A/N: Thank you to all my reviewers! (For some reason my summary says I have 0 reviews, but obviously as I have replied to some of you, you are out there. My summary was cut off too, hmmm.) I love hearing your comments. I am glad you are as excited about upcoming events as I am. Indeed, my favorite chapters are coming up. Our star-crossed lovers are nearing their ill-fated reunion, and very soon we will see our favorite dangerous, sarcastic Erik emerge once again (I love that side of him. Okay, I love all sides of him.) For those of you who have asked me to update soon, I will not let you down. This entire story is COMPLETE. But in order to keep the suspense and encourage reviews, I am going to attempt to update related chunks of chapters each day. So stay tuned!
Ch. 24 – Anticipation
Christine's eyes shown as she stepped away from the carriage and gazed at the cheerful cottage before her. Elsa's taste was impeccable, and Christine couldn't have done better if she had chosen it herself. The home was pleasant and well-cared for with a riot of flowers calling to her from neatly tended flowerbeds throughout the grounds. Best of all, the view from her front window and bedroom would be an uninterrupted view of the sea - a sight that Elsa had known held a special place in Christine's memory. Her key turned easily in the lock, and as she walked through the house, she was at once enamored with its cozy charm. She asked one of the servants that Elsa had hired to take her bags up to her room and he assented good-naturedly. After a quick exploration of the grounds, Christine found herself leaning against the stone fence, watching the last rays of the sun fade over the sapphire water of the bay.
The warm sea air mingled with her curls, tossing them playfully before her face. Her thoughts were quiet as she considered her plans for the morning. She had decided on the long train ride from the country that she would delay her date with destiny no longer. In the morning, she would seek out the address Elsa had given her and find him. She still wasn't certain what she would say, but she was determined that she would fight for his love this time, as he had once fought so desperately for hers. She knew that her encounter with him would most likely not be easy. Her Angel had never been a predictable man; his fiery temper and passionate genius could be exhausting at times. But she knew she was now strong enough to withstand him and accept him completely.
With one last look at the water, she turned back into the house. She knew she would need her rest for tomorrow. After brushing her hair and slipping into her nightdress, she knelt down before her bed, as a small child before God. Her prayer was simple, but heartfelt as she prayed, "God in heaven, you have seen fit to send my Angel back to me. Help him to forgive the past, and find a way to open his heart to me once more." With her mind at peace, Christine sank into her bed and fell at once into blissful sleep.
Meanwhile, in a sprawling mansion nearby, Erik had just finished reading through the remainder of the post that he had retrieved earlier from his previous residence. He laid the letters that required answers on his desk, and then began to remove his jacket. Unnoticed, a cream-colored envelope slipped to the floor.
Erik removed the remainder of his clothing, sliding into bed with unusual weariness. Planning a ball was a new experience for him and he found it utterly exhausting. He sincerely hoped Helena would not wish to do this sort of thing too often. His nerves were already on edge at the thought of all that was left to be done and all of the people he would be forced to converse pleasantly with. His earlier enthusiasm had waned, and now he was regretting his decision to subject himself to such torment, even for Helena's benefit.
Perhaps I am too set in my ways to marry, he thought. It would have been different with Christine, he knew. She had been as lost and lonely as he was; quite often preferring solitude to the company of large crowds. He shook his head, angry at himself for the thought. It would not do to compare Helena to Christine. It was not fair to her. They were two very different people, with different places in his heart. No, if he was to be a married man soon, he would have to learn to close his mind to the unbidden thoughts of Christine that he had become so accustomed to accommodating. He sighed. It would be difficult to let them go after they had been a part of his life for so long.