Nadir hesitated. He stammered, "Erik, I left something here, when I was here last, I'd put it on the upper shelf for safekeeping." Nadir was thinking quickly what he might have in his pocket that he could produce if Erik required it. It was now a game of bluff, and he held out his hand for Erik to call.
Erik moved from the shadows into the room, bringing the door closed behind them. Never, in all the time that Nadir had known Erik, had he been on the receiving end of Erik's wrath, frankly it was terrifying. He'd watched Erik before, stalk his prey, toy with it, before going in for the metaphorical kill, but somehow, being on the outside watching was much different than being on the inside, watching as he moved closer and closer.
He knew he should not fear Erik, and perhaps he did not, it was the situation that made terror course through his very veins. His heart pounded so hard in his chest, Nadir thought with a great degree of certainty, that the pulsating was visible from the exterior.
"Nadir, it has been a great many years since you and I made our acquaintance. In all of those years, I've come to trust you, as friend, as guide, as confidante." Erik was slowly, stealthily, walking in an ever smaller circle around Nadir. He continued, "now, I am feeling a bit at odds. I sense you've something to tell me, something you would withhold from me that which I ought to know."
Nadir sat perfectly still. He did not know how to respond to Erik. If in doubt, silence was the better of the choices he thought. Erik moved in ever closer until he'd walked passed Nadir and stood before the window, gazing out into the darkness of the night. Instead of further questions, Erik began to speak.
"Nadir, it was you who I first trusted, you who I first sought out when I could neither care for myself, nor find any peace. Those years we shared in Persia, it was you and you alone I dared reveal myself to. We've been through much together my friend, much I shan't share with another breathing soul." Erik turned looking at Nadir seriously. "I can sense it, something troubles you now, even as we sit in utter privacy, there is something which you cannot tell me." Erik looked down, and for the first time in a great many years, he knew there was something that could not be shared between them. "When you are ready my friend, you will come to me. Seek me out in the light of day, or the dark of night, whenever you need me, I shall be there for you, as you have been there for me so many times."
Erik walked over, placing his hand firmly on Nadir's shoulder, squeezing it with his iron grip. Looking down once more he said, "good night my friend, sleep well." Then he walked passed Nadir opening and closing the door behind him as he left.
Nadir let out a long staggered breath. If only Erik knew that which he did not…it was for the better that he did not know. Nadir was grateful that he'd not had to produce something for Erik to see, for the only other thing he had in his pocket was the page of script that he had of Meg's. That would have produced no less a shock to Erik than the picture. Nadir wiped his brow, he'd broken out into a cold sweat.
He rose, looking out the window once more before he moved toward the door. In his wildest imagination, his worst fear had been that one of the servants would find the picture. What he'd just come closest to was beyond his greatest fear. The shock of such information would have been more than Erik could bear, and he'd already been through so very much. He'd come so far….and this would have only catapulted him backwards at a deafening speed. The very thought of being related in any way to De Chagny would immediately repulse him. Until Nadir had proof positive, he'd reveal nothing.
XXX
Erik made his way back into the room. Christine was asleep, in the same position, same expression as last he'd left her. He discarded his robe, and slid in beside her. Gently he wiggled his arm in underneath her head and shoulder, carefully guiding her head to his chest, wrapping his arms around her. She stretched just a bit, yawning a tiny little sleepy yawn, and nestled into Erik's arms.
Erik sat listening to her breathing in and out, in and out, he could not but help think of….of all people in the entire world….Raoul. Though he'd hated the man for wanting to take Christine from him, he could only imagine that he'd wanted the same thing, the very same thing that Erik now had. In all the times he'd thought of that boy, this was the first, and likely the last time, he'd think of him with anything but loathing.
Somewhere inside Erik he felt pity for Raoul. In order to embrace love, he'd had to deny another man his happiness. Somehow, it did not seem fair, though Erik was no less grateful that he was the one now holding Christine in his arms. He had no doubt she loved him, and him alone. A fleeting thought of wishing that Raoul found happiness slipped through his mind….just as a few snowflakes might pass through the air on a chilled autumn morning….fleeting…there…but then again not…. He shook his head…pity was for the weak.
He thought of the delight he'd seen in Christine's eyes that morning as she beheld the physical evidence of their growing love within her. He smiled as he thought back to her standing before, and discovering the mystery of the clock. He felt guilty for the feelings his actions had obviously stirred within her. He closed his eyes and raised a silent prayer. "God, let not this great gift torture her. Let it be used for your good, but not at the expense of her sanity or demise."
Erik kissed Christine's temple as he drifted off to sleep. In the morning he would talk to Nadir again…his gut told him that there was so much more he needed to know. But at this point, the greater need was that Nadir knew that Erik would be there for him…whenever he was ready.
XXX
Meg sat straight up, she'd just begun dreaming, and the same angry sky greeted her, but tonight, she'd been able to wake before it grew too frightening. The small flicker and hiss of the barely lit lamp on the dresser gave the room just enough light to keep it within view. She'd talk herself out of this, she was determined. She repeated over and over to herself, "I am safe, I am loved, I am alright." She repeated it like a mantra until she found herself asleep again.
The dream returned, but this time on the horizon, was a small figure, seated at a vanity. Meg moved closer, she could see barely the outline, but as the object grew bigger, she realized it was Christine! Meg suddenly felt herself in flight, being drawn toward Christine's image. Before long Meg could feel something beneath her, and she looked around and she too was on a bench, seated before a beautiful vanity, soft candle light glowing off the crushed in-laid stone. She blinked, she was moving through the thick of the dark cloud, following what seemed to be the urethral sound of Christine's voice as she sang, "think of me, think of me fondly before we say goodbye, imagine me trying too hard to put you from my mind…think of all the things, the things we'll never do…there will never be a day that I won't think of you……" Meg's mouth gaped as her vanity came face to face with Christine's, the backs of the mirrors resting against one another. "Christine…Christine…." Meg called out to her, though she knew it was futile.
Meg watched as Christine continued to brush her hair, smiling and singing over and over again. Suddenly Meg saw movement in the shadows behind Christine. At first it seemed like nothing more than a swirl in the clouds. But then it grew in size and shape until it took on a human form. Meg squinted her eyes, trying to perceive the figure that was moving toward Christine. Slowly, surely, the figure moved until it was within feet of Christine….it was Erik! Though he wore no mask, that disfigured part of his face was obscured by shadow. He leaned down and kissed Christine on the cheek, gently running his hand along her back. "What a beautiful voice you have my dear…" Christine continued to sing….
All at once Meg felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning slightly to glance upward she saw that it was Raoul. His face contained no malice, for he too was smiling. He leaned down and kissed Meg on the cheek. She shuddered. Leaning in further he whispered in her ear, "I see you've found your sister my dear, and now, I'd like for you to meet my brother.." Meg looked at him in horror. Her face quickly flying between Raoul, and Christine, and Erik. Everyone was smiling at her, she felt nauseated, light headed…..
She felt herself fighting struggling to get away…
Meg sat straight up in bed, gasping. She was drenched from head to toe in sweat, she felt trapped, she needed air, she needed to be outside, needed to be anywhere but inside that room. She swiftly slipped on her robe, and made her way to the door. Turning once to make sure her mother was still sleeping. Meg opened the door and went into the hall closing the door behind her.
Even the high ceilings and wide berth of the grand mahagony hallways did little to quell her sense of confinement…she needed to be outside, beneath the vast expanse of the open night sky, she needed to breath in the cool night air…
She found herself quickly decending the staircase, nightdress flairing out behind her in fluttering in the moonlight. She made her way along the servants cooridor that extended to the terrace behind the house. The faster she went, the more desparate the urge to be outside became… She reached the door at the end of the long hal and grabbed the handle, her hand shaking as she flung the door open wide and ran out into the middle of the terrace, gasping.
She shrieked as two men came running toward her on either side, swords drawn. One nodded at yet another and he darted into the hallway Meg had just come out of. Meg was crying hysterically as the men grabbed her and drug her back into the house, closing the door behind them. It took only several seconds before they began speaking to her.
"Miss Giry, are you alright, was someone pursuing you?" Meg was trying to draw in her breath as she heard a pair of feet thundering on the stairs, and immediately let out a heartfelt yelp, "Raoul!" as he came into view. The men parted, leaving Meg standing for Raoul to grasp.
"Are you alright, you aren't hurt?" He pulled her to him, wrapping his arms protectively around her. His eyes immediately darting to the two men who now stood behind her. They were shaking their heads from side to side; they'd seen no one. He began to lead Meg to the bench in the hall. To err on the side of caution, the men roamed the halls, and several others the grounds around the terrace. Raoul nodded, and the remaining men departed, leaving them alone.
"Meg, what on earth brought you to the terrace alone this time of night?" He was gently rubbing her back as he held her hand. She could hardly tell him the contents of her dream. She began, "I am sorry Raoul, I'd had a dream, and I was frightened, and I needed some air, and I came down the stairs, and…" She was talking so fast, she sounded as hysterical as she was felt. Meg looked over, there was a light now under Madeline's door, she could see it glowing down the hallway. Immediately, she felt pangs of guilt, she'd woken nearly half of the household!
Raoul was trying to soothe her. "The doctor said they might come….it is alright…I am here with you….." Meg felt herself starting to relax. Perhaps it was her conscience that was getting the best of her. Christine was with Erik, Meg was with Raoul, neither her best friend nor her intended suitor, nor Erik for that matter, knew what she knew, and inside it was eating away at her fragile grip on sanity. She could not stand the deception, it haunted her to the core of her being, but she had no choice. To share any of it, with any one of them, would bring about disastrous consequences. She could hardly bear her present circumstance, but she must, for those that had been friend, protector, and suitor, for she cared for all of them.
Raoul was leading Meg into the library. They'd spent a relaxing afternoon there, perhaps reading to Meg of something more soothing would calm her. He heard Madeline putting on the kettle; he knew a pot of tea was not far behind. Raoul tucked Meg into a blanket on the plump cushions of the divan.
"Now let me see," he said, mounting the small ladder in front of the bookcase, holding a candle with one hand, thumbing passed book bindings with the other. Meg had begun to relax until Raoul moved to the third shelf. Her eyes widened as he made his way down the row…THE row where she had managed to stow her envelope that very afternoon! Her heart began to thump as he moved ever closer and closer to the chartreuse cover that contained that which she most longed to keep hidden. She had to distract him, get him to stop, and she was just about to call out to him as his hand paused on the book, "ah, yes, perhaps this one would do nicely" he said with a smile.
A knock on the door, and it opened, Madeline, blushing slightly, came in wearing her heavy bathrobe, her hair tucked neatly beneath her bed bonnet, carrying a tray with a pot of tea, two cups with saucers, a pitcher of honey, a dish of sugar lumps, and two silver spoons. She smiled at Meg compassionately, and nodded to Raoul as he dismounted the ladder. "Vicomte," she said, and then turned and padded out the door, closing it quietly behind her. "Thank you Madeline." Raoul called behind her.
Raoul briefly abandoned the search for a book to come over and pour a cup of tea for Meg. "This should help you to relax a bit, then I shall retrieve a book…" "No," Meg said before she even thought further, hoping her sudden outburst didn't alarm Raoul. She quickly retreated into a more mild demeanor, "If it is not too much trouble Raoul, could we simply talk a bit?"
Raoul smiled at her, sitting down next to her with his cup of tea. She'd start the conversation, "Raoul, what were those men doing?" Meg said with genuine interest in her voice. "What men?" Raoul replied. "The men, those four men, out in the yard….I don't recall seeing guards outside before, not that I've ever ventured outside alone before at night,….but I don't recall them being about?"
Raoul didn't want to further Meg's turmoil, so he simply replied, "they are always there, a bit of safekeeping when I've ladies residing in my house!" Meg smiled. Raoul was relieved, she seemed to be satisfied with his answer.
"I see, I suppose it is wise, all thing considered." Meg slowly sipped her cup of tea, the scent of the chamomile tickling at her nose.
"Now Meg," Raoul said turning his body slightly toward her, leaning back against the couch, "would you like to discuss the contents of the dream that found you out on the terrace at this hour?"
XXXX
The morning sun brought with it the burdens that had laid asleep as the world slumbered. Nadir had been awake since first morning light. He'd already taken his first cup of coffee, with the staff who were stirring at that hour. He noticed they all seemed to be a bit lighter on their feet this morning, a bit more friendly, and he dared think a bit more polite…though he was certain it was just his imagination.
He had much to take care of in Chauesser, and he'd want to be on his way as soon as it the clock struck eight. He knew he'd have to face Erik, and he'd already devised in his mind, a worthy plan for discussing with Erik. It had to be something that would make him a bit uncomfortable, and he had just he topic…Madame Giry. He could think of little else as he tried to fall asleep last night. She was a lovely woman, and Meg's words only had encouraged his less than obvious feelings for a woman he'd come to admire for her strength and courage. That would certainly provide him with all the uneasy sentiment required to fool even Erik.
Perhaps he's say it was a note that he'd written that he had retrieved from the Sunroom. Surely Erik would not ask to see it, and even if he did, he could simply display for him the folded scrap, and that would be all the proof Erik would require. He felt a bit smart with himself that he'd figured a way out of his quagmire. That did not however, lighten the burden of the task he had before him.
He'd retrieve Sara from the undertaker, and then he'd be….no…no….he'd have to search for the woman first…driving a carriage around with a corpse inside would be entirely too morbid. He'd search for the woman, take note of what he saw in Chauesser, and then be on his way back to Paris. With any fortune at all he'd be back there before the offices of the government closed for the day.
He'd finish dressing, and make his way down to the dining room. Something told him that he'd find Erik there, especially today.
XXXX
Erik lay next to Christine, propped up on one elbow just watching her sleep. He'd watched her sleep more times than he could count at the Opera House, above her undetected in the rafters. Now he watched her at a distance of but a few inches, and though he knew every inch of her face by heart, in his mind's-eye, the opportunity to review it was never missed.
She was sleeping so peacefully, he hated to disturb her, and he'd thought long and hard about waking her, or letting her sleep and joining Nadir alone. Though he didn't want to disappoint her. She'd pouted about his absence from the bed in the morning, she wanted to wake up to him, she'd said, not without him.
He leaned over kissing her at first lightly on the forehead. Nothing. He kissed her cheek and leaned away…still nothing. He kissed her neck lightly, though he dared say he'd not do that again or she'd be woken up in much different fashion.
He reached out brushing her hair from her face. The brown tendrils formed a glorious frame for her ivory skin. She was every bit as beautiful this morning as she'd been the day before. Finally, Erik leaned over, putting the full weight of his lips against hers. He slid his hand down to her stomach, rubbing over their daughter affectionately.
Erik heard Christine groan, and felt her sweet surrendered arms wrap around his neck. "Good morning my love…." came her breathy voice. She kissed him more intently, rising to press against his lips. Erik had intended to wake her so they could join Nadir for breakfast, for surely Christine would want to visit with him before he left. But, in that moment, Erik was filled with a deep sense of longing, and though his mind bid him rise, his body bid him stay, and with Christine's affectionate kisses luring him, the latter of the two was victorious.
It seemed like only minutes, though Erik knew better, and he was lying once again on his back. Christine lying with her head propped up on his chest, looking down at him. "Now my dear Erik, you understand why waking up together is much preferable to finding oneself alone in such a large bed?" Christine was immediately embarrassed by her own forthright comment, but she'd said what was on her mind, and hoped Erik would not disapprove.
XXXX
Nadir had finished his coffee, his scone, his eggs sat cold on the plate in front of him, and the maid had been no help at all. It had never been said, though was simply understood…no one disturbed their master while he was in his private chambers, especially with Christine.
Nadir was determined to sit for five more minutes only and then he'd write a note of apologetic regret and be on his way. Just then he turned his head when he heard a sweet voice greet him.
"Good morning Nadir. I trust you slept well?" Christine strode over to him kissing him on both cheeks as he rose to embrace her. "Yes, very." His eyes quickly darted to Erik who did not make eye contact with him as he found his place at the table. That was very unlike Erik, but then again these days, there was very much that was not at all like the Erik he'd remembered…and that was not entirely bad.
Author's Notes:
Hopelesslyobsessed: No, yesterday I never found the reviews for chapter 105 and I was panicking for a minute there thinking I'd bored everyone to death! Yes, Raoul and Meg, they are very sweet, and I'm glad you didn't think that the thing with Raoul's mother's prediction was too cheesy. It seemed sweet to me, and a helpful way for Raoul to know he was making the right choice….but one never knows! As for Erik and Raoul finding out if they are related…yes, that interaction would be most interesting… Nadir and Erik's conversation will be explained a bit further in coming chapters.
Now, on to your new movie obsession. Yes, I think I mentioned I've watched 'Dracula' more than three dozen times now, and I had to again, at least in part, last night, because you've been talking about it! The movie 'Timeline', another member of our Phantomfamily mentioned that they thought the book was much better than the movie. But hey, anytime we can see Gerard in a movie, we'll forgive them if the plot is lacking! I thought it was interesting, this is the first movie of his that I watched where he actually gets the girl! I have a confession to make, the woman who was in that movie who played Lady Claire….I think she would be a perfect mate for Gerry, though I doubt he'd agree. There was just something about her, the way that he looked at her. She is the reason I chose the name for the woman DeChagny dated when he was young in our current story….I think the name is beautiful, and it is French after all! Oh now I've let you in on a little secret haven't I!
As far as adoring Gerry, one can never really help who they adore. Look at some of the most famous couples in history and you'll find there was often a very large age difference between them. Not that I'm encouraging this sort of thing, but it isn't bad as long as you don't plan on moving to where he lives, and changing your legal name to Butler! It's like exercise for your heart! The more we exercise something, the better we become at using it! I've adored the man for a long while, and though people may think I'm nuts, its pretty harmless. Hey, if they guy can put smiles on our faces once each day, I guess he's spreading a little happiness by doing what he was born to do..so….that's what makes the world go round!
Yes, some day he'll find that special someone to have a family with. According to his own accounts, he's had many serious relationships, but they don't last for very long. They are brief and intense, and then its over though he maintains friendships with them all. Who could stay mad at that guy? It will take a special someone to knock him off his feet, and yes, she will be a very fortunate woman! I think because of his own past with his father leaving his family when he was very young, he's probably worried about doing that to someone else, so he's taking his time choosing so that he knows it will be forever…I think he wants to make sure he can be there for his kids because his father was never there for him. So, when someone does finally snag this man, they are likely going to be "stuck" forever! Ahhh…sighs happily
DivePrincess: Congratulations on starting another new school year! Always remember whatever knowledge you put into your head no one can ever take away, its yours to keep forever. Even if studying becomes tedious at time, remember they are there for you…to help you learn something new each day. It only makes you wiser, and a more valuable person to everyone you meet! No, I'm not a teacher, but I firmly believe in education. Before we can learn what we were meant to be in this world, we have to know something about this world.
As for James, he probably didn't mean to use the term 'best friend' unless he was referring to another guy, in which case, it makes sense because most people will identify a 'best friend guy' and a 'best friend girl' if they are lucky enough to have both. The fact that you've been close since you were ten means you've probably gone through a lot together, and maybe even feel a little bit like siblings! I'm glad you're working through it, because we all need our friends, especially if times are tough!
I'd love to do the IM thing, but alas, I do not have that on my computer! Have a great first day of school! Keep that chin up…every day of your senior year is a priceless gem. Remember to appreciate each one of them. Look at your fellow students and keep in mind those are the people you'll be thinking about for the rest of your life when you look back with fondness on your life. Every little act of kindness you show them will come back to you, and it will earn you a special place in their hearts that they will carry with them wherever they go forever!
DarkMoonLightBright: Oh I must admit that I love how your imagination works, and I am happy that I can feed it! That is so funny you talk about 'The Music of the Night', I listen to it so much, and every time it makes me smile just listening to that untrained voice belting out those words…they seem so very real. Yes, people think I'm crazy too because all of the sudden, seemingly out of the blue, I get a smile on my face thinking about it…I bet it does make me look a little crazy! Hey, do not tell yourself to "hush", I like long reviews! There are so many things going on with all of the characters, the possibilities seem to be endless, and depending on which way things go, it can affect so many other things…yikes, I think I've just talked myself in a circle! I smile each and every time I think of Erik as a daddy. I wonder what he will be like since he's never been exposed to infants, or small children for that matter…will it annoy him? Will he adore them even when they are misbehaving? Will he be a good helper to Christine? I guess all those things we think about when anyone is about to become a daddy! Have a good day at school!
PhantomLover05: I am pleased that you are enjoying the relationship between Erik and Christine. If only everyone could treat each other with such love and adoration! I know I sound like a broken record when I say that, but I guess we all can be reminded of how powerful true love really can be! Hope you like the next chapters!
Hybrid Knightress: Yes, our poor little Nadir caught…and by the time you read this review, you will know how our dear Erik reacted to it. He HATES it when those around him have secrets that they aren't willing to share…. It makes me think back to the time when he first woke up at Courtland Manor and was entirely irritated that everyone else seemed to know what was going on but him! Erik is a deep, deep, person, and though we've been seeing the wonderful side of him as he loves his Christine, there is no way to erase the past that he has, or the years he spent in darkness…that really never goes away….(laughs forebodingly)! Ahhh yes….Gerard Butler…puts a smile on my face every time!
Crayann: Lovely school….I am so happy to find that the ones that follow our little family are either educated, or in the process of being educated, or involved some way in education! I am also happy to know that I give someone, somewhere, something to look forward to. We all need our little havens! This story, and our little family, has been one for me these last four months…I really have enjoyed it so! Thank you for the compliment, and I hope this chapter did not disappoint!
Grotto1: Welcome to the family! We have a few traditions for you…First, wishing you a long and happy stay as part of our little Phantomfamily. I'm glad you are enjoying the story, and the length of the chapters. Sometimes I do worry that they are too long, but they seem to take control of me, rather than me of them! Oh how I would love to have the gift which you so obviously possess; the gift of brevity when you write. I can never seem to convey that which I want to with few words…! Now, for the second tradition…your tag name…. Hmmm…Grotto…perhaps you prefer places of peace, and relish solitude (which would explain your draw to the story of The Phantom of the Opera). Or perhaps you are a religious person who has had opportunity to visit a grotto (I've been to several) and appreciate the spiritual feeling you get when you are there. And the number 1….either someone had already claimed the name Grotto, OR, you wanted to make sure you were the FIRST grotto, and so rightly chose Grotto1? Now, with all of my speculation, kindly do tell….if you are willing….your new little Phantomfamily, of your thoughts when you chose your name!
Stellalorilai: Thank you for the review! I am pleased to know that so many enjoyed the bit with Raoul and Meg, and his mother's prediction. To me it seemed a fitting way to secure in Raoul's mind that it was destined to be…that he was meant to be with Meg. Hopefully it will solidify his commitment to her, and make it easier IF he should one day find out about Christine…..