I Do
August 1st, 1871
The main lobby of the Opera House shimmered in gold after it was washed up and polished. The place looked brand new with the flowers surrounding the grand staircase. White ribbons and decorations covered the railings and walls. Christine was getting ready in an upstairs room. She would descend the staircase as the music played and walk over to where they would be waiting for her. Everything was planned out perfectly. There was only going to be six of them, not including the priest. The Opera House was closed for the week and they had the whole place to themselves.
Erik stood by the station they would be married at, where the altar would normally be. He paced the room waiting for the wedding to start. Nadir saw his friend's nervousness and walked over to him.
"Today's the big day, what are you so nervous about?"
"This is her last chance to run." Erik replied.
Nadir sighed, "You really need to stop thinking of the worst case scenario. You'll see, by the end of the day you will be married to the woman you love."
"I hope so."
"Trust me." Nadir said.
Erik continued to pace back and forth waiting for the priest to arrive. Nadir walked up the stairs to see if Christine was almost ready. He walked up to the door and knocked. Madame Giry answered instead.
"Is everyone almost ready?"
"We will be in due time, don't worry." Madame Giry replied.
"Tell that to Erik." Nadir laughed, "He still thinks Christine will leave him or something."
"What?" Madame Giry was shocked. Why would he still be questioning everything? Would he ever stop questioning her?
"We'll be ready soon. Is the priest here yet?" She asked.
"No."
"Are you and Raoul ready?" Madame Giry continued to question.
"Yes." Nadir replied.
"Is Erik ready?"
"I think so."
"Good. We'll be there soon enough." She said and then closed the door on him. Nadir sighed and then walked over to the edge of the steps and looked down. He saw the priest being greeted by Raoul.
He looked over to find the band they hired setting up. They were nearly done getting ready. Monsieur Reyer was there to conduct, he was very good friends with the Girys and Christine so he didn't question anything. He was more than happy to help in the joyous occasion.
'Everything's ready.' Nadir thought.
Meanwhile inside the room, Christine was getting ready while Madame Giry and Meg were fixing her hair. Meg was combing her hair down and Madame Giry was fixing her dress. Christine applied her make up. She noticed the two women fussing over her which made her laugh.
"What's funny?" Meg asked.
"My hair is fine…" She said. Madame Giry was still fixing her dress to make sure it was perfect. "…And so is my dress!"
Meg laughed with her and then Christine added, "Thank you so much for helping and caring so much. Everything is already perfect."
"Ok…I just want to make sure everything is absolutely perfect!" Madame Giry grabbed the bouquet of red and white roses. She handed it to Christine and smiled.
"Are we ready?" Christine asked.
"Wait! Tradition." Meg stated. Christine looked confused as to what she was saying. Madame Giry knew though.
"Something old…" Madame Giry said. Christine now knew what they were talking about. The bridal attire hymn would be the best way to describe it. The old saying was common for weddings.
Christine looked down at her mother's engagement ring. "This would be considered old."
Madame Giry nodded, "Good. Something new…"
"The dress is normally viewed as new." Meg said.
"Well Erik did remake it…so it is new." Christine replied.
"Something borrowed…" Madame Giry continued with the rhyme.
Meg looked down on her necklace her mother gave her. She took is off and handed it to Christine. "It's meant to be worn by the women of the Giry family."
Christine looked flattered. She began to cry a little bit. "Oh my…thank you Meg." She said and hugged her best friend.
"Something blue…" Madame Giry continued.
"My blue garter…" Christine said.
"…And a silver sixpence in your shoe!" Meg finished the rhyme before her mother could. Madame Giry laughed at that.
"Got it." Christine said.
"Ok…you're ready!" Madame Giry said trying not to cry.
Christine hesitated. "You guys can go down, I want to be alone for two minutes."
"Ok Christine." Meg said. Madame Giry and her daughter walked out of Christine's room. Christine sat down on the bed and interlaced her fingers in prayer.
"Papa, I know you're with me even now. I hope you're proud of me…and I hope you'll be standing next to me as I walk down the isle. Nadir will be giving me away since you are not here physically. But I do want you to be with me in spirit.
Thank you for sending Erik into my life. I feel blest having known him, and all these wonderful people I think of as my family. Thank you papa. I love you.
And God, please bless this wedding.
Amen."
She finished her prayer and walked out the door to find Nadir waiting. She smiled and then hugged him.
"Are you ready?" He asked.
"Yes." Christine replied.
Madame Giry walked up the stairs, "The orchestra is ready…the priest is here…everyone's settled in. We're ready to go."
"Ok. When you go back downstairs signal the band to start." Nadir said. Madame Giry nodded and then walked down the steps.
After a slight paused for breath she looked at Erik who looked ready. She smiled and then nodded at Monsieur Reyer who started up the music.
The traditional music started and Nadir led Christine down the grand staircase. Time seemed to slow down as she ascended the stairs. She looked over to Erik who was in a state of awe. Her beauty made his heart slow down. Nadir continued to lead her down in the place of her father. She felt a hand on the other side of her. She turned to see who was there but saw no one. The feeling of the hand was still around her other arm. It felt as though two people were walking her down the isle. She cried once she realized who that must have been.
The band continued to play as she walked to the priest. Standing there was her maid of honor, Meg. Next to her was Christine's matron of honor, Madame Giry. On the other side of the priest stood Raoul.
Raoul smiled knowing Christine was happy. Nadir walked her to them and then walked in between Erik and Raoul to resume the position of the best man.
The priest began, "Dearly Beloved, We are gathered here today in the face of this company, to join together Erik De Chagny and Christine Marie Daae in holy matrimony. Into this estate these two persons present come now to be joined. If any one can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
The priest waited for a couple of seconds but heard nothing so he continued, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
Nadir and Madame Giry stepped in the place of Christine's father and mother. They responded, "We do."
They walked Christine to Erik, giving her away to him. Christine smiled at Erik and started to cry a little bit.
"I can't believe its happening." She said lightly with a laugh.
"I know…I don't think I've ever been this happy." He replied.
They faced each other next to the priest who continued the ceremony.
"Erik De Chagny, do you take Christine Daae as your lawful wedded wife, to live in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honor, comfort, and cherish her from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto her for as long as you both shall live?"
Erik smiled at Christine, "I do."
"And do you Christine Daae, take Erik De Chagny for your lawful wedded husband, to live in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honor, comfort, and cherish him from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto him for as long as you both shall live?"
Christine looked into Erik's eyes to make sure he would understand her answer and believe her, "I do."
"I am told the couples have written their own vows." The Priest announced.
Erik nodded and then started, "Christine, I have never truly known love before I have met you. When you came into my life you brought light into my darkness. You gave me hope for love, you gave me meaning, and you made me complete. My love for you is so strong that without you my life would be nothing. And that's what it was before you. But you have given me the greatest gift of all…love. Most people take that for granted, but I haven't known love until now and I now know what I was missing out on. I will never take you're love for granted. I promise to change and to take care of you from this day forward. I love you, Christine."
When he was finished Christine was now in tears. She smiled and started her own vows, "Erik, when my father died I felt like nothing could ever save me from the sadness that invaded my life. But you came into my life and I too had found that life is worth living. You believed in me when I didn't even believe in myself. You gave me strength when I was weak, you were my wings that helped me fly, you were my teacher and my friend, and now you are my love. Without you I would be nothing, without you my life would be incomplete. You were always there for me, and that's the way I want it to be for the rest of our lives. I want to grow old with you and to take care of you. I love you, Erik."
The priest spoke up, "Erik, repeat after me. I Erik De Chagny take Christine Daae to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part."
Erik repeated what the priest said.
"Now Christine repeat after me. I Christine Daae take Erik De Chagny to be my wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part."
She repeated what the priest said. The Priest then asks the best man, Nadir, for the rings.
"You have chosen these rings as the symbol of your marriage covenant. They are made of gold, a metal that does not tarnish and is enduring. These rings represent the ties that bind you together as husband and wife. They are an endless circle representing your marriage union which shall be eternal and pure as these rings."
The priest handed one ring to Erik and said, "May this ring be blessed so he who gives it and she who wears it may abide in peace, and continue in love until life's end."
Erik placed the ring on Christine's finger and repeated after the priest, "With this ring, I wed you Christine Daae for today, for tomorrow, and for all the years to come. Please wear it as a sign of my love and a notice to the entire world that you have chosen me to be your husband."
The priest handed Christine a ring and said, "May this ring be blessed so she who gives it and he who wears it may abide in peace, and continue in love until life's end."
Christine placed the ring on Erik's finger and repeated after the priest, "With this ring, I wed you Erik De Chagny for today, for tomorrow, and for all the years to come. Please wear it as a sign of my love and a notice to the entire world that you have chosen me to be your wife."
The priest announced, "The couple has decided to do two extra ceremonial wedding traditions and signs of their love for one another."
The priest brought forth a center candle on the table. He also brought two other candles and gave one to Erik and one to Christine. He lit them both and then said, "Erik and Christine, the two lighted candles symbolize your separate lives, your separate families and your separate sets of friends. I ask that you each take one candle and that together you light the center candle. The individual candles represent your individual lives before today. Lighting the center candle represents that your two lives are now joined to one light, and represents the joining of your two families and sets of friends to one."
Erik and Christine both lit the central candle on the table.
"Erik and Christine will now extinguish their own candles, thus letting the center candle symbolize the union of their lives. As one light cannot be divided, neither will their lives be divided." The priest continued. They blew out their candles and left the one in the center burning.
"And now a ceremonial gift to one another."
The Priest paused and then continued, "This is a day steeped in tradition, a time when we are surrounded by symbols: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Today, Erik and Christine begin a new tradition, a custom which now becomes uniquely their own.
Your gift to each other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings, which shall always be an outward demonstration of your vows of love and respect, and a public showing of your commitment to each other.
You now have what remains the most honorable title which may exist between a man and a woman, the title of husband and wife. For your first gift, as husband and wife, that gift will be a single rose.
In the past, the rose was considered a symbol of love and a single rose always meant one thing, it meant the words "I Love You." So it is appropriate that for your first gift as husband and wife, that gift would be a single rose.
Please exchange your first gift as husband and wife."
Erik smiled and revealed a rose for Christine, "Christine I give you this rose. Because it grew from a tiny seed, becoming stronger and larger until it burst into flower, it symbolizes the way my love for you has grown."
Erik handed her the rose, "Each year on our wedding anniversary, I will give you another rose. In so doing, I'll remember this day and renew the vows we've made."
The priest handed her a rose to do the same. She smiled, this was a surprise to her. She didn't know Erik was going to do this.
"I had no idea." She blushed and laughed, "I give you this rose as a sign of my love, for the rose is the flower of love and that is why it is perfect for us. I love you." She handed him the rose.
The Priest spoke up, "In some ways it seems you have not done anything at all. Just a moment ago you were holding one small rose, and now you are holding one small rose. In some ways a marriage ceremony is like this. Tomorrow is going to seem no different than yesterday, but in fact today, just now, you both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life, one I hope you always remember, the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage.
Erik and Christine, I would ask that wherever you make your home in the future, whether it be a large and elegant home or a small and graceful one, that you both pick one very special location for roses, so that on each anniversary of this truly wonderful occasion you both may take a rose to that spot, both as a recommitment to your marriage and a recommitment that this will be a marriage based on love."
He placed the two roses in a vase and continued, "On each anniversary, as you give and receive the rose, remember with joy this day when you pledged your love and your lives to each other. May this be only the first of many cherished traditions in a home filled with happiness."
He placed the vase next to the candle and prayed.
"Bless this marriage, as Erik De Chagny and Christine Daae begin their journey down the road of life together. May they respect each other's likes and dislikes, opinions and beliefs, hopes and dreams, and fears even though they may not always understand each other. May they rest in the knowledge that no matter what happens by holding on to each other things will work out for the best.
Most of all, dear God, help them to keep the torch of love burning with the fire that they now share in their hearts.
Amen."
The priest placed Erik's hands on Christine's. "Now you will feel no rain for each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness. Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place to enter the days of your togetherness. And may your days be good and long upon the earth."
He finished, "May this couple be prepared to continue to give, be able to forgive and experience more and more joy with each passing day, with each passing year. Erik and Christine, are now beginning their married life together, we hope that they may have loving assistance from their family, the constant support of friends, and a long life with good health and everlasting love. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Erik smiled and laughed, he lifted her veil and then kissed her. They could taste each other's tears of happiness.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you for the first time the loving couple Monsieur and Madame Erik and Christine De Chagny."
They faintly heard the cheering behind them, and then the sound of the band playing again. They walked from the isle as everyone threw rose petals at them. Christine laughed and hugged Erik to her.
"I'm so happy…we made it!" Christine said.
"I'm happy too…you have no idea how happy I am." Erik replied. "Did you like the rose gift?"
Christine laughed, "That surprised me! I did not expect anything like that at all. I loved it."
"Good." He replied.
"Is there a reception?" Meg asked.
"I'm afraid not…but I'm hungry." Raoul said. "Can we eat at the Opera Café outside?"
"Sure, lets all go eat there." Madame Giry stated.
"A traditional marriage reception feast." Erik joked.
"Hey, at least you got a wedding…don't be so picky." Madame Giry laughed.
"I know, thank you Antoinette. I know you planned most of the wedding."
"You're Welcome Erik." She replied.
Madame Giry, Nadir, and Raoul went to the café to get everyone's food. Christine walked over to Meg. She took of the necklace and gave it back to her, "Thanks."
"No problem." Meg replied.
Monsieur Reyer walked over to Christine and congratulated her. She thanked him and then asked him for a favor.
"Yes?"
"Can you play this." She handed him music.
"Wow…this is amazing work. Who wrote it?" Reyer asked.
"Erik." She replied.
"Ok." Reyer said and then walked over to the orchestra.
Christine smiled at Erik who didn't hear the conversation. Music of the Night played from the band and he gave a surprised look.
"You surprised me with the roses so it's only fair that I surprise you." Christine laughed, "Plus we need the reception dance."
Erik smiled, "Would you like to dance?" He offered out his hand.
Christine placed her hand in his and said, "I would love to."
They began dancing slowly across the room in a swaying motion. Christine rested the side of her head on Erik's left shoulder.
"How did you get the music?" Erik asked.
"Nadir got it for me." Christine replied.
"Figures, he seems to be going through my stuff a lot lately."
Meg watched as the newlyweds danced. "Awwww…." She commented out loud.
Christine and Erik laughed as Madame Giry, Nadir, and Raoul walked in with the food.
Erik sang to the music…
"Let your soul take you where you long to be;
only then can you belong to me.
Floating, falling, sweet intoxication.
Touch me, trust me, savor each sensation,
Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in
to the power of the music that I write,
the power of the music of the night."
"No more night, Erik." Christine said.
Erik smiled, "Thanks to you."
"Is that good or bad?"
"It's the best thing that's happened to me." Erik replied.
"You alone can make my song take flight…
Help me make the music of the…light."
Erik sang to the new word. Christine hugged him tighter but then realized something.
"I've never heard that part before."
Erik thought back to around eight months ago and then remembered the night he took her down to his home for the first time. The sight of the doll overwhelmed her and she fainted. "After you fainted I sang that part."
"I like it. It makes the song more beautiful." She replied.
Madame Giry and Meg ate their food and watched them dancing. "So when are you planning on getting married?" Madame Giry asked.
Meg blushed, "Mother!"
The two of them laughed. And then Meg added, "I wouldn't be ready for that…or not just yet! I don't think..."
Erik and Christine thanked Monsieur Reyer and the musicians for playing. The group congratulated the couple and then packed up.
"You got us a cake?" Christine asked when she saw the food. It was a small cake, of course, but none the less it was a cake.
"Yeah." Madame Giry replied. Christine hugged her mother and thanked the group. She picked up a slice to feed to Erik and he did the same. Except Christine shoved it in his face. Everyone laughed but Erik gave an angry look.
"Oh, I'm sorry Erik." Christine started. "I had to."
Erik smiled and then said, "Now you have to pay." He smudged the piece of cake in her face as payback.
Christine laughed and then asked, "You weren't mad?"
"I'm a good actor." Erik teased.
"Ok…this time for real." Madame Giry said. The couple nodded and then fed each other a piece of cake for tradition.
Meg picked up a piece and threw it at her mother. Christine burst into laughter and threw some at Meg. Erik threw some at Madame Giry who was throwing some at Meg. Meg decided to include Raoul so she threw some at him. But soon afterwards she got hit by Christine's and Madame Giry's piece at the same time. Raoul threw some at Meg for revenge and Madame Giry threw a piece at Nadir. Nadir grabbed the whole cake and threw it at Erik. (A/N: Show them how it's done Nadir)
Thus creating a giant food fight… and not just with cake. Soon the whole Opera House lobby was a complete mess. Andre and Firmin decided to visit up on the place over the week and got the shock of their lives.
"My Opera House!" Andre exclaimed.
"Your Opera House?" Firmin questioned.
"Yes! My Opera House!" Andre said.
Madame Giry spoke up, "Don't worry…we'll clean it up."
"You better!" Andre said.
"Why are they throwing food at a wedding?" Firmin asked.
"God only knows why." Andre replied and laughed. "I told you this whole place is weird."
"But you know you love us." Madame Giry cut in.
"There's nothing like a good old fashion food fight." Meg said to Christine.
"Ok…I think this is enough." Firmin said.
The group laughed and tried to clean themselves off. "Thank you for allowing us to have the wedding here." Christine said.
"If I had known it was going to turn out like this…" Firmin started.
Christine laughed and thanked him again. "We'll clean it up."
"You're Welcome." Firmin replied. Andre walked outside and soon Firmin followed.
Everyone began to clean up the mess they made. Erik and Christine stood together near the grand staircase.
"I wanted to ask you something." Erik said.
"What is it?"
"Do you want to live here in the Opera House?"
Christine paused. "I, uh, really don't know. I haven't thought about it."
"The reason I ask is because I have enough money to buy the manor across the street that is for sale…"
"There are two of them." Christine said.
"Either one is fine. I just wanted a house close to here. That way you could visit any time, and we wouldn't have to go far to watch operas when we grow old."
"That's a great thought Erik." Christine said and then kissed him.
"So you want to do that?" He asked.
Christine thought about it. Her home has always been the Opera House and it was weird thinking about living anywhere else. But now she was with Erik and starting a new chapter in her life. It wasn't like she was going very far…it was across the street for heaven's sake! She smiled and replied, "Yes…I would love to move in one of those houses."
Madame Giry overheard the conversation. "Oh no! You're leaving me already." She ran over to Christine and hugged her.
Christine laughed, "…across the street."
"Oh, I was hoping it was across town." Madame Giry joked. Christine gave a shocked look but then noticed Madame Giry was joking. The older woman hugged her tightly and then remarked, "You do what you want. But if you ever move far away you better visit…I'm not joking."
Christine laughed, "I don't want to move far away though."
"Good." Madame Giry replied.
"As much as I would love to stay and clean up…" Raoul started, "…I have to go home. Father is starting to get sick and I promised to get home as soon as possible."
"Awww, ok Raoul." Christine said and then hugged him, "I hope he gets better."
"Me too." Raoul said. He looked to both of them and continued, "Congratulations."
"Thanks." They bother replied. Raoul nodded and then walked out of the Opera House covered in cake and other random food items.
"Wow…someone will have a fit." Erik joked about Raoul's mother.
Christine laughed and commented, "I can only imagine."
"I'll try and buy the house tomorrow." Erik said to her.
"Ok." Christine replied and hugged him.
For once, everything seemed ok. Her nightmares have ended, Javert was in jail, Erik's mother has made peace with her son, The Comtesse has no say in Erik's nobility, Erik now belonged to a family, and they had the best family and friends anyone could ever ask for. Everything seemed perfect.
Christine held onto Erik like she would never let go. The feeling of being in his arms felt heavenly to her. She truly felt blessed. Not everyone was visited by the Angel of Music, he only came to those who were privileged and had pure hearts. Christine was one of those few. But how many people can say they were married to an Angel of Music? Nobody could say that but Christine and Erik. They both felt blessed for having an angel in their lives.
A/N: Awwww...the fluffy bunnies. They attack me in my sleep :-/
