sbkar: I've been lookin for an Erik plushy and I found one, but I don't have enough money to pay for it and shipping and handling lol. Victoria was miffed that he almost killed her, but she didn't show it lol.
elvinscarf: I plan on having Christine do something when she arrives, but I'm not going to reveal anything just yet. hehehe rubs hands together evilly
Diana-Lupin: Always an honor bows I hope you like this chapter, sorry it took so long lol.
eliska-grainne: Thank you! lol, I'm so happy that I get some good feedback and I'm glad you like my little phamily lol.
Chapter 8: Christine's Room
Victoria woke next morning to the sound of Erik's organ playing in the distance. She opened her eyes groggily and looked over at Emily. Seeing that her daughter was still sleeping soundly, she got up from the bed. Tucking the sheets around Emily, she walked out of the room.
As she stepped out of the doorway, the music got louder. She closed her eyes, pausing in her walk to listen to the music. The melody held both passion and sadness in it. She opened her eyes again and looked at Erik as he played. She noticed how he seemed engrossed in his music, not even hearing her. She walked to him and stood behind him, listening to his music.
Suddenly the music stopped and Erik froze. In the blink of an eye he turned, wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her down to sit on his lap. She let out a yelp of surprise, but giggled. "Erik! You scared me!" she cried out, her arms going about his neck. "Well, I'm sorry my dear, but it was not very nice to sneak up behind me like that," he said, placing a kiss on her cheek. She raised her eyebrow skeptically at him and said, "If you knew I was behind you, then I didn't really sneak up on you, did I?" She laughed softly as Erik grinned, "Good point."
He stood and picked her up bridal style, carrying her into the kitchen. Setting her down, he uncovered a plate that held breakfast for her. "Oh Erik, this looks wonderful," she said as she looked over the food. He said nothing but smiled and pulled out a chair for her. She sat down and he pushed the chair in. She picked up her utensils and started eating. Closing her eyes, she savored the taste of the eggs in her mouth. "Mmm…You've really outdone yourself Erik. This is absolutely delicious," she said as she opened her eyes once again and smiled at him.
She continued to eat her breakfast with Erik sitting opposite of her, watching. She had asked him why he did not eat and he only answered that he had eaten before. When she had finished her meal, she helped Erik clean up. "Erik, what time is it?" she asked, handing him one of the dishes to dry. Erik checked the grandfather clock he had and turned to her, grabbing the plate, "It's about 10:30 my dear, why?" She looked up quickly, "Ten-thirty! Oh no! I'm late. I have rehearsal, and it started half an hour ago. Not to mention I need to change Emily and feed her. Oh Madame Giry is going to be furious!" She drained the sink and started rushing around to clean the table. She was wiping it down when Erik's hand covered hers, "Do not worry. I'll explain to Madame Giry where you were so you don't need to rush. I'll tell her now if it pleases you. Stay here so you don't get lost." He kissed her forehead and grabbed his cloak, leaving her in the kitchen. "Thank you!" She called out to him with a smile.
Victoria sighed as she walked back into 'her' room, as she liked to think of it. She walked over to Emily, who was still sleeping and picked her up, bouncing her lightly. "Emily, honey, time to wake up," she said softly, tickling her stomach. Emily let out a small laugh in her sleep and snuggled into Victoria's arm. Victoria rolled her eyes and laughed, "She could sleep through anything this one. Maybe a bath would wake her up." She walked into the bathroom and turned on the faucet, putting the stopper in the sink. She pulled off Emily's small nightgown as well as her diaper and checked the temperature of the water in the sink. When it got high enough and warm enough, she gently placed Emily into it, who still didn't wake.
She started to clean her, using a small cloth that hung from the side of the porcelain sink. Smiling to herself, Victoria noticed that Emily once again stirred in her sleep and started to wake. She picked up a small basin and scooped up some of the water in the sink, pouring it over her daughter's hair. Now Emily was fully awake and she started playing with the water, splashing it. Victoria laughed and jumped back when water was sent flying her way. "Emily! No splashing, little one. We need to get you clean," she said to her daughter in a firm yet gentle tone as she scrubbed her face clean.
Emily seemed to understand what her mom wanted and stopped splashing for a bit. Victoria smiled in relief and finished bathing her daughter. When she was finished she picked up Emily and grabbed a towel, putting it over her head. Emily squealed with laughter and pulled at the towel, trying to free herself from it. Victoria laughed and drained the sink, taking the damp cloth that she used on Emily and wiping up whatever mess was made. She then took the towel off Emily's head and dried her hair. Emily laughed and grabbed at the towel. Victoria smiled at her and draped the towel around her small body, drying the rest of her. "Ok, angel, you're all clean. Now all we have to do is wait for daddy to come back, and if we're lucky, he'll bring you some clothes and a clean diaper," she said to the infant who smiled brightly at the word 'Daddy'.
Victoria walked into the room, carrying Emily with one arm. Hmm…I never did take a good look at his home, maybe I can do that while we wait, she thought with a smile. She brought Emily with her as she explored. Upon finding a door that seemed to be hidden in shadow, she found a ornately decorated bedroom. "Wow…" she whispered, staring around in awe. She noticed that the bed was made of mahogany wood and carved with intricate designs into the headboard. There was a small fireplace in the room and the dresser matched the bed with its designs. However, the picture over the fireplace stopped her in her tracks. The picture was of a woman with dark curly hair, and brown eyes. "I wonder who that is…" she mused, walking closer to it. Emily didn't seem to take notice of the picture; she was staring at the doorway, where Erik stood quietly.
"That is Christine…" Erik said walking into the room, "This was her room when she stayed here those many years ago." Victoria gasped in surprise and turned around, blushing furiously. "Erik, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. I just wanted to explore your home while you were away. I've never seen it fully – " Erik stopped her short with a wave of his hand, "It's alright. I understand, but you need to be careful with that curiosity of your, mon chat (cat). You wouldn't want that to get the better of you someday." He gave her a small smirk and walked over to the fireplace, running his gloved hand along the mantelpiece.
Victoria shifted uncomfortably on her feet while Emily reached out for Erik. Erik, hearing Emily's soft cries, turned to her and picked her up into his arms. "So…This is Christine?" She said, her eyes roaming over the painting of the diva, "Who painted this? It's very well done." Erik glanced up at the picture again, "I did…" Victoria's eyes shifted from the painting to him. Erik sighed and looked at her. "You must have felt very strongly about her," she said, her eyes now downcast. I can't compete with that…She thought to herself in defeat. Erik only nodded in affirmation as Emily tugged at his jacket.
The small child noticed the tension between the pair and decided to break it. She let out a cry, hoping that she could get her parents to pay attention to her. Victoria smiled softy at her daughter and took her from Erik's arms, rocking her, "What's the matter, Emily? Are you hungry? Are you cold? Oh, Erik, you didn't by chance stop in my dressing room did you?" Erik silently thanked whatever gods caused Emily to cry that moment; he was quite uncomfortable talking about Christine to Victoria. He nodded and brought Victoria and Emily out of Christine's room, making sure to close the door behind them, and back into their room where they found clean clothes for both of them on the bed.
"Thank you so much, Erik," Victoria said, placing a soft kiss on his cheek before she walked over to bed. Erik grinned and left the room for them to change. Victoria looked over the clothes he got them and she saw that they weren't their clothes. She picked up Emily's dress and saw that it was a beautiful red dress with gold embroidery along the puffy sleeves, neckline, and waist. Looking over at her own dress, she saw that it was a beautiful light blue color. And beside it lay a white, lace corset. "Wow…" she whispered, running her fingers over the material of her dress.
Smiling to herself, she laid Emily on the bed and tickled her stomach. Quickly digging under the clothes, she found a clean diaper for Emily and put it on her, which much difficulty from baby's moving. She sat down on the bed beside her daughter, who was busy rolling around on the satin sheets, and picked up the small red dress. "Come here Emily. Stop moving around so much, you'll fall out of the bed sooner or later," she said as Emily crawled over to her. Victoria smiled and sat Emily down in her lap as she proceeded to put the dress on her. "There we go. You look so pretty, sweetie. Now sit tight while Mummy gets dressed," she placed Emily back down on the bed, leaning her up against the pillows.
Victoria walked over to the door and peaked her head out to see Erik sitting at his organ, writing rapidly. She raised her eyebrow before she shrugged and closed the door. She walked back over to the bed and picked up the corset, "I'll never get this thing on by myself…I'll need Erik's help." She pulled off her nightgown and slipped the corset over her head. She always hated wearing corsets; she could never breathe right in them. Sitting down at the foot of the bed, she pulled on the stockings that were beside her dress and looked over at Emily. The small girl was staring at her with an amused smile on her face. "What is that look for, young lady? You're going to be wearing these too someday," she said which caused Emily to laugh and lift up her skirt, hiding behind it. Victoria laughed softly and pulled the skirt down, "There now, let's try to act like ladies. You wouldn't want your father to see you like that now would you?" Speaking of Erik…"Erik! Can you come in here please?" She called out to him.
She waited a few minutes before hearing a knock on her door. Getting up, she crossed the room to the door and opened it, taking note of the surprise on Erik's face. "Um…Did you need something?" He asked nervously. Victoria smiled innocently at him and took his hand, bringing him into the room and closing the door. Erik looked around hesitantly and saw Emily on the bed smiling at him. He turned around to look at Victoria smiling at him as well. "I needed your help with something," Victoria said walking over to him. He gulped and nodded, "What did you need help with." She smiled mischievously and turned her back to him, "Can you help me with my corset?"
She heard Erik chuckle before he said, "Alright, hold onto the bed post." Doing as she was told, she smiled at Emily, which caused her to laugh and hide beneath her dress again. Erik stood behind her, working the strings of the corset with his fingers, tightening them enough for her to breathe, and for her figure to still be enhanced.
He tied the last string and ran his fingers over the back of the corset up to her neck. Her eyes closed in pleasure as she shuddered. Those fingers touched her with such lightness as if he were scared she would disappear if he held her. Running his hands over her bare shoulders, his hands traveled down her arms to her hands. He took her hands in his and wrapped both their arms about her waist. She leaned back against his chest, her eyes still closed, her mouth open slightly. Erik closed his eyes, remembering the embrace with Christine and he began to sing quietly, "Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime…Lead me, save me from my solitude…Say you'll want me with you here beside you…Anywhere you go let me go too! Christine, that's all I ask of you…"
At the name Christine, Victoria's eyes opened quickly and she pulled away from him. How could he…she thought to herself, shaking her head with despair. Tears filled her eyes as she turned to him. Erik stood there in astonishment at what he said. "Victoria…" He whispered, his eyes filled with regret. "Leave Erik…Get out, please," she murmured, falling to her knees beside the bed and burying her face in her hands. Erik sighed and nodded his head, leaving the room.
Emily heard her mother and lowered her dress. Seeing her mother in distress, she crawled over to her and put her small hand over her larger one. Victoria looked up at her daughter and scooped her up in her arms, crying into her hair. Emily laid her head on her mom's chest, hoping she could comfort her in some way.
Her sobs filled his ears with every step he took. "How could I make such a mistake? She's not her!" He shouted to himself, seizing candelabra and throwing it to the ground in anger. Pulling out a framed photo of Christine from his cloak, he gazed down at her face. Why must you return now? He traced the contour of her face with one of his gloved fingers. He sat down on his organ bench in defeat, staring at the picture in his hands. What have I done…?
After a while, Victoria's tears reduced to sniffles. Emily looked up at her and tugged at one of her fingers. She gave Emily a watery smile and kissed her forehead. "Thank you, my darling. Your comfort helped," she whispered, setting Emily back down on the bed. Picking up the dress, she slipped it on and began to gather her things, not pausing to look at herself in the mirror. "Come, Emily. We must leave without Erik knowing. Perhaps…" she paused to look at the door with longing, "Perhaps we can find you a father that will love me as well as you." Taking the infant in one of her arms, her things in the other, she crept over to the door and peered out to see Erik sitting at his organ bent over. Goodbye Erik, she thought sadly, as she left the room as quietly as she could.
Pressing a finger to her lips, she urged Emily to be quiet until they passed the haven of Erik's home. They trailed along in the darkness for what seemed like eternity. The entire time, Victoria seemed to be lost in thought. I was so sure that he loved me…Perhaps I'm just the fool in love. He still loves Christine. She sighed as she felt her way along the dank walks with her hand.
Consumed in her thoughts, she didn't hear Emily's whimper of fear. Walking rather briskly, she ran headlong into a jagged rock that hung from the ceiling. The collision knocked her back to her senses and she dropped her things (but still held Emily) where she stood to reach a hand to her head. She felt a warm substance trickling down her forehead. "What's…this…?" She whispered to herself, lifting her hand to her mouth to taste it, and found the bitter taste of blood on her tongue. "Emily…" was all she could say before her eyes rolled back into her head and she fell to the ground unconscious.
Emily cried out for her mother and from the force of the hit. She crawled on to her mother's chest and started crying loudly. She grabbed at her mom's hair, pulling it, hoping to wake her up. "Mama! Mama! Dada!"
Erik looked up from his position on Victoria's bed. He had known she would leave, and now he sat there, grieving over his mistake. Suddenly he heard Emily's cries. Something happened, he grabbed his lasso, hooking it onto his belt and started out of the lair.
Moments later, he found Emily lying on top of Victoria, who was strewn on the floor. "Victoria…Emily," he quickly walked over to the two and picked up Emily. She screamed at first, not knowing who he was, but his warmth reassured her that it was him. "Shhh Emily, I'm here. Nothing will harm you," he whispered to her, rubbing her back to stop her cries. He looked over Victoria's still body quickly and saw that she only got a bump on the head. "Thank goodness…I don't know what I'd do if you left me," his hand ran down her cold cheek.
"Emily, sweetheart, I'm going to put you down for one minute. When I have your mother securely in my arm, I'll pick you up again," Erik said to Emily, who smiled at him in the darkness. He piled the clothes that Victoria had dropped and placed Emily on top of them. "Forgive me, hopefully you won't wake until I get you cleaned up," he said to her still form and picked her up, placing her over his shoulder. Holding onto her legs, he bent over and picked up Emily. "Now let's go fix up your mom," he said in a soft voice to Emily. She let out a small laugh and held onto his jacket as he led them back to his lair.
Alright guys, there you go. So what did you think? Did you like it? I'm sorry I made you guys wait so long. I got loaded with work. Spring break is only a week away so if I don't have the next chapter up for you guys by this coming week, it'll be the week after.
Happy reading till then!