CHAPTER 17

Madame Giry finished putting breakfast together and placed everything upon the kitchen table. "Meg! Breakfast is ready, child," Madame Giry called down the hall.

Meg made her way to the kitchen sluggishly, tired from last night's rendezvous with Raoul. She yawned and took a seat across from her mother, rubbing at her eyes in hopes to fight of her sleep.

"Do you need your medication, chéri?" Madame Giry inquired.

"Non, I am fine, just tired," Meg answered and she began to butter her toast. "Maman? Yesterday, you were going to tell me of Christine? Has she contacted you?"

Madame Giry sipped her tea and replied, "Non, I found her in his home, with him. They are safe."

"That's wonderful news! I was so worried about Christine, but what will become of her now that she is with Erik?" Meg awaited her mother's response, as if she knew all the secrets of the world.

"They wish to live above ground, on the outskirts of Paris and then Erik will help rebuild the opera house," Madame Giry said knowingly.

Meg was puzzled at her mother's latter statement. "Maman? How will Erik help rebuild the opera house if he is supposed to be dead? It is not hard to mistake his appearance, no? If he is seen, then he will become a wanted man again. All of Paris will be after him."

Madame Giry was aware of Meg's concerns, as she passed a small plate of sliced apples to her daughter. "I do not think he would be so bold as to undertake the project directly, but he will be involved one way or another, chéri. Of that, I am certain."

They finished breakfast and adjourned to the sitting room.

Madame Giry sat, stitching a scarf for Meg, as her daughter was reclined with a book, on the settee across the room. There was a rap at the front door and Meg made to get up, but her mother motioned for her to remain seated.

Madame Giry opened the door and was greeted by a messenger. They exchanged pleasantries as she accepted the young man's delivery, then he turned and was on his way again. Madame Giry eyed the envelope as she shut the door behind her. "His seal," she noted.

She sat once again at her chair as she carefully pried the wax. Inside, two notes were found. One addressed to herself and the other to Meg. She glanced up at her daughter, who was engrossed in her novel.

Madame Giry decided to read her note first, since Meg was otherwise occupied at the moment.

Annette,

I humbly request your presence so that we may discuss what you have come to know. I trust Megan has undoubtedly told you everything by now and I desire to know of these details, Madame. I will be expecting you, should you be inclined to accept my invitation.

-Erik

P.S. Christine has written a separate letter for Meg, which I am sure you have noticed, enclosed within.

Madame Giry always wondered if Erik had the gift to foresee things before anyone else. His keen sense of his surroundings were astounding, to say the least, and it never ceased to amaze her. She placed her note in her pocket and got up from her chair to give Meg her letter from Christine.

"A letter from Christine, chéri." Madame Giry held the letter out to her daughter.

Meg's eyes lit up as she dropped her book. "Really?" she asked excitedly as she accepted her mothers offering. She noticed Christine's handwriting immediately and couldn't wait to see what the contents would reveal.

Meg leaned against the back of the settee and began to read.

Dearest Meg,

I promised I would send word to you as soon as I could, so I hope this letter finds you well. Your mother tells me you were in the hospital from receiving an injury at the hands of the mob. I was upset to hear of this. I do pray you get better soon. It seems I need to thank Raoul someday for going back and inadvertently being able to help you. Yes, Meg, your mother mentioned this to me. Though I wondered why he would go back, I have to thank God that he did for your sake. I would not have been able to live with myself if anything had happened to you. I will always love you as a sister, Meg.

Now, let me tell you of my Angel of Music. Oh, Meg, we are so much in love! I know you may not understand right now and I can hardly believe it myself, but it is true. I only wish I had not hurt Raoul. I did not mean to and you must think me dreadful. I really thought I was in love with him. It is unfortunate that things had to get so out of hand before I realized who I have always been in love with. I am blessed that Raoul loved me enough to let me go. I pray that he can forgive me someday and that he finds someone to love him unconditionally. I guess that is a lot for me to ask right now, but I could hope.

Today I am going to look for a home for Erik and I. Did I tell you my Angel's name is Erik? He is a man, after all. I guess you will have to find new tales to tell now, but knowing you, I am sure that will be an easy task.

I really miss your company, Meg, and I cannot wait to see you again! Once Erik and I move into our home, perhaps you and I could go shopping or indulge in our obsession for sweets at Beauvais's Bakery.

I look forward to hearing from you, dearest Meg!

With Love,
Christine

Meg could hardly believe what she read. She missed Christine and was excited to know she was doing well and appeared to be happy. Meg realized she would have to get used to Christine and The Phantom together. With that thought, it made her think of Raoul and she felt so sorry for him.

Author's Note
To: MelancholyEcho, glad you are enjoying my first fic. Thanks for the review and enjoy! This one is dedicated to you. As always, to my regular readers, you all rock! Thanks for sticking around and giving me such supportive feedback. -smiles-