Disclaimer: I do not own Phantom of the Opera.
Past The Point of Sanity: Actually, you had a lot to do with it. You brought up an interesting point and it got me to thinking. Anyway, I'm glad you reviewed.
Dear Journal,
A visitor came to the house. He brought a shocking bit of news.
At first Christine was hesitant to allow someone into their home while Erik was incapacitated. Erik would be furious, that was certain, but that thought alone was not the source of her reluctance. It just seemed like common sense. She was alone in this house and her one protector had been mysteriously attacked. It's settled then, she thought, inviting him in would be a bad idea.
"And you are sure you are a friend of Erik's?" she asked, eyes narrowed.
She didn't mean to be cruel, but her husband was not known for his many friends.
Then again, this man did look awfully familiar… not to mention Erik had just entertained a visitor before he had left for the tunnels.
This man obviously had to know about Erik. One did not just stumble across this little house. It was nearly impossible to find unless one already knew where it was. Besides, how had he managed to bypass all the traps?
The Persian could practically see the wheels turning in the girl's head and thought he'd help explain.
"Surely, mademoiselle, you remember me? You saved my life not many days ago."
"It's madame now," she said absently, causing the Persian to gasp slightly at her admission. He had been testing her, in a way, to see if Erik had been telling the truth about their marriage.
Christine's eyes widened suddenly in realization. "You were the other man in the mirrored chamber that night!"
"Yes, madame," he said bowing slightly. "I have known Erik for many years. That is how I knew where to lead M. de Chagny when you disappeared. As you can see, madame, I mean you no harm. I only wish to speak with you. It is about M. de Chagny."
I don't know where to begin. I feel this swarm of conflicting emotions clouding my thoughts and I'm not sure what to do.
Christine backed away from the door and signaled the Persian to enter.
"So tell me, monsieur, how is Raoul? Have you spoken to him recently?"
The daroga paled. "You mean you don't know?"
"What are you talking about? Of course I don't know. I haven't seen him since you were both released that night. Why are you looking at me that way? Is something wrong? Did something happen to him?"
He started to speak but then closed his eyes and shook his head, trying to sort his thoughts. "I'm sorry. First things first. Have you seen you husband?"
Now it was Christine's turn to grow pale. She was not going to mention her husband's condition until she knew how much he knew. Just a precaution.
"I have seen him. Why?"
He sighed. "I mean have you seen him recently? I'm sorry to have to be the one to inform you of this, but there has been an accident."
Christine's face was expressionless. The Persian decided to take a chance. "Madame… Christine… please, if you know where Erik is, you must take me to him. I swear to you that I will not harm him in any way. There is much that needs to be explained."
She sighed and stood, motioning for the daroga to follow.
I feel confused.
Christine moved to a comfortable chair and the daroga found a seat on the sofa. She folded her hands, looked him in the eye and asked him, "Please, monsieur, you must tell me what is going on. Why have you come?"
"I have come to take you away from this place, if that is what you wish."
Her brows furrowed in thought. "Why you? Why now? What has happened to Raoul?"
The daroga took a deep breath and wondered where he should start. It was clear this girl was completely oblivious of everything that occurred since that night. He fervently wished that he did not have to be the one to explain this to her.
"Madame, I am sorry to inform you that Erik did not release M. de Chagny as you believe."
Betrayed
Christine grew even paler, if possible, and her thoughts flickered to her sleeping husband before returning to the daroga's story.
He continued. "When I recovered somewhat from the ordeal, I spoke with the police. You see there was still an investigation in progress because of the death of the elder Chagny brother, the count."
"Philippe is dead?" she gasped.
"I'm afraid so, madame. As I was saying, I spoke with the police and they assured me that you and the vicomte had eloped together in all the commotion. I was doubtful, having known Erik for quite some time, and decided to investigate myself. I came to visit earlier today and spoke at length with Erik, gathering what information I could about your whereabouts. I was not quite sure what to make of it when he informed me of your marriage. In fact, I scarcely believed it until you just confirmed it a few minutes ago."
"Yes," she said softly, "at the time I had little choice in the matter…"
"I expected as much. Ah, but I digress. You see, it was by accident that I learned that M. de Chagny was still being held captive in the cellars. As I made my way back to the surface, I seemed to have stumbled upon the cell where he had been kept. Erik, it seems, had decided to lock him away in the Communard's dungeons. I cannot say for certain why… but I have a few theories."
Hurt
"Oh Erik… how could you?" Christine whispered brokenly--more to herself than anyone else.
"Erik approached us just as I was working to free M. de Chagny from his cell. The two men fought. In his weakened state, the vicomte was no match for Erik, but he managed to inflict some pretty damaging wounds before he collapsed. When they both fell to the ground, I took Chagny and brought him back up to the surface with me. Erik, it seems, found his way back to you…"
Christine was torn. She was grateful the daroga had taken care of Raoul. At the same time, she found herself upset by the fact that he would leave his own friend alone and wounded.
Think logically, Christine. What would you have done? You could only help one… both were seriously injured. Don't presume to criticize him for a decision you would not have been able to make. Besides, what's done is done. Erik is here safely with you and Raoul is…
"Excuse me, sir, but where is Raoul?"
"The vicomte is currently under the care of some of the finest doctors in Paris."
"I'm relieved. He will be alright then?"
Angry
"I will not lie to you, madame. He is very sick. Aside from his current injuries--which are impressive in and of themselves--he has numerous cuts and wounds that have become infected. It is likely they were given to him sometime recently but he did not have adequate resources to clean them. Unfortunately, he is very weak right now from the conditions of his captivity and that is going to make it very difficult to fight the infection. Fortunately, I found him when I did. The doctors believe that he will pull through but we won't know for certain until he wakes up. From what they have told me, they wish to keep him sedated for a while to help with the healing process. Then, well… we'll just have to see…"
"Oh Raoul…"
"I am here to take you to him, if you wish."
"I---" she cut herself off, realizing something, "What about Erik?"
And something else I cannot explain.
Looking down into the casket, the daroga murmured a quick prayer. It was an odd sight, really, watching him sleep. He had to force himself not to grimace. Erik's mask and shirt had been removed and he truly did look like a corpse. Actually the sight would not have been so bad if he were truly dead. However, the slight movements of breath and pulse through the body made the sight gruesome. Even a minor movement, performed by a corpse, can fill the watcher with horror.
Still, the daroga was surprised to see that a soft quilt had been lovingly tucked around him. He looked toward Christine, who had knelt beside the coffin and was gently stroking thin wisps of hair away from his dead face while her other hand gently held onto his. The scene intrigued and confused him, but he decided not to mention it just yet.
"How long has he been like this?"
"I found him over four hours ago... but who knows how long it took him to come here."
"You tended to his injuries?"
"I did what I could. I believe he's alright for the moment, but soon he will need fresh bandages and supplies."
He nodded. "I can arrange for that."
I do not believe I have ever faced a more difficult decision. Not even that night.
Actually, in retrospect, that was a very easy decision. It was obvious and pretty much made itself.
"Monsieur, I don't think I can leave him."
"Madame… I know that you are here against your will. However, you must realize that he will never let you go of his own volition. I am willing to help you escape. I will deliver you to M. de Chagny and you will finally be free. But you must decide now. When he wakes up… there are no guarantees that you will have a second chance."
This however…
Erik or Raoul? The choice was entirely mine. Nobody was threatening me and there were no ultimatums.
I am still in love with Raoul. Yet, part of me is very connected to Erik. Not to mention, he is my husband. But look at our marriage! It was forced. If not for this incident I would still be a captive. He almost killed the man I love!
Well, I suppose they almost killed each other.
I tried to think it through practically.
"And you say that Raoul is still unconscious?"
"Yes, but I'm sure he will be happy to see you when he awakens."
"I do wish to speak with him…" she shook her head and said, "No. I can't go now. Raoul is safe and he's in good hands. There is nothing I can do now to help him. But Erik… he has nobody."
"I assure you, madame, that Erik has endured far worse without anyone by his side."
"I know it and it saddens me. It should not be that way. No, I'm sorry, I must take my chances here. I am his wife. At the very least, I think he deserves a chance to tell his side of the story."
The Persian nodded. So far, he had found Christine to be a very noble and dedicated young woman. There was a sense of maturity in her that he had not noticed before. He realized that he was developing a great deal of respect for her.
"I understand. In that case, I am here offer you any help you require."
"Will you keep me updated on Raoul's condition?"
"Of course"
"Thank you. I should like to speak with him when he wakes up…"
"I do not know if that will be possible, but I will do what I can to help."
"And you will bring me some medical supplies?"
"Provide me with a list and I shall return tomorrow."
Suddenly Erik groaned and his breathing became labored. While he was still sleeping, it appeared that he was in a great deal of pain.
Christine burst into tears. She had remained composed during the whole conversation, thus far. All of the news was so shocking and overwhelming that she couldn't seem to process it all fast enough to feel emotional about it. However, seeing Erik in such pain seemed to bring everything to the surface and open the flood gates. Somehow seeing him like this brought reality to her conflict.
Erik needs me, Raoul doesn't. It is not exactly that simple, but it will have to do for now.
The Persian cleared his throat nervously. He never knew quite what to do with emotional females. He usually just left them to cry with the other women. He was not good with tears.
Needing to feel useful, he went to one of Erik's hidden shelves and rifled through the bottles inside. After a moment of searching, he brought forth a little vial of medicine.
"Here," he said, handing it to Christine, "Get him to drink a sip of this. It will ease the pain and help him sleep."
She looked at it skeptically. "What is it?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Honestly, I have no idea. Erik mixes his own concoctions of herbs and medicines. I'm not sure what they are made of, exactly, but I know from experience that they work better than anything a doctor could prescribe."
Christine felt herself smiling slightly. Erik truly was a genius. Part of her felt extremely proud that her husband could create something like that. She put the vial to his lips and lifted his head slightly.
"Christine…" he moaned softly.
"Shh, I'm here. Drink this, dear heart, it will help you feel better."
Why did Erik do it? Why did he imprison Raoul when I thought our marriage had freed him?
The daroga watched the entire exchange in disbelief. The way she willingly touched him, unmasked, and whispered gentle words to him… there was more at work here than a kidnapped girl being fought over by two men. He realized that their situation was a little more complicated than he thought previously. Leave it to Erik to make things difficult…
He quickly got the impression that he was somehow encroaching on something very intimate. Quietly, he stood and excused himself.
However, before he stepped through the doorway, he turned and asked once more, "Madame, are you sure this is what you want? You may not get another opportunity like this."
He just needed to be certain.
Christine frowned slightly, thinking. "No, to be honest, I am not sure at all. But I think I'm going to stay for now anyway…"
"As you wish." he said solemnly and let himself out of the house.
I have found that Erik has reasons for almost everything he does. Granted, the reasons toe the line between rational and insane. But still, I think I owe it to him to give him the chance to explain himself.
But why do I owe him? I never wanted to be here. He totally disregarded my wishes. I do not owe him anything.
For some reason, I do not think I can convince myself of that.
Maybe I am the one bordering on madness?
I suppose I should stop this arguing with myself. The decision has been made and I cannot change it currently. I must focus on the task at hand. I will help Erik heal and I will wait to hear about Raoul's condition.
I cannot talk to either of them until they wake up, anyway.
I could always talk to myself.
I cannot believe I just suggested that--in writing, nonetheless! It is settled. The line has been crossed. I must be insane.
--Christine
Author's Note: Well, there you have it. She stayed. Okay so between the reviews and PMs, I got this overwhelming response from people who didn't want Christine to leave with the daroga. So, I decided to rework some things and change directions. There will still be some conflicts coming up... but, for now, she is staying with Erik. I hope you guys are happy. See why it's good to review? I totally listen!
