Doctor said, "you all need help."
"Its because of him we are in this situation to begin with," William said his voice rising.
"Enough William," I snapped, "It is because of Paul and the mob that we are here. The Vicomte was trying to help."
He took a few steps forward towards me from the sound of. "I am so sorry…Jasmine," he said using my first name. "I am sorry that my plan went so utterly wrong. That despite every plan…Erik is still dead." His voice was so different…remorseful. "I partly blame myself for the events that have taken place. So that is why," he said softly, "I offer my hand to you. Please let me help you and your family."
The room was very quiet as he did. I knew William would highly disagree with this. But…I had to think of my family…my child…we had nowhere else to go. And here he was… a man who was once our enemy…offering a hand of friendship to us. And so I extended my hand…and took his in my own.
"Alright Vicomte," I said softly. "I accept your offer."
I know I know I know I know! Believe me, I have circled and rewritten this part so many times I can't even count. But as I said in my intro…Love Never Dies provided some great opportunities and ideas. What that also means…be prepared my faithful readers...we are making a ten year time jump in the next chapter. I hope to see you there!
Thank you as always for reading!
And please review!
Thank you again!