Six

No Second Thoughts-


An- I hope things are a bit more clear, sorry I'm not giving it away though. Anyhow this wedding is gonna have to be clipped because I'm a bit short on time this month, I'm working three jobs and I'm going to be moving down to Ohio soon, so forgive me. Once I'm moved and have a job down there things should be much easier. ^_-. I'd like to dedicate this chappie to Phantom Aria, who also knows the troubles of working and not being able to update often.

One Upon A Forest MC qoute of the day- "Once I had a morning too, I was young once, just like you, it's evening in my life, all I have is the night, but it's still morning for you." Awwies


"You ready?" Meg Giry's voice flowed through Christine's right ear and out her left.

"Hmmmm?"

Meg laughed. "I guess so. You aren't afraid?"

"No," Christine replied, turning in the mirror. "Well, I was at first, but now I think I can trust him. We've worked out a lot. But still..." She bit her lip. "I miss Raoul, he hasn't talked to me at all. It's as if he blames me for everything!"

Meg sighed, smoothing her best friends veil. "Amie, do not trouble yourself. Things will eventually work out."

"I hope so." There was a knock. "Yes?"

"Mlle., it is time."

"Thank you." She turned and took her bouquet from Meg. "Let's do this."

Meg smiled, lifting her train and nudging her to go. With a deep breath Christine began her journey out to the aisle, and away from her freedom.

She could see the Marshall's, their bright red uniforms obvious. Madame Giry also was there, and the Persian. Surprised, Christine blushed when he nodded to her as she passed.

Erik looked more proud than she had seen him in her life. He took her hand when she reached him and helped her up the steps, Meg going to her seat.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered..."


Christine stirred in her sleep, snuggling closer to the warm pillow lying next to her. Her eyes were closed and she didn't know that this pillow really was her husband, and she also didn't know the feelings she stirred in him as her warm, small form pressed to his.

When a warm draft passed over her face her eyes flickered open. They widened slightly but then went back to normal, she had agreed to sleeping in his bed, even though their marriage was not consummated. Her eyes met his, and the darkness of the room hid her bright blush as he smiled down at her.

"I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

"No, no. I sometimes wake in the night. Are you all right?" She asked, shifting slightly.

"Yes, I don't often sleep."

She grinned. "Well, you're going to start!"

He laughed. "Yes, Madame. You are not uncomfortable like this are you?"

"No, why?"

"I would gladly leave if you wanted."

She shook her head. "No, you needn't. I am fine Erik, you are no stranger, you are my husband and that gives me slight comfort."

"Oh?" He caught his breath.

"Well, I feel almost like I have someone to protect me now. I know you would have before, but it's a lot different."

"I understand your meaning." He whispered.

She yawned and sighed, reaching down and taking his hand. "Good, I wouldn't want you to think I never knew. I've always known how you love me."

He sighed and squeezed her hand. "I am glad, chèri. I am glad." And she was asleep, trusting in his arms.


September came and went, as did October. The winds, though always chilly in Paris, or France for that matter were now sufficiently cold enough to keep most people inside, but Christine had always dearly loved the winter, and while Erik much preferred staying inside she was usually out, enjoying her youth, as he put it.

On one particular evening after the snows had set in he noticed that her hat was still home, but she was not. He remembered her having left several hours before, and he was extremely worried for her safety. He dressed for the weather and went out to search for her.

It was a half hour later that he found her, just as he presumed she would be. She lay in the snow, unconscious. How could no one have spotted her? Quickly he scooped her up and ran home, despite his load. He removed the soaked clothing, quickly changing her without a thought and placing her in bed. He lit a fire and went to make tea.

Christine awoke several minutes after he left, her first thought that she was home. The second that her head throbbed, her body ached and felt burned, and she was in her nightgown.

She shot up to a sitting position. Erik must have come for her, that was unmistakable. But had she changed herself, or had he done it?

She turned all the more red at the thought that he had seen her body, and she lay back. Her hair was damp, so she couldn't possibly have done it and blacked out in such a period of time.

Erik came in with a tray, and he gasped seeing her awake. "My God, Christine! I was worried sick I'd thought..." He trailed off, shaking his head and setting the tray down. She watched him intently, trying to find some sign that he had seen her. He looked at her inquisitive look and grinned. "I imagine you are wondering what happened?"

She nodded, not wanting to speak. He laughed, handing her ac up of the tea. "I found you, I brought you home. I got you out of those sopping wet clothes, put you into the bed, with an extra blanket, then lit the fire and went and made tea. Satisfied?"

Her blush was extremely obvious and she looked down into her tea. He watched her flush, redden and look away shyly, and then smiled at her modesty. "Don't worry, the frostbite didn't look too bad. I got to you just in time."

She looked up quickly and realized his joke. She laughed lightly, drinking the rest of her tea and lying back, closing her eyes. She opened them and looked at him when his hand rested on hers.

"Are you going to be ok if I go get some work done?"

She nodded. "I'll be fine, Erik."

He kissed her cold hand and added as he left. "Get under the covers before your nice warm skin becomes cold like mine."

She giggled and buried herself in the many layers of warmth. "But it isn't, Erik. Not to me."

He sighed as he moved away from the closed door, things were beginning to look up.

How is it so far? Hit me with those reviews, they bring the story to life. If you have any ideas, review, or if you don't want more people to know email me at christinedaaerre@operamail.com or IM me at chrisdaae2003