Chapter 57

Few days later, Poppy still didn't know how to tell Erik. She had begged Mme. Giry to keep quiet, not to tell Erik. He had enough to do without him worrying about her. Poppy's sickness was over, but at times still felt nauseas. It was the middle of May. Poppy and Mme. Giry decided that she was about 2 and half months along now.

Sighing, Poppy put the embroidery piece aside. It was about nine in the evening. Erik was composing a new opera. She smirked. Well, not so new. He was turning the Phantom of the Opera story into an opera. When she had first mentioned that it was a musical in her time, he had wondered, why wasn't it an opera instead? So, that's what he was doing. She had asked which way was he going to take it. Erik had thought on that, and then told her that he will go by the book. Said that most operas were a tragedy and that the story its self was one. Furthermore, he was changing the music. He had not been truly fond of Andrew Lloyd Webber's version. Poppy snickered as she remembered what he had said about the English. Said that they were as stiff and cold as Gothic gargoyles.

Walking out into the main room, she found that the organ was quiet for the moment. Poppy made her way to it. Holding out her hands, she came in contact with Erik's hard back. She ran her hands slowly slide up his spine to his shoulders and neck. The muscles were tense and hard. She marveled at the strength in him. As she massaged him gently, he began to relax. He turned and pulled her into his lap. Poppy let out a small laugh, and then grew somber. Erik saw this.

"Poppy, what is wrong?" he asked, concern in his voice.

She bit her lip, "Erik, have you ever thought about all that comes with marriage?"

"Yes."

She raised an eyebrow, "truly? Well, brush me up on it. What all comes with marriage?"

Without knowing the meaning of the question, he rattled them off, "…..children…"

Poppy cleared her throat. He stopped and looked at her. "Erik, back up one."

"What? Children?" he paused, "Children?" Then hesitantly asked, "You?"

Poppy's face broke out in a smile and nodded.

"How long?"

"Two and half months."

Erik held her close, tears threatening to fall. A father! Him! "You are not worried?"

Poppy laughed, a huge weight taken off her chest, "Erik, women have been having children for years. We are old pros."

"You are not worried that it may be…?"

Oh. That classic question. "No. I believe it well not be. But even it was, I will not love it any less."

This time the tears did fall, as he hugged her tightly. Erik held her and sang to her until she fell asleep. Gently picking her up, he carried her to their bed. Laying her down, Erik stretched out beside her, pulling her close and fell into a peaceful sleep.

Short I know. Next one will be longer. Time for a vote! What should Poppy and Erik have? A boy? Or a girl? Let me know. I'll tally it all up tomorrow and you all will find out Monday. Hope you all are still enjoying the story. Just a few more chapters then Poppy's and Erik's saga (may) will come to an end.