Chapter 19: Spilled Secrets
Claire was still processing what she had just learnt after listing to Erik yelling at Meg who stood before him in his office whilst keeping her gaze cast on the floor in shame,
"Of all the selfish and terrible things! What were you thinking?!" Erik yelled as Claire looked at Meg with a confused expression,
"I just... I'm really struggling to understand... Why on earth would you tell Erik that I was dead?" Claire murmured and Meg looked at her with a sad expression as fresh tears fell down her cheeks,
"I... I'm so sorry, Claire... I... I don't know why I said it... It just slipped out. I was tired of always coming second on the level of importance. I was always overlooked when it came to Christine and then when I came here hoping to be a star... I realized that Erik cared more about your well being than helping me despite my having helped him to push Christine into the limelight he desired for her... I didn't mean to cause so much trouble" the young girl murmured but Erik was not so easily swayed,
"You may have performed in last nights' show but from this moment forward you are dismissed!" Erik yelled causing Meg to look at him horrified,
"No, Erik please! I know i've done wrong but... I really didn't mean to cause you so much pain. I truly am sorry" she told him desperately,
"My decision is final!" Erik yelled and Meg felt her blood begin to boil as she clenched her fists in frustration,
"You're punishing me for a mistake! A mistake I didn't mean to make! You've forgiven my mother for mistakes, you've forgiven Nadir! You even forgave, Claire for getting pregnant with the shah's child!" Meg yelled,
"MEG!" Antoinette yelled angrily and looked upon her daughter with a firm expression,
"I don't know how you learnt of Claire's pregnancy but... Erik was unaware of it until just now" she told her firmly causing Meg to frown as her anger died down and she looked towards Claire whom was standing behind Erik with fresh tears falling down her face whilst Erik held a numb expression as he took in the new information before turning towards Claire slowly,
"Is... Is this true?..." he murmured as Antoinette went to Claire's side, pulling her into a motherly embrace and allowed her to sob into her shoulder before looking towards Erik sadly,
"It's a painful subject for her, Erik... Shall I tell him?... Will it make things easier for you?" Antoinette asked Claire gently whom nodded with a sad sniffle, forcing herself to look at Erik but the action only resulted in her fleeing the room.
Antoinette stopped Erik from chasing after Claire before glaring at Meg,
"Go and wait for me downstairs" she instructed firmly... Meg could only obey; Antoinette looked at Erik with a sad expression,
"I know that it is common knowledge to you that Claire is like a daughter to me just as you are like a son... Claire opened up to me about many hardships she endured during her life in Persia" she began,
"I know that you are probably wondering why she kept this secret from you but the truth of the matter is Erik that to her it wasn't really a secret... It was just too painful for her to talk about. When Claire discovered she was pregnant... Well she told me of how she was overjoyed just by the fact that she was to become a mother... She didn't care who the father was but you know the kind heart that Claire carries within her... She wanted her child to know its father and she unfortunately told the Shah of her pregnancy... What Claire didn't realize was that the Shah did not allow his mistresses to carry children... He had slipped a termination potion into her drink and it was only after the deed was done that the shah informed her of his disgusting actions... Claire suffered a terrible miscarriage that resulted in her being bed bound for the 7 weeks that followed... She blames herself for the loss of her child" Antoinette explained and Erik could only close his eyes as the information sank in and he rubbed the back of his neck,
"... How did Meg...?" he tried,
"I can only assume that she overheard Claire telling me... She must have assumed that you knew due to the strong friendship between you both" Antoinette murmured sadly and looked at him with a matching expression,
"... Go and find her... She's going to need you right now" the ballet mistress encouraged and watched him leave after he nodded in agreement.
Erik found Claire in the greenhouse by the stone fountain... He came and sat beside her as she sobbed into her arms before wrapping his arm around her and pulled her close, allowing her to sob into his chest as he pressed soft kisses to the crown of her head,
"I'm here..." Erik whispered,
"You'll never have to suffer through anything alone again" he vowed, closing his eyes as he rocked her back and forth in a comforting motion.
I don't think Meg will be receiving a pay cheque for her first show. Review for Chapter 20!
Kind Regards,
TheAuthor1996