Rekindling the Music of the Night
By: K.C. Vaillancourt
Disclaimer - You know the drill…I do not own anything associated with The Phantom of the Opera or lyrics of any songs I use.
Just as a quick warning I do edit all my work before I post and have people read my work but there still may be some grammar mistakes. I apologize for them in advance.
Author Note – Thank you for taking the time to review, follow, or favorite my story. Your support is what keeps the momentum going.
I know I've said it before but I want to say it again. I am trying to stick to the most accurate portrayal of the 19th century as I can but there might be a few things that are either too primitive or advanced. I apologize in advance if some things are still inaccurate.
Hope everyone had a Happy Easter!
Discussing Their Escape
Christine opened her eyes and blinked several times as they adjusted to the sunlight that shined in through the windows. She thought for a moment she was still dreaming and would wake up to see Raoul next to her. Then she felt Erik's cloak around her body and pulled it tighter taking in the scent of his cologne. She wasn't quite sure what it was but she thought she caught a hint of pine. She smiled as she laid where she was remembering the night before. She had thought it would take more time for them to resolve what had happened between them but it seemed that all they needed was last night. Finally she decided to get up. She sat up swinging her legs over the side of the bed.
She took her boots off to stretch her legs and sighed as she wiggled her toes. She looked around the room she was in. It was simple but elegant. The bed she sat on had two windows on either side that let in the suns light and warmth. There was a large wooden armoire across from her. It had a beautiful crest at the top with floral carvings. The center door had a mirror and two doors on either side. There were three lower drawers that finished the piece. Christine knew she had seen this somewhere before and wondered if it was another relic from the opera house Madame Giry acquired. There were a couple lamps around the room and a pendulum clock on the wall to the right of the door. She was surprised when she saw it was one in the afternoon.
She couldn't remember the last time she had slept so late. Normally she was roused by her maids before eight in the morning so she could be dressed for the day. She got up and stretched letting the cloak fall to the floor. As she put her arms down something on the floor near the door caught her eye. She looked over and smiled. She saw a fresh deep red rose, with no thorns as always, and a black ribbon tied around it. Underneath it was a folded piece of paper. Christine picked them up and held them to her chest inhaling the rose's sweet scent.
She placed the rose on the bed and unfolded the paper. She smiled when she saw Erik's perfect handwriting.
Ma Cherie,
I did not want to disturb your sleep but I also did not want you to worry if you woke and I was not here. I went out to get fresh wood for the fireplace and stove. There is fruit and croissants on the kitchen table along with coffee on the stove if you are hungry. There is a washroom down the hall if you would like to freshen up. It is the first door on your right when you leave the guest room. I took the liberty of drawing you a bath. It should still be warm if you choose to use it. I will return to you soon.
Je Te Aime,
Erik
Christine smiled at his thoughtfulness and placed the note next to the rose on the bed. She saw her satchels on the wooden bench and began to unpack them. She thought it may be presumptuous of her but she placed her clothes in the armoire. She took the journal she had brought with her from the opera house and placed it with the dried rose on the bedside table. She made sure to place her new rose and the note with them. She kept out an outfit and made her way to the washroom. As she was about to open the door she noticed another door at the end of the hallway. She assumed it was Erik's room.
She starred at the door curious as to what was on the other side. She remembered when her curiosity about Erik had gotten the best of her when she removed his mask. The consequences of that action had been much more explosive than she expected. She reasoned taking a quick peak in his room while he was out wouldn't justify the same reaction.
She opened the door and stepped inside. His room was not at all what she expected. It was large, light, and bright. The complete opposite of the darkness he lived in at the opera house. To her right was a full-sized platform bed set into a small nook in center of the wall. There were wooden wall sconces that held lamps on either side. On the opposite wall was a large window that flooded the room with sunlight and held more lamps on the wall on either side of it. She saw another door that led to the porch outside to her left. From the ceiling hung a silver chandelier that held four more lamps. On the opposite side of the bed was an armoire almost identical to the one in the guest room. There was a small vanity next to that which she assumed held various wigs and make-up to hide his deformity.
She didn't know how long she stood in his room taking it in. It was so different then what she expected. She found herself starring at his bed and blushed when she caught herself having what Madame Giry would call, unladylike thoughts. She turned and left the room going back to the washroom.
After soaking in the warm water for what felt like forever, she changed into a clean pair of black pants and a sky blue peasant blouse then returned to the guest room. She decided to forgo a new riding corset and put her boots back on. As she brushed out her damp hair, she starred at herself in the mirror for a moment and shook her head. She didn't think she would ever get used to her hair being short and blonde. She took Erik's journal and cloak then left the room. After hanging up his cloak. She looked at a chair not too far away that held her clothes from the night before. She felt herself blushing again at what she had done.
She walked into the sitting room and was pleasantly surprised to see Erik sitting at his kitchen table reading a book. Behind him was a large wood-burning cook stove and an icebox on the opposite side of the room. Erik looked up and smiled when he saw her. "What did you think of my room ma Cherie?"
She felt the warmth in her cheeks return and was about to ask him how he knew she had been in there. "I'm sorry…" She began.
Erik's smile widened as he looked at her pink cheeks. "It's alright. I have no secrets from you. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, better and longer than I have in years." Christine said.
"I'm sure your body needed the rest."
Christine had expected him to be upset with her for invading his privacy but instead he seemed happy that she had. "I think this belongs to you." She handed him the journal.
"Where did you find this?" He asked as he took it from her.
"At the opera house." Christine told him. "I should also tell you, I read it. I didn't know what it was at first and then when I did I…I guess I read it because I wanted to feel closer to you."
Erik stood up and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Thank you for returning it." He put the journal with the others and returned to the table. Christine sat down opposite him and felt her stomach grumble when saw the plate of food he had put out for her. She picked up a croissant and began eating.
"Would you like some coffee?" Christine nodded and Erik got up from the table to get it for her.
"Thank you." She said as he placed a cup of freshly brewed coffee in front of her. "How did you sleep?"
"I never went to bed." Erik told her as he watched her eat.
Christine put down her croissant and it was then she noticed that he was wearing the same clothes from the night before. "Why is that?"
"You have to ask." Erik said moving his chair so he was closer to her and took her left hand in his.
"I didn't want to assume." Christine said as she looked down at her hand in his.
Erik held back a frown when she pulled her hand away. "Is something wrong?" Perhaps I was right after all. He thought. Now in the light of day she feels differently than I do.
Christine looked back at him and saw the worried expression he was trying to hide. "No." She said as she leaned over giving him a reassuring kiss. "When you took my hand you made these move a bit." Erik followed Christine's gaze to her hand and saw her wedding rings. "I forgot I was wearing them. I was sure I left them behind." She took them off and starred at them. She tipped her hand and let the rings fall on the table.
Erik watched them hit the table top and turned to Christine. "Are you sure…" Erik didn't get to finish as he felt her soft lips on his once more. He placed a hand on her cheek as their kiss deepened and she wrapped her arms around his neck. When they finally parted they both breathed deeply trying to catch their breath.
Christine looked back at her rings and picked them up. "These chains represent my old life." She put them back on the table and looked at Erik. "As I said last night I want a new life, a fresh start with you by my side." She raised an eyebrow. "Did you think I would change my mind in the light of a new day?"
"Honestly, I did." Erik admitted grateful that he was not one to blush easily.
She took his hand in hers. "I wouldn't have traveled all this way and did what I did to get here if I wasn't completely sure I wanted to be with you. We were denied six years and I don't want to deny myself one more day." She paused. "Unless you see things differently today."
He tightened his grip on her hand. "All I have ever wanted was to be with you. Although I don't think your husband would…"
Christine pulled her hand out of his and put a finger to his lips. "Please do not call him my husband. He is nothing to me."
"What would you like me to call him?"
"Call him Raoul or the Vicomte. It doesn't matter to me." She said taking a sip of her coffee and eating more of her lunch. She looked back at him. "I hope this doesn't sound rude but you seem, different, than when I saw you last."
"How do you mean?"
"Your eyes don't seem to hold the same sadness as they once did." Christine explained. "At the opera house you always seemed on edge and angry. You were very private. If I tried to explore your home back then I don't think you would have been quite so happy about it. You're calmer, like a, normal man." After she said it she realized just how rude what she had just said was. "I'm sorry…"
She was surprised when Erik laughed. "It's alright. I know I am different. Madame Giry and I have talked a lot over the years. She helped me to see how wrong I was and to try to put my past behind me. I think the darkness and isolation helped turn me into the man you knew. When I came here the light and fresh air seemed to help as well. I never realized how important coming out from the darkness was." Erik told her. "I have had a lot of time to reflect on who I was and came to realize that that is not the man I want to be. I want to be a good man, a man you would be proud to be with."
Christine wasn't quite sure what to say and squeezed his hand in response before she went back to eating. When she was done she looked into the sitting room and starred at his organ. "Did I hear you playing last night?"
Erik nodded. "After you were in bed I came out here and felt the familiar call of my music."
"I didn't get to hear much more than a few seconds before I fell back to sleep. Would you mind playing it for me?"
Erik stood up offering Christine his hand and led her to his organ. He sat down and without a word began to play. Christine closed her eyes and listened to the sweet melody. As he continued to play she began to sing. "Child of the wilderness. Born into emptiness. Learn to be lonely. Learn to find your way in darkness. Who will be there for you? Comfort and care for you. Learn to be lonely. Learn to be your one companion. Never dreamed out in the world. There are arms to hold you. You've always known your heart was on its own. So laugh in your loneliness. Child of the wilderness. Learn to be lonely. Learn how to love life that is lived alone. Learn to be lonely. Life can be lived, life can be loved alone."
As she sang the last note she opened her eyes and saw Eric had stopped playing. He was turned around staring at her. "How did you know the lyrics to that song?"
"They are in the journal I gave back to you. When I closed my eyes and listened to the melody the words came back to me." Christine said as she felt the familiar feeling of peace in her soul that their music brought out in her.
"It's amazing. We can still make beautiful music together even after we have been separated for so long." Erik whispered and noticed tears filling her eyes. "What's wrong?"
"It is a beautiful song but sad. It reminds me of my life with Raoul. I know when you wrote it you were reflecting upon your own life." She sat down next to him on the bench placing a hand on the cheek covered by his mask. "Now that we are together neither of us have to be alone or lonely anymore."
Erik placed his hand on her cheek. "You don't know how long I have wanted to hear such words from you. Although I feel it is important for you to know that I think it would be better if we didn't rush into anything. I want to take things slowly and get to know one another as we are now."
Christine was silent for a moment. "Because of my lack of conviction we missed out on six years. We have been together barely twenty four hours and it is like no time has passed. Can't you feel it? Our pairing is so natural we simply give into it. We want to be together and even though I am still married that shouldn't stop us." Erik didn't say a word as he pulled her into a passionate kiss. Christine smiled as they parted taking his kiss as an agreement to her statement. She looked past him and noticed a different piece of music on the music desk of his organ. "What's that?"
He looked back to the music desk and took the sheet of paper in his hands. "It's the last piece of music I wrote since I moved here." He handed it to her letting her read it.
As she read the lyrics she felt the tears in her eyes fall down her cheeks. She wiped them away as she looked up at him. "It's beautiful."
"Even after everything that happened you were still my muse." She handed it back to him wiping her tears away and noticed Erik's face become serious. "I hate to ruin a lovely moment but there is an issue you raised that we need to deal with." He paused. "You are a married woman."
Christine sighed. "I know. Leaving him and taking off his rings doesn't dissolve that in the eyes of the church or France. He and I are still married. Is there anything I can do?"
Erik wiped away a stray tear from her cheek and held her hands. "I have heard of a way to have marriages ended but it is extremely difficult for a woman to do. However, I may know of someone who can help."
"Who?" Christine asked her eyes lighting up with hope.
"I think for now it is best that I keep that to myself. Not that I don't trust you…"
"I understand." Christine reassured him. "The less I know the better incase Raoul should somehow separate us."
"I promise you that will not happen. No matter what I have to do." Erik said.
Christine noticed a familiar glint in his eye. "No, Erik."
"What?"
"You are already a wanted man for killing Buquet and Piangi. You have to promise me you will not become that man again. I couldn't bear it if you were caught and…" She couldn't finish her words already picturing his hanging body in her mind.
Erik kissed her hand. "I would love to be able to promise you that someone will not die at my hands but I cannot make a promise to you I am not sure I can keep. I thought about this for a while last night wondering if it was time for the phantom to make his return." Christine was about to say something but he continued. "I'm not going to make a grand spectacle like at the masquerade. All I am saying is that if it comes down to our survival or his along with anyone that helps him, keeping their hands at the level of their eye will not save them."
"I understand." Christine said with a nod. "Raoul will be willing to kill to get me back. I can't ask you not to be ready to do the same to keep us together."
Since they were already on the subject he decided he should tell her about his early morning visitor. "Madame Giry came to see me this morning."
"Is everything ok?" Christine asked immediately concerned.
"As Meg was about to leave the opera house she was confronted by Raoul." He could tell Christine was about to interrupt. "Don't worry she's fine. Madame Giry didn't tell me what she did but she was able to get away from him. Before she left Paris she saw Raoul meeting with a man named Anton…"
"Anton!" Christine exclaimed fear immediately entering her eyes.
"Who is he?"
"Anton Boucher, he is a childhood friend of Raoul's and has grown to be his right hand man. He does whatever Raoul asks of him usually without question. Including…" Christine swallowed hard. "Including at times holding me down so Raoul could…well, you've seen the scars."
Erik saw the tears she was fighting to stop from escaping her eyes. He fought hard to hide the intense anger he felt for both men. "He wouldn't be above killing for him then?"
"I can't be sure but it wouldn't surprise me. I do know Anton was able to get Raoul in contact with other less than savory men. I saw a few of them in Paris."
"Before she left Meg heard Raoul tell Anton to spread the word that he is offering a monetary reward for the location of Madame Giry and significantly more if he is led to me."
"That's his answer for everything." Christine said with disgust putting her head in her hands. She knew this would happen. Her first instinct was to tell Erik she should leave so that he and the Giry's would be safe but she knew now that she was with him she couldn't walk out of his life, not again. Besides it wouldn't change anything. Raoul would hunt them down like animals even if she wasn't with them. After what he said a few moments ago she knew she was safer with him. "I'm sorry for dragging all of you into the mess I have made of my life."
Erik placed a hand on her arm and she looked up at him. "There is no need for apologizes. I could not be happier that you came here to be with me. I can assure you if Madame or Meg Giry were here they would tell you they do not regret helping you for a second. Speaking of whom I told them we would go see them this afternoon."
Christine stood up and held out her hand. "What are we waiting for?"
Erik nodded and together they walked to their house. Madame Giry and Meg were happy to see them. Not only to see them both at their home but obviously together. After exchanging hugs Madame Giry prepared tea and they sat around what Christine assumed was an Erik original oak kitchen table. She was the first to speak. "Meg, I am so relieved to see you're ok. Erik told me about your encounter with Raoul and what you heard. In these hard times people will jump at the opportunity to get that kind of money. I don't want to put you both in harm's way any further. You should leave this house as soon as you can."
"That is what we have been discussing most of the morning." Madame Giry told her. "As I said to Eric earlier, I believe it is you and he that need to leave as soon as possible."
"I thought we came here to discuss a way for all of us to escape and be safe." Christine said looking at all three of them one by one.
"The Vicomte's primary target is you and Erik." Madame Giry said. "If he comes here for information after you are gone he may threaten us but he is not ignorant enough to do anything that could be linked to him due to the reward he is offering. He does have a reputation to keep in good standing after all. Meg and I feel the priority should be helping you both escape France as soon as possible."
"By escape you mean, leave France?" Christine asked.
"You didn't tell her?" Madame Giry asked looking at Erik.
"I thought it would be best if we were all together so information didn't keep getting repeated." Erik said.
"Where would we go?" Christine wondered.
"London." Meg said trying to hold back her enthusiasm but could tell by her mother's stern look she had done a poor job.
Christine looked over at Erik. "London?"
He nodded. "It was Madame Giry's idea. She thought by leaving France Raoul would have little to no influence."
"That's true." Christine said in a distant voice taking in the idea. She had lived in France since she was seven, after her father died. She didn't know what to think of the idea of leaving for what she knew would have to be for good.
Meg pulled Christine out of her thoughts. "Maman and I agree that I should return to Paris the day after tomorrow so I can..."
"No Meg." Christine said shaking her head. "Raoul and Anton know we tried to switch places. I can't let you put yourself in further danger."
"I wasn't asking your permission." Meg said a bit harshly and immediately softened her tone. "You need someone to be the eyes and ears of gossip. I have been doing that for years. Not to mention it will give me an opportunity to try to misdirect any of Raoul's men that are there."
"You're ok with this?" Christine asked Madame Giry.
Madame Giry took a moment to gather her thoughts before answering. "I am not completely on board with her idea but it does give us the best opportunity to know if someone has taken the Vicomte up on his offer or not."
"What about you?" Christine looked at Erik.
He could see her eyes begging him to try to talk Meg out of this. He sighed. "The only reason we have the information we do is because of Meg's quick thinking. If she can find out more it would keep us one step ahead."
Christine nodded her head and looked at Meg. "When will you return?"
"I will lurk around for as long as I feel I need to."
"It would be wise for you to stay away from the opera house." Erik pointed out.
"I have a friend just outside of Paris I can stay with." Meg told them.
"Is there a point in time when you both will leave to join us?" Christine asked her voice clearly speaking to how unhappy she was with how the discussion was going.
"We will leave a few days after you and Erik are on your way." Madame Giry told her.
"A few days!" Christine exclaimed nearly jumping out of her seat. "I don't think you understand how dangerous these men or this situation is. You have no idea what they are capable…"
Madame Giry glared at Christine. "I am fully aware of the danger…"
She could see Madame Giry's eyes glance at the bruise on her cheek. She felt Erik's hand on her back trying to calm her down. "Obviously you aren't." She nearly stood up to lift her blouse to show them her scars but stopped herself. "You are putting yourself and your daughter in tremendous danger…"
"I think it is you who is not seeing the entire situation." Madame Giry said trying to keep her composure. "You left your husband who as we all know is a powerful man, in order to be with the man you truly loved. In doing so you have lit a fire in the Vicomte that will not be extinguished until all his resources are exhausted. That means you and Erik must escape from France as soon as possible. Meg and I will join you but it has to be this way."
Meg could see the argument between her mother and Christine was not going to end anytime soon. She decided to say the first thing that came to her mind. "Erik, how about you take Christine to the stables to meet her new horse?"
Christine turned to Meg. "What's wrong with Cecile?"
"Nothing, she's fine. Except that she does standout and if I am going to continue to misdirect people I'll need her. I promise you I will take good care of her."
"I know you will Meg." Erik took Christine's hand and led her out of the house to the stables. While the Giry's continued to talk. Christine saw Cecile and immediately walked over to her and began to stroke her mane. "Meg is going to continue taking care of you for a while. She will care for you as well if not better than I do. I'll miss you but right now it is not safe for us to be together."
"Does that go for us as well?" Erik asked from behind her.
Christine turned around. "No, of course not. I thought we had laid that subject to rest in your cabin. I love you and want us to be together no matter what may come." She sighed. "Somewhere in my heart I knew when I made the decision to leave, this was inevitable even if I try to deny it now. You're all right about what needs to be done. Raoul is after me and now you. Along with the Giry's and no doubt anyone else who helps us. As I think about it the four of us traveling together is like waving a red flag in front of a bull." She went back to stroking Cecile as a few tears escaped her eyes. She felt Erik's arms wrap around her waist and she laid her head on his chest. "It doesn't change the guilt I feel for everything the three of you have to go through and give up because of me."
"We are not the only ones who have to give everyone up and there is nothing the three of us wouldn't do for you to keep you safe from that animal just as there is nothing you wouldn't do for us. Meg is a smart woman she knew the danger that could follow as soon as she decided to help you, so did her mother."
Christine turned in his arms looking up into his eyes. "I know you're right but the three of you are being forced to give up your lives, your homes, all because of me. What about your organ, your journals, and all the other things you will have to leave behind in your cabin."
"I am sure there are things you left behind when you left Raoul to find me. They are just that, things. Material possessions that can be replaced in time. My journals are from my past and there is no need for me to keep them any longer. I want to focus on the future. As for my organ, do you think I have had that same one my whole life?" Christine nodded and Erik laughed. "That is at least my third one. With the way I play I tend to wear them out quickly."
"So, you are ok with having to leave France?"
"France is only a small part of a much bigger beautiful world that you have yet to see. Meg tried to hide it but did you see her eyes light up when she told you about going to London."
Christine couldn't help but giggle. "I did. She has always dreamed of leaving Paris since we were kids. There is something about London that has always intrigued her. I could even see a bit of excitement in Madame Giry's eyes."
"What about you?" Erik asked.
"I have to admit when Meg said London my first instinct was to ask when we were leaving. Growing up at the opera house I always dreamed of traveling to see what laid beyond Paris even France. Now I can and what makes it so much better is I get to experience it with you."
Erik leaned down and kissed her cheek. "We want a new life and this is our chance to have it. We will be in a new place where we can settle in a home we choose together where no one knows us. The road to get there will be long and dangerous but in the end you will see that it was worth it."
"Is it possible that for today we forget the world around us and all the complications that come with it? Can we enjoy what is left of the day and tomorrow continue to make our plans."
Erik nodded and led her away from Cecile to a different stall in the stables. Christine raised an eyebrow when she saw the horse inside. "This is Cesar."
"No. This is Cesar's brother, Arturo." Erik told her.
She looked him over. "He looks exactly like Cesar. How do you tell them apart?"
"Arturo has one brown eye and one blue one while Cesar's are both brown. It is the only distinction between them." Erik explained.
Christine reached out a hand and stroked his mane. He seemed to like her like his brother but what would happen when she tried to ride him. "Do you think he will let me ride him? I mean, I am a stranger to him."
"You were a stranger to Cesar too." Erik pointed out. "There is truly only one way to find out."
