Disclaimer: Erik, Christine and Co are all property of Gaston Leroux, Susan Kay, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber etc. I own the plot.

Chapter Seven: Shopping

The next day Erik went to see Nadir whilst the three women went for a shopping trip (Erik gave them a sum of money and told them to indulge themselves, this was met with a huge hug from the two younger girls and a grin from the older woman). He caught a cab (the type with horses) to the Rue de Rivoli and headed to the door of the flat. He knocked three times and waited, trying to ignore the people who stared at the shadowy figure in black. When Darius opened the door and saw who it was, he immediately invited Erik in. "Come in Monsieur," He said. "I will summon Monsieur Khan for you. Please make yourself at home." With that he went into the other room whilst Erik hung his cape and fedora up and sat down in the big armchair to wait.

When Nadir emerged from the study he was not surprised to find Erik sat in his living room. "Bonjour Erik. What brings you here this morning?" He asked as he sat with his guest. "Nadir, are you busy on the 3rd May?"

"I do not believe so. Why?"

"I am getting married and I am looking for a best man, I wish to offer you the position." Whatever Nadir expected, a wedding was not it. "My dear friend, please close your mouth. The look is unflattering on you." Nadir shut his mouth and gave a suspicious look at Erik. "Who is your bride? I thought you said that you were and I quote 'above such utter nonsense', maybe you have had a change of mind?"

"A change of heart more like, brought on by my fiancée, Christine Daaé." This little announcement stopped Nadir in his tracks. "Christine Daaé! The girl that you deceived, kidnapped and threatened! Erik, what is this madness!" Erik's face which was relaxed and open a second ago grew angry. "Nadir, Christine has forgiven me for those sins. I do not wish to be reminded of them. She loves me, I love her, I asked for her hand in marriage, she said yes. End of story."

"Do calm down Erik, I meant no offence, please forgive the curiosity of an old friend." Erik took a deep breath and nodded, calming down almost instantly as he thought of Christine. "Will you be the best man, all suspicion aside?" Nadir's beautiful emerald eyes lit up. "Of course I will. I was surprised you consider me a good enough friend for such an honour."

"Nadir," Erik looked exasperated. "You are my oldest and most loyal friend, of course I asked you. Now, how would you feel about meeting my wife and her two friends for dinner?" Nadir grinned.

"I'd love too."

Christine and Meg sat on a small bench just inside the park. Antoinette had gone to meet Monsieurs Firmin and André, regarding the current position of the Opera Populaire. "Meg?" The smaller girl looked up.

"Yes Christine."

"You know when we used to play make-believe and we always promised to be a bridesmaid for the other?"

"Yes…" Meg had a sparkle of excitement in her eye.

"Well, I am engaged. I have finished with Raoul, as you know and have united myself with the one I really love." Meg giggled delightedly and immediately started planning the wedding in her mind. "Who is it, Christine? Who is your angelic lover?" Christine blushed and gave a mischievous grin. "Well he has several names: Angel, Opera Ghost-" Meg's mouth fell open. "Erik Destler."

"You are marrying Erik!"

"Yes, I've never felt anything that strong for anyone before, ever!" Meg gathered herself together and closed her mouth. "Will you be my maid of honour?"

"Of course I will Christine!" Meg hugged her friend. "Now tell me what is your wedding going to be like? What colour will the bridesmaids' dresses be? Come on Christine, I need details!"

When Madame Giry arrived later she found the two girls chatting about the wedding, she smiled at them fondly as she led them to a nearby café that Erik would meet them in. However, she had neglected to tell the girls of Erik's plans to surprise them at the café…

TBC…

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