Morning found Sebastian and Pyotr sound asleep in their rooms. They'd been up till all hours of the night planning and plotting. They'd hide the goods in the woods. Thankfully the last group had yet to arrive, for surely it would have been discovered by the men in the stables now.
Once the snow cleared, they'd go down to the old farm house and set things up there. The tricky part now would be to make sure no one actually made it all the way to that house, they'd been dreaming up excuses to keep them away. It would all work out. Yes, but one more season and they'd be finished in Chauesser. The people would never know what happened, until it was already done.
XXXX
Nicole was frantic. The blinding snow, the frigid temperatures, combined with her utter exhaustion were nearly undoing her. She'd gone to the few places she could reach that she knew her grandmother frequented. There was no telling how long she'd been gone, or how far she might have gotten. She hadn't run across her mother, nor found evidence of any tracks.
Inside as she pushed her nearly numb limbs through the snow, she felt guilty for the thoughts she'd had the day before. She would spend the rest of her life without a husband, without children if she could but find them now. She wiped a tear from her eye. She shouldn't have gone back to the inn. Her mental battering had begun. Who would have thought anyone would venture out in this weather? The winds howled behind her, the snow seemed to be picking up again. She'd keep going a bit longer, but she knew eventually she'd have to turn back, or perish herself.
XXXXX
Madeline smiled as she heard someone stomping their boots on the back porch. She'd stopped from time to time to watch out the window as they'd worked on a path to the main house. Though the snow continued to fall, they'd had to start somewhere. She'd watched as one man had been hoisted by a set of pulleys and rope to the roof of the house and as the large sheets of snow had fell from the roof above as he'd been pushing it off.
Madeline met the stable master with a hot cup of coffee. "Thank you Madeline." He inhaled at first to take in the warmth of the coffee, but was quickly distracted by all of the other savory aromas that were wafting around the kitchen. "What is that?"
Madeline smiled at him turning and walking back into the kitchen, he quickly on her heels. "Lunch good sir, lunch. You and your men are hungry are they not?" She'd set about lifting a large roll caked with cinnamon and frosting from the pan and onto a plate with fork and knife. He was delighted as she carried it over to the table where he'd sat himself.
"A bit of a treat for your labors." She said, sitting it down in front of him, and then returned to her work. For a few minutes there was silence as he savored each bite of the sweet, tender roll, with his hot coffee. Madeline busied herself preparing the hams that would need to go into the ovens for dinner that night.
She glanced over her shoulder. "Lunch will be ready, perhaps a bit early for your staff sir, I've made several pots of stew. Once you've cleared a path, perhaps you could send someone up with a sled."
The man stood, wiping his chin, sitting the napkin back on the table next to the empty plate. "Thank you, that was superb." "You are most welcome." He was retrieving his cloak. "Have you had no company yet this morning?" He was glancing down the hall. Madeline smiled, she'd enjoyed the peace and quiet.
"Not even one soul sir, save yourself." She smiled at him, and he at her. He nodded and disappeared out the door back into the cold. She shivered as she felt the cold swish of breeze around her ankles. She'd get the ham into the oven and then see to stoking the fires. By now the rooms would have started to cool a bit she was certain. And tea, yes several pots of tea…. She scuffled off to the pantry.
XXXX
The doctor paced heavily by the hearth in the kitchen below. He'd given the poor man's wife something to help her sleep. She was exhausted, and there was nothing to be done now. They couldn't even get to the undertakers. It had been a long time since he'd done an undertaker's work, but he knew the methods if he'd have to use them. A body could only be kept for just so long unprepared. The other men had gone off to sleep. It hadn't been that far from dawn when they'd finally been able to rest. The pine box lay out in the parlor, reminiscent of when all funerals in Paris took place in one's home.
His mind was troubled. He wanted to get to Raoul. In the man's dying breath he'd wanted to save another. But why Raoul? To what good could this come? Would the killing stop there or would he continue on his murderous rampage? The doctor could see no sense in it. He was a bitter young man, set on vengeance, and little else. Oh if someone could but tell him he had a choice. That his life didn't have to end up like that of his father and brother. Though, if found now, he'd be sure to be hanged.
The doctor looked out the window. The snow was still coming down. He shook his head. He could only hope his own family were safe and well. It might be a time before he'd be able to see them again.
XXXXX
Meg slipped from beneath the covers and Raoul's arm. It seemed all they'd done in days was sleep and eat. Waking at all sorts of strange hours, and finding themselves in one another's arms. Not that it was a bad routine. In fact, it had become quite the opposite. Meg looked forward to opening her eyes in a way she hadn't before. But now, she had one thing on her mind…that note.
She walked quietly over to her bed. The beauty of the room distracting her a bit, it was so entirely different looking in the light of day. She looked back over her shoulder as she heard Raoul inhale and slowly exhale as he repositioned himself. She slid her hand under the pillow retrieving the envelope, tucking it quickly into the pocket of her robe. She paused to look out the window, and her eyes grew wide. The statue in the garden was barely visible, and the benches, and fencing were far beneath the snow. She turned once more looking at Raoul before she ducked into the water closet.
She latched the door closed behind her. The room was nearly dark. She'd either light a candle, or make use of the small window. She decided the later was the most expedient, so she moved to the window, pushing aside the small curtain. She retrieved the envelope and carefully turned it over in her hands, running her thumb under the seal. She lifted the pages out of the envelope, returning it to her pocket lest she be so careless as to forget it there. She opened the parchment and several folded bills fell to the floor. She bent down retrieving them. It was no little sum of money…she dared think it was as much as she'd ever held in her hand at one time. She put them in her pocket. She opened the note…
My dearest Meg,
I've enclosed several things for your comfort should you find need for them. I know that you do not feel as close to me as I do to you perhaps, having spent so much time with your mother talking about you as you grew, I came to know you far more than you'd imagine. These last months have been a difficult time for all concerned, as my health was a burden to the lot of us. I do not wish to dwell upon the past, but look forward only to the future. Our dear Nadir shares of your news, and though I am feeling rather guarded about the newest interest in your life, I want you to know we wish you nothing but happiness. It is no easy undertaking to find love, and it sometimes appears in the strangest most unexpected places…I know that all too well. Again, we wish you only happiness…whatever that might be for you.
Now there is another matter which is in part the purpose of this note. It has come to my attention that your mother and a certain friend of mine may appear to have an interest in one another. I was able to pull it from him, in a somewhat weakened state, he made his confession. No doubt, you've seen this too. Not that he required it, nor that it was my place to confer it, but I've given him my blessing to stay on in Paris if there is a future for the two of them. I have loved them both dearly and shan't want to stand in the way of their happiness.
And now to the end of this purpose. The funds enclosed are to be used for whatever you might need. Should you find want to return to our home, please do so. If you should find that your feelings have changed about a certain someone, or that you are not sure, or need council on the matter from a friend, please do come see us…our home will always be home for you…no matter what choice you make…no matter what choice your mother makes.
We miss you terribly, think of you often, and pray for you ceaselessly.
Respectfully,
PS. If you should ever find yourself in need of our presence, if there was a happening of an emergent nature for you or any of your family, you may dispatch a courier. It is not a pleasant place, but he is both discrete and expedient, he could have us here within a day. Do not hesitate if you should need us. Perdue, LeMortum Street # 3
Meg refolded the papers and slipped them back into the envelope in her pocket, along with the funds he'd sent. She could see why he'd tucked it in the book. A note of that nature would have infuriated her mother, horrified Raoul, and embarrassed Nadir to no end. He truly did care for her. He wanted her to know that she'd have a home if she'd not want to stay with Raoul.
Though she doubted her feelings for him would change, she could not speak for him. What would be if he ever discovered her secrets? Then she'd need to run as far as she could…She breathed a bit easier. Erik knew so little of what she knew, Raoul knew so little of what she knew, her mother, Nadir….it seemed she was now keeping secrets from everyone!
Her hand fumbled with the envelope in her pocket. She'd have to find a hiding place for this one too..and this time a good one where she shan't have to use acrobatics or sneakery to conceal it. Ahhh, she'd just the place for it, under the wardrobe. They were big and heavy, and very unlikely to be moved any time soon.
She repositioned the curtain and walked out into the room pulling the pocket door closed. She was going to return to Raoul's side, but when she glanced over at the Divan, he was gone, the door to her room slightly ajar. Her eyes opened wide. It was a good thing she'd gone into the water closet, for he wasn't as deeply asleep as he appeared.
XXXX
Christine slipped from beneath Erik's arms. She pulled the covers up over his bare chest, pausing just a moment to gaze at him before tucking the covers beneath his chin. He stretched out just slightly, smacking his lips together. He was warm, he was comfortable, and she was fairly certain that he was as content as she was. She smiled, leaning down placing a kiss on his cheek..his right cheek. The stitch marks were a bit more visible today then they'd been in a long while. Perhaps it was his physical exertion with the plow, the cold winds, or a combination of the two. It didn't appear painful, just a darker red that gave hints as to what he might have endured. She kissed it again. His flesh was not a concern…it was simply a singular part of the whole man she loved.
She slipped on her nightdress, and her robe. Carefully pulled on her long stockings. She ran her fingers through her hair and slipped the ribbon back in collecting her abundant head of curls. She'd not had her tea, nor her cake…and now though she'd done very little….well…in terms of work anyway….she found herself quite hungry. She knelt down by the fire once more, putting on a few smaller logs, nestling it in next to the large one Erik had put on when he'd first woke that day.
Padding over to the door of the library opening and closing it behind her. The maid was in the hallway, giving her a curious look. "Let Stephan rest please, he's tired from his labors." She nodded. "And if you do not mind, let us go down to the kitchen. We can discuss plans for dinner whilst I nibble on that cake you'd brought for me."
The two began walking down the hall together. "And perhaps, if it is not too much trouble, you could draw me a bath…no…better yet…can you show me…I'd like to learn how to use this new plumbing myself…I'm sure there's a trick to it."
The maid nodded. They were indeed an interesting pair she and Stephan. She could easily brag to the other maids in the village that she was part of the new sort of household, and enlightened household. That is, when the weather cleared enough to go to the village again.
XXXX
The boy shivered in the carriage. Now with the banks of snow as high as they were, he'd have sufficient shelter to be able to light a fire, though he was certain the horses wouldn't like being that close to it. They'd have to make due, he needed to warm himself or he'd freeze to death.
He used the kindlings from the fire he'd tried to light the night before. There was an ample supply of twigs and downed branches under the pine tree, at least for several more fires he thought. By then he'd be out of food, and if the weather didn't subside, staying warm would be the least of his worries. At least the prospect of freezing to death wasn't horrible….one always felt warm at the end, and then you simply fell asleep.
XXXX
Nicole had been out in the weather for as near as she could figure an hour. She was making her way back to her flat. She needed to warm up, to take shelter. The few she'd run into that were out cleaning off roofs hadn't seen either of them. She had to go back if but to change clothes and get warm to start out again. She pulled herself into the door, and slowly climbed the stairs. Her arms and legs were stiff; she could barely move them.
At the top of the stairs she could see that the door to their flat was closed. She didn't remember closing it, but she'd left in such haste she couldn't be sure. Then she heard a thump come from the other side of the door. She scurried to it quickly, pushing the door open.
"Oh Nicole…." Her mother embraced her, pulling her into the kitchen. "Thank the heavens you are alright. I went to the inn, and they said they'd last seen you early this morning, and then I came back here and saw your clothes….." Her mother nearly collapsed in her arms. "I'd thought I'd lost you too…." She began to weep bitterly. "I tried to find her…I just cannot imagine where she might have gone…I checked everywhere I thought she might have gotten to…but I don't know when she left…what time was it when you left?" Her mother trying to calm herself long enough to have the conversation.
"It was around half past nine last night mother. When I left the two of you were sound asleep in your rockers." She led her mother over to the fire. She needed to warm her feet, hang out her coat. "What time did you leave this morning?"
Her mother was wringing her hands in her skirt. "It was…I think it was…I'm not sure…but somewhere between seven-thirty and eight I suppose. She'd not even left a note, she was simply gone. When first I woke I thought perhaps you'd taken her somewhere, but then it occurred to me you couldn't have taken her to work with you, she'd be no help to you there. Then I noticed her boots were gone, and she'd taken a bag, heaven knows what she'd put in it…that's when I knew…." Her mother began to sob as she leaned into her. "Shhhh…we will find her mother…we will find her."
XXXXX
Nadir and Madame Giry were awake. Madeline had brought them in a pot of tea and a few of the rolls with cinnamon that she'd just made. They were a little embarrassed, but comfortable now, having woken up to find themselves in the same room.
Nadir had rejoined her by the fire that he'd freshly stoked. The room was warming quickly, Nadir shedding his robe. Though Madame Giry was very warm now, she' not be shedding her robe…she wasn't that comfortable.
"Nadir, you should have seen the look on her face when she saw that room. She was so delighted! Raoul was so very generous with her, so generous indeed."
Nadir nodded. If he were a man of Raoul's means, he too would have been as generous. "He does have a very fond affection for her I dare say." Nadir said as Madame Giry freshened both of their cups of tea. "It would be a good match for Meg. He is hansom, he is witty, he is kind. They seem to have a great deal in common."
Madame Giry was nodding as if agreeing, but she knew there was one clause Nadir had forgotten. "Yes, but she does not come from the finest families in France. His father frowns on it truly. Time will tell I guess…whether or not they are destined to be together." Madame Giry said sipping her tea.
"Madame, while names are all very important to his father, I've no doubt that he would be very happy with Meg. She does not come from a family with scandal, she requires no special set of circumstances or agreements to be made between father's. She's a perfect match for him really. She's been well raised, refined, and as cute as a button!"
That made Madame Giry smile. It was not she that had to be convinced, it was Raoul's father, for he had the power to make their lives full of misery if he was disappointed. And she'd no want to bring that on any of them.
"Perhaps I could have a talk with him," Nadir said, smiling at Madame Giry. "He and I seem to be getting on quite famously, perhaps I'm just enough of the fatherly type to stand in for Meg." Nadir hadn't meant to offend Madame Giry, or impose, he'd only meant to help, but as soon as the words had left his mouth, he wished he could take them back.
Madame Giry's upper lip stiffened just a bit. Her relaxed demeanor, shifting just slightly. She'd thought it a bit rude that he'd be so forward.
"I didn't mean to imply that…" Nadir bit his tongue.
Madame Giry inhaled and exhaled. He'd only meant to help, she could see it in the contrition of his eyes. "Nadir, if anyone is to stand in for Meg at this point, it should be me, but I do thank you for the offer…for thinking of her." Madame Giry said putting her cup in its saucer. "I suppose I should be seeing to getting dressed. No doubt there is something to be done, and I'm sure that Meg misses me." She stood, putting the cup back on the tray. "Nadir," she nodded as she walked back toward her room.
He hadn't meant to offend her, he hadn't apologized…he was on his feet and behind her as she reached the hallway between their rooms. He reached out his hand to touch her shoulder.
She was feeling guilty that she'd left so abruptly…after all…he was only trying to help. She had to go back, apologize, she turned… The two of them ran right into one another, nearly toppling to the floor. Nadir caught her about the waist. She was about to thank him when she looked into his eyes…before she knew what happened, Nadir had taken her into his arms, kissing her.
Her heart was pounding. He pulled away briefly to look her in the eye. They stood looking at one another. Her lips quivered. Nadir leaned in for another kiss, but she pulled away. She was flush crimson as she moved quickly into her room, closing the door that led to their hallway behind her. She leaned her back against the door, her hand covering her mouth…she was aghast. "What have I done?" She mumbled under her breath. Her chest was fluttering…she hadn't felt this way in so many years she'd barely recalled what it felt like. She simply stood there, unable to move, unable to breathe.
Nadir was on the other side of the door. He was giving himself a verbal lashing under his breath. "You fool, what have you done. You've scared the poor woman Now you won't be even able to be her friend, she'll not trust you, you bumbling fool!" He stood in the hallway, eyes closed, the palm of his hand on her door, wishing he could take it back..
Then, the door opened. Madame Giry peeked in first, then averting her eyes toward the ground, she walked back in and closed the door behind her. It was the most daring thing she'd done in years, and she couldn't say where exactly the courage had come from or why she couldn't help herself, but she'd not felt more alive in so long.
Nadir glanced up, she was still looking down. He reached out hoping she'd take his extended hand. She extended hers. With no further thought he reached behind him, pulling the door to his room closed.
The hall between their rooms was dark. In that room, devoid of light, all that could be heard was the rush of breath as it entered and left their lungs. It took but a flash and she was once again in his arms. This time there was no doubt of their feelings. He'd not held a woman in his arms since his wife passed so many years ago…and she'd not been held by any since her husband…though they both knew what it felt like to be loved…it made it all that much harder to stay apart…for indeed, they knew how sweet love could be.
They'd paused several times, simply leaning against one another, Madame Giry's forehead on his shoulder, his cheek pressed against the top of her head. Though they had so much to say it seemed that words would have tainted the beauty of the silence. They could hardly believe it…it just didn't seem possible…they knew it would complicate their situations…so very complicate them. But they were lost in it.
Nadir leaned his head down, kissing her forehead, her cheek. She tilted her head, leaning into him. They felt like the only two people in the entirety of the world. They'd so many others to think of, so many others that depended on them, but at that moment nothing existed outside of that room. There was so much to be thought about, but in this moment it mattered little.
The pin pricked the precarious bubble they were in when a small voice pierced their reality. "Mother?" They panicked. Quickly parting. Nadir opened the door to his room, taking Madame Giry by the hand they quickly darted to the chairs by the fire. They could barely look at one another in the light of day, both blushing heavily.
"Mother?" Meg wandered over to the door, opening it she saw the door opposite it, leading to Nadir's room was ajar. She passed through and walked over to where Madame Giry and Nadir sat in the chairs in front of the fireplace. Meg was smiling. She was certain she had heard a sudden shuffle in the room.
She came around the chairs and watched as her mother's chest raised and fell, far too rapidly for someone who was to be asleep. She glanced over at Nadir. He too was breathing a little more heavily than someone who was in the midst of slumber. She stood there between them, glancing back and forth, back and forth. The next few minutes began with one singular inflection of humor...and soon, the three were laughing heartily.
Madame Giry was a deep crimson with blush, and yet she laughed. "Nadir, really, what have you two been doing, my mother is all aflush, and you yourself look like the cat that swallowed the canary!" Though Meg had her suspicions, she knew asking Nadir would do her no good. He was as he'd always been, a gentleman.
Meg realizing that her questioning would bare no fruit, offered instead an invitation. "Since the spring has seen fit to concede its position to winter just briefly, we might see to finding an indoor activity today. Perhaps once you've freshened up a bit we can gather in the parlor for some tea?" She'd no doubt that Raoul would be ordering it as they spoke.
Madame Giry being amenable to this said, "as you wish Meg." She smiled at Nadir. "Meg dear, would you accompany me, I'll need a bit of help if you don't mind."
Certainly mother, I'll be just a moment, I should like very much to apologize to Nadir for my behavior last evening." Nadir smiled at Meg, trying not to look as if he knew better. Oh, certainly she'd wanted to apologize, but he had it in his mind that she might be more interested in asking about what he'd discovered in Chausser.
Madame Giry stood straightening her garments as she nodded to Nadir, and swept back between the rooms closing the door to her room behind her.
Meg sat in the chair across from Nadir. "So, do tell me." She whispered. Nadir looked at her and smiled. In a whispering tone he mocked her, "I'd thought we'd be starting with that apology!"
She scowled at him. "Nadir, I am dreadfully sorry for my behavior, but you know better than anyone the burdens my frail mind carries even now. When we have some time we can be alone, I've much to tell you." She looked over at the door that led to the hallway between the rooms. She silently rose and went over closing it. It had never been her mother's habit to ease-drop, but Meg wasn't taking any chances.
"Perhaps later in the evening, or when the three of them are distracted by plans for the Opera House, or...well, we shall simply need to find time where we can speak freely."
Nadir looked at her, he understood completely. "I will be brief, though I'd much prefer to tell you in detail. There is an old woman in Chauesser, who happened upon Erik and Christine. She'd said strange things to him...addressing him by the name DeChagny."
Meg's hand flew up to her mouth, trying to stifle an audible gasp. "Whatever did he say to her?" Nadir shook his head.
"He'd not really been able to speak to her, she's been whisked away by her family at each encounter. Yesterday we tried looking for her but to no good purpose. Her family no doubt has taken her inside and shan't let her leave again as it seems whenever they are in
Chauesser, she's causing a commotion if she sees Erik." Nadir sighed, lowering his voice even further so that Meg could barely hear. "Erik's suspicions have yet to be roused, though he is curious about her, and has asked me to find and question her if at all possible the next I'm in Chauesser. I've promised him I'd do so."
Nadir looked at Meg. He wanted desperately to know if Christine had told her of their news. "Now Meg, there's more to say, but we should need more time. What say you of what Christine sent. Was there a note?"
Meg smiled. "Yes, a note and three gifts. I dare say I miss her terribly." Meg was looking at the floor. "This is a time in a girl's life when one needs her best friend to talk to...though this situation is entirely impossible, and far more complicated than any of us
would ever have wanted. As you say, there is so much to talk about but we need more time, and more privacy."
Meg glanced back over at the door. "I best get to my mother, she'll be needing my assistance." Meg rose, extending her hand to Nadir. He rose too. She embraced him. "I am glad for you and my mother Nadir." She smiled, looking him sincerely in the eye.
"I've not seen her this happy...laughing...in a great many years. I know that it would make Erik happy too" She let go of his hand and walked a few steps, turning around. "That is the other thing Nadir...in the box of gifts, something from Erik, with a note. I should like very much to discuss it with you." She nodded as she passed through the doors into her mother's room.
Nadir sat back down in his chair. Whatever could Erik have put in a note that he'd not simply wanted to give to Nadir to convey to Meg. He sighed. Perhaps that is why Meg wanted to discuss it with him...they were getting closer every day. They'd become confidante's of sorts. An odd place for both of them. If the objects of their affections were to find out what they'd withheld from them...the situations could turn cold rather quickly...and that is what worried Nadir the most. Secrets...blasted secrets...the power
to protect...the power to destroy...and sometimes, in the end, they did both.
Author's Notes:
Dear Faithfuls: At long last another weekend….I hope everyone has a wonderful one!
Captain Oblivious: I am sorry, the fires and snuggling up…if it is any consolation to you, I've no wonder-man of my own to snuggle up to…perhaps that's why I imagine it so very often! But alas, no one could measure up to Erik could they? LOL
Oh, perhaps the "super, super, senior" really has "Peter-Pan" syndrome…you know, never really wanting to grow up. If he plans to be a comedian like Jim Carey or Robin Williams, then maybe he'll make a go of it, but I dare say, his wit (Patmobile?) will have to improve or he'll be a starving "artist." Have a great weekend!
Phantomsrogue: Yes, indeed a longer than usual review. I do get on a roll once in awhile and I cannot help myself! Funny you should talk about sleeping in…on Saturdays, that is my one indulgence, though I must say I cannot sleep past 9:00 a.m. Unfortunately, my little brain has figured this out and has adjusted my sleeping habits, thus making it nearly impossible to go to bed before 4:00 a.m. on Friday night! So, I guess I'm really not gaining anything, but it does break up the monotony of the week…though I'm sure the neighbors think I'm crazy! I've often wondered, though I've never asked…I get strange looks from them. I think they must wonder if I live in the dark ages, or cannot afford electricity, because I rarely run about my house with anything but candlelight in the evening…alas, I confess, I cannot seem to get enough of it!
When you mentioned your love of Mozart because you came to know it in a personal way from school….there is a lot to that. I've connected with certain composers because of that very thing. I was a trained 1st soprano in my high school, and thereby learned music from a task-master type director that insisted upon a mixture of music, including some classics. It was really my instruction as a piano student that gave me a love for not only hearing the instrument (that is why I nearly faint when I see the Phantom at the piano!), but I came to love the classics from my piano teacher, she was a wonderful woman who I thought quite crazy to be teaching such a young child anything so deep, but she instilled in me a love for those historic composers that I've held to this day! All that to say…I understand what you mean!
Oh, about Batman Begins. I too am a purest. Once I've decided on something, such as a lead character, I have a very difficult time accepting anything less, it seems like a counterfeit, a betrayal to the original love, something of that nature. However, and I say this with a bit of reservation, Batman Begins is worth seeing. Bale is not my first choice in actors, but he does a good job, not so much in wearing the suit, but in the other parts…he is completely believable, and has a dark side that he pulls off well. BUT, it is truly the music that is moving. There are several scenes with him in his cave, (I won't spoil it for you by telling you) coupled with the music that make for spectacular scenes that speak to you about conquering your fears and it that finding an inner strength that you didn't know you had. So, that's my soapbox. If you cannot bring yourself to watch the movie, do listen to the soundtrack, there are a few very good tracks on it.
I might have to enlist the help of a friend to get through 'Interview with a Vampire'. If you've seen Dracula 2000, and it is worse than that, I'm not sure I can do it. It's a bit too scary for me…surprisingly since I like the dark sort of thing! Don't think I'll ever watch 'Queen of the Damned', that one just didn't appeal to me at all. I think I only like the dark male characters….hmmmm.
And of course, last but not least….finally, Meg gets a chance to read that note. Thoughtful Erik, he's always thinking of others…but you do have to wonder if there is a selfish motive here….hmmm.. Have a great weekend!
Tex110: I'm so glad to hear you say that you'd stick it out with us! I giggle like a little school girl when I hear that! Ahh yes…if only we could all find a man as wonderful as Erik. I know they are few and far between, but they have to be out there don't they? If I could have a Christmas wish this year…that would be all of us in our little Phamily could find someone to love and be loved like Erik and Christine….(yes, I know its too early to be talking Christmas…but all this talk about snow makes me yearn for it! LOL) Have a great weekend!
Phantomfan13: My goodness, I am humbled…referring people to our Phamily! That would be entirely wonderful to have new members. It is so wonderful to see our Phamily growing…just like Erik and Christine's! You mentioned the movie 'Interview with a Vampire'. Another one of our Phamily suggested it too…I am a bit squeamish, so I might have to watch it with a pillow to cover my face, and a friend to squeeze their hand!
Thank you for thinking of me in regards to publishing. It is a sweet, no, very sweet thought for you to say that. But, the least I could do is to pay for this myself, it is very expensive, and I've no idea what individual copies of the book cost even once it is published. I'm rather new at this, but I'm certainly thinking about it! Thank you so much for the encouragement.
Snowdays! Yes, I long for them too…perhaps why there is one in our story! It is the only time that I can stay at home and not go to work, and feel entirely "not-guilty" for staying home. Yes, shoveling and all that goes with it is no fun, but the being "stranded" is! But I do so very much enjoy them…..wouldn't mind one right now! Have a great weekend!
PhantomLover05: There is no such thing as "only chorus" my dear. Without the chorus, a song, a play, any production cannot be as sweet. If even one melodious voice is missing, it is not the same. Every part is important, it is simply that some receive more attention than others, but none are less important! CONGRATULATIONS!
I too wonder about the poor grandmother…she is such a link… a missing link in Erik's life….. Have a great weekend!