Chapter 19

Surprises

Erik wanted nothing more than to pull Corrine into his arms and never let her go. However, a busy street in the middle of the afternoon would've drawn too much attention. It was a miracle he was out here at all during the day, but Corrine was worth it.

"Cori, can we go back with Erik now?"

Corrine saw the hopeful look in her brother's eyes, and then looked at Erik.

"I don't know Alec. Erik has another friend with him now."

Erik saw the pained look in both their eyes, and said gently;

"Corrine, we really do need to talk. Things aren't as they seem, and you are hurting yourself and Alec needlessly. Come back with me Corrine. I can explain everything if you'd let me."

"But what about?..."

"Christine?" Erik interrupted.

At Corrine's slight nod, Erik continued.

"Yes, I loved her, but that's the past. My feelings for her are different now. Corrine, YOU are the one I love."

Corrine started crying at Erik's confession.

"Come with me Corrine," Erik said gently as he led them back to the opera house and away from prying eyes.

Madame Giry was waiting for them, and was relieved to see Corrine and Alec.

"Thank Heavens Erik found you. The reading of the will is in less than 2 hours in the manager's office."

"Corrine, before you freshen up, I do need to talk to you," Erik said a little nervously.

"I better go. The ballet girls are horrible, and their first performance is in less than a week," Mme. Giry said as she left.

Corrine turned toward her brother.

"Alec dear, why don't you go play with your rabbit and monkey," she said returning her gaze toward Erik.

After Alec had left the room, Erik said;

"Corrine, I love you, and I love Alec. You two are as close to a family I'd ever known, and for that I'll always be grateful. It almost destroyed me when I found you two gone. I know it will kill me if you ever left again. I guess what I'm saying is..."

Erik stopped and took a deep breath before continuing.

"Corrine, will you marry me?"

Corrine saw the fear of rejection, and at the same time all the love he had for her reflected in his eyes.

"Erik, I love you too. I would be honored and proud to be your wife."

At that exact moment they both heard cheering coming from the other room. They couldn't help but to laugh. Alec ran out and hugged both of them. Corrine stood up.

"I better get cleaned up and get ready for the reading of father's will. I'm a little frightened'" Corrine said nervously.

"Don't be. Just remember whatever happens Alec and I will be here waiting for you."

Corrine smiled, and left to take a bath and change.

Erik paced the floor the whole time she was gone. It had been 3 hours since she left, and the suspense was getting the better of him. He thought about sneaking up to his hiding place in the manager's office and eavesdrop, but he couldn't do that to Corrine. No, this was something she needed to do alone. All he had to do was be there for her if it was bad news. Alec picked up on his uneasiness.

"Erik?"

Erik stopped his pacing and looked at the boy.

"Erik, I have a question."

Erik, happy for the distraction, sat down and pulled the boy onto his lap.

"What is it?"

"When you marry my sister, what will I call you?"

The question caught him off guard.

"I never thought about it Alec. Maybe this is something that all three of us need to sit down and talk about."

"I suppose, but you want to know what I want to call you?"

"What would that be?"

"I want to call you Papa. I know Corrine is my sister, but she's more like my mamma. I wish I could call her that too."

The thought of this little boy accepting him as a father, touched him deeply.

"Alec, if you want to call me Papa, you may. However, I think you need to talk with your sister about calling her mamma,"

"Okay Erik," Alec said

At that moment Corrine returned.

"Alec,please..."

"I know, I know go play with my rabbit'" Alec interrupted his sister.

Corrine couldn't help but to chuckle. After he left, Erik took Corrine's hand.

"What happened?"Erik asked nervously.

"Erik, we have a lot to talk about. The main thing is I inherited everything. When I say everything, that's including the Opera house."

Erik sighed with relief. The Opera house would go on, and he wouldn't have to break in any new owners.

"Erik, since we're going to be married, I have a big request to ask of you."

"You know you can ask me anything," he said squeezing her hand a little,

Corrine took a deep breath.

"Erik, I think it's time for you to move to the upper levels. I want us to be a normal, respectable family.

Erik jumped to his feet.

"Corrine, I..."

"Please hear me out. You have helped run this Opera house for years. You know every inch of this place. I feel it's time for you to take your rightful place as the ONLY owner."

Erik's head snapped up to look at her.

"What did you say?"

"It's official. I legally signed the Opera House over to you. It is totally and completely yours."

"Corrine, I can't..."

"Of course you can. As of right this minute, you are no longer Opera Ghost, OG, or The Phantom. You are ERIK, the new owner of the Opera Popular.

"But what would everyone think and say?"

"It will take time, but I think once we tell everyone that the Phantom never existed and was only a tale to scare ballet girls in practicing harder, they will forget. Once you take your rightful place, they will only know you as Erik. They will come to respect you. Just imagine how amazing the operas will be. With your personal guidance and musical talent shining on stage, as you, the owner, and his wife watching from box 5, the owner's box. Erik, it's time for you to step out of the shadows, and walk in the sunlight. You deserve this Erik."