Nadir strode out to the gardens to join Madame Giry as she was enjoying her morning coffee. He'd slept in past sunrise, which was quite unusual for him.
"Good morning Madame!" he greeted her fetching a cup from the cart to the side of the table, pouring the steaming brew to the rim. Nadir pulled out a chair nodding to Madame Giry, "may I join you?" She tilted her head in response. He sat down, placing the saucer on the table, bringing the cup to his lips to cool it.
"Do you suppose he will be quite cantankerous this morning?" Nadir said taking his first sip. Madame Giry smiled at him. "No doubt Erik will be inhospitable to us, but I gather by the locked door this morning that Christine may be the very calming catalyst that we needed, for she no doubt spent the night at his side." Nadir smirked.
"That young woman has been a blessing to Erik" he said, taking another sip from his cup. "I'd dare say she saved his life." Madame Giry looked at him with curiosity. "Whatever do you mean?" Nadir sighed, there was so much he knew, but so little he could tell her…he would leave that to Erik.
"Let us just say that Erik has been lost for a great number of years, and by that I do not mean physically, but rather metaphorically. He's cold and hard, calculating." Madame Giry listened, knowing all to well herself. "But in her presence, some of this seems to melt away. Even in his great period of fever, when nothing medicinal comforted him, her singing….her touch…seemed to relieve him. One does not have that affect on another unless they are deeply intertwined, breathing the same air, sharing the same blood. She was all that he needed..." Nadir trailed off.
Madame Giry sipped at her coffee. She was a patient, intelligent woman, knowing well that Nadir would tell her much more if she did not ply him with questions, but merely act as a sounding board for his thoughts.
"Erik's life has taken him to places where none would have dared to follow…places that would give even the hardest of hearts terrors in the night. He was a spectacle wherever he went, if not for one reason, then another." Nadir was staring past Madame Giry, the wandering of his thoughts playing out in the changing expressions on his face….the pain in his eyes.
"Erik was highly regarded, valued…in some circles. His mask was perceived to be nothing more than part of his mystery, not a flaw…it gave him some status…." Nadir shook his head a throaty chortle escaping him. "It strikes me as odd…what is regarded with revelry by some is outcast by others…even though it is one in the same thing." He lowered his eyes, deep in thought.
Madame Giry sat silently, taking in the morning sun, the warm breezes, and the one-sided conversation that would lead her to a deeper understanding of the boy she'd saved so many years ago.
Nadir continued, "Erik, no doubt you discovered, is rather brilliant…being self-taught it is rather amazing what he knows." Madame Giry smiled. She wondered if during his time with Nadir, Erik had had as ravenous an appetite for literature and textbooks as he had when he was in his lair under the Opera House. He had quite literally devoured books by the volume there. Madame Giry had exhausted nearly every library she'd had access to for him by the time she'd left to marry.
Nadir sighed, "his life is so much different now…so much less complicated…even if he is running…" Nadir turned back to face Madame Giry, sensing he'd already said too much. "So, what do you think he will say this morning? Do you suppose, as I do, that he will demand to be dressed and allowed to walk the beaches?" This made Madame Giry laugh, and in turn, Nadir laughed also. They both knew Erik well. One his past, one his distant past, but one thing had never changed about Erik, his countenance.
XXXXX
Christine awoke, glad that Erik was resting peacefully. She slipped down to her room and Sara helped her to dress in her usual morning clothes. Christine had not been one to be a neglectful new wife, she had taken ownership of Erik's home, seeing to it that all things were cared for while he was recuperating.
She visited the gardens, the greenhouse, the whole house had a once-over each day. She wanted everything to be perfect for the day when Erik was awake. Today an excitement tingled through her as she thought about how proud Erik would be of her. Some rooms had been altered slightly from their intended function, to make room for the additional house guests, but everything else was intact, just as he had left it. His hired staff had risen to the occasion, making every accommodation that they might if their employer had been directing their activities.
Christine's last stop was the kitchen, where Sara was busy helping the other staff prepare breakfast. "Good morning Madame!" came their cheerful greeting. They fancied Christine. Though she was by all measure their employer too, they regarded her with high esteem that though she was demanding, she was always thanking and praising them for a job well done. "Good morning to you all…if it's not too much trouble, I'd like to have my morning coffee in the room with my husband. Perhaps you could bring a second cup and a few soft eggs?" Sara nodded, it would be her pleasure.
Christine made her way to the water closet, collecting a basin of warm water, several fresh towels, and soap. She felt almost giddy, realizing that today, Erik would be awake for her to converse with. She wouldn't be handling a limp, unresponsive body, as she had so many mornings before. She slipped into the room, leaving the basin and towels on the table. She then slipped down the hall to the large master bedroom, that had yet to be occupied. She'd been in there numerous times to put away the clothes that Erik had brought with him, but she never stayed…it didn't seem right to be there without him in it. They had decided to keep Erik in the small front bedroom where the best breeze and light came from the ocean until he was fully recuperated.
Christine found a white shirt, a pair of soft black pants, a pair of stockings as well as a pair of shoes. No doubt the shoes would be merely an ornament for now, but would make Erik feel better to have them on she imagined. Christine slipped back into the room. Erik was still resting, peacefully on his right side, his back exposed. Even now, in his weakened state, his muscular frame was dominant, looking as if at any moment it would leap from the bed. Christine smiled as she walked over to him, leaning down to kiss his left shoulder.
Erik stirred, jerking at first, and then holding his side, a pained expression on his face. Christine gently led him to his back. Erik groaned a bit as he opened his eyes to find Christine standing over him. "Good morning my dear Erik, I trust you slept well?" Erik did not smile. He looked up at the ceiling still not sure if he was awake or if this was yet another part of the unending dream he'd been immersed in.
As soon as Christine put the warm cloth on his forehead, he knew he was most definitely awake. "Christine, why are you up and about, you should be resting, you do not want to over exert yourself in your…" Christine reached out her fingers placing them lightly on Erik's lips.
"First, good morning I love you my husband." She leaned down placing a delicate kiss on his lips. Erik's eyes softened for a moment. "Second" Christine began as she wrung the cloth out in the bowl and began pushing it about his neck and chest "we must choose our timing to announce our news. As I mentioned last night, only you, the doctor, and Madame Giry know of such things."
She lathered the towel again, this time reaching out for Erik's arm, but he pulled it away. "I am quite awake now" he said indignantly, and quite capable of bathing myself!" Christine laughed. "Erik, though your sharp temper and quick wit have been missed, please do not forget I have been doing this for months now while you slept, you hardly need to be shy now!" Erik grunted at her and turned his head away. "And quite without permission!" Erik retorted.
Christine laughed again. Erik's own stupidity now resonating in his mind, made him smile, although he'd not admit it to her. "Ah yes, it would have been much better to leave you in a sweaty heap." Christine reached out and took his arm into her hand; this time he did not fight it.
"Christine," Erik began, trying to ignore the sensation of the warm water, the gentle hands, and the soft breezes as they threatened to lull him into an unguarded state, "I wish to see the mirror again." Christine's smile vanished, a concerned look taking its place. Christine continued bathing him. "Christine?" Erik looked up at her. "Yes, when I am finished, I'll fetch it for you" was all she could say. He huffed, deciding there was little he could do but wait. Christine was thorough, being certain that she attended to every detail with her "patient." She took a fresh soft towel and patted it over Erik's body as it dried in the warming breeze. Even though she was his wife, he felt uncomfortable with her dressed and attending to him, and he obviously less so.
Christine turned to the items she had in the chair. "I hope these meet your approval?" Erik smiled briefly as he looked at the crisp white shirt she had in her hand. She was going to let him get dressed after all he thought to himself. "Yes, quite" he replied. Christine helped Erik sit to an upright position. Much to his surprise the stiffness of the previous evening had not lingered. He coughed heavily, as he had done the day before when the doctor had been there. "Yes, he'll be bringing you some more of that medicine when he comes back on Saturday."
Christine slipped first one arm and then the other into the shirt. Erik was sitting up under his own power now as she did so, surprising both of them. The shirt was like a slice of heaven….a bit of normalcy in his otherwise altered world. "Now, the tricky part" Christine was guiding Erik's shoulders back to the bed and began pulling his pants up over his feet. Erik winched a couple of times as she had him twist and turn so she could tug the pants up and fasten them around his waist. Having that done, the pair rested, both a bit winded from the ordeal.
Christine leaned over and kissed Erik on the lips. Trying to interject a bit of levity she said "you are good practice for me for when that son of yours arrives!" Christine found it humorous, Erik did not. He wanted to be independent and was only allowing this first, because he could not do it himself, and second because he had no choice. Christine sensed his lack of amusement so continued putting on his socks and at last shoes. Finally he was fully dressed.
Looking at him he would have appeared to be a man having just woken from a nap. "Christine? If you please?" She'd almost forgotten about his request, and begrudgingly went to retrieve the mirror.
Erik sat alone in the room, enjoying the sensation of clothing on his skin, shoes on his feet. True, it had been but a day that he'd been aware of it, but in those hours he had missed it. His hand wandered up to his face. Aside from the obvious dips and several small patches of scabbing, the skin felt taut, firm….and smooth. He tried to recall exactly what it looked like, but he could not, as the shock of the first viewing surely blocked some of it out.
Christine dutifully reappeared, mirror in one hand. She wanted to give him her assurances, but thought better of it as he had his jaw set, and was ready to see it in full light. "Erik, I have to go down to the kitchen, I'll be back in a few minutes." She handed him the mirror, turned and departed.
Erik was sitting up just enough to see the tops of the trees, and a bit of deep blue of the water just beyond them. He watched the curtains fluttering again in the gentle breeze. It was a perfect day outside…he would not allow his own fears to ruin it. Reaching down to the instrument on his chest, he lifted it, eyes closed. The initial shock was over last night, but now he would be able to see each detail. As was his fashion, he breathed deeply and hoisted the mirror up to his face with his left hand.
His eyes darted back and forth, the right eye no longer gaped at the lower rim, hair was growing down nearly even with the hairline on the left side. He turned his head further to the left, bringing it closer to get a better view. The skin was slightly red, and appeared rough around the edges. The enormous growth that had covered his temple was…was gone, and in its place was a patch of deep pink skin that had been stretched and sutured over the area. He pulled the mirror closer. A faint outline of new growth of an eyebrow was appearing from beneath the skin, a small patch of black hair trailing down along his ear. He closed his eyes, running his hand over the area, it felt so strange…so normal.
Erik put the mirror down on his chest, his arms exhausted from the extension. He wasn't sure what he was feeling, perhaps numb was a good description. Yes, Christine had explained it, it was very necessary. But why would a surgeon alter someone so? He could have left the scar, for it couldn't have been worse than what was already there. Was it at Christine's request that he'd tended to this blight in his appearance? Was it because it was unbearable for the doctor? Was it because it had to be fixed in order to prevent further infection or damage? He'd have to ask when the doctor returned. Whatever the explanation, Erik was altered outside…and something deep inside him began to ache.
He looked around for his mask on the dresser, but it wasn't there. He'd had that with him every day since his time in Persia, it had been his only means of being presentable in public, and he felt as though he was missing a leg or arm without it there. No doubt it would no longer fit, and was likely was no longer needed, but he'd feel better knowing where it was all the same.
Erik heard the tinking of coffee cups just outside the door, and a quiet rap. It was not Christine. "Enter," Erik said, wanting to cover his face out of instinct, but quickly putting his hand back down on the bed. Sara pushed open the door with the tray, bringing it to rest on the small table next to the bed.
"Good morning sir, Christine requested that she take her breakfast with you this morning." Sara turned on her heels to leave the room, the sting of the last evening still fresh in her mind. "Sara" Erik called out, "thank you for bringing me my music box.." Sara turned around and looked tearfully at Erik. "Do you remember?" Erik choked up. "Yes, Sara, I remember…you and your sister….that day in the city." "It is good to see you again my friend," she said, smiling at him as she closed the door behind her.
Erik was once again alone. Light glinting off the two silver domes that were on the tray next to him. Curious, he lifted the first. Slices of toast, oatmeal, fresh berries with cream. He smiled, that would be quite good this morning. He twisted trying to get the coffee pot, but could not. This would be his first cup in two months, and he wished to enjoy it now.
Christine reappeared, having changed into something a bit more lady-like, a pink summery weight gown, with delicate white lace. Her corset was a bit looser, as she didn't want to pinch herself now. "Christine, you look simply lovely in that dress." Erik smiled at her. She was pleased to see that he was in an amiable mood. Perhaps he was repressing his anger, or had decided he would discuss it later, either way, she would enjoy the pleasantness of this side of Erik while she could.
"I see breakfast has arrived." Christine sat down, pulling the domes off of both plates. Erik scowled, the plates were not the same. "Do not tell me that I am to eat simply eggs for breakfast!" Christine laughed. "My dear Erik, you've wish to rush into everything all at once" Christine immediately blushing as soon as the worlds left her tongue. Erik looked down and then back up at Christine with a mischievous smile. She smiled back at him coyly, memories of last night lingering in her gaze.
She shook her head "we will start with eggs today, perhaps tomorrow we can add some toast." Erik pouted his face, resigned to the fact he had little control over his menu as long as Christine was watching over him. Once he was better, he would have a large steak with mounds of fresh vegetables, a glass of wine, a large hunk of bread…. Erik flinched as the first bite of eggs presented itself on the fork that Christine extended. He smiled, taking the fork from her hand. "I may not be able to bathe myself just yet, but indeed I can manage to feed myself!"
Christine laughed at him again, placing the plate on his lap, and a napkin on his chest. "Very well then!" She sat down at the table next to him diving her spoon into the bowl of oatmeal, after saying a silent prayer. "Coffee?" Christine motioned toward the pot. "Why yes, I'd love some…it seems like ages since I've had a cup!" Christine catching the playful tone in Erik's voice began to laugh. Her laughter making him smile, it was music to his ears.
XXXXX
Outside in the garden Madame Giry cocked her head. "Is that Christine?" Nadir smiled, putting his cup down. "Yes….and Erik too!"
Author's Notes:
Captain Oblivious: You have a wonderful sense of humor. I have no idea what you look like, but I've imagined some non-descript form in my mind performing all of the antics you've described. If you've ever seen the sitcom 'Frasier' you may think of yourself something like Maris, someone who has so complex a character that they simply cannot be embodied in one being….hmmmm…..sounds sort of "out-there" doesn't it.
Free movies! You work in a movie theater….hmmmm….a clue to your future…..perhaps you could find yourself as a chief employee of the Opera Populaire…someone who assists Erik from the inside…..hmmmmmm the plot thickens….something like the butter at the bottom of the theater popcorn machine when it cools and all the lights in the theater have dimmed I hope you enjoy the next chapters! Oh, I couldn't call it plastic surgery, simply because Science hadn't advance far enough to have even identified that polymer. Perhaps we shall call it pioneering surgery….or as Erik would call it.. "butchery of mercy!"
Pertie: Thank you for the compliment. I have to tell you I some inkling of where this is all headed, but it really does evolve as the words flow through my fingertips. Just when I think I know where I'm going, I end up somewhere else entirely. It is part of the adventure of creation….you never know what you're getting until you get there! I hope you enjoy the next chapters as much as I did!
Waytoointoerik: I am glad to see you survived. I was going to send out the rescue squad, then I realized I had no idea where in the world you live! Yes….sweet fluff….its sort of like cotton candy, sweet and sticky…but addicting…. Hope you enjoy the next chapters!
Diveprincess: Thank you, I appreciate your review. I love writing this because I know you guys are out there reading it! My heart pounds when I write each chapter, thinking about when and where in the world each person is reading it. It gives me goosebumps! We are all sharing this story, and there is just something special about that link. Sorry, I get a bit nostalgic from time to time…. Hope you enjoy the next chapters!
Xciel: I'm not quite sure which part you were referring to in your review, but I assure you, anything that was humorous, was accidental. However I have to admit I did laugh when all of the people were in Erik's room when he first woke up in chapter 60…but I suppose that isn't what you were referring to. Anyway, I hope you keep up with the story. If you like dark…it will soon suit your tastes just fine…..