"Together forever
Together at last
I love you always
Our love is what makes up our past."-Excerption from the diary of Erik
Erik's POV
I lay there for the longest time after Christine left me. I had even drifted off for a while. When I felt someone shaking me, I groaned and rolled over to pull the blankets over my head. But when the shaking wouldn't stop, I finally opened my eyes to see Christine standing over my bed with a look of sorrow upon her face.
"Erik, something's happened."
"What?" I ran my fingers through my hair, and sat up despite the pain in my chest.
"Eudora's gone!" she gasped. "She's not in her room and her window is open."
This took me by surprise. My daughter was gone again! I knew why she was gone. I knew she was upset over all the events that had taken place recently.
"Christine, get my cloak." I ordered, sitting up.
"What? You're not going to look for her, Erik. You're sick and need to stay in bed."
"Get my cloak!"
I knew what I needed to do, and I needed to do it alone.
When Christine didn't move, I marched over to where my cloak was hanging and tore it off the hanger.
"Erik, please."
"No, Christine, I have to do this alone. I need time alone with my daughter to talk to her."
Christine didn't argue any further, and helped me into my cloak. She even handed me my hat.
"Please stay warm, Erik."
I kissed her lips softly, and smiled at how much she cared about me.
"I'll be back with her as soon as possible."
The night air was cold, but my cloak kept me warm as I followed her tiny footprints that were indented in the snow. Tonight I would speak to my daughter, and tonight she would understand me. I followed those footsteps all the way to the Phantasma library. They ended at a closed window, making it obvious that she had slipped through it. Instead of entering the same way, I took out my key, and entered through the door. It was extremely dark inside, and the sound of my piano being played echoed off the walls. I slowly crept through my library all the way to the second floor where my piano was set. And there she was, her back turned to me, playing one of the most beautiful songs I had ever heard. Beside her was a bag of her belongings, making it obvious that she planned on staying away for a while.
I had to think about what I was about to do. For I knew the wrong move would end the conversation before it even started. Instead of interrupting her, I took a seat beside my daughter and joined in playing with her. At least I was trying to understand her. When she saw me sitting beside her, her melody sped up making her song sound angry and filled with hatred. I didn't stop, and continued playing just as fast as she was. This only frustrated her even more, causing her song to get angrier. She might have been only four, but she could play just as well as me, perhaps even better….
"Why must you make your song sound so angry?" I kindly asked.
Eudora ended her song, and turned away from me.
"Because, why would it sound happy? I've been lied to my whole life. That's the melody I hear within my heart."
"And you have every right to feel that way. Though, your mother is extremely upset about your flight from the flat."
"I'm not going back!" she shouted. "So don't try to make me change my mind. I'm leaving Coney Island for good."
"Really?" this shocked me, but I decided to play along. "And how will a four year old take care of herself out in the world?"
Eudora turned back to me, and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Don't treat me like a baby! I'm old enough to take care of myself!"
"And where will you go?"
"West."
"West?" I questioned. "And how will you get there?"
"I'll take a train. I'm not stupid!"
"Really? A train. A train costs money."
I knew Eudora was becoming aggravated with my questions. She was so stubborn. Then again, she was so much like me.
"People will give me money. As soon as they see me standing there alone with my doll. Who's going to turn down a little girl trying to raise money to visit her father out west?"
My daughter was also extremely smart. Reminded me of my pick pocketing days as a child in the city when I would scam others for money while lying. It worked, it always did.
"Right. That might work, but what about when you get out west?" I questioned, fingering the piano keys. "How will you live on your own? You'll grow up in a workhouse."
"No I won't!"
"Eudora, I lived on my own for a long time. I was a little older than you when I was left to survive on my own. It's not a simple thing to do. Some nights you don't have any food, other nights it rains…..Are you sure you're ready to do this?"
Eudora held up her bag of belongings, and placed it down in front of her.
"Of course I'm ready! I packed!"
"Could I see what you have?"
It took a few moments, but Eudora nodded and slid the bag over to me. Finally, I was gaining her trust. I opened her bag, and took out the contents. Her dolls, a few sets of clothes, and her brush.
"That's it?" I questioned. "What about food? What about a pocket knife?"
"Pocket knife?" she questioned, raising a thin brow.
"Yes, a pocket knife will help you build shelter from the weather. It will catch you your meals."
"Meals?"
"Yes, since you don't have any money, you're going to have to resort to killing animals."
"What!"
Her eyes widened and I knew I finally had her attention.
"You heard me. You can't starve."
Eudora didn't say another word. She just pulled her bag of belongings to her, and looked up at me.
"Is that what you had to do?"
I only nodded.
"Maybe….." she paused, looking down at her feet. "Maybe I made a mistake. About running away that is. Though, I still don't want to go back home."
"I know you're mad at me, Eudora. I know you're mad at mother too. But we love you so much. I know we shouldn't have lied, but what choice did we have? It hurt me everyday to know that I couldn't be your father."
"I'm still mad."
"And you have every right to be. I don't expect you to call me your father, but I'd like us to at least try an have a relationship of some sort."
This was the moment I had been waiting for. I was waiting on her answer, not knowing what she was going to say. She thought long and hard for a few moments before lifting her head and simply nodding.
"I…I don't know how well it will go, but I'll try…..for mother's sake."
I smiled, satisfied with her answer. It was the most hopeful thing I had heard the entire evening.
"So…you're my papa?"
"I think we've established that."
"If you're my papa, then…..then how is it that I'm finished?"
I touched my mask, remembering about our conversation we shared a while back.
"I don't know…..I was worried about you turning out to be like me….but…..Oh, Eudora, you're so beautiful."
"It doesn't feel right calling you….papa…."
"You can call me anything, Eudora. You don't have to call me papa if you're not comfortable."
"Ok…."
"Come, we should be getting home before your mother gets worried."
My daughter was silent as I carried her bag of belongings back to the flat. Once inside, we were met with an upset Christine. She had been pacing the floor, waiting for us to show up. As soon as she saw the both of us walk in, she broke down and began sobbing hysterically to Eudora.
"Where have you been! You had me worried!"
How badly I wanted to cut in, but I knew I hadn't the authority, not yet anyway. Yes, I was her father, but it felt wrong to settle things that I had no business in. Instead, I left the two of them and went into my room to change. Christine came walking in a few moments later, and crawled in beside me. I had my back turned towards her, and didn't know what to say. Finally, I felt her arm wrap around my waist, and her lips up against my neck.
"Thanks, Mon ange."
I turned to face her and kissed her mouth ever so tenderly.
"I love you, Christine. I love you so much…."
Christine smiled, and ran her fingers down my chest and beneath the blankets.
"Then prove it." came her slow and sexual reply.
I felt her hand rubbing slowly over the center of my sleep trousers. I knew I shouldn't have acted out on her touch, but I couldn't help it. I had gone my whole life without sex and now that I was finally receiving it I wanted it all the time.
"Oh, Christine…."
My hands wandered around her body as hers did the same. I was living, and I was the happiest man alive! I was making love to a woman like any other man, and she wasn't recoiling against my touch! After that night our relationship grew as strong as it once was. Winter didn't last long, but in those winter months, I found comfort from Christine and my daughter. I had allowed them to move in with me, and soon, I had Skimbleshanks laying at my feet every second of everyday. It was a blessing having Christine living with me once more. My flat felt homier and always smelled of sweets and the shampoo that she used.
Things between Eudora and I were patched slowly, stitch by stitch. Most days our talking was done through music, while other days we didn't speak at all. When spring time came, I was occupied with opening my park so left Christine for most of the day, returning after the sun had long since gone down. At night we would make love and lay within each other's arms until sleep over took us. My life was wonderful…..completely wonderful. And as wonderful as my life was at home, it was the complete opposite on the outside. I was glad the stares and words had stopped with Christine, but I couldn't say the same for myself. Meg had done wonders with the press, explaining that the whole rape story had been a lie, and that it was consensual. But many people still found it hard to believe a woman would want to bed with the likes of me. Whispers and gossip about me stretched throughout the park, and to say the words didn't hurt was a lie…but at least it wasn't Christine being talked about. I would take all the hurtful words in the world just so she wouldn't have to hear them. Let them talk about me….let them call me a rapist! I knew the truth! I knew it was a lie, and I had the joy of waking up beside the one I loved each and every morning!
I awoke one hot June morning, wrapped up naked beside Christine. We had spent the night making love, only to fall asleep beside one another before dressing. I had expanded my park this season. I had to do something to bring in more people after all that had happened to my family friendly name. I bought more land on the other side of Coney Island, and opened a giant swimming pool; the first ever in Coney Island. With that I also built a few slides that twisted and turned and eventually dropped you into the pool. The weather had been so hot lately that all anybody wanted to do was swim. Today however, my pool was going to be closed in order for me to finish building changing rooms and a food stand I had started on earlier in the season.
When the sun was just coming up, I rolled over, being careful not to disturb Christine. But once she felt me unwrapping myself from her, she woke.
"Erik….don't go."
Her tone was groggy, and still half asleep.
"Christine, I must. I have to finish work around the pool."
"It's early yet."
I reached down on the floor for my shirt, and swung it around my shoulder.
"The early bird catches the worm, angel."
"I worry about you in this heat."
I rolled my eyes, and went for my trousers.
"Christine, I've taken my heart medicine. I'll be fine."
"Drink plenty of…"
"Water, yes I know."
I was headed for the door, when Christine caught my arm.
"Erik…."
I turned to face her, wondering what she wanted, but all thoughts were put aside as she kissed me ever so passionately. It was moments like this that made me want to stay home with her. It pained me to have to leave her for work, but I had no other choice.
"Be safe, mon ange."
"I'll be home as soon as possible."
I walked through the humid and packed park, trying to make my way over to the pool. I tried to keep my eyes on where I was walking, and not on the people who were cruelly staring and whispering behind my back. When I made it to the fenced in pool, I walked over to one of my unfinished changing rooms and began working. It was just about finished, the only thing left was to paint the outside wall. Most days I worked alone. Usually I would find one of my employees to help out, but ever since the beginning of the season I've decided to work alone. It was better that way. As I stood there painting with the brush I had within my hand, I heard a small familiar voice.
"What are you doing?"
I turned around and saw Eudora standing there. How on earth did she get in here? Surely Christine would be worried sick, and I've told the child time and time again about not venturing out on her own.
"What have I told you before?" I growled, dipping my brush back into the paint.
"About what?"
"Venturing out on your own. Something could happen."
"I'm five, Erik. You don't have to treat me like a baby."
How I hated being called that! I knew there wasn't anything I could do to change her ways, but when she called me by my first name it made my heart break. At least she was talking to me.
"You haven't even started school yet, Eudora." I continued painting the wall, as she stood behind me.
"I will in the fall."
"So that makes you an adult?"
Without me knowing, she dipped her hand in the paint and made her handprint on the wall. This angered me!
"Eudora!"
I slammed down my paintbrush, and stared at her orange handprint on the wall.
"Why did you do that?"
Eudora didn't become frightened of my anger, and giggled.
"What? It looks good."
I picked up my brush and painted over her print.
"You're causing me more work." I growled. "Just go play…."
"Can we go swimming sometime?"
"We'll see."
Just then, Mr. Squelch came hurrying inside the gate. I groaned, and placed down my paint brush. I knew I wasn't going to be getting any work done today.
"Mister E…."
"Yes, Mr. Squelch?"
"Some travelers just started setting up over on the other side of Phantasma."
"What?"
"Caravans….I came right away to tell you."
"I didn't give permission for anyone to set up camp."
"Follow me."
Eudora walked beside me as I followed Mr. Squelch to the other side of the park. Indeed, Mr. Squelch had been right. There were gypsies setting up to perform.
"Gypsies!" Eudora exclaimed.
I looked down at my daughter who was ready to walk right over to them. I pulled my daughter back by her arm, and looked at Mr. Squelch.
"Mr. Squelch, take my daughter home."
"But Erik…" my daughter whined.
"Mr. Squelch…..do it."
I handed my daughter over to him, and waited until they were long gone before daring to march over to the gypsy camp. There were five caravans, about fifteen gypsies setting up stages and tending to the animals they brought along with them. I wasn't sure where they came from, but by the luggage they had tied to their caravans it was obvious that it was from far away.
I approached a woman who was feeding the horses. As soon as she saw me, she gasped and backed up against her caravan.
"Don't look at me like that Madame." I scowled. "I wish to speak to the one in charge here."
When she didn't move, I crossed my arms over my chest and gave her a dirty look.
"Now!
She quickly scurried away, returning moments later with a large man with a black beard. He resembled my master in every aspect, which sent shivers down my spine. But all I had to keep telling myself was that it wasn't my master…..my master was dead.
"What's the problem here?" he asked in a foreign accent.
How dare he come to my park and ask me what the problem is! This is my park! He didn't even ask permission to set up camp!
"I'm Mister E. I own this park that you have set your camp up in."
"I can see that." he said looking at my mask. It bothered me to see him doing this. He wasn't looking at me in fear nor was he looking at me with confusion….He was staring at me as if I were his next attraction.
"I have lots of work to finish before tonight, so you must excuse me."
"What? No! This is my park and I have come here to ask you to leave."
"We shall do no such thing."
"And why not?"
"Because we are to perform. We have brought wonders from the other side of the country."
"Not without paying me…." I argued. "I own this park and no one comes in here without paying me."
"It's a free country."
"Not in Phantasma, Sir…."
"How much?"
"Sixty percent of your earnings."
The gypsy's eyes widened.
"You're trying to cheat me! Sixty percent!"
"Fair is fair. If not then I suggest that you pack up and be gone by sundown."
"Fifty percent!"
"Are you trying to scam me?" I growled.
"No….Fair is fair…."
I had enough money for my grandchildren to live comfortably, but I hated gypsies, which is why I wanted sixty percent from them.
"Sixty." I argued back.
"Fifty five and not a penny more!"
I don't know why I did it, but I agreed.
"Fine….I'll be by every other day for my half." I told him. "What's your name?"
"Jefro." he said.
I didn't say another word to him and walked away. For the remainder of the day I painted and finished up what ever needed to be done. When the sun went down, I walked home and found Christine placing dinner on the table.
"I'm home."
Christine looked up from the stove, and came walking over to me.
"I was wondering when you were going to come through the door."
"Yea, the day has been pretty busy."
She leaned into kiss me, only to notice how sweaty my body and clothes were.
"You smell like death, Erik." Christine teased. "Go get a bath."
"I'll do that."
"Dinner is in ten minutes."
The cold water felt wonderful on my hot skin, and it instantly cooled me off. Afterwards I dressed in a white shirt and trousers. I joined my family at the table, and began eating the pasta dinner Christine had cooked.
"Thanks for cooking." I said, sipping on my wine.
Christine reached over and rubbed my boney hand.
"Erik you thank me every night. It's the least I could do."
Eudora who was eating her dinner looked up and interrupted us.
"What happened with the gypsies?"
This caught Christine's attention.
"Gypsies?" her tone was confused, and the last thing I wanted was for her to become upset.
"Yes, they set up camp over by the Ferris wheel."
"Eudora…."
Christine then turned to face me, her expression becoming more and more confused.
"Erik, what is Eudora talking about?"
"It's nothing, love. We'll talk later…."
"Erik…."
"I said we'll talk later."
And with that, we finished our dinner. After cleaning up, I went to get ready for bed while Christine tucked Eudora in for the night. After a little bit Christine came walking in to change. I laid there in bed and watched as her body glowed within the candle light…..Such a sight never bored me.
"So Erik, are you ready to tell me about the gypsies?"
She crawled into bed, and kissed me on the lips.
"It's just a show, Christine. Mr. Squelch saw them setting up and came to warn me. I went to them and struck a deal."
"And you let them perform?" she gasped.
"And why not?"
"Because you hate them. They treat people like animals, Erik."
"They haven't done anything yet, Christine."
"Erik, how could you let them into your park?"
"Christine, I promise if they do anything horrible I'll kick them out."
Christine smiled, and kissed me goodnight.
As we closed our eyes, I heard the door opening only to look over and see Eudora standing there with her doll.
"Mother? Erik? I had a bad dream…."
Christine held her arms open, and my daughter came running to her.
"It's only a bad dream." she assured.
"Could I sleep here with you?"
Christine looked at me, awaiting my answer…Sleeping with my mask on would be uncomfortable, but for my daughter I would do anything. When I nodded, Christine placed our daughter down in between us, and covered her up. I wasn't sure what the following day would bring, but at least we were together now…..And as we fell asleep, I felt Eudora's tiny fingers tracing around my mask…..Such a curious child…..yet she was so much like me.
Merry Christmas! Please review! Love you all!