Forever Love

Part 3

Christine woke early the next morning, but something was missing. "Erik?" she called, no answer. "Erik where are you?" still no answer. She sat up, the note falling to the floor. She picked it up and read,

Christine,

Do not fret if you wake to find me gone, for I am only down the hall. I love you, mon ange.

Your obedient angel,

Erik

She tossed the note aside and headed for the music room. 'I hope Elena hasn't woke yet.' She thought. Christine opened the door to find Erik sound asleep, with his head resting on the keys. He looked so peaceful and at ease when he slept. She came up behind him and placed a kiss on his exposed cheek. He stirred then his emerald green eyes fluttered open.

"Good morning, sleep well?"

"Despite my unusual position, then yes. I haven't slept that well in a long time."

"Good, then you will have plenty of energy to tame Elena when she wakes." He gave a groan and pulled her down for a kiss. As soon as it began, it ended when Elena announced her awakening.

"Mama." They both groaned as Christine pulled away.

"I'll be back soon, I must help her with her dress."

"They can be such a pain." He said, cocking an eyebrow.

"You would know, wouldn't you." She said sarcastically as she headed up the stairs.

"Stay in there." She yelled back at him once she reached the top of the stairs.

"Mama!"

"I'm coming, calm down!" She entered Elena's room to find her dressed, save the tiny buttons on the back. She wiggled as Christine buttoned her dress. "Hold still you wiggle worm."

Elena giggled at her pet name. "Now come down stairs. I have a very special surprise for you." She beamed at her mother.

"Really?"

"Yes, now come with me." The two trodded down the stairs, down the hall and stopped at the music room's door.

"Is my surprise in there?" Christine nodded. Elena burst into the room, were a man sat before them. Elena stood in front of him, pondering as to why he was here. Then it struck her.

"You're the man I talked to yesterday!" Erik nodded. Christine came and sat next to him, placing her arm around his waist.

"Elena there is something I must tell you. When you where born, I was a single mother, who believed your father to be dead. What I'm trying to say is…." Erik cut her off and finished her sentence for her.

"Elena, I'm your father." Elena beamed with joy.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Oh papa!" Elena ran to her father and hugged him as though if she let go he would disappear.

"My sweet Elena. I love you bel ange."

Christine stood in awe at the sight before her. 'He will be a wonderful father' she thought before sitting down beside Erik. He couldn't be happier, now that he had a family that loved him. Elena tugged at his arm, pulling him towards the door.

"Papa, come on. I want to show you my room." Erik followed his daughter to the door but stopped when he reached it.

"Wait. before you pull my arm off, close your eyes." She looked at him quizacly, wondering why he was asking this. Her eyes closed, suddenly her feet were swept out from under her. Elena squealed with delight.

"Papa,….stop….it tickles!" Erik continued to tickle her as he walked down the hall. "I will stop on one condition," he leaned down and whispered into her ear. "If you show me how to get to your room." She giggled and squirmed out of his grasp, as she trampled down the hall.

"I'm too old for this." He said with a little humor in his tone.

When they reached Elena's room, she pulled Erik inside. After giving him the grand tour, she was exhausted. It was noon, time for her nap. Christine appeared in the doorway ready to tuck Elena in.

"I want papa to tuck me in. Please." She pleaded.

"Alright, Erik when you're finished you know were to find me." As she left, she gave him a wicked grin. He knew what she wanted, and he wanted it to, more than anything.

"papa, will you sing to me? Mama told me you had the voice of an angel." Erik smiled. 'Christine had told her about me.' He began to sing the very same song he had sung to Christine all those years ago.

"Wandering child, so lost, so helpless yearning for my guidance. Too long you've wondered in winter, far from my fathering gaze. You resist, yet the soul obeys….."

His voice died to a whisper as Elena fell asleep in his arms. Without waking her, he placed her on the bed and covered her up. Before he left, he looked back at his daughter.

"She is so much like me that it's scary." He chuckled as he closed the door to her room. He was anxious to find out what Christine meant earlier.