I do not own any of the characters from The Phantom of the Opera, although I do rather enjoy borrowing them from time to time.
A/N Hey every one. I am working on a new story that I hope to have the first chapter posted next week. I loved that all of you like how Erik took the news that he was to be a father so I thought I would give you some more of that in this chapter. Thanks for all of your wonderful reviews. Here is the next chapter. Enjoy!
Author – ToryD
Beta – MJMod
Choices
Chapter 21
Taking one last lingering glance at his sleeping wife, Erik closed the door quietly behind him. Reaching for his cell phone, he pushed the speed dial to connect him with Nadir.
"Erik, it's," there was a telling pause as Nadir looked at the bedside clock to note the time. "5:30 A.M. on Christmas Eve, you had better have a good reason for calling me." An irritated Nadir growled into the phone.
"I need you to find out everything there is to know about a Dr. Mesamore." Erik said without apology.
Pushing himself upright, Nadir switched on the lamp. Blinking his eyes at the sudden brightness that filled the room, he reached into his bedside drawer to find a pen. "What was the name again?"
"Dr. Mesamore." Erik replied as he made his way towards his study.
"Do you have a first name?" Nadir asked with a slight edge to his voice.
Frowning Erik hadn't thought to get the doctors first name. "I don't know."
Sighing Nadir rubbed his stubble laden jaw line. "Well can you at least tell me the good doctor's specialty?"
"OBGYN." Erik replied with a curtness that told Nadir not to push him this morning.
With a confused look on his face, Nadir wrote the information that his employer had just imparted on his note pad. "OBGYN…Jesus Erik! Is Christine pregnant?" He asked in a rush of excited words.
"Yes, but that is not public information." Erik said forcefully.
"Congratulations!" Nadir offered as a smile spread across his dark face. "Just imagine, Erik Desmond a father." Nadir began to laugh uproariously as his mind brought forth a picture of his well-dressed boss changing a dirty diaper.
Erik not at all liking the mirth coming from his friend growled into the phone. "I want you to see about hiring a staff of round the clock nurses. Also get every book you can find on pregnancy and childbirth."
"Ok Daddy," Nadir said bravely, still enjoying the moment. "I'll fly out to the estate later this morning. Anything else you require?"
"Yes, I want you to call Robert Saunders and have him send his best selections on what ever is the August's birthstone. I want to give Christine something that will mark the month of our child's coming birth." Erik said as he took his seat behind his desk.
'Will do boss. Uh…how are Christine and Simone getting on?" Nadir asked with hesitancy in his tone.
"Christine was not feeling well enough to come down to dinner last night." Erik informed his friend. "I hope that she will be feeling up to meeting Mother this morning."
"Ok, well I guess I had better start making some calls. I'll see you later." Nadir said as he shook his head.
Erik ended the call and placed his cell phone on his desk. Inhaling a deep breath, he contemplated the idea of speaking with his mother prior to her meeting Christine. While he did not want to offend his mother with his concerns, he also knew that nothing was more important to him than Christine's well being. 'Shit" he cursed aloud as he thought of the confrontation he would have to initiate with his unfeeling mother.
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Simone entered the formal dining room with a searching eye. Finding only the staff to greet her, she let her annoyance take center stage. "Where is my son?" She demanded in a heated tone.
Darius, who had suffered this vile woman's company for many years knew that he had better summons Mr. Desmond to attend to his mother. "Good morning Mrs. Desmond, I trust you slept well?" He asked in a flat voice.
"No I didn't! First I am totally ignored by my son last evening, and now I am to be greeted by only the hired help?" She finished her rant with a sneer of disgust upon her face.
"My apologies Madam. Forgive me for not informing you that Mr. Desmond requested that I alert him as soon as you arrived so that he could join you for breakfast." Darius said with a slight bow of his distinguished grey head.
"Humph, well you just do that." Simone ordered in a calmer voice as she seated herself on the chair one of the servants held for her.
"Yes, Madam." Darius said in a placating tone as he crossed the large room to go in search of his poor employer.
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Erik sat with Nadir in his study each intently pouring over the large selection of books that Nadir had successfully acquired. "Here's something," Nadir called out to his boss, "It says that 'fainting and or dizziness while not uncommon in the first trimester are something that should be brought to your physician's attention. There are several causes with the most probable being: Anemia, the diminished amount of red blood cells, Poor nutrition, usually brought on by the mother-to-be's attempt to ward off the nausea caused by morning sickness.' They list several other things as well. Erik, I think that you need to get Christine checked out again."
As his heart lurched in fear, Erik could not agree more. "Yes, you're right of course. Did you find anything out about this Dr. Mesamore that Christine is so fond of?" He asked his assistant.
Pulling out his hastily completed report Nadir began to read the details of Christine's chosen physician. "Her full name is Debra Mesamore, she is 46, is well respected within the medical community. She graduated from Yale medical school; she was second in her class. Her residency was at Cook County Hospital in Dallas, apparently they have the highest number of births there than in any other hospital in the U.S." Pausing Nadir looked up to see Erik's impressed expression. "She has delivered well over five hundred healthy babies. And she has been practicing for the last seventeen years. I'd say that Christine has selected a very qualified physician to deliver your child."
Nodding his head in agreement, Erik felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from him with the knowledge that Christine would be receiving top-notch care. "Do you have a phone number where I can reach her?"
Passing the report to Erik, Nadir pointed at several phone numbers. Erik picking out the first one began to dial his cell phone. "Dr. Mesamore, I am Erik Desmond, Christine Desmond's husband." Erik paused as he listened to the other end of the conversation.
"My assistant gave me this number. No, I do not know where he got it. My apologies, I did not know that this was your private home." Erik said as glared at his amused assistant. "Yes Doctor, the reason for my call is that Christine is continuing to have these fainting spells, and she is not eating properly, if at all. I am very concerned that she and the baby are not at all in good health."
Nadir frowned as he read the concern deepen in his friend's expression.
"Yes, I would be most grateful. We will see you at 11:00 in your office." Disconnecting the call Erik leaned back in his tall leather chair with a sigh. "She is going to examine Christine later this morning."
Nadir was relieved that the Doctor had agreed to interrupt her Christmas holidays to see Christine.
Darius knocked on the opened study door to alert his employer to his presence. "Excuse me Mr. Desmond, but your mother is in the dining room and would like you to join her."
"Thank you Darius, I'll be there in a moment." Erik said in a tired voice.
Nadir knew that Erik had more than enough on his plate without having to deal with his over-emotional mother. "Erik, let me attend to Simone." He offered with a kindness that Erik could never begin to repay.
"Thank you Nadir, but I have avoided this long enough." Erik said as he rose from his chair. "Besides I need to let her know that her normal behavior will not be tolerated in Christine's presence."
Nadir allowed himself a short laugh, "I don't think Simone will like your reigning in her 'behavior' as I believed you called it."
Erik's eyes filled with a fierce protectiveness as he thought of his wife at the mercy of his mother's sharp unrelenting tongue. "Then she will find herself without funds to support herself!" Erik declared in an unmovable tone.
Nadir raised an eyebrow in surprise at his boss's comment. "Do you want me to accompany you?"
"No, I feel that it will be best if I face her alone. See if you can find Marie and ask her to let Christine know of the Doctor's appointment at 11:00." Erik said as he walked towards the open doorway.
Rising from his seated position, Nadir stretched his tired muscles as he wondered how Simone was going to take Erik's edict. Deciding that he had better find Marie he started off in the direction of the servant's quarters.
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Rushing into her private bathroom, Christine made it just in time as she wretched the contents of her already empty stomach. Taking several deep breaths, she closed her eyes against the dizziness that was currently overwhelming her.
Marie gave a courtesy knock on Christine's door before she entered carrying a tray housing crackers and weakly steeped tea. "Christine," she called softly as she entered.
"In here Marie." Christine answered in a weak voice. Rising from her kneeling position, she grabbed on to the marbled counter for support.
Entering the bathroom Marie gasped at the paleness of her beautiful Christine. "Oh my dear," she said in a worried tone. Reaching for a soft fluffy washcloth, Marie proceeded to dampen the cloth and gently pat Christine's wan face.
Smiling weakly at Marie's kindness, Christine garnered her strength to walk back towards the bedroom. "I guess I had better tell you I'm pregnant."
Placing her arm around Christine's thin shoulders, Marie led the younger woman towards the welcoming bed. "I had guessed as much last evening dear. I am so happy for both you and Erik." Once she had Christine comfortably back in bed, Marie reached for the plate of saltine crackers. "Here, eat this. They will help settle your stomach."
Christine eyed the plain crackers with some distaste. "I don't think I can keep anything down Marie."
"Trust me dear, your poor mother had the same bout with morning sickness when she was carrying you. You must eat in order to stay healthy for the baby." Marie informed her clearly.
Taking a tentative bite, Christine found that the cracker did seem to be helping. After she had finished the plate, she gave Marie a grateful smile. "Thank you Marie."
Handing Christine a cup of tea, Marie returned the smile. "It is I who should be thanking you. It is not everyday that I get to be apart of a new life entering the world."
"Have you seen my husband this morning?" Christine asked as she took a sip of the steaming tea.
"No, but I believe that he is in the dining room with his mother." Marie responded.
"Oh no! What Erik's poor mother must think of me!" Christine said as she placed the unfinished cup of tea on her bedside table. "Help me dress Marie. I need to get downstairs to apologize for my rude behavior."
Following Christine into the dressing room that housed Christine's every growing designer wardrobe; Marie tried to calm her overly excited mistress. "Christine, I'm sure that Mrs. Desmond will be very understanding when she learns that you are carrying her grandchild. You must not exert yourself."
"I'm fine Marie." Christine said as she grabbed a pair of charcoal wool slacks and a red cashmere sweater.
"Erik asked me to tell you that he has arranged an appointment with your doctor at 11:00." Marie said as she followed Christine into the large bathroom.
Christine stopped dead in her tracks at Marie's words. Turning slowly to face the older woman Christine tried to bank down the anger that was filling her. "Erik did what?"
"He has arranged you physician to see you at 11:00 today." Marie said with an uneasiness that was brought about by Christine's tense stance.
"Oh he did, did he?" Christine said in an irritated tone.
Sighing at the anger evident in Christine's eyes, Marie knew that she had better have a talk with her young mistress. "Christine, you have to give Erik a little latitude here. You must remember that being married is very new to him. He is only concerned for you and the baby."
Christine looked up at the ceiling trying to calm her agitation. "I know that he means well Marie. But his overbearing control is starting to drive me crazy!"
Laughing softly Marie placed a motherly arm around Christine. "Ah my dear, you must remember that he is only doing what he feels is best for you. He truly loves you."
Feeling the last of her irritation drain from her, Christine smiled at the thought of Erik orchestrating an appointment with her doctor. "I know you're right Marie. I guess I will just have to learn to put up with Erik's domineering ways."
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Erik entered the dining room with a purposeful stride to his gait. "Good morning Mother," he greeted the older woman who was already seated.
Simone turned to look at her successful son. "Erik, I am glad that you have finally found the time to spare for your only mother." She said with a coldness that Erik had become quite accustomed to over the years.
Settling himself at the head of the table Erik eyed his mother with a weary eye. "I apologize for my lack of attention." He said with an unreadable look on his half-masked face.
"Where is your wife? Don't tell me you married a lazy woman who sleeps till noon." Simone said with amusement dripping from her acid tongue.
Erik felt his muscles tense at his mother's unkind barb aimed at Christine. "As a matter of fact Mother, Christine is not feeling well."
"I'm sorry to hear that. I had hoped to get to know my daughter-in-law." Simone said as she pierced a fresh strawberry with her fork. "It is a shame when a mother's only information on the woman that her son married is from the newspapers." Simone said as she looked under her false eyelashes at her deformed son.
Clenching his hands into tight fists, Erik fought the impulse to order his bitch of a mother from his house. "While we are on the subject of Christine, I want you to be aware that she is expecting our first child."
"Good God Erik!" Simone yelled in disgust at her son. "So this is the reason you married that little tart! You couldn't keep it in your pants and now the little gold digging bitch is pregnant. I thought I had taught you better than that!"
Erik felt a rage of unimaginable proportions fill him at his mother's conclusions. "Now you listen to me closely Mother because I will say this only once." Erik said in a deadly tone that frightened the normally unflappable Simone. "Christine is my wife and soon to be the mother of my child. I will not tolerate any disparaging remarks made at her expense. Do I make myself clear?" Erik's coldness sent a chill reverberating throughout Simone's body.
"How dare you speak to me in such a manner! I am your mother. The mother who had to put up with you and your disgusting face! I was the one who supported you. When your father turned his back on you, it was I who stayed and gave up my life to raise you. And this is how you repay me? You dare to question me?" Simone shot at her angry son.
Turning to dismiss the servants who were standing in an uncomfortable silence, Erik rose from his seat to walk slowly towards his mother. As soon as they were alone in the room, he quickly turned on his mother. "I have more than paid you back for your so called sacrifices." Erik spat at her.
"Money? Ha! You think money could ever repay what I gave up to be your mother. I gave up my husband for you! He begged me to put you in an institution. But I wouldn't, I couldn't. So he left me. He left me with you!" She said with disgust plainly written across her face.
Erik laughed at the absurdity of the situation. "Poor Simone. How you have suffered." He said with a sarcastic tone that set her teeth on edge.
"You think that you can just throw me away now that you have your precious wife?" Simone asked with sparks of fury shooting from her green eyes.
Erik sighed heavily. "I will have Nadir arrange for your transport off of the estate. I want you gone by this afternoon. I will continue to fund your monthly allowance as long as you agree to never again contact my family or me. If you break any of these conditions I will withdraw all of my support."
Simone gasped in shock at her son's quietly worded statement. "You are choosing your wife over me?" She asked in a tortured whisper.
"There was never any choice. You have never been a mother to me Simone. Only a woman who, how did you phrase it 'put up with me and my disgusting face'?" Erik said as he returned to his seat at the head of the table.
Simone rose with such an abruptness that her chair fell noisily against the floor. "You will regret this Erik! She will leave you! You mark my words; she will not be able to stand to look at your face day after day." Simone said with vicious venom dripping from her tongue. "And when you end up all alone, don't you dare think of coming to me!"
Erik shook his head at the ugliness of his mother. "I can assure you that I will never seek you out again."
Simone was somewhat surprised that his unemotional comment wounded her. Deciding that she was not leaving without the last word she paused as she turned to face her son for the last time. "What will you do Erik if your child has the misfortune to look like you? Hmm? What will you do when your wife can no longer stand the sight of you and your child?" She asked with a need for vengeance in her cold heart.
"Don't answer her Erik." Christine said softly from the open doorway. Walking calmly past the bristling Simone she crossed the room to stand at Erik's side. Leaning down she kissed his lips in a show of solidarity. Turning to face the woman who had brought such unwarranted pain to her husband, Christine felt the need to discount the vile words that had spewed forth so hurtfully. "I believe that you had just asked my husband what he would do if I could no longer stand the sight of him or our child." Christine walked calmly towards the older woman who she had come to despise in the last few minutes. "Let me tell you Mrs. Desmond," Christine said with a forcefulness that sent a shiver down Simone's spine. "Erik will never be faced with that possibility. I will never leave him. I assume you would like to know how I know something with such certainty. I'll tell you so that you will know in the lonely years that lie ahead all that you have lost due to your stupidity. I have been fortunate to finally find the man of my dreams. The man who will be the father of my children. The man who will share each and every day of the coming years with me." Christine sighed resignedly. "Oh Mrs. Desmond, how I do feel such sorrow for you, for you do not even know what you have so carelessly tossed aside." Walking back towards Erik she held out her hand to him.
Erik took Christine's hand with his, entwining his fingers with hers. Looking into her loving eyes, he thanked her silently.
Smiling up into her husband's face, she reached up and kissed his lips in a quick kiss. Turning to once again face Erik's mother Christine allowed herself one parting shot. "As my husband had just stated, you are no longer welcome in our home. I'm sure that you have some packing to do Mrs. Desmond."
Simone felt as though she had just been raked over the coals by the little bitch that stood so confidently beside her son. "Well I would have never thought that Erik would have chosen such an ill mannered bitch for a wife."
Christine felt Erik tense at his mother's despicable comment. Placing a restraining hand upon his arm, she raised an inquiring eyebrow at her mother in law. "Well, he did, and this ill mannered bitch is giving you twenty minutes to get out of this house or I will have you forcibly removed." Christine informed her with a sweet smile that belied the intent of her ominous threat.
"Well I never…" Simone began only to be cut off by Christine.
"Nineteen minutes and 53 seconds." Christine said in an amused tone.
Turning on her heel Simone stalked towards the staircase with a vow of vengeance in her black heart.
Christine drew Erik into her embrace. Leaning into his strong chest, she felt such pain for all that he must have suffered with a mother such as Simone. "I'm sorry Erik." She said softly into his chest.
Kissing the top of her head, Erik rubbed her back in a caressing motion. "I'm not." He said as a feeling of freedom began to fill him.
Leaning back so that she could try to get a handle on his feelings, she looked up into his relieved face. "You're really not, are you?" She asked in an astonished whisper.
Taking her lips in a gentle lingering kiss, he felt as though a weight had been lifted from him. "I love you, my beautiful wife."
"I love you, my sweet husband." She said with a radiant smile. "Now about this doctor's appointment…" She said with a wicked gleam in her eye.
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A/N Oops this one kind of got away from me. Bye Bye Simone! Let me know what you think in the reviews.