Chapter 7: You Were Once…
"Erik this was such a terrible idea," Christine wept. She clung tightly to his lapels and soaked his coat.
Now back in the dungeon he use to call his home, they stood locked in embrace. He'd led her down and she followed. When Clarissa had found Christine she took her to where Erik was waiting in the wings.
"My love, you should not worry yourself so much. You're upsetting Clarissa."
It was true, Clarissa was on the floor playing with her doll, but watching them both with her mouth agape. Christine wiped her tears and nodded.
"I'm sorry. I just…I saw Raoul and he-"
"What? He what?" Erik grasped her upper arm in a tight grip. His face had gone fierce under the mask.
"He was just visiting when I found him in the dressing room." She cringed. Erik's moods were volatile at times.
"What did he say?" He released his grip but still led her to the organ bench, where they both sat. The bench had been repaired and his music was once again spread all over it. Clarissa followed them over with her dolly. Christine gathered her in her lap and tucked her head under her chin.
"He didn't say much. He asked me why. He looked so sad." She glanced down at Clarissa. "But when he saw Clarissa…" She shook her head.
"Poor Raoul."
"You made your choice. He should have gone on living."
"Would you have?" She peeled off his mask. Clarissa grabbed it and began playing with it, putting it on her dolly and on her face. She giggled and entertained herself, seeing as the adults were so boring right now.
Erik lowered his head. "Perhaps not."
"And the rehearsals today! Oh, Erik, I don't think it's best. Although Madame Giry could do wonders for Clarissa…I don't want to cause trouble. They all remember my reputation."
"And they should've remembered Carlotta's!"
"Well she's gone now."
"Yes, she is gone now." Erik's arm came around her. "I didn't even need to scare her off."
He stood up and put his hands on his hips. Erik surveyed his underground kingdom in satisfaction.
"We should begin."
Clarissa was taken back into the bedroom to sleep.
"From the top, Christine? Are you ready?"
"As ever."
Yes, Yes, a short chapter. I just had to update. The next one will be better, it will be Hannibal…but what problems can happen when Carlotta returns unhappy? Or tries to discover Christine's husband? Expect updates this week. R&R.
