The Match

Author's Note: Thank you for all the reviews. JB: Yes, I did research on Morphine OD in order to keep the symptoms authentic. Do review please.

Chapter 3

Bishop to Knight's level 5

They made their way to Raoul's carriage with difficulty. Around them it was mayhem. It was hard for Christine not to acknowledge that a long chain of events of which Raoul, Erik, and she were links, had caused this hell. The Opera House fire still raged and the acrid smell of the smoke filled her lungs making her gag. A group of victims were laying or sitting receiving medical aid. She felt relieved that none of the bodies was totally covered. No deaths! People called out trying to find relatives and friends while the fire brigade shouted commands and replies to each other. The gendarme was weaving through the crowd searching and questioning every one about the earlier events. Raoul carried Erik on his shoulder as they approached another group of injured. Here again most of the injuries appeared to be minor. Christine stopped to turn Erik's head hanging on Raoul's back, so that only the good side of his face showed.

Walking past a group of Gendarme the officers inquired if they were seeking first aid for the man Raoul carried. "It's Count Philippe, my brother. Thank you, but we have our own physician." My brother! He shivered. Oh God! Forgive me Philippe! His stomach lurched from his own words! "It's Hell in there," he said nodding to the opera house with his head. The Gendarme looked upon the handsome well-dressed man on Raoul's shoulder, shrugged and went off to question other members of the audience. The Chagny carriage was close by. They slipped Erik into the back, Raoul signaled the driver and they were off. As the horses galloped away from Paris Christine's eyes met Raoul's and she mouthed a quiet "Thank you" to him. He nodded and held her gaze. He sat back relishing the fact that soon they would be in his territory. His mind went to an hour earlier when she had mouthed 'I love you' to him as he hung on the portal.

Raoul sat in front of them and watched her gently place Erik's head on her lap. Christine absentmindedly pushed Erik's hair out of his eyes. She looked down on her angel and softly stroked the ravaged side facing her. Christine looked down on Erik with so much tenderness that Raoul had to look away. How can this be possible? Raoul felt uncomfortable in his own carriage as if he were the third party. She is such a compassionate girl! My Lotte is such a sweet girl. Deep inside it gnawed at him that it could be more than that. The Creature had taken over his fiancé's attention and now his carriage. Raoul looked out the window to see Paris disappear into the distance swallowed up in the darkness. He breathed a sigh of relief and exhaustion when the countryside began to dominate the landscape.

Three hours later, they arrived at the Chagny estate. Midway there Erik had begun having difficulty breathing and Christine looked anxious and drawn. She was tired from trying to steady Erik from the constant jostling of the carriage.

"Oh Raoul, let's get him inside quickly."

"Of course Lotte, but, let's get you inside too. You must be exhausted and hungry."

She nodded and yawned but didn't move until the servants took Erik inside.

Raoul had Erik placed in a guest bedroom on the second floor that was close to the main areas. It was a medium sized room with a dresser, a table and two comfortable chairs. Christine pushed one of the chairs up to the bed and readied herself to spend the night sitting by Erik's side wiping his brow and keeping him calm. When he had the most difficulty breathing his eyes would almost open in his effort to get air.

In order to spend some time with her Raoul had a light supper brought into Erik's room for them.

"He's not moving, Raoul." She gazed up at Raoul for a solution.

"He will be all right. Eat a little Christine; it's your favorite cheese." Raoul encouraged her.

"How can I eat Raoul? Look his breathing, it's so labored."

"Hmm," answered Raoul hoping he sounded at least remotely interested. All the time he kept his eyes on Christine.

"He's so still it scares me. We have to get him a doctor Raoul!"

"Tomorrow first thing, my dear but do eat something now." His own appetite was gone once he had laid eyes on the Creature's face. No wonder she can't eat. In her kindness, she won't leave his side. How lucky he was to have such a caring woman as his fiancé. One day she would be a wonderful mother to their children.

"Please Lotte. You must take care of yourself." He extended a piece of cheese to her.

"Thank you," She rolled her eyes and placed it in her mouth as she stroked Erik's brow.

"Please Raoul, he needs a doctor now." Christine took his hand in hers and gave Raoul another of her achingly beautiful smiles but he could see tears beginning to form in her eyes. "All right I'll go get our doctor." He put his hand up to her cheek and stroked it. Christine leaned into it almost closing her eyes. Raoul's breath caught, his heartbeat accelerated. Christine turned away to wipe Erik's brow. She is so beautiful, so innocent. That's why the Creature had been able to confuse her and turn her in his favor. He would get the damned doctor if it made her happy. Raoul was willing to do anything for one of Christine's smiles…and for a kiss… he might even let the Creature live.

This had easily been the most horrible day of the young vicomte's life. His body ached all over yet he found himself wanting to mount one of his horses and going to get the doctor on horseback. Instead, he ended up taking the carriage so he could return with the doctor. Yes, he would get Christine the doctor she wanted for the Creature.

As he sat back on the carriage seat for the second time that night, he thought about how grateful Christine would be for his sacrifice to save the Creature.