Demons of the Past
Ch. 18: An Angel's Return
Author's note: This is the second part of the birth chapter…I will write in a few new perspectives…I hope you like! By the way…I have hit the coveted one hundred review mark…and I would like to say how awesome I think all you guys are. Thank you for making me feel special…Lol- I also wanted to say that I have taken some liberties with Raoul's past...I have mixed the stage show and Leroux.
P.S.: To Son Kat: I am so glad that you liked the chapter, my friend. And although I am fond of your friend Emily, I shall not be naming one of the twins 'Spongebetty' I'm sure she'll understand…(won't you, Emily?)
Glitter Queen of the Ice Show: I dedicate this chapter to you, my devoted reviewer. I appreciate you taking the time to review the number of times you do! Thanks and hugs!
Disclaimer: I own the TWINS!…but not the Phantom of the Opera characters.
And now, on with the story.
The silence in M. Javere's office was deafening as the Opera House doctor finished his prognosis for Christine. Stefan stood silent by the door, closest to the doctor. Raoul broke the somberness.
"I see…are you sure?" The doctor nodded his head sadly, and Raoul bowed his head. Stefan hung his head in shock.
"What are her chances?" Stefan said quietly. The doctor sighed.
"I'd say the odds are fifty-fifty. All I know is that I've done all I can…and Monsieur Massenet wished me to come to you, and I have. He also asks that you, Monsieur Vicomte, be the one to tell Mademoiselle Massenet…I imagine she will want to visit, and I would like to say that the idea is good…but not for long. Christine is unconscious, and the Maestro…is not himself." The doctor looked at Stefan in dismay. "I feel as if I have failed her, Monsieur Javere…I have failed her when she put her trust in me…I offer my resignation to you, Manager, as doctor of the Opera Populaire…"
Stefan put his hand on the doctor's shoulder. "You have done all you could possible do, Doctor; you're only human…and I refuse your resignation. You are a good doctor…don't let this keep you from using your gifts to save people that could benefit from your aid."
"I bid your leave then, Manager."
Raoul stood in silence, staring at the walls of Stefan's office. Stefan approached him.
"My boy, are you all right?" Raoul almost broke a smile at the fathering tone Stefan used, but under the circumstances, his face felt as if were chiseled from stone.
"I just can't believe it…Christine…she is so young! She shouldn't be the first to go…I should! I would take her place in a heartbeat…"
"Don't say that! Elisabeth needs you, Raoul…now more than ever! Her family is falling apart…you have to be there for her!"
Raoul felt some energy return to him. "I know…I will go to her now. What will you do, my friend?"
Stefan sighed. "I will return to Erik…I must offer my help in anyway…and I know my friend. He will not be himself without Christine."
Raoul turned away. "How right you are, Stefan." He added, under his breath. "You might want to keep your hands at the level of your eyes…"
"What was that last?"
"Nothing, Stefan. Good luck."
"And you, my friend."
Elisabeth paced the small room she was in. Brian was still in his nursery room, oblivious to all except that his Chrissy was having the babies…Meg sat crossed-legged on her bed, watching her in mild amusement.
"Elisabeth, are you trying to wear a path in my floor? Will you calm down! Christine will be fine…and the babies as well. You worry too much."
"Meg, someone should have come for us before now…something is wrong, can't you see!"
Meg got off the bed and stopped her friend by grabbing her shoulders. "Please, Elisabeth…it does us no good to think of what might go wrong…Christine might as well been born my sister; we are so very close…and I know that you have a bond with her as well. We can't do this…" She hugged Elisabeth tightly.
"You're right, Meg…what do you want to do?"
Meg fiddled in a drawer. "I have cards!"
They settled on the floor, playing rummy over and over again. Eventually there was a knock on the door. Elisabeth glanced at Meg excitedly, and flung open the door. Raoul stood there…his appearance was enough to tell Elisabeth that something was wrong. Normally he looked so put together…he stood before her now in rumpled and wrinkled clothes…his hair was unbound and hung limply in his eyes. His hazel eyes had taken on a dull hue…Elisabeth gasped and put a hand to her mouth.
"What has happened, Raoul…what has happened?"
Raoul entered the room, taking Elisabeth by the hand. Meg stared, wide eyed. Raoul glanced at Meg, and gestured for her to take a hand as well. The two women held one another close.
"There is no easy way to say this…Christine delivered twin girls…but she herself had complications…the doctor is unsure whether she will live the night."
Meg wrenched herself away from Elisabeth. She dashed from the room. Elisabeth stood still for a moment, then slid to the floor. She hugged herself with her slender arms and sobbed. Raoul kneeled beside her and opened his arms. Elisabeth threw herself into them, letting the tears fall into Raoul's shoulder. She was surprised to feel hot tears on her shoulder as well. Together, they held each other tight. The embrace was that of pure sadness in its most concentrated form. The world was so unsure around them; they found comforting solace in one another's arms. Raoul pulled away first. He wiped away Elisabeth's tears.
"Do you want to see her?"
Elisabeth nodded solemnly. "Raoul…I don't know what I'm going to do…but Erik will need me." Raoul let her go reluctantly. He turned to lead the way when he felt the feel of a warm hand slip into his own.
"If you don't mind…"
Raoul smiled through the tears welling inside him. "No, Elisabeth, I don't."
Meg ran. She ran as fast as she could, desperate to find some kind of truth to counteract the lies that Raoul had said…if she ran fast enough, perhaps Christine would appear from one of the doorways and tell her that a lady didn't run, like she did when they were children…Meg collided with a figure in black as she turned the corner.
"Damn! What in the world…Meg?" Her mother's voice rose from the floor. Meg had hit the ground hard, and was surprise to find the floor damp.
"What were you carrying?"
Madam Giry scowled as she brushed herself off. "Food…milk…all kinds of things that I really needed, and now are ruined! Meg, why were you running around in the first place? You could have hurt yourself!"
"You mean worse than I already am?" Meg held up her bleeding elbow as evidence. Madam Giry groaned in sympathy.
"Come back to the kitchen with me and will get you cleaned up…I'll ask one of the servants to clean up this mess."
Meg and her mother headed back to the kitchen. The cook was talking rapidly with a young maid.
"I swear, it was him! Tall man, dressed in black…"
"Did you see his face?"
"No…it was in shadow…almost as if he didn't have a face! It was him, the Phantom of the Opera…"
Madam Giry interrupted them with a cough. "Stop this foolish talk, Cook, or I'll see you fired for spreading nasty rumors…stop scaring the poor maid!"
The cook downcast his eyes. "Yes, Madam."
"Young lady, there is a mess in the hallway that could do with some attention…"
The maid nodded and left in a hurry. Madam Giry got some cold rags and washed off Meg's elbow. She found a first aid kit under the sink and proceeded to bandage it up.
"Now, will you tell me why were you running as though the Devil was chasing you?"
Meg glanced at her mother. "Raoul…he said that Christine…but it's not true, is it Mother? She's going to be all right, isn't she?"
Madam Giry looked away. "I don't know, my little Meg…I don't know. All we can do is help as much as we can…why don't you walk with me to Christine's room? I was going to bring Erik some milk for the babies…and some food; he hasn't eaten anything all day. Come with me, my dear…we won't stay long."
Meg and Madam Giry gathered fresh supplies and headed back down the hallway. As they approached the door, they noticed a man standing outside.
"Stefan! What are you doing?"
He was staring at the door. "Erik…he just kicked me out…politely."
"Politely?"
He shrugged. "I knocked, I entered, I gave my condolences, and before I could open my mouth again he just looked at me and said, 'Not now, Stefan…not ever.' I…he's…he seemed to know exactly what I was going to say before I even said it…I was going to suggest that he leave for a little while…take a moment. And now I find myself standing outside the door, thinking, 'He just kicked me out!'"
Madam Giry just stared at him. "Right, Stefan…perhaps you need to lie down. We'll take care of everything." Stefan nodded and walked away. Madam Giry knocked three times on the door.
"Enter," a soft voice spoke through the heavy wooden door. Madam Giry carefully opened the door and walked into the room. She placed her burdens on a desk, and motioned for Meg to do the same. Madam Giry turned toward Erik. He was slouching in the chair beside Christine, holding her small hand entwined in his own. He glanced up and met her eyes.
"They're asleep…both of them. Christine…she hasn't moved."
Meg came toward her friend slightly. She hated to see Christine like this. She was deathly pale, and her normally bright facial features were a subdued grayish tone. Meg stroked her hair and murmured softly to her friend. She glanced at her mother.
"I have some things to take care of…Erik, your daughters are beautiful…take care of things, all right?" Erik raised his melancholy blue green eyes to Meg's blue ones.
"I will, Meg…thank you for coming."
Madam Giry came toward Erik, placing a hand on his arm. "Erik…you haven't eaten anything today…won't you now?" Erik shook his head.
"I don't have an appetite right now, Marie…I thank you for your consideration." Erik's voice was dry and unemotional. Madam Giry sighed.
"All right, my dear…"
Twin cries filled the room as the twins decided that the time had come for some attention. Erik rose from his chair and went to the bassinet. He picked up one of his daughters, carrying her back to the chair.
"Can you hand me that milk, Marie…if you don't mind, you can feed her sister while I feed her…" Madam Giry handed him a bottle.
"Do you know what to do, Erik?"
Erik glanced at Madam Giry, then looked at the gurgling infant in his arms. A ghost of a lopsided grin appeared on his face. "I haven't the slightest…"
Madam Giry laughed. "Not as confident as you appear, are you? Take the bottle in your right hand, and cradle your daughter in the crook of your left arm. Gently angle the bottle; let her take her time…she may not drink all of this, it will be her first time…carefully now, that's it." Erik did as he was instructed, and his little daughter latched on to the tip of the bottle with ease. Soft sucking sounds accompanied the vision of his daughter; her curly tuft of black hair stood out sharply against her pale skin, her mix-matched eyes staring intently into her father's. Erik was absolutely entranced with this tiny infant of his own creation. His and Christine…no one else's. He glanced at Madam Giry feeding his other daughter. All you could see of the infant was a little peek of blonde hair…who would have thought that he would have a blonde child? Seeing his children almost made his mind ease…almost. The little one in his arms finished her meal. Erik got up from the chair and made his way back to the bassinet.
"Erik…you have to burp her."
Erik looked bewildered. "Burp her?"
Madam Giry motioned for Erik to watch her. "Babies can't expel gas on their own…you have to pat their backs gently to relieve the pressure…if you don't, it causes them a lot of pain." She demonstrated with the infant in her hands. Erik followed suit.
Once the babies were put safely in their crib, silence once again overtook the small room. Madam Giry glanced at Erik.
"Have you thought of names for your girls yet?"
Erik didn't turn his attention away from Christine. "No. I have not. I'm waiting for Christine to awaken."
"Ah…well, you know, I'm partial to 'Marie'…it is a good name."
Erik smiled a little. "I'll keep that in mind, Marie…Listen, will you do me a favor?"
"Of course…"
"Will you head off Elisabeth? I have a feeling she'll want to be here…and I don't want her to…I can't…" Madam Giry looked at him in full understanding.
"Consider it done, my dear…have faith. Try and get some sleep; I'll be in later to check on you…and eat something, for God's sake!"
Erik finally breathed a sigh of relief as Madam Giry left. He was alone…not that he wanted to be. He wanted Christine to awaken, wanted her to live and smile and laugh…Weariness was beginning to settle over his eyes, but he ignored it. Erik looked at the food Marie had brought. He smiled to himself: she had brought him peanut butter sandwiches…the last time he had had one of those, he had been a lad of ten…and they had shared them together. For Erik, there was no better comfort food than that, although Marie was the only one to know. Erik grabbed a sandwich and nibbled at it. He sat back in his chair and leaned back as he eyed his wife. Christine still was unconscious…but Erik could see the rapid movement of her eyes from behind her lids. He took that as a good sign…and there were so few to be had.
This was exactly what he had been afraid of…he had been worried for her life the moment she had told him of her pregnancy. Erik had overreacted the night she had told him, but the feeling wouldn't leave him. Was it wrong to choose your wife over your children? Erik would have preferred to have children if Christine's health would have been assured, but the dangers were too great. He wished…how he wished…he stopped himself before he could finish his thought. Did he mean that he wished his children had never been born? Before today, Erik had believed that if faced with a choice, he would always choose Christine…but seeing his baby girls, there tiny forms so insignificant in the world…they needed his protection. Erik began to feel as Christine had always felt since the beginning. Christine had protected them, given them life and comfort; now, Erik had to be the protector. He had to be their father. It was too late…Erik loved his daughters more than he thought imaginable. He had thought that there was just room enough in his heart to love Christine…but he was wrong. What would he do if he had to raise them alone? Could he? Without Christine? Erik didn't want to think about it for the same reason he had not yet named his daughters. Christine was going to wake up…she would not leave him. Erik finished his meager meal and went to inspect his girls. They were both asleep, their chubby faces a picture of peace and comfort. Erik took solace in their beauty for a moment…they looked so much like their mother. He cautiously reached his hand into the bassinet and stroked his daughter's jet black hair. So much like his own…he looked them over carefully now, noting Christine's nose…or a dimple. One of his daughters had a large freckle just behind her little ear. Erik memorized their every feature, knowing that he would remember this moment for the rest of his life. It was a perfect moment…and yet, Christine should be at his side, admiring their work in creation as she clung to his side, his hand holding her close by the waist. They could not be a family until his Angel returned to him.
Erik sighed softly and withdrew his hand. He had never felt so helpless in his life…he was truly at a loss. There was nothing he could do now…the situation was beyond his control. Erik loved the feel of being in charge of one's life, fate, and destiny. He had lived alone for so long that his will was automatically done. One of the things Erik had learned in his marriage was that it was a compromise…not a dictatorship. Erik had become used to giving in to Christine…little things like what time to get up in the morning, what kind of breakfast to serve…but this was something he couldn't give in to. Christine had to live…if not, Erik didn't think he could live on without her. She was his reason for life; without her, he would have long since died and gone to whatever Hell would claim him. If Christine…died…Erik didn't want to think about it. His girls would need him; he couldn't just waste away. But he knew that inside he would be dead…his music would die, his art would die…and his love would die. Would he become the hated man he once was? Christine changed his soul…without her there was no hope for him.
Erik crossed the room, sitting in the now uncomfortable chair…it was a chair of waiting now…and grabbed Christine's hand. Erik stroked the back of it softly, feeling the cold dampness upon his warm flesh. If only she would stir! If only she would give some sign that she would live…The sound of the soft breathing of Christine and the babies, mingled with the heat of the room, and coupled with the fact that Erik now had a full stomach caused Erik's eyes to begin to droop. He would not go to sleep! If Christine stirred while he was oblivious to her…or if the babies needed something, and he didn't wake…no, Erik had gone days without sleep before; he could do it again. The lull of the room began to whither his resolve. Maybe he would close his eyes for just a moment…he wouldn't go to sleep, he would merely rehydrate his eyes, and then open them to remain wide awake. Within seconds, Erik had fallen into a deep slumber.
"What do you mean, 'he doesn't want me to come'! I'm his only sister…I have to help him!"
Madam Giry glanced at the red faced Elisabeth. "My dear, if you want to help your brother, then respect his wishes…things are difficult right now. Erik is trying to handle his situation as best he can, but he is best when he is left alone. He will alert us if any changes occur in Christine or the babies…what we have to do now is continue with our lives. Now, I know you do not dance, Elisabeth, so I have no authority over you as Ballet Mistress…but I must insist that you retire to a practice room and sing for your upcoming audition. That is what Erik would want, I can guarantee it. The world can't stop, Elisabeth, no matter how much we might wish it."
Elisabeth felt the color of anger recede from her face, leaving it the pale face of sadness. Her eyes were large and puffy from crying, her cheeks splotched with light pink to indicate the trail of unwiped tears. Raoul had his hand around her waist, supporting her gently. She had swayed at the ill news and Raoul had thought she would faint. Elisabeth cleared her raw throat.
"I cannot sing, Madam…I have no voice left. I have no emotions left but sadness…"
Raoul smoothed her hair gently. "My dear, perhaps it would be best if we went to dinner? You have not eaten today, I know. We can get away from the Opera Populaire for a little while, then return as soon as we have completed the meal. Please, Elisabeth…you have to have your strength."
Elisabeth turned her cheerless eyes to Raoul. "I am in no condition to go out in public, Raoul…and I have no wish to."
Raoul sighed. "Then let me take you to my home for supper. No one is home but me…you can relax there."
Madam Giry cleared her throat. "Vicomte, I do not believe that escorting a young lady to your place of residence would be the wisest thing…once a young maiden's reputation is lost, it is impossible to replace…I know that you have the purest intentions…but people would talk."
Raoul grimaced, remembering the talk surrounding his relationship with Christine…it had all started because he had known her from childhood and asked to see her alone in her dressing room…well, perhaps now, as he thought upon it, that course of action wasn't the wisest to take.
"You are quite right Madam Giry…please, Elisabeth, reconsider going to the small café outside. It is the dinner hour, and they are busiest at lunch…we can bring Erik back something." Elisabeth brightened at the suggestion.
"All right…and I am hungry. We can eat quickly and be back here in no time! I shall go and change…I will meet you in the front lobby."
Raoul turned to Madam Giry. "Would you and Meg like to accompany us? We would be honored."
Madam Giry shook her head. "I intend to remain here and keep everyone away from Erik and Christine…I know they mean well, but now is not the time for condolences and pity; and I daresay that Meg is at a ballet practice…she is teaching the young ones basic positions. I don't think she would say no to something brought back for her, though."
Raoul nodded. "Consider it done. Do you want anything?"
"No…I find myself unable to think of food…I am just so worried about Christine…but I worry more for Erik."
"What do you mean?"
She sighed. "I don't know if he knows how to live without Christine. He has loved her for so long…Erik would sooner join her in death than stay behind, but he has a responsibility now to his daughters. He cannot fail them."
Raoul nodded. He straightened his jacket. "I…can hardly imagine Erik as a father. It's just hard to see."
"Every man has the opportunity, Monsieur…but daughters are the key. Every woman in this world is a daddy's girl…a daddy's sweetheart. Erik will develop a bond with his daughters quickly, Vicomte."
Raoul grimaced. "I pity the poor souls who will try to court them…he will be more protective with his daughters than he is with Elisabeth."
"You speak truth, Vicomte…if you'll excuse me, I must check on Meg's class. Just because I allow her to teach it doesn't mean that I mustn't inspect her unexpectedly."
Raoul grabbed her arm before she passed him. "Madam…is Meg all right? She was very distraught after I told her the bad news concerning Christine."
Madam Giry shook her head. "She is as well as anyone else, Monsieur…the only thing that will put her mind at ease is Christine's recovery."
Elisabeth, despite her melancholy disposition, couldn't help but smile as the crisp November air took her breath away. "My, it has gotten cold…and look at those clouds! We'll have snow tonight for sure."
Raoul led them to a small café. Elisabeth and Raoul were familiar with the place; every week they met for breakfast here. They sat at their favorite table and ordered their food.
"So…where do you live, Raoul? I don't think I have ever asked."
"I live in a manor right outside the Paris borders. It is my family home…but currently the only de Chagny living there is myself. My brother, Phillipe, was been away on family business for months now."
"What about your parents?" Elisabeth realized that they had never broached the subject of his family before. Raoul sighed.
"My father died when I was but a lad…Phillipe is a good many years my elder and he basically raised me. My mother…let's just say that the death of my father was something she couldn't accept. She resides at our sea side home in Brest…she rarely corresponds with Phillipe and I…I think she is a touch mad, to be frank." Raoul fidgeted in his seat a bit. "I have never told anyone that…my brother is a Comte…he runs the family fortunes and business investments…I have no other siblings, although I am bonded by many through de Chagny blood. My brother does not understand my need to invest in the Opera Populaire at all…I have been entranced by that place since I first saw Faust on its stages years ago!"
"I feel as if I know so little about you, Raoul, even though we've known each other for months now…tell me about your childhood."
Raoul leaned forward in his chair a bit, not taking his eyes off of Elisabeth's. "Well…I was brought up by nannies and tutors for the first part of my life…I had speech coaches, language instructors, history teachers…I had fencing practice and hunting lessons; all the manly things…(Elisabeth laughed) Two years after my father died my brother started taking me to Le Havre; Phillipe often had business there, and I got to enjoy the warm ocean air and a sandy new playground…it was there that I first met Christine."
They were interrupted as dinner was served to them. Raoul and Elisabeth ate in silence for a few moments. Raoul was afraid that his touch on the subject of Christine had hurt Elisabeth.
"Raoul, this was a good idea. I feel so much better now…well, as good as I can feel, considering. Raoul…if you don't mind, I would like you to continue your story…when did you met Christine?"
Raoul breathed in relief. "I was twelve years old…Phillipe had joined me on the beach for the first time in ages; he was talking to an older gentleman as I walked the sandy beach. I saw a young girl standing at the water's edge, searching for sea shells. She was possible the prettiest child I had ever seen…even at that young age, her hair was a wave of dark curls…but it was tied back with a pretty red scarf. A gust of wind blew past me, and the scarf unknotted itself and flew toward the open water. The young girl let out a bewildered cry, and before I could think, I had plunged into the icy water after that scarf. I returned the wet thing to the child…and she looked at me and said, 'Thank you, kind Sir. Twas my mother's scarf, and she has long left me to live in Heaven with the Angels.' I was so taken with her that I didn't mind that Phillipe caned me within an inch of my life. He was furious that I had dove into the sea (I could barely swim, to be honest)…I could have been killed. But all I cared about was seeing the girl again…her father was a friend of my brother's; he was a famous violinist. He had come to the sea to die…and little Christine seemed to know that. We talked all the time; she told me about the stories her father would tell her about a young girl named Little Lotte who had an Angel of Music. She had such a vivid imagination that I actually believed…but then her father died, and she left. I never knew where she went, and I believed I would never see her again. Until a faithful day nearly ten years later…I had just become the Opera Populaire's new patron, and I was attending my first gala. She performed as Elissa…and all my memories of her returned to me."
Elisabeth finished her meal. She glanced at him. "You were in love with her."
"I thought I was…she was the sister I never had, and such strange things were happening at the Opera House at the time…I just wanted to protect her."
"What kind of strange things?"
Raoul glanced up, then changed the subject. "My, it has gotten cold in here, hasn't it?"
Elisabeth noted the abrupt change in conversation, but nodded her head in agreement. She would have to broach the subject later.
Raoul glanced at the large window beside them and peered outside into the afternoon sun. "It's snowing again…"
Elisabeth looked up. "Is it bad?"
"Not yet…but it might not be a bad idea to head back now. Let's get Erik's and Meg's food and leave before the storm gets worse."
A roaring noise awakened Erik from his deep sleep. He opened his eyes cautiously, forgetting for a moment where he was. What was that sound? Erik listened hard with his excellent hearing, and realized that the sound was coming from outside the Opera Populaire…it was the wind. It must be a blizzard, Erik thought. He stretched his sore muscles and pulled his battered watch out of his pocket. It read three o'clock a.m. Erik blinked in surprise. He glanced at Christine, realization flooding through him. Erik had slept the whole time…most of the night…he reached out and took her small wrist between his hands and blew out a sigh of relief. She had a pulse…and a strong one at that. This had to be a good sign…Erik stood and moved toward his daughters. It was plain that someone had been in to care for them…they were dressed in swaddling clothes, and they smelled of baby powder. Marie must have come in while I was asleep…curse her for not waking me…sure enough, on the desk was a fresh plate of food. Erik inspected it. There was a note.
Don't be mad that I let you sleep…you won't get much of it with twin infants around…I shall return at four o'clock, my friend.
Erik sighed. He wasn't hungry…Erik made his way back to Christine.
"My Angel…it is early in the morning…it's snowing outside. We might get snowed in the way the storm is going." Erik sighed. "I wish you could hear my words, Christine. I wish you would wake…" Erik stroked Christine's wild brown mane. The silkiness of the curls on his fingers counteracted the cold feeling of her small hand within his own.
"You can't leave me…there is still so much that we haven't shared. There is so much that I haven't told you…I thought I had all the time in the world. Time is so precious…I promise never to waste it again. If only you would wake…"
Erik heard stirring from the bassinet. He went to the side of the cradle and noticed one his daughters staring at him with mix-matched eyes. Erik smiled.
"You're awake, aren't you, little one? Let's get you out of this thing before you wake your sister…" Erik gently picked up his daughter. He carried her over to Christine. The infant gurgled and smiled for her daddy. Her little hands were grasping upwards, trying to reach something to grab. Erik extended his finger to his daughter, and she latched right on. Erik loved the feel of his small daughter in his arms…he turned his attention to Christine.
"Do you remember the night of Don Juan? It seems a silly question, I know…the performance was a scheme of my own devious and foolish mind; my life's work had become a plot to ensnare you and keep you with me forever. I was so sure that I would win your heart that night…I was so sure that you would fall in love with me. I followed my plan to the letter; everything went perfectly…until you started to sing to me, Christine…I was undone the moment I heard your voice. It was full of fire and passion, so much so that I couldn't believe that it was a ploy…I realized that no matter what I might do, whatever power I might possess…you would always be my weakness. But in a sense, it is not a weakness…I feel powerful with you in my arms; the feel of passion and love is something that I cannot control. I…have never fully understood your actions that night…I do not know why you would sing to me in such a manner, then reveal me to be the demon I am…but it doesn't matter, Christine. The lesson I learned that night is the same that follows me to this day: there is no light in my darkness without you."
Erik softly soothed his daughter in his arms, playing with her tiny toes. He leaned down and kissed Christine softly on her forehead.
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 to…Christine, that's all I ask of-
Erik couldn't finish it. He hadn't been able to finish it the night of Don Juan, and he couldn't finish now. Grief closed his throat, and he shut his eyes against the pain. He let the tears fall freely, only aware of the sleeping infant in his arms. He felt as if part of his soul was draining from his body…when he felt a slight grasp on his wrist. Erik's eyes flew opened. Christine was gazing at him, her brown eyes absent of pain. She smiled.
"You…" she finished his song quietly, still staring at her husband. Erik was paralyzed for a moment.
"Christine?"
Christine closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them for the second time, Erik could see the awareness in them. "Angel…thank God for you."
Erik felt the joy leap through his body, giving him new found energy. She spoke with no weakness, and her smile was like pure light into the darkness that had settled over Erik."Christine! You have added years to my life, my dear…and that is not necessarily a good thing." He leaned down and kissed her deeply, careful of the baby in his arms. "Tell me how you feel, Angel…leave nothing out. Is there pain? Are you hungry?"
Christine thought for a moment. "I have no pain, save one: I have not yet held my daughters…Erik? Will you…" Erik smiled and passed the young infant to her mother. He fetched his other daughter, and together they held their children for the first time. Christine felt the tears roll down her face. She looked at Erik.
"Names?"
Erik shook his head. "Not yet, love…I was waiting on you."
Christine thought for a moment, then look at the daughter Erik held in his arms. She had tufts of blonde hair the same shade as Christine's mother: a deep honey color. Christine sighed. "Meaningful names, Erik…I want meaningful names for my daughters."
"Aurora." Erik said the name instantly, although he wasn't quite sure where it came from. Of course, he thought, light and beauty fit my daughter perfectly.
Christine looked at Erik, then back at the tiny infant. Christine nodded. "Aurora Marie."
Erik smiled. "Marie would be happy about that, I imagine. Now, what about her sister?" The infant in Christine's arms was of a darker coloring, more like her father. Erik knew just the name.
"Celena."
"Perfect…now, what about a middle name?"
Erik paused. "Elisabeth's middle name is Caitlyn, Christine…I would like that to be her middle name."
Christine smiled as Erik passed Aurora to her. She held them both easily in her arms. "Aurora Marie and Celena Caitlyn…beautiful names for our beautiful daughters." Erik looked at Christine holding their children. He didn't think that there was a more beautiful sight in all the world. Christine lifted her head, the tears free falling from her face.
"Thank you, Erik…my Angel…for my daughters. Thank you so much."
Erik carefully crawled into the bed with his wife. She fit snuggly into his arms, and he kissed the top of her head. "Thank you for returning to me…I cannot live without you, my love."
Erik hugged her closer, feeling her cold body slowly warm against his own. Christine rested her head on her husband's strong arm, still cradling the young infants against her breasts. Erik wished they could stay like this forever…but one of the infants began to whimper. Christine glanced down.
"I do believe that they're hungry, Erik…and I have to confess that I am not quite sure how to do it. Would you mind terribly leaving to fetch Marie? Please?"
Erik reluctantly left her warm embrace. "I can deny you nothing, Christine. I shall return soon…do not leave the bed, love." Erik moved the bassinet closer to Christine's bed, so she could see them from her spot in the bed. He picked up the babies and put them safely in their crib. Erik turned to face Christine. He grasped her hand.
"I won't be long…"
Christine rose up and kissed him hard on the lips. Erik felt her deepen the kiss, and in response Erik found himself moving forward to hold her against him. "Kiss me like that again and I won't be able to leave…"
Christine laughed. "The sooner you leave, the sooner you can return…and if you returned with food, you may get more than a kiss." She batted her eyes at him mischievously, and Erik felt the blood rise within him. She was really all right…everything was going to be fine. He turned and walked to the door, turning back for one last look at his Angel before he left.
"So I said 'Christine, why are you crawling on the floor?' and she said, 'Papa said that you must have lost your marbles jumping into the sea after my scarf, so I was trying to find them for you!'" Raoul couldn't finish; his face turned red, and he laughed deeply. Meg and Elisabeth burst into laughter themselves. Elisabeth grabbed her side.
"Ah-I have a stitch!"
Meg laughed harder. "Good…maybe Raoul and I will win at cards now that you're occupied…"
Raoul, Elisabeth, and Meg were gathered in Elisabeth's room. They were positioned in various places on the floor, and a deck of cards lie in the middle of the semi-circle they found themselves in. They had played rummy all night…all three could not find the will to sleep. Instead, they had shared in laughter and merriment…Meg and Raoul told wonderfully funny stories of Christine in her childhood. Meg waved her hands as she took the cards to shuffle them.
"I've got the best story…ever wonder, Raoul, why Carlotta hated Christine so much? It's not just because she replaced her as prima donna…"
Elisabeth lifted her head in confusion. "Who is Carlotta?"
Raoul barked out a bitter laugh. "Picture a Spanish diva with the personality of a paper bag…but an attitude that would grate the dead. Her voice…it had a range…but it would rupture your eardrums! Her voice sounded like a stuck pig! SQUEE!"
Meg turned bright red, then choked out a laugh. Raoul glanced at her in mock concern, and patted her back. "Breathe, Meg…" Meg steadied herself, then glanced at Elisabeth in seriousness.
"She was horrible, Elisabeth…she ordered everyone around; and the managers always catered to her…Christine had been at the Opera Populaire for four years when Carlotta became the leading soprano. She was on the stage one day and the diva approached her with her giant white poodle dog. Carlotta threw the dog onto Christine, and said, 'You, there! Ballet Rat! Taka my doggie for a walkie right now! And be careful of my precious poochy…' Christine was so taken aback that she just did it; when she got outside the dog tugged the lease out of her hands and dove into a giant mud puddle!"
Elisabeth laughed. Meg shushed her with a look. "But that's not the best part…Christine managed to get the dog back into the Opera Populaire, and she was going to take it and bathe him before she gave him back to Carlotta…but Carlotta was screeching on stage, and the dog heard her voice. He ran to her and jumped into her arms…she screamed for ages at the mud all over her clothes!"
Raoul laughed so hard that he fell backwards onto the floor. "Poor Christine…I can imagine Carlotta made her life Hell after that."
Meg nodded. "You have no idea…I'm sick of cards."
"Yeah, me too…is there anything else we can play?" Elisabeth asked, yawning widely.
Meg brightened. "I have a chess set! It's in Mother's room…I'll be right back." Elisabeth looked at Raoul, who had regained his dignity from his previous laughing fit. Elisabeth laughed.
"Your hair…"
Raoul felt his hair. It was all over the place…and that was unacceptable. He tried to smooth it, but just managed to make it worse. Elisabeth laughed harder.
"Quit laughing at me!" Raoul tried in vain to fix his appearance without a mirror.
"I can't help it…you're such a fop!"
Raoul froze. "Take that back."
Elisabeth smiled smugly. "No."
"You will."
"I will not."
"All right, you asked for it!" Raoul tackled her, tickling her unmercifully. Elisabeth tried to slap his hands away, but soon found that she was out of breath from laughing.
"Stop Raoul! Oh, please! I'll do anything!"
"Say 'Raoul is the master of the Opera Populaire'"
"I will not- all right! Raoul is the master…fop!"
Raoul stopped in mock surprise. His face was inches from Elisabeth's. "Why, I never…I can't believe you would say such a thing…TWICE!" He pressed a hand over his heart. "I'm hurt…deep down." Elisabeth smiled at him.
"I only speak the truth…"
They stared at each other for a moment. They were so close…Raoul felt like he should move away, but he couldn't take his eyes off of Elisabeth's blue green orbs…those eyes had haunted his dreams; they had etched themselves into his heart. He leaned his head forward, just a bit…it was like magnetism, he couldn't break off…and suddenly, Raoul felt the soft press of her lips against his…she tasted of vanilla. Raoul inclined his head, deepening the sweet kiss, but not wishing to ravage her mouth. This…was electric…it was fire…this was nothing like kissing anyone else…and Raoul prayed that Elisabeth felt the same. Quite suddenly, there was a cough and the sound of someone clearing their throat. Raoul sprang away from Elisabeth, and turned to stare in shame at Madam Giry.
"Well…I do hope that I'm not interrupting. I just came to check on everyone…and I have to say that I'm glad I did. Where is my daughter?"
Elisabeth looked at her feet, the shame burning on her face. "She went to your bedroom, Madam." Madam Giry nodded.
"Then I suggest you go to my bedroom, Elisabeth. Stay with Meg." Elisabeth didn't need telling twice. She hurried from the room. Madam Giry came toward Raoul and slapped him across the face.
"How dare you! Unsupervised…I cannot believe that you would risk her honor in such a way. This is a horrible time for her and her family! This is not the time for you to play Casanova! You have betrayed my trust…and Erik's! What would he say if he had been the one to discover you? Or better yet, what would he do!"
"Yes…what would I do, Marie?" Madam Giry whirled around to discover Erik leaning against the door, arms crossed over his chest. His face still held a haggard look, but there was happiness beaming from his bright blue green eyes. Madam Giry gasped.
"Erik! What are you doing here…did Christine wake?" Erik grinned and nodded slightly. Madam Giry let out a relieved cry. "Oh, thank God! Is she all right?"
"Yes…she's fine, Marie. Christine is asking for you…go on, I'll join you shortly." Madam Giry gave him an apprehensive look, then glanced at Raoul. She sighed, and left the room. Erik looked at Raoul for the first time.
"Care to explain what she was yelling at you about? She seemed to be using me as a threat…I couldn't help but overhear…but unfortunately I only seemed to catch the last bit." Raoul saw a bit of the happiness fade from his eyes to be replaced with a hard, angry stare.
Raoul shook his head. "Not really…it's shouldn't be a concern now. This is not the time for a talk. Christine should be your first concern." Erik stared at him a moment longer, then nodded.
"I agree. But do not think that you have avoided this." The heat in his stare was intense, but then, to Raoul's surprise, it lessened. "Thank you…for helping me see what was important in my life. It is strange that you would be the one to remind me of my responsibilities…but it changes nothing!" Erik's gaze harden. "We will talk about my sister, Vicomte…and I will talk to her as well. You will not play mind games with her. Now, if you will excuse me, I have other, more important things to do than talk to you." He left, leaving Raoul alone. All he could do was fall to his knees in relief, thankful that Erik had not heard all of Madam Giry's ravings…Raoul had been Punjabbed once before, and he did not want a repeat of the event.
Erik opened the door of his wife's room, his hands full of Christine's favorite foods. He stopped cold halfway into the room. Madam Giry stood over his wife as she nursed Aurora for the first time. Madam Giry was coaching her slightly.
"That's it, Christine…the important thing with twins is that you have to give them equal time…all right, Aurora Marie seems to be done…and what a wonderful name she has been given!" Madam Giry glanced up at Erik. "You're just in time, my dear! Aurora needs to be burped…and I am so very tired. I shall retire now. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Christine inclined her head at Madam Giry. "Thanks, Marie."
"I love you, Christine…and I'm so very glad and relieved that you pulled through this. You are a strong young woman, my dear…I shall see you in the morning."
Erik took Aurora from Madam Giry as she left the room. Erik held his daughter close to him, rocking her gently. He glanced at Christine, who now had her other breast exposed for Celena. Erik cradled Aurora, feeling her sigh and cough slightly. He held her close, and she fell asleep in his arms. Erik carefully placed her into her crib.
"I think she's done too, love," Christine said, laughing a bit at her little daughter.
Erik took Celena, who yawned at him. Erik grinned. "My little one is tired…" After the twins were taken care of and put to sleep, Erik brought Christine the plate of food he fixed.
"Thank you…Erik, you look horrible! You need to get some sleep, love." Erik grinned at her sarcastically.
"And I don't even have my mask off." Christine glared at him.
"The mask bothers me more…love, why don't you take it off? It's just us…"
Erik shook his head. "I can deny you nothing…I believe I've said that before." Erik leaned against the bed as Christine moved over to make room. Erik sighed as he leaned on the soft mattress and pillows…and as the presence of his wife filled him. Christine reached up and pulled his mask off; she kissed his marred flesh before settling against him, pulling him close to her. Erik pulled away slightly, afraid of hurting her sore body.
"It doesn't hurt you, Christine?"
Christine laughed. "You could never hurt me…I feel as if I was deprived of you for so long…I'm not letting go."
Erik wrapped his long, strong arms around his wife, hugging her fiercely. "I think your biggest problem will be losing me as your shadow…I came too close today of losing you, Christine." Christine had a far away look in her eyes.
"I had the strangest dreams…I dreamed I met my father right outside of Heaven. I wanted to see you, and I found you…you were screaming for me, begging for my life...I grabbed your shoulder, but I couldn't hear you anymore." Erik felt his insides grow cold. It had been her in the hallway…Christine continued. "My father showed me an alternate life; I had married Raoul…and you were dead. I returned here, to find you, and I found your ghost…it said such mean, spiteful things…but I made a choice. I don't remember much after that…I remember you singing to me. Always singing songs in my head…"
"I'm glad you heard me…" Erik broke off his thought as a deep yawn overtook him. He closed his eyes.
"Erik?"
Erik opened his eyes again. "Yes, Christine?"
"Will you sing to me?"
Erik sighed. "What do you what me to sing?"
Christine snuggled deeply into her husband's chest, tickling him gently as she breathed against him. "What do you think?"
Nighttime sharpens, heightens each sensation…
And so, the music of the night lulled all to sleep.
To: ObsessedwiththePhantom: New Reviewer! YEA! Thank you for your reviews! I am so glad that you liked 'Christine'…I read over it now and see how much I have grown as a writer. I am so glad that you were touched at some parts in 'Demons of the Past'; I try to write from the heart. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts, and I hope that you enjoy the next chapters. The story still has a ways to go…I would tell you what's in store, but it would ruin the surprise…I will say this, though: Christine's alternate life had a purpose.
To: XCiel: You get the new reviewer dance too! YEA! Thank you for your review. I smiled as I read it…it made my day. I'm glad that you're enjoying everything, and I will try to keep the updates regular.
To: Juliana: I just wanted to say to you how much I appreciate your reviews. I'm glad that you liked Christine's alternate life; it had abig purpose, and I have no doubt that you will figure it out…Thank you so much for your reviews. I hope you continue to like!
And to the rest of my wonderful, stupendous, magnificent, (and lots of other great adjectives) REVIEWERS: You guys are all awesome! I wanted to let you all know that if you have questions or concerns, I would be happy to answer them. I love writing, and I have to say that the reviews give me a big confidence boost. Your kindness is unfathomable. THANK YA'LL!