Chapter XXXI.
Doctor Bonsanté was utterly surprised as he heard about Erik's new child when he asked him to examine the baby whether he was born healthy or not, especially due to his worries about the lack of oxygen he had to suffer during his birth. As the doctor approached the youngest family member and lifted him up, he seemed to be all right. After further examining and tests done, the doctor told the anxious parents that Noel was in perfect health and condition. The only thing that bothered Erik was Noel's pale complexion. At first he assumed it was just because he did not get a normal breath for a time, but the paleness did not want to go away. It was not the yellowish pale skin tone Erik had, but rather just regular pale skin of an ill person. Thankfully, the good old friend told Erik that Noel's paleness most likely didn't indicate any illness as he seemed to be healthy. His lungs were functioning normally, he was able to swallow and eat normally, he was the normal size of a newborn both by height and weight, and maybe he just inherited some of Erik's skin tone.
Christine was also in good health after an unexpected childbirth, they were both relieved to hear that the young woman didn't suffer from any complications, and will be able to lead a healthy life just as she did before. As Christine still wanted to prove Erik that she told the truth, she turned to the doctor and asked:
- Doctor, have you heard of a lady who did not know she was expecting?
- Yes, I met a similar case. – He nodded. – She did not experience major symptoms, and just assumed some weight gain happened because she was noticeably ate more in those months, but other than that she felt nothing…
- See, I told you… - Christine pointed at Erik accusingly.
- … but that baby was dead, Madame Spöke, and it did not move, so that's why he remained unnoticed. – The doctor shook his head sadly. – Madame, I am afraid you weren't totally honest. – He added. – You, if you did not have other symptoms, still should have felt the baby's kicks.
- I told you. – Erik crossed his arms on his chest. – I told you. – He repeated, sticking his tongue out on Christine. – Erik is not all stupid my dear.
- I… I admit I felt him moving. – Christine closed her eyes in shame. – At first I really did not know he was there- just about halfway in the pregnancy when he started kicking.
- It would have been wiser if you tell Erik about it. – The doctor scolded Christine. – A bigger problem could have happened.
- I know. – Christine was now crying. – I only realized it when Noel did not cry out… I thought I had lost him… Oh Erik… forgive me.
- And yet you STILL wanted to lie to Erik, eh? – He leaned closer to Christine, looking at her a bit strictly.
- I thought you will be angry if I tell the truth now. – She admitted.
- I am only angry if you lie to me. – Erik stated, somewhat calmer. – Now we have another son to be happy for. – He added with a loving tone in his voice and started laughing softly.
If Doctor Bonsanté was surprised of the arrival of Noel - Olivier Spöke, one can easily imagine the Persian's reaction when Erik opened the front door with a big grin on his visit after Christmas, and led him to te drawing room, asking:
- Guess what happened, Daroga!
- What? – The Persian sat down next to the fireplace and waited for Erik to sit down in front of him as well.
- Well, think of the least possible outcome.
- You gained common sense?
- I did not say impossible, just not plausible.
- Ummmm… did you grow a nose?
- Oh, let me laugh at first…
- Wait – wait, don't get angry… were you just kind to someone?
- Oh Daroga, you have such a talent in ruining my mood.
- I am sorry, just kidding. Please tell me what happened I am not good at guessing games.
- How could you be? You are a policeman.
- All right, I got it back, now tell me what happened.
- I have a son. – Erik stood up proudly.
- I know, Florian…. Wait…Another one? – He gasped.
- Yes. – Erik nodded, and walked out of the room, then a few minutes later, arrived back with his newborn baby in his arms. – Here is my youngest, Noel- Olivier. He was born on 25th December.
- Oh hello there! – The Daroga exclaimed in astonishment. – What a cute little fellow!
- He was a surprise for Erik. But he swears this is the last child he fathered in his life.
- I can understand that. – Mohammed grinned. – Well, but then it is you who have to be a bit more careful…
- Oh, tell me about it… who on Earth would have thought I was such a Don Juan? Other men in my age can't have kids and here I am with three little monsters, descending in height as organ pipes.
- If you father one more you could fund a house chamber choir.
- A chamber choir needs 8 people the least, you musically untrained cop. No possible way Erik having three MORE kids.
- We shall see, you did not even want this one… - The Daroga laughed.
Noel was a small crybaby from the first days of his life. Erik thought he really made a mistake when he asked the boy to cry as hard as he could, after he got so happy about his first cry. He would just start it and would not stop, whatever he did to him. If he was held, he cried, if he was put down, he cried, and nothing helped. Mahtab had a similar period of time as well, but only when her teeth started coming out, and at least she calmed down after a few hours, but Noel was able to cry through a whole night. He was sound asleep during a day but screamed like a banshee at night. He wasn't placed in the children's room because of this nasty habit of his, even though he would have perfectly fit in there, but Erik wished at least the other two children to be let to sleep, so Noel's cradle was put in the corner of the master bedroom. Erik and Christine sat beside the cradle in turns so that both of them had equal time to sleep, and well, Erik could easily sleep in that armchair next to the cradle as well – he wasn't as easily startled up by any noise as he was a few years back with Mahtab – having children makes a person more immune to noise. Otherwise, Noel seemed to be a good and healthy boy and his siblings seemed to love him. Mahtab would pet and baby him the same way as she did Flo, and would hum to him as she hoped this will make Noel stop crying. Sadly, Noel seemed to be immune to music at that age.
March came. March of 1891, beautiful spring weather warmed up the garden and the walls of the house, and the birds were singing just as beautifully as Christine. The young mother, however, was again in a strange mood. She looked like something was bothering her and it all started after an afternoon when she returned from the market as she said. Erik tried to find out what had happened, especially that Christine seemed to be in a very good mood when left, she was even humming something, but she looked a bit of dreamy and distracted when she returned. She wanted to assure her husband about there was nothing wrong, but to be honest, it didn't sound honest.
Some days later, she finally turned to Erik and she bit her lower lip as she was afraid to ask something, but in the end she finally collected her courage to spit it out.
- Erik, I think I shall visit my father's grave. It has been a long time since I was there.
There was a little bit of silence, one could easily guess Erik was thinking.
- So you wish to go to Perros. – Erik stated.
- I do. – Christine nodded.
- It is fine with me, there is only one problem: who will be here to take care of the children? I could ask the Daroga, of course, but to be honest, he is turning old as well, and I would not want to wear him out by leaving him with three small children, while the youngest one is only three months old. I guess you could wait a few months with this Perros trip until Noel grows a bit older and stronger?
- Ummm… - She scratched her head the way it looked like she had already came up with a plan to this problem which made Erik a bit cautious. – I don't think we would need a nanny, Erik.
- So you tell me to leave three children alone for days? Do you want me to kill them for you so they won't cause more trouble? – He placed his hands on his hips. – For Heaven's sake, Christine, even Mahtab is only 5 years old!
- Who said that? – She cried out in frustration. – You would stay here with them.
- And then who is going to accompany you to Perros? – Erik's eyes narrowed in suspicion.
- No one.
- What kind of an answer is that? – Erik asked with sudden anger. – You are a married woman with 3 kids. You can't pretend you were still a maiden without any responsibilities and disappear for days!
- I want to visit my father's grave. I have only visited it exactly ten years ago for the last time when…
- I know when it was. – Erik groaned. – You don't have to remind me. And? Will Papa Daaé come back to haunt us if you wait a few months still, or what is so urgent now?
- You…! – Christine nearly called Erik a heartless monster, but she had enough strength to swallow it back in the very last seconds. – You Erik! – She sighed finally.
- Erik is sorry about his sarcastic remark. – He knelt down to apologize. – He didn't mean it.
- It is forgiven. – Christine nodded. – But I want to visit Papa's grave now, Erik. Now and not later. I was waiting enough, I don't want to wait any longer. And I need no male accompaniment. I was alone back then as well, you know it.
- Yes, technically you were. – Erik argued in a sarcastic tone. – Only that you told your handsome sailor about your little trip so he could follow you if he wanted.
- And nothing happened. – Christine retorted.
- How could have when I informed you I was going to accompany you as well?
- Yes, to act out your mini play with the Resurrection of Lazarus as the "Angel of Music". And you were the one that accused me of lie when you were the one who was telling lies from the very first moment!
- Let's not talk about this…
- Of course, when it comes to your lies it is not all right to talk about them, only about mines!
- What a nice little couple are we… - Erik frowned, but then burst out in laughter. – We are just made for each other, eh?
- Oh, Erik… - Christine laughed as well, approaching Erik with open arms. – Come here, you… you…
- You what, my dear Christine? What was Christine going to address her little husband, eh? – He laughed naughtily.
- You fool! – Christine hugged the man and pressed a kiss on his forehead. – You jealous, touchy fool! I love you my silly Othello.
- Oh… - Erik smiled with relief. – Christine, Erik is really a fool… Oh Christine… of course you may come and go as you please.
So… Christine achieved what she wanted, finally. The Daroga moved in for the time of Christine's trip, even though Erik did not want to accept his help at first, as he did not really want to use Mohammed, and to be honest, he was a proud and stubborn man, wanting to prove Christine he was totally able to take care of the three children all alone. Mohammed however was worried about his friend's health and sanity- Erik was 59 years old, with a horrid past and many smaller and bigger permanent injuries, resulted in that above mentioned past, which, though he did not complain about them, were really bothering him sometimes, and anyways, he really shouldn't be overstrained like that.
All of the whole concept bothered Erik in the depth of his soul, even if he tried to show and talk otherwise. He did understand Christine's urge of visiting the grave, but he did not understand why it was so urgent suddenly. He was jealous already at the time Christine stated she was going to Perros, but his suspicion only grew when Christine respectfully declined his offer of getting a carriage for her on the morning of the departure.
- Are you going to Perros- Guirec on foot my love? – He inquired.
- Of course, not, Erik, but I am a grown up woman and can get a carriage for myself.
- I only meant to help you. – He shrugged with a bit of resentful tone in his voice. – But if you don't need it, then it's fine with me.
- Oh, Erik… I am sorry if I hurt you, but it is really not a big deal.
- Well, all right. – He kissed her cheek and helped her to carry her suitcase out of the gate, but Christine took it out of Erik's hand and carried it alone from that point. He was suspicious again, and though he really wanted to do so, in the end did not start to follow Christine. Mahtab appeared next to his legs, very fast.
- Papa, I want to say bye-bye to Mama once more…
- She is gone now. You are late.
- May I run to the corner of the street to look if she is still there…?
- All right. – Erik sighed. – But put on the mask. You can never know. – He helped the "mask" on her and gently pushed her back. – Well run. But if you are not here in five minutes I will scold you for that.
Mahtab ran to the corner of the street as fast as she could and she saw a brougham in which her mother was getting in. She cheerfully exclaimed and was running to the coach, but she stopped when she saw the creepy Lobster man with her Mama in the coach. He gestured her angrily to go away, and he seemed to be irritated, so she got scared. The man lifted his hand with the missing fingers which always gave an uncomfortable feeling to Mahtab, so she just turned away and ran back home. It wasn't even the missing fingers, but the look on Raoul's face that scared her – she remembered back about people on that train looked at her the same way as he did now. She did not want anyone to slap her again, so she did not find the need to say goodbye to Mama that much anymore.
Raoul did not really mean to be cruel to that thing. It was just Mahtab annoyed and scared him at the same time. She too much reminded him of a miniature version of that monster man, and he couldn't help but cringe to the mere thought of letting the thing to approach them with her devilish face and way too much knowledge. She might going to end up staying with them for the journey and oh, that was something he did not want at all. He was happy to finally be able to spend some alone time with Christine, without having to be afraid of having either the small monster or any other of her children, or God forbid, Erik around. They did meet from time to time, occasionally, either at the Opera or someplace in Paris, to have a coffee and some talk together, but that happened way too rarely for his taste. Finally, Christine agreed to spend time with only him that even meant leaving her family behind for some time.
Christine was happy to be able to get out of the circle of her home and the Opera, and taking a break from the role of the mother and wife for one or two days. Of course, her father's grave was the most important place for her to visit, and she really should have gone there earlier, and she was happy when Raoul offered her to accompany her there and they could spend time remembering Papa Daaé and their childhood. She loved Erik and her family with all her heart, but she missed Raoul and talking to him was always a pleasure, and being Erik's wife, it has always been a guilty pleasure. She had to steal five or ten minutes to spend with Raoul without her husband's knowledge, and she was always feeling guilty about it, but Erik was so jealous… but she knew this small visit to Perros would be a nice turn. As they rode Raoul's carriage, they got lost in remembering back their childhood time spent together, laughing just as they did before.
Both Erik and the Daroga noticed that Mahtab was bothered by something. At first they just assumed she misses her Mama, but it was strange, as Mahtab always loved Erik noticeably more than she did Christine, and both Erik and Christine explained her that Mama will return in some days, and moreover, she did not seem to be upset about it earlier. She acted like she was scared of something. When her spirits weren't lifted even by her musical train toy that they built with Erik, the father got even more concerned about Mahtab's uneasy feelings, so he lifted up the small girl by her armpits and made her sit on his lap.
- Now tell Papa, what's wrong, eh?
- Someone scared me. – She admitted.
- Who?
- Monsieur Lobster.
- Mahtab, I already asked you not to call him that… wait… did you see him?
- Yes.
- When? – Erik turned a bit paler as he realized what Mahtab was talking about.
- This morning.
- Where? Talk, my girl, should I pull everything out by pliers of your mouth?
- What happens when you put pliers in my mouth? – She inquired.
- Nothing, Mahtab, it is just a saying. I asked if you wanted to talk or not. – Erik sighed. – Tell me where you saw that man?
- In that coach Mama got in as well.
- They went there together…. – Erik stood up slowly, still holding Mahtab with shaking hands. – They went there together. – He repeated with disbelief. – She lied to me again… she did lie to me again…
He slowly put Mahtab down then stormed out of the room, grabbing his cloak off of the coat hanger and put it on hurriedly, turning half mad with rage.
- Erik! Where are you going? – The Daroga yelled out of the window as he noticed Erik was running along the garden path, thinking of the worst thing possible.
- She lied to me again! – Erik screamed back in rage. – I go and catch them then I KILL them! And I kill myself! And the kids! And YOU!
The Daroga helplessly stared at the cradle that contained Noel, and glanced towards the children's room where the other children played… Oh Allah, now what…?
