Demons of the Past
Ch. 17: A New Family
Author's note: I received a review that asked if Christine was eight months along…and I guess I wasn't clear on the timeline. Starting with Chapter Nine, everything is in sequence of days not months…with the exception of Erik's journey back to Paris; I skipped two weeks there. At the end of last chapter, Christine was roughly five months along. This chapter I have skipped ahead three months, making her eight months pregnant. This chapter is the chapter of birth. I hope I have not confused anyone…but I am so ready for the babies! Enjoy!
P.S. I am not sure if fraternal friends can look as different as mine do in this story, but I'm going for it anyway. I tried to do some research, and it says that some can look like identical twins, and some can look remarkably different, so I'm goingwith the later.
Disclaimer: I own Erik! He is mine, all mine! (Wakes up in rubber room…) Mechanically, and because I am forced to admit it, I do not own Erik or the Phantom of the Opera…WAAAA!
And now, on with the story…
(Three months have past since Reyer's funeral)
Christine was uncomfortable. No, that's not quite the term. Christine was in constant, excruciating discomfort from the time she got out of bed until the time she stumbled back into it. At eight and a half months pregnant, Christine felt that she looked similar to a giant balloon; she was all stomach in the front, her abdomen that protected her precious babies well out in front of her small frame. Christine had not seen her feet in months, but she knew they were there from the constant pain. She had trouble getting around now…the doctor had said that she had gained little weight besides the weight connected with the pregnancy, which accounted for the constant weakness and fatigue. Christine felt healthy though, and as the days grew closer for her babies arrival, her body glowed with the excitement of it all.
Christine walked into the expansive kitchen to fix herself a cold glass of milk. She admired the house as she went. Donovan had indeed sold his family home to them; he seemed very happy to do it. The house had six bedrooms in all; Christine had thought that was too many to manage, but Erik reminded her that with Elisabeth, Brian, themselves, and eventually the twins needing separate rooms, six bedrooms was perfectly plausible. Downstairs included an entry foyer, living room, kitchen, and dining area. Christine's favorite room was the play room. She had decorated it herself in a pale yellow, and with the large picture windows the room was always filled with light. Brian had already moved most of his toys into the room, giving it a childlike feel. Christine moved from the kitchen to the said play room and sat in a large rocking chair in front of a large window and fire place. She pondered her new home for a moment. The master bedroom was located downstairs…and it was many sizes bigger than the one she and Erik had previously shared. It even had a sitting room area…Erik had made her a small jewelry box in honor of the new house. It was a stand alone, and it was carved with beautiful roses. Christine had cried at his thoughtfulness.
The upstairs had the remaining bedrooms, a small office, and Erik's most important room: the music room. Donovan and Stefan had helped Erik move all his compositions and instruments into the bright room; it was then that Donovan and Erik really became acquainted. Donovan respected Erik's music, and Erik respected Donovan's talent with the violin. The one room in the house that had received the most attention by far had been the nursery. That was Erik's labor of love…he had asked Christine's opinion on some trivial matters, but for the most part, Erik used his vivid imagination. He painted beautiful murals on the walls of Angels…fairy tale creatures, anything that came to mind at the time of painting. The room was well fitted now for the twins; two cradles, changing tables, dressers…Christine had been working diligently on making baby clothes. She had nothing else to do, really.
The doctor had told her that she should limit her mobility, and that meant not going to the Opera Populaire with her husband. Erik often took Brian with him; according to Stefan, Brian was often on Erik's shoulders as he did his various tasks. Brian got a taste of everything, from painting and creating backdrops to arguing with Donovan over a minor chord. Brian had bonded tightly with Erik…and Erik was taken by him as well. Elisabeth had made the chorus, of course, and had even been given a minor role in Erik's opera before the run ended. One of the Amazon warriors became gravely ill, and Elisabeth proudly took her role and sang to thunderous applause. She had most definitely been bitten by the limelight bug; she talked now constantly of performing and her practices. Elisabeth always came home on the weekends, but there was no relaxing for her. Erik worked with her endlessly, perfecting Elisabeth's natural voice. Christine had even helped, working with Elisabeth with her own voice. The girls often teased Erik…whenever they sang together, it was too much for Erik to handle. He would stop whatever he was doing and just listen; the heavenly sound was perfection to Erik's ears.
A loud knock at the front door interrupted her thoughts. Christine glanced at the small clock on the mantle, then glanced at the light snow falling on the cold late November day. Who could it be? Erik was not due back until late afternoon…and it was hardly passed noon! Christine rose unsteadily to her feet, her hand going to the small of her back delicately. She walked carefully to the front entrance and opened the door.
"Meg! Madam Giry! How are you? What in the world are you doing walking in the snow?" Christine opened the door wide to allow her friends entrance. Meg walked in first carrying a large box. She set the box down carefully, then removed her outer wrappings. Madam Giry brushed the snow off her shoulders before grasping Christine by the arms.
"My dear, you look wonderful! It won't be long now, will it?" Christine blushed.
"To tell you the truth, Marie, I am a little frightened…I haven't talked to Erik about it at all…he seems so confident. He says that he's read hundreds of books on the subject, and that I have nothing to worry about. But still…the pain scares me. Will it be terrible?"
Madam Giry laughed. "Erik thinks he knows so much…but some things can't be learned from a book, my dear. Childbirth is something that most every woman has the opportunity to experience…your mother, grandmother, great grandmother…all bore children." Madam Giry froze at the sudden pained expression on Christine's face.
"My mother died in childbirth, Marie…what if…"
Madam Giry came forward immediately and hugged her tight. "Do not think of such things, Christine. All you can do is pray for a safe delivery. It is in God's hands, my dear…and if you want, I will be there for you. I have always thought of you as a daughter, Christine. If you wish it, I will-" Madam Giry was interrupted by a firm hand on her own.
"I would love nothing more than for you to be present at my babies' birth…I will need someone to keep Erik from killing the doctor…"
Meg and Madam Giry laughed. "Well, come on, Christine! Mother and I have something for you…we have been looking for the surprise for ages!" Meg picked up the box and followed Christine into the living room.
"Would you care for something to drink? I can get you something…"
"Nonsense, Christine, sit down and get comfortable! I think you will like what we have brought you…" Meg opened the box carefully. Christine leaned forward to look inside, and gasped. It was full of baby clothes…blankets…rattles and toys…Christine felt the tears fall.
"These are my baby things…"
Meg beamed. "And some of my own, actually. I figured you could use them until I have children of my own. Mother and I searched our holding room for ages…"
"Holding room?"
Meg shrugged. "We don't have an attic or basement, being as we have lived in the Opera House since I was born. So we use a holding room to hold our belongings that we don't use or are important for another time. Mother thought that she remembered saving a lot of your baby things…and sure enough, we found this box!"
Christine looked at Madam Giry and Meg, her eyes bright. "I can't tell you how much this means to me…"
Madam Giry smiled. "You don't have too. I thought that it might mean something to you, my dear…let's have a look, shall we?"
Madam Giry, Meg, and Christine spent the rest of the afternoon looking through Christine's and Meg's old baby clothes. Christine couldn't remember the last time she had felt so happy.
Erik made his way home from the Opera Populaire with Brian at roughly five o'clock. He didn't like to stay late at work…and the winter days grew ever shorter. Brian was having a grand time; he was walking in front of Erik as Erik held his little hands. Every once in a while, Erik would pick him up and swing him over the ground. This, of course, pleased Brian immensely, and he often squealed in delight. Erik loved the sound of his brother's innocent laughter. After a time, Brian grew tired of the game, and he moved to Erik's side. He stopped suddenly in the middle of the street. Erik stopped as well and looked at Brian in amusement.
"Why did you stop, little bee? Do you see a pirate?" Brian had a vivid imagination, and he often swore that he saw anywhere from a pirate in a ship to a unicorn. Brian shook his head.
"I don't see anything like that today…Erik, can I ask you something?"
Erik looked a moment and noticed a small unattended stoop near the front of a building. "Sure…do you want to sit over there?"
Brian nodded solemnly. Erik smiled lopsidedly. Something was troubling Brian, but Erik wasn't too concerned. When Brian got serious it was often because he had an important question. But Brian's 'important questions' almost always put Erik in the best possible mood. The last one had been what exactly was an oboe and why did it sound so bad…Erik still laughed at the look of resentment on said oboe player's face. Erik sat first and motioned Brian to sit next to him. He glanced at the sky and noticed that they still had a good hour before dark.
"All right, Brian, what seems to be troubling you?"
Brian wrung his small hands together. Erik looked at him in concern. He had never seen the young lad act so somber. "My boy, what's wrong? You can tell me anything…"
"Erik, why don't I have a daddy?"
Erik froze for a moment, but did not let Brian see his surprise. Brian had spoken little of his father since they had left from Calais several months ago. Erik thought a moment, then said,
"Do you mean why haven't you seen your daddy?"
Brian shook his head. "No. I have never had a daddy…the other boys talk all the time about how their daddies take them to the park, and they play with them, and they buy them toys…and they tuck them in at night, and read them stories…and I tell them that I don't have a daddy, I have an Erik that does those things…and they laugh at me and say that it isn't the same. So…I was wondering…would you be my daddy instead of my Erik?"
Erik opened his mouth only to close it again. This child…this innocent boy of six had just asked him to be his father…Erik looked at Brian as he thought, but Brian took his silence as an answer.
"That's ok…no one wants to be my daddy. I'll be ok…" Brian started to sniffle. Erik grabbed him fiercely by the shoulders and pulled him against him in a tight embrace.
"Brian…don't cry…if you want me to, I will be your daddy…I want to, I swear." Brian pushed Erik away to look at him with tear streaked eyes.
"You mean it?"
Erik stood from the stoop and picked Brian up. He placed him on his shoulders, much to Brian's delight. "Of course I mean it…let's go tell Christine all about it, shall we?" Brian thought for a moment.
"Do you think Chrissy would be my mommy?"
"I'm sure she will, Brian."
The rest of the way home was uneventful. As soon as Erik unlocked the door, Brian jumped down and ran into the house. Erik headed for the play room; Christine had taken to spending her afternoons there. He found the room empty. Well, not entirely empty, Erik thought. Brian's toys were all over the place. Erik made his way back into the hallway.
"Christine?" Erik called loudly through the empty downstairs. He heard Brian laughing from upstairs before he heard thunderous footsteps on the stairs. Brian came running towards Erik in his socked feet, skidding to a stop so suddenly that Erik had to grab his arm to keep him from falling.
"Guess what! Chrissy said she would be my mommy! And she said that I would be a big brother to the babies! Can you believe it?" Erik smiled and ruffled his hair.
"I can believe it…but didn't I ask you to pick up your toys before we left today? You didn't…don't you think you should now?" Brian nodded glumly. Erik laughed at his expression. "If you pick up your toys, I'll tell you a story…deal?"
"Deal!" Brian went into the play room, and Erik climbed the staircase toward his wife's voice. He was at the top when he began to distinguish several voices. Who was his wife entertaining? Erik followed the voices and pushed the cracked door of the nursery open. Christine was seated in a small chair and was surrounded by baby things. Erik's eyes widened as he looked over the room. There were baby clothes EVERYWHERE! Every surface, every chair…clothes, blankets, bibs, toys…as Erik entered the room he kicked a small bear that squeaked loudly. He jumped in surprise, and the three ladies occupying the room glanced up.
"Erik! I'm so glad that you're home! How was you're day?" Christine started to get up from her chair, but Erik motioned her to sit back down.
"You stay put, Christine…I don't think you could make it across this room anyway…what is all this? And why is it all pink?"
Meg laughed. "Well, I would imagine it would be pink, considering this is all girl baby stuff." Erik looked pained.
"Christine, have you decided this week that you're having girls?" Christine laughed.
"Don't tease, Erik…I don't know what I'm having…but these are all from when Meg and I were babies!" Christine finally eyed the room around her. "I guess we got a little carried away…"
Madam Giry motioned for Meg. "I had no idea how late it has gotten…if you'll excuse us, Meg and I really need to get home before dark."
As Madam Giry walked by him, Erik squeezed her shoulder. "Would you like me to accompany you back?"
"No, Erik, I think Meg and I will be all right…but thank you though." She smiled broadly, then left the room. Meg followed. Erik looked around the room again before finding a path to Christine. He started to pick up frilly dresses and frocks along the way.
"Brian had an interesting question for me, Erik…did you get the same one?" Erik brought the clothes to Christine, who automatically started folding them. Erik was picking up toys and placing them in a bin.
"Yes, I did…and I have to admit I was a bit taken aback. But I really see no harm in it; after all, we are raising him as we would our own son." Erik finished tidying up the room, then came to stand beside Christine. He touched her silky curls with his fingers.
"And how are you feeling today? Everything all right?" Christine grabbed his hand and cupped it against her face.
"Just tired, love…and my back has hurt all day. I really could use one of your massages later." Erik leaned down and kissed her softly, marveling at the way she always smelled of fresh roses. "I'll talk to the doctor about it…I have an appointment tomorrow with him." They had decided that since the Opera House doctor had seen Christine from the beginning of her pregnancy that he should continue to treat her.
"Of course…are you hungry? Ready for my world famous cuisine?"
Christine laughed. "I'm always ready for a meal that I don't have to cook myself."
"Keep laughing…you have to clean up, and I'm planning on dirtying every dish in the kitchen."
A groan escaped Christine. "Well, then…perhaps I will draw myself a hot bath…" Erik helped her from her chair, and they walked downstairs together. "Where is Brian?"
"In the play room, picking up his toys." They passed the aforementioned room, and Erik stopped to check on him. Brian was still diligently picking up his toys. Erik continued, Christine's arm looped around his own. Erik entered the master bedroom.
"Why don't you get comfortable, and I'll go draw the bath? You can soak while I cook dinner…"
Christine looked a little shocked. "Erik…thanks for being so nice…but you really don't have to." Erik turned and looked at her in mock surprise.
"My dear, you're precious to me…as well as the tiny lives you carry within you. You deserve to be pampered in every way…and…" Erik paused, glancing at the dying sun through the window. "I'm not home like I should be, love…but I promise that it will change when the babies arrive…you won't be alone, I swear it."
Christine smiled. "Erik, I don't think you've been away too much…music is your passion, your love…"
Erik came forward quickly and pulled Christine close. He stared into her beautiful brown eyes. "You are my passion…you are my love…as will our children be. I will put you first before all things…without you, my music is nothing…haven't I told you enough? Don't you understand that without you, my music can't take flight? I love you…I don't tell you that enough."
"I love you too, Angel-" Christine was interrupted by the growling of her stomach. "Oh, I guess I'm hungrier than I thought…or at least the twins are."
Erik laughed. "Give me a moment for your bath, and then Brian and I will tackle dinner."
The next morning, Christine, Erik, and Brian made their way to the Opera Populaire. Christine and Erik held hands as Brian raced ahead of them, scaring the various birds on the sidewalk. Erik loved the 'normalcy' of just walking down the street with his family… he was grateful for the small moments like this. As soon as they entered the Opera House, Erik grabbed Brian from a dead run.
"Hey there! Slow down, little bee…why don't you go find Nanny for a little while. Chrissy and I will be with you shortly." Brian scampered off to find his nanny group. Erik had no fears that Brian would be perfectly safe within the walls of the Opera Populaire. Erik and Christine continued through the front door when they heard the sound of chorus practice. Christine stopped suddenly.
"Practice in the auditorium! Elisabeth will be there…and I would like to see her. Let's make a detour, Erik." Erik reluctantly agreed. They headed for the large double doors at the top of the elaborate staircase.
Erik led Christine to a chair. They sat together, absorbed in the practice. Elisabeth noticed their presence, and smiled lightly to them.
"Erik! Christine! My, you're hear early…how are you feeling, Christine? I have not seen you in ages." Erik turned toward the voice and was saddened to discover the Vicomte strolling over to them. Erik sighed.
"Vicomte…how nice to see you…I'm surprised that you're up so early. Hoping for a glimpse of my sister?" Erik spoke with biting sarcasm, but as usual Raoul seemed unaffected. He smiled.
"Actually, I am taking Elisabeth out to breakfast…it has been a tradition of sorts, as you are aware. Christine, are you all right?" Erik glanced at Christine. She had turned a peculiar shade of white, and she was trembling slightly.
"I don't know…" Raoul glanced at the front of her dress and was surprised to discover a portion of it wet.
"Christine…did you have…some sort of accident?" Raoul said, the embarrassment plain on his face. Erik narrowed his eyes.
"You idiot! Her water just broke…it's all right, Christine…the babies are on the way." Christine was shaking violently. "Christine…listen to me! Everything is fine…this is normal…Christine!" Christine's eyes rolled into the back of her head and she collapsed forward in her chair. Erik grabbed her before her head hit the seat in front of her. Raoul was dancing anxiously behind Erik.
"What can I do? Is she all right?" Erik stood carefully and picked Christine up. He glanced at the Vicomte.
"I'll take Christine to her room…get the doctor, and tell Elisabeth what's going on."
"Why has she fainted?"
Erik glanced at Christine, the fear evident in his eyes. He was so concerned that he forgot to be horrible to the damn Vicomte. "I don't know, Raoul…just hurry."
Raoul turned on his heels quickly, running as fast as he could toward the doctor's office. Erik walked slowly toward a hidden passage in a shadowed part of the auditorium. The music still continued around him, and he was confident that no one saw him slip from the shadows and disappear with Christine in his arms.
Pain. Intense, rapid pain. The heat was unbearable. Christine could find no comfort anywhere. She didn't want to open her eyes. Something told her the pain would worsen if she awakened. What was going on? What were the vibrations she was feeling? She concentrated on her body, feeling the pain…she felt her stomach tense as her body cramped up hard…after what felt like ages, her body loosened. Ah…her babies…they were coming. Christine heard a voice calling to her…
"Christine! Christine, if you can hear me, open your eyes! You need to open them, Christine. Listen to my voice…listen to your Angel of Music."
Angel of Music. Christine remembered her sweet Angel…she always did as the Angel instructed…but she was so tired, so sleepy…and the pain…
"Christine!" Her Angel's voice was growing more persistent now. Was he angry with her? Would her father be angry for her disobeying the Angel he had sent her? Why was everything so cloudy? Christine couldn't think clearly.
"I am your Angel of Music; Come to me Angel of Music…"
Christine felt the recognition flood her body, and her eyes snapped opened. A wave of pain nearly undid her, and she cried out. Instantly she felt a warm presence beside her.
"Christine!"
"Erik…what's going on? Where am I?" Christine struggled to sit up, but felt as if a giant weight had been placed upon her. She looked into her husband's haggard eyes.
"You had me worried, so very worried…you're in our bedroom in the Opera House, and you're in labor, love. How do you feel?"
Christine grimaced. "How do you think! I feel as though my insides are trying to escape from my body…AH!" Christine tensed as another contraction hit her. Erik held her tightly as the strain took its toll on her body. Erik was staring forward.
"There so close…they should not be so close…where is the damn doctor!" Christine glanced at him, sweat pouring down her face.
"Erik…something is wrong, I can feel it…I don't know what it is…"
Erik left her side and carefully parted her legs. He inspected for a moment, then leaned back to look at Christine. "Love…I think I need to find the DAMN DOCTOR NOW!"
"I'm here…please, everyone calm down. This is Madam Massenet's first pregnancy…they take ages, I'm afraid." The doctor walked into the room in a confident stride, but faltered when he met Erik's furious stare.
"Are you quite certain, Monsieur? I suggest you inspect my wife before you make such poor statements…" The doctor took Erik's position at the foot of the bed, and examined Christine.
"Oh my…you're right…"
Christine looked at Erik, fear in her eyes. "What do you mean? What's going on? Is something wrong?"
Erik took her hand gently. "My dear, you're nearly fully dilated…your back pains yesterday must have been early contractions…it's all right, the twins will just be here sooner than we thought."
The doctor confirmed the thought. "My nurses should be here shortly…Christine, I need you to release during your contractions; hold nothing back. Don't push…the time is not right. Your cervix is all most ready for your baby to come through; your pelvis is separating beautifully, from what I can tell. Everything is going well at this point."
The door burst opened suddenly. Erik rounded, furious at the obvious lack of regard and privacy, but the anger died when Madam Giry walked in, out of breath and red faced. She glanced at Erik.
"What were you going to do, hit me? Calm down! Move over!" Erik found himself automatically obeying. Madam Giry came towards Christine, who was breathing hard and fighting her muscles for control. "Erik, go and find some wet and cold compresses. Also, try to find some ice. It'll help to bite down on something."
"Are you out of your mind! I'm not leaving! You get your own ass out of the room and get your things." Madam Giry set Erik with a furious stare.
"You are stressed and worried; therefore I will forgive you for cursing at me. You will nevertheless do what I said if you truly want what's best for Christine."
Erik glanced at Christine, her beautiful face contorted in pain. She cried out and grabbed Madam Giry's hand.
"The pain! It's too much!" Erik could hardly stand to hear the anguish in Christine's voice. Madam Giry stroked her hair fondly.
"It's all right, my dear. I know, I know…breath in and out, Christine…that's it, that's it…breath through your mouth, not your nose." Madam Giry looked pointedly at Erik. Erik came towards the bed and grasped Christine's hand.
"I'll be back, love…" Christine nodded, and brought his hand to her lips.
"I'll be all right. AH!" Madam Giry held her shoulders.
"It's another contraction…don't fight it Christine…ride through it…that's it." Erik exited the room with Christine's screams echoing in the hallway around him.
Erik's only thoughts were finding the water and ice. He wasn't thinking clearly; he headed straight to Carlotta's old dressing room and into the secret passage behind the mirror. Erik traveled the old catacombs like he had never left, and he found his way to the kitchen. When he opened the secret passage door, his black robed figure scared the cook. Erik paid no mind to anything, and merely grabbed a basin of water, some kitchen towels and finally he tried to find ice, but found none to be had. Erik made his way back toward Christine's room in a flash. He nearly dropped his armful as he opened the door. There were several people in the room now…the majority of them were hanging around the 'business end' of his wife, as it were. Christine looked up as Erik entered, and she sighed in relief. Erik put the water on the bedside table. He wrung the towels and mopped at his wife's face.
"Oh, Erik…"
He held her hand. "I'm here, Christine…everything will be fine."
Christine closed her eyes briefly against the pain. "Sing for me, Erik…I need to hear your voice…" Erik paid no mind to the other people in the room. He sang softly, for her ears only…and Christine visibly relaxed her straining muscles. The doctor peered up from his inspection.
"Christine, your cervix is fully dilated…when you feel your next contraction, I want you to push as hard as you can…your first baby is in position."
Christine felt the tears begin to fall. She was so close…Erik still sang to her quietly, feeling the stress and worry leave her tired figure. Christine felt a contraction hit her, and Madam Giry grabbed her hard.
"All right, my dear, now the hard part…I want you to push! Now! As hard as you can, for as long as you can…bear down! NOW!" Christine screamed in her effort, and she squeezed Erik's hand hard, pushing it against her body. Erik could not feel his fingers…but that was not important. Christine was in more pain than he could possibly imagine…
"Christine, I have the head! Push, Christine, push!" The doctor yelled out suddenly. Finally Christine groaned, low and hard, and suddenly the room was filled with an infant's cry. Erik's eyes left Christine's as he looked at the wet bundle in the doctor's hands.
"A girl! You have a girl!" The doctor passed off the tiny infant to a nurse, who finished cleaning her off. Erik was half way up out of his seat.
"A girl…a girl…" Erik was amazed. Christine smiled for the first time since her labor started in earnest.
"Go tell me how beautiful our daughter is, Erik…count her fingers and toes." Erik reluctantly let go of his wife's hands and approached the screaming bundle. The nurse held her out to him.
"Go on…mind her head." Erik took the bundle from the nurse's arms, in absolute awe at the tiny creature in his hands. He lifted the blanket carefully to examine his daughter. She was perfect…her little eyes were still closed, but she had small tuffs of…blonde hair? Her face…was perfect. Erik's little girl ceased her screams. He watched in wonderment as his daughter opened her eyes for the first time…and revealed a vivid blue green. Erik felt the tears start to fall.
"Christine…she's perfect, just perfect." Erik didn't want to hand her back, but the nurse insisted she be taken to make sure everything was all right. Erik carefully passed his child to the waiting arms of the nurse. He went back to Christine, who was still straining with effort.
"Your next baby isn't in position yet…it may be a few minutes. Relax, and let the contractions come as you did before."
Christine focused on Erik's face. "Our daughter…what does she look like?"
Erik smiled. "She was blonde hair…where in the world did she get it from?"
Christine laughed softly. "My mother…she had blonde hair. Whose eyes?"
"Mine. They're my eyes…"
Christine closed her eyes. "Good…" She clenched as the next contraction hit her. Erik raised his eyes to the doctor's; he was frowning deeply.
"The baby…is turned around in the womb. We will have to see if the child will right itself…or I may have to do it manually." Erik could hear the fear in the man's voice. After several strained minutes, the doctor sighed. "Christine, I have to position the baby…you will feel me inside you…there will be pain. Hold on, Christine, and listen to my voice." Christine cried out as the doctor began his work. Erik held her tightly.
"Just hold on, Angel…we're almost there."
The doctor let out a satisfied noise. "All right, Christine, next contraction, and your other child will be here."
Christine turned to Erik, determination written into her face. "I will do this…we will be a family." Erik kissed her quickly and full of fire and hope. She moaned in his mouth as the final contraction consumed her. He held her, as Madam Giry murmured words of encouragement. Christine relaxed and slacked away. The doctor held the small baby in his arms, but no sound came from it. Erik's heart constricted with fear; the doctor pried the baby's mouth open with his pinkie finger and cleared the infant's throat. Erik felt relief fill him as the baby cried, the color changing from the pale blue of birth to a bright pink.
"Another girl. It's a girl!" The doctor inspected the baby. "Not identical twins." He passed her to the nurse.
"Doctor!"
The doctor turned his attention back to Christine. Christine squeezed Erik's hand. "Go…"
Erik found himself going to his second daughter. The nurse gave her to him. This time, Erik took the young infant to Christine. Christine took her in her arms. "My, what a smile…" Christine cooed to the baby as the infant continued to wail. Erik took a first look at his daughter. Thick curly black hair was perched on top of a delicate face; she opened her eyes…and Erik gasped, pulling away sharply. Her eyes…they were different colors! The left eye was a deep chocolate color, but the right…the bottom of the iris was the same brown color as the left…but the color dissipated into a clear green. Erik had never seen anything like it before. Christine looked at him in concern. "What's wrong, Erik?"
"Her eyes…" Christine looked down at the bright orbs staring into her own.
"Their beautiful," she said firmly. Christine smiled, a wonderful glowing smile that filled Erik completely. "Take her, love."
Erik took his daughter and handed her to the nurse. He returned to Christine.
"Our family…our daughters…" Christine stared into Erik's eyes. She grasped his hand. "Take care of them…" Erik looked at her sharply.
"What are you talking about…Christine! CHRISTINE!" Erik roared the last as Christine's hand went limp in his own. "NO! No…"
Erik felt hands on him. He struggled against them, knocking the hands away. "Let me go! Christine!"
"ERIK!" Madam Giry ran forward, grabbing him by the hand. "You must leave, Erik, you have to leave."
"No, no you can't take me from her!"
"If you love her you will let the doctor save her! Please…"
Erik mutely left the room. Madam Giry closed the door behind them. "No…stay with her…if I cannot, then you must…"
Madam Giry grabbed his arm. "Have faith, Erik…have faith…"
She went back into the room. Erik could hear the faint cries of his twin daughters before the door shut again. He slid his back against the wall as his legs refused to support his weight any longer. Erik was numb…his wife…his children. Rage filled him. He had a family! Finally, he had happiness! He knew love…and now it was being taken from him! Erik jumped up from his feet and slammed his fist against the hard wall. Erik's angelic voice filled the hallway with anguish as he lifted his voice to Heaven for the first time.
"Damn you! Damn you! I finally have a home…and you take it from me! Nurturing God…Caring God…you are none of these things! You are sadistic! You are unforgiving! Why give me Christine…why give me life! I am a mockery! Am I your never ending amusement?" Erik broke down. "Do not punish Christine for my sins…don't take back your Angel to cause me torment…take my own life, please, I beg this. Do not take away my home…my love…my soul. This monster that you created was turned into a man by her simply love! She is my everything…and she undid all the pain and torment that I have endured my whole life. Do not take her for changing me…do not…"
Erik sobbed, the tears falling hard across his face. He sank to the floor, pounding the ground with his raw fist. He tore his mask from his face. "This is your creation! See your monster…it didn't matter to her…for the first time, I am loved for who I am…See your monster, reduced to a sniveling beggar. Don't take her…don't take her…" His prayers and pleas fell on deaf ears. Erik barked out a laugh through his tears. "I am wasting my time…wasting my energy."
Erik stood and brushed himself off. He glanced at his white mask, so pristine and clear against the hard black floor. He stared at it mockingly. "You are my prison no more."
A strong hand grabbed his shoulder. Erik felt a warm breath against his neck. He whirled around…but no one was there. Erik called into the empty hallway:
"Who is it? Who is there?"
Again, he felt the shiver of a breath against his body. "Christine?" It felt like her, the light and warmth was something he had always associated with her. "I can't, Christine…I can't live without you."
The touch intensified. "Tell me you will live! Tell me you will come back to me!" The touched lessened. "Don't leave me…Christine!"
Suddenly, he was alone again. All resolve left him. He fell to the floor once more, and sobbed, wishing he could join his wife in death. Erik heard footsteps pounding the hallway, but refused to look up. A figure skidded to halt before him.
"Erik! What's going on?" Raoul kneeled beside Erik. "What's happened?"
"I have daughters…two beautiful, perfect little girls…no flaws…"
"And Christine?"
"They don't know…but I do. She's dying."
Raoul shook Erik's shoulder hard. "No! Don't think that! She is strong, Erik…don't lose faith in her." Erik shook his head.
"I would never lose faith in her, Raoul…only in myself."
Raoul glanced at Erik, his gaze finding his injured hand. "What the Hell did you do to yourself? You didn't do that type of damage hitting the doctor's face, did you? He is still alive, right?" Erik looked at Raoul wearily, then looked at his hand. It was raw and bloody, but Erik felt no pain. Raoul leaned against the wall beside Erik. Erik was silent.
"I love her, you know." Erik turned sharply.
"I know you do."
"I have loved her since I was twelve years old, Erik…she was my first love. But it was a childish love. An immature love."
"I can understand that."
Raoul cleared his throat. "If you are not able to take on the responsibilities of being her husband, then I will take over as someone who loves her."
Erik growled low in his throat. "You will do no such thing."
"Then snap out of it, man! Christine needs you now more than ever…you have to be her rock. Go in that room and save her, Erik…curse the doctors! It is your voice she needs to hear…"
Erik looked at Raoul as if seeing him for the first time. "You are right…what am I doing out here! I have to go to her." Erik rose quickly. Raoul stood awkwardly too.
"I'll go back to Elisabeth…tell her what's going on." Raoul turned to leave when Erik grabbed his shoulder.
"Thank you, Raoul…go to my sister. There isn't anyone I'd rather entrust her with…"
Raoul nodded and headed off. Erik reached down and picked up his discarded mask and slipped it on.He re-entered the room. The doctor was still working furiously; Madam Giry raised her eyebrows at Erik. He ignored her. Erik went straight to Christine.
"Listen to me, Angel…stay with me, love. I'm here, and I will not leave again."
The doctor sighed. He wiped his hands together. "I have done all I can…the bleeding is controlled. Christine lost a lot of blood, Monsieur…I know not if she will live. If she survives the night, she should have a chance. I have done all I can…I am terribly sorry."
Erik nodded silently. "And my girls?"
The doctor smiled. "They are as healthy as can be…good birth weight, good color, and you heard their wonderful set of lungs! They should be fine…"
"What about food? They will be hungry, and Christine is in no position…"
Madam Giry spoke up. "We can get milk, Erik…it won't be the same as breast milk, but it will nourish them until Christine awakens." The doctor nodded his approval.
"I won't be far…would you like me to talk to your sister? Explain to her what's going on?" Erik shook his head.
"Tell Stefan and Raoul first…have Raoul tell Elisabeth."
The doctor nodded and left quietly. The nurses filed out, leaving Madam Giry and Erik alone with Christine and the babies.
"I will go for the milk, Erik…I will return. If they cry, comfort them. You will know what to do." As soon as the door shut again, the cries of one of his daughters alerted him. It was his firstborn. He picked her up gently and sat in the chair by Christine. He talked softly to his little daughter.
"This is your mother, little one. You haven't met her yet. She is a sweet soul, little one. My, what a little golden child you are!" Erik blew softly across her face, tickling her gently. The infant raised her hand and grasped one of her father's slender fingers. Erik was amazed at the strength of his young daughter. "You are a strong one, aren't you?" The baby yawned and closed her blue green eyes. Erik put her in the bassinet with her sister. He turned back toward his own Angel, pale and drawn. She was so fragile…
"You have to pull through, Christine…you have to."
Christine found herself standing in a warm bright light. Is this a dream? Must be…all she saw was white; the glare was blinding. She was alone…completely and utterly. Christine glanced around at her surroundings. There was no door, no floor, no walls…where was she?
"Christine…"
Christine turned towards the voice. Her eyes widened suddenly.
"Papa?" A tall man stood before her, handsome and debonair. He smiled at her gently, and nodded. Christine rushed into his arms. "Papa! I can't believe it…is it really you?"
"It is, my child…how I've missed you! You've grown into a lovely young woman…your mother would be proud." Christine turned her head back in forth.
"Will I see her too?"
Christine's father hesitated. "No, daughter, you won't…there is a reason why we are together, Angel…you're just outside of Heaven's Gates."
Christine stepped back in shock. "No…no, that isn't right…I'm dreaming, and soon I'll wake up to the sounds of my babies…they need me…Erik needs me."
Her father scoffed. "That impudent man does not deserve you, my dear…he never has. You deserve this now…Heaven waits for you." Christine looked are her father in surprise.
"I love Erik, Papa…he is the father of your grandchildren! How can you say such things! I need to see Erik..." Christine started walking away from her father. She saw a space forming before her; a window into the real world. She peered through it, and sure enough, she saw Erik out in the hallway of their room…he was crying, yelling…and praying?
"Do not punish Christine for my sins…don't take back your Angel to cause me torment…take my own life, please, I beg this… This is your creation! See your monster…it didn't matter to her…for the first time, I am loved for who I am."
Christine felt the anguished tears begin to fall from her face. The sadness of the world was back in her beloved's eyes. She could not leave Erik…she had to get to him. Christine pushed against the window; it grew larger, and she slipped through. She could see Erik…she was with him. Christine touched his shoulder. Erik whirled around, looking for the unseen force, and found nothing. Christine saw his mouth move, but no words came forth. She looked at Erik in surprise.
"Angel, I'm here…I'm not leaving…" Christine saw him mouth her name. "That's right! I'm here…"
"You can't hear him, Christine…not any longer." Christine turned to look at her father.
"How can you do this? This is the man I love…my soul-mate. I cannot be parted from him, not now…it is too soon."
Christine's father shook his head. He gestured sharply to Erik, who was frozen in time. "This thing is beyond redemption, Christine…all you do is taint yourself with his evil soul."
"That's not true! He is good, I know…I see it in him!"
"Your choice was made for you, Christine…and yet you disobeyed fate and chose your own path…have you ever wondered about the road not taken? Ever wondered what kind of life you would have had if you had taken the right path? The easy path? The path you deserved? Now is the time, Christine, for you to know!" Christine's father pushed her forward into a dark hole in the brilliant light. Christine screamed and shut her eyes tightly.
"Mama? Are you all right?"
Christine opened her eyes to find herself in a brightly lit nursery. A young boy of seven was staring at her with big blue eyes, full of concern.
"I'm fine, Alexander…go finish playing with your brothers." Alexander? Brothers? Christine was disorientated, to say the least. Where was she? Christine tried to sort out her jumbled thoughts. She was a new woman, in a different life. She was felt like nobility, and she lived in every comfort imaginable. Jewels, clothes, beautiful home, the best tutors for her children…Christine had it all. She leaned back in a comfy chair, feeling the plush fabric around her. A woman dressed in a crisp black uniform approached her.
"Vicomtess, your husband wanted to inform you that he is in the library, should you wish to see him."
"Thank you, Charlotte," Christine said automatically. Vicomtess...she must be married to Raoul. She walked from the room and down a hall that she seemed to know well…but she didn't. What's going on? Why can't I remember; something important has happened…Christine knocked on the large library door.
"Come in! Christine! I'm glad you came by…" Raoul came from around his desk, looking the same as always…perhaps a bit older. He kissed her lightly on her cheek, and Christine's hand flew to her face. Where was the passion? The fire…Raoul did not kiss her as a husband to a wife…not like Erik kissed her.
Erik…where did Erik fit in this new life? Was he still under the Opera Populaire? Did he still sing songs in her head? Christine could find herself recalling various details about her new life: Meg was getting married, Raoul's birthday was in two weeks…but she could not remember anything about Erik. Was that intentional?
"I have invited the Baron to come for tea…I won't entertain long. I have a business trip starting tomorrow morning, and I shall not return for quite some time; you understand, my dear, business is business."
Christine sighed. "Yes, of course…but what about the children? They never see you, Raoul…" Raoul laughed.
"They never see you either! What with all the luncheons and events you host…I daresay their nanny knows them better! But that is quite all right, my dear…it is how it should be."
Christine closed her eyes briefly. So this is what life would be like with Raoul…not worrying about money, others raising their children, she herself entertaining the well to do like the proper nobleman's wife. Well, perhaps one thing hadn't changed…
"Where is the music room, Raoul? I have the greatest urge to sing." Raoul looked at her in shock.
"My dear, you have not sung a note since that night at the Opera Populaire…when that monster took you captive."
Christine rounded on him, anger flashing in her eyes. "He is not a monster! How dare you…"
Raoul held up his hands defensively. "Christine! What's gotten in to you? It doesn't matter, anyway, my dear…the Opera Ghost has been dead for years! You know that…"
Christine felt her insides grow cold. "What?"
Raoul gave Christine a funny look. "Are you feeling well, Christine? Don't you remember? A mob swarmed his lair…they couldn't find him, but Madam Giry discovered his body sometime later…bullet to the chest; no one in the mob swore to doing the deed…maybe the damn ghost committed suicide! I have to say, I was rather relieved. I did not think he fully intended for you to leave with me in the first place."
Christine felt the tears begin to blur her vision. She muttered her excuses to Raoul, then fled, racing up stairs and finding herself in a large room. It was clearly her room…but it had a single bed. Raoul and I don't even share a bed…Dead. Erik was dead…of course! If Christine hadn't turned back after the mob had destroyed Erik's lair, he would have most certainly have died from his injuries…but Christine, Meg, and Madam Giry had saved him. Damn! The empty feeling grew inside of her. She had a thought. Christine moved to her jewelry box. If time had been so altered; if events had been so changed…there! Christine pulled an old ring out of the jewelry box. It was badly tarnished, but it still shown against the white of her hand. Christine held Erik's ring close to her heart. She rummaged through her jewels and found a simple gold chain. Christine ran the ring through the chain, then slipped it on. It hung just over her heart. Christine felt the sadness overtake her, and she threw herself on the unfamiliar bed and cried.
A few hours a later, a servant came to help her dress for the tea with the Baron. Christine knew, from her new life memories, that the Baron was an evil, piggy man with a vicious temper…Christine hated the idea of Raoul hanging around him. She walked elegantly down the steps, her curls swept up off her neck with several gold pins. As she entered, the three seated guests rose in greeting.
"My dear! So glad you could join us…this is the Baron Von Kempt…and this is his, ah,-"
"Female companion will do nicely, Vicomte. I am Elisabeth."
Christine glanced at the girl in shock. It was Elisabeth all right; her black hair was in a fashionable hair do, and her gown was of expensive silk. Christine inclined her head in greeting. The two men began to talk in earnest about business, leaving the two ladies to converse in private.
"I do hate business talks, don't you, Vicomtess? They are so very boring…"
Christine leaned forward a bit. "Elisabeth, do you recognize me?"
Elisabeth looked at her strangely. "Madam, I have just met you…what do you mean?"
Christine pressed on. "You have a brother, Erik…and a younger brother, Brian…you lived outside the village of Calais…I know you, Elisabeth!"
Elisabeth looked at her, the classy façade dropping slightly to reveal the scared girl within. "You are mistaken…I have no brother named Erik…but I watched my baby brother Brian die before my eyes. If you know me, then you must know my situation!" Her voice was but a whisper. "My stepfather…he sold me to this Baron…I am but a prisoner…he killed my brother, for my disobedience…if you know me, Vicomtess, then help me!"
The conversation between them abruptly ended as Raoul and the Baron shook hands, sealing some deal. Elisabeth's eyes cleared, and again she became the haughty mistress of her Baron, kindly taking his arm when offered. She shot Christine one last haunted look…
Raoul put his hand on his wife's arm; Christine jumped in shock. Raoul gave her an inquisitive look, but she shook it off.
"I have to go, Raoul…there is something I must do. I don't know when I'll be back." Raoul shrugged.
"All right, Christine…I'll see you when I return from my business trip."
Christine ran to the stables, ignoring the strange looks the servants were giving her. Before saddling her horse, she noticed a small, glittering knife perched on an unused stall. Something possessed her to take the knife; she slipped it within the folds of her dress. Christine saddled a horse, and rode as fast as she could from the De Chagny Estate. She went to the only person she thought could help her; the only person who had ever been of help to her in desperate need: Madam Giry.
Christine crossed the threshold of the Opera Populaire, and went straight to Madam Giry's room. She didn't even knock, she just walked right in. Madam Giry looked up in shock and bewilderment.
"Christine! I have not seen you since you married Raoul…what's wrong?"
Christine crossed her arms over her chest. "Erik. Where is Erik?"
Madam Giry's eyes softened slightly, but a question was hiding behind them. "He's dead, Christine…you know that."
"Where is he!"
Madam Giry cast her eyes to her feet before glaring at Christine fiercely. "Are you mad, Christine? Why do you care? You left here without a second glance…you gave up everything to be with the Vicomte. How can you return now, and expect me to tell you where he is? He died, Christine, alone, in the dark…in pain. Do you think I took him to a graveyard? A church, perhaps? No, dear Christine…if you want to see the poor creature that loved you, then you must travel to the dungeons of a black despair…Erik remains in his lair, Christine…I couldn't bear to separate him from his only home." Without a word, Christine turned and ran from the room, running as fast as she could as she made her way down the familiar old passage ways. She crossed the lake, emerging on the other side cold and shivering, but she didn't care…Christine gasped as she looked at Erik's lair…
It had not been used in some time; that much was obvious. Dust littered the ground…Erik's beloved pipe organ was in tatters. Christine closed her eyes and tried to imagine their music…but she could not. The magic, the mystery…it was gone from this place. Christine walked slowly to the back of the lair, where the ground became dirt. A small marker had been placed in the ground…it merely said, in bold and plain letters:O.G. Christine fell to her knees on the patch of dirt, and withdrew the small ring from the chain around her neck. She placed it on the grave, and she wept. She cried and screamed:
"I will not live without him! No life is worth that! I do not regret my choices! You can't take him from me! I would rather burn in Hell!"
"You don't know what you ask, Christine."
Christine turned to find Erik leaning against the wall. She gasped. "Erik…" She walked toward him, tried to touch him, but her hand went through him. He was a ghost…a specter.
"You would give up Heaven to live in Hell with me? Do you think that is what I want for you? I loved you with all my heart…and even though I knew you couldn't return my love, knowing that you were happy was enough for me. I died with peace because I knew you would be loved and honored for the rest of your days! Why condemn yourself, Christine, for me!"
Christine was crying soft, sad tears. "You don't know the life that I do…you and I are together…we're happy…we have a family…and I spend every day thanking God that I made the right decision…to stay with you."
Erik turned, his eyes glowing in anger. "You lie! You didn't choose me…you chose your precious Vicomte! Even now…you are a viper. I loved you once, wretch, but no longer! In death I am more powerful than you can ever imagine!" Erik rose, his tall frame filling Christine with shadow. "You will fear me, Christine…fear cannot turn to love…it never can…you could never love a monster."
"No! You will not make my choice for me! If to be with you means the fires of Hell, then so be it!"
Christine pulled the small knife she had carried within her dress. Erik reached for her. "No, Christine! NO!" She held it up so the point gleamed in the dim light of the lair. Christine closed her eyes tightly, waiting for the pain. It never came.
"Christine…Christine…" Christine opened her eyes to find herself back where she had started…the blank white blanket. She was staring into the eyes of her father.
"You have chosen. Younow knowexactly what it was you were giving up, and you still chose your own path…I could not be prouder of you, my daughter. I am sorry to put you through this ordeal…but it had to be so."
Christine nodded. "I am strong…because of you. And because of my Angel of Music…tell me, Papa…did you really send Erik to me?"
Christine's father just smiled. "What do you think, Little Lotte? You have changed him, little one…and even when your father disapproved, you still were adamant about your love for him. It was a test, my dear…one that you have passed. Did I keep my promise?"
"Yes…you did. I love you, Papa."
"And I you, little one. We will be together one day…just not now." A beautiful woman joined him, holding on to his hand tightly. Christine's throat closed painfully. The blonde curls…the familiar brown eyes…Christine was looking at her mother for the first time.
"Goodbye, Christine…know that we will watch over you…"
The light around Christine flashed brightly, and Christine was plunged into darkness.
Author's note 2: Ok, guys…don't kill me. I just couldn't put all the stuff I wanted to in one chapter…it would have been a giant super chapter, and ya'll might have gotten tired of reading it…this way is better, BWHAHA Lol. Tell me what you think in a nice review…Thanks for reading!