CHAPTER 19

Erik sat in his study reading "The Clockmaker Who Lost His Soul" by Jules Verne. He had become quite enamored with Verne's literary work over the years. He was amazed at how this author's mind was so ahead of his time. However, this latest book that Erik found himself immersed in had nothing to do with the usual futuristic undertones. This was a tale of a man who was dying and all of the timepieces that he had made began failing as if his soul had become entwined in his crafted works. When only one functioning timepiece remains, there is only one way for him to gain possession of it, and that is to sacrifice his daughter in marriage to a man who works for the devil himself. The story, though not mimicking his own, did touch him deeply. It seemed to Erik that no one could ever escape the devil's path, even in books.

Madame Giry called out to Erik, as she came through the passageway from her room at the opera house.

Completely lost in his reading, he almost wasn't aware of Madame Giry's presence. "Annette? I am here, in the study." Erik placed the book back in its place and greeted his dear friend with a smile. "I am glad you decided to come," he said as he kissed her hand and asked her to make herself comfortable.

"You knew I would," Madame Giry replied as she took a seat next to him. She eyed him and suggested, "You need to eat more, Erik. You are getting thin again." She began running her fingers through his hair, checking the length. "It looks like you need a haircut as well, mon ami."

"You always treat me as a child, Annette. You are not that much older than I," he sighed then continued, "though, I do appreciate your caring." Erik's head was bowed as she finished handling his hair with her motherly touch.

Madame Giry looked into his eyes tenderly, "I will always feel the need to care for you, Erik. You are more than just my friend. You are like a brother to me."

Madame Giry always had words to make Erik feel normal, like any other person in the world. He didn't know what he would ever do without Annette in his life the way she had been.

"So what news do you have for me, Annette," Erik asked as he held onto her hands.

"Well, you already know that the people of Paris believe you to be dead at the hands of le Vicomte, but you will find the details amusing. I believe we have underestimated our young Raoul," Madame Giry told him, knowing what would follow.

"Underestimated him? That BOY? I know him all too well, Madame!" Erik realized he was gripping Madame Giry's hands tightly and released them abruptly.

"You think you know him, Monsieur? His disdain for you is obvious, but regardless of the facts, he inadvertently saved you, Erik. We do not know why he turned back after Christine had left him to find you, but he did, and he rescued Meg from that terrible mob. He used your discarded mask as part of a ruse to distract the mob from pursuing you further. Using Meg's blood from her injury, he orchestrated the mask to serve as a visual purpose. He told the mob he shot you in the head and disposed of your body into the lake. He did not have to do that for you. Once Christine and Meg were safe, he could have exposed you immediately, but has not-- and honestly Erik, I feel he will not. He may not be a man you can respect or trust with your loyalties, but he is an honorable man. You cannot deny that."

"What would you have me do, Annette? You expect me to thank him? "After all the pain he has caused me…" Erik trailed off in frustration.

Madame Giry placed her hand on Erik's shoulder consoling him. "Non, Erik. You just have to be willing to accept it. You must realize that this has been an unexpected blessing for all concerned."

Erik thought about everything Madame Giry had just told him. He knew she was right, but he wasn't about to admit it. "Is there anything more you have to share with me, Annette?"

"That is all that concerns you, mon ami, but in my case, Meg and le Vicomte have grown close since the tragedy of that night and they have bonded a friendship."

"Annette, are you in need of my assistance? It would not be such a task for me to keep them apart, if you wish it." Erik offered, referring to his uncanny skills of manipulation.

"Non, Monsieur. My daughter is old enough now to deal with her own affairs. Rest assured I will be keeping a watchful eye on her."

"In any case, should you need me, for anything, you know I will always be here for you." Erik reached out and placed a caring hand to her shoulder.

Madame Giry breathed easily as she looked up at him. "I know you will, Erik. I take great comfort in knowing that I can always rely on you."

After Madame Giry left him, Erik spent the rest of the day continuing Verne's novel. As he was about to turn the page, he heard Nadir calling from across the lake.

"Erik, we have returned!" Nadir called from the boat.

Christine disembarked and went straight to her bedroom.

Erik met Nadir and asked him how the day went. "It started off well enough, but after the visit with Monsieur Reinard, Christine's behavior was... peculiar." Nadir said with a concerned look.

"Peculiar? How so, Daroga? What happened to her?" Erik narrowed his eyes at Nadir.

"That, my boy, is the question. I do not know why her mood changed. We got to the bank and I told her to wait for me in the carriage. When I returned, she was somber. We went to several locations to view possible homes and none had interested her in the slightest. It was as if…" Nadir paused searching for the right words.

"As if what, Daroga? I am in no mood for your games!" Erik said hastily.

"Well, as if her heart were not into it." Nadir said regrettably, but it was only his observation.

As Erik heard Nadir's confession, he grew rigid. He clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white.

Nadir tried to ease the tension he saw building within his friend. "Erik, I am not insinuating anything. I was merely voicing my opinion. I have been known to make mistakes."

"Where is she, Daroga?" Erik demanded.

"Her bedroom," Nadir replied timidly as he turned from him and went to the kitchen to make some tea.

Erik didn't bother to knock as he burst through the door in a blind rage. "What's the meaning of this, Christine?" He looked at her icily, as he advanced on her like a panther ready for the kill. "Have you changed your mind? Did you suddenly realize how pitiful and hideous I am compared to your precious Vicomte? " He was face to face with her now. Every muscle on the visible side of his face was solid with contempt. "I know you have been thinking about him! Were you in here planning your escape, Christine? You must take great pleasure in destroying what little of a heart I have left!" He turned from her in one swift motion, folding his arms across his chest.

"Are you quite finished?" Christine said to Erik's back, which he straightened even more at her tone. "Will this day of anger and harshness displayed towards me ever come to an end? Philippe must be right. I was not meant to give or receive love. I only give pain and receive torment," she said in anguish.

"Philippe?" Erik questioned to himself, suddenly confused.

"You know how much I love you, yet you cannot trust me, and therefore I cause you pain. I do not want to cause you pain, Angel. I could go away to spare you, yet I cannot bring myself to leave. Either way I choose, I cannot win!" Christine fell to her knees and cried into her hands.

Erik cursed himself for letting his temper get the better of him. His mind was always assuming the worst-case scenarios. He couldn't believe his Angel thought such terrible things about herself. He wondered how she could ever think he'd be better off without her. "It's ludicrous!" He wasn't sure how Philippe was involved with this, but he would find out.

He crouched beside her and put his hand on her shoulder. "Mon ange, do not cry. I was wrong to behave in such a horrendous manner. I beg your forgiveness, as I am new to matters of the heart. I fear it will take me some time to become accustomed to something I have never had the opportunity to experience. But I cannot allow you to believe that by leaving me, you spare me from some torture! This could not be further from the truth! By some miracle, you have loved me," he paused, his voice full of emotion, "and I would cease to live even a second without you, knowing what I have to lose now."

Christine looked at Erik with agonized eyes and threw her arms around him. She held him tightly as she let her sobs take hold of her.

Erik caressed her hair trying to ease his angel's overwhelming tide of tears and emotions. When he sensed Christine had calmed somewhat, he held her face between his hands gently, and asked, "When did you encounter le Comte, mon amour?"

Christine sniffled and told him what had occurred while Nadir had been in the bank. She described every detail just as she remembered it.

Erik was infuriated, but he kept his temper at bay deep within him. He'd deal with Philippe soon enough, but for now there were more pressing matters he would attend to.

Nadir poured some tea for Christine and Erik, hoping it would settle their nerves. The three of them sat in silence for a long while before Erik spoke.

"Christine, how would you like to spend time with Meg tomorrow? I need to take care of a few things with Nadir, which will take most of the day. I would not want you to be alone down here, mon ange."

Christine's eyes lit up at the thought of visiting her dearest friend. "I would love to, Erik! Oh, but…" she paused before adding, "what about our home? I didn't get anything accomplished today. I feel terrible about it."

"Do not worry yourself, Christine. Spend some time with Meg. You can find us something another day," Erik finalized.

"Well, if you are sure, then I would love to see Meg," Christine smiled.

As Christine excused herself and returned to her bedroom, Nadir addressed Erik. "What business do we have tomorrow, my friend?"

Finishing his tea, Erik answered, "I do not wish to burden Christine. I will take care of the details regarding a home. Also, there is something I need purchase in town, which brings me to my next question. I do believe you have something for me, Daroga?"

"I do?" Nadir questioned, but he knew very well what Erik was referring to.

"Do not play me for a fool, Daroga. I know that Monsieur Reinard entrusted you with a considerable amount of funds to deliver to me. Now, if you would be so kind as to complete the transaction." Erik held out his hand expectantly.

Nadir stood up and put his hands behind his back. "Oh, yes, I forgot about that. I must offer my apologies for I fear there is a slight problem, Erik."

"Problem?" Erik raised his voice and stood up. "What problem would that be, Daroga?"

Nadir walked to the edge of the lair facing the lake. "Well you see, as I was struggling to maneuver the boat, I seemed to have dropped it in the lake, just over there." Nadir pointed out across the misty water.

Erik's eyes grew wide with shock. There was no way he was going to let 200,000 francs sit at the bottom of the murky waters that surrounded his home.

"Nadir, you incomparable fool!" Erik jumped into the lake, wading across it and submerging himself every few feet, bobbing up and down frantically.

Nadir was quite entertained with the spectacle before him. His friend was soaked from head to toe, like a wet mop with no purpose.

Before Erik could get out of range, Nadir decided to call to him. "Oh, Erik..." Nadir said, waving the package in the air teasingly, "I guess I didn't drop it in the lake after all." He laughed uncontrollably; feeling very vindicated with is prank. "That should teach him for awhile!" Nadir thought with satisfaction.

Erik let out a yell that echoed off the walls around them. "DAROGA!"


Disclaimer:
I am not affiliated, nor do I own the rights to "The Phantom of the Opera," as well as the "Jules Verne" name. He was an amazing man! My thanks to him for his masterful works he's given to the world.