- Guess what had happened. - Erik's sweetly ringing, but grumpy voice filled up the hallway of the house, which was under a smaller construction in those days, which fact meant it was utterly covered in dust and tools laying around, so he kicked a small chisel further in dismay.
- You kicked my chisel, that happened.- Noel, who was always the first one to reply sarcastically in such a scenario, stated his disapproval regarding his father bothering him while he was occupied at work. In this aspect he resembled a hundred percent of Erik - he did not tolerate his work being interrupted.
- I wasn't talking to you. - Erik pointed out. - Where is your mother?
- Away at the de Chagnys. - Noel replied, not even looking up.
- What is she doing there? - Erik gasped, not liking the fact too much that Kristina went to visit Raoul and the family all alone, without telling him first. At least she could have given a hint. He was, deep down, still jealous of Raoul, no matter how they both agreed in being, well, not friends but close acquaintances as Erik liked to call it, and no matter how they both had their own families, Erik STILL wanted to accompany his wife to the Chagnys to keep an eye at her. Not because he did not trust her, but his sweet, devoted and faithful wife should be by his side in the first place, and if she really desired to pay a visit to their friends, she should have talked to him first, and they would visit together.
- Philippe is ill. She went to make sure he will be all right, as Tatie Yvette is worried about Philippe and she wanted to talk to Mama. And I think they missed each other after such a long time in London and waned to gossip a bit as women always do.
- And she left you all alone here?
- We are not alone, Papa, Tonton Mohammed and Mahtab are here to take care of us, Belle is with Lily, and she is learning some ballet steps, I am fine taking care of myself and working, and since Flo is going to have a baby in a few months I doubt he needs that much assistance either anyway.
- I know. - Erik moaned in frustration.- And how is the work going?
- We are close to the finish line with building the walls. Mahtab is a hardworking person, and I am his left hand, don't worry so much.
- Right.
- I say so as well, it is right.
- No. Right hand you are, not left.
- Mahtab is left handed, I want to be left hand in this case.
- Oh, you… - Erik shook his head with a smile finally. - Don't you need some help?
- No, thank you, Papa. Just rest, we are fine.
- I am not that old. - Erik stepped closer inside the children's room to see how they were going, but it was really as Noel said: perfectly fine. Better than what he expected with inexperienced underage team. Much better.
- Now I am not afraid of the thought of what will happen to you all if I die. - He murmured under his breath. - You will be fine.
Though he did not want to die yet, of course. But being so old did not leave him any other choices but think about this scenario from time to time. To ease his uneasy thoughts about both his mortality and the unsuccessful trip to downtown earlier, he picked up some tools to help Noel.
- Are you sure you don't want to rest instead, Papa? - Noel lifted up his head in worry.
- Don't put me in a coffin yet, son. - Erik laughed out. - I am not that old yet.
- May I help the Messieurs here? - they heard the Persian's voice behind their back. - I am finished with helping Mahtab and Florian upstairs.
- Go and rest, Daroga, thank you for your concern, but you should not work so much in your age.
- Who is older? - The Persian asked with acted dismay.
- It is not important. - Erik shook his head.
- I demand a reply. - The Persian crossed his arms on his chest.
- All right, I am older. - Erik sighed. - But only by two years.
- And a half. - The Daroga added, starting to work with Noel.
- And a half. - Erik admitted, walking to a further end of the room to work on the half-built wall there.
By the evening, when Kristina was finally taken home by Raoul, the childrens room was split in three smaller rooms successfully and the tired team was relaxing and regaining their strength. Mahtab was quietly sketching up what he wished to accomplish the next day, kneeling in front of the living room table, close to Erik. Florian was walking with Lily, hand in hand in the garden, as they loved to watch the fountain by the sunset, Noel was lazily stretching out on the couch, reading a science book of his father, the Daroga retired to his room, and Erik, after putting the over excited little ballerina to bed as usual, was now unintentionally dozing off in his armchair, holding the newspaper, but being unable to read it from tiredness, he finally dropped it in front of his feet. Greg, even though he should have been sleeping as well by that time, just as Belle, was still up, looking out of the window and secretly watching Flo courting the girl. He was smiling, and some strange warmth filled up his heart, looking at the happy couple. He was hoping to see a real kiss, as he heard it was a very good thing, but he did not dare to ask the older boys in the family about it yet. And knowing how Papa freaked out about the baby Flo and Lily were waiting for earlier, Greg knew he should not try out kissing with anyone for a long time still. It causes trouble.
Kristina entered the house feeling a bit of guilty about staying at the de Chagny house for so long without Erik, but she saw Yvette and Raoul so long time ago, and she was able to talk to the man much more openly and freely, if Erik wasn't present. Thankfully, Yvette did not take it badly if they were talking about old childhood memories, laughing, or joking about happenings in their late past, unlike Erik. To give him credit, Erik changed a lot, and wasn't the over-controlling and manipulative Opera Ghost he used to be, and tried his best not to be jealous, but one honestly can't take a 180 degree turn and quit all old bad habits completely, so Erik still did not like the idea if she talked to Raoul. She could notice in Erik's behavior if he wasn't pleased, he talked less and gave shorter answers to her questions, and he did not tolerate being touched as much as usual. He did not do it intentionally, she thought. It was just the way he reacted to her earlier life with Raoul- he wanted to remain an outsider and felt uncomfortable hearing stories about how they enjoyed each other's company as children. She felt sorry for Erik in this aspect too - because of his face he could have never known what a "childhood friend" meant. He did not have any similar relationship in his life to relate to, and she guessed, Erik was simply unable to imagine and relate to the feeling a boy and a girl can be friends without anything serious going on in the background. He never believed they were nothing but friends back then and felt Raoul more of a rival because of that.
- Good evening everyone. - Kristina stepped inside the salon with a smile to greet the people she noticed. Mahtab and Noel instantly stood up to greet her as well and just like two gentlemen, they helped off of their mother's kerchief and hat. Erik, being asleep, did not notice her yet.
- I am late, am I? - Kristina laughed out in embarrassment, but her behavior indicated something more serious going on than her just being a bit late. She seemed to be a bit of nervous.
- It is fine, Mama. - Mahtab smiled and rubbed his mother's shoulder with support. - Everyone needs some time to themselves. Is Philippe better?
- Yes, his fever isn't that much high any more. - Kristina nodded, and hurriedly removed her gloves. - Is he all right? - She gestured towards Erik.
- Yes, only a bit of tired. - Noel hurried to calm Mama. - We were working on the house and he made dinner for us later.
- Are.. you all right, instead, Mama? - Mahtab asked a bit of suspiciously, noticing Christine's uneasiness.
- I am. - She swallowed shortly and turned around to leave the room to go to the kitchen.
- Are you sure? - Mahtab appeared in the doorway behind her.
- Are there no tasks for me at all? - Mama turned back to face him, seeing they even did the dishes after eating.
- No. - Mahtab walked closer while shaking his head kindly. - So it means you have time to sit down and relax. - He gently pushed her down by the shoulder so Kristina sat down to the small chair by the counter. - Would you like to have some coffee?
- Yes, please. - She replied softly, accepting kind treatment from her child in relief.
- Just a moment, Mama, I have to prepare fresh. Papa drank all of the leftovers as I see.
- Mahtab…
- Yes, Mama? - He turned back to face Christine.
- You are grown up. - She smiled, just as if she just realized it. - So kind… so responsible.
- Only natural. - He shook his head while he was making a pot of hot coffee, not understanding what had happened to Mama while she was away.
- Mahtab… do you think your father is strong enough to face any inconveniences? Possible danger perhaps?
- I knew something was wrong. - This wasn't Mahtab's usual voice, he again sounded rather girly, to which fact he gave out an irritated snort.
- Maybe you should not try so hard, dear. We all know you are a man. You don't have to prove it all the time.
- It is not that I prove anything for you. It is just for my own sake. I hate this voice and hoped to get rid of it for good. But it is not about me now. What did you mean to say?
- Raoul… told me something that made me a bit of… upset. Where is Noel? - she looked around nervously.
- I sent him to bed and he obeyed. - Mahtab replied on a calming tone.
- Good. - She nodded. - I only want it to be hear by no one but you and me. You… you are the one I trust the most with this issue. You are clever and mature enough to help me.
- Mama, please be calm. Tell me shortly. What happened?
- Raoul… Raoul informed me about something.
- Which is? - Mahtab tilted his head to the side with compassion, pouring some coffee for Mama.
- Which is none of your business, son. - Erik's strict voice could be heard instantly at the door as he tucked his head in. - Leave.
- Papa, don't fight. Please. Count to ten.
- Out with you.
Mahtab left with a deep sigh and some tears in his eyes. He wasn't used to this kind of tone, and even though he knew Papa was annoyed or angry at that moment, they managed to talk in a polite manner even if he was angry with him before. And that time he did not commit any sins to deserve such a treatment.
- Did you find the way home? - Erik asked bitterly, pointing at his wife.
- I know I am late. I am sorry. But I am not chained to you. I am free to leave the house.
- You are. - Erik slammed a cup down to the counter so hard it broke. - Damn this shit.
- Watch your tongue. - Christine hissed. - You are using a disgusting tone with the child and me too.
- You can expect that from a monster like me. - He growled.
- You are drunk, are you?
- I did not have a sip of alcohol today, but thank you for asking.
- The bigger shame you are able to talk in such a manner without drinking as well.
- If I am so unbearable, why did you come home at all? Why did you not stay with your Prince Charming?
- He is married.
- So are you, but it does not seem to bother you.
- You have no idea what had happened and here you are, accusing me after long years of marriage, of adultery.
- I did not say you were with him that way, I merely stated you stayed out with him for too long, being a married woman, but if you understand it this way…
- Stop this disgusting mockery, will you? If you are able to communicate in an acceptable manner, you know where I am.
- At the de Chagnys? - he retorted sarcastically.
- Shame on you!
Kristina slammed the door behind herself as she stormed out of the kitchen, and walked to the bedroom to get prepared for sleeping in a terrible state of mind.
- Talk to her nicely.
Mahtab made a last attempt of reasoning with Erik, who was already up in the attic, in the company of some wine. The way up to the attic was closed, and it was told to all of the children who weren't working there not to walk up there until the construction ends, so the emotionally worked up Erik retired there to wallow in self-pity and work out a solution in himself that did not require hearing the degrading details from Christine herself.
- I don't remember asking you about what should I do. - He pointed at Mahtab with shaking hand. - Go away and leave me alone.
- Why do you keep hurting Mama and me when we did nothing wrong?
- Nothing wrong? Your dear mother spent a day alone with her childhood lover, who nearly stole her from me.
- In 1881. Are you aware of the date right now?
- Sarcasm is not your forte. Stop it.
- You stop being jealous and at least would you listen to what Mama wanted to tell you at first?
- She did not want it to tell me but you. - Erik pointed out with growing anger. - Seems like it is more your than my business… the fact my wife wants ME to face some new obstacles, eh? What the devil? How dare she? Is she not strong enough to tell it in MY eyes at first?
- For Heaven's sake, stop being a selfish jerk!
Mahtab finally burst out in a fit of rage without thinking and giving much thought about his male voice. She sounded exactly like Christine with that sentence which fact did not help Erik's state of mind at all.
- You can't even understand this issue of men and their feelings! - Erik spat out with accusation and pointed at Mahtab. - You are nothing but a cross-dressing girl!
He did not know what to react. It was more painful, much more painful than as if Papa slapped him the hardest he could… he felt like the world was about to collapse on him, gasping for air, and helplessly taking some steps back.
- Mahtab… - Erik suddenly fell silent, noticing a terrible thing was about to happen. - Mahtab, stop… stop!
He tried to jump forward to catch the terrified and lost young adult, who was desperately walking backwards, but he wasn't able to reach him any more before he could have prevent the disaster…
Mahtab stepped on a loose piece of stone bothered by the constructions, and slipping, he lost his balance, falling through the undone wall, only being temporarily closed by some boards.
- Mahtab!
Erik's self-pity, anger and bitterness disappeared in a split second, jumping forward in panic to look down to locate his child, and nothing but fear, worry and self-loathing remained.
- Mahtab!
