Chapter 8
Erik and Christine rode back to Miranda's school. It was near morning and the light was on. He helped her down and proceeded to tie up the horse. "No she said, let me talk to her alone."
"I won't let you go" he said grimly. "
"I know," she said, more tears shining in her eyes, " I love you." He bent to kiss her one last time then galloped off. Miranda had heard them outside, and witnessed the kiss. The door was open. Miranda was not there to confront her and this she was grateful for. Miranda shook her head sadly, then went to sleep. The next day they met in the kitchen, Miranda making coffee.
"I am sorry," Christine said, "I didn't meant to worry you last night. I found the letters. I thought you would know…" She had dropped the letters to the floor after reading them, sitting up, throwing on her cloak. She had simply walked out the door. "It's important you know that I went to him. I had to see him."
"Raoul will be home soon Christine, what will you do?"
"Erik is meeting me here later" she said. "And I am going to stay with him at the Opera house for awhile. We have this short period of time to decide what to do. I am in love with him, as much now, as I was then. Raoul will be able to do without me now," she said softly, "he will be able to walk again."
Miranda down at the table. "Christine," she said with a sigh, Raoul will not be addicted to the morphine any more and the salicylic acid will help him, but it will not curb his pain as the morphine did. Not even near. He will still be in pain, every day of his life. He only did this for you. Yes he will be able to walk, everyone says it is possible, but it will cause him that much more pain. He will need you. The doctors say although the worst effects of the withdrawals will be over before he is allowed to go home, he will need strong support for the next few months. He will need you Christine, you know he is not strong. He didn't want you to know all of this, but I am forced to tell you now. I also fear for Erik if you do decide to leave Raoul. What will you tell him? Will you flee? Once Raoul finds out why you have left he will set the authorities upon him again. You forget all that happened here before."
Christine sat with a sick feeling growing. She loved Raoul, would never hurt him intentionally. And Miranda was right nothing would ever persuade him to let her go with Erik, not any psychiatrists word, and certainly not hers. She would not leave Erik now though. If she had to keep their love a secret, she would. "Miranda, I will go with him tonight. I am asking much I know, but please give us these few weeks of happiness. Erik will take care of this situation, he will find a way, I trust him."
Miranda didn't know how to solve this current problem but decided to trust Erik also. He was a brilliant man, this she knew, and also knew of his deep love for Christine, that he had caged for so long, only to be unlocked by the girl herself. " I will inform you when I have word from Raoul's doctors," she said giving up.
Christine, reached across the table to squeeze her hand "Thank you." She then set off to greet the first students, "please go to bed Miranda she said, I will take care of the children today."
Erik came back that evening and she left with him after he assured Miranda she would be well taken care of. He found it hard to make eye contact with her, but knew she understood. She had loved once and lost. She understood the pain of it. In her heart she was deeply happy for them.
Back in the candle lit cavern he gave to Christine the ring she had given him once and they were married, in their hearts, until death do them part, spending their time imprisoned once again, but free in their souls. Their present happiness was coming to an end however and Erik was at a loss as to what to do. He would risk everything for Christine, but what kind of life could he make for her? He had some money still and was promised more by the chemists that were soon to be mass producing the new pain reliever but that would be in monthly installments. He had enough of his old music polished and ready to send, but knew he could be easily traced to his music, if any interest surfaced. He also knew very well Raoul's problems would not be over when he was released from the hospital. Christine's leaving could very well kill him. He decided to make yet another sacrifice and leave Paris for now. He would write to her he promised, through Miranda. He had to leave because he could not be here and stay away from her. Christine protested but knew this was for the best. He would return soon he said, and if there were any problems, he was to be notified immediately and would return for her. They would run if they had to.
Christine returned to her home, just before Raoul was released. He was brought to his bedroom, thin and exhausted but as he saw her he smiled. She felt tears well up in her again when she thought of his pain. " Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked.
"It would comfort me, if you could stay with me in this bed tonight he said with a question in his eyes."
Of course she said, and slipped in to the warmth that was her husband, wanting her again, needing her. She felt the twinge of betrayal, but knew Erik would accept this, he would not have let her go back if he had not understood her love for Raoul. He did make much progress in the next few months, regaining his strength. His doctor was thrilled with his iron resolve to walk again, and he worked with him, hours daily.
Christine had become a permanent fixture at Miranda's school, helping with the ballet lessons and tentatively starting to teach the girls some voice exercises. She lived for Erik's letters. He had decided go to England to see if his grandfather was still living. He thought he could provide him with some information about his father. He knew the possibility of his grandfather being alive was slim, but there were things he needed to know. He had to try.