Demons of the Past
Ch. 12: Foolish Fop
Author's note: Thanks again for all the reviewers! I am glad that you all seem to like the direction I am taken the story. I liked this chapter a lot; and I can't wait to write about Erik's opera…I actually wrote out a storyline for it, and I have a song (curtsey of my bro Alan again) This is a bit of a transition; and I have to say that I get to put Raoul in his place this chapter. (Did I say 'I get to'? I meant 'Erik gets to' LOL) Hope you guys enjoy, and please remember to hit the review button. Love and Hugs!
Disclaimer: If I owned the Phantom of the Opera, then in the movie version I would not have let the FOP win the swordfight…I mean, come on! It was unbelievable! LOL
And now, on with the story…
Stefan stood patiently in the Manager's Box. He glanced at his pocket watch, then glanced at the anxious man sitting in one of the red velvet chairs. Stefan sighed as the young Vicomte ran his fingers untidily through his hair; then, seemingly realizing that he was ruffling his hair, he removed his fingers and tried diligently to rearrange his locks. It was a losing battle; the damage had been done. Raoul jumped from his seat and began to pace the inside of the box.
"Where is she, Stefan? She said that she would meet us for the dress rehearsal…she is never late! Something must be wrong…I have a bad feeling about this."
"Vicomte, please, calm yourself…Madam Massenet is just under a half an hour late. Perhaps she had difficulties that we do not know of…a woman in Madam Massenet's condition I'm sure can be forgiven for lateness; don't you agree, Vicomte?"
Still storming around the box, Raoul scowled. "That's not the point! Christine's tardiness obviously means that something is wrong! I can't just sit around and wait to find out!"
Stefan put a restraining hand on the Vicomte's arm. "Monsieur, allow me to send one of the servants to check on Madam Massenet; they can report to us if they find anything amiss."
"Servants! Servants cannot be trusted with the safety of Christine! No, I will go myself, Stefan. I shall return shortly."
The Vicomte glided out of the box. Stefan sighed exasperatedly, and called out after him:
"Don't do anything too rash, Vicomte!"
The feeling of pure comfort aroused Erik from the deep, dreamless sleep he found himself enjoying. He stretched his sore muscles catlike, and glanced down at the vision of beauty lying beside him. Christine's chest rose and fell with each breath, and even in sleep her hands rested protectively on the bulge of her stomach. The last thing Erik wanted to do was wake her, but Christine stirred at Erik's gentle caress of her body. She turned and face inward toward Erik.
"Hi there," she said sleepily, batting her eyes to remove the sleep. Erik reached out and tenderly moved a stray curl from her face.
"You're a beautiful sight, my Angel…a beautiful sight indeed."
Christine smiled, and snuggled closer to her husband. "I think I could stay like this all day. Can't we?" Erik loved the feel of Christine against his body; he enjoyed how Christine fit him perfectly. Every curve, every inch of her body just melted into Erik's. They were made for each other; that was plain enough to see. Erik held Christine tightly, feeling the curve of her stomach resting directly against his skin. He could still feel the tiny movements within her…
"Christine, do you think we will have girls or boys?"
Christine spoke, the sound slightly muffled against Erik's chest. "Or one of each, love? I don't know…I haven't even thought of names!"
Erik chuckled deeply; Christine felt the rumbling vibrate her body. "We have time for that; let's just worry about getting the twins here and keeping you safe."
A sigh escaped Christine. She was absolutely content in every way. Christine glanced at Erik, and found his eyes held a far-away look.
"What's wrong, Angel?"
Erik just shook his head. "I found my mother, Christine."
Christine rose slightly in the bed, propping herself up with her elbows. "How did it go?"
"I don't know, Christine. For one moment, I didn't know what to think. When I saw her, for the first time in so long, I just wanted to fall to my knees and beg her to tell me that she still loved me as a son. She was so cruel…and I wanted nothing more than to kill her where she stood before me! I could have done it, Christine! It would have been so easy…but she had a family! She had a daughter, and a son…and she treated them horribly! And nothing was wrong with them; they have no deformities or flaws. There should have been no reason for her to act the way she did…I don't understand, Christine. I thought that I would understand everything, but all I did was bring more trouble with me."
Erik leaned close to Christine, hugging her against the chill he felt in his heart. "I brought my brother and sister with me to Paris, Christine. I couldn't leave them…Anita's husband had horrible plans for my sister; unthinkable acts! I had to take them; I couldn't leave them to suffer like I did…they are innocent! I didn't want them to lose their innocence."
Christine was silent for a time, playing with Erik's hair. "My Angel, you did the right thing…it's wonderful that you have found a family! This is the type of past that you need, Erik…not a horrible, distorted past, but a family!"
Erik twisted in the bed. "There's more, Christine…I killed two men while in Calais."
Christine drew a sharp breath, and drew away from Erik. "What! How could you, Erik! You wallowed in blood once again, when you were suppose to be finding your true self! Does that mean that you are nothing but a murderer?"
Erik bowed his head at Christine's words. "There was a girl in an alley way; two men were trying to…deflower her. I stepped in on the girl's behalf, and the two men attacked me. I was defending myself, I swear it! But most of all, I was defending the girl; she was so powerless; so helpless…"
Tears fell from Erik's face. "The girl…turned out to be my sister! It haunts me to think that if I hadn't intervened, if I hadn't helped her, then she would have died, or had her innocence ripped from her; if that had happened, I never would have met her! In a split moment, my life would have changed, and I never would have known it! What if I hadn't shown her compassion? I argued with myself before I even interrupted the men. I…almost didn't help her. I…"
The words stopped as Christine kissed him softly. She kissed away the tears, and took his hands in her own.
"Erik…you are the most honorable man I have known…it just took you some time to believe it yourself. There is truth in you that can't be ignored; you just pushed that part of you aside. You traveled a long way to find yourself, and not only do you return victorious, but you come with your only family! I love you, Erik, and I have never been prouder."
They laid a moment longer, basking in the warmth that was generated between their two bodies…and maybe a little from the two little ones growing within Christine. Their moment was interrupted by a loud knocking on the door.
Erik lifted his head. "What is it now?"
"Christine! Christine, are you in there?"
Christine eyes widened. "That's Raoul…"
Erik growled. "Ignore the fop. He'll go away."
Suddenly, the door burst opened, and the Vicomte stood before them, red faced and breathing hard. Erik stared in shock for a moment, then leaned to the side of the bed to retrieve his mask. The action was automatic, and as he felt the cool feel of the mask upon his face, he let the rage flow through his body. Erik got out of bed as Christine pulled the covers up to her chin. Raoul just stood there, staring. Erik reached him in a second, and grabbed him by the scruff of his neck. He threw Raoul bodily from the room, causing him to crash into the opposite wall out in the hallway. Raoul remained on the floor, as Erik came into the hall, crossing his arms over his bare chest.
"What the Hell are you doing! Do you have a death wish, Vicomte, because your actions speak that you do!"
Raoul regarded Erik calmly, even though his body was throbbing. Erik was leaning against the opposite wall, the light reflecting off the numerous scars on his back and chest.
"Ah…Erik…nice to see you again."
Erik grabbed Raoul and forced him to his feet roughly. "You have a lot of nerve, barging in on my wife like that…has that been a regular occurrence in my absence, Vicomte? And to think, I thought you were honorable."
Raoul batted Erik's hands away. He was rewarded with a sharp punch to the stomach.
"You'll not want to touch me again, Vicomte…next time, it will be your handsome face. Now, if you would be kind enough to answer my questions?"
Raoul growled, low in his throat. He found the words would not come; his throat was constricted from lack of oxygen. Raoul caught his breath from the blow to his stomach, then continued: "How dare you question my honor, you monster! I was worried about Christine…she is never late for an appointment, and she was supposed to meet Stefan and me to watch the first dress rehearsal of your damn opera!"
To Raoul's surprise, Erik smiled. "Excellent! Return to Stefan and inform him that Christine and I will be joining him shortly."
Raoul sputtered a bit. "I am not your bloody servant!"
Erik leaned in, his tone deadly. "Oh yes you are, fop. Understand this: if you do not remember your place and keep away from my wife, then so help me, not even Christine will be able to protect you from me…"
Raoul sneered. "You do not frighten me, Phantom." He spat the word at Erik.
Erik smiled. "Only foolish ones would say such a thing to me, Vicomte. For your sake, I hope that you are not foolish in the least bit…for foolish fops often find a noose around their necks…"
With that, Erik gracefully returned to his room and shut the door. Raoul heard the click of the lock. He sighed, and rubbed his various bruises gingerly. If they had locked the door in the first place, I wouldn't have barged in…Raoul shook his head. I have to stop acting this way…Christine is a married woman, and now that the Phantom has returned…it is time to move on, Raoul…time to find someone new. Raoul smiled as the thought of finding his own soul-mate crossed his mind. For the first time in months, Raoul felt hope. All it took was for it to be scared into him. He would never admit that he was intimidated by Erik; but in all honesty, who could not feel intimated around a man who could pick you up and throw you? He turned from the locked door, and headed to tell Stefan to wait a little longer.
Elisabethawakened in a strange room, lying on a strange bed, and wearing clothing that was certainly not her own. Frowning a little at her surroundings, she finally remembered where she was. She was in Paris! Elisabeth jumped from the bed and glanced around the room. Her things had been placed in the corner of the room, along with Brian's small pack. Elisabeth glanced back in the bed and was relieved to see her youngest brother sound asleep. She stroked his hair a bit, and Brian woke.
"Sissy, I'm hungry…"
Elisabeth laughed. "I am too, little bee…let's get you dressed, all right?" Elisabeth went to Brian's pack and dressed him carefully in a clean shirt and pants. Once Brian was taken care of, Elisabeth stepped behind the screen in the room and changed into a work dress. It was a bit dirty and wrinkled from their journey, but Elisabeth hoped that she would soon have a chance to properly clean her clothes. Until then, she would just have to make do. She came around the screen, and yelped in surprise.
"Brian! Where did you find that!" Brian grinned at her from the floor, covered head to toe in some kind of white powder. At the look of anger on Elisabeth's face, the grinned slid off to be replaced with large, glassy eyes.
"It was in the drawer…are you mad?" Brian's lower lip started to tremble, and Elisabeth blew out a sigh.
"No, Brian, but now your clothes are ruined…we will have to change you." At that most inconvenient moment, there was a knock on the door.
"Elisabeth? Are you there?" It was Erik. Elisabeth fumbled a moment with Brian, who seemed to enjoy batting Elisabeth's hands away as she attempted to take off his soiled shirt. Finally giving up, Elisabeth opened the door with a fuming face.
"Yes, I am here! Please, come in, won't you? And do be careful of the art project in the middle of the floor…Brian decided to explore a little with women's makeup."
Brian made a face. "Girl stuff? Get it off me!"
Erik just stood in the doorway, an amused expression on his features.
"Seems as if you have your hands full, Elisabeth…Christine, this is Elisabeth and Brian…everyone, this is my wife, Christine."
Elisabeth blushed a deep red as Erik moved a bit to allow his wife a view into the room. Elisabeth started to curtsey, but Christine came forward quickly.
"None of that, now. We are family!" She enveloped Elisabeth in a warm hug that Elisabeth returned gratefully. Christine held her at arms length.
"My dear, I can certainly see the family resemblance…You are very beautiful, Elisabeth. From what Erik has told me, you can sing as well. I look forward to spending time together."
Elisabeth nodded happily. "I did notice that Erik and I look alike…but no one has ever called me beautiful before. Erik told me that you like to sing too. Maybe we will find that we have much in common."
As Erik entered the room, he moved directly to Christine, and wrapped his arms around her. Christine smiled and whispered something to him. At Erik's roguish grin, Elisabeth laughed. She had only known Christine for a moment, and already she could tell that she was going to like her. Elisabeth noticed the immediate change in her brother once Christine was present. His melancholy, guarded personality was replaced with a disposition that was happy and carefree. What a change, Elisabeth thought. How can a person have that much effect on another? Elisabeth watched Christine and Erik moved together toward Brian; Erik's hands never left Christine's side, and Christine had adoration in every feature of her face. They were truly in love; and if Christine could make her brother as happy as he was, then Elisabeth knew that she would grow to love Christine as well. Erik finally moved away from Christine to come toward Elisabeth.
"Did you sleep well, Elisabeth? I hope that you were comfortable." Erik spoke softly as Christine began to talk to Brian. She asked him if he wanted to play a game, and Brian nodded enthusiastically. Christine played peek-a-boo that somehow ended with his shirt coming over his head. Elisabeth realized, with a smile, that Christine was trying to change Brian's clothes; obviously she had heard Elisabeth's previous frustrations with her younger brother. Elisabeth turned her attention back to Erik, who was also watching his wife interact with the child with a pleased expression on his face.
"Oh, it was the best I have had in years! And I simply adore Madam Giry…she told me all about chorus and dancing. I think that I want to try out for the chorus, Erik, what do you think?"
"I think it would be simply wonderful for you, my dear. You have a talent; more so than many of the others already in employment. If you like, I will give you a tour of the Opera House later; you can see the ballet and chorus dormitories and practice rooms…I think that you will enjoy this place, Elisabeth. You will come to no harm here."
Elisabeth looked at her feet intently. "Will you still consider giving me lessons? I still feel as if I need to be perfect if I want to sing in front of an audience…"
Erik smiled slightly. "Of course. I could never back out on my word. We can arrange practices as soon as you like."
Elisabeth looked at Brian, who now had on a new set of clothes. She stared at Christine in shock.
"How in the world did you do that?" Christine laughed, a clear laugh that echoed through the room.
"Brian and I came to an understanding, didn't we?" Brian grinned toothily.
"I get special candy!"
Elisabeth and Erik burst into laughter. The moment was very nice; the new family was together for the first time. The feeling in the air was one of comfort and belonging; for the first time, Elisabeth felt that she was truly wanted. She glanced at Christine, her wide eyes sparkling from laughter. Christine noticed her look and leaned forward to squeeze her hand. Elisabeth was touched, to say the least. Erik sobered first, of course; he composed himself before turning his attention back to Elisabeth.
"How would you like to see the dress rehearsal for my opera? Tomorrow is gala night…but I can understand if you are too tired…" Erik's voice trailed off at the joy evident on Elisabeth's face.
"Do I want to come! Of course! Can we go now?"
Christine grinned at the girl's enthusiasm. "Well, there's your answer, Erik. Let's go and enjoy your opera."
A little while later, Erik led the group to the Manager's Box. At Erik's entry, Stefan rose from his seat, grinning broadly.
"Erik! I am so glad that you made it back! How have you been, my friend?"
Erik extended his hand to Stefan. "I am fine, Stefan. I must apologize for my extended absence…my attentions were needed elsewhere. I had…family difficulties."
Stefan smiled ruefully. "Don't we all find ourselves with that problem at some point?" He regarded Christine. "I am glad that you are well, Madam. I must confess I was a bit concerned by your tardiness earlier this morning, but I daresay the Vicomte was more so!" Christine looked into the box.
"Where is Raoul, Stefan?"
"He stepped out for a moment…I expect him back very shortly. Erik, I see that we have a few new additions; who might they be?"
Erik motioned Elisabeth forward. "This is my sister, Elisabeth Massenet; and my younger brother, Brian. They will be staying with Christine and I indefinitely. Elisabeth, Brian, this is the manager of the Opera Populaire: Stefan Javere."
Stefan looked at Erik with sympathy. "Ah…may I offer my condolences, then? A death in the family can be hard…"
Erik looked a bit puzzled, but Christine picked up immediately. "Yes, Stefan, it was sad for Erik's mother to pass on; it is why we offered to take his siblings in."
Stefan nodded and motioned for them to seat themselves. "I will be right back. I must check on the Vicomte; see what it is that's keeping him." Stefan exited the room.
Erik leaned in to Christine, and whispered for her ears only: "Are you sure that lie was wise, my dear?"
"Oh, and I suppose telling him that your sister and brother ran away with you is better, love?" Christine hissed a response back. Elisabeth, seated directly behind Erik on the left side, added her two cents; apparently Erik had not been as quiet as he had originally thought. "I agree with Christine. No one should know the entire circumstances of our coming to live here…by the way, Erik, I like the last name…"
Erik scowled and shushed her with a look. Brian toddled forward wanting to sit in Elisabeth's lap. Elisabeth fussed with him for a moment, then allowed it. The box now was certainly full. The small box held just six seats; Erik, and Christine occupied the first row of seats,and Elisabeth sat in the second row, with Brian curled comfortably in her lap. Elisabeth was curious to see who Christine had referred to earlier; when would he join them? Christine seemed to know him well. With perfect timing for a young girl's curiosity, the Vicomte made his appearance, along with Stefan.
"Hello, all. Sorry for my lateness." Raoul came in and took the seat on the same row as Elisabeth, but furthest from her. She sighed in disappointment. So much for getting to know people, she thought.
"That's quite all right, Vicomte…we were certainly enjoying your absence." Elisabeth was slightly in shock at the tone of voice her brother used; it bristled with barely veiled dislike. Elisabeth would go so far as to say that her brother loathed this man sitting beside her…
"Well…I must tell you then how much I enjoyed your absence; are you planning on leaving again? One can only hope. I expected nothing less, really. You leave Paris when the Opera House could have used your help in trying to perform your opera; and more importantly, your wife is pregnant. Or did you notice, Monsieur?"
Erik said nothing. Elisabeth, on the other hand, grew pink. She could not silence her biting tongue. "How dare you say such things to my brother! I don't know who you think you ar-" Erik silenced her with a quick clasp of her arm. The Vicomte turned slightly in his chair and regarded Elisabeth for the first time. The acknowledgement was cold; Elisabeth felt the hatred burning in the Vicomte's eyes. Whatever in the world have I done!
"I think, Mademoiselle, that I am the Vicomte de Chagny, and if I want to speak to Monsieur Massenet I will do so any way I choose. You have a sharp tongue to be one so young…"
Elisabeth went red with rage, and she started to retort when Erik interrupted.
"You forget yourself, Vicomte…what a foolish thing to do, rising to the bait of my sister. Your anger is misdirected, and that is perhaps the most foolish thing of all. You don't want to do anything foolish now do you, dear Vicomte." Erik's voice was cold and low, and Raoul understood the veiled threat within his words; it was the same threat from their discussion in the hallway.
Raoul lowered his head; he did feel ashamed that he had taken his anger out on an innocent victim. He hadn't been present when introductions where made, so he did not know the girl's or the boy's name. Raoul studied Erik's sister. He did not let the surprise show on his features, but it certainly dominated his mind. Erik had siblings? Raoul glanced at the young boy sitting obediently in his sister's lap. He had untidy black hair, and the resemblance was strong to the man seated in front of him. Raoul had to admit that regardless of being Erik's sister, the girl was beautiful. Her cheeks were still flushed red from her anger, and when she felt his eyes on her, she turned to regard him equally. The startling blue-green eyes seemed to burn through his own hazel ones…Raoul realized that he had seen those eyes before; they were the same intense shade as her older brother. She had long, flowing raven hair; it hung unbound behind her, disappearing from view. Raoul was surprised when he felt a bit of stirring within him. It was not a sexual rousing, but it was something deeper…the girl intrigued him. She had stood up for Erik with passion; she obviously cared deeply for him. She had not backed down from Raoul even when he had told her his noble title; Raoul was quite sure that if Erik had not interrupted, he would still be receiving an earful…definitely intriguing. Still, Raoul thought, she is Erik's sister, and therefore absolutely off limits. He wanted nothing to do with his rival. After a moment's pause, Raoul inclined his head at the young girl.
"I apologize, Mademoiselle; I did forget myself…I beg your pardon."
Elisabeth opened her mouth to tell him what he could do with that apology when Christine turned slightly in her seat to look at Elisabeth. At her gaze, Elisabeth knew that she must be civil; Erik's position in the opera house could be compromised if his sister caused trouble between the patrons…and Elisabeth did not want Erik to regret his decision to bring her here. She did the only thing she could think of: she offered the Vicomte her hand. The Vicomte looked at it in surprise; he was quite sure she wasn't going to accept his apology. He leaned across the empty seat and kissed Elisabeth's fingers lightly.
"I accept your apology, Monsieur Vicomte, and I hope that you will accept mine in return. I had no right to speak to you in the manner in which I did." The sincerity of her apology was shocking to Raoul's ears. He found his mouth moving of its own accord.
"All will be forgiven, Mademoiselle, if you will only tell me your name." Raoul spoke quietly and lightly, not betraying the odd pounding in his heart. Had he really just said that? It certainly wasn't what he meant to say. Raoul felt the heat of a glare, and glanced up to find that Erik had turned sharply in his seat, and regarded the Vicomte with a burning look. Raoul was playing with fire, he knew, but he would continue to dance among the flames until they burned him. He watched Elisabeth's beautiful eyes flicker, then smile in accordance to the small smile on her lips.
"Elisabeth, Monsieur…Elisabeth Massenet."
"Elisabeth…it is an honor to make your acquaintance." The Vicomte smiled radiantly at her, and Elisabeth felt a slow blush creep across her cheeks. Christine glanced at her husband carefully; he was grasping the arm rests firmly with white knuckled hands and refusing to meet her eyes. Erik finally met Christine's gaze, and Christine saw the protectiveness there. She patted his arm lovingly and reassuringly.
"He's just being civil, my love…after all, you did 'politely threaten' him." Christine spoke in a low voice. Erik sighed, the anger releasing within him.
"You are right, of course." Speaking now to Stefan, Erik said: "When is the dress rehearsal scheduled to start, Stefan?"
Stefan, eager to talk about something that wouldn't lead to an argument, answered immediately. "Well, I told everyone to reconvene starting at noon. M. Reyer is just starting the orchestra warm-ups…"
The rest of the evening passed pleasantly. Erik only had a few minor things to discuss with Reyer, but had thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Erik explained much to Elisabeth, who had never seen an opera. Erik laughed a little at her questions, revealing that it was seen as bad luck to have a full dress rehearsal so close to the opening night; what they watched now was but a partial one. Erik reassured Elisabeth that when she was aware of all the plot twists, the story would make much more sense. Everyone talked gaily amongst themselves; all but Raoul. The Vicomte sat in silence, contemplating the young woman beside him. She was intriguing, indeed.