A/N: Sorry for all the errors in the last chapter. I posted it without editing it. Big mistake. I found so much I need to correct. I will fix thinsgs later. It will be the same chapter but without all the errors. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you next year.
Chapter Twelve
Erik's First Christmas
At any other time in his life Erik would have been in a mad rush to open his presents. Since he had never had a present at any time in his life or celebrated this holiday in the scheme of things he would have rivalled Matthew and Julianna in his childish delight of the morning's festivities. What a difference a day or rather one wonderful night can make.
On this particular morning he wanted nothing more than to linger in his nice warm bed that no longer held only himself but a warm woman who was cuddled next to him. A warm wonderful woman who had only hours ago in the dim light of the last flickers of the candle agreed to be his wife.
Erik, Opera Ghost, Phantom. They were all going to be joined in wedded bliss. The possibilities for the future were endless. One subject had held his interest in particular. In the heated moment of passion they had both forgotten the one little thing that should have been of paramount importance to them. They had joined as a man and a woman in the fullest sense without any considerations for any consequences.
Only later had it occurred to them that they may have a far reaching result of their night of unbridled passion. Ariella had been the first to bring up the subject of a child. Or rather she had been speaking of families in general. Speaking of how different it was when one has family. Children in the home. She had been trying to prepare him for the years ahead. As if he had not had a glimpse these last few weeks. As she had said it would be different to have them around all the time knowing they would always be there no matter what. Even on bad days when they misbehaved they would still be occupying his home. Their home. You couldn't just send them back like some unwanted piece of merchandise.
Ariella had been recounting the births of her siblings when she had sat straight up in bed with a look of wonder on her face. Her hands had gone to her stomach. Erik had thought her to be ill. When he inquired if she needed some medication to relieve her upset she had uttered the words that had shaken him to his foundation.
"What if we created a baby last night Erik? Oh Erik a baby. One perfect little person with his father's good looks and talent. It must be a boy. Well a girl would be nice too. Oh just think of it Erik."
Indeed he had been. His mind had filled with the horrors of his childhood. He wanted to never pass that legacy on to any child. Noticing his disquiet Ariella had inquired what was wrong. Not wishing to start their new life with an untruth between them he had told her of his fears.
It had taken many words of comfort and argument to finally convince him that even if they had a child that looked exactly like he did they would love it. She loved him. Matthew and Julianna adored him. Nadir for all his grousing about keeping Erik in line had affection for him. Even Meg and Antoinette had affection for him. Meg's a little more intense than her mother's. Ariella was well aware that Christine felt more than mere affection. Raoul, well he had a sort of acceptance as he had won Ariella's approval.
With all being right in his world Erik decided to let things play out as they would. He could change nothing in any case. Hearing the children trying to sneak down the hall he kissed Ariella into wakefulness. If he were lucky perhaps they might share a little more of what they had shared last night and again in the early morning.
Her murmuring protest had his lips seeking new territory. With a groan she rolled over to kiss him passionately. Freeing his lips with both of them panting she said, "Merry Christmas Erik. I suppose we should get up before those two open every present under the tree while they devour the candy treats in their stockings."
"Must we? I would not mind spending just a bit longer in bed. Are you sure there is nothing I can do to persuade you?"
"Erik you are a wicked man. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to spend just a few more minutes being lazy in bed with you. Heaven only knows what Matthew and Julianna will say." She had no sooner given into his intoxicating kiss than little fists pounded on the door.
"Wake up! Wake up! He came! He came!" Julianna for once was quite loud in her excitement. Matthew added his fists to his sister's.
"Julianna what do you suppose they are doing in there? Why didn't Erik spend the night in his own bed? I shall have to ask him."
"I don't think you should. Remember Momma and Papa? They never liked us to bother them when they were in their room. Even when it was the middle of the day they sometimes went to their room. Best not ask."
"Well as the man of the family I have a right to know everything. So I will ask."
This somewhat hushed conversation still reached the ears of both guilty parties. Both had flushed faces as they stared in consternation at each other.
"Will he indeed inquire as to our....activities?" Not ever having to worry before about having anyone overhear him or interrupt him in a private moment Erik could only look to Ariella for guidance.
"Oh he will most certainly ask. What will I say? Oh I am such a poor influence on their innocent minds. I am horrible." Pulling the covers over her head she hoped to regain just a little of her composure before she had to face her brother and sister.
Erik pulled the covers down from her head with a firm jerk he freed the covers from her fingers. "You are a wonderful person. Those two adore you. Nothing you have done will make them think any less of you. Perhaps we can distract them with the announcement of our engagement and impending marriage."
"Impending marriage? We only just got engaged. And might I remind you my finger is still bare? How short did you plan our engagement to be?"
Not answering immediately he thrust his arms into his robe then he left the room. Sitting up she could only hope she had not angered him with her remark about not having a ring. No sooner was the thought crossing her mind when the door opened to Erik striding into the room with the air of a conqueror. With less grace than usual he flopped down beside her. Taking her hand he asked as he slipped a beautiful diamond ring on her finger. "Will you except this as a token of my love and affection? Marry me devoting yourself to our life together as I will do the same?"
"Oh Erik it's beautiful. How...When...Of course I will accept it. I would marry you with or without a ring. I do love you so." To prove her point she pulled him to her for another round of soul searching kisses. The only thing to bring them back to awareness of the world around them was the tiny fists pounding on the door again.
"One moment please. We will be out shortly. Your brother is reminding me more and more of Antoinette. He has-+ her take charge attitude."
"Oh I don't know. I have been thinking he has been behaving like a man I know who is quite demanding. One who expects others to follow his every whim. A man I am all to willing to follow anywhere. One who can persuade me to do such wicked things. One I adore, cherish, desire." With each of the last words she punctuated each one with a kiss.
"Well this man can not be all bad if you care so much for him. Might I hope for further proof later tonight of how much you care for this man? How much you cherish him? Desire him?" The last word was spoken so softly just before his lips claimed hers once more.
Drawing back they both agreed they would make no progress toward the living room unless they parted to dress for the day. With reluctance they parted. Erik was thinking perhaps he might move his things back into his bedroom. If she had no objections he planned on spending every night from now on in the same bed as Ariella.
Quickly donning her dress she decided against the hated corset. She saw no good reason to dress in her nightgown and robe only to come back ro remove them within an hour or so.
Erik was already sitting in a chair with a cane of candy sticking guiltily out of his mouth. He had bitten most of it away so only a small piece was left. It would seem his impatience stretched to his enjoyment of his sweets as well. Not content to savor it he opted for a quick devouring. Hoping she did not see he pushed his stocking behind his back. His eye had fallen on a chocolate bar. That was his next treat.
There were other things in his stocking as well. There was a small globe only about two inches around that when shaken looked as if snow were falling all around the tiny figurines. Some music paper tied with a red ribbon. A small bag of the cashews he loved. The item that he really wanted to try but would not while in the mist of observers was a tiny toy top. He found out later it whistled as it twirled. That was his first toy ever. One he would cherish always even if he were a grown man. Ariella had seen the childish need in him that he would die before admitting it even existed. Just once in his life when he was younger he had wanted to have a toy as other children had. He was a man now but the sentiment was no less warming than if he were that five or six year old boy yearning for some gift. Just one small gift to mark the day as special.
Noticing his packages left unwrapped Julianna went to stand by his side. Glancing at her with a questioning smile she returned the smile saying softly, "Please open my gift first. It ...It is very important. If...you...well if you don't want to I will understand." She handed him a small flat package about twelve inches on all sides. It had been clumsily wrapped although lovingly tied with ribbon. Julianna laced her fingers together as if in prayer. Indeed she was praying. Matthew and Ariella came to stand with her. Ariella placed her hands on her sisters shoulders. She had no idea what Julianna had given Erik. She and Matthew had been very secretive this year. The tenseness in her sister's shoulders alerted Ariella to the importance of Erik accepting this gift wholeheartedly.
Removing the wrapping Erik could only stare at what he held in his hands before him. He swallowed quite loudly several times. He felt the burning behind his eyes signalling the presence of tears about to fall. Clearing his throat roughly he looked at each of the three people with their gazes locked on him.
"If...If you think me worthy I would be honored. I...I love you too Julianna." He opened his arms wide to receive the little girl who launched herself into his arms. She wrapped her arms so tightly around his neck Erik felt himself choking. For this he could and would endure whatever fate or God put in his path.
Julianna whispered in his ear, "I love you Papa Erik. I love you so."
Close to tears herself not even knowing the reason Ariella took the frame from Erik's unresisting hand. She turned the flat square so she could look at what had moved him so. Jullianna had drawn a picture of the four of them. They were in their home in this very room. They were all linked by their hands. Beside each figure was a name. By Erik's she had written Papa Erik. around all of them she had drawn a heart.
Matthew being a boy sniffled then wiped his eyes on his shirt sleeve. He was not crying. Some dust had flown into his eye. Noticing the tears flowing down Erik's face unashamedly he thought it was okay to cry sometimes. Not that he was or anything but if he did it would be okay. He sniffled loudly a couple more times.
Setting Julianna on his lap which she thought an excellent place to be she leaned her head against his strong chest. She could hear his heart beating a steady rhythm. Thump. Thump. Thump. Just like she had with her real Papa.
"Ariella should we tell them? Should we tell them that you and I are...?" Reaching for her left hand he kissed the ring on her finger reverently. Nodding her head she gave her silent permission for him to continue.
"Matthew, Julianna, your sister has graciously consented to be my wife. We will be a family. A real family."
Stepping back a couple of paces Matthew put his hands behind his back eyeing Erik steadily. With not so much as a smile he said, "Well sir, seeing as I am the man of the family until you marry I think we should retire to the study so that we may discuss this man to man. It is my duty after all to make sure you are on the up and up. I must ask questions."
Erik placed his hands under Julianna's arms then lifted her from his lap. He stood facing the unsmiling child with a stern look upon his own face. Only Ariella could see the twitch at the corner of his mouth.
"Matthew you be nice to him. If you scare him I promise I will kick your shins black and blue. I will tell everyone you like..." Here she paused for she heard Matthew's indrawn breath. Well perhaps that was too much. A couple good kicks should do it.
Quickly before Julianna could change her mind he ran to the stairs waiting for Erik to join him. As Erik approached Matthew turned leading the way down the hall. The two solemn figures strode down the hall to the study. Matthew went in first waiting for Erik to enter before he closed the door behind him. Motioning with his hand toward a chair for Erik to take a seat which Erik noticed happened to be just in the center of the room giving it the appearance of a seat of interrogation in his mind just at this moment.
Seating himself he sat forward waiting for whatever Matthew might have to say. Damned if he didn't start to feel just a bit uncomfortable under that innocent stare. He could not possibly know. Could he? Erik, to his consternation began to fidget. He who had never fidgeted in is life. He had made others fidget and squirm but he himself had never had occasion to fidget.
Matthew drew himself up as tall as a seven year old can placing his hands behind his back he began to question Erik in such a serious tone. "Monsieur, Erik, so you intend to marry my sister? As the man of the family it is my duty to ask how you intend to support her. What is your financial situation? Will you continue your ghost business or get another job? Personally I think you should still be the ghost but a married man does have more responsibilitoes. Of course it is understood that Julianna and I must stay with Ariella so you will have us to support as well. Although I do have my treasure should you feel you need it," Matthew paused, clearing his throat before he continued in a less certain tone, "You would be taking the place of our father. Would you...could you...I know you said Julianna could but could I...Shoot, Erik may I call you Papa as well?" He didn't look at Erik after asking what to him was the most important question. He stood before Erik shuffling his feet looking to be exactly what he was. A small seven year old boy unsure of his acceptance by a man he adored just as he had his father.
Realizing the gravity of the conversation despite its amusing undercurrents Erik answered in a most serious voice, "I have sufficient funds to support the three of you for many years in comfort. If you feel it advisable for me to continue my present position I will take that under advisement. Of course it is understood you and Julianna must stay here with us. I would feel honored to have you call me Papa, Matthew."
Matthew heaved a sigh of relief. Having his mind eased on that issue he brought his hands to the front of him crossing his arms while looking directly into Erik's eyes. Erik had the sudden feeling that an animal must have when being within the sites of the hunter's gun or bow.
"When do I get a baby brother? I asked for one for Christmas but he wasn't under the tree. So when can we get one? I don't want to be old and gray before I get one you know."
Erik blushed crimson thanking whatever gods might be listening for the fact that Matthew would not know the reason for his embarrassment as he spoke and stuttered, "Well I...Well these things...Ariella and I will discuss the matter Matthew. One request if you please. Under no circumstances are you to ask Ariella for a baby brother. Understood?"
Matthew considered the request. To get what he wanted he could agree to that. He held out his hand to Erik. As gentlemen they shook hands. They were in agreement. Releasing Erik's hand Matthew hesitated for a moment then threw his arms around Erik's legs nearly toppling him over. "Merry Christmas Papa."
Swallowing with difficulty Erik managed to croak out, 'Merry Christmas...son." The oddest warmth shot throughout Erik. He felt warmed from the inside out.
Having finished their discussion they both straightened their clothes wiped any stray tear caused by that infernal dust from their eye then returned to the living room to discover everyone else had arrived. The women were busy in the kitchen making breakfast. Someone had made tea and coffee placing a tray on the sideboard along with cups, saucers, spoons sugar and cream. A tray of cookies had been set out to tide over the hungry masses until breakfast was ready.
Nadir and Raoul were in deep discussion. Christine was sitting in a chair in the corner looking somewhat forlorn. Erik felt a twinge of guilt about announcing his engagement. Why it should bother him he had no idea. It certainly had not bothered her to bring Raoul or her son into his opera house or his home. Looking over at the cradle Antoinette had borrowed from the props department he casually sauntered over to have just a peek. The woman sitting knitting beside it must have been warned about him for she batted not an eyelash.
The conversation stopped suddenly as Erik approached the cradle. For God's sake did they think he would devour the child? It was one of the rumors around the opera house that he kidnapped virgins and ate small children. Ariella coming out of the kitchen with a tray filled with hot scones, butter, and an assortment of jellies crossed over to the sideboard laying the tray down alongside the others. She then went to Erik reaching her arm around his waist to ask, "Is everything settled? No problems?"
Placing his own arm around her to draw her nearer he whispered in her ear, "Everything is perfect. I am soon to be the proud Papa of two children. Can you believe such a thing?"
Yes my love I can. You are a wonderful man and will be a wonderful father." They both looked into the cradle at the sleeping little boy. He was beautiful. So small. So angelic. So innocent. Erik's mind raced with the thought that next year that could well be his own son or daughter he gazed upon with such wonder. His child. Suddenly the enormity of everything he had been given just in these last few hours hit him with a sudden avalanche of emotions. Was he ready for this? What if he did something wrong that caused them pain? So much responsibility. So much...He looked down at Ariella...so much love. Yes, he could do this. He would do his. For his new family he could and would face any challenge, any obstacle.
Breakfast was quite a loud boisterous meal. Everyone around the table adding their own blessing for the day. Conversation went back and forth across the table. Everyone having things to contribute. Even Christine set aside her bad mood for the moment.
Having filled their stomachs and cleared away the mess they all sat around the fireplace. Erik whispered something into Ariella's ear. She glanced up at him from her position at his feet on the floor. Turning to rest her arms on his knees she smiled nodding her head. Taking a deep calming breath Erik said to no one in particular, "Ariella has consented to be my wife. After the new year we will be getting married. We wish for everyone to attend the ceremony. It will be a simple ceremony for obvious reasons."
No one needed any elaboration. Antoinette's mind started whirling. She could get her own wedding dress out of storage. It could be altered if Ariella consented. Christine had worn an elaborate gown Raoul had bought for her. Meg had steadfastly stated she would not be wearing her mother's gown as she wanted to design her own. This could be Antoinette's one chance to have someone she cared about wear the once beautiful gown she had worn on her own wedding day. If Erik thought she would allow him to slink into a church without one bit of celebration he was in for a shock. Her mind raced with the lists of food, flowers,wedding cake, wedding gifts. So much to do while keeping it all secret. That in and of itself was a challenge. Erik had a way of finding out everything within the walls of the opera house.
Eyeing the handsome dark figure of Nadir she found her heart beating just a bit faster. He really was quite a handsome man. So polished. So intelligent. Well he would have to be wouldn't he dealing with Erik? Perhaps she could enlist him to give his aid in her cause?
Meg's voice piping up interrupted anything more being said. "I looked outside before coming down. There is about three inches of snow on the ground with more falling. I think we should get the sleds out of the stables and head for Devil's Run. It is perfect for sliding down. There is even a row of hedges at the bottom to stop you so you won't go into the Seine. What more could one ask? Anyone interested?"
It seemed everyone was wanting to head out into the fresh air. Including Erik although he hung back a bit. Ariella asked him what was wrong and he made no verbal reply he simply pointed toh is masked face. Leaving him a moment she went to the stack of presents he had yet to open. Picking through she found the one she wanted. Returning to him she handed him the gift instructing him to open it.
Tearing the paper away Erik found a knitted cap and matching scarf made from the softest material. They were naturally both in black. Ariella did manage to knit a bit of red and green into the pattern just to make it festive. When he put them on he found he could remove his mask if he wanted and still remain anonymous. Ariella had spent many late nights after everyone had gone to bed working on his gift. Each stitch had been made with love.
Everyone wrapped up warmly. The group left Erik's home in silence again. Not the lonely silence it had always been before but the silence of a happy home waiting for the people who occupied it to return when their activities ended. Paper still lay about from unwrapping presents. The tree stood in the corner holding pride of place in the room. Lights were left on to greet the returning occupants.
This was no longer a mere dwelling, it was a home. The home of the one time Phantom of the Opera, Opera Ghost, now simply Erik.
They had a wonderful day sledding down those hills. Erik for once was at the center of the joviality instead of merely looking on from some distant dark corner. Afterward they strolled in the park. Every once in a while the children would race back just to hold their hands for a moment of reassurance then sprint off again.
Meg instigated the snowball fight hitting Erik squarely in the back. He turned to see who dared to hit him. Meg was walking behind them with her hands tucked behind her back wearing an innocent expression that would fool no one let alone Erik. Not ever having made or thrown a snowball before he was quite willing to give it his best efforts. Meg backed away pleading innocence the whole time even as a snowball hit her in the face. She spluttered wiping the snow from her face while shaking the bits off that clung to her coat.
"Oh so you want to play? Well I am a master of the game. Be prepared to be beaten and conquered." Bending down she made her weapon. Eyeing the distance she threw the snowball hitting Erik in the face. For a moment she stood in shock at her own audacity, then with a gay laugh she twirled around running in the opposite direction.
After that everyone joined in.
Catching Erik in a moment when he was separated somewhat from the others Christine approached him. Asking him to sit with her on the bench just behind them they both sat. They were silent for a short time then Christine spoke wistfully, 'If I had not chosen comfort over passion we would have been happy wouldn't we Erik? It could have been us getting married."
"Christine we would have been happy to some extent. We are not what each of us needs. We are both too needy to withstand any amount of time together. We are with who we were meant to be with. I for my part am happier than I ever dreamed I could be or thought I deserved.
I loved you. I still do in some small measure. Not as I love Ariella. I suppose I love you as the one who first brought a little light into my darknesss. You paved the way for me to be able to let Ariella into my life. You made me see the possibilities of how life could be. For that I thank you."
"I don't want any thanks from you. I want you Erik. I always have. You just frightened me so. Please say there can be a chance for us. I need you Erik. I need what we used to have."
'Christine you do not need me. You have a wonderful loving husband. The blessing of a perfect child. Why want something other than the perfection of what you already have? Something less perfect? Less wonderful?"
"I...I do love Raoul. I love him more than I can express. I just feel that something is missing. Something I should have experienced and didn't. I should have made love to you that night you brought me down for the first time to your home. I know you wanted to. The way you caressed me. Sang to me. If I had encouraged you just a little we would still be together. We would be lovers. Now you sleep with her. That woman. She isn't good enough for you. For God's sake she doesn't even sing."
"Do not say anything more Christine. I do not love Ariella for any talent she may or may not have. I have never bothered to ask. It has never been an important issue. There are so many other things I love about her."
"Including the fact she allows you to take her to your bed. That is what has intrigued you. A willing woman to warm your bed."
With a sigh Erik stood. "I will not discuss this with you any further. I have no wish to end our relationship with hard feelings between us. I know you will understand if we see each other as little as possible. Please be happy Christine. I never thought I would say this but Raoul is an extraordinary man. One you would do well to keep happy. You could find yourself alone otherwise."
After Erik left Christine sat alone for a while until Meg flopped down next to her. She took Christine's hand in her own. They had been like sisters for most of their lives having known each other since they were six years old.
"You know Christine, Raoul is quite something. Last night when he came back he was so...so virile looking. He has always been attractive. Last night I saw a whole other side of him. Just so you know if you continue to pursue Erik I will consider that an opening to pursue Raoul. If you don't want him throw him back. There are plenty of women who would love to hook him. Including me. I love you Christine. I would never do anything to hurt you. I am only trying to get you to see what you already have. Do you even know how lucky you truly are? Well I must get back. There are snowballs just waiting to be tossed. You should come and join in the fun."
Sitting alone Christine looked to where Raoul was energetically throwing snowballs in retaliation for missiles being thrown in his direction. She had to smile just a bit. He really was quite wonderful. Even if he was not Erik. She should be happy with the life she had. No matter how much she tried to convince herself how lucky she was there was always that little niggling "what if" in the back of her mind.
Only one thing disturbed everyone's plans. Erik didn't have a last name. he could never recall having one. It had never mattered to him. It still did't. His only concern was it may delay the wedding. After much discussion it was decided Erik would adopt Ariella's surname as his own.
Erik and Ariella married on January 1, 1873. They both wanted to be married in their cavern home. Once Antoinette had Nadir and Meg's cooperation they set about making it a wondrous place of light and flowers. Flowers were in every corner. White and gold ribbon had been twisted loosely together decorating the walls on the inside as well as the outside.
Candles were the only lighting allowed during the actual ceremony. It was perfect. Antoinette had gotten a minister who had a daughter who just happened to be wanting a place in the ballet corps. Matthew had given Ariella away. Julianna was the flower girl. Meg had been her bridesmaid. Long after everyone else left the newly married couple danced to the melody playing on the phonograph purchased just for the occasion. Soon they danced to the music only they could hear.
Erik and Ariella spent many happy years together. Raising five children of their own along with her brother and sister. One time only Erik had brought up the subject of moving into a proper home. One would think he had offered to move them to Siberia. So many protests were launched at him he soon gave up. Rooms were added to his already large home. Matthew was moved to a cavern just around the bend. He and Erik built quite a comfortable room for him. He continued to dine with the family but when he needed his alone time or sleep he had his own area.
Matthew showed a talent for the piano of all things. Julianna with much encouragement from her adopted Aunt Meg took to ballet with a fervor she had never shown in her life. Being shy most of the time she became a different person when she danced. More confident and sure of her place in the world.
Christine and Raoul lived quite happily even if Christine had continued to have that little thought of "what if". Christine and Erik were coldly polite at any time the families were together. Raoul took great pleasure in his children. Two boys and two girls. Much to his consternation his youngest daughter showed an affinity with Erik and Ariella's oldest son Raphael. Erik was none too pleased either but he wisely kept his own counsel. Nadir and Antoinette were at last engaged then married shortly thereafter. but only after many months of Nadir wearing her down they finally got married. Those two could rival Erik and Ariella in the open affection they showed in public. The children thought it just plain yucky. At least the younger ones. The older females thought it the most romantic thing.
Meg went to England to dance for a while. She made quite a splash. Needless to say her exploits with men were regaled at every gathering. About five years after leaving Paris the oddest thing happened. Meg met and married a man much like Erik. Not that he was deformed of face. He did have an injury from horseback riding that made his left arm somewhat useless. He had a pronounced limp. He was a taciturn man with little tolerance for stupidity. He was a composer and renowned conductor.
Meg fell hard and immediately. He on the other hand thought she was a frivolous dancer with little to recommend her. As only Meg can she wore away at him like water on a stone until at last he gave in. Well perhaps it was more like allowing himself to at last believe someone as beautiful as her could even cast her eyes in his direction. On April 14, 1878 Meg married Sean Michael O'Hara. An Irishman with thick unruly black hair. His penetrating sky blue eyes could rival Erik's own green orbs when looking deep into a person's soul or through them with cold indifference.
When she took him to Paris he and Erik took to each other as if they had known one another their entire lives. They even had an uncanny resemblance to one another. Meg claimed Sean was clearly and without question the handsomer of the two. Ariella insisted no one was as handsome as Erik. The men listened with inflated egos. Their opinion was they didn't care which one in actual fact was the handsomest man. That the women they loved thought so was what counted.
A ghost became a man who became a husband who became a father. With each passing year the memory of his previous life settled deeper into the farthest recesses of his mind. His much happier recent memories crowded out and replaced everything else.
That was Erik's greatest gift that year. Finally becoming more than a shadow, more than a spectre. He became what he had been meant to be. A wonderful human being with much to contribute.
Finis