Okay! One more chapter out of me before I call it a day. So far, I've gotten two reviews on chapter two. Hopefully you guys like this next chapter and will drop me another review. There's also a surprise at the end of this chapter!
From Chapter Two…
There was nothing Christine could do but stand back and watch the man that she loved most in the world slip away from her forever.
"Goodbye Daddy. I love you."
Chapter Three: Pain and Heartache
"It was only yesterday that we stood in this very kitchen and talked to him. I just can't believe that he's gone," Christine said at breakfast the next morning.
Instead of staying the night at the Giry's like she had originally planned, Christine and Meg slept at the Daae house. Raoul had made sure that the two girls had gotten there safely last night and left with the promise to return the next day.
"I know, this is made out to be such a terrible weekend. I'm so sorry Christine. I just wish that there was something that I could do to make the pain go away," Meg replied, taking a bite out of a piece of bacon. In an effort to help Christine feel a little bit better, Meg had offered to cook a breakfast of bacon and eggs that morning.
"There's nothing that you can do Meg. I just have to deal with the fact that I'm an orphan now. My parents are dead. I wonder who will take care of me. I know that Dad had a living will, but his lawyer hasn't called yet to have me come down for the reading."
"Probably cause it's so soon after his death Chrissy. I'm sure that they want to give you some time to grieve and plan the funeral."
Christine nodded and pushed her eggs around on her plate.
"But you should really eat something Chrissy. It's not healthy for you not to eat."
"I'm sorry Meg. It was nice of you to make me breakfast. I guess I'm just not hungry right now," Christine replied, shoving her plate away. "I think that I'm just going to go lie down right now."
She stood up and made her way to her room, where she promptly flopped down upon her bed and buried her face in her pillow. Once more, the tears stared to fall.
A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. "Oh hi Raoul," Christine heard Meg say from the entryway. "She's in her room. I'm sure that she'd like to see you."
Moment later, Raoul knocked on Christine's door. "Come in," she said softly.
"Christine? Are you alright?" Raoul asked.
"I just can't believe that he's gone Raoul. I'm so sorry to have to put you through all this. I barely know you."
He smiled. "I understand Christine, but believe me, I'm more than happy to help you out. Here, I brought you some flowers in hopes that they would cheer you up."
She turned to sit up and was greeted by a bouquet of beautiful lilacs. "They're beautiful Raoul. Thank you," she said, gently taking the flowers from him. Burying her nose deep into a bloom, she inhaled the sweet sent. "I think that I will just go put these in some water."
"Oh please, let me do that Christine," Meg said from the doorway. "You get some rest."
"That sounds like a good idea," Christine replied.
Raoul looked at her with concern. "Actually Christine, there's another reason I came over this morning. Since your father's lawyer was employed with de Chagny Enterprises, we have his last will and testament at the main office. It's being looked over as we speak and will be read to you when you are ready," he said. "I would also like to offer any help that I can in the planning of the funeral."
"Thank you Raoul. I do appreciate everything that you have done for me."
She stood up and handed the flowers over to Meg who took them into the kitchen and began her search for a vase.
"I think that he would just want a small service, just immediate family and our closest friends."
"Did he have any brothers or sisters?"
Christine shook her head. "No, my father was an only child. So was my mother. So that means that it will be just me and the Giry's at the service. Grandma and Grandpa died a few years back."
"If that's what you want then so be it. I'll begin making the arrangements," Raoul said, standing up.
Taking hold of her favorite stuffed tiger, Christine brought it close to her chest and held it tight. Her father had bought her the stuffed animal right after her mother had died and it always helped calm her down. "I miss you so much Daddy. Why did you have to leave me?"
A few days later, a small group gathered at a nearby church. "We have gathered in this house of mourning in memory of Charles Daae who departed this earth only a few short days ago. Charles led a long and happy life and was guided in this life by his daughter Christine. Now he has departed this earth to rejoin the lord."
Christine sat in the front pew next to Raoul and Meg. She wore a simple black dress and her eyes were rimmed with red. "This is so hard," she whispered. "I can't believe that I'm saying goodbye to my father. He's the only family that I had left in the world."
Raoul took hold of her hand and held it tight, wanting to make her feel better.
"I just want this whole thing to be over with," Christine said.
A few minutes later, she got her wish. The service concluded and Christine walked up to her father's casket and said her final goodbyes. "Goodbye Daddy. I'll always be your little girl."
She turned and exited the church, Raoul and Meg on her heels. "Christine, can I drive you home? I've arranged for your father's lawyer to meet us there to read your father's will," Raoul said.
"That sounds wonderful. Thank you Raoul."
The trio got into Raoul's car and made the trip to the Daae house. Once they got there, Raoul helped Christine out of the car and into the house. Moments later, Thomas Bryant, Charles' lawyer arrived.
"Thank you for seeing me Miss Daae, and might I add my condolences for your loss," he said, setting his briefcase up on the dining room table.
Christine nodded. "Thank you for coming Mr. Bryant."
"Well, I won't waste any time. I'll just get right down to it."
He pulled out a long piece of paper and began to read. "I hereby let it be known that I, Charles William Daae, being of sound mind, do make and declare this to be my last Will and Testament thereby revoking all my prior wills at anytime made. For my minor child, Christine Elizabeth Daae, as the sole parent, I hereby appoint Annette Giry as Guardian. In the event that the Guardian is unable or unwilling to care for Christine, I hereby appoint Phillip de Chagny as Guardian."
There was no shock there. Christine expected Mrs. Giry to be appointed as her guardian. But she knew that it wouldn't last long. Her eighteenth birthday was fast approaching and she would be able to live on her own.
"As for my estate, I hereby give all of my worldly possessions and assets to my daughter Christine. May she use it to aid in following her dreams."
Mr. Bryant folded the paper back up and placed it back into his briefcase. "There it is Miss Daae. Do you have any questions?" he asked.
She shook her head. "No, not at this time. Thank you for coming. I'm sure that you can show yourself out."
He nodded. "Of course. Have a good day."
Christine turned to Meg. "So when can I start moving in?" she asked.
Meg shook her head. "Not anytime soon I'm afraid. We don't have a spare room and my room is too small," she said. "But I don't think that Mom will have any problem with you living here for the time being. It's not like you live hours away. It's only two minutes by car."
"Good. I don't think that I could leave the house right now."
Raoul smiled slightly. "We're all here for you Christine. If there's anything you need at all, just ask."
"Thanks Raoul. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate all that you have done for me in the past week."
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. "Who could that be?" Christine asked, heading towards the door.
She opened the door to find a tall, dark haired man standing on the other side. He was strikingly handsome. But there was one thing that made him stand out; A white mask covered the right side of his face.
"Miss Daae? I'm Erik Destler. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Yay! Erik's debut! Please read and review!
I remain your obident authoress,
Phantomfan1911