Months have passed, finally in peace and happiness for the family.
All the children received their "new" surname, and they all became Daaé, even Gregory, who was happy to have a proper surname of his own after his adoptive family. Up until this point his surname was "d'Anglais", as Erik requested it back in London, since the boy wasn't able to give a proper name, he was always just addressed by his given name. It was a miracle he even knew that. He loved spending time by writing it down, proudly on a piece of paper: Grégorie Daaé. He had changed to write his name the French way and was trying his best to learn and talk French as soon and as fluently as possible. In a few months time, the boy's knowledge of the new language improved so much that it was unbelievable for an outsider that the boy wasn't originally French. Lily had more problems learning this hard and unknown language, but Flo was always to her help with it, and they slowly but steady started conversing in French between each other, and Lily tried her best to talk in French with the rest of the family as well, with more or less success. They were extremely patient and helpful towards her though, so she dared to ask anything of anyone. There were times when Grégorie explained some grammar to her, which amused both of them a lot.
Everybody settled down since they returned to France, and slowly but steady the house gained its new form as well with comfortable and well-equipped rooms for everyone. Noel and Mahtab became closer than ever. Before that time they preferred to work alone, occasionally helping each other with something, but since they were working on the reconstruction, they became partners in a hundred percent agreement and they improved a lot more and faster since they teamed up. Both of them had great ideas in mind, but needed the other to be able to make the idea to happen in reality. Noel learned a lot from his older brother technical-wise, and Mahtab, strange to say, but gained self-confidence from the younger one's praising, and endless optimism. Strangely, being so optimistic was unlike Noel's usual behavior, he never ever praised someone so openly before, and sometimes in older times Mahtab had an impression Noel disliked him for some reason. But not now. Everything was so idyllic.
No tragedies and drama, only love and peace surrounded them, everyone got used to the new circumstances they shared their lives in, and Erik and Kristina loved each other even more, if it was earthly possible, after that magical night, than ever before.
They showed it openly as well, even in front of the children, they were holding hands for a long time, and Kristina had a new habit of sitting on the arm of Erik's chair, just like a child, freely, without any shame and fear of social standards. She thought she should have been doing this long years ago, without thinking too much about others might consider her actions as unladylike or too free spirited. The truth is she did not dare to openly show her love towards Erik in a bigger companion, because she was afraid they might think it was impolite of her to do so. She only dared to hold his hand in private, but she never would think to sit so close to him when others might see them as well. Erik noticed this change, and thought it was a much welcome turn of events. He was always hungry for love and affection, as it was denied from him for so long, he could never have enough of it now that it was granted. He adored to stare at his loved one's face from so close and stroke her smooth, silky and beautiful blonde hair, playfully twirling her locks between his fingers.
They weren't the only happy couple in the family though.
Whenever Erik or Kristina caught a glimpse of either Mahtab and Bonnie or Florian and Lily, as they were flirting or cuddling up, expressing love, something moved in their heart and they had to dry their eyes. Erik walked away as quickly as possible in these moments, not wanting anyone to notice him showing weakness. Yet he was so thankful for this girl, Bonnie, for being there for Mahtab, to love him, and accept him as he was. Bonnie was better and better with art, and loved Paris, and wrote enormously long letters to her parents about the luck she had, and the time of her life. She kept receiving letters she wasn't too happy for, though.
- They want me to go back to London as soon as I finish school, but I don't want to. - She explained to Mahtab one day while she was their guest again, just as usual. Bonnie spent most of her time at the Daaés, even though she had an own apartment Erik and her parents were paying for in 50-50 percent. Erik, and Bonnie's parents did not feel it right to have Bonnie living there with them as well, but the young ones did not mind it either. Bonnie even stated she needed calm and peace while she was drawing or painting, so it was the best way possible.
- I don't want you to go away either. - Mahtab put his hand on Bonnie's shoulder with support. - But we have years to think about this.
- I know, but I am still afraid.
- Of what, my dear?
- Not being brave enough if the time comes. Mahtab, my parents, especially my father always locked me away from the world, keeping me in a golden cage. I had everything I wanted, but I wasn't allowed to have friends and go anywhere. It was a miracle I could meet you and Flo, and it was an even bigger miracle I was allowed to come with you and study what I wanted to. But they say it was only allowed for me to get well- known and make money with my talent. I have to go back once I get my degree.
- They can't force you to go back. In two years time, both you and me will be 21, and it means we will be adults, why are you afraid of your father?
- I don't know. I am only raised in the manner of my father is always right and if he says something, it is an order.
- You don't have to obey to every order.
- I wish I was as brave and strict as you and your Papa. You are so determined. I don't have half of your bravery.
- You don't have to have it. I am here with you and help you with everything - even with standing up for yourself. It will be all right, my dear. We love you and will protect you.
Mahtab kissed Bonnie's forehead and reassuringly looked into her eyes, to which he received a heartfelt kiss on the cheek.
- Please forgive me for saying so, but I have never seen such a strong… female as you are. I mean… in emotional way.
- But yes, you have. - Mahtab nodded. - You know my Mama. She is the true image of independence. I have to tell you she is even stronger than my father, even though mostly she does not look like it. Papa would have already given up if Mama wasn't here for him. I know.
- Is it true? - Bonnie asked with surprise. - I thought your father did not need anyone to be strong and self-confident and you resembled him in this aspect.
- No. - Mahtab shook his head. - Mama supports both of us in the background. She is like a column to a castle. No matter how hard and strong a single rock may be, all would fall apart without supporting. And when rock falls, the ground shakes. But as long as we are together and supporting each other, not even the wildest of flood or storm is able to make the building fall apart.
- This was beautifully said. - Bonnie smiled dreamily.
- When I was very young, Papa told me this about Mama, when we were walking to the train station. I love trains, and was entertained by them when I was small. I stated the same thing to him as you did to me now, that he was the strongest person I knew. He replied with this, and I collected this confession in my heart forever, and I am silently admiring people from that time, who stay in the background, but have more weight on their shoulders than you would think. You are stronger than you think, Bonnie. And for you, I will be that support.
AAfter Mahtab's confession there was no more need for any words - they just held hands together for a long time, looking in each others eyes with love.
Erik, as he did not succeed in finding old leech Bonsanté, and Lily's pregnancy worried him a lot, finally allowed the young female doctor to take care of "his daughter". Thankfully the young girl was feeling better with a doctor of her gender - just like Kristina thought. Doctor Solange Battier, compared to her young age, was experienced and educated enough to gain Erik's trust in the end, as she always exactly knew what to do and gave good news to the worrying family. Florian was feeling a bit of guilty, now seeing how much inconveniences and trouble a pregnant woman has to go through, thinking it was all his fault. He thought he had to talk to a more experienced man in this aspect - Papa.
- I think it is all my fault that she feels unwell. - He worded his fears for the first time out loud, standing behind his father's back in the study, where no one else could hear them.
- Did you rape Lily? - Erik asked back in his usual, slightly sarcastic way if he wanted to avoid showing emotions.
- But of course not! - Flo gasped.
- Then it is not your fault alone, she wanted it as well, and took active part in it.
- You can comfort me on a strange way. - Flo admitted.
- You are nearly a grown up man, you have to get used to it. - Erik smiled, and turned to face his son, but a moment later his face turned all serious again. - Would you comfort me too, son?
- Of course, if I can. But what is wrong, Papa?
- I can't always go on without worrying. - Erik sighed, then sat down to the sofa, gesturing to Flo to sit down next to him. When it happened, Erik hugged Flo's shoulder and with an insecure look in his eyes, he pulled the boy's head closer to himself. - Flo… having children… is a huge responsibility.
- I know, Papa. - Flo nodded.
- And even bigger if the child is… different. - Erik swallowed uncomfortably.
- Papa, do you mean if the child looks like you or Mahtab?
- Yes. - He nodded. - What shall happen then?
- Papa, I will still love my child, whatever happens.
- And the mother? - Erik snorted.
- I am not sure. - Flo admitted. - But if she acts as badly to the child as Grandma acted towards you then I will raise the baby alone.
- Are you willing to do that? - Erik's yellow eyes popped tight open.
- Yes. - Flo nodded with determination. - I will love my child no matter what. I will do everything I can to make my baby happy, with or without the love of my life. But I am sure, Papa, that Lily would never be so cruel towards a helpless poor infant who has nothing to do about the situation. She won't turn her heart away from our baby. I know her.
- Still, it would be better if… you… told her. Gently. About the possibility so she might not have such a huge shock upon seeing her newborn for the first time.
- I wanted to, for a time, but I did not know how to tell her and I wasn't sure if you would be angry with me if I did.
- Tell her. - Erik nodded reassuringly. - But Flo… please… be gentle… and… yes, just gently.
At that evening, Erik heard three knocks on his study's door. He was working on a smaller song for Belle, who asked some nice music from Papa. He put his mask on to open the door, and when he noticed Lily standing in front of him he blessed his carefulness.
- Papa… I mean Erik… - she stuttered.
- You may call me Papa. I have told you. What is wrong? Should you not be in bed and take care of my grandchild?
- The baby is rather restless tonight. He won't let me sleep. - She replied with a tired little smile.
- He? Did you make up your mind it will be a boy? - Erik tilted his head to the side curiously.
- I think it is a boy. - Lily nodded.
- Don't stand here. Sit down, please. - Erik showed a seat to Lily at the couch. She obeyed and sat down. - I never understood this with you women, you can guess the child's gender with a 90 percent accuracy usually. Kristina always guessed our children right. - He murmured, getting lost in his thoughts. - But I guess this is not the main reason you decided to talk to me so late, is it, Lily dearest?
- Flo told me something this afternoon. - She nodded with an uncomfortable glance.
- I know what is that. - Erik sighed. - And now you wish to tell me you don't wish to have a disfigured child?
- No. - Lily replied.
- No? - Erik gasped in disbelief.
- He is my child. And Flo's. We love each other dearly. I love the baby.
- Until you see it, you do.
- Flo told me Mahtab has your face. I asked him to show his face but he did not.
- You can't blame him. - Erik sighed dryly. - He had a shocking experience by showing his face accidentally to someone not too long time ago.
- Yes, he admitted it to me, and I am not angry with him at all. - Lily went on with her explanation. - I know it wasn't his fault that Auntie passed away. I used to think for a time it was mine, but… it was just she was too old… I know now. Papa, I wish you to show me your face. So I can know what to expect. Please.
- I would rather not. - Erik crossed his arms on his chest. - Might be I accidentally cause you to get into labour too early if I do.
- I doubt that.
- Imagine the ugliest face possible, you will figure it out.
- I wish to see what a face to love. Papa… I want to love you as you are. You are so kind to me and it won't change if you are ugly.
- I am not risking anything. You might see it once after you gave birth.
- It can't be that horrible. - She stuttered.
- It is. - Erik nodded ominously. - Go back to bed, please and let's not continue by that pointless debate. I am not showing my face willingly to you until you are expecting. It is for your own good. And for the baby's. And please don't ask Mahtab about that either again.
Lily did not force more on the subject, seeing Erik wasn't going to change his mind under any kind of reasoning, but it sent a huge amount of worry in her soul. What kind of a face it might be which is so bad and not even a mother could love it? What might her son look like in her womb? How can someone's face be "horribly disfigured"?
Christmas passed in peace and love, Lily wanted to forget about her worries and would wisely choose not to think about the worst possibility. She was feeling uncomfortable in this last trimester and the very last weeks of the pregnancy, which seemed to go on without any problems and complications. She had a huge belly though, and she sometimes wondered how can a child be so big. Maybe it is only because she did not have children before, and she guessed a baby to be smaller.
Nothing interesting happened until New Years Eve.
Around five o clock in the afternoon she felt something strange.
Something wasn't right and an uncomfortable feeling took over her body. She had to scream, and Flo's worried face showed up next to her, and after she only remembered Flo ran away to alert his parents.
Florian was nervously walking up and down in the salon next to Erik, who wasn't any better and calmer than him, but tried his best not to show it to his son, who was scared enough without having to listen to his worries regarding the child's face as well. Now, just in a few hours everything will come to a surface, and something irreversible can happen.
He remembered back how much worried he was at each and every childbirth, and remembered how much relief he had when holding a perfect baby like Flo and Noel… and how much guilt and sorrow he felt upon seeing Mahtab and Beau for the first time. He hoped his son won't have to go through the same sufferings, blaming himself for creating such a thing… and he silently prayed to God to give a healthy newborn to the family.
It was already close to midnight.
This madness already was lasting for the past 7 hours, and both Erik and Flo hoped it was going to end soon. Thankfully Erik did not have to actively help with childbirth this time. Kristina and the midwife were present, and Noel's birth 14 years ago were enough for Erik for a lifetime.
The rest of the family was with them mostly, Mahtab was half curiously, half worriedly examining the sound he caught from behind the closed door of Flo's and Lily's bedroom in the attic, and he would run down to inform them about the happenings he could hear. He was so very curious of how a childbirth might go, but he also found it a bit of unappealing, and was sure that is something not suitable for him at all. Even with a female body, she could not go through this. The pain… it came to his mind he read about childbirth in Papa's medical book and they stated the pain was much worse than menstruation cramps. How he loathed that process and wished it would go away without any trace. Disgusting. He also read many girls had problems with their periods, and that they lacked it for years. Why could not the same thing happened to Mahtab as well? If he is a boy, why can't that body understand it and get rid of this nasty process even in the teens?
All of them were wondering about different issues. Florian was simply worried and nervous about the health of Lily and the baby, Mahtab was wondering about biological issues and medical subjects, and Erik was nervously considering the possibility of having another little monster in the family, and the consequences of that happening.
Finally they heard a baby's cry, 2 minutes before midnight, according to Erik's extremely accurate pocket watch. Erik was the first one to jokingly remark if the baby was born two minutes later, it would be a New Years baby, but this way it was yet born in 31st December, 1904. Not much after, Kristina arrived with a huge smile all over her face, and proudly announced Flo now had a healthy young son.
- Son…? - Flo smiled, still not believing this madness and painful waiting had finally come to an end.
- Yes. - Kristina wiped her forehead in relief. - Completely healthy and beautiful young son you have, my dear. His lungs are strong, and he has huge blue eyes.
- Do you have a name for him already? - Erik turned to the tiredly grinning, but barely alive and functioning Flo, to drag him back into reality.
- Yes. - Flo nodded in excitement. - We decided to name our son Valentine.
- What a nice name! - Kristina exclaimed in joy.
- Nice name indeed. - Erik nodded. - And thankfully it is not Erik.
No, not Erik. Not in the name, and not face-wise. Thank Heavens.
It was already ten minutes past midnight when they calmed down enough to wish a Happy 1905 to everyone still awake in the house. They were all tired from nervousness and worrying through the evening, but little they knew that night did not end at all for anyone yet.
20 minutes after midnight, when the midwife still did not show up with Valentine to show him around, they started to get suspicious, especially Erik. If the boy is healthy, what are they doing still? Washing and bundling him in swaddling clothes can't take so long in itself…
Just by the time his mind reached to this statement all of them heard Lily's scream and her crying "Help, it is not better at all! It starts over!"
Mahtab and him jumped up at the very same moment, and thankfully his oldest did not need too much explanation about why is it needed to follow him right away. They were running upstairs to meet a desperate midwife.
- M'sieur, good I see you! Run for a doctor as soon as you can!
- What happened? - Erik asked.
- There is another one!
- What? - Erik gasped. - Twins?
- Exactly, but it is a breech birth.
- Just what we needed on top.
- I run for the doctor. - Mahtab offered quickly.
- You stay here and help me. - Erik took Mahtab by the shoulder. - There is no time for us to waste. Lily isn't strong enough to give birth to that baby all alone, we have to help her.
- We…?
- Yes, you and me. Mahtab. Quickly! Wash your hands! Madame…
- Yes, M'sieur… hot water. I bring it. But… are you a doctor?
- I was everything but a hung man yet. - Erik hurried inside to check on the poor girl as soon as possible.
She was wheezing and whimpering in pain by the time Mahtab and Erik arrived to check on her.
- No matter who but… help me… - She whispered in agony.
- Don't waste your energies by talking. You will need all your leftover energies to get through this.
- Papa…?
- Hush. - Erik warned again. - Be silent. We are helping you to have the other one as well, but you have to do everything as I say. Everything.
Erik could only hope everyone will survive the process. Both mother and child… he remembered back to a painfully similar scenario. He was too young to witness it and remember back on his own, but he knew it too painfully well to forget about it… his own twin. Yes, seems like Florian was successfully fathering twins… and hopefully this other isn't as dead as his own twin was, long- long years ago… can he save it…?
With Mahtab's help it went well, and Erik was unable to worry any longer about twins, the baby's face and such silliness. His mind turned itself off, concentrating only on the process and task he was working on. Mahtab, even though he was at first embarrassed and sick of the thought of actively having to help with a complicated childbirth, now that he was involved, he couldn't have been more thankful. It was a bit of awkward and disgusting a bit, but beautiful at the same time. Human body, no matter what gender, is beautiful, and nature is wonderful for creating such beautiful and awesome miracles.
In the finish line, when the baby was almost born, Lily's hand grasped the air in desperate pain, and with a forceful grip she accidentally grabbed Erik's head.
- Don't rip of my ear, Lily… - Erik moaned, but the next moment made Erik think it should have rather been his ear she ripped off than the mask…
Yes, there he stood now, bending above the girl who fought with giving birth, and she could only whisper:
- God in Heaven…
- Yes- yes! - Erik snapped angrily. - I am a saint, I daresay! Every time someone sees my face they exclaim Jesus Christ, or Oh my God… enough! Stop it! Concentrate on your child.
Lily, even though she was half passed out by tiredness, pain, and being scared of Erik's face, she suddenly felt ashamed of her behavior. It must be a terrible feeling to see people get scared of someone's features and she was heartless for just acting by her instints.
- I am so… so… sorry… - She gasped.
- Ssssh. - Erik hushed her. - I am not angry, I can understand you. But you must not concentrate on me. Just a little more and we are done.
It seemed so long for all of them what had followed: the last part. She did not remember much of what had happened, but pain suddenly stopped, and she could faintly hear another cry of a baby before she passed out.
A few minutes later Mahtab, who was under the effect of this beautiful experience, carried a small crying bundle wrapped in a towel down to the family.
- God… - Flo lifted his head up when he noticed his brother with the other baby. Kristina held Valentine at that moment, and seeing the other little baby, tears of joy filled her eyes.
- My dears- Mahtab cleared his throat, but still slipped in a girly range - I introduce you our newest family member. Here is your little daughter, Flo.
- A girl as well? - Flo jumped up happily and ran to greet the small baby girl for the first time.
Florian's daughter was born on the 1st January, 1905, at twelve past one.
As the twins were born on New Years Eve, the rare event happened that they weren't even born in the same year, yet they were only separated by an hour.
The baby girl was perfect in every aspect. No traces of deformity could be found on her, she was only extremely tired and was just whimpering instead of full lung cries. Perfectly beautiful twins. None of them was died or deformed. It was so hard to believe after both of the tragedies struck Erik's poor mother. Erik's twin sister was a stillborn. Erik himself was horribly disfigured.
- How is Lily? - Flo asked with sudden worry. - And where is Papa?
- Papa is still upstairs, helping Lily. She is well, but very tired. It is not a miracle, considering how young she is, and giving birth to twins is extremely wearing women out in itself, but the little girl was also a breech birth, which is even more complicated. She will heal completely, but needs a lot of rest in these coming days. Papa said he won't be surprised if she sleeps through today. But everyone is healthy and will be fine.
Erik appeared shortly after Mahtab finished those last sentences, descending the stairs, drying his hands. As he stepped into the salon he softly said:
- She is asleep. She is weak, but nothing serious. And she asked me to tell you, Flo, that she thanks you for the biggest joy of her life. And asked me to tell you she would like to name the little girl.
- It is fine by me. - Florian nodded. - We did not choose a girl name… we did not think it will be a girl as well. But what name she chose?
Erik shook his head with a forgiving little smile, indicating he did not really like the chosen name, but said with a shrug:
- Éponine.
