Chapter 35: Meg Awakes.
Meg remembered nothing of what had passed after her return to the manor underground. She lay in her large warm bed, the artificial light pouring in the window and across the bed. Her body had been in so much turmoil the previous evening that once it was over and she found herself safe from the terrors of the ground levels she moved, as if already lost to the world. Tangae never leaving her side, she found her bed room and changed her clothing and fell into a deep sleep.
She found it so very strange, and yet very reassuring that she felt so safe in a place that had once been feared by so many. Even though the underground parts of the opera house had been so widely searched, no one really wanted to fine the Phantom. There was to much fear surrounding him at one. Meg now found it almost laughable, he was such a gentle, quiet, misunderstood man. His musical genius was beyond anything of the time and if one looked passed his scars his face had rather handsome features. Strong cheekbones, a predominate nose and eyes that had a life and a captivity to them that could melt her heart. His voice, through she seldom heard him sing, when he did was warm and kind. His passion lived deep within him and wasn't easily obtained but Meg felt for the first time that she had reach into a part of him that he had never given up to anyone.
That previous night he had held her so tightly and with so much fear that he trembled himself, she had felt it but had not given it much through. He was indeed worried for her and couldn't get her away from the danger fast enough. She was safe, he knew that, and with her safe he could put his mind at ease.
When morning had finally arrived, Meg awoke well rested, with only the memory of what had happen the previous evening. The pain in her ankle was gone and yet she was a bit startled to be alone. It had become a normal occurrence to awake to Erik beside her or at least present in the room. He was not present on this morning, only Tangae remained at the bed side.
As Meg stirred in her bed, so did the great cat. Leaning over the side and placing her feet on the floor Tangae raised herself up and placed her great head on the mattress at Meg's side. She was a loyal companion, not only to Erik.
"You have been a very loyal ladies maid," Meg whispered to the great cat as she pet Tangae's head.
Meg leaned her injured foot onto the floor to check the injury, it was completely healed with rest. She was pleased that she would be able to continue the drama for Erik, but she was worried that he had not returned to her. Surely if he had returned to the house Tangae would have known, but as she was still at her side, Meg became worried. She walked to the door quickly, on silent dancers feet and out of her room to search the rest of the house.
It hadn't been long since Meg had first come to the house underground, but in her time there she had become very familiar with the floor plan of the home. There wasn't anywhere she was not aloud and, though it had been the home of a bachelor for many, many years, Meg felt completely comfortable in this place. In fact she wished never to have to leave it. She had every thing she had ever wanted right in the Opera Populair.
As she walked through the house she couldn't help but admire the majesty of the place. Much of the elegance of the upper levels of the opera house were mirrored in this place. And yet a silence had captured the house that was eery. She had never heard it so quiet before. The birds from the green space could not be heard in the darkness of the inner walls. There was no music, no singing, nothing but the soft patter of her dainty feet on the cold floor could be heard as she walked.
She passed every room as she walked on determined to find Erik. Her heart beet harder in her chest as she passed room after room and he was not there. She was taken a back by the amount of feelings she was feeling for him at that moment. It had all happened so fast and yet she believe she could never live if he did not return to her. Terrible thoughts of duels, of captures, or even death passed before her eyes. She was worried for him and wished more then ever that he was beside her. The love she felt for him was suffocating as she could not find him. Tears welled in her eyes as she walked and at every turn she was distressed to not find him.
Her countenance must have changed as she walked on because Tangae walked closer and quicker beside her, leaning herself close to Meg for support. It was clear that the great cat was feeling the same anxiety as Meg was.
Finally they came to a room that Meg had never ventured into before. The door had always been closed and she hesitated before reaching out for the handle. Slowly and with as much courage as she could muster she pushed open the door.
A great sigh of relief came over Meg as she stepped into the room. Her heart leapt to see what she saw. There, in a high backed chair, close to a low fire and fast asleep was the man that had filled her heart with so much passion and joy. She walked slowly to his side and seeing that he still wore his hat, gloves and cape, from the previous night, she silently and dutifully removed them and placed them to one side. She had placed a light blanket around him and kissed him on the cheek before she decided to study the room.
It was a very handsome room, a library of sorts, with the walls lined with books and maps. It was, most certainly a well used room. Slowly, as she scanned the books she pulled one down and walked to another chair close to the fireplace. Sitting down she began to read.
Meg was unaware of how much time had passed before she was interrupted from her book by Erik. He seemed a bit stunned to have her by his side but the shock of seeing her quickly melted away.
"How long have you been here, watching me, I presume," he asked as he pulled the blanket from around him and folded it.
Meg did not move from the chair, but closed the book and set it in her lap, "I've quite lost track of the time," she smiled, "I couldn't tell you just how long I have been here but, I dare say, you can tell me how long you have been here."
"I returned late," he said and returned to his seat, "there was much more to do then I had anticipated and more today. I don't know how I am going to deal with all of this," he sighed and looked into the dancing flames of the fireplace.
"Is there anything I can do?" Meg asked.
"No, you have enough to do, I fear I have to take this on, on my own as I always have," he sighed.
"You truly don't believe you are alone in all of this drama. I am here for you and will do all in my power to help you. I would not have it any other way, I want to be apart of your life and I wish for you to know it."
At these words Erik turned from the fire and looked on Meg in a way he had never dreamed to he would ever look on anyone with. He at one time had wished to see Christine in such a light but it had never happened and he had long ago given up that hope. But here she was, before him and for him. More beautiful was she, in his eyes, then any woman he had ever looked upon because they had moved past lust and to something much deeper. He saw in her eyes love. She never loved on him with fear, she never cringed to touch him and she loved him entirely. He stood and walked across the room to her.
Falling to his knees before her and taking her hands he looked deep into her eyes. They sparkled down at him with a love he had never seen in all his years. She smiled sweetly at him and leaned in and gently kissed him. That kiss was a kissed he had never dreamed of receiving, it was free and full and filled his soul to the very depths.
"But how is this possible?" he asked never looking away from her capturing eyes, "what have I done right?"
Meg giggled lovingly at his confusion, "is it possible that you've done nothing?" she asked.
"That is impossible," he said but smiled.
"Then I no not what was done, but I love you none the less and that should be all that matters," she said.
There were the words he had always longed to hear and she had just said them willingly and full of life. He could not believe what he had just heard. A smile spread across his face. Meg could not help but smile back at him.
"You will change your mind, I fear," he sighed.
"I believe I shall not," she whispered, "but if you are so very worry that I would you should ask me to marry you."
"Would you?" he asked her without even thinking.
"I most certainly would," she said a smile crossing her face that she could not hide. A blush rose up in her cheeks and tears swelled in her eyes, "I would," she repeated.
"A monster such as this?" he asked as he removed his mask and placed it in her lap.
"I do not see a monster," she smiled as she caressed his face, "I see, compassion. I see, eyes that have captured my soul, beautiful eyes," her face blushed as she spoke to him, "lips, that taste of heaven," she added and leaned in and kissed him again.
Filled with joy Erik could not help but pull her into his arms, "I pledge to you every happiness I can give you," he whispered into her ear, "the world, if you want it, is yours."
"Promise me nothing but yourself and I will be the happiest woman in the world," she whispered back.
The fell silent for a long time as they sat on the floor of the library in each others arms, staring into the crackling fire and listening to the silence that filled the space around them. For the first time in all of his life everything seemed perfect. He knew very well that there were trials that they would face. The most pressing was that of an angry Christine Daae and of the opening of the drama, but none of it seemed to matter at all. Not at that very moment. It seemed to them both like the world had slowed to a stop and they wished it never to recommence its turning, but they knew it must.
"There is much to be done," Erik whimpered as they sat together.
"Yes, you've already said that," Meg giggled, "what is there to do and you must allow me to remain with you for I do not think I could bare to be away from you just yet," she said as she looked deep into his eyes.
"Then I shall not cause you any such pain," he smiled down at her, "but we have some very serious business to attend to," he said as continued to tell her of his meeting with Andre and Firmin.
Within moments all was decided and Meg hurried off, reluctantly, to obtain some more formal attire as the Phantom pulled his cape back around his shoulders. Reluctantly he replaced the mask on his face, suddenly it felt like he did not need it anymore but be decided it would be better to wear it in the upper levels. Quickly he scooped up his hat and gloves and walked out of the library with a purpose. After all there was a drama to prepare for.