Nadir stared at Erik, and then out the window as the carriage jostled down the side street behind the shops. It was both the weight of what was beneath them, and the unevenness of the cobblestones in the alleyways that made the carriage shift sharply to the right and left as it made its way toward the tavern. Erik had not wanted to take the carriage down the center street drawing undue attention as if the pine box were on parade.
The carriage stopped at the stable behind the tavern. The coachman opened the door for Erik and Nadir, allowing them to exit unassisted as Erik had requested. His physical maladies gave him less and less trouble each day, and he preferred to make his way on his own as long as he was now able. Erik leaned over, speaking the first words directly to Nadir since they'd been at the mercantile.
"I've no doubt that the woman shan't be easy to find. Her granddaughter was rather penitent last evening, and I dare say they've probably gone to great lengths to keep her indoors, or at the very least, away from the public eye. We shall look for her granddaughter. Perhaps then we can discover where the woman lives, or at the very least…."
Erik stopped talking as several men passed by them on their way out of the tavern. Erik looked from side to side to make certain they weren't being overheard, "at the very least, we can find out if she stays with her," he said in a strained whisper.
Nadir nodded as they came to the entrance round front of the tavern. He reached out grabbing hold of Erik's shoulder. "My friend, are you prepared…prepared for what this woman might bring to you…what she might tell you?"
Erik looked at Nadir with furrowed brow, "afraid?" he said almost indignantly. "What on earth could this woman tell me that I should be afraid of? She's merely an old woman who's sadly lost her mind. What I want to know is why she associated me with that name. That is my only concern Nadir." Erik opened the door and walked in without ever waiting for Nadir's reply.
Nadir pressed his eyes closed tightly as he shook his head. He'd not been the one to use the word "afraid"….Erik had. If Erik knew what was truly on Nadir's mind, he'd already be on flight from the village, leaving everyone and everything behind except Christine.
A gentleman came forward as soon as he spotted Erik. "Monsieur Courtland!" He rushed toward Erik with his hand extended. Somewhat hesitantly he looked Erik in the eye. "I trust my Nicole caught up with you last evening, and offered you our most humble apology for that woman's behavior." Erik pulled his hand away brusquely from the handshake.
"That WOMAN, sir, is the grandmother of your young employee, and I can assure you, that is the reason we are here."
The man looked disconcerted. "Good sir, I can promise you she shan't be about here again to frighten or disturb you or your wife. She is but a town nuisance really, I can…" The man fell suddenly silent.
Erik had fixed his gaze on him, not so much as blinking lest he break his stare. Nadir could see the Erik he'd come to know many years ago rising to the surface. "I've no desire SIR for this woman to be treated ill because of the incident last evening. My friend and I are paying you this visit in hopes that her granddaughter might be here so that we might visit with her for but a moment." Erik had once again retreated from his aggressive stance, something, Nadir decided, he could tell Erik had been practicing. Retreating had never been in his nature.
The man looked at Erik contritely. "Sir, I am sorry, Nicole is not here just now. She will return this evening…is there something I might tell her for you?" The man smiled at Erik, hoping to discover the purpose for his need to visit with her.
Erik looked down at the ground, then glanced surreptitiously at Nadir. Today would not be the day that Nadir would visit with her, nor was it likely to happen in the very near future as Nadir would be in Paris for some weeks before he'd have opportunity to return. Erik huffed. "No good sir, we shan't be leaving a message for her."
Nadir was glowering. The delay would only prolong the agony he and Meg felt. Erik looked at the man again, "Sir do promise me that you'll not castigate Nicole for her grandmother's behavior. And further that you shan't deny her the right to have her grandmother about on account of my wife or myself. We should all be so fortunate to have someone who cares for us when we cannot care for ourselves."
The truth of the last statement being heartfelt, because Erik knew of that very sort of love first-hand now, and could share in this sentiment with the rest of the world…a connection he'd longed for and now had.
The man nodded. "Very well. And sir…" he hesitated, "will you and your wife be joining us for dinner again very soon?" Erik smiled, inside understanding the man's real concern, he worried for the business he was so happy to have had, fearing it had been lost already.
"Sir, when next my wife and I pay a visit to Chauesser for dinner, we shall pay you the patronage you deserve." The man breathed an audible sigh of relief.
"Thank you kindly sir for your generosity and understanding. I shall see to it that your next visit will be an entirely pleasant and uneventful one." The man bowed slightly and departed.
"Uneventful?" Erik thought to himself. While uneventful seemed far too mundane for most, the thought of having an uneventful period seemed completely lovely to him just now. How odd he thought, what one man has the other man longs for.
Erik turned to Nadir and nodded. "I should be seeing you about the town Nadir, so you may become familiar with it. Do let us leave the carriage in the stables, and walk a bit? Then we shall have lunch, and I'll see you on your way."
Nadir looked at Erik, "I suppose it makes sense to do so. I'd love to get a look at that park that you mentioned." Secretly he wanted to survey the surrounding properties that might have view of the park. He had a sixth sense that Lady C lived within view of it, or there would have been little reason for her to have gone to such expense beautifying it, as the men had described to him. "Yes, I should like that very much."
The pair walked down the stairs and through the courtyard to the outer gates. The village was much busier than Erik had observed the night before. Still not entirely comfortable with the crowds, he drew in a sharp breath. His right cheek twitched as they began to walk down the street, his hand instinctively drawing up to cover it.
"Erik, is everything alright?" Nadir having noticed his sudden movement. "It is just my cheek…the flesh looks healed , but the happenings beneath the surface are but a mystery to me…muscles, move involuntarily from time to time. I should like very much to visit with the good doctor. I do hope that he will come soon enough."
Nadir reached out patting Erik's shoulder. "I'm certain all is well Erik, it looks well to me…" The pair wandered down the street towards the park..
XXX
Two houses down, in the upper window, a curtain was drawn back. An old woman sat staring out at the men as they walked away from the tavern. She muttered to herself, "DeChagny, DeChagny…I've lost the boy, I've lost him…." She went to the door, but alas it was latched and bolted. She had to find some way to get to him, some way to tell him she'd lost the boy…..
XXXXX
Christine had been awake for hours. Having had neither the appetite, nor company, she'd had honey toast and tea in lieu of lunch. She had already wrapped the gift she'd bought for Meg. A beautiful pale yellow silk hair scarf, a box of chocolate truffles, and some of the stationery that Meg was so fond of. She had let Erik select a book for her, and he had already had it wrapped at the Mercantile. Though Christine was curious, Erik insisted it was a surprise for Meg, and she shouldn't pry. In truth Christine hadn't known if he was jesting or not, so she decided to leave well enough alone, and leave the gift wrapped, and had tucked it inside the box with her gifts.
Now Christine was happily and busily taking sheets of paper that she'd found in the drawing room, and stroking water colors on them, then holding them up to the walls in what would soon be transformed into the nursery. She couldn't help but think of the dream she'd had…and yes, she had settled in her mind it had merely been a dream. Two tufts of coal-black hair, one in each arm. It was entirely possible that Christine was simply anxious to be a mother…but something seemed so natural about it. "Two…," she murmured under her breath. She'd not think of it again.., it was simply her fears manifesting themselves in strange ways, she tried to comfort herself. She held up each sheet in her hand holding it at arm's length against the wall. The pink was too feminine, the yellow too bright, the lavender, though she loved the color, didn't seem quite right. The blue was lovely, but that too seemed to bland for a room that would be filled with such happiness. She walked back and forth, back and forth looking at the nearly twenty different sheets she'd made, not one looking just right.
She walked back into their bedroom, and laid down on the bed staring up at the ceiling in exasperation. How lovely the ballerinas and cherubs were that Erik had painted for her…she laughed. She'd ask Erik when he returned, but she was entirely certain he'd be willing…after all, they needed something to pass the time while they stayed at the winter house!
Christine rose from the bed, refreshed, and feeling satisfied. Cherubs, angels, and other mystical creatures would be their child's first companions. For if Erik could give Christine the gift to see every morning, surely he'd begrudge his son no less.
Christine collected the wrapped gift for Meg and happily made her way downstairs. The grandfather clock that sat in the parlor was striking noon when she descended. She smiled. It was like having her father reach through time and space and talk to her to listen to the chimes of the clock that he'd had made for her. There was so much about that house that felt like home, and the more she thought of it, she didn't know if she could bare to leave it when the time came. Courtland Manor was lovely, and it too had many things that she adored, but there was something about this place, she couldn't put her finger on it.
Christine sat Meg's gift on the table in the parlor. It would be emotional enough saying goodbye to Nadir for several weeks, and she didn't want to forget to send Meg's gift with him. She walked to the study where Erik had told her he kept some stationary that she might make use of to write Meg a note. Just then one of the cooks appeared baring a plate of cheese and apples and a fresh cup of tea.
"Madame Courtland, please, do eat something. Now that you are feeling better you'll want to keep your strength up." The woman smiled politely at Christine as she sat the tray down beside her on Erik's desk that Christine had laid open. "Thank you," Christine said as she lifted an apple slice to her lips. It was sweet, and perhaps it did make sense to nibble on it. After all, the baby was in no position to feed himself! After taking a sip of her jasmine tea, Christine lifted the pen from the inkwell and began to tap it. She really didn't know what to say, so she started out with….. "My dearest Meg….."
XXXX
Madame Giry had been to the several shops she needed to, confirming that items ordered were being delivered before the sun sank on the Western horizon that very day. She'd visited the bed maker, and he'd just loaded the pieces into a carriage not a half hour before, and it was, as they spoke then, on its way to Raoul's house. She'd been certain to stop at the Chocolatier that Raoul had mentioned. She'd been fortunate, the woman had told her, normally the lady fingers went quickly, and she was the lucky one today, she'd had just a half-dozen left of each. The woman had refused when Madame Giry had tried to pay. "The Vicomte DeChagny is the only one who buys this particular assortment…his sister mentioned that you might be stopping by." Madame Giry smiled at the woman somewhat embarrassed by the interchange. "Madame, and I hope you do not mind…I've included some dark chocolate truffles for the Vicomte, and several liquor filled drops for his father. That is what the Vicomte normally takes with him." The young woman had been very pleasant wrapping all of the selections in tiny lined boxes, and had lashed them together with a beautiful sheer golden ribbon. "And Madame, these are for you, you do like chocolates yes?" Madame Giry smiled at the young woman. Inside this box was a small assortment of all the finest the chocolate shop had to offer. "No doubt you'll have your favorite too." The young woman smiled at Madame Giry again, handing the towered boxes of chocolates to her. "I hope we shall see you again Madame."
Madame Giry had politely nodded as she exited the shop. She didn't know if she would every become accustomed to being treated so differently. No doubt Raoul's sister had been to every place that Raoul might have frequented, or that she imagined that Madame Giry might go, and now, suddenly Madame Giry was being treated differently….as a lady of society…and it was a bit unsettling.
Madame Giry's carriage sat outside the Opera House for an hour or so as she wandered about the dormitories. They were all clean, a fresh coat of paint having just been applied several days before. There were more closets, good, good, she thought. This would certainly prevent the quarreling that always seemed to erupt among the girls over who had more space. There were a few more walls, thus affording more privacy. Madame Giry liked the windows, they now had hinges and opened so that they might let in air when it was needed.
She passed through making note that there were several open rooms that had lounge furniture in them. Small stuffed chairs, dainty tables, and small tables suitable for playing cards, writing letters, or doing homework. That pleased Madame Giry immensely, it seemed the girls never had enough space to get away from one another when they needed to focus on their studies, and it truly wasn't fair if everyone had to be quiet so some could study.
Another room lay at the end of the hall. It had previously been overflow for the props as the pitch of the roof there made it usable for little else but storage. Now, a beautiful set of French doors beckoned her to enter. It had been transformed into a dining room. A fireplace had been built in on the outer wall, and a beautiful stained glass window lay at the center of the exterior wall. The sight of it made Madame Giry want to weep. She'd described that room perfectly…it was exactly what she had secretly hoped for the girls. A place to meet and enjoy one another's company, far from the prying eyes of the men that roamed about the dining halls in the bowels of the Opera House. There were long tables, enough for all the previous ballerinas, and even a few more.
But how could this be? She nearly thought of pinching herself for surely it was a dream. She'd told no one of these dreams…no one… she gasped….except Erik! But how could that be? He'd been no where near that Opera House since the fire, and had laid unconscious for two months…she'd seen it with her own eyes…how could he have had anything to do with this? But as she looked around that room, she had no doubt, that somehow, some way, he'd exerted his influences, because no one else could have done this, and with such detail, right down to the cushion covered seating forming a half-circle in front of the fireplace. She shook her head in disbelief. She'd have to find a way to speak to Erik of it…for only he could explain to her how this came to be.
Madame Giry turned around, closing the door to this gathering room, walking in the opposite direction. She had but one room left to examine there, and that was her quarters. Secretly she'd been very pleased that they'd relocated her to the same floor with her charges, as she felt much more able to be of both assistance and supervision to them. For truly when a mother and father entrusted their daughter into her care, she felt responsible for that girl while she was at the Opera House. Now she could be near, and keep the girls at a safe distance from anyone that might desire to take advantage of their innocence.
Raoul's father had mentioned to Madame Giry that her new quarters now had a place where her bedroom would be separate from a sitting room where she might entertain a few guests, or where she might spend time alone with Meg. Her quarters were situated at the other end of the dormitories, and faced the back courtyard he'd said.
She walked through the dormitory again, marveling at how much more suitable they were than what had previously been there, and though it was likely her imagination, they seemed much larger than she remembered. She was shaking her head, thinking again about the rooms she'd passed through, and especially the gathering room that lay at the opposite end of the corridor that stretched the length of the Opera House.
Madame Giry came to a set of freshly lacquered onyx doors. There was a large brass handle as one would find on the door leading into a home. "Interesting," Madame Giry said out loud. It looked like the entrance to a house. Two large topiaries lay on either side of the door, and one step up to the threshold. Madame Giry reached out and placed her hand on the handle. Carefully she pushed the door open. Nothing, nothing, could have prepared her for what lay behind that door.
XXXXX
"That was very good, very good indeed." Nadir said as he pushed his plate away from himself. Erik nodded. He'd never eaten at this particular Inn, but he had to agree with Nadir, that it had been wholly enjoyable. The dark rye bread, the corned beef, the cheese, the pickled vegetables with dill, and the fresh coffee had been a treat, though Erik longed for the fresh garden vegetables that late spring would bring.
Erik looked at Nadir. "I shall miss your company Nadir. No doubt it will take several weeks to set things in order for Sara. Do see to it that no expense is spared, if there is no headstone for she and her husband…you will see to taking care of it?" Erik was emphatic. Nadir nodded, "I'll see to it Erik, not to worry."
Erik looked out the window at the park that lay across the street. "There is something so oddly familiar about that park…I've seen hundreds, nay thousands, in the years I spent with those people…." Erik's gaze had once more returned to that steely vail that he used to protect himself from the world and its cruelties. "I always remembered the parks…... I'd watch as children would come dressed in their fineries, holding hands with their siblings, their mother….their father…." Unknowingly tears had begun to form in Erik's eyes. "They would look at me with both pity and disgust…then toss their coins and wander off to have candy…play games." Erik's gaze had softened but was even more distant than before. "Parks were where I watched as other children enjoyed that which I was denied because of the flaws of my flesh…"
Erik shook his head as if breaking out of his self-imposed trance. "This park though….is special to me." He turned smiling at Nadir. Nadir could do nothing more than smile and nod reassuringly at Erik. Oh how he wished he had more time to spend there before he headed back to Paris….
Erik looked at Nadir, "we'd best be getting back, you've a long journey my friend, and you'll not want to arrive after the supper hour." Nadir nodded in agreement. Both men rising in unison, and departing the Inn.
Nadir gave one last glance around the park as they walked back to the tavern. Though he'd not spotted the house, he was sure it had to be there. If nothing else, he'd plan to be back in Chauesser on April 10 th, yes, he would certainly be back for that celebration. Nadir sighed, but alas, that was still weeks and weeks away. He'd hoped he wouldn't have to wait that long, but he'd learned over his lifetime that patience was indeed a most sacred virtue.
Erik flinched as they reached the Tavern. His coachman was running toward him, a look of sheer horror on his face. "Sir, Monsieur Courtland! We've been looking all through the city for you." He ran up to Erik, panting heavily trying to catch his breath. The other coachman, Erik could see, was hitching up the horses hurriedly to the carriage.
"What is it?" Erik said, his right cheek began to twitch. "Sir…in Paris last night…we heard from one of the hansoms that came from there…Sir, two innkeepers are dead, a third lay likely dying as we speak…" His face turned white and he looked as though every drop of blood had ran from it, "Sir…it was Crawlings….the same boy that…"
Erik was at once on a dead run for the carriage. He quickly unlatched one of the horses, leaving the other three attached. He mounted the horse in one swift leap. "Nadir, do bring the carriage back to the house, I've got to go on ahead. Erik came up to the coachman. "Did the hansom say what happened?"
The coachman shook his head, "only that the two innkeepers were shot dead, clean through the heart. A third tried to stop him, but was shot also. The boy made off with the carriage, and no one has seen him since. They fear he's run off…."
Erik's blood ran cold. He hoped that the boy had never learned that Erik had not been the one he'd shot. That he'd not be interested in returning to the scene of the murders…to the winter house. Erik's heart was thumping in his throat. "Nadir," he called quietly to him, "are you armed?" Nadir nodded, he'd a pistol in his boot. "I shall see you at home!"
With that Erik turned, causing the horse to rise up on its hind legs. Erik's cape swirled behind him as he turned the animal and made off down the alley toward the edge of Chauesser. He was on his way home to Christine…he only hoped he'd not be too late…maybe the boy wouldn't have returned there, but he wasn't going to take any chances.
XXXXX
A small pile of discarded sheets lay on the floor surrounding Erik's desk where Christine had been sitting trying to write the note to Meg. She'd begin, and then not being satisfied, would start over. There seemed to be no set of words that she could use that would both keep her identity concealed, but yet allow her to convey to Meg how much she missed her, wished her well, that she was praying for her healing, hoping for her love. She drew out one last sheet. She'd begin again, and this time, she'd be certain it was suitable.
My dearest Meg,
I was greatly grieved to learn of your tragedy. Surely it is a sad thing that someone would do such a horrid thing to another human being. I rest in the assurance of Nadir that you are receiving the finest of care. He believes you will make a full and speedy recovery. Nadir also shares that your mother's quarters are nearing completion at the Opera House. While we shall miss you and your mother greatly, we are deeply aware that this is where your future lies. Nadir will be traveling between our two cities a number of times in the coming months. Perhaps we can stay in touch through him if he will agree to be our courier. Though Stephan is growing stronger each day, I fear he is no longer himself. He will never be the man he once was, though I think his demeanor has improved. As I near the end of my illness, I shall want to call for you Meg, for truly I do not think I could get through it without you. I've no want to separate you from your new life, but at the end I will need you.
I sincerely think of you by day, pray for you by night, and find my fondest company in the thoughts of your affection. Do take care of yourself, and your mother my dearest Meg. Until we meet again.
Love, Elizabeth.
Christine put down the writing instrument, and dabbed at the corners of her eyes. She'd wanted to say so much more, but could not. She hoped that it would not be too many more days before she would be able to embrace Meg herself, though she had no idea when. She wanted to share in the joy of her news….she knew Meg would be pleased.
Though Christine could not say with absolutely certainty, and it had never been discussed, she was entirely certain that Meg would not be coming back to Courtland Manor, or the winter house…she'd grown beyond them, and now she had to look after her own happiness. What Madame Giry intended to do was still a mystery, though she'd no doubt in her mind that she would stay with Meg, as a devoted mother would. She wasn't yet herself a mother, but the deep devotion one soul has for another was growing more within her everyday. She'd no doubt that when the child was finally in her arms, she'd have met a person she was willing to lay her life down for.
Christine sealed the envelope with a wax seal that bore no insignia, nor distinguishable shape. She would send this along with Meg's gifts. Though time and distance separated them, there was a special bond that she and Meg had always shared…would always share. Perhaps that would have to be enough for them both.
She'd gone out to put the note with the gift for Meg, when she heard a knock at the door. Surely it wasn't Erik or Nadir, for neither of them would have knocked. "I'll see who it is" Christine called back over her shoulder as she knew the maids were busy in the kitchen preparing for dinner.
She walked toward the door. Odd she thought…she'd not heard anyone come up the road. She was reaching for the latch when she heard the dog start to bark ferociously, and she hesitated, though she wasn't sure why. She shook her head, she had to stop being so afraid…she reached out for the door again, certainly it would be a friend on the other side.
Author's Notes:
Captain Oblivious: Sorry about the sleep inducing language…I suppose I could market the story as a sedative or sleep aid! LOL! It just seems to slip out! Perhaps its because I do much of my writing in the middle of the night when the world is sound asleep!
Good to hear Susie got a little pampering…and that daddy helped! Awww…he's a good daddy, maybe he could give our dear Erik some pointers!
DarkMoonLightBright: I do like your long reviews! You have so much to say, and that is a good thing! Yes, in that day and period in history, both men and women were very restrained, especially when it came to being intimate. Of course, as with any period in history, there were many who did not fly by the accepted set of rules, and had many, many relationships…some things have never changed over thousands of years! I myself am a romantic, but have a deep affinity for commitment, which is what I think I love about gothic romances…the angst….the waiting…. For some in that period of history they waited their entire lives to be loved…and some grew old….never having had the love of their life….it is tragic, and sad, and wonderful, just the stuff that stories are made of! Each of the relationships in the story whether they are anchored, or blooming, or not yet discovered, hold a special place in my heart. Each couple is so unique, and so too is their love….awww….I've just made myself all misty-eyed…..dabs eyes with hanky
Some of the coming chapters are going to be either really long…when something is right in the middle, or a bit shorter…depending on what is happening….just to let you know!
Phantomfan13: You are a clever girl…it is POSSIBLE that Lady C could be lady Claire…but one really never knows…. No, I've not watched the 'Thunderbirds', though perhaps I should? I'll have to see if my local vendor carries 'Dragonheart'.
Good for you…forty hours are behind you! Dancer sounds kind of like Nadir…a bit unpredictable, but somebody you just have to love because they are always there….LOL. I have a hay story for you… A boy I dated when I was younger lived on a farm (I am a city-slicker) and I went out to help as they were bailing hay. They knew I was terrified of snakes and had been chasing one around the field with a tractor, and were pretty sure they knew where it was….so…..they called me out to the field to get them something to drink, because they'd seen the snake…you guessed it…I stepped right on it…and made something like a cartoon character and screamed, flew straight up in the air and ran so fast that I scared myself even more. They laughed about that for hours…days….needless to say….I got rid of the boy!
Poetzproblem: Thank you for worrying about me! Yes, my computer went down yesterday and it took a long while to get it working again…I almost didn't get to make the post! My, my, I see that over-active brain of yours is in high-drive! I cannot reveal what will happen in the coming chapters, though some of your speculations may be correct…or it is possible there are several smoke screens going on here to hide an even deeper plot….ohhhhhh smiles mischievously Alas…all good things must be eased into, one littly bitty bit at a time….
Stellalorelai: Yes our poor Nadir…the angst he feels…so torn…so conflicted…and yes, his growing adoration for Madame Giry could prove to be a "sticky-wicket" for him. Couldn't you just see Erik laughing at him? I know I could…and he thought Nadir was taking himself far too seriously…Erik had likely known from the moment he woke up at Courtland Manor and saw the two of them together…he sensed a spark between them way back when…in truth….I think Nadir fooled Erik…just this once!
Oh, I almost forgot…I found out through another friend that they are having a "Gerry" convention in Las Vegas next year….oh my, I think I might have to get a ticket for that one…I always wanted to go back to Vegas!
Grotto1: You are most welcome for being part of our little Phamily. I appreciate your kind words regarding the story. I really have enjoyed writing, it is very cathartic for me. It is interesting that what one person views as a "gift" the other views as a "weakness". I've seldom been able to express myself in few words…perhaps it explains why when I first went to college I'd gone through two years for Contract Law…one must indeed love words to do that sort of thing! No, I've not become a lawyer, though I dare say all of that legalease has come in handy in my other work because I work with contracts all of the time! I wish that I had the capability to be short and to the point, and yet be diplomatic…ahhh…something I shall have to set as a life goal…perhaps not until my epitaph …She Lived, She Died, We cried, Amen.
Your tag name suits you. Both solitude and simplicity rule your life. You like organization and value brevity…all admirable qualities…no wonder you like POTO!
ChristineLovesPhantom: Welcome to the family! We hope your stay with us will be a long and happy one. Yes, the size of the story is daunting if you are just finding it now. I'm sorry that I've been responsible for our newest phamily members missing out on the last days of summer to sit next to their computers….although, I'm very grateful that they did! Thank you for your kind words. I am always humbled by the knowledge that I can bring a bit of happiness to someone somewhere in the world!
Now, as is tradition, we shall have a stab at your tag name…it is pretty straight forward…I think…? You obviously believed that the end of the original story (sorry Gaston) was wrong, and that Christine should have ended up with the Phantom….perhaps that is what first attracted you to 'The World As It Should Have Been'. OR, perhaps you and I share the same first name, and you too are madly in love with the Phantom? Now, if you are willing, please do share with your new little Phamily, how you arrived at your tag name?
MeowLeFae: Welcome to the Phamily! We all hope that you stay with us to the end, and find the sometimes bumpy ride! Thank you for the compliments…having anyone tell me it is on their list of favorites is quite humbling. I appreciate your words more than you know. I am sorry that I consumed an entire weekend, though I do hope it did put a smile on your face from time to time! I know when I find something that I like, I get wrapped up in and it is like the rest of the world doesn't even exist…reading does that for me…and now I've found that writing is doing the same thing….just what I need, yet another obsession! LOL! Yes, I am looking forward to whatever sort of resolution there is with Erik's past…and if it truly does indeed involve Raoul…it seems far too many things are falling into place for them to be a coincidence…and after all, our dear Erik doesn't believe in coincidence! Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Now, as has become our tradition, we shall delve into your tag name, though I dare say yours is a bit tricky….Meow….you are either a cat lover, or love the game of cat and mouse…the LeFae…I have a feeling it is either your last name or…something in French that I do not know…sadly, I've not studied French….yet…that is next on my 'life-goal' list. So, if you are willing, kindly do share the origins of your tag name with your new little Phamily!