Chapter 8: Sharing in My Triumph
The day started with a note. It read:
Dear Madame Daee,
I would like to ask that you come to the final rehearsals for Hannibal today, so that we might finalize your comeback to the Opera Populaire. I would greatly appreciate it, if you would sing the title role of Clarissa when we open this evening.
Yours,
Monsieur Firmin.
With trembling hands, Christine folded the note back up and put it back into Erik's hands. She looked up at him sadly and shook her head. She was speechless. Erik put a hand on her back.
"Isn't this what you wanted?"
"Yes but…not this way. You said that Carlotta was snooping around yesterday and you know she'll try to do something!"
"She won't go against the Phantom and win." Erik shook his head and his hand hardened against her back. She shied away.
"No, Erik. No matter what-" She put her hands on his face and pushed his gaze towards her. "No matter what, do not do that! I can't live with it if you do that again."
"But if she threatens us, or Clarissa-"
"Then I go to the gendarme. Erik, promise me!"
"What if she tries to hurt us and it's self-defense?"
She took off his mask slowly. She stroked his cheek and kissed him long and hard. His eyes went slightly hazy. Then his eyes cleared and he shook his head.
"Fine. But don't think your little trick works on me. I can do the same to you if I'd like."
"Oh yeah? Well, we'll see tonight won't we?"
He tickled her mercilessly before Clarissa came over demanding attention as well. Erik had to tickle her as well, didn't he? He continued his tickle tirade on both of his women until the fun had worn off and they all laid back on the bed in exhaustion.
Clarissa curled up into a little ball and sighed. Christine stroked her hair back off her now sleeping face. Erik picked her up and set her at the top of the bed by the pillows. He pulled the blanket up around her.
"She's been very engaged and excited lately. I'm glad she's napping," Christine remarked.
"Yes, and while she is, we can go practice!"
"Oh, Erik, please. We've practiced for years. I'd rather do something else," she said as she raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, yes? Well mon ange, I can arrange that."
She jumped up. "Catch me first, monsieur le phantom!" She ran out to the other spare Louis Phillipe room as he followed.
