Erik gently stroked Christine's back. He lay partly leaning against the chase he had been sitting on earlier, Christine laying across his chest running her hand lazily up and down his stomach, heavy blanket pulled across her midsection.
He had always known he could love her without reservation. What surprised him, every time they were together now, was how she loved him without hesitation. In nearly all their encounters since their wedding night, Christine had been the aggressor. Not that Erik minded, in fact in a strange way it made it that much sweeter.
He was tender with her, and she with him. A man his age would normally have had much experience, having been married for many years. But having never been, he felt almost as an inexperienced adolescent husband. Somewhere in the midst of their new journey together, they were finding a passion he imagined could not be matched by any other. For that which is saved, cherished, kept…is more precious than anything.
Christine pulled herself up to Erik's shoulder, nestling in by his neck, kissing it tenderly. "I am sorry about lunch" she whispered. Erik looked down smiling and giving her a gentle hug and kiss on the forehead. "I am not sorry about missing it" he said with a smile. His response made Christine wriggle beneath his arms. She put both her arms around his mid section squeezing him as hard as she could, her fingers gently brushing each side of his waist. Erik shivered, and let out a little laugh. She was so playful, almost like a kitten with a tangle of yarn.
Erik grabbed her about the waist, turning her forcefully to her back, pulling the blanket over both of their heads. From beneath the blankets all that could be heard was muffled laughter. They enjoyed their last brief moments of solitude before they began their travels. They had consummated their marriage, now they were forging their bond.
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Madame Giry and Meg finished the last of their coffee, collecting their dishes retreated to the kitchen to wash them. Having observed Sara through the window as she walked down the street, Madame Giry felt it safe to talk.
"Now Meg, let us finish these quickly and go to check on Christine. Erik has no doubt left by now to make arrangements for the hansom." Meg nodded.
"Mother, are you happy? Happy that they are married?" Meg said, looking at her mother as the steam rose to greet her from the wash water.
"Meg, happy is not a word I would use in this case." She paused, looking at Meg. "I always knew that they would end up together, it was fated. At first, I thought he loved her as a daughter, a sister….but as time went on I could sense he felt much more for her."
Meg looked at her mother "did he ever tell you?" Madame Giry looked at her daughter with surprise. "Erik is a man of few words, his intentions are seen in his actions, his gestures, far more than what he says. Erik never used the word love…it brought too much pain to him…too many memories of a world he never knew." Madame Giry was looking off in the distance.
"Mother," Meg said taking another plate from her mother's hands, drying it, "how ever did he turn into the Phantom from the young boy he had been?" Madame Giry stopped, dried her hands, and put both of them on Meg's shoulders. "My dear, that would take me a lifetime to tell you…it happened one little bit at a time….just as you grew….he grew….your world was filled with love…his with pain…yours with acceptance…his with rejection…." She reached up and touched Meg's face "you were perfect….he was…" Madame Giry stopped, looking over Meg's shoulder, she sucked in her breath. There standing behind Meg was Erik. Neither woman having heard him come down the stairs.
Erik said nothing, he nodded and walked over to the two covered plates on the counter. Layering them, he grabbed two cups and what was left of the pot of coffee from the stove. He walked slowly, hunched ever so slightly back to the stairs, disappearing as quietly as he had appeared.
Meg and Madame Giry watched as he disappeared. "Mother, I am sorry." Meg hung her head slightly. "I will be more careful to mind my questions. Someday I am sure that all will be explained…..or I'll learn to forget the past, perhaps the latter being preferable." Madame Giry gave an understanding look to her daughter. "Questions are alright my dear, it is just the time and place that needs careful choosing." With that the two finished the dishes, putting everything back in its proper place.
Madame Giry sat down at the table once more, Meg joining her. "We should probably pack, perhaps making one last trip over to the Opera House to collect some of our things." She turned to Meg. "It will be important for us to stay together, keeping the same story, making our plan unified." Meg nodded.
"Take only what you must, leaving other things behind so as to indicate our future return." "But Mother, we shan't…" Madame Giry gave Meg a look that made her thoughts plain. "I understand" Meg complied. The two rose from the table, walking arm in arm toward the stairs. They were full, warm, and a small bit of peace settled over them as they knew those they cared most about were waiting at the top of those stairs.
XXXX
Erik entered the room to find Christine packing. He smiled at her as he carried their lunch over to the table. He uncovered the plates and poured the coffee, as she was putting the last of her items into the bag.
Christine now joined him at the table. The two were beyond words. They held hands raising silent prayers to the heavens. They enjoyed their lunch in near silence, wanting to savor their last minutes alone together.
Author's Notes:
Sorry for the brief interlude…I was out of town for a wedding this weekend. I'm glad to see a few of you have had time to review the chapters I'd posted before I left!
Captain Oblivious: A worthy opponent of wit? I assume Rosario is in reference to someone of strong WILL and infinite GRACE? Yes, a nuisance…not really the answer I was striving to elicit, but I think I've read between your lines! Yes, they are a family of sorts….for what is family if not those we love being close to us. But I am afraid that nature is about balance…for what is pleasure without pain….love without loss…? To fully embrace and appreciate one, you've need to taste the other.
Angelheart13: Welcome to the story! I hope you enjoy the coming updates.
Diveprincess: Thank you for the "add" to your favorites. I hope you'll follow it through to the end! As they say… "all good things come to those who wait!
Ethalas Tuathan: You are clever, and ask such good questions…are you sure your name isn't Sherlock? However…it was curiosity that killed the cat…but in your case…I'll make an exception! I hope you enjoy the next chapters!
Glitter Queen: Yes, I seem to be fixed on this subject a bit…however, they are newlyweds…and as you can see passionate newlyweds. To give them anything less than what would happen if they were living and breathing creatures, would seem to cheat the beauty of the love story. I'm not into graphics, but I am do have a fatal flaw in all things romantic…and nothing is as romantic as a fated love that is now blooming into a passionate merger of two souls…there I go again…getting all mushy! I hope you enjoy the next chapters!