Hey what can I say? I'm on a month Christmas break from college, and I am in the most boring town…. Gah… my parents just moved, so it's crazy. The good part is I have time to update yay! I am glad you guys are enjoying. Reviews are welcome!
The carriage stirred as Erik and Christine made their way to his manor. Erik had explained that the manor was about a days ride from Paris. She had been initially shocked at the distance, but soon accepted the fact that she was starting a new life. One she was very anxious about. She starred out the window to only be greeted with the blackness of the night. She was alone at the moment, as Erik told her he was going to sit with Nadir. He did owe him greatly for all he was doing, and felt somewhat responsible for making Nadir drive. They could have never escaped Paris with any ordinary driver; surely any other driver would have given the location of Miss. Daae. Christine slumped back in her chair; half hoping that Erik would return soon from his chat with Nadir. She wanted to ask him so many questions that she had never bothered to ask before. She looked down at the ring that still occupied her finger; did he really wish to marry her? She smiled; imagine Meg's reaction to Christine being married to the Phantom of the Opera! Christine chuckled and rested her head against the velvet seat. She began to drift off into a deep sleep, with Erik being the last thought before sleep fully claimed her.
Hours later, the carriage was stopped. Nadir insisted on "mother nature calling to him" and walked off into a secluded area of the road. Erik decided he would sit the rest of the journey with Christine; he had left her alone for quite sometime. He opened the door and smiled at the sight he saw. She was curled up in a ball, huddled against the door. He then frowned at himself for letting her sleep in such little of clothing. It was getting colder by the minute and she was still wearing the wedding dress from earlier. The same weddings dress that she worn when she had stepped into the icy waters to kiss him. He assumed the lower portion of her dress had made her cold. He turned at the sound of his name and informed Nadir he was going to ride with Christine for a while. Nadir nodded and climbed onto the driver's bench. Erik climbed in across from Christine, his eyes never leaving her delicate face. He couldn't believe how lucky he was. Here sitting across from him was his angel of music. He loved her beyond words would do anything for her. If she hadn't stopped him, he would have let her go. Let her leave with the Vicomte, but she had stopped him. Christine Daae had stopped the Phantom and proclaimed she wanted to stay with him, be part of his world and of his music. He closed his eyes and he remembered their performance together. He had never been more aroused both sexually and aroused in his music. She had fit the part of Anita perfectly. No one who had seen their performance could be able to deny the passion that flowed through them both. He had known then that she had feelings for him; he assumed though that she would never go through with her feelings. He did not know what he was going to do, he had never had a woman enter his life like Christine had. She had seen him for what he was and accepted him. He frowned slightly, would he able to allow her to grow close to him? He was so afraid of loosing her. Christine stirred lightly and whispered his name.
Erik felt his heart tighten as he heard her soft whisper. She was dreaming of him, and hopefully for his sake it was a good dream. He watched her for a few moments, and she finally opened her eyes. She smiled lightly at him and he quickly diverted his attention to out the window. He didn't want her to know he had been starring at her. Christine smiled; she had noticed and moved to sit by his side. He looked away from the window as she came and sat by his side. Without words she moved his arms and buried herself into the warmness of his chest. Once again Erik froze, but wrapped his arms around her in a loving embrace. Moments later she was sound asleep. Erik did not know how to respond, but unconsciously she moved her body until her head was resting in his lap. Her body sprawled across the rest of the seat. Erik had one arm next to her head and the other running along the length of her back. He ran his hand lightly through her hair and smiled when she murmured something in her sleep. This was not going to be easy he thought to himself, this woman had such a control on him. Erik leaned back against the seat feeling suddenly tired. He closed his eyes wondering how he had ever become so lucky.
A sudden jolt woke Erik from his sleep. The carriage had stopped. He looked down and felt panic strike him and he noticed Christine was not where she had been earlier. He surveyed the carriage quickly and noticed she was no where inside. He opened the door quickly and saw they were at his manor house. Up head he saw Nadir walking with a very talkative Christine. At the sound of the carriage door opening, both Nadir and Christine turned around.
"Erik!" Christine's happy voice filled the air as she walked toward him.
Erik caught his breath, he had been so worried that Christine was missing… and now she was standing in front of him, talking more than he had ever known her to. He was completely missing what she was saying but nodded in response to her last remark.
"Are you listening to me? She asked him, wondering how Erik had been ignoring her happy chatter.
He looked down at the ground, looking for a way out "Look Nadir comes" he said while walking toward his friend.
"Nadir" Erik started
Nadir had a grim smile on his face, "A bit worried about the lady were we?"
Erik had to control his anger "I have a Punjab lasso with me" he threatened to the delight of the Persian.
"Oh come now Erik, I was just showing her the reins, you went and fell asleep on her".
Erik groaned and turned to Christine, she was admiring his manor.
"Come Christine, let get you situated and have one of the maids draw a hot bath for you".
Christine took Erik's arm and allowed him to lead her to the front of the manor. Walking inside she noticed the sheer beauty of the manor, the main entry way held a long and elegant stair case that led up to bedrooms. A busty maid with fading red hair came and curtsied. She introduced herself as Maryanne and was going to show Christine to her room. Christine looked to Erik, who returned a wry smile "Go on Christine, I shall see you later on". With that he turned and vanished into a corridor off to the left. Christine followed the maid up the stairs and into her bedroom. The room was beautiful, cherry wood bed frames, with a periwinkle bed spread. There was a vanity off to the side and a bureau. She walked further into the room over to the window. She had a view of the rose garden down below. She smiled, how like Erik to have a rose garden.
"I will begin to draw your bath madam" Maryanne curtsied as she left the room for the water.
Christine sat in the bed wondering what was going to happen now. She felt a shiver of excitement course through her body. Whatever awaited her, she would accept it with open arms.