Dreams…
"Put this on Christine!" He yelled handing it to her.
"All right Erik…" She answered.
She took off her white corset as Erik stared at her naked body. She then slipped into the black one with the small roses lining the top. The Black Corset… Erik felt her body in the corset, trying to memorize every curve, every texture. He then reached toward her to grab it off…
"Erik? Erik? What's wrong?" Christine asked, her hand on his shoulder. "You were shaking."
"Oh, it must just be the cold getting to me…" He lied.
Christine felt his forehead and frowned.
"Cold? You're sweating. Erik, I know you were having a nightmare. I know the symptoms."
"Fine! Yes. I was having a nightmare."
"And what about?"
"I don't want to talk about it…"
"All right. Tell me when you do." Christine then lied back down.
"Sure…" Erik said.
He didn't lie back down. His mind was too occupied. Would she have loved me if we hadn't made love before? Was this all because of the corset? I said I forgave myself, but…can I ever? His mind raced. He decided that he needed to talk to someone. He couldn't go back to the Opera House and risk being caught. Nadir… He thought. Yes, who better than dear old Nadir?
So Erik wrote a note to Christine…
Dearest Christine,
I have gone to Nadir's house for a while. I do not know when I will be back. But know that I am safe and love you and Valerie very much. I will write you soon,
Erik.
He then packed a few things and left. Nadir lived only a few miles away, which was the whole reason he had bought a house where he did. Erik took a horse from a shop and set off to Nadir's house.
A few hours later he saw The Persian's home. Erik tied his stolen horse to the fence post and knocked on the door. A few moments later, Nadir answered.
"Erik? Is that you?" He asked.
"Who else do you know that looks like this?" Erik said pointing to his mask.
Nadir smiled and greeted him in a friendly hug. Erik smiled in return.
"Good to see you old friend." Erik said happily.
"You too, what has been happening lately with you?"
"Well, recently I got married and have a child. Is that news?"
Nadir stared blankly.
"Oh Erik! I never thought you were the type…"
"Neither did I. That's what I came here to talk to you about."
So Erik explained everything to him. It took several hours, but Nadir listened patiently. Then Erik told him about the nightmares and what he was thinking of.
"Erik, if that woman married you, it must be because she loves you. And also…she saw your true face, and still wanted to marry you. Erik, she loves you."
"Then why do I keep having these nightmares?"
"Well, you just haven't forgiven yourself yet. It's normal."
"I hope that's all it is. I guess I'll be going then."
"No you're not! It's 12:00 A.M. stay the night with me. You can sleep on the sofa."
"All right. Thank you Nadir."
Nadir nodded and left. Saying goodnight as he did. Erik soon drifted off to sleep, having only good dreams. No more nightmares. For the time being…