Chapter XXXIII.

Silence came. Nothing could be heard, only the wind shaking the branches of the trees in the dark cemetery. No one was there any more, only those, the two ex- lovers, so no one could have witnessed this painful happening. The slap echoed in Christine's ear, and Raoul said nothing. He held his hand in front of his mouth and leaned forward for a time. He looked Christine in the eye for a second and as the two pair of clear blue eyes met after that horrible slap, suddenly something flew towards them from the bushes. The direction of the small rock or something that was thrown at them wasn't to be mistaken, but they did not have much time to think before they heard a child's voice exclaiming out loud:

- Look Papa, what a slap he got!

Thank you, Miss Obvious, no one has seen it other than you, so you absolutely have to point it out with a volume clearly audible by even the dead laying in here. Please say it again, a bit louder…

- Who's here? – Raoul took a few steps closer to the bushes from where soon emerged a small figure. It was skeletally thin, a boy, around 6- 7 years old… and… oh NO…. the crazy ugly kid! The only difference was that now she was wearing a black mask that was at least three times bigger than her head.

- Me. – She bowed her covered skull head towards Raoul. – Monsieur, I beg your pardon, but have you seen my candy here somewhere? – She was examining the ground, and soon she picked up the small bit of mushy and now obviously dirty acid drop, and lifting the mask a bit, put it back in her mouth with delight.

- Mahtab! – Erik climbed out from under a bush, where he was hiding and caught the girl by the shoulders. – I have told you a thousand times already not to put everything in your mouth! That candy is dirty, spit it out!

- I accidentally lost it. – She explained. – But now either I can't find it. I think it slid down. – She shrugged.

- Oh, you…

- Erik… - He lifted his head to Christine's voice who had just regained her voice after a long pause. – How did you get here…?

- Oh… - Erik straightened up, casually cleaning his jacket and trousers off of dirt, and sent Christine a nervous little glance.

- Why did you follow me? – She continued, not believing her eyes.

- I just…

- You wanted to catch me with Raoul? – She put her hands on her hips and looked at Erik accusingly. – You were able to follow me to catch me in the act of a lie? And were you able to take the child with you? You left the small ones with the Persian? What did you expect…? To find me here with Raoul, doing something we should not be doing? Huh?

- Christine, I… - He started nervously, but he found out it was a wiser move not to continue. He knew that Christine was a strong and independent woman and she loathed nothing more than being controlled by someone.

- You don't trust me. – Christine sighed. – You still don't trust me. I can give my soul to you and you still accuse me of lie.

- You lied to me twice in three months. – Erik finally was able to spit out a full sentence.

- Because one can't be totally honest with you!

- Why do you say that?

- Because if I told you I was pregnant… you wouldn't have wanted that child!

- Did you want a child from him? – Raoul pointed at Erik with disbelief.

- Shut your face. – Erik snapped. – I think it is time for you to leave.

- You shouldn't have come here in the first place, why won't you leave instead, you….?

- Me..? Me what? Finish your sentence, Monsieur. – Erik took a step closer, but Raoul jumped a bit backwards. He knew it wasn't a wise thing to get too close to Erik. – Me what?

- Stop it. – Christine warned. – Stop it Erik, every disaster started in our life this way.

- Just blame everything on me, as you always do. Me what, Chagny, tell me?

- Stop it Erik!

- Why should I stop it when I did not start it? He was the one calling me names even before he knew I was here.

- He just asked something. – Christine bit her lips, knowing well that Raoul's words weren't too kind regarding Erik.

- I still think so! – Raoul stated. – I still think Christine's father would hate the thought that you married her!

- Think what you want, it is not your business. – Erik growled.

- You are just a…

- Papa, why do you fight?

- We don't fight, dear. – Christine answered a bit calmer. – We are just talking. – She sighed.

- What am I, Chagny, what am I?

- You monster! – Raoul yelled, from a quite safe distance. – Monster!

Mahtab's eyes got wide open. She hated that word. That was the word those people told her on that train… How can someone say such a word, especially to her beloved Papa! Papa, sweet Papa! He isn't a monster!

- Take it back! – She ran to Raoul's direction with sudden fury, she had never ever felt such thing before. She had only felt terrified, but not furious up until that point. But at that moment she could not tolerate those words being spoken. She acted out of over helmed emotions, being too much oversensitive about one single word…

Raoul felt a thick head bumping into his stomach, he lost his balance from the sudden push and he fell backwards in a blink of an eye. No one had time to react. He felt a sharp pain on the back of his head, and warm blood trickling down to his neck, and he heard some cries and gasps- then everything went black.

Déja vu.

Erik had already seen the Viscount's body lifelessly laying on the ground in this same spot, after that fool fainted by the sight of his face. This guy really can't fall right. One has to learn to fall the right way not to smash his skull by anything. This time it wasn't him who caused this though. History repeats itself, it seems.

In the inn, when they finally succeeded in laying Raoul on a bed and Erik took care of the wound on the young man's head, they were just waiting for him to open his eyes. They did not talk to each other since it happened. Mahtab was sent to bed in another room and Erik promised to wish her good night as soon as possible. She did not argue with her parents this time and obediently lay on the bed. She couldn't sleep though. Another unfamiliar sensation did not let her close he eyes and fall asleep. She hardly even knew that man, she only saw him a few times, but she always felt that man didn't like her for some reason. She did not hurt him before, but still she could feel the distance between them. She did not know why that was, but calling Papa a monster was enough to make her lose all her consciousness. She was shocked to see the bleeding man lying on the ground after hitting his head to some rock. She was worried about the man, even though he was mean to Papa and distant to her. She did not know what will happen to the man, he seemed to be ill. And it was because of her… Is she really a bad person? A bad boy? A monster?

- Mahtab turned out like you. – Christine stated suddenly, sending a glance at Erik.

- Don't dare to accuse the child. – He retorted. – I did it. Hate me if you want to.

- I don't hate you, but Mahtab started to follow a wrong path, and I shall talk to her about it.

- I think she already feels bad enough. Don't pester her. She needs your love not your indoctrination.

- So do you say I don't love her enough?

- No one said that. – Erik sighed. – I just told you she needed love and support in this situation.

- Of course, just pat her head for nearly killing someone!

- It wasn't her intent, and you know it!

- Still she needs to learn what is good and what is bad or she ends up turning out like…

- Like me. – Erik finished the sentence softly.

- In a way. – Christine nodded. – I don't want her to kill anyone.

- Of course. – Erik growled. – As us, monsters LOVE to kill people. She couldn't wait to turn old enough to finally end someone's life! I can't wait to teach her to use the Punjab lasso!

- I hope you don't mean it. – Christine looked at Erik with terror.

- You are my wife for ten years. – Erik stated. – You should be able to tell when I use sarcasm.

- Almost always. – Christine retorted. – Just as you almost always spy on me and control my life.

- Says this the woman who publishes her husband's work without his knowing and sends out the application for his retirement without asking him.

- You can be unbearable sometimes!

- Well, if you really think so… I don't understand why you are still with Erik.

- Me neither. – Christine lowered her head, but as soon as these words slipped out of her lips, she already regretted them. – Erik, I did….

She couldn't finish her sentence. Erik put his left hand on his chest, was shaking from head to foot and suddenly turned around and stormed out of the room.

Christine was left alone with an unconscious Raoul and her thoughts. She closed her eyes as it was suddenly too painful to look at that too much perfect face. She had told Erik the wrong things again. She was like Erik in a way- she would often talk before thinking things through. Maybe they weren't that much different? And she did not even stand up to protect Erik against his rival. The man her husband hated the most on this Earth, called him a monster, numerous times, and she asked Erik to stop it… not Raoul… Erik. Only her five year old daughter dared to defend her so much beloved Papa against a hurt. Seems like Mahtab loves Erik more than she does? Looks like she really should be ashamed…? Well, she really lied to him, and it is understandable in a way that he wanted to follow her… Did he do it out of love?

The man's pale head moved to the side on the pillow. He opened his eyes and looked at Christine with a confused expression. He blinked for several times and tried to sit up but felt ill, so he rather stayed in the position he was before. He reached out his hand towards Christine and took her wrist.

- Christine… - He whispered.

- Yes. – She swallowed back some tears of relief and regret.

- Is that you? …. Oh… how happy am I to see you… - He smiled.

- Me too. –Christine nodded. – Are you feeling better?

- A little bit. – The young man nodded. – What has happened after… Mah… what is her name…?

- Mahtab. She pushed you accidentally and you hit your head against a tombstone.

- It wasn't an accident. Your child attacked me. – He remembered back. – She is already like…

- I don't tolerate you insulting my family. – Christine pulled her wrist away from Raoul's grip. – If you want to know, my monster husband took care of you. Now and back then as well. And if you don't want Mahtab to get upset, maybe you shall not talk ill of her father in front of her. I know you two don't really like each other. I know Erik used to do horrible things and I don't search excuses for him. It is your right to hate him if you want. But Mahtab adores her father and does not like if someone insults him. And by the way you talked ill about my daughter as well, even though she did not hurt you before. That is why you got the slap. And I don't regret it. I only regret that you fell so unfortunately.

There were some moments of silence before Raoul could talk. He tried to think things through, but he was yet too weak for that.

- Where is Erik?

- He ran out of here. We had a fight. I am worried about him, to tell the truth. But I am obliged to stay here and watch you.

The door opened. Christine turned to the direction with so much hope to see Erik back in the room, but the head of the visitor only reached the height of the doorknob.

- I can't sleep. – She whispered, walking in the room. – How is Monsieur?

- I am… better. – Raoul answered, suddenly feeling sorry for the penitent little thing.

- I am glad. – Mahtab wiped her forehead with her sleeve then walked closer to the bed. – I am sorry, Monsieur. I did not mean to hurt your head.

- Oh… it is I who has to apologize. – Raoul admitted. – I insulted your father. And you. Forgive me.

- I wasn't mad. Only a little bit. Maybe. – Mahtab put her hand on the man's, and even though the child's hand was just as cold and bony as her father's, Raoul did not pull away from it. He really tried his best to accept the girl. She did not seem to be like her father, at least not too much. She had better manners.

- Raoul, is it a problem if I leave you two alone for some minutes…? – Christine asked worriedly, looking out of the window.

- I think we will be fine. – Raoul answered, nodding understandingly. – Do what you need to do. – He added with a faint smile.

It was already dawning when Christine arrived back to the cemetery. She could have sworn she would find Erik there. It was more than fitting for his personality, he did not mind staying in a cemetery at night and dead people's presence did not bother him. She did not even have any other guesses about Erik's whereabouts, it was so logical that she wasn't surprised to notice the tall and bony shadow standing in the corner of the cemetery, exactly at her father's grave. As she walked closer, she saw a candle lightning on the tombstone and Erik just blankly staring at it.

Suddenly, that sweet voice started softly speaking.

- Monsieur Daaé… I think I have been standing here all night. I have been collecting my thoughts to speak to you for the first time… I am not the person of words, you see… If I had my violin, I would play something for you rather than talking, I know you would understand, as two musicians can easily communicate without words. I heard you were a remarkable violinist. Anyway… I am Erik. I married your daughter after causing her much sufferings, and forcing her into a marriage she did not really like to have. I am honest with you, there is no need to try to euphemize things any more. I even tricked her, you must remember. I played her the Resurrection of Lazarus, making her think it was the Angel who played… I did many things in the past, not even the too distant past that I regret. I know I am too old for Christine, and I am very hideous. Not only my face, but my soul is ugly too. But… despite all my flaws, physically and mentally, I know one thing: I love your daughter more than my own life. We have three children and even though your granddaughter did not turn out the way you would have wanted her to, I love her too with all my heart. I came here tonight to ask for your forgiveness about everything bad I had committed against Christine. Only since I have a daughter of my own, I understand how horribly I had been acting. I am sure I would kill anyone for doing half of the things done to Mahtab that I have done to Christine. Please forgive me, and accept my most humble and heartfelt respect and apology. And please… believe me when I say I love Christine. I am afraid of the future and I don't know what to do now. Please send me a sign. Anything… and please make Christine forgive my sins.

He did not say any more things, but Christine thought this was Erik's most honest confession in his whole life. She knew he meant every word. She dried her eyes as this confession touched her to tears, and slowly stepped behind Erik. She took a deep breath, and she addressed not Erik, but her father.

- Dearest, beloved Papa! Erik called you Monsieur Daaé, but he doesn't know an important thing, does he? He can call you Papa anytime, as you have accepted him as your son long- long time ago. I know it.

At this point, Erik looked back to meet Christine's clear blue eyes, but those did not reflect any negative feelings any more, only love for him. She patted his shoulder with her small white hand, and he did not interrupt her. He shall let her finish talking to her father.

- I have come to your grave with Raoul earlier. Yes, you loved Raoul when we were children, and Erik must think that you wanted him as my husband. Oh, how terribly wrong he is! – Christine laughed shortly, then continued. – Yes, we were childhood friends. Yes I loved, and still love him in a way- but you have told me many times I shall marry a man I love and who loves me back – and he just confessed his feelings to you. He loves me. And only this is important for you, Papa, I know it. Yes, Erik is older than me, but I never minded it. And I have already learned to love who he is. Face, body, mind, soul, past, present and future. I love him, and I love all three of our children. And I know you would absolutely adore Mahtab. She is smart, witty, cheerful, talkative, and handy and a loving little girl. You wouldn't care about her looks. You exactly wanted a grandchild like her. Florian, who received your name, shows a great talent in music. You would adore that. And believe me, he did not inherit it from me. Oh, but of course, you know it. You have scolded me many times about not being so good at playing the violin, and… for being lazy in that field. Yes, Erik told me so as well. Both of you are right about that. But Flo is a little miracle. And yet we don't know what comes out of Noel, but I am sure he will show talent in something pretty soon as well- as we are a happy and loving family together. I love Erik with all my heart, including his flaws- and I should have visited your grave with him, not with Raoul.

As she finished her sentence, she kissed Erik's bony cheek and softly whispered.

- I am sorry, Erik.

- Me too. – He answered and hugged his wife close to himself.

Now that they confessed their feelings truthfully, both for each other and both for Papa Daaé, they felt an unearthly relief caressing their souls, and they just hugged in front of the grave, looking at the candlelight, even though the sun was slowly rising.