Disclaimer: If I have to tell you one more time I don't own Phantom… ^-^
Erin: Hmm, we shall see if Erik is heartbroken… Hehe, I like fluffiness ^-^ Thank you!
Angelic Lawyer: Thank you very much! Ha, Cass and I will finish that when he ever replies to my post, lol. :-P
Vicky Vic: Hey girl – thanks for the review! Yes, my chappys are short **sigh** tis a curse. :-P
Saranha de Angelo: yes, he is happy! **Hugs Erik** Ha, I have no idea how they cooked… **Goes to look it up** Thank you!
Phantom Aria: Thanks for your review! Erik praying was one of the highlights of my chapter! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Jenn: **Smiles** Actually, yes I am a Sarah Brightman fan! ^-^ Thank you! E/C… hmm… we'll have to see won't we? :)
"We loved in a time before the fall
Welcome to the arms of solitude
Beneath us the heat that hearts exude
Is this really heaven?
We'd fight with the gods for our dreams
When paradise falls, eternity screams!
I don't know, how can Heaven Love Me
You don't know, how can Heaven Love Me" - 'How can Heaven Love me?' by Sarah Brightman.
Chapter 4
As the story came to an end, I gently closed the book, glancing at Christine. Even though it was early in the day, my beguiling voice had lulled her to sleep. Her breaths were soft as her head comfortably rested on my chest. Caressing my hand in her curls, I breathed in her rose scent. Effortlessly carrying her feather-like body in my arms, I tenderly placed her on the couch, deciding to allow her sleep for a little while longer. I smiled, for I knew when she awoke, her eyelids would reveal a radiant, crystal shine.
Turning around, my gaze fell upon the fireplace. The last flames were gradually disappearing into the ashes that were as black as night. Sighing softly, I sat down on the floor, in order to gaze into her lovely face. Tracing her scarlet lips with my fingertips, I lightly stroked her rosy cheeks, her breath warm on my hand.
Swallowing, I ran my hand over my face exasperatingly as I stood.
I did not want to lose her.
Not again.
I don't think I could bear it. My heart would simply give away to the utter dejection if my angel were leave yet again, taking her glorious exuberance and love with her.
"Do I have to let her go?" I said to the deserted air around me, "Take my music permanently, if you must, but… please… don't take Christine away…"
Silence.
Well, perhaps, not silence; Christine's soft breathing was the only thing that answered, but it was vastly close to silence. But her simple breaths reminded me of how she used them. She used those breaths to speak of love… to me.
"Erik…" My name was spoken, barely above a whisper.
"Yes, Christine?" I murmured, turning to her.
Her eyes were still closed, and she was lying in the same position she had been a few moments ago.
"Erik."
Spinning around, I saw the woman… the same woman who had granted me these blessed four days with Christine. Her hair hung in a long braid, and she wore a light pink dress that sparkled, causing her to appear as if she were glowing.
"Don't take her away." I stated, attempting to maintain a steady voice.
"Erik…" The woman sighed, "We had an agreement…"
"I don't care!" I snapped loudly, taking an intuitive step towards her; however, I lowered my volume, as not to awake Christine. "Please! You… you can take my music away from me for eternity, if – if only Christine may stay!"
Shaking her head, the woman watched me, her eyes welling with sympathy. "I can't do that, Erik… A deal is a deal… I'm sorry, but make the best of the four days you have… Don't let them go to waste as you dread the last day."
"Damn you!" I spoke in a harsh whisper, "I love her! Can't you see?! Don't take her away!"
"Erik!" She said, motioning for me to quit with a mere signal of her hand. "I'm sorry, but four days is what you were offered, and four days is all you will receive!"
Running my hand through my hair, I paced the room, throwing an odious glance at her every so often.
"Erik," She sighed, placing her hand on my shoulder in order to bring my apprehensive paces to a halt, "Remember… there is always the chance she will remain with you…"
My eyes slowly sprang from her to Christine. Could she dare to love me on her own will? Was it even possible?
"Please, Erik… make the best of your time with her…" She carefully advised, withdrawing herself.
Sighing, I locked my eyes on the sleeping angel, believing if my gaze left her for a moment… she would simply vanish.
What gave this woman the right… the power to do this? How was she able to?
"Who are you…?" I began, but my words immediately paused.
The perplexing woman was gone once again.
Pressing an adoring kiss to Christine's forehead, I lifted her carefully, holding her in my arms. Her eyes gradually fluttered open, staring up at me.
"Erik, what's wrong? You seem upset." She inquired, sitting up.
Taking her little hand in my own, I managed a weak smile. "Nothing is wrong, my dear… Nothing could ever be wrong as long as I am with you."
Kissing my distorted lips, she reluctantly accepted my answer.
"Now, you have rehearsal very soon, my love… and I anticipate hearing that angelic voice of yours."
"Yes, Erik." She giggled happily.
