A/N: Two! Possibly another if I have time…

Chapter 5- Friends.

The solid oak dresser took up almost the entire corner of the room and the mirror over it was framed beautifully, with angels clinging to its edges, engraved into the glass like frosting. Its clarity was perfect, and it sat wonderfully on the surface of the dresser, reflecting the candlelight in such a way that the whole room was alight. Christine had often wondered where Madame Giry had bought the mirror from and where she might be able to get one which was exactly the same.

She had sat in a position where she could not see her face but could see Meg who was seated, still staring at her, from the other side of the room. It was this room that made Christine envy Meg. The love that had gone into its decoration was unbridled, the paints were soft and made the room catch even the slightest glimpse of daylight. The oak dresser, the mirror and the bed were large and well sculpted, craftsmanship she had only recently become to understand. The sheets covering the bed were the most delicate cotton, so pure and warm, so loving and protective.

Meg had the love of her mother, it was a love Christine had never really known. Her mother had died giving birth to her. Erik once told her that perhaps this was the biggest declaration of love her mother could have shown. She had died so that Christine could be born. It was one of the only things in her life that had made her smile and cry all at the same time. God bless Erik. Erik…

'Meg,' she said suddenly, tucking her knees up to her chin and wrapping her arms around them. Meg looked at her. 'I need to go out.'

Meg stared for a moment, watching the flickers of the candles flames reflecting in the darkness of Christine's eyes. She took a deep breath and blew it out in a sigh, it was the only thing she could do to compose herself.

'Don't…' she began but Christine lifted her hand to stop her.

'I have to.' She said simply. Meg knew what she was talking about although Christine had not actually told her. That was the wonderful thing about a friend like Meg, a friend any friend should be happy of. She always knew what Christine was thinking, even before she was thinking it.

'Christine…' she said but allowed the words to trail off to nothing, knowing that no matter what she uttered Christine would not listen. Christine stood and jumped onto the bed next to Meg, throwing her arms around her neck and holding her tight.

'You are the best friend anyone could have.' She said into Meg's hair as Meg rubbed her back gently. 'I love you dearly.'

'Keep thinking that.' She said softly. 'No matter how stupid you get, I love you too.'

Christine nodded.

'Tell me about Henry,' she said, lying back with her friend still wrapped up in her arms. 'You haven't mentioned him in so long.'

Meg's cheeks flushed rapidly and she hit her face in the pillow, making Christine giggle.

'He is well.' She said simply and Christine nudged her in the ribs. 'He is simply too handsome!' Meg cried and her cheeks burned brighter.

'Too handsome?' Christine said, digging her in the ribs for a second time. 'How is that possible?'

Meg rolled onto her back and kicked her legs in the air with a laugh, hugging herself in an obvious attempt o stop her emotions from bubbling all over the bed sheets. She could barely contain herself.

'He is wonderful, Chrissy!' she said. 'Absolutely wonderful.'

'Good,' Christine said, 'You deserve to be happy.'

'As do you,' Meg said, suddenly looking serious. Christine allowed a sorrowful smile to her lips, the kind of smile only sad people can manage. Meg reached over and patted Christine's hands, which were placed delicately on her stomach.

'When are you going?' Meg asked, without looking over, instead choosing the safer option of staring at the ceiling.

'In a moment,' she said and glanced at Meg, who didn't move.

'When will you be back?' Meg asked.

'In a little over an hour.' Christine replied.

'Are you sure you will be alright?'

'Yes,'

'I'm not…' Meg said, turning on her side and looking at Christine.

'I promise,' Christine said kissing Meg's forehead and rolling off the bed.

'Be safe,' she whispered to herself as Christine tiptoed carefully out of the door and down the hallway, leaving Meg to recite a silent prayer for her well being.