Raoul had slipped out of Meg's room and made his way down to his own. He quickly shaved, and changed into the fresh white shirt and freshly pressed tail coat that Madeline had laid out for him on his turned-down, but never slept in, bed. He cringed just slightly. He did trust Madeline implicitly, he'd not overheard her gossiping once, but he still didn't want her thinking any less of him, or of Meg because of it. He quickly dismissed the thought as he finished dressing, tightening his cravat. It was nearly ten o'clock in the morning. Surely, one or more of his guests would most certainly be up by now. He couldn't imagine that he'd find any of them sleeping.
Raoul walked quietly passed Meg's room, peeking in the door he saw that she still lay comfortably sleeping on the divan. He took but a few steps and then paused. Certainly if her mother peered in, she'd wonder why Meg had slept there and not her bed. He looked down both hallways, and then ducked into the room.
He was at once at Meg's side, looking down at her sleeping form. For the first time in days, she looked entirely peaceful. No reticent pain lingered in her expression. How he hated to disturb her, but he simply could not have her found there. He squatted down, scooping Meg up gently into his arms, blankets and all.
She mumbled something, and then smacked her lips together several times, making Raoul smirk at her. She was obviously dreaming about something. As he carried her over to the bed, she mumbled a few more words, but it was the last one that caught his attention. "Raoul….."
As he laid her down, he looked closely, no, she hadn't woken. The calling of his name had been from her dream world…oh how he longed to know the nature of the dream….was it pleasant…was it a memory….was it the fashioning of an event that had not taken place? He'd have to ask her about it that afternoon, when they went on their walk through the garden.
He rather hoped that would be a daily ritual, at least for the while that she stayed there. Raoul tucked Meg in, removing the blankets, replacing them with the comfort of the silk sheet. Meg seemed to sink right into the bed as if it were a fluffy cloud swallowing an angel whole. Raoul leaned down kissing her forehead, then he paused, and put a tender single kiss on her lips.
He pulled away, inches only, from Meg, looking at her with such sweetness. His attraction to her was growing, and deep in his heart he was thankful that they had first become friends.
He turned and walked out of the room to find his other guests. Some host he had been, sleeping in so late. He decided his father must have departed by now, or he'd have certainly come looking for him to give him the "early-bird gets the worm lecture."
XXXXX
Christine woke, stretching out fully in the wonderfully large bed. She was lying completely relaxed with her arms and legs stretched out in all directions. She didn't even feel about the bed, as she could tell already that Erik was not in it. She shook her head. How time had changed her sleeping habits, and expectations!
She slid her legs around on the softness of the sheets, and the utter comfort of the bed. Christine smiled at the mural on the ceiling. No doubt Erik had taken the most time on this one, as it was most intricate. She blinked several times….she'd seen this before….and then it hit her. Intertwined in the mixture of clouds and flowers, were exact duplicates of the ballerinas that Degas had painted in the Opera House. Christine had admired them so.
Degas's painting reflected a concern for the psychology of movement and expression, the harmony of line and continuity of contour. Though he was envied by other impressionist painters at the time, he never seemed to let that influence his work. Though he was very, very, young to have had such an honor, he had taken on the assignment with such fortitude and determination. Now, on the ceiling of the winter house, replicas of his great work stood as a private collection for Christine to enjoy whenever she liked.
Christine smiled as she looked at the sun that was trying to peek in the windows that Erik had obviously covered to allow her to rest. He was most thoughtful. How one woman could be so fortunate to have found, nay, been found by such a devoted soul, she would never know. It was simply meant to be, and she'd settled in her mind to accept this precious gift.
Christine nestled back under the covers. She was awake, and it was a guilty little pleasure to not get out of bed. There was no one there to judge her, not today, so she thought she would enjoy it if but for a few brief moments.
She let her mind travel back to the previous evening. She could not recall a more enjoyable one in a very, very, long time. Erik had endured his first public outing, and seemed to have relished it, she thought to herself. They had partaken of a very pleasant meal, in spite of Erik's obvious irritation, and subsequent tolerance of Erphan's misbehaviors and faux pas.
A very broad smile passed over her as she thought of the young girls who had been eyeing Erik, and how Erik had been entirely oblivious to the exchange.
Her face blanked, and then a sweet smile and blush took over her cheeks, as she recalled the ride home, and the tender evening they'd shared together…..her Erik….her husband…..her mentor…her lover…..had returned to her. Christine could not take the smile from her face, try though she might. She needed to rise, to embrace the day, she could hear Erik's voice in her mind "Carpe Diem!" But she would have been entirely content to stay right where she was, reliving the perfect evening over, and over, again in her mind.
Christine let her hand wander down her still exposed flesh, stopping just inches below her navel. It seemed but a dream that she could possibly be carrying the fruit of their love inside her. Every day that passed she hoped to feel the flutter of little feet, or some other indication of the life that dwelled within. She knew it would be all too soon that she might tire of the burden of the physical part of carrying a child, but for now, she anticipated it with such exuberance.
As her hand came to rest, she noticed, that this morning, for the first time, she could feel a palpable lump in her stomach. She ran her hand over and over it again, and yes, it indeed was there! Her heart leapt for joy. Oh how she wished Erik had been there to share in that moment, oh how….
Erik pushed open the door, entering carrying a large silver platter, and a single red rose between his teeth. He'd wrapped himself in a thick black robe, but his chest was exposed, and she laughed at how elegant Erik made closing a door with one's heel appear.
"Good morning my dear," he said somewhat muffled by the contents of his mouth. "Oh Erik, do come here!" Erik nearly dropped the tray on the table, rushing to Christine's side. Fear rose in his throat like a mighty river beating against a weakening dam.
"Christine, are you alright?" He said looking over every inch of her that he could see. His racing heart began to slow as he realized she was smiling at him. Without a word, Christine reached out and took Erik's hand guiding it down to where she had made her discovery.
Erik blinked several times as he felt what she had felt. Tears quickly came, as he pulled away the sheet so that he could see it with his eyes. There, a small bump had formed below Christine's flesh. In it grew their love. He leaned over, his warm tears now pattering on Christine's skin as he gently placed a kiss on that part of her flesh.
He slid in next to Christine, pulling her up into his arms. He simply held her against him, rocking her gently back and forth. "Christine, I cannot tell you how my spirit soars." She kissed his neck gently, "you've no need Erik, for I am flying with you."
He reached down pulling the soft sheet up over her shoulder. His hand now wandering down, on the way intertwining with hers, coming to rest over their child. The sheer joy of this young couple was unparalleled, for this child was more than a miracle, much more than a miracle to them.
Erik held her closely. No words needed to be spoken, in fact they would have detracted from the peaceful moment that they shared. After a long while, Erik began to hum a sweet melody in Christine's ear. She smiled nestling in even closer to him. "I do so love when you sing" Christine said blusing, "I'm most certain that your son will love it too."
Erik smiled, she was going to start that game again was she! "Now my dear, we do not know. Neither you nor I should have our hearts set on one or the other, we must simply agree to love this child no matter what it decides to be!"
Christine laughed. "Love it? Even that seems too faint a word to describe how this child will be embraced by its parents!" Erik laughed with her, "How insightful you are my dear, how very true are your words!"
Then Erik had a flash. "Come my dear, you must get dressed, have your tea, I've something to show you." Erik slipped from beneath the covers, going to the wardrobe to retrieve a dress for her.
She stood, slightly embarrassed to be so exposed, but knowing full well Erik would be swift in assisting her as he was quite obviously anxious to show her something, and that something must be downstairs. Erik returned to her, the dress she'd selected the evening before in one hand, and a curious silk garment in the other.
Erik took notice of the curious look on Christine's face, "It is a slip, something to protect your skin from the harsh threads of the dress." He slid this over her head, the smooth delicate fabric felt like melted butter on her skin.
"Erik when did you…" He simply smiled at her, "I think I could become rather fond of shopping with someone to assist me. Did you not wonder how I'd selected a nightgown for you when I'd not even been near the ladies clothing?" Christine smiled, Erik was ever resourceful. He'd have no trouble fitting in to society…not even a little.
Erik took her hand, and led her over to the vanity. She busied herself brushing her hair and putting it in a ribbon as Erik brought over a cup of tea, and a fresh scone. He leaned down kissing her on the nape of her neck, and then gently caressing her collarbone with the petals from the rose. "For you my dear."
"Where on earth did you get all of this…did you go into the village this morning?" She was feeling a bit disappointed that she'd missed the trip.
"Nonsense, I had breakfast delivered this morning. Perhaps that shall become the fashion one day!" His statement making both of them laugh. Christine reached down taking the cup into her hand and sipped the tea. She broke off a corner of the scone, lifting it to her lips she could smell the fragrant orange and currants. Erik smiled as it obviously pleased her. He'd had several already this morning waiting for Christine to wake, he knew how very delicious they were indeed.
Soon, Christine was ready. Erik had been pacing behind her like a child at the end of their parent's bed on Christmas morning. She stood. Erik immediately took her hand and led her from the room and to the top of the stairs.
"Now, I will lead you down the stairs, and when we are at the bottom, I beg of you to close your eyes as I lead you into the parlor." "But Erik I don't see why…" "Uh, uh, no objections, or you shall spoil your surprise!"
Christine glanced at him. His obvious glee in what he had found made her smile, she'd do as he bid her. Erik's broad smile as he led her down the stairs made her smile all the more. She could not imagine what he'd found that delighted him so.
"Now, close your eyes my dear." Christine flashed him a childish smile, and then closed her eyes as commanded. Erik led her into the parlor that was awash in the most glorious morning light. He took a deep breath, "now open your eyes!"
As Christine did she instantly realized why he had been so excited, "the clock! You've brought that clock here!" She smiled profusely, kissing Erik several times on the cheek. She ran her hands along the smooth wood, the glass dome on the face of it. "Erik, it is exquisite, thank you my love, thank you."
Erik moved in behind her whispering in her ear "do you know what day it is?" Christine had a puzzled look on her face, and then it hit her, it was Sunday! "Erik, how very thoughtful of you. You are truly…" Her face flashed with question again as she realized Erik's eager anticipation had not dissipated, "what is it?"
His eyes kept glancing down at a fixed spot inside the clock, and then back up at Christine. Finally he could take it no longer. "Do you not want to set it my dear?" He retrieved his pocket watch and handed it to her. Then he stepped back just slightly. Though he loved being close to her, he wanted this moment to be hers, and hers alone.
She smiled back at Erik over her shoulder. She closed her eyes, imagining her father standing in his Sunday finest reaching in for his pocket watch. Carefully she opened her eyes, reaching out for the glass door that covered the entire clock. As she opened it her eyes traveled from the face that was inlaid with mother of pearl, down to a beautifully hewn piece of wood that lay just below the face of the clock. Her hand flew up to her mouth as she read.
"To my loving daughter Christine on her eighth birthday. May this clock remain as a timeless reminder of my love for you. May time be kind to you, and may you never forget that time is what you make of it. Embrace it and love each hour as it passes, for one can never retrieve it. Make the best of each moment my dear, for I will be with you forever. Your loving and forever devoted father, Gustave"
Christine's shoulders began to shake uncontrollably, as tears of joy washed over her face. She spun around on her heels and leapt into Erik's waiting arms. "How did you know?" she began questioning as she covered his face in kisses of happiness.
Erik smiled down at her, "I did not know. I saw how enamored you were with it last night, and decided it must be yours. I instructed Erphan to have it purchased and delivered here today. It was not until I unwrapped and began to polish it that I discovered the inscription. It made perfect sense to me that it was meant to be here with you!" Christine looked at him inquisitively.
"Erphan told me of how reticent the clock maker was to part with it. He told Erphan how it had been there for some years, a commissioned work that was never returned for. He'd grown rather attached to it over the years, and had decided it would stay there until it's rightful owner returned for it. Alas, Erphan was very persuasive, telling the man of our being newlyweds and the like. Eventually he relented and had it delivered here."
Christine was running her hand over the clock, holding Erik's hand with the other. "How could such a coincidence occur? We did not live anywhere close to Chauesser…."
"Perhaps your father fancied this clock maker, after all, his work is quite outstanding. I understand he was at one time the Royal Clockmaker to the Crown. As far as coincidence my dear, I do not believe in such folly. I believe in what the Greeks called "fatan", a power of force that arranges time and place to be as it should….it was fated my dear that we should find the clock, for you are it's rightful owner!"
"Hmmmm," was all Christine could manage. "Thank you Erik, thank you from the depths of my heart…..you really shouldn't spoil me so….first the statue….now the clock….." Erik blushed. "So you've found my little secret in the garden have you? You were busy while I slept!" Christine slipped her arms around his middle embracing him soundly.
"Yes my dear, and do not tell me the story of it yet. I want to be sitting in front of it as you tell me of it's discovery and journey to Courtland Manor….is that alright with you?" Erik smiled down at Christine who was looking up at him with pleading eyes. "For you the world, my dear." He kissed the top of her head, sliding his arms around her shoulders, pulling her to him protectively. "For you the world."
Erik turned as he heard the clatter of horses hooves coming down the road to the house. "We have company my dear…perhaps I'd best get dressed to greet them!" He peeked out the window, to see that Erphan was already coming out of the stable to receive them. Christine was just turning away from the window to tell him she rather liked his attire, but he was gone. She shook her head. She'd no idea how he disappeared so quickly. She smiled, running her hand over the tiny lump in her abdomen. This was one thing she would have to remember to tell him, that he could NOT teach his son!
XXX
Erphan raised his hand, waving wildly as he realized who it was that was coming. He had so very much to tell them. "Erik," he heard the man on the first horse calling out to him. The man eagerly dismounted his horse embracing his friend.
"And what is this?" he said teasingly as he tugged at his waist coat. "We've been back at the Manor worrying for your whereabouts, and you've been shopping?" Erphan laughed at him. "Yes, among many other things."
By the time he'd finished making that statement, the entire search party was standing around looking him up and down and taking turns making verbal jabs at him. "Come, let us take your horses to the stables, we can…" As they wandered back to the stables, Christine could overhear them asking Erphan if he was the only one there, to which he responded, "no, and his wife are here also, the remainder of the party is in Paris." The group looked at each other. "Yes, Paris, and from now on, please refer to me as Erphan." Christine smiled, a slight chuckle rising from her stomach. "First a new suit, and now a new name, what is next?" She heard them chide him as they disappeared beyond earshot.
Christine turned from the window. Erik had not yet returned. Walking over she ran her hand along the face of the clock. "Father…" suddenly her cheery face turned to sorrow. Oh how she missed him. He'd ordered this clock for her, and had not lived to see her eighth birthday. All those years it had waited to be found.
How odd a parallel. Erik had waited his lifetime to be found and loved, and this clock had waited to be found and appreciated. He'd found the statue and brought it to their house for her. They'd found the clock together, by a chance passing on a strange street in a distant village. Piece by piece he had been trying to repair her broken heart. She paused, looking down and placing her hand over her stomach again. Now she could give him a piece of their blended souls, for that was the least and the most she could do for him.
Erik stood at a distance watching her. He enjoyed watching her when she didn't know of his presence. He'd been watching over her for years, but now he did so with much different eyes.
Christine was holding her hand over her stomach, and reached out to touch the face of the clock. Something stirred in her. She saw a flash of white light, and her mind began to whirl. She saw something that looked like the story of Noah's ark she'd remembered her father reading to her on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The plank was laid out, and there were animals coming from a distance, but something was not right. She watched as the animals traveled three by three up the plank and into the waiting boat. Three sheep, three dear, three turtles, three hare…. Then the white light flashed again and she gasped.
"It is alright my dear," Erik was holding her in his lap as he sat in the chair. "You fainted my dear, you must be more careful…..perhaps we should be more careful," a worried tone in his voice. Inside he hoped he had done nothing to cause this.
"No, no, I've had a vision…at least I think it was a vision…it was like the one I'd had of Meg….only this one was not terrifying…it was simply…most unusual."
Erik shuddered when he heard her. He closed his eyes. For those he had known with this gift were plagued by it, day and night. Sometimes there would be months in between visions, sometimes minutes only, one simply never knew. "Do tell me of it Christine, I am here for you." He kissed her forehead, and brought his hand up pulling her head to his chest.
Christine recounted the details to her brief vision. Erik said, "do not worry my dear, it very likely means nothing, and as you said, there was nothing frightening or foreboding about it." Christine nodded her head. "Yes, I do not feel any fear, just an odd sort of wonder, why three?" Erik shook his head. "I do not know, but for now, do not let it trouble you."
Secretly Erik knew he had to talk to Nadir. He hoped it would not be too long before he returned. He needed to learn more about the seers, for knowledge was the only power he had to help her.
Christine sat up wiping her face. She turned to look at Erik, "the staff have come." Erik looked at her with question in his eyes "the staff…from Courtland Manor?" Christine nodded. Erik sighed. "I suppose they were curious as to why we'd all left and no one had yet returned. Well, as long as they are here, we could have them tidy things up a bit before the carriage from Paris arrives, then we shall return to Courtland Manor."
Christine stopped, she looked up at Erik. "Would you mind at all….if I wanted to stay here for a few days?" Erik looked at her concerned that she did not wanted to return to their home. "Is everything alright my dear?" Christine smiled, pulling herself next to him on the divan.
"Yes, perfectly. I've rather enjoyed being here with you. All of the circumstances aside, I shan't mind being closer to Paris, just in case we've need to get to Nadir or Madame Giry quickly." Erik smiled at her, he understood completely.
"Well, we'd have to reopen the house, tend to the yard, stock the pantry and the like." Erik said looking down at her for some indication of what she intended. "The household has never been here during the spring, I dare say they might be quite befuddled."
"Just until we know Sara's been buried, that Meg is alright. It takes so much longer if the messenger has to travel all the way to Courtland Manor, this would make our exchanges so very much easier. And if they are ever accompanied or escorted, we'd not want them to come to the Manor."
Erik nodded. "You do not worry about being discovered here?" he asked. Christine smiled up at Erik. "I should think that Raoul and his father will have their hands full with Nadir and Madame Giry, I shan't worry about that." Erik agreed. They would be duly distracted for at least several weeks.
"Very well, we shall instruct them as to our intentions." Erik stood, preparing to go outside. "Erik," Christine said, "thank you….thank you for everything you've done…and for understanding." Erik smiled at her and said "but of course." Then he wandered out the door and towards the stables.
Christine smiled. She wanted to see the house once it was put back together. Yes, they'd tried to straighten things up a bit, but a good cleaning was due, if they were to stay there at any length.
She went over to the clock touching it again. "Father, we've a son that is coming into this world." She somehow felt closer to her father knowing that something that he'd bought for her was in that house. It made it feel more like their house, with something of her own in it.
She looked forward to spending time there, to getting to know it, and spending more time in Chauesser. She wanted to get to know the village better. She wanted to have time to talk to the clock maker, ask if he remembered her father. Something about that village beckoned to her, though she didn't know just what it was. Perhaps they could go into the village for dinner again tonight. Certainly it would take the staff some time to prepare the winter house to be suitable for dining. They themselves would no doubt have to visit the mercantile and the like just to have the necessities for a functioning kitchen. Yes, another trip in to Chauesser seemed in order.
Christine wandered back toward the kitchen to retrieve another scone from the platter. She looked down….three remained. She furrowed her brow….three….she looked each one over, she simply could not choose. She walked away, grabbing a handful of peanuts instead. She shook her head as she thought of her earlier thoughts of sheep and arks…. "three" she muttered under her breath as she walked out the door to stables, and towards where Erik had gone.
While they were most decidedly Erik's employees, she'd grown rather close to them while he recuperated. She'd want to extend her condolences to them for Sara's passing, for no doubt Erik would have told them by now. Though sorrow filled her, life demanded they go on living, and that is what she intended to do.
Author's Notes:
Thank you again for all of the reviews! I see that our family is growing…it is truly a wonderful thing! I hope everyone enjoyed chapter 99. Please brace yourself for chapter 100. It is rather a monumental thing that we've made it to that many chapters. I never imagined that it would go this far, but alas, I've stopped trying to figure out this beast, and I am but a servant to it!
Captain Oblivious: Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Happy….well you get the idea! ;-) Susie! How very cute a name. One of my favorite people in the world is named SueLynn, so that name is near and dear to my heart. I hope "she" is as faithful and fun for you as my "Susie" has been for me!
O.k. on to the story. Yes, the drugs in Meg's drawer are something of a question. They hold both the power to heal, to help, or if used incorrectly to hurt. Hmmmm, I'll have to think a long while on that one. I had to laugh at your comment about sending Raoul and Meg Tupperware full of hugs. They are just the sort of couple you could see using Tupperware. Erik and Christine likely would use vases and challises imported from Persia! They are certainly two parallel couples, and I've enjoyed bringing them both together. I never like leaving anyone behind. They are either killed off or paired…oh, I probably shouldn't have said that now should have I!
Now, on to Gerry….yes cape, trench coat, quite literally anything is wonderful. If you haven't see "Attila", you should watch it, if for no other reason than to see Gerry in his fine array of Greecian garments. Ohhhh my. Anyway, I finally received my "Jury" videos. It is a three-pack DVD, although they could easily have fit on one, not sure why they recorded it the way they did. I have to say, it is not all that good, but it was nice to see him in yet another vulnerable role. To see him cry….it was just heart breaking. Makes me want to give the guy a hug all the more! Like I REALLY needed another reason! I hope you've not worn out your Dracula 2000 DVD yet…although I'm certain it was entirely tempting!
Oh, I noticed that you mentioned "your stories". Do not tell me you've been holding out! Now you should feel duly compelled to share either your pen name, or your story name so that I may have an opportunity to read them!
Stellalorelai: It is nice to be missed! I've had major withdrawal this past week myself! Yes, Gerard is something of a specimen isn't he! I now own, shamelessly, seven of his movies. I have yet to see him in a role that he wasn't totally believable in. Why he has not shot to Hollywood stardom is beyond me. I have to admit I fell in love with him as the Phantom, but have come to respect him on so many levels as I've seen him in his other movies. I can hardly wait now for "Bewoulf and Grundel", and later "Burns". I still haven't seen "Game of Their Lives" because it was never released in my area, and has yet to come out on video. So, alas, I am always hungry for more. I hope you've checked out his web-site, although I must warn you, this will only further your obsession!
Erik and Christine. Yes, I've much more planned for this couple, and chapter 99 you can tell was no exception. I can actually feel the love growing deeper, and deeper for them each day. Nadir and Madame Giry, being a bit older don't recognize, or are trying to deny what they could possibly be feeling….. Raoul and Meg, I think it is only fitting that they should find happiness…and truly, during that period in history, it was often friends that ended up marrying after deaths of spouses. There wasn't so much "window shopping" that went on then. I hope you enjoy the coming chapters, and yes, as requested, much more of Erik and Christine….I cannot help myself!
Phantomluvr: I am entirely relieved to find that you didn't burst! I'd never forgive myself if one of our family members imploded from anticipation! I think you'll find a little something from me, if only we had "A chance to live". J I am also glad you are enjoying Raoul and Meg. I want them to be happy, though I fear they have a very long road ahead of them. So much I could say about that…but then I'd be spoiling the story wouldn't I! Hope you enjoyed Chapter 99!
PhantomFan13: Oh I am so glad to hear that someone else could relate to the feeling of freedom one has when riding a horse! You can just feel Erik's release can't you? I must sadly decline to tell you more about what Erik's mother told to DeChagny or I would spoil the story. I am glad that you are tracking the details, it adds so much more enjoyment to the story! Gee, the correlation between the Beauty and the Beast never occurred to me, but I can see what you are saying. I think that is when you know it is "true love" it's not what's on the outside that counts, but it's the beauty that you fall in love with when your eyes are closed, in my humble opinion, is what matters most!
Ninetalesluvr: First, let me just say, that there are roughly ten million women in the world that would give their left kidney to meet our beloved Gerard. No wonder the poor man hasn't picked a wife yet….how will he ever be able to choose! The fact that he is so humble about his celebrity only makes him MORE attractive, as if he needed any help right? So, yes, I have to admit, that I do think about him in the character of the Phantom, as much as anything, but Phantom aside, he is quite a hunk!
Thank you for the compliment on the chapter. I was hoping everyone would like it! I've probably said a dozen times or more that I am a hopeless romantic….Chapter 96 just furthers that reputation. I could only imagine a love as sweet as this!
Liriel-eris: I'm so glad you explained your tag name. I love Greek mythology… although it's been awhile since I dabbled in it. I haven't heard of the Elaine Cunningham novels before, but you've peeked my interest, perhaps you could tell me more about them!
Thank you for your kind words about this story. I hope that there will be happiness for Meg and Raoul…though it will be difficult. Sometimes tragedy throws people together and they think what they are feeling is love….sometimes it is…sometimes it is not…only time will tell for this pair I guess. As for Erik and Christine, I cannot get the smile off of my face every time I think of them. They are both so happy, so grateful to be loved…and it is simply so sweet because neither of them could see how someone else could love them so much…which just makes me want to squish them both in one great big hug! There is something decidedly special about this pair!
Larakat: Welcome to the family. I'm glad you've decided to join us! Thank you for the compliment. I'd love to answer your questions, but alas, I cannot. Although in the coming chapters, you will find the answers you seek! Now, as is tradition with the newest family members, I must ask about your tag name…Larakat…..hmmmm. Something from "Tombraider"? Lara with kat…sorry, I'm stumped…do explain!
Gipper: Welcome to the family! It was very hard to be gone for the time that I was, though it was entirely lovely to come home and find we had some new members to our little Phantomfamily. Yikes, a new word….Phantomfamily.
Anyway, thank you for the compliment. Rocking the Phantom world? I am more humbled by that comment than I can put into words. I have enjoyed this story so much, it has become my favorite pastime, actually, obsession would be a more appropriate adjective! I am glad that you are one of the people who dreamed of Erik and Christine being together….I simply could not have gone on living in a world where the two of them were not together….o.k., I wasn't suicidal, but it did dampen my happiness….
You are most welcome about the warning. I couldn't have anyone think that I'd abandoned the story, been hit by a truck, or (if you've read any of my previous responses to reviewers,) been struck dead by God himself! I am glad to hear that you are a trumpet player…my father was, and oh how he loved it! I myself am a piano player (probably another reason I love the Phantom!), and absolutely love the violin, and the harp…but have a full appreciation for all types of music. I'm sure you find that people that love playing an instrument of any sort have a different type of personality than those who do not. They appreciate the world in an entirely different way….hmmm….a question for the day…do you appreciate the world differently than your non-musical friends? I think that is why I put in the story the contrast of Erik being very musical, and Raoul envying people who were able to play an instrument. It gives further contrast to their personalities, thus giving them deep individuality.
Now, I must dutifully ask about your tag name. Surely you are not old enough to know about the US president that was nicknamed the "Gipper" are you? If not, perhaps you could enlighten us! Hope you enjoy chapter 99!
Poetzproblem: Yes, Vegas was great. I'd almost like to suggest a "Phantomfamily" reunion there…I could see it now….yes….Gerard at Caesar's Palace….oh my….I've just been lost in a daydream…. It is very much a place I will be going back to! In spite of all the wonderful distractions that Vegas had to offer, I still suffered major Phantom withdrawal while I was gone. Now I am back, and I cannot get my fingers to stop typing! I hope you enjoy chapter 99!
Mandrin Orange: Welcome to the family! I am wondering if you are from Japan, where our beloved Gerard has been currently spending so much of his time? If not, perhaps it is your favorite fruit? No? You'll have to give us a clue….you know…family cannot keep any secrets from one another! Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I shall continue to keep writing as long as there is a story to tell, and readers to read it…or unless arthritis sets in and fanfiction decides to cut me off!
Seablue4U: Welcome to the family….something nudges at the back of my brain…haven't I heard from you before? It might be a case of mistaken identity, and if it is, my apologies. Now, I'm hoping that the story will help cure you of your "blues"! Now do tell, do you live by the ocean….have had your heart broken by a surfer…? Just guesses. You'll have to tell us how you arrived at your name….
Thank you for the compliment. Fantastic? I am feeling a bit humbled by that you must know…I am so happy to find a place where people can accept my "mind" with all it's major eccentricities… I dare say that most of the people in my life find me quite mad! Although, that does beg the question…what's so special about being normal anyway? Hope you enjoy the next chapters…..and being a part of our new little Phantomfamily!
DarkMoonLightBright: Hmmm…your name has me wondering…either you like oxymorons or, you have an affinity for the contrast between night and day, which means you are very articulate, and likely to pick up on any inconsistencies in my prose….hmmm… Thank you for the compliment regarding the story. I like to be kept on the edge of my seat when I am reading a story, so I cannot seem to help myself when I am writing one! Yes, I've wondered how long Meg could hold out…knowing what she knows…and if it might slip…that is precisely what Erik had warned her about so many months ago when they were at Sara's Inn….he knew the frailty of the human mind, and the ability for the truth to invariably surface at the most inopportune time…. Ah yes, the Courtland Manor staff…they are indeed loyal…as servants were back in those days. They defended their "keeps" with the fiercest regard. We should all be so fortunate to have someone like that looking after us!
Again, welcome to the family…may your stay be a long and happy one!