Love Knows No Limits
Notes- one of my originals! Not really inspired by anything but creativity. I am very seriously considering quitting writing all together, so this may be my last work on this site unless one or more of you can come up with a legitimate reason for me not to, my life has gone downhill and I'm not sure how much more I can take.
~Intro~ There is a rule in France, applying to all young women under 25. At one point between their 18th and 25th years they will be engaged to and married to a man of age over 36 but younger than 68. If the marriage should work, good, if not, the young woman after her twenty fifth birthday may divorce him and marry whom she chooses. The male may ask the government for the young lady's hand, or else one shall be assigned to her.{Code de Francais} (This is completely fictitious)
One such woman was strongly affected by this rule some 122 years ago. She learned to love her husband even though she had thought she had loved the younger man involved, who couldn't have asked for her hand until after she had married and divorced her assigned husband. You shall now learn this group's story. Perhaps you agree with it, perhaps not.
The narrative begins in Leroux's book, when Christine suggests she and Raoul be engaged until he goes on his expedition. Raoul, suggests he not go, but Christine urges him to, leaving him all the more curious as to who this 'Erik' who's ring she obviously wore may be.
Mlle. Christine Daae` proudly held her head high as she sang for Erik, not thinking of her engagement to Raoul. Her ring of freedom glistened as some candlelight hit it, catching his eye.
His heart welled with pride, she must love him for his own sake! She wore his ring and did not shy away from him now! Why look at her posture, proud and boisterous! Her eyes met his and she blushed! She blushed!
Her voice fell as she observed his smile, which he obviously was unaware of. Oh what ever hade she been afraid of? Look at how charming he was, sitting there smiling while he watched her. Mon dieu, he was watching her watch him!!!
Without thinking she matched his gaze, unaware that he had stopped smiling. Her eyes burned into his, she felt drawn to step closer. But she restrained herself. What was this power that drew her to him? Why did she blush under his gaze like a schoolgirl? Why did she tremble whenever he touched her, wether it be purposely or accidental? She had indeed never responded to Raoul's leers and caresses this way.
How could she think this!? She loved Raoul, did she not? For a month she was his betrothed, even though he thought her to be Erik's fiancée also. She had loved him since a young age, when he had kissed her and said he would never forget her. She had loved him from that moment, hadn't she?
Yes, she told herself. But not like this.
Tentatively she stepped forward, reaching for his hand. She realized as he stared at it, dumbfounded that he had always initiated touch between them. She did not draw back, knowing he would think her cowardly if she did. Slowly he reached out until his fingers merely brushed hers.
She stepped forward again, lacing her fingers with his, drawing him from the organ bench. Trembling she tugged for him to come closer and he obeyed, disbelieving in a way. Her eyes never left his and she realized he was crying. Smiling she withdrew her hand and stepped into the warm enclosure of his arms, hugging him. He sobbed into her hair, clutching her close, but gently.
She patted his back and soothed him with her voice, telling him it was okay. Once he had gained his composure and had drawn away from her she met his gaze again. She reached up, wiping away his tears and smiling at his tortured look.
"Don't worry, Erik. I am not trying to hurt you. This is real...I am here..." Unsure of how to comfort him she bit her lip, hushing.
It was his turn to smile as she looked down, flustered. He reached out, tipping her chin to look at him. With a deep unsure breath he leaned in, pressing his lips warily to her forehead.
She did not draw back or stiffen, rather she accepted his touch and even squeezed his hand gently when he looked at her in shock. He could not find any word to say, rather he stared at her, opened mouthed and stiff shouldered.
She laughed at his reaction and led him closer, she reached up, caressing the mask, then, once she was sure he would not fight her she removed it, and transferred the touch to his ruined flesh. Seeing his joy she could not resist drawing him to her and kissing him, gently and timidly, but with growing confidence.
Overjoyed he brought her close, words never had completely satisfied him, and he much preferred letting his actions speak. Now, as far as he knew he was not a murderer, nor a madman, nor a monster. He was a human, who loved and was loved. Oh how happy his Christine made him! He drew back, reaching up, and rubbing his thumb across her cheek.
"Erik, I... I've never... I mean..." She stumbled, then looked down, as if her feet had words written on them. Then she lifted her head with pride and a smile. "I love you."
He beamed down at her and nodded, kissing her lightly again. "I love you too."
Confusing? It's ok, it will make sense soon. I will continue!!!!!!
Until then
Your obedient writer
C.D