XIII
Erik sat with his chin rested on his knee. He didn't listen; no one ever seemed to listen to anything important. It had taken only three days before he was bed ridden, dying.
"Life," he mused, "it's a terribly fragile thing."
With effort he rose and made his way over to the organ. He brushed aside several papers before sitting down on the bench and stared at the ivory keys. It didn't really matter, he supposed, after all if the man was stupid enough to continue working as he coughed up blood then it was his own fault.
"I wanna see papa!" Christine screamed.
"Dear please, shush, he is sleeping. He needs to sleep," the maid said, attempting not too successfully to quiet the child.
"No!" Christine cried and tried to push past the older woman, "I wanna see papa…papa!"
She fell back on the floor and sniffled quietly, tears running down her pale cheeks. She missed him, for three days no one would let her see him for more then a few minutes and then he was asleep.
"Oh dear," the maid cooed, pulling out a handkerchief, "there, there little one."
The maid wiped the tears off her cheeks and smiled sadly at her.
"I want my papa," Christine hiccoughed as the maid wiped her nose.
"I know dear. You'll see him soon, alright?"
Her bottom lip quivered as she nodded her head, "Uh huh."
Antoinette arrived to find Christine sitting on the floor sniffling quietly, the maid sitting not far off.
"Good evening Madame Giry," the other woman greeted wearily.
"Is it?" Antoinette asked heavily, "Christine?"
"I wanna see papa," she replied quietly, "can I see him now?"
"Oui," Antoinette replied, "Come here."
Christine went over to Antoinette and allowed her to wipe her face and nose. She had come every night to see her father and was the only one who would allow her inside the room as well.
"Not long tonight," the doctor said gravely.
Antoinette nodded and sheparded the little girl into the room ahead of her. Christine immediately dashed to the side of the bed.
"Papa?"
"Christine," his voice was weak and strained, "my little angel…"
He coughed and Antoinette flinched at the sound. The doctor had told them not to stay long, he was dying, she knew that and so did he.
"Gustave," it was all she could say.
"I love you Antoinette," he whispered.
"I know," she replied, tears choking her, "and I love you."
"Christine?" he asked to get the little girl's attention, "when I am in heaven child I will send to you the angel of music."
"Heaven?" she sniffed.
"I love you so much Christine, be patient and he will come to you."
"Alright."
"You should go now," the doctor said, "please."
Antoinette nodded and guided Christine out the door and past a priest. She closed her eyes against the burn of tears.
"Good night Madame Giry," the maid said.
"I will take Christine to the theatre tonight," Antoinette informed her, "you deserve a rest and if she is with a friend then it may take her mind off-"
She was cut off when Gustave began to cough; the horrible sound seemed to reverberate through the entire house. Christine slapped her hands over her ears and began to whimper.
"This," Antoinette finished and hurried Christine out the door. It was the last time either of them would see Gustave.
Not a very long chapter but I hope you enjoyed it. Chibi, yes we can split the cookies and look Gustave has died. And yes I Erik was all fluffy and sweet, gotta love it and don't worry he won't stay soft forever, it was a moment of weakness! Lotte Rose 37, it was good advice and I will be developing the friendship more, though you're right its hard to write a conversation between six year olds, it takes forever and yes Erik is a big ole (really hot) softy (heehee love it). Read and review and enjoy etc.
