Chapter 17 - Endings and Beginnings

It was the day everyone at the Opera Populaire had been waiting for. The gala for Hannibal would be that night and final dress rehearsals were under way when Michael Lefavre came onto the stage with the new managers, Andre and Firmin. The two then introduced their new patron, the Vicomte De Chagny and the triangle between Erik, Christine and Raoul began.

That night there was arguing at the Shaw residence, Jonathon was feeling stronger and wanted to see Hannibal that evening. Kim protested but after much pleading by her father she finally agreed. Knowing the show was completely sold out Michael sent a note to Erik with a personal request. He asked permission for use of box five that evening for himself, Jonathon and Kimberlee. Carlotta had finally walked out that day, albeit with a little persuasion from Erik, and he desperately wanted to see Christine on the stage. When he read Michael's words that Jonathon possibly had only hours left to live he decided to allow it, sending the message via Mme Giry. He would also use this opportunity to steal a glance at Kimberlee.

Jason was not an opera fan and he didn't want to intrude on this evening so he stayed back at the apartment. When Christine stepped on stage in Act three and began to sing Alyssa's aria, tears began to well up in Kimberlee's eyes. She closed them and allowed herself to remember back to that night when all this started, to the night she and Erik shared their first kiss. Jonathon looked at his daughter and could see both the pain and joy in her features. He knew that she thought of Erik now, he had heard her hum this very tune before. He saw the pain of their breakup and the joy that her unborn son brought to her. He reached over and gently took her hand, she opened her eyes and looked at her father.

From where Erik stood behind Michael he watched the scene unfold before him. He too remembered back to that night when passions emerged that he had held onto for so long. He also remembered the passions of many more nights after that first night. It was then he noticed her swollen belly. He almost revealed his presence in disbelief but quickly caught himself. He felt hurt and anger take over his memories, he felt betrayed because there was no way this child she carried could possibly be his. He left the box and went to Christine's dressing room to await her arrival after the show.

Jonathon knew his time here had reached its end and so did Kimberlee as she looked into her father's eyes. He squeezed her hand and whispered to her.

"I love you and I'll always be with you."

"I love you too, now close your eyes and go meet mom. She's waiting for you."

Kimberlee kissed his hand as he closed his eyes, she held on until she saw his chest stop moving. While the audience clapped and celebrated Christine's flawless performance, she turned to her uncle and nodded. Michael rose from his seat and drying his eyes went to fetch the doctor.

Hannibal was over, the opera house cleared except for the guests for the gala celebration. While her father was being tended to Kimberlee went up to the roof where she had gone so many times before when she needed quiet. Secretly hoping that Erik would be there also, but he wouldn't be; he was waiting behind the mirror to finally reveal to Christine the man who was her "angel of music".

It had been five days since Jonathon Shaw had passed away and was now the day of his funeral. Many people from the opera house came to pay their respects and when it was time to give a eulogy, Kimberlee stood up and went to the front of the church.

"Before my father died he planned this ceremony to the very last detail. He knew who would speak and what songs would be sung in his memory. He was very adamant that this next song be played for him so that I would never forget, that we would never forget. Kimberlee looked over to Michael who was sitting at the piano and he began to play, Kimberlee's voice filled the auditorium. She had tears in her eyes, but for her father, she composed herself.

'Found myself today
Oh I found myself and ran away
Something pulled me back
The voice of reason I forgot I had
All I know is you're not here to say
What you always used to say
But it's written in the sky tonight

So I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
Someone's watching over me'

After the funeral Kimberlee and her Uncle lined up to receive the condolences of those in attendance. It was all too much for her so Kimberlee left the church to get some air, while she walked she was surprised by a voice behind her.

"Hello Kimberlee, I'm sorry for your loss."

"Erik" she said turning to face him.

"Your father was a good man."

"Thank you, how have you been? I've been so worried about you."

"Have you really, you seem to have gotten along fine without me it would appear."

"What are you talking about?"

"Your doctor fellow, seems you two have made yourselves quite comfortable with each other's company."

"I don't know where you possibly got that idea from, Jason and I are friends and roommates, nothing more."

"What about this?" he asked pointing to her stomach

"You really don't get it do you. A woman is pregnant for nine months altogether Erik, I've only been in the states for seven months. There has never been anybody else for me but you. You do the math."

"You are lying, this child cannot possibly be mine. You heard about Christine and I and are jealous so you are telling me this lie."

"Erik I heard that Raoul and Christine are involved, not you and she. Please for your own sake, drop this obsession with her, it will only lead to your heartbreak."

"No, she loves me and she will choose me over that fool. Go back to your doctor and have your bastard, see if I care.

"Erik, please don't leave here angry, please I want to talk with you."

"No, leave me you common whore" he shouted to her and then disappeared.

Kimberlee stumbled back into a tree in complete shock her heart ripping into a thousand pieces. Michael was right, Erik had changed considerably since her leaving. Even though his words had hurt she still felt the same Erik that she had fallen in love with was still there somewhere begging to be found again. She collected herself and made her way back to the church to find Michael and Jason unaware that in the distance Erik was watching her.

He had not meant to say that last thing to her it just came out before he could stop it. Deep down he still loved her and a part of him did believe her when she said that the child was his, he might have even been happy about it. He watched as she suddenly doubled over in pain, he fought the urge to run to her and help her deciding that she must hate him now for what he said to her. It was then he saw Michael and Jason coming out of the building and run toward her, the younger man reaching her first.

"Kimberlee what's wrong?" Jason asked panicking

"I think I'm going into labour."

"Alright Jason you go get my car, Kimberlee sit here and I'll go in and excuse us."

"My bag for the hospital..." she said as another contraction started.

"Is already in the car. Hey don't worry, I've done this before" Jason said placing his hand under her chin.

He leaned in and gently closed the gap between them with a tender yet passionate kiss. When he pulled away he stood up and went over to the car to bring it over to her. She sat there and watched him with a very confused look on her face and very mixed feelings. Had her best friend just kissed her for real? Did that mean he felt more for her than she thought? She would have to think about it later as another contraction came upon her. Her argument with Erik had really sped up the process here and she was not looking forward to the rest of the delivery, this part was hard enough.