Chapter 16: An Apology

Elizabeth awoke the next morning to a loud pounding on her bedroom door. "What?" she said, looking at her clock to see that it was eight in the morning.

"Elizabeth, what did you do?" Erik's voice broke the calm morning silence.

She jumped from her bed, raced to the door, and threw it open, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, your mother went upstairs to go get some breakfast and talk with some people, only to be met by Madame Giry who told her to tell you to watch your language. And Christine saw Adam who seems to have gotten a black eye… anything you want to tell me about that?"

"Well, I just… I… Look, I'm sorry! I was just so upset… and I just…"

"I was upset too! But I was able to control myself! You mother was upset and she was able to control herself! I know you're sorry, but sometimes, that's just not enough. Now I want you to go upstairs and publicly apologize to Adam and Raoul. I don't like him any more than you, but you made quite a scene yesterday, and we have a reputation to uphold. Now, I know it's hard for you, but—."

"No."

"Pardon me?"

"You heard me, I said no. I will not apologize to him! He deserved much worse"

"Elizabeth, I cannot honestly say that I disagree with you, but—"

"No, you don't understand… it's more than just what he tried to do… I just don't think I can bring myself to apologize… I just can't."

"What are you talking about? What more could that basta—I mean Raoul possibly do?"

"Dad, what is the worst thing you can do to a person?"

"What? This is really not the time to be—"

"Just answer the question."

"Well, I believe that the worst thing you can do is threaten to kill their loved ones."

"I know he tried to hill your mother, but she's fine, and you need to be able to control your anger."

"Not me, Adam. That's why Adam helped him… he was afraid of loosing his family."

At that Erik's face grew very grave, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "I'll be right back… and Elizabeth, you won't need to make that apology to Raoul."

Elizabeth nodded quickly and watched her father leave. He went into his room and put on his black cape, which Elizabeth hadn't seen him wear in years. He walked to the small boat in long strides, his cape billowing behind him. He was not about to let Raoul get away with this.

TBC…