Christine dans Deux
An Alternate Multiverse - A Phantom of the Opera Story
Nyasia A. Maire
© 2006
DISCLAIMER: See Chapter One
Chapter Seven – Reunited
"Thank God!" I breathe.
"Erik!" I call softly not wishing to startle him.
He freezes mid-stride.
"Christine!" He shouts and holds his candle high.
I relight my candle and hurry to him.
"Erik! Oh my God! I found you! Where have you been? I've been waiting for you in your home for the last four hours. I was so frightened that you had thought me a dream and left for good. Oh, how I've missed you."
"Christine … why did you go?"
Now, I am the one who freezes.
"What?" I stammer.
"I believe you heard me before, Madame. Why did you leave?" His voice sounded cold, so very cold.
"Monsieur, I did not leave your bed willingly. I awoke this morning to find myself alone on my couch in the room where we first met. I passed the day being a mother and as soon as my child went to sleep, I came to find you. I awoke alone. Erik, I was alone! I doubted my sanity until my body offered evidence of our lovemaking. I have no idea why and it seems I have no control over where I find myself. Please know this: I did not leave you or your embrace willingly."
"Christine!" He whispers and careful of the candles, he embraces me tightly. I notice he is once again wearing his white half-mask. I return his embrace frightened at my roiling emotions.
"Erik." I murmur into his chest.
Then words form in my mind. Words I cannot yet speak to him. Words, I dare not speak for fear of seeming foolish, over-eager or desperate.
"I love you. Tell me you love me."
His embrace grows tighter as if he can hear my thoughts, but he says nothing.
"What are we to do? I do not wish to continue this way. I need to know how you feel."
He pushes me away and I feel his eyes burning into me. I cannot bring myself to meet his gaze and I feel the crimson flush suffuse my cheeks.
"How do I feel?" His words reach my ears as a low growl.
The words hang in the air between us.
"Oh no! You spoke too soon, Christine! Stupid, girl!"
"How do I feel?" He repeats.
"Yes." My voice sounds dull and lifeless to my own ears and I hold my breath as I await his response.
He says nothing, but suddenly lowers his mouth to mine and kisses me with a passion, which shocks and thrills me.
"That is how I feel." He growls into my ear.
"We must find a way to be together. Either in this world or mine. I have only one request of you. My child must be with us also. You will love her. And, I know something you don't. She, my dearest one, loves you too. She thinks you are so handsome. She asks to watch the movie all the time and she's told me that she thinks the character Christine is crazy for wanting Raoul and not you."
In a wondering voice, which is deep with emotion, he says, "Me. I will have a family of my own. This is truly a dream come true. Come let's go." And he turns to go back up the passageway.
I clutch at his sleeve. "Wait. I need you to walk slowly. My leg is on fire, but I'll be okay if we walk slowly."
"I had forgotten. My apologies, mon chére cœur. Here let me help you." He laughs and catches me up in his arms.
"Where are we going?" His laughter is contagious.
"We are going to visit an old friend. In fact, I was just there and told her of you. I'm afraid she did not believe me, but now she must believe. She will know what to do. Or she will know someone who will know." He rocks me in his arms and laughs once again. "Je suis ai aimé!" He raises me to him and we kiss.
"You had better not start that or we will end up where we were last night." I tease him.
"I cannot think of a better place, but our lovemaking must wait until we can love one another without worrying that one of us will disappear."
"Wait! Just one more moment." He pauses and I clumsily fold my cane to make travel through the narrow corridors easier.
"So, I am not the only magician present." He chuckles.
"No … no magic. I'll show you how it works later. All right?"
"Agreed. We will have much to tell each other when this is finished."