Pawn to Queen's Bishop level 4

"You my friend are an idiot!" Nadir walked away from Erik to pace the room. He rounded back and again stood in front of the seated man.

"An idiot, an absolute idiot...you have her, she loves you and you walk away and leave her for another man to…"

Erik winced not wishing to hear Nadir's next words. Nadir did not continue knowing, that the pain would be too great for his friend to bear.

"I need to get back to my lair"

"What for, so you can bury yourself again?"

"I need to think"

"When you should have thought you didn't…if I were you, thinking would be the last thing I would want to do now"

Erik didn't move. Nadir still saw the stubborn set of his chin. Maybe he needed a dose of reality. Nadir went to the kitchen and came back with two steaming glasses of tea.

"She could be crying in his arms right now. Do you not wonder how he will console her?"

Erik's head sprang up and he narrowed his eyes. "I warn you Daroga. Don't play this game"

"Perhaps…well…women are so weak when they have been rejected. I wonder…" Nadir quickly ducked a flying glass aimed at his head. The glass found the wall and smashed into fragments. "I should make you repaint my walls, Sir, but you have just given away your life's love so, I will take pity on you"

"Why do I come here if I am only to be abused?"

"How will you feel when you are all alone in your lair after having known her constant company?"

"Do you want to kill me? Is that your plan?" Erik closed his eyes and rubbed his temples.

"Did you expect me to applaud you and say well done?"

"I expected compassion"

"For a foolish, thoughtless action? For throwing away your life? Your happiness? You'll get no compassion for that from me!"

"I can see that. Daroga I need to…" His eyes went to the box next to him.

Nadir's face showed disapproval. "You still have the weakness. Did she know?"

Erik nodded.

"And still you left her". Nadir shook his head in disbelief. "Look it is almost time for my prayers. Do what you have to and get yourself another cup of tea…to drink this time"

Nadir walked into his bedroom for his midday prayers. He would ask Allah to intercede for this foolish infidel, who had the purest of souls.

"Welcome home Erik." She kissed his cheek. "You look healthier… but…you look terrible Erik. Where's Christine?" Madame Giry moved away from the doorway and let him pass. He walked in, dropped down on her couch and put his face in his hands.

"Erik! Is Christine all right? Where is she?"

His voice muffled between his hands "With the vicomte"

"Did you do something to her Erik?"

"NO!"

"Then? Why did she want to stay with him?"

"I…I left her there"

"For God's sakes why?

"I thought…but since then I have been thinking…it is no use now"

Lucette sat by his side and sighed. Getting an accurate account of the events would not be easy with him. "Did you argue?"

"No, of course not"

"Then?"

"Everything was fine. Then I thought…but now…"

"Erik, are you sure Christine is all right?"

"Yes, yes, she is fine" He looked at her with such desperation in his eyes and implored. "Madame, help me I need her… I am such a fool"

She noticed his whole body was shaking. "Erik, have you taken care of your need?"

"Yes, it's not that…I am so frightened"

Lucette poured him a large brandy. She had never thought to hear those words from him. "Calm down and just tell me everything that happened after I left"

Erik swallowed the brandy in two gulps then told Lucette everything that had occurred at the Chagny Manor, excluding their night of passion. H e also told her how after he left the Manor he wondered for days on Raoul's horse trying to leave France but always turning back. He had never gotten further than 50 miles away from the Manor. Twice he had gone back in the cover of dark to check on her. The last time he saw her she had been accompanied. He knew he could not bear to see her in any other man's company, never mind in another man's arms. The desire to end that man's life had flooded him.

"She was talking with another man"

"What do you mean? Christine was with someone else? Where was Raoul?"

"He was there too but she was sitting with a man that looked even more obnoxious than the vicomte"

"And you left her alone with two men?

"The vicomte's sister had returned to the Manor. She is well chaperoned."

"Who is this man?"

"No idea" he shrugged, "he might be a friend of the vicomte's. I saw the way that man looked at her…Oh God, Madame what have I done?"

"Very simple Erik…You messed up everything"

"I have to go back for her" He started to get up when Lucette shoved him down again.

"This time you will not do things your way Erik. We're doing it the right way"

"But…"

"You will go and clean up while I make the three of us supper. Go on now"

Erik picked himself from the couch and made his way to the bathroom.

Lucette saw him leave and with a sigh she muttered "I should not have left him on his own". She made her way to the kitchen.

Erik heard and called after her "I am not a child"

Lucette snorted, "True Erik, one should not have to think so"

Lucette, Erik and Meg ate quietly. When Meg asked about Christine, Erik just groaned, and pushed his plate back. Lucette pushed it back in front of him and with a look to her daughter, Meg stopped asking questions. Meg did continue to steal glances at Erik who did not look so intimidating now sitting by her side. She had known of Erik all her life. After her father's death 'Erik' had been the faceless provider that kept the Giry widow and child living comfortably. Meg would never have been afraid of that 'Erik'. She hadn't known that he was also known as the Opera Ghost. She was astounded that she was sitting next to the terror of the Opera House and that her mother was looking after him.

That night once Lucette had everyone settled in bed she made herself tea. She sat on her comfortable chair, took out her Bible and turned to her favorite psalms.

The carriage came to a stop at the door of the Chagny Manor.

"Stay in the carriage Erik" Lucette looked at him. He was too nervous. This worried her because he could do something foolish and spoil things further.

"And you will bring her out to me?"

"I can't promise that Erik" She put her hand over his white knuckles and gave them a squeeze.

"I want her with me"

Meg gathered her things and readied to exit the carriage. "Maman, can I get off now? I can't wait to see Christine"

"Wait for me Marguerite"

"You will stay put Erik"

Lucette powdered her nose, checked her hair and stepped out of the carriage with Meg. His gaze followed them as they made their way toward the Chagny Manor. Receding into the shadows of the carriage Erik sat back, already wringing his hands

The three women sat in the parlor sipping tea. Meg and Christine chatted happily.

"Christine you have to hear what Jammes did to merit such a punishment…" Both girls giggled as if they were still in the Opera House.

Raoul entered the parlor followed by a young man about his age. "There you are Christine! Ah Madame Giry, Mademoiselle Giry, welcome. Let me introduce my cousin, Léandre Marques du Chaumontre."

Meg had never seen such exquisite lips as those that the Marques place on her hand.

She heard herself stutter something polite and then blushed. His dress likewise was impeccable. Meg noted that the Marques like his cousin the Vicomte wore well, the fashion of the day. The two men uttered a few pleasantries and took their leave. Christine was left alone with her guests. Meg's eyes followed the Marques until he and Raoul disappeared behind a door.

Christine stifled a giggle at her friend's expression. She knew that before the day was over she would hear about Meg having fallen in love at first sight…again. This was the first amusing thing to have happened since Erik left.

"Marguerite, won't you go and get a book from the Library". Turning to Christine, Lucette said "My dear I think it's time we had a talk."

"Yes Maman" Meg got up and walked toward the library. She winked at Christine as she left. "Let me see what books I find in there".

"That girl will never change!" Lucette patted the seat next to her "Come sit by me Christine"

"Yes, Madame Giry"

"How are you really my dear?'

"Terrible Madame, Erik abandoned me." Her eyes started to well up with tears.

"I know. He came to me. Erik is sorry and he wants you to go and talk to him."

"He is sorry? He broke my heart. I will not talk to him. Don't make me Madame."

"I am not telling you what to do Christine. I am just giving you his message"

"He expects me to go to him? Where is he?"

"Outside in the carriage"

"I won't Madame. I just won't"

"I understand you Christine"

"You do?"

"Yes my dear. You are both my children and I understand you both" Lucette felt uncomfortable at the situation they placed her in. She would not take sides. She knew that
it was Erik's insecurities that had driven them apart and not lack of love on the part of either one.

"The night before he left we…we" Christine blushed and couldn't get the words out.

"I see. Well, he certainly didn't mention that to me. Although I suppose he wouldn't. You could be with child my dear"

"No I couldn't" Christine looked at her hands on her lap.

"Why do you say that?

"We did…but he didn't…oh Madame it…it's so complicated and embarrassing". Her eyes were still glued to her hands

Lucette smiled with understanding. "What do you want to do then?

"I don't know what I want and I don't know what to do" Christine shook her head.

"Has the vicomte asked you…"

Yes, As soon as Erik left me. Raoul assumed that he would take over my heart. He still harbored hope that I loved him"

"And that is not what you want? Think of everything he could give you Christine. The life you would lead"

"What good is a luxurious life without Erik?"

"You are certain then?"

"Yes, Madame, I do not wish to return to Raoul. That is over."

"Does he know?"

"We have spoken clearly. There should be no doubt in his mind"

"If you are not going back to Raoul you cannot continue to stay here especially with his cousin staying here too. Christine"

"I know Madame, but Raoul's sister is here too. I just need a few more days"

"You will come to me then?"

"I'll come home then"

Lucette smiled at her answer. "What are you going to do about Erik?"

Christine shrugged, a tear spilling from her eye.

Erik had seen the Vicomte and the other man enter the house from his hiding place. Behind the Juniper bush he could see the front door clearly. The bush was large enough to keep his large frame hidden. His hand went to his pocket to check the Punjab lasso he always kept with him. What was wrong? Why was she taking so long? Once again he checked his pocket watch. He had expected Christine to have come running out to him long ago. Of course, she must be packing. He returned to the carriage and sat back again hiding in the shadows. Tonight they would be together and all would be forgotten. He smiled, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

He saw Madame Giry come towards the carriage. His heart leapt. In a minute or two she would be with him.

Madame climbed into the carriage and sat at his side, trying to explain the situation to Erik. She was calm and patient, knowing it would be difficult. He could be as dense as a peasant when he chose to be.

"What do you mean she won't see me?"

"Erik, she will not come out and she will not see you"

"Then I will go in and get her. This is foolishness."

"No you will not." He began to get out the carriage and she grabbed his shoulder making him sit again. "I will not allow you to. Erik, why didn't you tell me you had been intimate?"

He blushed and turned his head so that the masked side faced her, making a low growling sound. He had seen the frown and the reprimanding look in her eyes. He simply would not look her way. Had Christine told about how he had failed her as a lover? Did she mention his lack of experience? Please, please let her not question me about that. He slung down in his seat.

"Don't you understand how much you hurt her?"

He turned back to face her. "I do and she has to let me make it up to her" he insisted.

"No, she doesn't have to. Erik, you will have to do what every stupid man has had to do since time began"

"And what is that Madame?"

"Win her back!"

Erik just sat back and groaned. How could he win her back when he had no idea of how he had gotten her in the first place? That had been miracle enough.

Christine walked Meg to the front door and hugged her best friend and sister. "When will I see you again?"

"Maman said that we'll be back soon to pick you up" In a whisper she added "Christine, I'm in love"

In fake surprise Christine asked "Oh Meg, who? Not Raoul's cousin?"

Meg's head bobbed up and down. "Yes, yes, how did you know?"

"You looked so good together when he kissed your hand"

"Christine, you need not tease me!" Both girls laughed and hugged again.

Christine stood on the doorway waving goodbye. Meg opened the window and hung her head out waving wildly as the carriage moved out. Christine thought she saw movement opposite Madame and Meg. The carriage door cracked open, a large pale hand held on to the door. Then a smaller hand slammed the door shut and the large hand disappeared. Erik! Christine stood watching the carriage disappear into the distance. Her arms crossed over her chest. She would not be easy pickings for him. Erik would just have to learn who Christine Daae really was.

A/N: Thank you to all my reviewers. I was able to update a little sooner because of your enthusiasm.