We don't own any of the characters from The Phantom of the Opera, although we do rather enjoy borrowing them from time to time, especially Erik!
A/N Wow I can't believe that we have come to my second chapter in out little story. I have been very happy to see all of the encouraging reviews that all of you wonderful readers have left for all of our very talented authors. So now it is my turn to change the course of the story in my own angst-happy way, so hold onto your seats ladies, cause here we go….
Authors
Chapter one/ten - ToryD
Chapter two/eleven - Terpsichore314
Chapter three/twelve - KatieKay90
Chapter four/thirteen - MJ Mod
Chapter five/fourteen - LostBluePhantom
Chapter six/fifteen – Moonshine's Guide
Chapter seven/sixteen - Phantasmarose
Chapter eight/seventeen - Splendorous Night Unfurled
Chapter nine/eighteen - Hatred Behind a Mask
Secrets Left Untold
Chapter 10 – Author – ToryD
Beta – Terpsichore314 (I'm so jealous, you get to write the best chapter of the story next!)
Erik slowly turned to face Christine without looking directly at her, for he did not think he could bear to see the look of disgust in her beautiful eyes.
Christine braced herself, not wanting to flinch away from the sight of Erik's unmasked face. She had seen him briefly last night in the dim light, which if she were completely honest with herself, she had to admit that she was slightly taken aback by the severity of his disfigurement. Stop it Christine! her mind admonished her sternly, forthis was the same man who had found it in his heart to help a complete stranger. The same sweet, caring man who had shown her and her baby brother nothing but kindness and compassion.
With firm resolve, Christine looked upon Erik's scarred visage with a courage pulled from the very depths of her soul. Her heart leaped into her throat as she witnessed for the first time the unmitigated horror of his features. His scars resembled the worst of a Hollywood horror film; the right cheek was concaved with a thin veil of translucent yellowed skin that failed to hide the multitude of blood vessels that ran underneath. His right eye socket was malformed, causing the eye to droop down in a most sinister and threatening fashion.
Yet somehow Christine did not feel fear or disgust, only sorrow that such a tender man would be forced to bear such a horrendously heavy burden. Seeing the tenseness of his body, Christine realized that Erik was resignedly awaiting her scream of fear, a reaction that she was sure he had received a number of times. Rising silently from the bed, she approached him slowly. As she stood just inches away, she reached out and tentatively caressed the indentation of his right cheek. She watched in awe as the man before her finally looked into her accepting eyes with tears of grateful joy filling his own.
"Christine," his choked whisper moved her as he pulled her roughly into his tight embrace. Unable to speak past the emotion, Erik simply held her close feeling for the first time in his life the total acceptance of another human being.
Christine leaned into Erik's strong chest, savoring the closeness that she had never before experienced. For some unknown wondrous reason, with this man she had found a peace that called her home. Ben began to coo from his position between two pillows that Christine had placed around him to keep him from falling off the bed. Pulling slightly out of Erik's arms, Christine smiled up into Erik's unmasked face, already becoming accustomed to his disfigurement. "Well I guess Ben is up," she said lightly, tying to ease the emotion of the moment.
"I'd better get my mask," Erik said as he began to reach for his mask that lay beckoning upon the tall dresser, only to be forestalled by Christine.
"No," she said insistently with a gleam of purpose in her blue eyes. "I don't want you to ever wear that mask while you are alone with me or Ben."
"You don't know what you are saying," Erik began as he tried to hide away from her searching gaze. "Children are frightened of this," he said with self loathing as he pointed to the deformed side of his face.
Reaching over, Christine pulled him around to face her. "Oh Erik, don't you know that children are only frightened of what they don't understand?" she said softly as she caressed his cheek lovingly. "Ben is still so young, he won't be afraid. I want him to see you as you are, a sweet caring man, not a man that hides behind a mask."
Erik swallowed hard against the lump that had formed in his throat. "I don't want him to be afraid of me," he said with a sadness that pierced Christine's heart.
"Trust me, Erik," she whispered earnestly, knowing the magnitude of what she was asking of him.
"All right," Erik relented with a deep sigh.
Smiling her gratitude, Christine leaned up and began to kiss his lips lightly only to be pulled into a much deeper kiss.
Erik's insistent tongue gained entrance past Christine's soft pliant lips, savoring the sweetness that only she could offer.
Christine felt as if she was floating ten feet off the ground as Erik deepened the kiss into something she had never before felt. She could feel their souls seeking out the other, joining in this one moment in time, as one.
Ben's squeal of delight forced them apart as they both drew in deep breaths in order to recover from their earth-shattering kiss. "Wow," Christine said in a breathless tone.
"You little brother needs to work on his timing," Erik said ruefully as he stared at her flushed features.
"Yes, well that is something he will definitely be working on in the future," Christine said as he pulled out of Erik's embrace to entwine her hand through his. "Let's go see what he wants."
Erik stiffened slightly and reluctantly allowed Christine to pull him towards the bed.
"Good morning, my angel," Christine said in an animated tone as she looked down at her happy little brother.
Ben pumped his arms and legs in an excited manner, showing his happiness at finally gaining their attention.
Lifting his sturdy little body into her arms, she could feel the extent of his nighttime diaper. "You need a change, big boy," she cooed at him. "Erik, take him while I get him a new diaper."
Erik tentatively took Ben into his arms, carefully turning his scarred face away from Ben's direct gaze.
Christine watched with a heavy heart as she made her way back to her own assigned room where her and Ben's belongings still resided. "Please don't let me down, Ben," she whispered to herself as she collected the diaper bag, premixed formula and a bottle for Ben's breakfast.
Erik couldn't help but smile at the enormous amount of noise Ben's happy squeals made within the room. Ben looked up expectantly at Erik as he just realized that something was different about the man that he had come to know over the last few days. Lifting his chubby little hand he began to pat Erik's scarred cheek as he made a thorough study of Erik's new visage. Seeing nothing of notable interest Ben began to babble in a language all his own, unknowingly giving Erik one of the greatest gifts he had ever received. Lifting him up closer he kissed the top of Ben's smooth, fine-haired head, thanking god for bringing not only this precious baby into his life but allowing him to meet the woman who had brought about a chance of happiness that had eluded him all of his long lonely years.
Christine walked back into the room and paused in the doorway as she took in the tender scene between Erik and little Ben. Thank you Ben, she called to her brother silently as her heart filled with a joy that she knew few were lucky to ever experience. She watched Erik lift Ben high into the air, both of their expressions only holding the purest of joy.
This is my family, she thought to herself as tears began to fill her eyes. This is the man I am going to spend the rest of my life with, and together we will give Ben a safe and loving home that he so deserves. A smile spread across her face as tears began to trail lightly down her cheeks.
Erik turned around and drew in a sharp breath at the sight of her tears. "What's wrong?" he asked as alarm shot through him.
Christine walked slowly towards her two men. "Nothing's wrong," she responded gently as she reached up and caressed his scarred cheek. "Everything is just so very right."
Erik released his held breath as he leaned down and took her lips in a tender kiss. Christine was correct in her statement, everything was just so very right.
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Isabel drummed her fingers impatiently upon the antique table as she awaited the end to her father's latest lecture.
Gerald Dodd glared down at his disappointing daughter. "Do you have any idea what your petty actions are costing me? Do you want me to lose the next election? A man of Erik Demetrius's stature is not to be crossed, Isabel. He has more money and connection than I could ever hope to gain in a lifetime," he said truthfully.
"Really, father, you act as though Erik is the King of New York or something," Isabel said sarcastically as she studied a small chip in her pink lacquered nail.
"He might as well be for all of the control he wields within the city," Gerald imparted as he paced the length of the elegant dining room in the governor's mansion. "Listen, honey, I am sorry that Demetrius hurt you, but you just have to move on now," he said in a gentler tone, causing Isabel's face to flush a most unattractive red.
"I will not move on!" she screeched at the top of her lungs. "If that little hobo thinks that she can have Erik without a fight then she has another thing coming!"
Gerald shook his head in disgust at his illegitimate daughter. He had failed her and he knew that the majority of the blame for Isabel's shortcomings lay solely at his feet. "Isabel, I have never asked anything of you in the past; Lord knows that I owe you for your continued silence as to your proper place in my life," he said sadly as he pulled up a chair to sit beside her. "But I need you to promise me this one thing, sweetheart, please leave Demetrius and his guests alone."
"You're right, father, you do owe me for my silence," she said coldly as she pinned Gerald with a sharp piercing gaze. "So you can just forget my leaving Erik and his little bitch alone. In fact, father dear," she said sarcastically, "if you want my cooperation to retain your deepest, darkest secret, then you are going to help me put that little bitch back on the streets where she belongs."
"Are you threatening me?" Gerald asked with incredulity clearly displayed across his wrinkled face.
With a sinister smile upon her perfectly outlined lips, Isabel regarded the weak little man she called father. "Threatening is such an ugly word, let's just say that I am letting you know the consequences of not doing as I say," she said in a simple tone of voice that sent a chill of dread down Gerald's spine. Seeing that her father was reeling from her ultimatum, she rose gracefully from her Chippendale chair and reached for her Hermes bag. "Just so we are clear, father dear, I will expect a call from one of your social workers within the hour," she said as she calmly walked towards the doorway and made her exit, unconcerned at the destruction she had just leveled at her father.
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One month later
Christine pushed her salad around on her plate as she tried to calm her anxiety over leaving Ben behind. She was amazed that with all of the places that she and Erik had been in the past month that this was the very first time they were without little Ben. She knew that Erik had gone to a lot of trouble in planning their evening alone, but she couldn't help but worry about her little brother. They had attended the opening of the American ballet, a dream come true for her as she recalled her dreams as a young uncoordinated girl in her first ballet class. But as the evening wore on, all she wanted was to hold little Ben within her arms.
Erik was equally distracted as he wondered what his little buddy was up to at this moment. He knew that Ben had been cutting a new tooth and was more than a little cranky when they left a little more than two hours ago. He had actually felt a little warm when his kissed his little cheek before he left. What if it wasn't only a tooth that was causing Ben discomfort, his anxious mind questioned as he pushed away his half-eaten salad. "Christine, I'm sorry, but I need to call Nadir and check in on a deal that we have in the works," he said as he rose from his chair.
"Oh, while you make your call I'll just run to the ladies room," she said in a rush as she rose from her own chair, oblivious to the vision she created in her soft green chiffon knee-length cocktail dress.
Erik's eyes darkened as he watched her dress move gracefully over her feminine curves as she walked towards the restaurant lobby. Swallowing hard, he wondered how long he was going to have to wait until he could ask her to be his wife.
"Mr. Demetrius, is there a problem with the salads?" the young waiter asked as he approached one of his most important patrons.
"No, Philippe. Everything is excellent as always; if you will excuse me I have a call to make," he said as he patted the young waiter upon his shoulder.
"Yes, sir," Philippe said as he withdrew the two plates of barely eaten salad.
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Christine withdrew her cell phone the moment she entered the elegantly decorated ladies room. Quickly dialing the number to Erik's penthouse, she waited until her call was answered.
Marie was drying Ben with a fluffy white towel when the phone rang. "I wonder who that could be?" she said as she wrapped him up and carried him to the ringing phone. "Demetrius residence," Marie answered professionally.
"Marie," Christine sighed into the phone as she took a seat on the soft, velvet-covered bench. "How is Ben?"
Marie smiled softly as she heard the sweet, anxious tone of Christine's voice. "He has just had a bath and we are about to get him settled down for his night time bottle."
"So he is all right, then?" Christine asked as she bit her bottom lip worriedly.
"He is fine, Christine. You just enjoy your evening with Erik and don't worry about a thing here," Marie assured her with a knowing smile on her lips.
"All right, I will. And Marie," Christine called softly down the line.
"Yes, dear?"
"Thank you, not for just watching Ben, but for…" Christine's voice trailed off as she tried to find the words that would convey her gratitude for all that Marie had done for her and Ben.
"You're welcome, dear," Marie said as she smiled and replaced the receiver. "Come on young man; let's get you dressed for…" Marie's face took on a pensive look as the phone began to ring a second time. Looking at her little charge she smiled with amusement. "I'll bet you an extra bedtime story that the person on the phone is your Uncle Erik," she said as she reached for the ringing phone a second time. "Demetrius residence."
"Marie," Erik said urgently into the phone as he watched for Christine's exit from the direction of the restrooms. "Is Ben all right?"
"He's fine, Erik," Marie said as she bit her lip to still the laughter that was threatening to erupt at his tone.
"Has he been crying? Did he drink his bottle? How is his new tooth?" Erik peppered her with a series of fast-paced questions.
"No, yes and fine," Marie responded in quick succession in response to Erik's rapid-fire inquiries.
"So he is not missing me or Christine?" he asked in a somewhat hurt-filled tone.
"Now I wouldn't go so far as to say that, Erik," Marie said softly as she envisioned the hurt expression on his half-masked face. "I'm sure little Ben would prefer to have both you and Christine at his side at every waking moment," she offered soothingly.
Feeling a bit foolish for his outburst Erik quickly ended the call. "Yes, well, I had better get back to Christine," he said quietly as he began to walk back towards the dining room.
"Erik," Marie called into the phone.
"Yes," Erik responded with a despondent tone that spoke to his love for the little boy she held within her arms.
"You're a lucky man to have such a blessing as Christine and little Ben," Marie reminded him softly.
A feeling of warmth spread through him as he took in the truth of Marie's wise words. "Thank you Marie," he said softly as he ended the call knowing that he was indeed a very lucky man.
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Isabel listened to Christine's voice intently as she remained hidden behind the closed bathroom door. A menacing smile took up residence on her perfectly made-up face. Hearing Christine end her call she quickly exited and approached the unsuspecting bitch who had stolen the only man she would ever love. "Well, well, well," Isabel said pointedly as she slowly walked up behind Christine's seated form. "I see that you are making good use of Erik's money."
Christine stiffened as she regarded the cold stare of Erik's former girlfriend. "Erik is waiting for me, if you will excuse me," Christine said firmly as she rose from the bench.
Grabbing Christine's arm roughly, Isabel stalled her exit. "Not so fast, bitch. I have something that you need to hear."
"I'm sure that you have nothing to say that I would want to hear," Christine replied with a firmness that she pulled from the depth of her soul.
Digging her nails into Christine's soft upper arm, Isabel enjoyed the sharp wince that crossed her adversary's face. "Oh, but you will hear me, you homeless little bitch, you will hear me or suffer the consequences."
"Consequences?" Christine replied with a look of carefully adopted disdain. "You will have to forgive me if I don't take you at all seriously."
Isabel threw her color-treated head back and laughed at the false bravado that the little hobo had tried to throw her way. "Well you do as you wish," Isabel said as she released her tight hold on Christine's arm.
Christine fought the impulse to rub away the pain currently shooting through her arm. "Excuse me," Christine said politely as she sidestepped around the tall redhead.
Isabel watched as Christine walked towards the bathroom's exit. "Oh, just one more thing, Christine," she called with a calculating smile on her freshly botoxed features.
Christine cursed herself for pausing at Isabel's latest bait. "Make it fast, I want to get back to Erik," Christine said and mentally scored a point for herself as she could imagine how it must feel to lose someone as wonderful as Erik.
"Yes of course, you mustn't keep Erik waiting," Isabel said sarcastically. "Let me offer you one small piece of advice," Isabel said as she took out her lip gloss and began to smooth it over her collagen-enhanced lips. "I wouldn't get too comfortable with Erik if you know what I mean; things have a way of changing."
"I'm sure I don't know what you mean," Christine responded in a bored tone as she headed towards the restroom's exit, oblivious to the look of triumph on Isabel's overly made-up face.
"But you will, you bitch," Isabel whispered sinisterly to herself as she watched the door close on the young woman who would soon be nothing more than a forgotten bad memory.