CHAPTER 45

Erik spent much of his time playing the violin Nadir had gotten for him. He composed a few new tunes, which he kept securely within his mind. He would make sure to write them down once he returned home.

He had watched Christine react every time he played. Her eyelids would flutter, but she still was not able to wake from her coma. There were several nights that Erik wanted to throw the violin across the room in frustration. He had hoped she would have woken up by now and all the waiting was becoming unbearable. He didn't know what he would do if she remained in this state forever.

He leaned forward and kissed her tenderly. "Come back to me, mon ange," he whispered, words he always told her since she was moved into his room.

"I see you chose to disregard the doctor's advice," Nadir said as he spotted Erik standing by Christine's bed.

"I know my own health better than those fools!" Erik growled.

Nadir frowned. He knew the anxiety his friend had in regards to Christine's condition, but he hoped the news he bared would lighten his spirits. "I have made arrangements for us to leave this place and return home."

Erik made his way around the bed, holding his arm across his bandages. "When do we leave? This place is doing nothing for my sanity or my wife's health."

Nadir watched as Erik settled back into bed.

"We leave by train at the end of the week. The doctor assured me Christine would be able to be transported without risk to her health, but had advised that we provide her with a nurse once she was at home."

"I shall care for Christine once we are back at La Maison de Roses," Erik decided.

Nadir seated himself in the chair beside Erik's bed and said, "Are you sure that is wise, Erik?"

Erik looked at Nadir and said seriously, "I am her husband. I have sworn to God that I would not fail her. I will watch over her no matter how long it takes. Until my last dying breath, if she is never to wake, I will be by her side."

"I understand. Just know you will not be alone in doing so, my old friend," Nadir assured.

Raoul sat by the fountain in the garden and thought back on Meg. He swirled his hand into the water and smiled.

"Raoul? Would you mind?" The Marquise de Chagny held a parcel in her arms as she made her way towards her son.

"Mother? What on earth…" Raoul paused as he took the parcel from his mother's arms.

"It's a new suit. The fabrics just came in from Italy, and I thought you might have use for it," Anaïs said simply.

"I am capable of getting my own suits. You didn't have to go out of your way," Raoul said as he placed the parcel by the fountain. He sat back down and his mother joined him.

"I see you still hold your love for this fountain," Anaïs smiled looking up at the stone mermaid.

"It soothes me and it also reminds me of you. I will always cherish those stories you told me as a child," Raoul said, dipping his hand back into the water.

Anaïs tucked her son's hair behind his ear and then placed her palm against his cheek lovingly. "There is something else it reminds you of, does it not?"

Raoul looked up at the mermaid and sighed. "Mother, there is something I must ask you. Philippe had mentioned something to me and it has been on my mind for some time now."

He turned to his mother and looked into her eyes. "Philippe made it clear to me that father was displeased with the company I have been keeping and he mentioned you also shared in his sentiment. I am never surprised by his reaction in the way I choose to run my life, but I found it hard to believe that you would be disappointed with me, especially regarding matters of the heart," Raoul said confused. He took in a breath and continued.

"I've been spending time with a dear friend, a ballerina from the opera, and I find that the more she comforts me the more I want to be with her. I know it has not been long since my engagement to Christine ended and this girl I have been seeing is her closest friend, but…" Raoul paused in frustration, close to tears.

Anaïs looked at her son sympathetically. "My dear sweet boy, did I not raise you to make your own decisions. Do not let the negativities of others sway you. You could never disappoint me, Raoul. You are a good and honorable young man and as long as you stay true to your heart, I know you will always make the right choices." She leaned toward her son and kissed him on the forehead.

"But father… he wishes…" Raoul was silenced as his mother interrupted.

"Never mind what your father wishes. You are a de Chagny and always will be. I will handle your father," Anaïs assured.

A tear escaped Raoul's eye and his mother brushed it away.

"You will still love me, Mother, if I choose not to marry someone who is socially elite?"

"I'll have you know that I was never a part of high society, nor was I titled. Your father married me because he loved me," Anaïs confirmed.

Raoul looked at his mother with disbelief. "Father did not have a problem with his parents?"

"They were very upset, but that did not change the fact that he was a de Chagny and so shall it be for you," Anaïs said simply.

"Then why does father treat me the way he does? He always favored Philippe. It seems at times he wishes I were never born!" Raoul looked away toward the stone mermaid again, trying to ease his aggravation.

Anaïs looked to her son and placed her hand on his shoulder. "He may have favored Philippe, but he always saw himself in you. You share more in common with your father than you know. He focused his attention on Philippe because he saw that your brother had inherited all of his weaknesses, but you my son, inherited all of his greatness. He treats you the way he does only to make you stronger. That is your father's way. You cannot blame him for his faults. He is not a perfect man, but he never stopped believing in your strengths, the very strengths he possesses. I know his actions toward you seem strange and may not make any sense, but he does care for you."

Raoul looked at his mother with tears in his eyes and hugged her as best he could with one arm.

Anaïs rubbed his back as he cried.

"Oh, mother, it's just been so hard for me. I will never understand him!" Raoul sobbed.

"You do not need to understand him, Raoul. You simply need to know that your father loves you and always will," Anaïs said as she continued to comfort him.

Meg sat in the sitting room as her mother stitched. Every few minutes Meg would sigh. Madame Giry looked over at her daughter and raised an eyebrow. She knew Meg had something on her mind. She always acted this way, even as a child.

"What is it, Meg? I know you want to talk," Madame Giry said as she stood up.

"Maman, it's Raoul. Something happened between us," Meg said immediately.

Madame Giry pulled a chair next to her daughter and seated herself before her. "What do you mean 'something happened?'" She questioned.

"Well… he… he… kissed me," Meg said hesitantly.

Madame Giry let out a sigh. She knew it would come to this. "Chéri, you know you should not carry on this way. I do not disapprove of Raoul, but it simply is impossible for the two of you to…" Madame Giry paused as Meg cut in.

"Why, Maman? He loved Christine and she is like me, common." Meg let out another sigh.

"They knew each other from long ago and his parents knew her father, the great Gustave Daae, renowned violinist. To them he was as good as royalty," Madame Giry said honestly.

Meg pouted and knelt before her mother, resting her head on her lap. "But I think I'm falling in love with him. What do I do, Maman?"

Madame Giry stroked her daughter's hair and sighed. "I cannot tell you what to do, Meg. You are a grown woman and should make your own decisions. I just don't want to see you hurt. Promise me that you will be cautious when it comes to le Comte."

A single tear escaped Meg's eye as she answered her mother. "Oui, Maman. I promise."

Raoul spent the rest of the day with his mother. He told her more about Meg and she was genuinely interested. She noticed how he spoke of her. She smiled at her little boy that was now very much a man.

He was in love, even if he didn't realize it yet.

Anaïs took Raoul's hand into hers as they sat watching the sunset fall beyond the fountain. "I would like to meet Meg. What do you think?"

"Are you positive, mother? I can have cook prepare us something, if you wish," Raoul said eagerly.

"That should be fine, dearest," Anaïs answered.

"What excuse will you give father?" Raoul asked curiously.

"I will not need to give him an excuse. He shall be here to dine with us," Anaïs confirmed.

"But, mother, he surely will not come. Not after knowing the company he will be keeping," Raoul spoke honestly.

"He will come, Raoul. You shall see," Anaïs said as she rubbed her son's back.

Later that day, Raoul sat in his study and looked over the letter he would be sending off to Meg in the morning.

Dearest Meg,

I spent the day with my mother, mostly talking about you, and she informed me that she was interested in meeting you. I know it seems rather sudden and I will understand if you choose not to come at this time, but if you would like to, please send word to me and I will make the proper arrangements. I believe my father may be in attendance as well. My mother is hopes so, in any case.

As always, your presence would be an honor and I look forward to seeing you.

Warm Regards,
Raoul

P.S.
Before you get ahead of yourself, little Meg, the kiss we shared before your doorstep was not out of haste or fear of danger. It was genuine and I thank you for allowing me that brief encounter.

Raoul smiled as he sealed the note and stretched out into a yawn. He turned off his gas lamp and made his way out of his study. He came upon Jacques, as he was about to ascend the stairs.

"Monsieur, will you be in need of your Laudanum tonight?" Jacques asked.

Raoul had not even thought about his medicine. He was surprised he hadn't been in need of it even after acquiring his second injury. "I shall be fine, Jacques, but can you make sure to send for the doctor tomorrow? I wish to see how my hand is progressing. Also, there is a letter on my desk in the study. Be sure it gets delivered in the morning."

"Oui, Comte," Jacques said as he left his master.

Raoul ascended the stairs and thought about what Jacques said. "Comte… that will take some getting used to," he shook his head as he opened the door to his room. He stepped in and closed it behind him.

Author's Note
I am happy to hear everyone enjoyed the last Chapter. This Chapter was to progress the storyline between Raoul and Meg while our dear Christine is still in her coma. -sighs- Thanks to everyone for standing by the R/M Chapters. -smiles-