Meg had finally nestled into the bed when her mother came into the room, closing the door behind her. Meg wished she could feign sleep, though she knew her mother would not be fooled.
Madame Giry sat on the edge of the cot where Meg lay. She sighed, the silent torture of what she knew she must discuss with her daughter being the only thought occupying her mind. Meg had been through so very much since her father had died, and these moments would be no less painful. Silently she wished the topic would never need to be broached, but given their present circumstance, time was of the essence. A decision would soon be in the making.
Madame Giry prepared herself, and then began, "Meg, you do not need to respond, simply listen to what I must say." She began running her hand along the length of Meg's braid that was tucked beneath the sheets. "Meg, we've come to a point in time where we will soon have to make a decision. Recent developments will make it difficult for either of us to return to Courtland Manor, though that had been our first intention. I've no doubt you know of Raoul's intentions to keep you here while you are recuperating, and perhaps beyond. I shan't want to be away from you, and I dare say you shan't want to be far from Raoul. The time shall come very soon when you are well, and the Opera House will near its opening. By that time my dear, we will have to have decided what will become of us…where we intend to stay, for we cannot exist in both worlds, and the two worlds can never merge."
Meg's previous glow of happiness was immediately tempered by the truth her mother spoke. If only there was a way to know for certain…to know if what she and Nadir suspected was true…if only. Meg sat silently as she listened to her mother begin to cry. She had thought so long about herself, she and Raoul, that she'd almost forgotten the things that surely burdened her mother. If she stayed with Meg, she'd likely never be with Nadir, for Nadir would surely return to Erik. If she stayed with Meg, she'd not be with Christine, or able to help Erik recuperate…. But if she left, if SHE LEFT, then she'd be turning Meg over to Raoul, and would be giving up all that she'd worked for those many years as the ballet mistress. How could she begrudge this woman a sympathetic ear with such weight on her shoulders?
Meg slid her torso down, pulling herself up into a seated position. Madame Giry looked desperately into Meg's eyes. Meg took her mother into an affectionate embrace. "Mother, I am sorry…I never meant for this to…" "I know my dear Meg, I know. One simply cannot stop the course of love."
XXXX
Nadir and Erik arrived in Chauesser. The town was already buzzing with people darting here and there on a busy Monday morning. There were markets to go to, seamstresses to visit, banks to deposit. Everyone seemed to be on a mission, though cordial as they quickly passed exchanging formal pleasantries.
The pair's first stop would be the mercantile. Erik had never had anything on account, and it had tugged at his mind as he thought about being indebted to another man, if even for a few hours. He'd granted the man's wishes out of respect. It had been the least he could do for the courtesy the man had extended his household.
Erik and Nadir were immediately greeted by the shopkeeper upon entrance. "It is good to see you again sir." He said, extending his hand to Erik. He gave Nadir a glance, looking back to Erik for an introduction. Erik flashed, quickly realizing it had not been since he was in Persia that he'd had to partake of this formality….and here he was, a gentleman's gentleman, introducing Nadir into the village he would most certainly need to become accustomed to. Nadir cleared his throat.
"Pardon me," Erik said, as he motioned toward Nadir, and then proceeding with the formal introduction. The shopkeeper nodded to Nadir, "a pleasure to meet you Sir." Nadir responding in proper fashion, "and like wise good sir." The three men stood, glancing at one another before Erik interjected. "Nadir is a dear friend, I should say I think of him as a brother," Nadir interrupted, "a much older, but just as handsome brother." Making all three of them laugh.
"Now good sir, should Nadir ever find himself in need of anything, anything at all, please do see that it is put on account for me, and I shall take care of the balance, do think of him as my envoy good sir." The man looked at Nadir, and smiled. It was not often that one man afforded that courtesy to another so freely.
"I'll see to it sir." He said nodding to Erik. "Is there anyone else you might like on your account? Your wife, a housekeeper perhaps?" Erik replied thoughtfully, "yes, I suppose it would be wise to make a list wouldn't it." The shopkeeper led Erik over to his office, Erik turning to nod at Nadir; he'd be but a few minutes.
Nadir wandered about the mercantile. He was quite impressed with the selection for such a small hamlet, he'd expected much less. Mentally he was taking note of where people seemed to collect. The gentlemen near the tobacco, the women in textiles and ready-made garments, the service staff near the dry goods. If he was going to find the woman Erik described, he'd guessed the dry goods would be an area she might frequent. He'd find some excuse to go through there each time he stopped at the mercantile if he had no luck today.
Nadir wandered over to the humidors, looking over the assortment of fine pipe tobaccos, cigars imported from around the world, loose leaf with wrapping papers. No doubt there were a number of men in the village who regularly partook of such extravagances, or the shop certainly wouldn't maintain such a selection!
He took a chair in the smoking room, rather finding the aromas of hard cherry, rich plum, and fragrant bitters preferable to the scents of lotions, powders, and perfumes that were not far off. Truly they were distracting….reminding him of Madame Giry.
He had been the only one in the room, but soon was joined by two other gentlemen. "Ducking out of the shopping good sir?" The one asked of Nadir as they sat on the leather couch across from him, propping their feet up on an a rather large well-seasoned leather ottoman.
Nadir laughed, "no good sirs, I'm waiting for a friend to conduct some business, but I can see indeed this would be an excellent hiding place for the purpose you suggested!" Nadir said gesticulating his hand eloquently to the surroundings. They laughed.
The two men sat eyeing Nadir before one asked, "I don't believe I've seen you in Chauesser sir, are you but traveling through?" he rose, Nadir doing the same shaking one another's extended hands before returning to their chairs.
"I am here as a guest of my friend, and then I shall be on my way to Paris, I've business to tend to there." Nadir said watching as the two men lit their pipes, swirls of smoke quickly wafting upwards toward the high dark ceiling, that had no doubt been witness to a great many conversations between gentlemen over its lifetime.
"I see," said the first gentleman. "And what do you think of our little village?" Asked the second.
"I must say, thus far, I'm duly impressed. You certainly seem to have a sufficiently stocked mercantile. I've yet to discover the remainder of the town, but I plan to do so before I head off today." Nadir paused, the conversation was coming quite easily; the men more amiable than first he'd imagined they might be. "I understand you've a number of good taverns, and a lovely park here."
The first gentleman nodded, "truly, truly. We consider ourselves a little Paris here sir." He smiled rather proudly. "What we do not have, we can order, and it arrives from Paris within two days time!" The second man nodding in agreement.
Nadir smiled, that explained quite easily the luxurious surroundings, and the pride he observed on nearly every face he'd passed in the street. "It is interesting…for such a small hamlet, that you've so many shops, and a center park for entertaining. One normally sees such things only in larger cities where wealth abounds." Nadir hoping the leading question would elicit a telling response.
The second man answered with considerable pride in his voice. "Yes, we've several generous benefactors, and several faithful employers. But I think it was the influences of our dear Lady C that influenced our humble little village the most."
Nadir turned his head, cocking it to one side, "Lady C?" Nadir said curiously.
"Yes, an elder woman…she's the reason for many of the fineries you see in the village. The park, the embellished lampposts, the boardwalk around the fountains. She's invested much into Chauesser. Some say it was her suitor and her lover, since she'd never married." The man smiled at the other who was nodding, and then continued. "She's been here nearing thirty years. Neither widowed nor married. She was simply quite enamored with our little village, and had not the heart to part with it….even to find a husband! Or so they say."
Nadir scowled, "she's never married….did she have no suitors? Surely a woman of that wealth would have had suitors!" The men just looked at him bewildered.
"She'd never told a soul, though some say she stands in her doorway at night looking down the road until the sun sets, as if she's looking for someone. She stays quite to herself most of the time, but does venture into the village several times each year. Once at the time of the holidays in December, and then every tenth of April. Why I dare say its almost an official holiday here. She buys gift for the children of the village, and everyone is treated to a large dinner in the town square. Up until a few years ago she would have her piano brought down, and she'd treat everyone to music while they dined. She's an odd sort of woman really, though I dare say she's a wonderful pianist, and a very generous soul."
Nadir was scratching at his chin again. "What's the significance of the tenth of April?" he said looking between the men.
The first answering his question as best he could. "No one really knows. We know only that she's been doing it for thirty years, and the good citizens of Chauesser have little reason to question the motives of a woman who has done so very much for our village."
Nadir was intrigued. "She sounds like a wonderful woman gentleman. I am inclined inquire, where does she live that she only visits twice a year to a place she is so obviously fond of?"
The second man puzzled, looked at Nadir, "visit? My dear sir, she live here sir. She's lived here ever since her father passed on leaving the family fortune to her. She's occupied their summer house with her mother until she died several years ago."
Nadir's interest was sufficiently peeked. "Why if she lives here does she only pay a visit twice a year?"
The first man interrupted. "Ah, that is the stuff that legends are made of good sir. No one knows for certain." He said huffing a bit indignantly. They neither had need to know, nor want to know the truth….the intrigue was far more fodder for conversation.
The second man said, "there are many theories, that she was scorned by a lover in her youth and never recovered; she was secretly betrothed to someone she simply could not marry so she chose to live in seclusion rather than succumb to an arranged marriage; that she chose a man who her father found unsuitable and would not go against her father's wishes…"
The first man said, "ah, that is the one I believe, an unsuitable match would have been frowned upon, and she couldn't bring herself to marry someone whom she did not love simply to marry. Thereby depriving her father of a grandson since he deprived her of the man she loved." He smiled, thinking himself to be rather clever.
Nadir was rubbing his chin intently. "Does the woman never come into the village for church or other things of this nature?"
"Ah," said the first man, "the pastor visits with her once each week. Her need and desire for privacy is insatiable. She never takes visitors save the pastor. Her maids and butlers retrieve all of her necessities. Yes she is…"
The man stopped abruptly. Nadir gave him strange glance. He quickly realized Erik had walked into the room and now stood behind him. Though Erik no longer wore a mask, no longer carried a sword, there was still something about his presence that silenced men. Perhaps it was his stature. Perhaps it was his steely gaze, or his silence, but whatever it was, Erik was still a presence to be reckoned with.
Nadir stood, "have you concluded your business?" Erik simply nodded. "I shall wait for you in the carriage." He said glancing at Nadir, and then back at the men, "gentlemen." Erik nodded and walked out of the room, his cloak flaring out slightly behind him.
"Odd sort, your friend." The first man said looking at Nadir and nodding toward Erik. Nadir hadn't witnessed Erik behave in this manner in a number of years, and certainly not since he'd been with Christine. Erik was nothing if not deliberate. He was a man of calculation and purposeful behavior, if Erik rebuffed them, there was good reason for it, though Nadir could not imagine what. Though Nadir wasn't a lemming, he would accept Erik's actions without question.
Nadir simply nodded and said, "he values his privacy also, I suppose you could say that I am accustomed to his wishes. Perhaps he and your dear Lady C have that in common." Nadir stood, gathering up his cloak. "It has been my pleasure to make your acquaintance gentlemen." He turned and departed.
The first man said to the second. "That wasn't at all promising. Who knows who that man is, or why he's left it sit vacant all these summers."
XXXX
Christine was lying curled up in a ball in the center of their bed. Though Erik wasn't there, it made her feel close to him being somewhere that they'd been so intimately together. She found herself humming again, running her hand over her stomach, staring up at the ballerinas on the ceiling. She was tired, a bit more tired than she'd been willing to admit. She'd declined her mid-morning tea, feeling a bit nauseated.
She was studying the faces of each ballerina, the tufts of icy-white clouds layered over the faintest of sky-blue. The cherubs wings were tipped in gold, each feather painted with such detail, it looked like one could lift itself from the room and take flight at any moment. Christine traced with her eyes the ribbons that provided an imaginary transition and link from one scene to the next. Her eyes passed, and then returned to one place in particular where the ribbon seemed to bunch and swirl, shades of delicate pink imbued with hints of orange and scarlet, giving them a velveteen texture. The work that it had taken to create such a masterpiece, it was truly a labor of love she thought to herself.
Christine's eyes admired, her heart sang, he'd done all of this when their love was but a dream to him. There was something humbling about the knowledge of how much he had loved her even before he knew she would love him. One intricately painted swirl of ribbon kept drawing her eyes back to it, begging for deeper examination. Christine's eyes studied it over and over, until it revealed its secret. There in the center of the ribbon, one could tell, upon careful examination, were the words, "I love you Christine."
She could do nothing but smile as her eyelids grew heavy. She wondered how many things she'd come to find in this house that he'd prepared for them…how long he had longed to love her with no promise or hope that it would one day come to fruition. She finally gave into the sleep that beckoned her. She'd ask Erik about it when he returned, for now she simply needed to rest.
XXX
Madame Giry left the room once Meg was finally asleep. They'd spoken such a few words, but in them had been conveyed the deepest of sentiment. Madame Giry wanted to be wherever Meg was, and Meg both needed and wanted her mother with her. In Paris, the future was brightest for Meg, for she had Raoul who'd stated his intentions for her, and Madame Giry had already given them her blessing. Madame Giry's future was very much determined by her past. Her life's work lay within the walls of the Opera Populaire… that was her first love, and perhaps it seemed, the only love to which she was capable of giving herself fully. Though there was much that remained to be discussed, part of the decision had already been made by default. Madame Giry was sadly resigned to the fact that to fully embrace the future, one must let go of the past.
As she descended the stairs she heard raised voices, a muffled sound coming from the parlor, and then the resonating echo of a slamming door. She was nearly at the bottom of the stairs when Raoul came out of the hallway nearly toppling Madame Giry as he mounted the stairs. "Raoul?" She called out to him.
"Madame Giry, I am sorry, pardon my rudeness, are you alright?" His voice obviously strained, he would not turn to look at her.
"Raoul…" she reached out touching his forearm. His shoulders began to jerk uncontrollably. She walked up the few stairs until she was behind him, reaching out she touched his shoulder. "Raoul…" she said compassionately, "whatever would make you and your father quarrel so…"
Raoul reached up wiping his face with the handkerchief he'd drawn from his pocket. "Madame Giry, I am sorry you had to witness that interchange. Truly, I'd thought you to be with Meg."
"I was," she said now moving to where she could see Raoul's face. There was far more pain in his face than a man of his years should have. She motioned for him to join her in sitting on the stairs. They heard the parlor doors open and close, and his father's voice booming down the hall for the staff to have his carriage brought round. The door to the outside closing rather loudly behind Raoul's father as he went outside. Raoul flashed Madam Giury an apologetic smile.
"My father disapproved of my decision to remove a certain portrait…he was rather incensed by it actually, so much so in fact, he's taken it back to his home." Madame Giry had no idea what would have been of such importance that a father would browbeat his son over it. Raoul looked at the puzzled expression on Madame Giry's face. He began to explain, "it is a DeChagny family tradition. The portrait of ones father hangs in the parlor of his son's home until such time as he provides an heir to the DeChagny family. It is to stand as a reminder that the DeChangy family name must continue." Raoul rubbed his face as he sat with his head in his hands. "I do not know how many generations it has continued, but I know that it has endured at least the previous four. My father has all of those portraits on display in a room in his manor." Raoul was staring now up at the ceiling.
Madame Giry said "I see, and you did not wish to have a portrait of our father in your parlor?" Raoul instinctively did not want to betray Meg. She'd requested it be removed, though he'd not tell Madame Giry of it lest she chastise Meg. He hoped for Meg never to learn of his father's behavior upon discovering the picture to be missing.
"Do not think me to be ill willed Madame Giry. I've no want to exasperate my father, nor disrespect the memory or traditions of my forefathers. I simply have my reasons, that for the time being, I'd prefer to leave the spot empty, perhaps awaiting another more suitable picture for the duration of…" he nearly slipped and said what was on his mind. He would not put that picture up again as long as Meg was in the house, and as long as it seemed to trouble her. He shook his head, "as long as it is my house, I see no reason that I should have need to justify my wishes to my father."
Raoul squared his chin, a bit of determination now evident in his brow. In but a few minutes time he was back to his gentile self. "Madame Giry, if you do not mind, I should like to retire for but a few hours, so that I might be refreshed enough to read to Meg again this afternoon. She so seemed to enjoy our afternoon, and I know that she loves to read, though her vision is at present not what it ought to be considering the swelling in her cheek."
In truth, Madame Giry was wanting to spend some time at the Opera House, and felt a bit compelled to check on the items she'd inquired about the day before that had yet to arrive. "Raoul, I think you should rest, it would be most wise." She paused, unaccustomed to asking for anything for herself. "Raoul, if you and Meg are to spend the afternoon together, do you think I might have a carriage into the City? I'd like to check on the dormitories, and several other things that we have ordered for that room."
Raoul's posture immediately changed to host, and he said, "but of course. I'll have the stableman check on this for you at once. Are you to depart within the hour?"
Madame Giry nodded, "that would be preferable. I'll have lunch in the City, and then perhaps return toward the dinner hour?"
"That would be excellent, then none shall be interrupted from doing that which they needed to do today. I'll go now to check…" he was leaning over as he heard the wheels to his father's carriage thundering down the path leading away from the house. "I'll make the arrangements, and ask Madeline to retrieve you from the Parlor when all is ready."
"Thank you Raoul, you are most kind. Is there anything I may bring back for you from the City when I return?"
What Raoul wanted most from the City was news of the incident with Crawlings, but his carriage driver would bring that back to the stable master who would in turn relay it to Raoul. Instead he asked, "Madame Giry, there is a particular chocolatier, down on Water Street, perhaps you know of it?" Raoul looked at her for confirmation, her stare remained static. "There are chocolate dipped lady fingers there. Some are filled with an amaretto cream, and others layered in chocolate and nuts." Raoul smiled, glancing down at the ground. "Meg is particularly fond of them, do you think you might bring back a half dozen of each? I'd forgotten to ask the cook to retrieve them when she left earlier for the market."
Madame Giry smiled, "but of course." With that Raoul nodded, reaching out he took Madame Giry's hand into his, brushing her knuckles with a delicate kiss. "Madame, it is good for you to be here with Meg….and I've come to appreciate your presence here…there is little doubt in my mind why Meg is such a devoted daughter." He smiled and descended the stairs making his way back to the stables. Madame Giry returned to her room to change into traveling clothes. It would be a busy day, and she'd need to be suitably dressed for it.
Raoul quickly made his way to the stables, giving specific instruction to the carriage driver who would be both escort and guard for Madame Giry as they made their way to Paris. He'd be doubly armed, and a second man would accompany them, under the auspices of being in his apprenticeship. The driver would return with full report of what had gone on in Paris with the night before.
XXXX
Erik and Nadir were coming out of the undertakers offices. Both men were stoned faced and stoic as they watched Sara's prepared pine box being affixed to the back of the carriage. Nadir had hoped to have opportunity to tour the city, but Erik had insisted that they quickly take care of that business lest anyone question why they'd leave a family member there at such length. They'd travel now to the tavern on the edge of the city before heading back to the winter house and seeing Nadir off once again to Paris.
The ropes were lashed tightly around the box, the end of it protruding from the undercarriage just slightly. The undertaker nodded at Erik and Nadir and then disappeared inside. Nadir's gaze met Erik's as the men silently climbed back into the carriage. Both had different reasons for reverence for this woman. She'd sacrificed her life to save one, and the other had grown to appreciate her posthumously, as he'd not been witness to that sort of loyalty in a great man years. The carriage pulled away from the small single-story building where the undertaker kept his offices. They were off to the tavern…the very tavern where Erik had taken Christine the previous evening. If ever there was to be a connection made with this old woman, this would likely be the best place to start.
Author's Notes:
Captain Oblivious: I'm so glad you are home...and feeling better now! There is nothing worse than looking forward to a vacation and then to find yourself sick for most of it! Paddling a boat around on a picturesque lake sounds entirely heavenly to me... Ah yes, the couples are doing nicely, though some don't even know they are a couple...LOL! Yes, much has happened, but nothing near as much as this poor family will have to
endure...
Susie is getting a check-up so soon? I suppose she too has to be ready to go off to college! I look forward to hearing from you when you're there...please let our little Phantomfamily know how things are going for you!
Lirel-eris: Thank you for your most kind words. They are the very thing that keep me on this path of continuing the story... Yes, I agree, I expected Erik to go into a fury myself, but truly, he is showing his strength. By being patient he gives Nadir a chance to redeem himself, and since he's trusted Nadir for this many years, he is willing to extend him
this courtesy. In truth, Erik is very clever. If he'd gone into a tizzy, he would have been showing that he was vulnerable, that he was afraid. Someone of Erik's obvious intelligence would know that showing anger without proof really is showing fear, and he is much more calculating than that. Didn't think Erik's reaction was so complicated? Me either. On the other hand, Erik is trusting Nadir, and values his friendship, so he really does want to be there for him if there is something that he needs. Erik has
been able to trust so few in his life. I must say there is so much I could say about all the other characters that you talk about...but if I did, I would be revealing too much about the future chapters...and you know how very fond I am of keeping everyone on in suspense! Oh, but the women in DeChagny's life….His wife, Raoul's mother, died when Raoul was young. Claire…is someone from his past…. "the one that got away" so to speak. More will be coming about all of this I promise!
Yes, I am blessed to have a library. Yes, oak walls...because of the age of the house, they used real wood instead of paneling...it does add a touch of gothic 19th century! A family of lawyers used to own my house, it had been their law library! I am very fortunate to have it...But do not be jealous because truly writing a story takes place in your mind...all the rest of the stuff is just window dressing! The study, the garden, the garage, the basement...wherever you can feel your creative juices flowing is where one should be, wouldn't you agree...? In your case, I might suggest a room without windows! No sadly, I've neither taken classes, nor written "professionally" though I have written seven other books, completely unrelated to this one.
I have to say I laughed when I imagined your parents singing 'The Music of The Night'! I can just see it! What others think is obsession really isn't. It is a very good thing that we in our little Phantomfamily are here for each other...we are the only ones who understand the common bond that we share because of this story...we are not crazy...o.k., maybe a little bit...but certainly we are just rich (deep), brilliant, individual people who choose not to be defined by a set of social norms. If we love something, such as POTO, then we love it, and we aren't willing to sacrifice the experience just because others make fun of us! My sister thinks I'm a bit nutty to be so involved with the story, but I just remind her that "someone" in the family needs to have a little culture!
I'm glad you have an interest in Latin, it truly is a beautiful language. You appreciate Roman and Greek history so much more when you can read it in its native tongue! I found that by taking Latin as my first, second language, it made learning a third and fourth language that much easier...and if you study Latin, you'll have a whole new appreciation for the English language, and will have the opportunity to learn where many of our words came from! I have a close friend who I was speaking with this weekend and we've decided to find a French course...I've wanted to learn French for a very long time...and now...with POTO being set in France, I feel even more compelled to learn it! Oh, and one last thing…I love the way you sign off….skips off into the mist I imagine a little water sprite going off to sleep after a night of innocent mischief!
Hopelessly obsessed: I thought you might like the idea of our beloved Phantom in a tennis uniform! Yeah, can you imagine if he missed a shot...and the other person won a point? He'd pull out his lasso and swiftly take care of his competitor, and probably the judge!
Yes, the Crawlings family lives on...and it is obvious that the first "kill" that he thought was Erik, didn't bother him all that much because he's obviously as blood thirsty as his father and brother...not a good thing for this family I'm afraid!
Yes, the idea of this entire set of characters becoming a family is interesting, though it is hard to say if or how that could happen...I guess it's a little bit like real life in that way...one just never knows what might happen!
By the time you're reading this you probalby have only a week before school starts...I hope it is a great year for you...and you take the opportunity to make the most of it!
Phantomfan13: It sounds like you have been busy indeed! I had to laugh when I read
about the horses all being named after drinks! Maybe now she could start naming them after movie stars...we have a suggestion for her...maybe she can call the pony Gerard!
No, I haven't seen 'The Brothers Grimm, though I am wanting to. I did see a matinee on Saturday...I went to see 'Red Eye'...that was scary! Cillian Murphy who plays the main character was pretty good. I saw him for the first time in 'Batman Begins' and I must say he is a creepy sort of handsome... he'd be a good villain for our story don't you think? If you haven't seen either one, you'll have to add it to your list!
It is funny you should mention 'Eragon', my friend and I were just discussing the book. Interesting bit about how that egg got carried all over and wouldn't hatch because it hadn't found the right person! She's just finished reading it and is now getting the second one in the series 'The Eldest'. She said it is pretty good. From what I've read, I think there is a definite Tolkien connection in this author's books...but then again, we all have to have our inspirations don't we? I've not seen 'Dragon heart', but I think I'll have to...is it out on DVD or is it in theaters?
Yes, I think that Crawlings is going to make another appearance in our story, but just where and when...one never knows!
I wish you the best as you get ready for school! It is always an interesting time when you get back into that routine...but it is a good one!
Hybrid Knightress: Yes, Raoul and Meg got scolded! It is fun to think of a brand-new relationship, that point where friends suddenly realize they are more than friends...it is so special, and you really don't care what anyone thinks because you are so happy... Now Nadir and Madame Giry...that will take a bit more finesse if those two are to ever declare their feelings for one another because as we age, we worry more about obligations, and often let that get in the way of our finding happiness...so we will have to see how it works out! Congratulations on being the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper! That is quite an honor...and makes you more than qualified to review all our stories!
DarkMoonLightBright: Thank you for the compliment on the chapter. If you've been thinking about writing a fanfic for POTO, you should do it! I wasn't sure I could, or if anyone would even want to read it! I am happy to find that there are so many of us out there who wanted Erik and Christine to get together...sometimes it is in our passion for a subject that we find our way, sometimes unintentionally...to something that makes us
happy...I've so enjoyed the privilege of the opportunity to write this revision...and have been humbled by the response. You just might have something that you've not discovered yet...really...you should try!
I have to agree with you, there is little that is more precious than finding a totally committed couple enjoying their love for one another...just as Erik and Christine do. Raoul and Meg, are far from ready for that...in that period in history, the couples who delved into that sort of thing too soon, and most decidedly before marriage, were looked down upon...the very reason DeChagny and Claire were pulled apart even before they got together! All that aside, Meg and Raoul have much to get over to be sure that they aren't
simply together because they share in the same grief...though I think that doubt is starting to disappear! As for Erik and Christine relishing their love for each other...I think they do...perhaps I am a bit too shy, or guard their privacy as much as their loyal servants!
PhantomLover05: Yes, I agree, Madame Giry and Nadir would be very good for each other! As far as having Gerard yelling in my face...if he was holding my hand and telling me that I had to spend the rest of my life with him in a dark cave 500 feet below ground for the rest of my life, I'd be one happy woman! So, if he wanted to yell in my face...I'd forgive him!
Poetzproblem: I almost started to cry...no one has ever told me they looked forward to any day because of me...I am duly humbled...bows graciously Yes, Christine's predictions, visions, dreams...they are leading up to something!
PhantomFan13: We are all having a really busy summer aren't we? More will be developing in the coming chapters...we took a little reprieve so the characters could have a wee bit of happiness before the next storm hits...laughs forebodingly
Trueinspiration: Thank you for your words of encouragement regarding the story. You are most welcome into the family...and we are happy to have you as you are a Phantom lover along with the rest of us! I absolutely do not think that is cheesy, not even one little bit...because the same thing happened to me! I was unhappy, stuck, felt like I was going through this existence rather than living...though I was busy, and had many happy things
going on in my life...something was missing...and then….I saw it...the movie that changed my life...literally...it was like there was something sleeping inside of me that woke up and has been running at full speed ever since! So when you talk about that happening to you...I completely understand! Then, I found fanfiction because of another Phantom lover...and well...the rest is history as they say...my passions laid bare for the world to read in 108 chapters of a story I am totally passionate about...one just never knows what will happen in their life...one little thing...that will alter the course of their life forever...sadly...too few embrace it when it comes along...and they just let the opportunity pass them by! Glad to hear that there is another "kindred spirit" out there!
ElvieIII: Welcome to the family! We hope your stay with our Phantomfamily
is a long and happy one. I have to tell you, and I am being very sincere, I am truly humbled by your kind words. It has been both my privilege and my pleasure to write this story, and it warms my heart to know that it brings happiness to others around the world...because we all want to be happy! It touched my heart that you "nearly cried for joy" at some of the chapters...because they might very well be the ones that I cried while I was writing them! The wedding night out in front of her father's grave, the time they spent at Sara's Inn, and the night at the Candle Light Inn under the light of the stained glass window...Then when he'd been hurt and he finally was awake...The day when he found out Christine was pregnant...The night they were first reunited as husband and wife at the winter house….those are just a few of the chapters that I wrote with tears
streaming down my face...yikes...sounds like true confessions doesn't it? I do like your new word...Phantastic...I hope you don't mind if I borrow it from time to time! Now, while I cannot reveal some of the things that are going to happen, I can tell you that I am absolutely not an author who can leave a story hanging in mid air...I hate that myself. So, when the story does finally come to an end, it will be at a place that makes sense...and at a time that will be right for all of our family!
Now, on to the tradition that has become a favorite part of welcoming our new family members! Hmmmm, let me see,...ElvieIII, I am guessing you are a Lord of The Rings, and perhaps an Orlando Bloom fan? I might really be way off...but...then again...maybe not? If you are willing...will you share with your new Phantomfamily, how you chose your tag name?
Phantoms Rogue: Welcome to the family! We hope your stay with our little Phantomfamily is a long and very happy one! First, thank you for the compliment on the story, it always warms my heart to know that others are enjoying the story along with me!
Yes, the deja vue thing is hard for her, and anyone that has it (confession: me too! ;-) ) knows what an eerie feeling it is when it happens to you... it's a little creepy sometimes isn't it?
Now, on to the second thing, as is our tradition when you become part of our Phantomfamily... Your tag name...this is an interesting one indeed! The Phantom part is easy...you are a Phantom lover which explains how you wandered into our Phantomfamily! Now Rogue...that leads me to believe you like to live on just the right-side of danger, perhaps do not like to conform to the social norms, and can fully appreciate Erik's dark character...and maybe feel something akin to being like the Phantom yourself...we all wear masks you know! So, now that I've taken a shot at it...would you be so kind...if you are willing...to share the origins of your tag name with your new little Phamily?
Regina Halliwell: Welcome to the family! I am sorry if I consumed your entire day in reading this story...I hope that it brought you a bit of happiness along the way! We are happy to have another member to our little Phantomfamily! Thank you for your heart-felt words regarding this revision of the POTO... our family agrees on one thing...Erik and Christine were meant to be together...and we are very sorry to tell Gaston...but he
was...well... we just like another ending better! We hope that your stay with our Phamily will be a long and happy one!
Now, usually we have a tradition that we take a stab at guessing about the origins of your tag name, but I have a feeling that this is your real name? If so, no guessing on our part is required...if it isn't your real name, but rather a pseudo-name...please do tell!