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All I Ask of You
Raoul walked into his parent's house and placed his dress coat on the hanger. The house seemed quiet but he saw his mother sitting on the smaller couch. He had a feeling it wouldn't be quiet for long.
"How was the wedding?" His mother asked in a harsh tone.
"Don't be like this." Raoul replied. "You failed, and they got married. End of story. Just let it go."
"I refuse to believe you want nothing to do with the Comte title!" She yelled. Raoul ignored her and sat down by his father who was laying on another larger couch.
Raoul noticed his father wasn't looking very well and he became concerned. "How is he?"
"Probably suffering knowing what a disgrace you are." That blow hit Raoul hard. He almost let out a sob as his mother's harsh words pierced through him.
"How could you act like this?" He questioned. The Comtesse turned her attention away from her son.
"Why do you act like this?" He continued.
"I just want what's best for you…"
"How do you know what's best for me? What about what I think is best for me? Can I not I think for myself?" Raoul yelled.
"You don't know what's good for you…"
"Yes I do!" Raoul continued, "I don't need the title. I don't want it."
"I forbid you from seeing that ballet rat ever again." She said randomly.
"I won't let you do this again." Raoul replied. "I love Meg, and I don't care what you think about her."
"She's just as bad as Christine…" The Comtesse interrupted.
"And I don't care what you think about her either. She's my friend and you have no right to talk bad about her in any way."
"You should marry a noblewoman! Please…"
"Nobody can chose who they love, mother." Raoul started. "And I love Meg."
"Meg is a sweet girl, but she is not of noble blood…"
Raoul was now clearly annoyed, "It's like talking to a brick wall…"
"Don't you dare talk about me like that!" The Comtesse yelled.
"Why? You're so willing to talk bad about others…now you know how it feels." Raoul said. His mother looked shocked and sad.
"I just can't understand you, Raoul."
"I feel the same way about you." He replied.
There was a long pause in the room. His father decided to speak up, "Will you two please stop fighting."
Raoul's expression softened when he heard his father's weak voice. "Ok, I'm sorry father."
"It's ok, son." The Comte said. Raoul walked over to his father and sat by his side.
"How do you feel?" Raoul asked.
"I've been better." His father replied with a light laugh.
"You'll get better." Raoul stated. His father smiled and then fell back asleep. Raoul sighed and held on to his father's hand.
"My order still stands." The Comtesse said.
Raoul turned to face her, "What order?"
"That you no longer see Meg."
Raoul got up from his spot and walked away. He stopped and faced his mother.
"You know what?" Raoul exclaimed, "I give up…I don't want to deal with you anymore!"
Raoul walked away to his bedroom and grabbed a suitcase. He started packing clothing and other accessories in it.
"What are you doing?" The Comtesse asked. She walked with Raoul to his room but stood outside the door.
Raoul still packed and then looked up to face her, "I'm eventually moving out." He said and slammed the door in his mother's face.
After getting changed, the newlyweds decided to go look at the house that Erik mentioned earlier. Erik and Christine studied the house that was across the street from the Opera Populaire. The house was pretty big in size, nothing too fancy. But Erik was more interested in the architecture of the house. He figured it was built in the earlier part of the 1800s, probably the 1820s. The land was descent…they had at least 3 acres. Most of that land would be their back yard. They had one neighbor house that was also for sale that was right next to them. It had the same amount of land as the one they were looking at. But the style of the building was a little bit different. Most likely because it was built by a different person, but it seemed to be fairly new.
The current house they were looking at was a tan colored 2 story house, not including the basement. Erik scanned the backyard also to see where a good spot would be for a garden. Christine didn't observe the house to every detail like Erik did, but from what she could see she loved it. If Erik said it was architecturally worth the price then she would believe him.
The real estate agent seemed a little suspicious of Erik because he wore a mask. Erik rolled his eyes at this. By now he was used to it but it still got really annoying. But what could he do about it? People by nature are so curious about everything. He just had to accept it.
"How much for the house?" Erik asked the man who was continually staring at him.
The masked man's questioning shook the dealer out of whatever thoughts he was having. "131,082 francs."
Erik looked at the house and then to Christine who was smiling. With a nod Erik answered, "We'll buy it."
"Excellent." The agent replied.
Erik and the agent talked over the details as Christine noticed Meg heading over. She smiled at her blonde headed friend who was heading her way.
"The wedding was fantastic." Meg said and hugged her friend. "I haven't seen you this happy since…God…since we were younger probably."
Christine smiled and replied, "I'm relieved that things are going a lot better."
"I'm so happy for you." Meg said.
"Thanks." Christine hugged Meg. "Are Andre and Firmin complaining about the mess?"
Meg laughed, "No…they got maids and janitors to help us out though."
"Sorry we left you guys to clean it up…"
"No, don't even worry about it." Meg interrupted, "It's your wedding day. You're not supposed to be cleaning after your wedding!"
Christine blushed. Meg noticed that and felt embarrassed. "I didn't mean that…"
"I know…" Christine laughed.
"So, are you guys buying the house?" Meg said changing the subject.
"Yes, I think Erik is making the deal right now."
"I'm going to miss you!" Meg blurted out.
"We're not going to move in for at least a month." Christine replied, "Besides…I'll be across the street for heaven's sake!"
Erik walked over to the two ladies. "Ok, everything is set."
"Good." Christine said and hugged her new husband. The three of them headed back to the Opera House. Once they were inside Meg walked over to Nadir and Madame Giry. Erik and Christine, however, snuck down to Erik's lair… (A/N: ahem…this isn't going to get rated NC-17. Sorry.)
"Did they get the house?" Madame Giry asked Meg.
"Yeah they did." Meg replied with a hint of sadness.
Her mother noticed this and replied, "Don't worry…some day you'll be moving out of her too. You'll get married and have babies, and they better be in the ballet."
"What if they're boys?" Meg laughed.
"Well, then they can be singers…" Madame Giry said. "Try to have a girl though."
"Is it possible for me to choose?" Meg asked.
"No…but hope for the best." Her mother replied and laughed with her daughter.
"Make sure you visit either way."
"Of course." Meg replied.
The Next Morning, August 2nd.
Raoul decided to leave bright and early to look for a new house to settle into. He remembered seeing a sign for two houses across the street. Figuring it was close to the Opera House it would be perfect. He would be able to visit Meg anytime he wanted. The carriage rode down the street as Raoul sat deep in thought. Not long ago he would have thought of Christine…but now he couldn't stop thinking of Meg. His feelings were so mixed up at that time. Did he really know what love was months ago? Does he now know what love is? Many thoughts raced through his mind like the horses racing towards the Opera House.
Raoul got out of the carriage when he arrived. Looking around he saw the two houses and how nice both of them were. It didn't matter which one he got…or really where he moved. He just had to get out of parent's house!
The agent walked over to the young Vicomte and smiled. Raoul acknowledged him and asked if the houses where still for sale.
"Ahh, yes. This one was bought yesterday." He said pointing to the smaller one of the two houses. "But this one is still for sale."
"Great. I'll take it." Raoul said. The real estate agent was taken aback.
"Really? You don't want to know about anything?"
"The price?" Raoul asked.
"That's all?" The agent asked.
Raoul nodded his head and the agent shrugged his shoulders. "Ok." He said and the added, "That'll be 235,095 francs."
Raoul paid the man the money and talked everything over with him. Meanwhile Erik and Christine brought Meg and Madame Giry over to view their new house.
"Oh Mon Dieu." Christine said with a laugh when she saw Raoul with the real estate agent.
Raoul turned around and saw them. "Bonjour everyone."
"Hi." Meg smiled and hugged Raoul.
"Are you buying this house?" Christine asked.
Raoul nodded and replied, "Yes."
"Wow. Erik and Christine bought this house yesterday." Meg told Raoul. Raoul looked like he was shocked.
"What a coincidence." Raoul laughed.
"Looks like I can't get away from you." Erik joked.
"No you can't." His younger brother replied.
"Why'd you move out?" Erik asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" They all thought about it and realized who Raoul was talking about.
"..Oh...your mother." Christine said finally realizing it.
"Good job Christine." Madame Giry said and patted Christine's shoulder playfully. The agent walked back over to Raoul to make the final deal and Raoul signed the papers.
"I should be able to move in within a month." Raoul said then muttered, "Thank God."
Meg laughed and hugged him. She held her arms around his waist and leaned on him. He looked down at her and smiled, "Would you like to go on another date with me sometime?"
"I would love to." Meg replied.
"Great." He said.
Within the next month Erik and Christine moved into their house. Raoul began moving his things into the new house but stayed around a little while longer for the sake of his father. The Comte De Chagny didn't get any better though. His condition seemed to stay the same and at some points declined a little. The doctors were unsure of the problem, but believe it may be Influenza, also known as the flu.
Even with his sick father Raoul could not stop thinking about Meg. They visited each other everyday and had at least 14 dates so far.
September
3rd.
Tonight was another date and Raoul made reservations at the restaurant they visited on their first date.
"I'll be back later." Raoul announced.
His mother shot up right away when she heard him, "Where are you going?"
"I'm taking Meg out tonight. Remember?"
She groaned and commented, "This better not become serious."
"I'm sorry you feel that way, mother." Raoul replied while combing his hair.
"Listen, The Baron De Longueville has a lovely daughter…"
"Save it." Raoul cut her off. "I'm in love with Meg. Deal with it."
"You are going to be the death of me!" His mother argued.
Raoul rolled his eyes and walked towards the door, "I won't be too late."
His mother sat down in defeat and said nothing to her son as he walked out the door to the carriage. She walked to the master bedroom and looked at her sleeping husband. She sighed and decided to lie down next to him. Closing her eyes she welcomed the darkness.
Meg waited at the Opera House lobby once again. She was wearing a very elegant pink dress this time. It was a similar style to the blue one but differed in the color. The necklace she wore the first time was on her again and she had Raoul's gift earrings to match it.
She paced the room looking at the fine structure of the building. 'And to think this was almost burnt down.'
Her thoughts where interrupted when she saw Raoul heading her way with a bouquet of pink roses. He handed her the flowers and kissed her.
"Thank you so much." She said.
He noticed she was wearing the earrings he got her. "I'm glad you liked the earrings." He commented as they walked outside.
"I love them." She replied. He smiled and thought about what was to come next.
'Are you sure this is right?' His mind asked.
'Yes…I'm sure.' He replied back.
The couple made there way to the very elegant restaurant and sat down at the table they were at before.
The waiter came to them and asked what they would like to drink. Raoul glanced at Meg and asked, "Do you like Champaign?"
"I've never really had it." Meg replied. "I would like to try some I guess."
"Great." Raoul replied and then turned his attention to the man taking their order, "A bottle of your finest Champaign and water just in case." He nodded and then walked away.
Meg looked at Raoul, "In case what?"
"Well you may not like it so to be sure you have something else to drink."
"Oh, ok. Thank you." Meg said.
"You're welcome."
The waiter returned after a few minutes. "Here you are." He said as he poured Meg and Raoul their drinks.
"Would you like to order?" He continued to ask.
"Yes, I would like some spaghetti and meatballs. Meg?"
"I'll have the same." She replied.
"With garlic bread?" The waiter asked.
Raoul replied, "Yes, please."
The waiter wrote down their order and then walked away to the kitchen.
Meg took a sip of the Champaign and replied, "It's good."
"I'm glad you like it." Raoul paused.
"Cheers." He said and raised his glass. They clinked their glasses together and each took a sip.
A near by band started playing a lovely tune on their violins. Meg smiled and listened to the music.
After they finished their first piece Raoul asked, "So, is there a new opera?"
"Yes, we're doing Faust. One of Christine's favorites…but for some reason she's not singing."
"Really? Why not?"
"I don't know. She wouldn't tell me why." Meg replied.
"What opera is your favorite?" Raoul asked.
"I like Faust…but I love the Roméo et Juliette opera a lot more."
Raoul agreed, "I love that opera too. It's very romantic and tragic. The tragedy always brings out things in people. I thought the performance the Opera Populaire did was wonderful."
"It was a very good performance." She replied.
"I also like comedy operas." Raoul said.
"I agree." Meg said. She started to say, "I really like…" while Raoul was saying the same thing. They both ended on, "Il Muto."
They laughed and talked about various other operas. Meg mentioned how she liked to sing a long with dancing. But dancing was her passion. Raoul commented on how Meg did have a very lovely voice. She was perfect for a chorus girl…she could dance and sing beautifully.
The violinists continued their playing as Raoul and Meg talked of different subjects. The waiter returned with their food and they then began to eat.
They continued to talk in between eating and listening to the band playing. Meg only drank half a glass of Champaign. She knew if her maman were to find out she would be in a lot of trouble.
The food was delicious as always, and Meg enjoyed herself once again. She surprised Raoul because of the fact that she ate everything on her plate and two pieces of garlic bread.
"How do you do it?" Raoul asked.
"Do what?"
"Eat so much but not gain a pound." He responded and smiled.
She blushed and smiled back. He answered his own question by saying, "I guess it's from the ballet. That's pretty obvious." He said laughing at himself. She laughed with him.
"I don't think I'm skinny." She said.
He paused and replied, "You're perfect." If she wasn't blushing before then, she definitely was now.
"Meg…I know this is so sudden…but I feel like this is right." Raoul said. He got up from his chair and kneeled before her while pulling out a small box. He opened it to reveal a ring. Meg's eyes shot wide open and she felt tears forming. Her heart raced as he asked her the question, "Will you marry me?"
She felt like she would faint. They have only been dating for about three months or so. She has been feeling extremely close to him all this time, and he made her weak in the knees whenever she saw him. Her mind questioned everything but her heart answered for her.
"Yes, Raoul. I will marry you." Meg said while crying tears of happiness. Raoul smiled and place the ring on her left hand. He hugged her for a minute and they kissed. She stared at the foreign object now on her finger. She couldn't remember a time where she felt as happy as she did now.
"Raoul, I…I don't know what to say." She said still crying. "I love you."
"I love you too." He replied.
He smiled and felt something warm inside. Something that told him this was right.
Christine sat in her new house and waited for Erik to return with more of his things. She breathed slowly and prepared to tell him what she has been hiding from him.
Erik walked into the house carrying a couple of bags and suitcases. He dropped the stuff and saw Christine staring at him. He began to worry about why she looked so nervous, or anxious. He really couldn't tell what was wrong with her. This was a new emotion Erik has never seen from her before. He just couldn't read what was wrong.
"Erik, please sit down. There's something I want to tell you."
"Is something wrong?" Erik asked.
"No…no. Everything is fine." Christine said and then continued, "In fact, everything is great."
She paused and searched his eyes. Christine yelled at herself for making it seem something was really wrong. Erik looked so concern and scared because of it. She saw that look disappear and change into relief.
"What is it?" Erik asked.
"Erik…I think…I'm pretty sure…"
"Yes?"
"I think I'm pregnant."
