Onward we go…
Thank you for your review and concern for Erik…believe me…all is well.
CHAPTER 21
While everyone was greeting Michael and Demi was recovering from the shock of seeing him, Erik was slipping away. He had no idea that Audrey and Meg were in town, and he had no desire to intrude on such a precious moment between Demi and her husband.
"How?" Was the only work that Demi could form as she looked into the baby blue eyes of her husband.
Michael smiled through the bandages that still encased his head, although sprigs of blond hair were poking out playfully along the edges. His eyes were lively and clear, the man who had totally captivated her and won her heart stared at her with love and longing.
"Erik." Was all he needed to say.
Demi smiled with such joy as tears sprang from her eyes in response to that joy. Erik had orchestrated this from the first time she had mentioned Michael's condition.
Michael told the story with intermittent words from Roland; who finally confessed that he had known where Erik was the entire time, but had promised him he would stay quiet.
Erik had done enough research in his life, having treated his own injuries and illnesses, to know that there were major breakthroughs in brain research and surgical procedures. He had narrowed the list of qualified surgeons down to two, and only one of those was available.
Erik had paid Doctor Kocher's fees for transport, from and back to, Switzerland; and his surgical fees. Erik covered all the tests and medical supplies, nursing and staff fees, and any other expenses that were incurred for this procedure.
Dr. Theodore Kocher had arrived in New York in mid-September and taken the train to Birmingham where he performed many tests on Michael to determine the best route of treatment. When surgery was recommended as best, Erik had spared to expense; Dr. Kocher assured Erik that the procedure would either relieve the pressure on the brain or not, there would be no residual effects and Michael would remain in his vegetative state if the procedure did not work…but Erik would be out a great deal of money.
To Erik, that did not matter. If he could bring Michael back into Demi's eyes, and see the light dance in them, it would have all been worth it. The night before the surgery, Erik had found himself in a church, praying to a God he had just recently renewed his relationship with.
The Christmas season was fast approaching and the sanctuary was decorated with beautiful poinsettias, ribbons, holly branches, and various other frills. Erik sat in the pew, undisturbed, and prayed for the first time in years.
Upon leaving, he felt certain that he was doing the right thing in having this procedure done for Michael and, ultimately, for Demi.
The surgery was an unprecedented success; Dr. Kocher was very pleased with the results and stayed a few extra days after the surgery just to keep an eye on his patient. Erik assured him that he was able to take care of him and would hire a full-time nurse to stay with him for the six-month period the doctor recommended.
In the three weeks since the surgery, Erik had gotten to know this young man who owned Demi's heart. At first, the relationship was professional and aloof, but as Michael learned about Erik's past and tragic life and then put that up against the generous, giving man whose unselfishness had given him back his life, he would not allow Erik to just slip away…he wanted this man in his life.
Erik explained his friendship with Demi and the way she was trying to bring him out of the fortress he enclosed himself in. He told how she had taken him under her wing and helped him to see that he could live among men and not be chastised or ridiculed; in essence, she had made him human.
Erik unexpectedly developed a friendship with this young man, something he neither hoped for nor anticipated; it just happened.
The trip to New Orleans had proved an enlightening one as Michael and Erik discovered more about each other and developed a trust between them that Erik had never experienced before, especially with a man so close to his own age. Erik had always looked upon other men as the enemy – those whose handsome faces and perfect bodies kept the women from even noticing men like him; but Michael seemed to genuinely care for Erik as a friend.
When Michael and Roland completed the story, there was not a dry eye in the room.
"Where is Erik?" Demi asked, suddenly realizing he was nowhere to be found.
Karlie had been anxious to ask about his whereabouts, but had not wanted to appear rude or indifferent to the wonderful event occurring in front of her. The anticipation of seeing him caused butterflies in her stomach, sweaty palms, and an increased heart rate.
"I tried to get him to stay, but he stated that he did not wish to intrude on the homecoming and wanted us to have the day to ourselves." Michael stated with a smile, "He did not know that we had company."
Demi introduced Roland, Karlie, Audrey, and Meg, but she wanted Erik back in her presence; he had become the most important man in her life…next to Michael.
"Audrey, will you ride with Roland over to the Opera House and get Erik back here. I owe him more than I could ever pay him…I want him here for Christmas." Demi instructed.
Audrey was more than glad to go with Roland. The carriage was ordered and they both rode the short distance to the opera house. The weather was crisp and cool, and they rushed inside to keep warm.
Roland led them both to Erik's door and knocked, hearing him moving about inside.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Erik had not even been aware of Meg and Audrey; all he had cared about was letting Demi and Michael have the day together. He could live vicariously through them at a later date. The love they shared was something he had never witnessed before, not between two people who had endured the test of time, and come out shining like diamonds.
He was exhausted from the events of the last three weeks and was anxious to catch up on his reading and start a new opera he had been envisioning in his mind. He was certain it would make quite a good production, even if it were not entirely based on fact.
He had bathed and shaved, having not had time this morning and changed into his night cloths. He was aware it was Christmas Day, but he had never had any one to celebrate it with, and he never expected that to change.
Three weeks away from the opera house had given him the time he needed to clear his mind and heart of any fleeting thoughts of Karlie Brodeaux. She was beautiful, exciting, and exhilarating, and she made his heart beat frantically; but Erik knew better than to give his heart away…she would only hand it back to him, broken and bleeding.
He picked up the book he had been reading during the entire trip and had just sat down when he heard the knock on the door. He glanced at his pocket watch and frowned, who would be out on Christmas Day and knocking on his door? He put the book down and walked toward the door.
He gasped slightly, as Audrey placed herself in his arms and hugged him close. He was surprised at first, but then he returned the hug and even squeezed her slightly.
"Erik, you look absolutely wonderful…America has been good for you." Audrey stated, with a huge smile on her face.
"Audrey, I did not know that you were coming." He replied with a steady tone.
Audrey caressed his warm cheek and smiled, "That's because I did not want you to know."
Erik smirked at the impish twinkle in her eyes, "How are you? You look marvelous."
Audrey thanked him and then asked why he did not stay at Demi's.
"She wants you there, Erik, she needs to see you…as do Karlie and Meg." Audrey offered.
Erik turned to walk back into his quarters. He sat the book down on the table and seated himself.
"Audrey, this is Christmas Day, a day that everyone who has a family should be with that family…I just did not want to be in the way." Erik stated, a slight tremor in his beautiful voice.
"Nonsense, you didn't want anyone hovering around you and thanking you for the generous gifts you have handed out his season, not to mention what you did for Demi and Michael." She moved to sit beside him, "You are family Erik…I want you with me for the holidays; will you come for me?"
She drank in the sight of him. The darkness still lurked in the recesses of his eyes and pain still lingered in the way he carried himself, but he was a new man. Smiling seemed to come easier for him and he had hugged her more closely and intensely than he had ever done before.
He looked magnificent; the dark clothes gone and in their place were more flattering colors and less morbid fashions. He wore his hair down and loose, something he had never done before, which allowed the mask to not seem so intimidating. He was in a word…breathtaking.
Erik changed his clothes, putting on a new green, velvet, smoking jacket and black, silk pants. He wore a crisp, white shirt underneath the jacket and a black scarf. He exchanged his white half-mask, for a black half-mask and was ready to go.
He could tell by the look in Audrey's eyes, that she approved of his choice of clothing, and he followed them out to the carriage.
He was nervous about the whole "holiday" thing, but he figured he could tough it out to make Audrey happy, and he really did want to see Karlie and Meg.
"By the way, Audrey…I think you need to have a talk with Meg." Erik looked stern and Audrey was slightly concerned.
"What about?" she asked, not knowing what to think.
Erik smiled gently, "Before I left Paris and after the incident at the opera house, she was appeared to be openly flirting with me…I know she probably was not, but it appeared that way to me." Erik stated, looking out the window at the passing scenery. "I just want her to more particular about the men she's friendly with…I will be her friend…if she will have me, she need not pretend to be interested in me."
Audrey looked pleasantly shocked for a few seconds and she did something Erik did not expect…she laughed.