The next night after dinner, Christine asked to be excused so she could take flowers to her father's grave. Ms. Giry said that it was okay and had Meg clear off the table. Erik just sat there. He hadn't been hungry in days and hadn't eaten in days. Giry was about ready to take him to the hospital. Fifteen minutes after Christine left, Erik said that he was going over to his apartment to unpack some of his things.
He quickly followed after Christine. I'm sorry Christine, but your Angel of Music will lie to you once again… He arrived at the cemetery by her father's grave, but there was someone else with her. Erik crept slowly behind stones to get a good, silent look at the two figures.
"Christine, are you sure that you will be okay? I know that you are having a hard time adjusting to life here and I want to help as much as possible,"
Christine sniffed, "Yes, I'm positive that I'll be okay…" she hugged him.
"Christine, I know this is sudden, but from the moment I first lay my eyes upon your pale and delicate face, I knew that I loved you…Will you go out with me?" Raoul asked as he grabbed her hands.
Christine seemed stunned, "Well….um….are you sure? I mean…you barely know me….and…."
"Little Lotte, how could you say that?"
Little Lotte? The only person who knows about that is… "OH MY GOD! RAOUL? MY RAOUL? The little boy who jumped in the lake to get my bear when I was little?"
"I knew you'd remember in time," he smiled. Erik started to fidget nervously.
Christine clung to Raoul, "Okay….I'll be your girl," she pecked him on the cheek
Erik couldn't stand it anymore. He had to leave that area before his rage took over. He half-snuck-half-ran into a crypt nearby and sat down.
"Christine……I will have you….even if I can't have you as Erik….but as the angel…."
After that night, the days just came and went like there was no tomorrow. Christine started dating Raoul and Erik started devising ways to blow him up. Christine had singing lessons from "The Angel of Music" every other night at the cemetery. Erik's plans to woe her were working perfectly. Soon, he'd tell her who he really was and beg for forgiveness….but that could wait just a tad longer.
Pretty soon it was Erik's birthday and the day of the dress rehearsal. Jason and Kelly were just finishing getting their moustaches on and re-reading their lines. Meg and the dancers were stretching. Carlotta was primping herself. Raoul's friend, Joe was getting into costume as Piangi and running up and down his scales. Mr. Leroux and Ms. Giry were yelling at the band and almost anyone they could to get in place.
Erik went backstage to find his cloak and sword. The mask was already on and was striking terror into the hearts of everyone but Meg, Christine, Ms. Giry, and of course, himself. He was the Phantom of the Opera and everyone who possessed a brain knew it. They now feared him. And he was damn proud of it.
"Erik! ERIK!" came the call of Christine. She scurried over to him, "Erik, happy birthday!" she handed him an envelope. A big…chunky envelope.
He took it and stared blankly at it.
"A…present?...Won't your boyfriend get jealous?"
"Um…" she blushed. Ms. Giry called for her to get on stage, "Gotta go!"
Erik opened the parcel only to see that the item was wrapped in oodles more of bubble wrap. What the hell? Why so much bubble wrap? He accidentally popped one. Ooo. This is fun! I mean…erm….must continue unwrapping this silly gift. Erik carefully and tenderly unwrapped the fragile gift from the bubble wrap. Two items fell into his hands. One was a black leather mask which reminded him of Zorro's. The other, was
A package of M-80's (1/4 stick of dynamite for those who don't know) with a note attached to it.
My poor, unhappy Erik,
I know that you are sad and down, but on this one day of the year, your birthday, you deserve to be happy. So…when this rehearsal is over, I will take you out and we'll do whatever you want! Doesn't that sound fun? We could go to an opera…or a concert…or even out for food. My treat! I will not take no for an answer. Meet me at the clock in front of the building!
From
Christine
This was more than Erik had ever dreamed for. This was the perfect opportunity to tell her his feelings for her. He went upstairs to the roof to catch some air before the practice started. He opened the door to go outside and noticed that there was snow on the ground. That didn't surprise him…it was December after all. He went and leaned against one of the larger gargoyles and looked at the stars.
God…please give me the strength to tell her, and please help her forgive me…
The door opened and Erik made himself scarce. It was Raoul and Christine, giggling like the mad couple they were.
"Raoul, I love you!" she said as she kissed him.
"I love you too Christine!...Which is why I wanted to ask you something…"
"What?"
Raoul got down on one knee, "Christine…we were childhood sweethearts torn apart by fate. But now we are together again and I don't ever want to loose you. Christine…when you turn eighteen….will you marry me?" he opened a small box and inside it was a 24k gold ring with a diamond stud set in it.
"Oh Raoul…" slipped the ring on her finger and kissed him. Then, they headed back down the stairs happily.
Erik came out of his hiding spot, tears falling from his eyes. They were hot and angry. God, you hate me don't you? You really hate me. Well you know what? You don't have to worry about this demon of hell anymore. I'm sure that He will help me in my sorrows. Get rid of my emotions and help me get what I desire. You have created this monster…and you have lost him.
Erik wiped his tears, opened the door, and jumped down the center of the stairwell. He landed gracefully on his feet and started to devise his plan.
Ahh, now time to review to the reviewers!
Sorrowfully Loving the Lost: never mind the e-mail I sent, I got confused. As long as you give me the credit, you may use my story.
Maeve Of the Nile: really? I didn't think anyone would like that line…well…YAY!
Phantom'sSonge: WELL, I don't know if I am a genius……(2+2?) but thank you for liking my story so much!
Silinde: the meaning will come in time…..
hpluva2000: heeheehee, thank you bows
Well, that should do it for now…Until the next update! bows Toodles!
