Part Eleven
Christine sat at the piano, playing a sweet tune. It was another lovely morning. Rosa was down in the kitchen, cooking, and Dominique was sitting on the floor next to the piano. She reached up and pressed one of the keys, giggling as it interrupted the tune. Christine smiled and tickled the child.
"Silly."
"Silly," Dominique replied. Christine began to play again and Dominique grew bored. She picked up her ball and went outside to play.
"Be carefully, Little One," Christine called, but she was not too worried. Dominique would not wander far, she never did.
Dominique chased after the rolling ball and caught it triumphantly. She was playing in front of the house and she threw the ball again, running after it. And then she stopped as the ball rolled to the feet of a man standing by the open gates. A black horse was next to him and he was dressed in black too, with a white shirt. There was a white mask over the right side of his face. He was watching her. Dominique looked at him plainly and pointed to the ball.
"My ball," she said. The man stared at her and she sighed. Grown ups were so silly. She marched over and picked the ball up. The man knelt to look her in the face.
"What is your name?" he asked.
"Dominique."
"Dominique…" he repeated quietly. She nodded and held out the ball. He accepted it and said, "Do you live here, Dominique?"
"Yes."
"Who else lives here?"
"Dominique, and Mama, and Rosa."
The man closed his eyes for a moment. Dominique took the ball back and he smiled gently at her.
"Would you like a present, Dominique?"
She smiled and nodded. "Please!"
Christine ran onto the lawn.
"Dominique? Dominique, where are you?" she called, slightly panicky. She heard a peal of laughter from the front of the house and ran around to find Dominique sitting on the front step with her ball on the step beside her.
The child looked up at her and said, "Hello Mama."
Christine smiled and knelt beside her daughter. "What were you laughing at?"
"At the man."
Christine frowned. "What man?"
"The man."
Christine looked around. There was no one around. "Where is the man now, Dominique?" she asked, worried.
"Gone away. Gave me a present!" she said happily.
Christine clutched her daughter. "What? What present?"
Dominique held it out. Christine stared at it. A red rose, tied with a black ribbon. Christine took it at gazed at it, running the silk ribbon through her fingers. Dominique took it back and Christine seized her tiny hand.
"Dominique? Did the man have a mask? On his face, like this?" She held her hand up over the right side of her face and Dominique copied, giggling. Then she nodded. Christine let out a cry and ran down the driveway towards the gates. Dominique followed curiously. Christine flung open the gates and ran onto the road, looking around. There was no sign of him. Dominique tugged on her skirts.
"Mama?"
"Yes?"
"Man come back?"
"I don't… I don't know, Little One. I don't know." She bent and picked her daughter up, holding her close. Dominique allowed herself to be hugged before wriggling out of her mother's grip, still clutching the rose. Christine smiled and tucked the rose behind Dominique's ear. "Did you say thank you to the man?"
"Yes."
"Good girl. Come on, let's go and play with the ball." She guided her daughter back inside the grounds, but paused to take one last look around.
Hidden behind the hedge, Erik stared out as Christine knelt beside her daughter. Dominique showed her the rose and Christine spoke urgently to the child before running out onto the road. She looked around before going back inside with the child.
How could she still be so beautiful? It just wasn't possible. Every time he thought of her, he told himself that it was impossible for someone to actually look that glorious, and yet… the last few years had turned her from a lovely girl to a beautiful young woman. He looked down at his gloved hands and sighed.
She had done well for herself here. She would not want him to mess things up. He guided the horse onto the rode and mounted him. "Back to Paris," he murmured.
From a window of the house, Christine looked out at the black clad figure that rode away. Dominique peered out of the window and laughed. "Man!"
"Yes, Little One…" Christine said absently. She stood thinking for a moment and then called for Rosa. The girl came up from the kitchen, a smudge of flour across her cheek. "Rosa, I need you to call a carriage."
"A carriage?"
"Yes… and pack Dominique's things. She and I are going to Paris, as soon as possible."
Rosa stared at her and Christine smiled. "I need to confront my demons."
Dominique was very excited. She sat opposite her mother in the moving carriage, looking out of the window. She had never been in a carriage before!
"Where going?" she asked. Christine looked up.
"We're going to Paris. To see the man."
"See man. Where Paris?"
"A long way away. We'll sleep in the carriage tonight. Isn't that exciting?" Dominique nodded at how exciting it would be before settling down to play with her doll. Christine looked out of the window. They would arrive in Paris tomorrow afternoon, weather permitting. She chewed her lip thoughtfully.
In all honesty, she wasn't sure why she was going to Paris. Curiosity, she supposed. She wanted to see him again. She had to see him again. Christine frowned. It didn't seem fair that he should still have this hold over her, that she should still long for him after seeing him from a difference, not after so long.
Rosa would look after the house in their absence. That was nothing to worry about. She had also promised to get word to Thomas, to inform him of their plans.
"Mama?"
"Hmm?"
"Get nuver present?" Dominique asked, touching the rose in her hair. Christine smiled.
"Maybe. We'll have to see what the man says, won't we?"
"What man's name?" she asked thoughtfully.
Christine bit her lip again and then said, "The man's name is… is Erik, Dominique."
"Erik?"
"Yes. His name is Erik."
Dominique considered, seemed to approve of the name, and then returned to her doll. Christine smiled and smoothed her daughter's hair before looking once more out of the window.
The movement of the carriage kept Christine awake but clearly had no effect on Dominique who curled up on the seat next to Christine. She covered the little girl with a blanket and then tried to sleep but every time she did she saw Erik. Playing his organ, standing by the window with lightening flashing, fixing a door, on the flame lit balcony…
Dominique mumbled and stretched. Christine stroked her hair absently, praying that sleep would soon find her.
Madame Giry looked at Erik. He sat hunched over his organ, playing dolefully. "I don't understand… you went, saw your daughter for less than five minutes and rode straight back here? Without even talking to Christine?"
"That is correct," Erik replied.
"I do not understand you in the least, Erik. I really don't," she said tiredly, turning away.
Monsieur Reyer was waiting for her in the lobby. "Well?"
"He was there for less then five minutes before he came back. He didn't even talk to Christine," Marie said.
He rolled his eyes. "In heaven's name, those two are never going to be in the same room as each other again, are they?"
"It's starting to look that way. And now we're late for rehearsals. Doubtless Carlotta will have something to say about that," Madame Giry said grimly, heading for the theatre.
Christine awoke to Dominique's excited chattering. She looked out of the window and then looked at the time.
"Twelve noon? How could I possibly have slept so late?" she wondered. Dominique pointed excitedly. Paris noises and sights surrounded them.
"Mama! Look!"
Christine laughed at her excitement and tickled her stomach. "Yes, I know. Do you like it?"
"Yes!"
"We'll be at the Opera House in ten minutes, Madame," the driver called down. Christine thanked him and looked in her bag for a hairbrush.
"Come here, Little One. We need to make you pretty, don't we?" Dominique grumbled but allowed her hair to be brushed, making sure the rose was put back in her hair. Christine turned her brush onto her own hair. It had been tied back but had come loose during the night. She brushed it out and left it to hang loose.
She felt her heart jump and took Dominique's hand. "Look, Dominique! That's where Mama used to live." The Opera Populaire stood over them, an imposing sight. Dominique stared at it in awe as Christine paid the carriage driver and picked up their bag. Everything had been unceremoniously dumped into one large bag and Christine realized now that everything would be rumpled.
Oh for goodness sake, you silly girl! You're about to see Erik and all you can think about is rumpled clothes! she told herself sternly. Dominique reached up and Christine bent to lift her. Holding her daughter with one arm and the bag in another Christine once more climbed the steps of the Opera Populaire.
Dominique was very impressed by the decorations of the lobby. Christine put the bag by the wall and looked around. "I wonder where everyone is."
"With man?"
"No, I don't think so. Maybe they're rehearsing." She put Dominique down, took her hand and led her to the theatre door. She pushed it open and looked inside.
Rehearsals were going on, but there seemed to be some sort of argument taking place. Several chorus girls were spitting at each other, some of the male dancers were shouting, and Monsieur Reyer and Madame Giry were attempting to calm everyone down.
Dominique laughed delightedly and rushed down the aisle. Christine gasped and darted after her. "Dominique!"
"Mama! Mama, look!" the child shouted, looking excitedly at the people on the stage. Everyone fell silent and stared at the small child who was running around excitedly. Christine ran forward and snatched her up.
"Dominique, you mustn't run off!"
"Mama, dancing!" Dominique pointed at the ballerinas. Christine hushed her and then looked at everyone apologetically.
"Good afternoon… I'm sorry to interrupt."
"Christine? Christine, is that you?" Madame Giry said in astonishment. Christine smiled and put down Dominique who looked up at the ballet mistress solemnly.
"Yes. Dominique, this is Madame Giry. Madame… this is my daughter."
"Christine!" Meg shrieked, running at her friend and hugging her tightly. Christine laughed and hugged her back.
"Where have you been?"
"Are you coming back to sing?"
"Is this your daughter?"
"She's so adorable!"
Everyone began to talk at once. Dominique pushed everyone away and climbed up the steps onto the stage just as Carlotta came out from wardrobe. She looked up at Carlotta and giggled. She held up her tiny hands.
"Hat!" Christine bit her lip as she realized that Dominique wanted to try on the ridiculously elaborate headpiece. Carlotta looked down at her incredulously.
"Who are you?" she demanded. Dominique looked offended, as if she should already know.
"Dominique. Hat now, please."
Carlotta looked thoroughly confused and said crossly, "Will someone remove this… child?" Christine felt a rush of anger and marched up onto the stage.
Carlotta looked at her in surprise and Dominique said to her mother, "Hat, please?"
"That is Carlotta's hat, Dominique. Good afternoon," she said to the stunned diva, who blinked at her.
"You… you are…"
"Christine Daae. I trust you haven't forgotten me. Oh, and this is my daughter, Dominique." Dominique smiled again and rushed off to look at the chorus girls. Christine ground her teeth.
"Dominique le Phantome, come here right this minute!"
"Mama!" Dominique laughed as several of the chorus girls fussed over her. Christine rolled her eyes and called to her daughter again.
"Dominique! Here now!"
Dominique noted the tone and rushed obediently back to her mother. Christine sighed.
"You mustn't rush off. You might get hurt." Dominique didn't seem to think that this was likely but nodded. Christine looked at Monsieur Reyer and Madame Giry.
"I need to talk to you for a moment."
"Of course. Take a few minutes, everyone," Madame Giry said. Christine looked at Meg.
"Could you take Dominique for a little while?"
"Of course I will."
"Dominique," Christine knelt to look her daughter in the face, "This is Auntie Meg. She's going to play with you for a while."
Dominique looked over at Meg, nodded solemnly and took her new 'auntie' by the hand. "Get hat?"
"Let's go to the wardrobes and see if they've got a hat for you," Meg laughed. Christine waited until everyone was otherwise occupied before looking at Monsieur Reyer and Madame Giry.
"You know why I'm here."
"Erik."
"Yes. He was at our home yesterday. He spoke to Dominique but left before I could see him. I need to talk to him. Can you persuade him to meet with me?" Christine requested.
Marie nodded. "Give me a time and place, and I will tell him."
Christine smiled. "The stage, at ten 'o' clock. As usual."
Dominique and Meg returned a few minutes later. Dominique was wearing a large, brightly colored hat and ran to show Christine who laughed.
"What on earth are you wearing, Little One?"
"Hat! My hat!" Dominique giggled. The brim slipped over her eyes but she pushed it up again without a second thought.
She decided to go and show everyone else, and scampered to Monsieur Reyer who was playing the piano. Dominique was about to interrupt when she stopped and recognized the song.
"Mama! Your song!" she squealed. Christine listened and heard Think of Me. She smiled at her daughter.
"Yes, darling, I sing that song too, don't I?"
"Sing! Sing!" Dominique ordered. Christine shook her head.
"No, Dominique."
Dominique's lip wobbled and Meg touched her arm.
"Do sing some for us. It'll be lovely to hear you again."
Dominique clapped her little hands, pushing the hat up again. "Sing with me, Mama!" she pleaded, running to climb onto the stage. Christine was rather relieved that Carlotta had returned to her dressing room and followed her daughter onto the stage. Dominique held up her arms and Christine lifted her up.
"Do you remember the words?" Monsieur Reyer asked. Christine smiled and nodded. He began to play the tune and Dominique looked at Christine expectantly. Christine began to sing, smiling at her daughter who grinned impishly at having gotten her own way.
"Think of me
Think of me fondly
When we've said goodbye…"
Dominique tried to sing along but wasn't sure of the words. So she replaced the words with a series of la, la, la's instead.
Meg smiled at her mother who was watching the singing pair fondly. "She's so happy," Meg murmured. Marie nodded and continued to watch them. Dominique joined in whenever she knew the words and Christine let her sing these parts in her pretty little voice.
"Spare a thought for me…" she sang and Christine kissed her head.
"Good girl, Dominique."
"Sing?"
"We'll do some singing later," Christine promised. Dominique went to see Monsieur Reyer again and sat on the piano stool next to him, pressing the keys with an intense air of concentration. Christine watched her with a soft smile as she rejoined Meg and Marie.
"She's a lovely girl," Meg said. Christine smile widened.
"Thank you. She's a good girl, but she has an artist's temperament. No doubt from her father's side."
Dominique's hat slipped down again and she grew tired of it, pulling it off and running to give it back to Christine. She stumbled and fell down as she ran and Meg gave a cry, going to help. But Christine put a hand on her arm.
"Just watch," she said as she smiled. Dominique picked herself up, made a noise of irritation at the interruption and continued, handing the hat to her mother before running off to talk with the chorus girls.
"Most of the time she's fine and will just get on with things," Christine said.
Meg laughed, "You're so different, Christine! So grown up. I can barely believe that you have a child."
"I know, it's so strange. But I don't think that I could manage without her. I just love her too much," Christine admitted, watching Dominique being fussed over by the dancers.
Madame Giry said, "Well, I suppose we had better find somewhere for Dominique to sleep. I assume you're staying the night."
"It's no trouble; we can find an inn or a hotel-"
"No, really, stay here. It's no trouble at all," Monsieur Reyer said, joining them.
Christine nodded. "Thank you. But we may be leaving in the morning anyway. It very much depends."
"On Erik?"
Christine nodded and looked over at Dominique, who was playing with the chorus girls. "I can't… Dominique is everything to me. I can't let her be hurt and it's not fair to drag her all over France like this. I would have left her with the maid but… I can't bear to let her out of my sight," she admitted.
Madame Giry touched her arm. "Don't make any decisions until you have seen him."
"I won't, Madame. But I won't let him hurt us again. I won't put her through that," Christine said resolvedly. Before anyone could reply Dominique came wandering back and tugged at her mother's skirts.
"Mama?"
"Yes, darling?"
"See man now?"
"Not yet. Soon," Christine said.
Dominique looked dissatisfied and said, "Want see man."
"What man does she mean?" Meg asked. Dominique put her hand up over the right side of her face.
"Man like this."
Christine bent and picked her up, holding her close. "Soon, Little One. But not yet." Dominique hugged her mother back and Christine closed her eyes, breathing in the smell of her daughter, mingled with the scent of the rose tucked into her hair.
It was quarter to ten. Christine made sure that Dominique was properly tucked into bed before straightening and glancing at herself in the mirror. This really was no time for vanity but still… she brushed her hair quickly and kissed Dominique's hot face. The girl rolled over and began to suck on her thumb. Christine smiled softly and went to the door, making sure to leave it a little open so light shone in. Dominique was frightened of the dark.
She walked silently to the stage and found the room deserted. Christine went onto the stage and paced it, her thoughts speeding through her brain and her heart beating painfully. She licked her dry lips and looked up at the time. It was now ten. She kicked her shoes off and paced the stage in her bare feet, occasionally dancing a step or two.
Softly she began to hum a song. She had no idea where she had learnt it, but it came back as if from some distant memory.
In sleep he sang to me
In dreams he came
That voice which calls to me
And speaks my name
She stopped and looked to the clock again. Ten past ten. Christine's eyes darted around the room. She had the feeling that she was being watched.
"And do I dream again?
For now I find…"
Something moved behind her but she didn't turn. She sang the last line clearly.
"The Phantom of the Opera is there
Inside my mind."
For a moment there was silence, and then she said, without turning, "You're late." Erik couldn't help smirking. Christine turned to him, her arms folded as though she were angry, but a smile crept across her lips. He bowed to her.
"My apologies. But if I remember correctly, you were often late to lessons."
"You remember incorrectly. There was only one occasion when I was ever late. And that was only because you had dropped the screen on Carlotta and I couldn't get out of my room because people kept coming to ask me about the performance."
"In which case, my memory must be failing me."
"That must be it."
He smirked at her and she couldn't help letting out a quiet laugh. She looked at him and asked quietly, "How are you, Erik?"
"Alive, which is generally preferable to the alternative."
"And you have once more become the Phantom of the Opera?"
"Not quite. I don't bother the inhabitants as I used to. I prefer to keep to myself." Christine eyed him and he commented, "You look well."
"I am well. I own some land, a house… well, of course, you already know about the house. Unless it was another man wearing a mask who gave my daughter a rose with a black ribbon."
Erik looked unconcerned. "You are angry with me?"
"I'm furious," she said calmly.
"And you came here to tell me to stay away from you and your child?"
"I did nothing of the kind. I came to ask why you didn't come and see me."
"You have made a good life for yourself. You are happy and you hardly need an interference."
"Well, I suppose that just proves that you know very little about me," Christine commented.
Erik sighed and asked, "What do you want from me, Christine?"
"I wish I knew. What do you want from me?" she replied.
Erik scratched his head and said, "I honestly don't know."
"Well… let's start at the beginning then."
"That seems logical."
They sat down, still some way apart, no chairs but taking seats on the floor of the stage. Christine looked over at him. "What happened to you, after the fire? Tell me everything."
So he did. How, as the house collapsed, he was thrown from the building into the trees nearby. How he was awake soon after and found no sign of Christine. How he had heard that a body had been found, but had not thought that it might have been the Viscount's. How he had taken refuge in the small house until he had seen the newspaper, saying that she was in Paris.
Christine listened without interrupting. When he finished she said, "I don't understand. Why didn't you want me to see you, the night of the gala? You didn't say why…"
"No one escapes from an incident like that without a sacrifice," Erik said quietly. He held up his right hand and removed the glove. As it slid off, Christine's eyes widened.
The metal hand flexed as Erik turned it over. Christine crossed the stage and pushed back the sleeve to see how it fitted onto his wrist, examining it in fascination. Erik felt his stomach clench at the nearness of her. Her hair tickled his skin, the scent of her washed over him. He felt a powerful desire and clenched his teeth tightly to stop himself reaching for her.
Christine ran her fingers over the cold metal, feeling how it fitted together. "You made this?"
"Yes."
"It's amazing…" she murmured. She looked at him. "How? Your hand, I mean…"
"I'll spare you the details. To put it simply, it was crushed and not worth saving. I had to take some extreme measures." Christine winced at the thought. And then she looked at him.
"This is why you didn't want to see me? Because you thought…" He nodded mutely and she closed her eyes. "My god, Erik… how could you possibly have thought that…"
"Why did you send back the ring?" Erik asked. Christine frowned.
"Because I thought you didn't want me anymore. I thought that was why you didn't come to the gala. Because you were… I don't know. Bored with me, maybe. I was so angry, Erik."
And then she started to laugh. Erik stared at her as if she were insane. She wiped her eyes and said, through uncontrollable giggles. "Look at us! We're both such idiots… if it hadn't been for our ridiculous pride and stupidity…" She started to laugh again and this time Erik smiled too. She wiped the tears away and took a deep breath.
Christine looked at him. They still sat on the stage, but closer now. "What did you think of Dominique?"
"She looks just like you."
"Your eyes. And your temper," she smirked.
Erik arched an eyebrow and said, "Is she musical?"
"Oh yes. She loves to play on the piano. She can't play many tunes yet, but she's learning. And she loves singing too."
"How old is she?"
"Two years and four months. It wasn't an easy birth. Nine hours…"
"You weren't alone?" he said, astonished. She shook her head.
"Oh no. Thomas, Emily and Rosa were there. Thomas Peron was the man I bought my house from. Emily is his wife and Rosa is my maid," she said, by way of explanation.
Erik didn't speak. Christine looked down at the stage. "I never stopped thinking of you, you know. Everyday I wondered where you were… if you were thinking of me…" she murmured.
Erik sighed, "Never a moment passed when I did not think of you. Of that I can assure you."
Neither of them moved. Erik felt that hunger, that desperate desire to reach for her and draw her into his arms and never let go. Christine felt very much the same. She glanced over at him and said quietly, "Dominique wanted to see you again. She has still got the rose."
"I shall bring her a fresh one," he said. Christine sighed and got to her feet, wandering the stage. Her hands ran through her hair as they did when she was anxious.
"Erik…" she said turning. But he was already on his feet, standing behind her. When she turned she found herself looking at his chest. He slid a finger under her chin and lifted her face so he could see her properly.
"There have been enough words, Christine."
His lips pressed softly to hers, his hands cupping her face. When he drew his face back from hers he saw her staring at him, her eyes shining with tears.
"Please Erik… don't do this, not if you're going to let me go again…"
"Never. I'll never let you go. Never," he murmured, lowering his mouth to hers again. An explosion of emotions ran through both of them and the soft kisses turned to desperate ones as they clung to each other. After a while, the need for air broke them apart. Christine stared up at him and he stroked her cheek.
"How is it possible to love you so much?" he wondered aloud.
"And to think… if we had just talked to each other… if we had just…" Christine mumbled. Erik covered her mouth with his again.
After a moment Christine pulled back and looked him in the eye. "Dominique and I are returning to our house tomorrow morning."
"So soon…?"
"We have to. We… I have duties at home," she explained weakly. He stared down at her and she took a deep breath. "What I want to know, Erik, is… will you come with us? With me?"
Erik considered her for a moment. He cupped her cheek gently. "Can we really go back to what we had? Can we be that happy again, after all that has happened?"
"We can try. I'll never stop trying," Christine said firmly.
Erik smiled slightly. "Then… I will try as well."
He kissed her again. But before the kiss could deepen, Christine gasped. Erik backed off quickly.
"What is the matter?" She couldn't help smiling embarrassedly, pointing to a seat in the front row. Erik followed her gaze and his eyes widened.
Dominique was sat casually on the seat, watching them, legs swinging off the edge of the chair. Christine cleared her throat. "Dominique… you should be in bed."
"Wanted to see Man," she said simply. Christine smiled at Erik, who looked a bit overwhelmed. Dominique climbed off the chair and clambered up onto the stage where she approached Erik and looked at him with large eyes.
"Hello Man."
"Hello Dominique."
"You kissed Mama."
Erik flushed slightly and Christine laughed. Dominique also seemed to find this reaction amusing and pressed on. "Kissed lots and lots and-"
"That's enough, Dominique," Christine gasped, putting a hand quickly over her daughter's mouth.
Dominique giggled and looked up at Erik. "Present?"
Erik smiled and knelt down to her eye level. He held out an empty hand and Dominique looked at it blankly. Erik made a twisting motion with his hand and a rose flicked up out of nowhere. Dominique giggled delightedly and picked it up, turning to show Christine. "Look Mama!"
"Say thank you."
"Thank you Man."
"Erik," he said and Dominique repeated it. Christine knelt, too, and took Dominique's hand.
"Little One, we're going to go home in the morning." Dominique looked rather sad and Christine stroked her hand. "Would you like Erik to come home with us? Would you like that?"
Dominique squealed, turned and threw her little arms around Erik's neck. He looked startled and awkwardly placed his arms around her. Christine smiled. This was going to take a while but she was sure he would be a good father eventually. And maybe… maybe a good husband. It might be a little soon to be thinking about that though.
"Come on, Dominique. Let's get you back to bed."
"Yes Mama," she said obediently. Christine looked up at Erik and he kissed her lightly.
"Tomorrow morning."
"Tomorrow…" she repeated. He turned and strode into the darkness. Christine looked after him, a smile playing about her lips. Dominique tugged her hand and broke her out of her trance.
"I'm coming, Little One," Christine said, leading her off the stage with a slight laugh.
A/N: There you go! No need to hurt me, because everything is good! Well, for now anyway. This isn't the end, there's a still a lot more to come. Promise! And I'm glad you like Dominique. She's actually based on a little girl a look after sometimes, called Dominique. She's the cutest kid in the whole world and I just love her! Lol
Please keep the reviews coming! The bad news is that I'm back at school now, and have less time to write. Chapters twelve and thirteen are finished and I'm working on fourteen at the moment. But I've got a load of coursework deadlines and it's all kinda hectic at the moment, so please forgive me for not updating straight away! But I've been reading lots of phanfics and there are some fantastic ones in my favourites list, so why not give those a read?