Hello again, thank you for your lovely reviews, I hope you enjoy this next chapter.
A little of Erik's past is revealed in this chapter, but not all.
Nothing to do with original books, musicals or films of The Phantom of the Opera belongs to me, nothing in The Kay book Phantom belongs to me either. Everything else is my own work.
Recovering a Bad Finger and Other Issues
Nadir could do only one thing as Erik sobbed his heart out. He carefully put the note on the table, shuffled across the sofa and once again like a scene from long ago, he wrapped his arms around his distraught friend and hugged him.
It was over fifteen minutes before Erik's sobbing abated enough for him to talk. "H...ho...how can she be friends with this!" Erik stuttered, indicating himself.
Nadir held back a sigh, "Christine is a grown up, she chooses to be friends because despite what you still think of yourself, you are an honourable gentleman and Christine can see that. You treat her and everyone around you very well." He answered.
"Erik does not treat the orchestra well." Erik stated sadly as Nadir fished around in his jacket pocket and grabbed his handkerchief, handing it to Erik who wiped his eyes with it.
Nadir smiled gently, "That is because the orchestra does not feel the music the way you do." He responded.
Erik nodded, before yawning, the effects of the last two days clear on his unmasked face. He shakily held his injured finger up. "Erik's finger hurts." He said solemnly.
Nadir stifled a gasp. The bandaged digit had in only a few hours, almost doubled in size, the bandage was starting to get too tight. "I think we need to get that seen to." He gasped as his free hand rummaged in his pocket for his phone.
ooo
Since the current situation had started, Annette had taken to sleeping with her phone on vibrate mode under her pillow just in case. Bleary eyes opened as her pillow vibrated, and she reached for the phone beneath it, looking at the screen, the time was 05:00 and it read Nadir calling.
Suddenly snapping awake she pressed the call answer "Nadir, what has happened?" she all but demanded as her mind raced through dozens of situations, none of which were good.
"Sorry to wake you Annette, Erik has a septic cat bite and he's really not well." Nadir's voice answered as Annette also heard in the background of the call, the sound of scissors cutting something. "He needs to go to St Brillos Urgent Care Centre." Nadir added, before his voice went a bit fainter, and in the background another snip sound "Finally got it off! Yuk that looks nasty." Followed by Erik mumbling something, "Yes, I have put your day face on you, and it is on straight." She heard, obviously he was talking to Erik. "Long story short we have been up all night and I am in no fit state to drive." Nadir's voice returned clearly as he explained.
Jumping out of bed and putting her slippers on, followed by her dressing gown. Annette dashed out of her bedroom as quietly as she could. "I'm on my way. I'll drive." She whispered .
ooo
Glad that Meg's occasional insomnia had for once, got her up, and Christine was still asleep, Annette had quickly explained the situation, then agreeing with Meg's argument that Erik needed to go to Accident and Emergency, but reminding her worried daughter that the private hospital knew Erik and had his rather extensive medical records. Annette then insisted that should Christine wake up before she got back Meg had to tell the Soprano that her mother had gone for an early morning jog. Whispering that she would think of something, when Meg pointed out that people don't normally go jogging in Curlers, nightwear and slippers. Annette grabbed her bag and keys and hurriedly departed.
ooo
By quarter to nine that morning, a very tired Annette and Nadir were all but carrying a woozy and exhausted Erik through the front door of the penthouse. After what seemed like hours of iv antibiotics, specialist wound dressing, x-rays and such. Erik as ill and sleepy as he was vehemently refused to be admitted, so had been discharged home with regular at home nurse visits to administer additional IV antibiotics and was due to be reviewed by Dr Lui also at home later in the day.
Between the two they managed to get Erik changed into nightwear and his day face was removed by Annette, before she and Nadir helped Erik into bed and positioned his injury so he couldn't roll on it, they stood back and watched their troubled friend fall soundly asleep.
"I'll stay with him." Nadir said once he and Annette had retired to the sitting room with a much needed tea each. "There is an inflatable bed stored in Ayesha's room I will set it up next to Erik's bed, so I can keep an eye on him if he needs any assistance, I can also ensure Ayesha gets food and fresh water." Nadir added stifling a yawn.
"I'd best be getting back." Annette nodded, "before Meg starts worrying and Christine realises something is not adding up. "
"Erm, not one to pry, but you are in nightwear, how are you going to convince Christine you went for a jog?" Nadir enquired; Annette had explained her ruse when they waited for Erik in the care centre, as he took Annette's now empty teacup and placed it on the tray.
"I have a plan..." Annette announced as she stood up, "You and Erik are not the only fast thinkers here." She pointed out as Nadir escorted her to the lifts.
ooo
The young store greeter at Balls and Co 'Sporting for all' store, got quite the surprise as one of the first customers of the day, strode up to him, her hair in large curlers, wearing a purple fluffy dressing gown, wrapped over what looked like a floral nightdress and wearing slippers with Big Bird on them carrying a handbag and a determined look in her eye.
"Good morning, young man, I need clothing suitable for jogging including beanie hat, trainers and sports bra. Please show me where I can find these items." Annette asked bluntly as she approached the open mouthed young man.
ooo
Meg had just made a fresh pot of tea and nearly poured it over her hand instead of into the two cups she had prepared for herself and Christine, when Annette arrived back at the apartment. Even Christine had to squint as the loud colour wearing Annette walked in looking for all intents and purpose like she had indeed just gone for a jog in her favourite exercise clothing.
Nonchalantly taking off her neon orange trainers to reveal the neon yellow trainer socks beneath, that now clashed horribly with the neon purple, blue and fuchsia pink camo patterned running leggings and matching sports bra come crop top that had 'I love it rough' printed on the band. Annette leaned past her daughter, reached for a cup and held it out until Meg had poured tea in it. "Ah, nothing like a nice cup of tea after a jog!" she lied then adding a spot of milk to her drink, she took a sip.
ooo
"Did you enjoy your jog?" Christine asked as the three ladies went to the sitting room.
"Nothing like a jog to clear the brain!" Annette announced sounding like she was full of the joys of spring, and not longing for her bed. Taking a seat she placed her cup of tea on the side table and removed the bright red beanie hat that was hiding her curlers. "What have you ladies got planned for today?" she enquired.
"Well, I was thinking a manicure." Meg replied as she sat beside her mama.
"I would love a pedicure as well." Christine added as she took a seat in the armchair.
"I scare pedicurists!" Meg said with a snigger.
"Yes, ballet dancing does that, and also Meg remember pedicures will ruin your feet for dancing, we have rehearsals next week!" Annette advised. Before taking a long drink of her tea. "How about you have the manicure, Christine has the manicure and pedicure and you both have lunch out, my treat!" she announced hoping that she could get some rest whilst the girls were out and kept busy.
"Thanks mama, you're the best!" Meg declared finishing her tea.
Thank you so much Annette." Christine added, "If you both do not mind, I need to shower and wash my hair before we go out." Christine said before draining her cup and head towards the kitchen.
ooo
Meg waited until the shower started running shortly followed by Christine using the humidity of the bathroom to run her vocal exercises, before she spoke. "Oh my god mama, where did you get those awful clothes?" she asked sniggering.
I grabbed them at the local sports shop after I helped Nadir sort Erik out, they were the first ones I saw in my size, and I did not have all day to choose what to wear. Once Christine goes back home, they are going in the charity bin." Annette replied her face a moue of disgust.
"Where is your handbag?" Meg asked noticing Annette's lack of anything, but her keys and her mobile phone stuffed in her top.
"Hidden in the boot of the car along with my nightwear!" Annette replied with a sigh, before she got up and went put the loud trainers on again. "If I am paying, I had better get my stuff out of the car so I can give you the money for the day." She added.
"Don't Worry!" Meg chirped, "I will pay for today, pay me back later. Now quickly before Christine comes back how is Erik?" she asked.
ooo
Annette extracted a vow of absolute secrecy from Meg by threatening her with having to live with Nadir and his horrible snoring, in his one bedroom apartment, before she told her daughter what had happened.
"He is going to be alright?" Meg worriedly asked.
"The doctors say we got him there in plenty of time and although he is going to have a rough couple of days. Once the antibiotics kick in, he should be physically right as rain. After that it is more work for your aunt." Annette said, changing the subject as she and Meg heard the shower turn off. "So those nail designs sound lovely." She said as Christine came out of the bathroom and headed into the bedroom. They then heard Meg's hair dryer start up.
"How are you going to explain the cancelled lessons?" Meg pressed. Glad that Christine's mound of curls took forever to dry.
"I shall think of something." Annette said before yawning.
Meg thought for a moment, "So who is with Erik?"
"Nadir is keeping watch, and Erik is having regular nurses visits as well as Dr Lui twice a day. I have to give Nadir some time to rest at five this evening."
Meg patted her mama's hand, "I will try and extend the day as much as I can so you can get some rest as well." She said, before heading to join Christine in getting ready for their day out.
ooo
Once Meg and Christine had left, Annette fetched her stuff from her car and dumped it in her bedroom grabbing fresh nightwear from her wardrobe, she changed and after placing her phone back under her pillow she tried to get some sleep.
ooo
The phone screen read 13:00, and Annette gave up, sleep was alluding her and the fitful dozing had done nothing to help.
Getting up, showered and dressed this time in her normal colours of cream and black, Annette reached for the jar that contained Meg's coffee, and then she grabbed Meg's mug and, she winced; but needs must, the jar of sugar, for the first time in years she made herself a strong sweet coffee.
ooo
With the aid of coffee, and a foundation of theatre makeup covering the dark circles under her eyes. Annette looked like her normal self and had everything planned out. Which was a bonus as the clock on the wall was showing four pm when Meg and Christine returned.
Waiting until the two younger ladies has settled down on the sofa, Annette put her plan into action.
"I am glad you two are back early." Annette declared ensuring her voice sounded fed up. "You and Christine have the apartment to yourselves this evening." She added.
"What about my lesson?" Christine asked sounding upset.
"Erik has injured his hand and cannot play any instruments." Annette said, "So he has cancelled your lessons, instead he has decided to hold the choreography planning meeting for Aida at the opera house at five pm this evening instead." Annette answered, her voice contrite. "Mr Reyer and I have been dragged in on our break week to attend, no excuses."
Meg hid how impressed she was, this was genius thinking on her mama's part. "Yup that sounds like Erik." She confirmed.
"Also, I have been told to tell you, your girlie time has been extended until Sunday night, but do not get complacent You are to work on the exercises from your last lesson each day for at least an hour and a half, and you're having double lessons next week to make up." Annette added. Hoping in her head, that the extra couple of days would see Erik back on his feet.
Meg sniggered, "That sounds like Erik through and through." She said before looking at her now slightly despondent friend. "See I told you he would snap out of it eventually." She said confidently.
Christine smiled weakly, "I hope his hand gets better by then." She stated.
"If not, knowing Erik, he'll make you and Mr Reyer stay late at the theatre just so the poor Conductor can play the piano for your lessons." Meg told her smugly.
ooo
Leaving Meg ordering pizza, and other junk food, whilst planning with Christine, a night of binge watching the latest fantasy series on streaming. Annette made her way to the Angle Building.
ooo
It was quarter to five in the evening as Annette parked up at the Angle Building. Looking up as she got out of her car, she spotted Jerry, wearing t-shirt and jeans waiting for her.
As she approached him Jerry smiled. "Aye up Mrs Giry." He greeted the tired ballet mistress.
"Good evening, Jerry. What are you doing here?" Annette asked.
"I'm on a week off but Jean rang me this morning and told me Mr J was very unwell." He answered as he picked up a large, battered khaki ruck sack, and directed Annette to the open and waiting service lift. "More discreet." He answered her unspoken question, as they both walked in.
Using a key, Jerry opened a locked metal box which revealed the buttons that operated the lift. "Security. No one can use this lift without a member of security escorting them." He explained.
"What is in the rucksack?" Annette asked, the thing was huge and seemed very full.
Mostly a large pot of chicken soup my missus Meredith cooked today, I know Mr J and when he is not well, he always has chicken soup." Jerry answered, pressing the number twelve button before relocked the box, leaving the lift doors to close slowly.
Curiosity burned bright in Annette, not many people knew of Erik's love for chicken soup in times of crisis. "How did you know Erik loves chicken soup when he is not well?" she enquired.
"First thing he asked for after my recon team and I had established he and Mr Khan were not saboteurs." Jerry answered succinctly.
Annette furrowed her brow, "Jerry, can I ask, how you met Erik?"
Jerry waited until the lift finally started moving before he spoke again, "Sorry the lift is slow, but we will get there he said before realising Annette was not going to give up waiting for the answer to her question.
"I am ex forces, I was a Captain trained in Specialist Ops and was on reconnaissance on the Iraq Iran border when my team and I came across two very sunburnt injured and bedraggled men, they turned out to be Mr J, who was carrying a nearly unconscious Mr Khan, they were fleeing from being held prisoners in Iran." Jerry explained. "We got them back to base and before he passed out Mr J asked for chicken soup."
"You met Erik and Nadir in the middle east?" Annette pushed.
Although very reluctant to continue, Jerry knew a tough negotiator when he met one and gave in. Yes, we were going to interrogate the two, after our medics had treated them and they had both regained consciousness when Mr J reached into a pouch tied around his waist and produced two passports, his French one and Mr Khans Iranian one. Enquiries were made and it was established that Mr J had been reported missing two years prior after travelling to…"
"Iran to meet with an international client to discuss designing a new palace." Annette finished sadly. "I was the one before he went that insisted, he had two passports, one for the authorities and one in case he got into trouble and needed to get out fast and I was the one that reported we had lost contact and he was missing with the Iranian embassy in Paris. Annette added.
Now it was Jerry's turn to pry, "How long have you known Mr J?"
"Since he was eighteen." Annette replied as the lift arrived at floor twelve.
Opening the front door, Annette entered first to be greeted by an exhausted Nadir, "Nadir what on earth!" she declared as she watched him stagger to the sofa and sit down.
"I am going to have to stay." Nadir said his voice heavy with fatigue, you won't be able to control Erik on your own. He's hallucinating with the fever, and although Dr Lui has said he is stable enough to remain here, as the fever should break soon, it is difficult to keep him safe, I have not been able to sleep a wink." He finished.
"It is a good thing I have arrived, you have back up." Jerry announced as he joined them in the sitting room.
"Thank god for you Jerry!" Nadir responded as he slumped into the sofa.
ooo
Having set up the air bed in the library, and getting an update from Nadir, Jerry ensured the nearly incapacitated Iranian had some food and then settled him down to sleep. Watching over Erik as he tossed and turned, Annette and Jerry quietly worked out a plan for the night.
"I own Mr J a lot so I shall take the night shift every night until he is well. You and Mr Khan both look done in for." Jerry said, as Annette nodded. "I shall have Jean drive you home and collect you tomorrow about one o'clock in the afternoon. Jerry added, his tone not brokering any argument.
ooo
After waiting for the visit from the night nurse, her checking vitals and giving Erik the needed IV antibiotics and then her report to Dr Lui, that Erik was stabilising, the antibiotics were working as planned. Annette checked both men before she hugged Jerry. "Thank you so much." She told the Yorkshire man, as Jean appeared ready to take her home.