MANY MANY apologies!!! i am SWAMPED with afternoon choir practices all this week, tests, studying for finals, AND my regular weekly things to do!!! So sorry!
And for those who are tired of my constant lovey-doveyness, don't worry...
Well, R&R! And enjoy, of course!
Far too soon for my liking Erik drew his lips back from me. His whole body was tense, and his head snapped to the doorway like a hunting hound after it had caught the scent. "Stay here," he hissed, dashing out of the organ room and shutting the door behind him. It was then I heard my name being called by a familar voice.
"Christine?" Madame Giry shouted. I knew her tone well enough to recognize that she was livid. "Erik, where is she?!?" I supposed that in my absence Erik had had to confide in somebody. It was right that it was my strict but kind ballet instructor who had helped Erik gain his freedom.
"Antoinette," He appeared annoyed. "Why have you come here? Just because I have shown you where I am residing does not entitle you to-"
"Oh, would you be quiet for once, you insolent fool of a boy! Do you not realize that Christine has been missing for almost two days now?!? Everyone is frantic, my daughter is worried sick, and with your plans to leave in-"
"Madam!" Erik interrupted her loudly. "Could you bear to keep your voice down?!?"
They then spoke in hushed tones for a bit, and I did not try to listen. Erik was leaving? I shuddered at the thought, and dread and hurt left me breathless. And I had had no idea of his intentions!
"YOU HAVEN"T TOLD HER!" Madame Giry shrieked, "You've had these plans to travel the world for weeks, and you didn't think to write her, or let her know when she arrived! That was four days ago, Erik!" She took gulping breaths to placate herself. After a few moments she was deadly calm, but her eyes were dangerous and authoritative. "Erik if you do not tell her today, then I will make it my duty as her guardian to inform her. And-" she added. "-the girl will be coming back with me in an hour's time. I will be waiting near the entrance to the northeast tunnel." Then the older woman turned on her heel and left us in complete and utter silence.
Erik came into the room a few minutes later, gazing determinedly at the floor. "Christine, I am so sorry I-"
"No," I said coldly. "Don't apologise. I heard it all. You're leaving. That's it."
His face was heartbroken. "It will only be for a while, three years at most, I promise I will write you everyday and-"
"Three years?" My anger intensified. "And you expect me to wait for you?"
He was crushed, I could tell that much. But then he slowly, painfully, replied. "Only if you wish to, Christine. I will not command that of you." He swallowed and met my eyes. "But I ask it of you. I swear to you, my angel, that I will return to you a humbled and devoted man, ready to take your side if you wish it. I vow to you, Christine," He fluidly sank onto one knee, taking my hand in his. "I will love you for eternity."
I smiled through my tears. " 'I was afraid of knowing love until I saw your face'..." I whispered, quoting his lullaby.
He grinned jubliantly through the wetness in his eyes. " 'You alone could give me the strength to try' " he replied easily, kissing my hand. And we embraced, our tears flowing freely down and mingling together as one.
So sad!!! I know you probably hate me, but it had to be done.
And I have an announcement... after the next chapter, this story PROBABLY will not be updated again until December 21. I am sorry, but finals and rehearsals for the Messiah, which my choir is performing, are underway and i am exhausted. there is no TIME for me to do everything!
in the next chappie Erik departs from Paris and the details are worked out. After his return, the events in the Leroux and Webber versions occur...
So sorry! Please review tho!!!