The Girl Next Door

By the time the weekend arrived, Christine was exhausted. Between keeping on top of work, she and Meg had been taking turns in looking after Sorelli. Sorelli had told Steven about the baby and had instantly told her that she was on her own.

Meg had then shouted at him for a solid fifteen minutes in the middle of the office before sending him on his way with a good, hard slap. The bruise still hadn't begun to fade after two days. Firmin was apparently turning a blind eye. Steven had made an official complaint and Firmin had sidled up to Meg's desk and said in a deadpanned voice,

"That was very wrong of you. Don't do it again." And that was all that had happened about that.

Sorelli returned to work on Friday morning.

"I've got a doctors appointment tomorrow." She told Meg and Christine at lunchtime. "I'm going to keep it. I couldn't live with myself if I had an abortion. A few years ago I probably would have. But, you know, I've got my own house, I've got a good-paying job and I'm self-reliant. Now's as good a time as any to have a baby."

"Good for you. Don't worry, Auntie Meg and Auntie Christine will be around to help." Meg assured her with a smile. Sorelli laughed.

"Thank God! Can you imagine me as a mother?"

"I can and it's a frightening notion." Christine teased.

"Sorelli, nice to see you back at work." Carlotta said, sashaying over to them and pointedly ignoring Christine. "I guess you'll be leaving us soon?"

"No. I'm not leaving just because I'm having a baby. I take the last two weeks of the pregnancy off, four months after that and then I'm finding a babysitter." Sorelli said. Carlotta's perfect blue eyes widened.

"Oh, how brave of you! I'd never be able to cope with the hassle of a baby!"

"No, that'd mean taking care of someone other than yourself." Christine said sardonically. Carlotta turned on her.

"Like you'd have any idea. You'd be lucky to get any guy to stay in your company long enough to even get pregnant!"

Christine opened her mouth, utterly outraged.

"Ladies, no problem is there?" Firmin said, looking at them pointedly. Christine and Carlotta both beamed at him.

"Of course not, Richard."

"Everything's fine."

"Good." He moved on and Christine turned back to Carlotta.

"Let's get one thing straight, Carlotta. You know nothing about me and frankly I can't even stand being within a metre of you. So don't even try to comment on my life, because you know nothing."

"You act as if I'd want to know about you." Carlotta spat. "When I couldn't give a damn about your meaningless little existence. Just stay the hell out of my way."

She stormed off and Meg whistled.

"Wow, Christine. I don't think that was such a good idea."

"She can't do anything to me." Christine said darkly. "And I would just love to see her try."

She looked at Sorelli.

"So, do you want a boy or a girl?"

"I think I'd quite like a girl. But I haven't really thought about it."

"Oh, you can name her Meg after me!"

"I wouldn't do that to an innocent child." Sorelli smirked.

Erik watched as the ballerinas danced elegantly across the stage and Monsieur Karon looked at him for approval. After a few moments, Erik nodded.

"It's coming together well."

Karon began to rant in French about this, that and the other. Erik listened patiently and then said,

"Monsieur, I believe that you will be capable of taking care of the opera from hereon in. I have already been here for three months. It is time for me to return to England."

"Monsieur Destler! I was under the impression that you would be staying until the opening night." Karon said, surprised. Erik smiled slightly.

"You are more than able to handle this. Thank you."

He turned and walked to the door, leaving a stunned director in his wake. Adele appeared at his elbow.

"Monsieur Destler?"

"Oui, Adele?"

"You are not coming back?"

"No."

"…She waits for you?" Erik looked at the girl in astonishment. He had never made any mention that there was a 'she' in England. Adele smiled knowingly.

"L'amour a une prise forte sur nous, non?"

She disappeared and Erik stared after her before making his way to the exit. He walked the distance to his apartment. It took no longer than twenty minutes and it was preferable to attempting to fight the Parisian traffic. He hadn't brought that much with him. Clothes, mostly, and music. A few other items as well, but he didn't have that much to pack overall.

He spent the rest of the afternoon putting things away, leaving some clothes for him to wear the next day and then he reached the monkey box. He held it gently in his hands, examining the details which he already knew off by heart from countless hours of examination.

"Three months of relief from my company. I doubt she will even wish to have me nearby anymore." He said softly, wrapping the box in bubble-wrap and placing him in a box. "And I should not blame her for feeling such."

"Hello baby. It's Christine again. I've got to keep talking to you, otherwise Meg will be your favourite aunt and I just can't have that. I hope you understand." Christine said to Sorelli's stomach. Sorelli was lying on the sofa at her house, reading a magazine whilst Christine held a conversation with the month old foetus. It was Friday afternoon and they were gathered in Sorelli's house.

Meg came in from the kitchen with tea and looked at her suspiciously.

"Are you manipulating the baby again?"

"No!"

"Guys, it's only a month old. It's not even the size of a hand yet, it definitely doesn't care which of you is talking to it." Sorelli pointed out.

"It's the principle of it!" Meg said haughtily. Christine glanced at her watch.

"Better get home. Cat is going to get all hissy if I don't feed him soon." She leant close to the stomach again. "Remember – you like Christine the best."

Meg swiped at her head but Christine ducked past and smiled.

"I'll do dinner for us tomorrow night."

"Look, you two, I can still cook. You don't need to supervise me twenty-four, seven." Sorelli said, putting her magazine down. Meg lifted a cynical eyebrow.

"Last time we didn't supervise you, this happened." She patted Sorelli's belly. "We're taking no chances."

"Oh, thanks for that!"

"You're welcome." Meg glanced at Christine. "Can I call by later to pick up those folders?"

"Sure, I'll be in all evening. I'm planning on having a nice, relaxing evening."

"Cheers, Chris."

Christine set off home. As she walked the half hour to Gaston Place, she began to consider the option of buying a car. She didn't really have a use for it, being within walking distance of most places. But if she was going to be going from Sorelli's to Meg's to work to home all in the same day, as she had been doing for most of the week perhaps it would be worth investing in some sort of vehicle. At this rate, she'd spend a fortune on cabs.

André was outside the door with a repairman, who was crouched on the floor with a screwdriver.

"Good afternoon Mr André." Christine said, stopping. He smiled at her tiredly.

"Miss Daae. Go on in. The door has completely seized up." He glanced at Cat, who was watching the repairman with unblinking eyes. "He's been waiting for quite a while now."

"He's probably sulking with me for being late." Christine smiled. She stepped past and Cat followed her to the elevator. Once Cat was busy with his milk, Christine went into her bedroom, shivering. Apparently the heating had gone too, the whole flat was freezing.

She changed into a pair of torn jeans and woolly jumper, as well as a pair of fluffy bed-socks and went into the living room, turning on the gas fire. Cat perched on the back of the sofa and watched as Christine made herself some hot chocolate and curled up on the sofa with her Blake book, the CD player sending out the soulful tones of Dido.

Danny is lonely

Cos Mary's in India now

She said she'd call but

That was three weeks ago

She left all her things, well

Her books and her letters from him

And as the sun rises on Mary

It sets on him

Christine half-listened to the lyrics and then turned her attention to the book in her hand. The familiar, friendly words wound themselves around her, creating a sort barrier between her and the rest of the world. She lost herself in poetry that she had read so many times before, her mind catapulting from opinion to opinion as she read Blake's views on poverty, on God, on England, on class and status. She marvelled at how his opinion's changed. In the Songs of Innocence, he had adored nature and God's influence. But when you proceeded to the Songs of Experience he became far more cynical, lost his childlike wonder of the world. It was quite sad, really, how his faith had become lost.

Christine fingered the cross around her neck. It was the same one than she had given to Erik on Christmas Eve, the one that had brought him a little peace. She was glad to have it now. If anyone needed some peace and relief it was her.

Perhaps he did too?

Cat stretched luxuriously and curled into her lap, purring as Christine stroked his ears. The rumble against her made her smile. His needs for happiness were so simple. Food, drink, shelter and love. Those were the most basic requirements for happiness.

"Three out of four isn't bad, I suppose." Christine commented, lifting her book up again. Cat simply continued to purr as Christine caressed his soft fur.

About an hour later there was a knock at the door. It was Meg, Christine realised and called,

"It's open." Without looking up. She drained the last of her hot chocolate and put her book down before turning to lean over the top of the sofa at her friend.

Except it wasn't Meg stood in the doorway.

It was Erik.

Erik stood outside apartment 5b, clutching the bottle of wine in his hand. For God's sake, he felt like a teenager arriving at his date's house. He lifted his hand and nervously tapped it against the door, half hoping that she wouldn't be in.

No such luck. He heard her say that the door was open. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open. He could see the back of her head, where she was sat on the sofa. She was engrossed in some activity and was moving to put things on the table. And then she turned to look at him.

Had she always been that lovely? It was the first thought that entered his mind before it went completely blank. Her dark eyes had widened and her jaw had dropped in astonishment at the sight of him.

For several long moments they looked at each other. And then a cat jumped up onto the sofa and hissed at this intruder to his home. Erik blinked.

"You have a cat."

He hadn't seen this woman in three months, had spent nearly everyday imagining what it would be like when he finally returned and his first words to her implied that she procured a feline in his absence.

He was moronic beyond all belief.

Christine stood and picked the hissing cat up. It was instantly appeased, although it kept a wary eye on the man in the doorway. She was still staring at him. He wondered what she was thinking. He couldn't possibly have known that what she was thinking was this:

'Erik is back and I'm wearing fluffy socks.'

She took a deep breath.

"…You're back."

"Apparently." There was no sarcasm in it. He was simply stunned and it seemed the obvious thing to say. Christine blinked and then let out a yelp as Cat dug his claws into her arm. She hadn't realised how tightly she'd been holding him. She dropped him and he gave them both a disgusted look before prowling away. Erik took a step forward.

"Are you hurt?"

"No, it's just a scratch." She rolled up her sleeve to examine the scratches. They stood out bright pink against her skin and she glared after the animal. "I don't know why I keep him around."

Erik gave a weak smile and she looked at him, shaking off the shock at seeing him in her doorway.

"When did you get back?"

"About fifteen minutes ago. Here." He handed her the bottle of wine. "A peace offering."

"Thank you." She smiled as she realised that it was chilled. "Proper French wine."

"The best I could find." Erik assured her.

They fell back into silence, looking at each other. And then Christine said,

"Tea?"

"Please." They went into the kitchen and she put the kettle on. Cat was sat on the surface, looking pointedly at his food bowl. Whilst Christine opened a packet of food, Erik held out his hand to the cat. He sniffed it cautiously and then pushed his head against the fingers briefly in a way that clearly said Fine, we're OK. Just don't expect me to get too friendly.

Unable to bear the awkward silence, Erik said,

"Nadir informed me that the concert went well."

"Yes, it was brilliant." Christine agreed, thankful for the neutrality of the subject. "The music was amazing. Nadir let me sit in your box, I hope that's OK."

"It's not as if I was using it." Erik said with a miniscule smile.

They were putting it off. Both of them knew that eventually they would have to discuss what happened three months previously. Armed with tea, they went back to the living room and sat apart, talking sparsely about safe topics, such as Il Muto and work. Christine brought up Sorelli's pregnancy.

"She's been really brave about it all."

"The father isn't going to be involved?"

"No. He's such an idiot. Meg hit him around the face in the middle of the office when she found out." Christine smiled at the memory. "It was actually quite hilarious. Well, not for him."

"I don't think I would like to get on her wrong side." Erik commented.

"Oh, she can be very dangerous. But most of the time you're fairly safe with her."

God, this was unbearable. Christine tapped the edge of her mug uncomfortably and glanced at Erik. His eyes were fixed on the coffee table. She put her cup down.

"Erik, we need to talk." He looked at her in surprise at her forwardness. She smiled. "But not right now. I mean, we're going to have to talk about what happened eventually but for now, can we just go back to how it was? Just for tonight?"

"Happily." Erik said, relieved that she had said something. He had been deliberating on how to break the uncomfortable tension between them. Christine smiled.

"Have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

"I'll make dinner, you open the wine and we'll pick a film. That'd be a great start."

Erik smiled at her optimism and stood up as Christine went to the kitchen. There was a knock at the door and he went to answer it. Meg Giry stood outside. She looked at him in surprise and then turned around. She looked at the number on the door opposite, then back at the door to 5b, apparently unsure that she had gotten the right apartment. Erik arched an eyebrow and she looked back at him.

"You're in France."

"Not at this moment, I'm not."

"No, I actually noticed that. Christine does still live here, right?"

"She does."

Christine looked out of the kitchen.

"Oh, hi Meg. Come on in. I've got those folders in the study." She disappeared to the other room and returned a moment later with them. Meg grinned at her.

"Thanks. Sorelli wants to know if you want to come to the cinema tomorrow. I'll tell her you're busy, shall I?" She said, with a sideways glance at Erik. Christine rather wanted to slap her, feeling herself go pink.

"You can tell her that I'll be there, as long as you don't choose the film. Now get out of here before I beat you to a pulp."

"You couldn't take me on and you know it. Later." She paused and then grinned before disappearing, "Oh, cute socks, Christine."

Erik couldn't quite bring himself to look Christine in the eye. She appeared to feel very much the same, as she hurried back to the kitchen.

Erik graciously allowed Christine to choose the film. She opened a drawer of DVD's and pulled one out.

"Have you seen this?" It was called Young Frankenstein. Erik shook his head and she passed him the box as she slipped the disc into the machine. "It's hilarious; I guarantee that you will laugh."

"You think so?" He gave her a smirk and she lifted her eyebrows.

"I know so." She said.

"Well, since you're so confident, I suppose I'll just have to try and prove you wrong."

"Stubborn."

"What was that?"

"Didn't say a word." She announced cheerfully, settling into an armchair. Cat jumped into her lap and sat, watching Erik with large yellow eyes. Erik looked back and asked as the DVD loaded,

"When did he come along?"

"About a week after you left. He was curled up outside the front door and was freezing. He followed me inside and I haven't gotten rid of him yet." Christine said, scratching behind Cat's ears. He tilted his head, his eyes closing lazily in pleasure.

"What's his name?"

"Cat."

"Interesting choice."

"I preferred it to 'Dog'." Christine grinned.

The film began and Erik allowed himself to enjoy the madcap adventures of Doctor Frankenstein and his lunatic accomplices as they attempted to create life from dead body parts.

And, much to Christine's glee, he laughed out loud at one point.

When they had eaten and drunk the bottle of wine (which had been excellent), Erik looked at the time.

"I shall be in the theatre tomorrow. Nadir wishes to recap everything I've missed in the past three months." He rolled his eyes slightly. "What a thrilling experience it shall be."

"Are you going to be doing a new show?"

"I expect see. I believe Nadir has chosen an opera of mine called Hannibal." Erik said, getting to his feet. "No doubt you will soon be receiving a phone call demanding your services on the advertising."

"Thank God, I've been stuck doing editing for ages." Christine smiled.

She walked with him to the door. He looked down at her briefly, wondering what to do now. He settled for touching her hand and making eye contact. Christine smiled and said, as though it had burst out of her,

"I'm glad you're back."

"That would make two of us." He said softly. His fingers squeezed hers for less than a second before he stepped into the corridor.

"So, the Man in the Sexy Mask is back?" Sorelli grinned as they stood in the lobby of the cinema. Christine rolled her eyes.

"Alexander Dumas is rolling in his grave for that one."

"Who?"

"…Never mind. And yes, Erik is back."

"What happened after I left?" Meg asked eagerly. Christine shrugged.

"We had dinner and watched a film and then he went home."

"Did he kiss you?"

"No."

"Did you kiss him?" Sorelli put in.

"No!"

"When are you seeing him again?"

"Seeing as he lives less than two metres away, I'll probably see him today." Christine said, looking at the list of films that were playing.

"Christine, you know what we mean." Meg said irritably. Christine sighed.

"I don't know. Probably tomorrow. We're going to… talk about what happened."

"And once all that's out of the way, you can get onto the fun part of making up." Sorelli winked.

Christine gave her an irritable look.

"It's not that simple."

"Probably not. What are we going to see?" Meg said, linking arms with both of them and pulling them towards the ticket booth.

A/N: And now everything is going backwards, with Christine and Erik back as friends. Friends with hand-touching privileges, heh heh. The bit of French is SUPPOSED to say something like 'Love holds on tightly to all of us', but since I used an online translator, you can very much guarantee that it doesn't say that! The song is Dido's 'Mary's In India' and it's a lovely song. Some people were wondering about the woman in the elevator - she isn't really important. I just like to throw in little bits like that to show that there's a whole world out there and sometimes stuff like that happens that isn't directly related to the main plot.

This chapter is lovingly dedicated to BrokenFate. She drew me a gorgeous piece of fanart which you can find here:

www . deviantart . com / deviation / 26968960 /

Give her your appreciation because she is awesome! Also, if you haven't checked out IheartPOTO's stuff, the address is in Chapter 17! I am stunned that people actually bothered to sit down and draw this beautiful art, because of something that I wrote. It's very inspirational! I churned out around 3000 words today for this chapter, just because I was so thrilled by all this art!

Next chapter soon!

Love

Katie