Chapter Fifteen

The story entitled Wandering Child belongs to dancechica. Thank you.

Ok, I've gotten rid of my two rants. The first one was just to explain to hold on for the next update. The second one came after I discovered my work had been stolen and passed off as someone else's. I obviously was extremely P.O.'ed about that. Anyways, here's an update! Enjoy!

Christine felt both physically and mentally exhausted. Knowing that she was safe, finally back in the arms of her Angel, she allowed herself to release any scrape of strength she had left, and melted into Erik's arms. It was an enormous release to finally, after all that had been pulling them apart, know that she would never leave these arms again. All they wanted to do was hold and protect her. And that's all she asked for in return. She had finally left Raoul's side, confident she had made the right decision. A few weeks ago, she wasn't sure if she could ever live a life with out Raoul; but now she was certain.

Erik kneeled on the cold dirt ground with Christine cradled in his arms. He was quickly reminded of the similar position they had both assumed when inside her father's mausoleum. Suddenly, everything that had happened between Christine and himself since the carriage ride home on that fateful morning flashed before his eyes: Her utter reluctance towards him; her aggressiveness; the vision of her standing in the sheer robe; their lessons and talks. Their kiss. Every look, every touch, every note all seemed to be running back into Erik's mind.

Afraid to make her walk anymore, he stirred her and looked into her tear streaked eyes.

"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" he joked, as he wiped her tears away with his thumb. She let out a sigh of relief, and he thought he could sense her laughing under her breath.

"Come, my dear. Let me take you somewhere where no one may come between us or our love anymore."

He helped her rise to her feet and lead her to the horse. As he raised her onto the beast, he could hear her release a sigh under her breath. A sigh of contentment. He held the rains with his right hand and began to lead it away from the Vicomte's home. Not a word was spoken between them for several minutes. It seemed both of them wanted to savor the feeling of knowing their soul mate was finally at their side. It was a moment that would only be hindered by words. No sentence could describe the rich feeling they each shared. And so, they remained silent as the glided through the mists.

After a long while of deep thought, Christine began to notice they were not heading towards Paris. She remembered how long the carriage ride was, and it was certainly shorter than the path they were traveling presently.

"Erik," she question.

"Hmm?", she could tell she had snapped him out of a deep daze.

"Are we returning to the Opera House? If so, I fear we've gotten ourselves lost!"

"No. No, we would be returning to the Opera House. I have secured a home for us outside of Paris."

"Oh. Well what about Don Juan? What's to happen to it."

"It will be cancelled, at least until I deem it safe for you to return. The moment the Vicomte returns home and discovers you are no longer there, he will no doubt head for the Opera House. No, I've made other arrangements for us. All of my belongings are presently being taken to the new home."

"Who is moving your belongings? You certainly don't have servants!", she joked.

Erik turned to her and smiled, "You really don't believe the Vicomte is the only man with a few pennies in his pocket, do you?" He gave her a wink and turned to continue walking.

Christine was relieved to learn they wouldn't be going back to Paris. As much as she would initially miss performing and the company of Meg, she knew Erik was right. Raoul wouldn't waste a moment before returning to Paris to fetch her. No, she didn't need to worry about that. She was told stress was not a good sign in the condition she may be in. At first she didn't know for certain, but something wasn't normal in her body. Something was happening and she feared the worst. For three month's she hadn't gone through her womanly cycle. With each month that had gone by, she became more and more frightened. With the third month of nothing, she knew. She was pregnant with Raoul's child.

They had slept together the night after the premier of Il Muto. That one time! Before she knew the other side of Erik. When she was frightened and wanted anyone to hold her; when she loved Raoul. But now she didn't love the Vicomte, yet was carrying a part of him inside of her. She felt unclean and detested the thing growing in her belly. She gazed and the back of Erik, and thought of all the obstacles they had overcome to be together. Every force that could have pulled them apart, and yet here he was, by her side. But what would he do after she told him? Her eyes began to swell with tears. Would he leave her? How could he love her after he discovered what she had done. She knew how strongly she felt about her "virginity" and how precious it was to him. He wanted to be the only man to penetrate into her body, and now he would never have that chance. She already been touched, and that was something she could never take back. She cursed the name of the father of her child. Soon her nose began to run and she sobbed aloud.

Erik darted around. "Christine? My dear, what's the matter? What is it?" He rushed to her side and took her off the horse, holding her close to his body. "Don't tell me your disappointed at the move," he joked. "I promise, all of your belongings will be waiting for you at the house!", he chuckled.

Christine couldn't believe what she was hearing. Here was the man she betrayed in the worst possibly way and yet he could think of no one's comfort but hers. Clothes! He thought she was upset over clothes! She would live in a potato sack for the rest of her life if she knew he wouldn't leave her. Christine tried to compose herself.

"No, no. It isn't that. It's….um….Erik I need to talk to you. About us, about our future."

"Christine, I…..", Erik's heart began to race. Did she wish to leave him?

"Oh no Erik! It's nothing like that. You know I love you more than life itself. I just have to discuss something with you."

"Very well", answered Erik with a smile. "As soon as we arrive at the house, you'll have the floor, alright?"

"Thank you.", she whispered.

"Of course! Now dry your eyes." He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and put it to her nose. "Blow your nose."

Christine, strangely unembarrassed by the situation blew, and Erik looked upon her with all the compassion she could ask for.

"All better?", he question. She nodded. "Good", he said, as he kissed her on the forehead. "Let's get going." Said Erik, raising her back on to the horse.

"I love you Erik.", Christine whispered.

"And I love you Christine.", he replied.

Erik began guiding the horse again, as Christine prayed that Erik could repeat those last words when she admitted her grave secret.

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