AN: Did you really think the story was over? Not quite yet...things must come to fruittion before I'll let this one go. I've just been overwhelmed by life in general, and didn't have time to write. Please, leave me a review after you read this, and I promise it'll cheer me up!
Disclaimer: If I owned PotO, I would NOT have student loans...
Chapter 35
It was some time later, while in the middle of some paperwork, that Nadir received a call in his office. Thelma's shrill voice interrupted his work.
"Mr. Kahn, there's a guy named Erik holding on line one for you. Do you want me to send him to the machine?" The answering machine that the station had installed for him was a godsend. If not for Thelma and the machine, he'd get no work done during the day. This time, however, Nadir was more than willing to take the call. He punched in the code and was connected to Erik in an instant.
"Erik?"
"Hello, Daroga." His voice wasn't weakened by illness, nor was it enraged, as he'd expected.
Nadir rubbed a hand over his brow. "Hello," was all that Nadir could muster. He felt guilt dry up and destroy any other words he might have said to the boy, and for a moment neither said anything. The pause was cut short however, when he heard a girl's voice in the background chiding Erik. With a sigh, the boy resumed their awkward conversation.
"How is your wife?"
Nadir overheard an infuriated groan, definitely not male, and smiled a little. "Same as always. Hard to keep up with, full of life."
"I see." Nothing was said again until an annoyed voice traveled to his ear.
"Erik! Just ask already!" That voice had to be Christine's. Again, Nadir heard Erik's sigh.
"Nadir, we were just curious...do you and...your wife have dinner plans tonight?" His question was met with more than a little shock from the detective. Was Erik...asking them to dinner? The notion seemed preposterous, but what other reason would he have to ask such a question?
"No, we don't."
"Then...would you be interested in coming over tonight?" Again, nervous words that surprised Nadir. Before he regained complete control of his senses, Erik spoke up once more. "It would give us a chance to talk."
"It–," he cleared is throat. "It sounds fine. Only, Madeleine–"
"Oh, bring her, please." Again, the girl's voice piped in. Was Erik talking to him on speakerphone? It would explain how he could hear both of them so well. Apparently in their time alone together, Christine had enjoyed Madeleine's company. Well, if neither objected to his daughter's presence, why should he?
"All right, then. I'll call Antoinette and let her know. Would you like us to bring anything?"
"No, we'll take care of everything. Just come around at 7:30." With that, Erik hung up and left the detective very pensive, and very thankful to Christine Daae at that moment.
Christine had nearly given up on the plan when she heard the uncomfortable silences the men were allowing themselves, but stepped in just in time. A month had passed since they'd last spoken to the Kahn family, a month in which the new couple had been spending every waking moment together.
Things had changed with a speed that nearly frightened Christine into believing it all to be a dream, but Erik kept assuring her it wasn't. He assured her when he held her tenderly before drifting off to sleep, and when he asked her to take a walk with him in the park. And, as he'd promised, she hadn't woken up to a harsh reality.
"I can't believe you were so uncomfortable, Erik!" She chided as she gingerly piled up the books that were lying about the den. Even if they had slacked in their housekeeping, she was going to make sure everything looked presentable before dinner tonight. It had been her idea, after all, to have them over.
Behind her Erik grunted quietly. "Well, it's not all water under the bridge."
To this Christine gave a little sigh, and placed another book on top of the pile she'd built up on the coffee table. "Really now. He may be like a godfather to you, but he's allowed some mistakes." She gave a little smile. "Everything turned out all right, didn't it?"
Erik's hands stretched out on either side of her and took her hands off of the books. He lifted them to his mouth, and she shivered as she felt his warm breath brush over them. He smiled, feeling her reaction. It made her happy, the fact that he was smiling so often now.
"Yes, I suppose it did." He kissed the insides of the palms gently before letting her go.
"Where are you off to?" she asked with a little disappointment in her voice.
"Well, if we're going to have dinner tonight, I assume food is necessary." He picked up the keys from their hanger. "Do you want anything in particular from the store?"
"You're the master chef," she laughed, picking up her pile. "You can decide, I think. But...are peaches in season?" She bit her lip thoughtfully. "I have no idea why, but I've been craving some. I could also fix a cobbler for dessert."
"All right, I'll make sure to bring some home."
"Don't bother if they're too expensive or not ripe," she added quickly, making him smirk. She was still the thrifty, shy girl he'd first encountered so long ago.
"I'll be right back." He unlocked the door and headed off, ignoring her request.
"Dinner?" Mrs. Giry's voice reflected little of her surprise over the phone. Was her husband going to take them out to dinner? "Well, I haven't begun to fix anything, Nadir. Why do you ask?"
"Erik's invited us to dinner at his apartment." His words sent shock through her.
Christine Daae's influence, she thought to herself. "Well, I think I can manage to get Mado ready in time."
"Then I'll pick you both up when I get home."
"Do I detect the sound of relief in your voice?" She smiled at his silence. Men.
"I'll pick you up at seven, then." With that, Nadir hung up and sighed. Women.
Carlotta was in a huff. Again, her name had been passed over for an honors music seminar, and why? Because the professor was too stupid to see the talent she had, or perhaps had been too threatened by it. She was Carlotta Piangi, daughter of a prominent family and the leading lady in every one of the drama club's musicals since she'd begun to study at the college!
The nerve of that disgruntled idiot! She fumed as she rounded a corner. She was on her way right now to file a complaint with the school against the professor's obviously biased choices, when she bumped into another person. With a little cry she lost her balance and would have fallen if a pair of strong arms hadn't helped her.
"How dare–" She looked up, ready to screech, and met dazzling blue eyes. They looked so very concerned for her.
"I-I'm so sorry," the boy said, picking up a folder she'd dropped. "Are you all right, Miss?"
"Fine. Just fine." She blushed and took her folder from him. "Thank you." With that, she would have been more than happy to walk past him but he spoke to her again.
"I know this might sound rude, but...are you Carlotta Piangi?" She turned at the mention of her name, and saw him grinning a little bashfully.
"Yes, I am."
"Oh, I just...," he ran a hand through his brown hair. "I've been a fan since I heard you in the last musical. You were perfect."
And just like that, Carlotta was putty in his hands.
Seven o'clock rolled around faster than Erik and Christine expected. They were both still in the kitchen, Erik stirring the soup and Christine fussing over the mess she'd made while fixing the cobbler. Her hair and face still retained smudges of flour and she needed to change her clothes, but it would all be worth it if the pie turned out as she hoped. As she cleaned her mess, she swore she heard Erik chuckle to himself, a sound even she was not quite used to.
"And what, may I ask, is so funny?" She turned around and placed her floury hands on her hips in a threatening manner. Erik simply shook his head and reached a hand out to trace her cheek, then pulled it back to show her the chalky residue.
"This." Erik wondered if she'd even noticed the war paint she'd donned on mid-baking, but he'd certainly found it amusing. Christine's mock anger dissipated into a small laugh at her own expense. Taking a look at his watch, his smile faltered. "If you want to clean up before they arrive, I suggest you do it quickly."
Christine sighed and removed her apron. "I'll be ready before they arrive. After all, if I leave you to greet them, you might spend the better part of the ten minutes I'd be running late just glowering at Nadir."
"You know me," he replied to the retreating figure. Finally he turned the heat off and took the soup off the stove. He walked back out to the dinner table, with its crisp linen and place settings, and felt a little dread.
Christine had pushed the idea on him bit by bit, first as a passing comment and later as a near-forced suggestion. She found it necessary, and he had to agree, but that didn't mean he felt comfortable inviting the detective into his home again. He wasn't very worried about Antoinette, but Nadir, with his good eye, was likely to scrutinize their relationship and comment on it to Christine. Both of his hands ran through his hair as he tried to push past these worries.
"Your face gives you away, you know." Christine's voice cut through his thoughts, and Erik turned to take an appreciative look at her. Her long hair was neatly placed in a bun, wisps of curls hanging to frame her face. She wore a black a-line skirt and a ruffled white blouse, simple, but extremely elegant. She looked up at him, smiling, and it was nearly his undoing.
"I don't know what you're talking about." He smiled lightly and fidgeted with his own neat clothes. He'd decided on a simple black collared shirt and slacks, but he felt it was just right.
"You're nervous," she spoke bluntly, but her tone was soft. "You shouldn't be."
The sound of knocking at the door made Erik look up to her.
"I think, my dear, we have a guest." He smiled ruefully.
The Kahn family had entered quietly, one as anxious as Erik, one trying to be as pleasant as Christine, and one with wide eyes. Antoinette had been thoughtful and brought a portable chair for her little daughter, who was still not big enough to sit on a chair. Quietly Antoinette adjusted the pretty lilac frock the baby wore before seating her, then looked at the two men with a little wince.
They were merely staring. Neither of them said a word, but took their places beside their companions. Christine gave Mrs. Kahn an encouraging smile, and Antoinette decided that enough was enough.
"Antoinette, your daughter's so beautiful!" Christine moved slightly away from Erik to coo at the little girl, who smiled prettily in return. Antoinette took the cue and moved as well. "Does she eat solids yet?"
"Oh, yes. She loves sweets above everything, though. Her father's indulgence I assure you." She gave a little laugh, hoping to ease the tension. She looked at Christine as her face brightened.
"Oh, well that's lucky! I'm making a cobbler."
"She'll be sure to enjoy that. But...cobblers are tricky. Do you need a hand?" Antoinette smiled slyly, glancing over at the silent men.
"Thank you so much!" Christine stifled a slight giggle at their impromptu covert act. Together they walked away into the kitchen, leaving Erik, Nadir, and Madeleine in the dining room.
Erik looked at the situation with an annoyed eye. Two men and a baby. Two awkward men and a baby. Two awkward, silent men and a baby. If they were going to get through dinner tonight, this ridiculous behavior had to stop. As much as he hated to admit it, Nadir actually mattered to him, and keeping silent forever wasn't going to right anything.
"Antoinette's been hoping to see you." Nadir's words nearly startled Erik. He looked at the detective as he shifted his hands in his pockets, and somehow he understood what the man really meant to say.
I've been hoping to see you.
"Well, she didn't have to worry. I'm quite fine."
"With Christine watching over you, you mean." There was no malice in the tone, but it made Erik wince a little inside. Was he still so disapproving?
"Yes," Erik admitted, "I needed her." He sighed. "I still need her."
Neither of them mentioned that this was the first time he'd admitted needing anyone.
"Dinner was her idea, wasn't it?" Nadir assumed with the ghost of a smirk playing on his face. Erik frowned slightly. "I never thought you'd be the type to humor her."
"I wanted to do this, too." He looked straight at Nadir, refusing to feel uncomfortable now. "I had to show you I'm not afraid."
"I don't mean to separate you two. Not anymore. She chose you." He took a hand out of his pocket and waved it. "I don't know what you think I wanted to do here tonight, but it's not that."
"And that night?"
"I had to make her choose. I had to take everything away and make her think. And if that meant hurting you..." He sounded pitiful, frustrated and sad. "It wasn't wrong of me."
Erik watched him a moment longer before speaking. His friend looked older, tired by this struggle between them.
"I know," he said simply. When he saw the surprise on Nadir's face, Erik gave a little half-smile in an attempt at reassurance.
"She's a good girl. Treat her well, Erik," Nadir advised, feeling somehow indebted to her all of a sudden.
"I will." He looked up at Nadir earnestly. "For as long as she'll have me."
Nothing more needed to be said between them. They'd made their peace.
Dinner was pleasant, if only slightly quiet. Madeleine had Christine's attention lavished upon her, which pleased the little girl greatly, and Antoinette and Erik spoke of the past few months. Nadir joined in when he could, but for the most part observed the party with a small smile.
The cobbler, though it had been tended to by two cooks, turned out to be inedible. Christine blushed furiously when she realized she had over sweetened the mix, and Erik had to press a finger to his lips to keep a slight chuckle from erupting.
"Well, there's a little ice cream shop a few blocks away," she offered. "I could pick some up for dessert." The older couple shared a nervous look as she suggested this. Christine? Go outside?
"Well, that sounds fine. But it is dark out. Would you like me to go with you?" Erik said quietly.
"No, this is your home and you can't leave guests unattended." She turned to look at Nadir, who was holding Madeleine. "If you're worried, though, I'm sure Nadir and Madeleine wouldn't mind a short walk."
A little nudge from his wife assured him that he, in fact, wouldn't mind. He stood with Madeleine in his arms and decided to accompany Christine, leaving his wife with Erik.
"I'm glad you an Nadir seemed to have sorted everything out."
"It seems so." He glanced at her face and sighed. "You don't have to look so apologetic."
Mrs. Giry paused in surprise, then quickly turned her gaze to her hands on her lap. "I let many things happen to you, Erik. It wasn't only this." How many painful things had fallen on him! And how many times had she been unable to help?
Her mind reeled with memories, and she closed her eyes. Was she going to let herself cry about her own weakness?
"Let's not talk about this." It all hurt. Her guilt, and the past. He didn't know if he was strong enough to think of it without Christine by his side. Still, he felt rather than heard her sorrow. He knew she was crying.
"Erik," Mrs. Giry cried quietly, "I watched you as a spectator to some cruel sport. I failed you, because I felt it was not my place to do anything. I helped to force your hand." She looked up to see him watching her with interest. She wiped at her eyes with one hand. "Forgive me. Even now, I can't say I would be different from Claudine if I'd been you mother instead. I can't ever really know." She fell silent in her shameful revelation. Her curse, her friend, stared on.
"I wish..." Erik began, trying to find the right words, "If you'd been my mother, I would have known all the tenderness in the world." He lifted a hand and wiped at the fresh tears kindly. "I know so." He offered a weak smile. "But the tenderness I have now...that's more than enough." It wasn't just Christine he was speaking of, and she knew it. He was speaking about all of them.
He'd said it so simply, and then left her eased of her guilt. When had he become so kind? What great awakening had that girl caused? Whatever had happened between them, Erik was changing.
With that knowledge, just as suddenly as her tears had begun they ended. She smiled as she took a look at him. "Be happy." She whispered.
The front door opened, and Nadir, Christine, and Mado emerged with the dessert. Erik gave Mrs. Giry only one little nod before resuming their little party but it was enough. She felt relief wash over her.
AN: Things look good, but who is that man in the shadows...? Trust me on this, and keep tunedin tothis fic. And leaving a review would really, really help (hint hint).
