Erik leaned outside to see where Mahtab landed and was prepared to run to help him as fast as he could, if it was still possible. He knew too painfully well it was the highest point of the house he had fallen from, and if he reached the ground it meant a terrible thing… his heart sank as he was searching for the body, but he could not see it neither on the balcony under him, nor at the garden grass.
How come? Mahtab fell, he clearly saw it… a body can't disappear just like that.
It only took a few seconds to realize he did not see the injured or possibly dead child anywhere, but it felt like long hours of helplessness and self-hatred.
- Mahtab! - He tried his best to sound as calm as possible, but he did not recognize his own voice.
- Help… Papa…
This was Mahtab's voice! Girly, desperate and scared, but at least a voice of the child he could recognize and know he wasn't dead!
- Where are you? - Erik climbed closer, halfway leaning outside from the hole on the wall. - I can't see you!
He could hear some desperate moaning, and no answer, but at least now he could clearly identify the source of the sound, and did not lose any more moments.
- Hold on, I am coming! - With that, he instantly jumped down to the balcony, knowing he had no time to run downstairs to help him from there. Mahtab was desperately squeezing the bottom edge of the balcony railing and was trying to grab the bottom part of the stone columns, but he did not dare to release the edge for a second to work himself upper, being afraid of falling. He was even much thankful he was able to grab the balcony in time. Erik's thin wrist thankfully fit through the columns and grabbed Mahtab's wrists.
- Now don't be afraid my dear, just release it, I help you.
- I don't dare to. - Mahtab admitted in panic.
- You can't fall now I am holding you.
- What if I fall and you fall as well?
- Put your hand here. - Erik ordered a bit more strictly, realizing the fact reasoning and calming won't be helpful in that situation. Mahtab was inexperienced in this matter, he could not think with such a cold head as he could. - Right, now your left up here. - He continued as Mahtab finally obeyed and was able to climb someway up.
When he finally could grab Mahtab's shoulder and pull him up, Mahtab was already calm enough to put his foot up on the upper edge of the railing and finally climbed in himself.
They could not say a word for a time, Erik was feeling too guilty and Mahtab was still scared and lost, so the poor sensitive thing burst out in a crying fit right there on the balcony, helplessly lifting his hands up to the level of his head. Erik hugged him close, as anytime when the child was scared or upset, and was silently rubbing his back to comfort the crying child. Slowly he walked him inside, and though they did not speak, they were constantly communicating between each other. This communication wasn't without any interruptions, on the contrary, Erik at first had to shoo Belle and Greg back to bed as they were woken by the noise, and later Kristina appeared in Erik's study to where they finally retreated. Erik was silently holding Mahtab on his lap, gently rocking him, which was both a strange but touching sight, regarding the fact Mahtab was the same height as Erik by now, being way too tall for a female body. He was also quite heavy like this for Erik for a long time, but it did not bother him at that moment. He thanked God in his mind to be able to feel Mahtab's weight in his arms again, with him not being seriously injured or even worse…
Only then Erik started crying. Relief, worry, fear of losing his most precious treasure and guilt of hurting that angel of a child, had come to the surface finally, no matter how he tried to hide and cover these feelings even in front of himself.
Kristina did not interrupt the scene between them, even though she wasn't sure why are they so upset and what had happened earlier (Thank Heavens, that would have sent poor woman into a coma by fright), but she felt something serious was going on she did not want to bother them with solving by themselves, so she slowly walked away, thanking God they were at least through with Erik's nasty turn towards Mahtab. What shall happen to him and her was still a problem to be solved though.
When they were finally left alone, Erik started softly talking to the still weeping, but halfway calmed down Mahtab still sitting on his lap.
- You know… I don't really know how to start this, but… when I am upset I say things…
- You don't mean. - Mahtab finished the sentence softly.
- Yes. I did not wish to hurt your feelings. I know… it means a lot to you… about your gender. I did ot mean you were just… forgive me… I… I know you are a boy… and… by the way… it doesn't even mean anything to me what you may or may not be. I love you no matter what… if you are a boy or a girl… I love you the same.
- I know, Papa. - He sighed deeply, his breath still shuddering from the long crying episode. - I… I did not mean either you were selfish.
- I was. - Erik corrected. - It is my fault and I admit that. Mahtab this is what I am always afraid of. Losing you all, no matter how hard I am trying to be good. I still think sometimes I am not suitable to be a normal person… a father… a husband.
- Don't fear that. - Mahtab's voice changed to a more compassionate and reassuring one. - If you weren't a good father you wouldn't be trying so hard to be good to us. You could have just ignored us if you wanted. You could have left. But you did not. You are here and help us always the best you can.
- Oh, son… you… you are a treasure. - Erik kissed Mahtab's forehead and dried his eyes with his sleeve, just like when he was yet a small child and he had to take care of Mahtab's personal hygiene. He got so much used to drying eyes and helping smaller ones with blowing nose and grooming them that he sometimes did it unintentionally nowadays. He caught himself wiping off hair of Florian's coat or tidying Noel's shirt collar while passing them in the house. - So you are not angry with me?
- I was merely upset. - Mahtab replied. - But not any more. Thank you for apologizing.
- It is the least, son. I think, I should do this to your poor unhappy mother as well, as soon as possible.
- We agree. - Mahtab got up from Erik's lap, and straightened up.
- Are you sure you will be all right here alone?
- I am not alone, Papa. I have loving parents and family.
Erik was surprised how well this little hero could handle sudden shocks. He only needs some pampering just like in his childhood, and he is the calm and strong young man again after crying himself out on Papa's shoulder. With a small nod and a guilty smile he turned around to go to Kristina to clear things up, but Mahtab called out to him once more and this made him turn back from the door.
- Yes, Mahtab?
- Mama and the others don't have to know about the accident. I think no one needs extra shock.
- I was at the same opinion. - Erik sighed in relief.
- It is our secret.
Erik left the room and with shaking legs he walked to the master bedroom. He did not have to disappoint. Kristina was there, sitting on the sofa, reading a sheet music.
- What is that? - Erik started, not knowing how to start talking to his wife after so cruel sentences. Apologizing was never his forte.
- Romeo and Juliet. - She replied softly, not looking at him.
- May I guess? - He sighed, then started humming the part which he guessed it to be.
"Fate links thee to me forever and a day."
- You are right. - She did not lift her head up.
- It means Erik was a goddamned fool yet again… does it?
He walked closer, crossing his hands behind his back, thinking about what shall he do now. If he throws himself on his knees to cry as loud as he can to beg for forgiveness, which was the thing he would intentionally do, but he guessed in this state of mind it would only make his poor wife emotionally tired and angrier at him, causing even more drama, so he just sat down to the armchair next to the sofa, and looked at Kristina. He was thinking for long minutes what to say finally, and the woman did not seem to pay any more attention to him.
- I am ashamed of myself. - He stated finally in Swedish.
- Are you? - Kristina lifted up her head in surprise, staying with her native.
- I am. - Erik nodded seriously.
- What for?
- For suddenly forgetting and ignoring what a luck I have to have a loving family of my own and turned insane with jealousy.
- So you at least know what you did. - She replied coldly.
- I do and I am not sure how to make up for it. - He admitted softly, stubbornly sticking with Swedish language.
- I got used to it by now. - Kristina sighed. - Sometimes you go crazy. I tolerate it for a level. But today you hurt Mahtab as well who had nothing to do with our argument and only wanted to help me.
- You aren't even angry with Erik for yourself?
- No. - Kristina shook her head. - You hurt my child. If someone hurts my child they hurt me ten times as much as they would have hurt my own feelings. I am a mother.
- You know that I love him. - Erik closed his eyes sadly.
- I do. - She crossed the room and walked in circles for some time before she appeared in front of Erik and sat down to face him. This meant a good sign. - Are you able to talk to me in an acceptable manner now, fitting to a gentleman?
- I am. - Erik nodded.
- Fine. - Kristina sighed. - Raoul told me something which made me upset. I wished to talk to someone close to me before telling you as I was worried about your health You know well that you keep having stress-indicated seizures and after a life you had gone through people have to be careful how they tell a news to you.
- So… Kristina was only… worried Erik might…
- Erik, the doctor… the doctor told me some years back that in older age a seizure might cause bigger trouble as well than just a few minutes of unconsciousness and spasms on the floor. - She shook her head desperately.
- My Kristina only wanted to… save her Erik from shock… only she was thinking about him… not herself.
- Yes. - She nodded.
- Erik is… sorry… terribly sorry for being so ignorant… fool…
- Don't get upset, please. - She caught his hand in utter worry, holding Erik's cold hand longingly.
- Don't worry, sweet nose. - Erik smiled. - Erik is stronger than you would think. Still he is stronger.
Yes, both physically and emotionally, he thought to himself. Despite being so old and sometimes not entirely being able to adjust his glasses without noticeable amount of pain in his hand, he was able to take a long walk in the city, work on the house all day long and after getting tired, he successfully did a circus trick by jumping down to the balcony in seconds and pulling up another person from a lower level than he was, without the other one's proper aid, to begin with. Could an old fart close to grave do this all alone during the very same day? Not at all. And various shocks and tragedies troughout his life had made him absolutely be able to think with a cold head mostly. No emotions. Cold planning.
- Erik, you are quite a phenomenon, do you know?
- I would hope so, otherwise I would not be alive anymore. Long years ago I would have died if I wasn't so though.
- I know. - She agreed. - And you are able to protect us all I believe.
- I try my best. I am not sure though that everything will be all right this way.
- What do you mean? - She gasped. - Do you know about it as well? Did he find you?
- No, I wanted to find him but he is retired. - Erik moaned grumpily.
- Retired? Thank God, then he won't be able to bother you anymore.
- It wouldn't have been a bother, regarding I would have wanted him to check on Lily.
- Lily? Does he even know about Lily?
- Not yet, but he sure saw a pregnant women in his years of practice.
- I am sure, but why would he look at her?
- Because she is too young, she is pregnant and should I really explain to you this?
- I know she is in risky state but I doubt a journalist could help her at all.
- Journalist? What are you talking about?
- Why, who are you talking about?
- The old leech! I went to see him in the morning to ask him to come and take a look at Lily and check her regularly during the pregnancy, but he is already retired, the old fart! And I don't even know where he moved as both his office and home is occupied by the new doctor.
- And why is the new doctor not good for us?
- Because at first, it is a young snot, and secondly, it is a woman.
-All the better!Don't you think Lily would feel more comfortable undressing and disputing her issues with another female?
- She is in her mid twenties, even I would rather choose a court magician from Persia than her. Who heard of a woman doctor, laughable.
- I beg your pardon, but Mahtab operated on Greg with you. It is kind of a defnition of a doctor.
- True, but Mahtab isn't a woman at least.
- I don't understand this issue with you two.
- I sometimes don't even know what I have, myself, in this dress up comedy, sometimes I have to check my gender, to begin with.
- Oh, Erik, it is…
- Wait, what kind of journalist?
- Oh, I keep forgetting! Raoul informed me he was interwiewed by a fat journalist man. He has some kind of strange name like… Le… Ledoux? Ledouce?
- Lefou. - Erik snorted. - And why is it a bad thing?
- He is asking questions regarding the Opera Ghost.
- Let him. - Erik yawned.
- Are you not afraid of him finding us and finding out about your past? It can even bring you danger… and what if he writes about Mahtab?
- What if, what if, what if… what if Erik suddenly turns into velocipedes by morning?
- This is nonsense.
- So is a nonsense to worry about a mere possibility.
- Are you not even worried about the possibility?
- Why would I? Le him find me if he can. If he finds the Opera Ghost, he shall be very happy about it. Until that happens we don't even have to think about it. And we always can say no to anything. You don't even have to let him in, if he finds me at all. And this was what made you so upset?
- I don't understand you. - Kristina laughed out finally. - You turn violent over much smaller cases, and this one won't even make you raise an eyebrow?
- It would be difficult for me to do so, not being born with eyebrows. I nearly forgot it off of my newest mask, they are so nonexistent to me. And I already told you I was full of surprises.
- I have to admit one thing. - She shook her head with a forgiving smile. - Life would be boring without you.
- Well… true. - He cleared his throat in embarrassment, then stood up. - Well, good night, my love.
- Where are you going? - She asked with surprise.
- Ummm… you did not say I was forgiven… so I thought I was going to sleep in the study.
- Oh Erik… you… you fool…
She started laughing, running to the bed and grabbing one of her pillows. She playfully threw it against Erik's shoulder, then laughed even more. Erik, at first was standing there as if he was struck by a lightning, but within some moments, he started laughing too, about the all happenings were for just the stupid journalist. He was laughing like a maniac, then fell onto the floor, laughing and crying at the same time.
- Erik, get up! - She held her hand to him, wanting to help him up, but Erik just clung to her wrist, laughimg nearly hysterically, then coughing because of too much laughter. - Have you gone crazy? - Kristina knelt down next to him, poking his side.
- Yes! - Erik grabbed her by the side, and not too gently, pulled her closer. - Of love!
They stared at each other for a few seconds, then Christine smiled at him widely, and in the next moment she felt Erik's lips squeezed against hers, and she could have sworn she received the most passionate kiss from Erik during their married life.
She did not know what had gotten into both of them, but she later guessed it was the impressive amount of tension ,loaded in them during the day, and the relief they survived about making peace suddenly had to be released and at first they were merely wrestling on the floor, and after… they were just drifted by the waves of action and only instincts were working after a time. Nothing but the other person existed for them at that moment, and they reached highest of Heavens together, both spiritually and physically.
As Kristina regained her senses later, laying in Erik's embrace on the floor, still, her first thought was how much she loved this strange but all in all, kind and loving man. A few seconds later she wondered if it was ladylike or not to do it on the floor so vehemently, without planning. She did not hear anything like this mentioned by anyone, but it may happen… and even if it may not, who could judge them for this act? No one but God had witnessed it, and there is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to pure and passionate love. She also had to admit to herself, ladylike and polite or not, but it was the best lovemaking she ever had with Erik since the wedding, being completely spontaneous and much wilder and more passionate than usual. Erik was both delighted and surprised at the same time. He was extremely relaxed, holding his wife, and knowing they were one, for another way they used to be. He could feel this one was something else as well than the others they had gone through. He had this beautiful woman, right there, without any planning, acting from out of instinct, not worryin about anything. Yet, he did not feel it right to say it was because Kristina was his. No. He was for her, not the other way around. He did not imagine he was capable of it at all, in his age, but now he was happy he could do it - for one last time. Maybe God wanted him to give a final gift for her, making her the happiest during their marriage? He hoped so.
Mahtab was smilig widely upon overhearing his parents happy whispering chitchat while passing their bedroom door in the morning. They made peace - he realized with growing happiness and he took the steps by two to go to the kitchen to prepare some breakfast to surprise the family.
All hurtful things and acts were forgotten and forgiven.
By morning, everything was calm and peaceful in the house where everything was a chaos yet just a little before midnight. What is that if not magic? Love is magic. Both with father and son, and between husband and wife.
