Disclaimer: I'm only borrowing the characters of POTO. I do not own them.
A/N: Thanks to all the lovely reviewers! I appreciated your feedback!
Chapter 2- The Wedding
The next day came too fast for Meg. She opened her eyes and above her, peering down, was a pair of maddening and excited eyes.
"Christine!" she shrieks. "What are you trying to do? Give me a heart attack?"
The brunette chuckled. "Sorry Meg, but I'm so excited! Today's my wedding! Soon I shall be Madame Erik Destler!" she cried.
Meg couldn't help but return her friend's enthusiasm. "I'm so thrilled for you. Now could you please get off me so I can dress?"
Meg got up and began to go through her closet for something to wear before the wedding. Christine sat on the edge of the bed, dying to ask of Meg's date with her former crush. She just had to know!
"So how did things go between you and Raoul?" she tried to act innocent when asking so her chum wouldn't get suspicious.
Meg turned around and glared at her. "I was wondering when that would be brought up," the blonde retorted. "Christine, why did you abandon me?"
"I didn't abandon you Meg," she replied as if speaking to a child. "Raoul was with you when I left."
"My point exactly," Meg snorted. "You left me alone with him!"
"And that's a bad thing why?" Christine asked, folding her arms across her chest.
The ballet dancer sighed. "It's complicated."
Christine fiercely shook her head. "No it's not. Just tell me Meg. Admit you are infatuated with my friend."
"Infatuated? You think I'm infatuated!? Christine don't be so absurd!"
"So you're saying that Raoul doesn't make you melt inside whenever he looks at you? Or that you think about being in his company constantly? Or how about when he says your name in that deep and intoxicating voice of his?" The last part was more for Erik for Christine, but she figured Meg felt the same way.
Meg didn't have a comeback. Her friend got her cornered and there was no escape. Defeated, her shoulders sagged and she mumbled a coherent "No".
"Meg, there's no need to be ashamed of liking him," Christine comforted. "I like the fact that you like him. It doesn't bother me in the latest if that's why you're keeping this a secret."
"It's not that, well, maybe it is. It's just Christine, it's me! Raoul will never feel the same way about me as he does for you."
"How do you know that? What if Raoul is hiding his true emotions from you? Have you thought about that?"
"Christine, we're talking about my love life here! It's not important. Today's your wedding so let's move to that," Meg said, switching the subject.
"Oh no you don't!" the soprano defiantly announced. "You're my best friend Meg and I'm concerned about you and your feelings. I find it romantic if my two best friends end up together."
"Well that's never going to happen," Meg replied, glumly.
Christine went over and placed a comforting arm on her shoulder. "Don't be so negative. You're attractive, talented, and have a wonderful personality. How can a man not resist you? I'm surprised Erik didn't make any moves on you before me."
Meg snorted at her comment. "Me and the Opera Ghost? That's a match maman would loved to see happen."
"Don't be harsh Meg. Why do you think you're not good enough for Raoul?"
"I work as part of the chorus in the Opera house. My mother happens to be acquaintances with the infamous Phantom and my best friend was caught in a deadly love triangle. You figure it out."
"Meg that was the worst excuse I had ever heard! So what? I was part of the chorus as well and that didn't bother Raoul. But Erik does bring up a good point, though, but it doesn't matter! You and Raoul are perfect for each other. Trust me on that."
"I wish I could Christine, but do you have any clue of the heartache I went through over him? I wanted to die when you were to be wed to the Vicomte. I spent my time after that night to forget him and I can't!" Meg began to weep as the pain she for so long to hide came out.
Christine felt horrible at her friend's confession. She never knew Meg was in love with him during the whole mess. Christine continued to hold her until the tears subsided and they could talk normally to each other.
"I'm so sorry Meg," the singer apologized. "I didn't know of your feelings towards Raoul before."
"Forget it. If I was in your place with two men chasing after me, I would forget that you might be in love with one of them."
Christine laughed and after a while Meg joined her.
"Feeling better?" offered Christine. Meg nodded.
"Should I tell you about my afternoon?" Meg asked, her face taking on a devious look.
"Please tell me!" pleaded Christine.
So Meg relayed her entire afternoon with the handsome Vicomte. Christine couldn't help the childish squeal after she finished telling her. Meg beamed at her friend's excitement. With that off her chest she felt a lot better knowing Christine was okay with the idea of her and Raoul. She was also gaining the hope of Christine's earlier words that he might have feelings for her as well. The thought elated her.
"Before I forget, he asked me to go with him to the wedding! Christine, what should I do?" Meg asked, mortified.
"Be calm that's for one. Just be yourself and don't try to bring to much attention to you and your lover. This is my wedding and I don't want my friends stealing my thunder."
"Christine, I couldn't steal your thunder even if I tried my absolute hardest," Meg grinned. "I think you marrying Erik is the only reason that's going to keep the attention away from me and Raoul."
"Yeah you're right."
Meg stuck her tongue out. "So, shall we get ready? Or are we going to continue to talk about our lovers?"
"Get ready. But I hate to brag and all, but Erik is one amazing kisser. And singer! Raoul couldn't compete with him!"
He was a nervous wreck. Raoul was running from room to room looking for his tie and cuffs. He couldn't figure out for the life of him why he was acting like a darn schoolboy! Sure it was his ex-fiancée's wedding (that was part of his stress), but also he was taking her best friend to it. Now he began to chastise himself for asking the chorus girl. What was he thinking?
His mind flew back to yesterday's events and remembering the blonde beauty brought a huge smile. She was lovely there was no denying it. But Raoul didn't want his feelings towards Meg to be due to a re-bounce after Christine's rejection. He didn't want to hurt her by no means. That was the last thing Raoul ever wanted to do to a young girl. Maybe it will be the best that after the wedding we don't see each other anymore, he thought sadly.
His heart grew heavy. Why was it that the one person he loved was gone? If Christine left Erik then he wouldn't be in this fix over Meg. Flashbacks of the Masquerade came to him and he recalled the sadness in Meg's blue eyes upon seeing the engagement ring. He remembered the guilt he felt. It was that moment where Raoul actually saw Meg exposed. It was also the first for him to see her true beauty. He was disgusted with himself when he began to have thoughts about her and tried to focus on his future bride and the danger of that madman.
Those were the two reasons that kept Raoul right on track without wandering off his main objective. He couldn't allow any distractions to get to him and that meant the innocent Mlle. Meg Giry.
That doesn't matter anymore, his mind argued. Christine left you. It's time for you to move on. You always thought Meg was beautiful and if Christine weren't there you would have been engaged to her!
"Engaged? What am I thinking?" Raoul muttered. "You don't even know if she likes you that anyways."
There's only one way to find out, his mind persisted. But did he really want to go through with it? He didn't want to try and find more heartache either for himself or her. That would be unbearable.
"Vicomte?"
Raoul looked up to see his valet as he entered.
"Sir, there's a gentleman who wishes to speak to you in the sitting room," the older male informed Raoul.
He sighed. He was in no mood to accept anyone at the moment. But if it was someone important…
"Who is it Jean?" he asked, looking away.
The valet shrugged. "I'm not sure le Vicomte. Odd man. Wearing a mask in this weather."
Raoul's head snapped up at the mention of the word "mask". It couldn't be? Why in the world is he here?! Raoul thought frantically.
"Tell him I'm busy," he instructed.
"I'm sorry sir, but I told him that before and he insisted he must see you immediately."
"Very well. Thank you Jean."
Raoul walked down and into the sitting room. Sure enough, there stood the menacing man who was his love's fiancé. His back was facing Raoul and he gulped at the older man's stature. Erik had a good few inches over Raoul and he was a lot stronger than the young Vicomte. His very presence seemed to bring about an air of dread whenever Raoul was in the same room as him. Oddly, not today.
Erik turned around as soon as he heard the Vicomte stepped inside. He could tell from the uneasy façade of the boy that he didn't want him here. Well, news flash, Erik didn't want to be here either.
"Monsieur," Raoul greeted.
"Vicomte." The way Erik spat it out was not his usual venom Raoul noticed. It was more civil.
"Excuse me for being blunt, but why are you here?" Raoul questioned.
"I'm here to speak to you about Mlle. Giry," Erik replied.
Raoul's jaw almost dropped. HE was here to talk about Meg? That didn't sound right to Raoul at all.
Seeing the baffled expression, Erik continued. "Now, come come Vicomte, no need for any flustering. After all Mlle. Giry is the daughter of my good friend Mme. Giry. Christine told me the two of you went out to lunch. And so I'm here to see of your intentions."
"M-my intentions?" Raoul stammered. "Monsieur, I don't really understand why this concerns you. You have Christine and whatever I do with Mlle. Giry is my business and not yours!"
"Not mine!?" Erik roared. His amber eyes flared with anger. "Let me explain to you Vicomte, that Meg happens to be my wife's best friend and whatever you do to Meg will affect Christine. So if you're not getting my point than perhaps I shall demonstrate my meaning."
Erik patted his side, which kept his Punjab lasso hidden. "Same goes with you. Christine will be quite distraught if she happened to lose her childhood friend."
"You wouldn't!"
"I believe so Monsieur," Erik sneered. "But then again. It's my wedding today and I don't want it ruined by having a death on my hands."
Raoul let out a sigh of relief. He knew Erik hated him as much as he hated him and if he had a good enough reason to kill him, he would. If Raoul was planning to get involved with Meg than he would have to face Erik's wrath if something went wrong. It seems any girl Raoul is interested in that Erik's somehow connected to them on some level. Let it be love or friendship, Raoul had to watch his back and his diction.
"I'll make this easier for you," Erik said, his tone dropped to a more polite manner. "Do you like Mlle. Giry?"
That was the first time someone ask him that question about his feelings towards the blonde. He thought about it. Did he really like Meg? She was nice and fun to be around with and he did have a hard time letting her go the other night. Wouldn't that count to liking to her? It has to be since he can't get her out of his head.
"Yes," he answered.
Erik searched his face for some signs that he was merely saying it so he would leave. No, it seemed the Vicomte was dead serious.
"You're still taking her to the wedding?"
"Yes."
Erik thought for a moment. Christine wanted him to find out if Raoul liked Meg. He did that. She also wanted to know if their date was still planned. It still is. So now what should he do?
"Well, thank you for your time Vicomte. That is all." Erik bowed his head and began to make his way out.
"Wait!" Raoul called.
Erik stopped in his tracks and turned to the patron. "Yes?"
"I want to let say thank you for letting me attend your wedding. I know this is strange for us and I truly do want the best for Christine. Take good care of her all right?"
The Vicomte's tender words touched Erik. He knew giving up Christine was hard on the boy and as much as Erik would like to relish this victory, he knew gloating now wasn't the best time to do so.
"I promise."
With those last words, Erik left the de Chagny estate and proceeded back to his home to prepare for his wedding.
Meg stood waiting on the top of the stairs outside the Opera house, waiting for her ride. Christine left minutes ago with her mother to the chapel and she knew Erik and the Persian had either left by now or were on their way out. She sighed. She had the choice of waiting for Raoul at the church or having him take her. She wanted to spend some time alone with him before the reception. She wanted to make sure whether or not pursuing him was the right choice.
She glanced up just in time to see a carriage with the de Chagny's crest stopped in the front. She took a deep breath and made her way over.
Raoul was nervous during the ride to the Opera house and when they arrived, he couldn't help the butterflies fluttering in his stomach as Meg glided over. She was dressed in an elegant pink gown that dipped a bit low in the chest. Her golden curls were pulled to the top of her head with a few strands hanging to frame her petite face. He could feel his throat going dry and did the best to swallow his fear as he went out to help her in.
When Raoul offered her hand, Meg shyly accepted it as he helped her enter. She took the seat opposite of where he was sitting before so they could be face-to-face. She watched him follow in and sat across from her.
He was so handsome, she mused. He wore a gray suit over a white shirt, a neatly tied bowtie, and black dress shoes. His hair was slicked back in that aristocratic way and his lovely blue eyes twinkled when she looked at him. She knew this was right.
"You look stunning Meg," he commented.
She felt her cheeks take on a rosy hue and she smiled graciously. "Thank you Raoul. You look very dapper yourself."
It was Raoul's turn to blush a little. "I hope you didn't wait that long."
She shook her head. "Not at all."
"Good." He sat back and continued to study her profile.
He could easily picture her in society. She would fit in perfectly with the type of people Raoul always had to deal with at every social gathering.
The ride was short and soon they were standing outside the small church. Raoul offered his arm and Meg looped her arm in his and they went inside. Inside was spectacular. The walls were white with stain-glass windows all around being illuminate with life from the sunlight pouring through. The scent of oak permeated the quaint sanctuary.
Meg looked around in awe. Christine was right when she told her the place was beautiful.
Raoul was a bit shock to see the amount of guests attending. He recognized a few from the corps de ballet and a couple of the stagehands, but no signs of the managers. Meg told him that "business" kept them away from going after all, which they all knew it was really out of fear towards Erik. He saw the Persian who was chatting away with another man. He didn't look familiar to the Vicomte so he figured he had to be an acquaintance of Erik's. Speaking of the devil, Erik was already up at the altar with the priest.
"I think we better sit now," Meg whispered as she tugged on his hand. The couple quickly headed over to where Mme. Giry was sitting down in the front.
Once they took their seats, the organ began playing the "Wedding March". Raoul turned his head in hopes of getting a glimpse of the bride. He felt his breath catch as she slowly made her way down the aisle.
Donning in the traditional white, Christine's dress was perfect. Erik obviously spared no expense when buying the gown. The dress cut across the chest leading to the thin straps that draped over her ivory arms. The material clung to her waist, showing the curviness of her body. A small tiara was lost in her chestnut curls with an elegant veil that laced down her hair, giving her an angelic appearance. Her gorgeous green orbs were filled with love and pure joy that Raoul imagined for a second it was he she was looking at.
Meg couldn't believe how beautiful Christine looked. She hoped that someday she would be the next to follow in Christine's steps. Her questing blue eyes lifted to gaze happily at the Vicomte when she spotted his dreamy façade. No! He couldn't!
Even as Christine reached Erik, Raoul still had that lovesick expression on his features. Meg's eyes slightly began to tear. Apparently Christine was wrong. He doesn't love me. He still loves her.
He heard Meg sniffle beside him and so he took out his handkerchief.
"Here," he murmured softly, handing the cloth to her.
Absently, she grabbed it and dabbed her eyes. Meg, you are such a fool.
The rest of the ceremony went splendidly. When Christine and Erik exchanged their never-ending vows to one another just about every female in the church wept with happiness for the couple. Raoul couldn't help the single tear that slid down his cheek during Erik's vow. He thought of him before as a creature that had no heart, yet, Erik proved him wrong with the endearing love profession. During Christine's, however, both she and Erik broke out in sobs for having one another to love forever.
It was a beautiful sight and Meg knew Christine's father was among them, watching his only child wed the man she loves. It wasn't until the part where their fates would be sealed with a passionate kiss, that Meg lost her self-control. Raoul pulled her in his embrace and let her cry on his shoulder. He had to be a liar to say the scene didn't affect him. When it was over, the Vicomte swore that everyone here had just witnessed a moment of true love in the making.
The reception was held at the Opera Populaire. Monsieur Reyer was kind enough to provide the entertainment for the evening.
Christine and Erik were out on the dance floor, holding onto each other as they swayed in time to the slow music. It was a very cute picture.
"Pardon me Mademoiselle, but would you like to share this dance with me?" Raoul extended his hand forward towards Meg.
She looked at it and turned her head away. "Why don't you wait until the bride is free?" she replied under her breath. She couldn't help the feeling of sudden betrayal when Raoul watched Christine so lovingly. She thought the other day meant something to him.
Raoul froze when he heard her remark. Did she not wish too-?
Then the realization dawned on him. She must of saw his gaze when Christine was walking down the aisle. Well, he knew how to fix this.
"Meg, I want you to dance with me, not Christine. She has her husband now and I want to spend the rest of this evening with you in my arms. Is that so hard to ask for?"
She bit her lower lip and cursed herself. Then again, maybe, Christine was right about him.
Smiling gently, she accepted his hand. Grinning broadly, Raoul pulled the dancer onto the floor just as a faster tune started.
Meg was surprised to see how wonderful of a dancer Raoul was. He knew his way around the dance floor that was for sure. As the song finished, Raoul looked down happily at Meg.
"You're very graceful," he commented.
She blushed. "I hope so otherwise all those rehearsals my mother puts me through was a waste."
He let out a heartfelt chuckle that caused Meg to melt inside. He was about to say something when another a slow song began playing. "Shall we?"
Meg nodded. "We shall."
Raoul pulled Meg closer to his body and they allowed the music to sweep them away.
Christine poked Erik in the ribs and pointed to her friends. "Look! We did it."
Erik smiled at his wife. My wife, he thought happily. Now I know what love truly feels like.
"You did a lovely job my dear. And I think I see a future wedding coming after all."
"I thought you said we shouldn't be planning their future before us?" she smirked.
"Well, mon ange we already accomplished that. We are married now for better or for worse." He winked.
"I love you Erik," Christine whispered softly.
"I love you with all my heart," he replied as Erik's lips went down and captured hers in a kiss with promise.
While Erik and Christine were having their little interlude, Raoul and Meg were stuck in their own little dream.
Raoul stared deeply in Meg's eyes. "Meg, I want to apologize for my earlier behavior."
She looked back at him intently. "What for?"
He sighed. "For allowing myself to be blinded by another woman."
Meg found it hard to breathe even as his lips met hers in a sweet kiss. She couldn't help the little moan that escaped as she eagerly returned the kiss fully. They both wrapped their arms around each other, losing themselves in that blessed moment in time.
TBC……….