Chapter 12 In times of joy
Erik stood still in front of the whole congregation clenching his hands at his sides tightly. The church was lit by hundreds of candles which strangely reminded him of his old lair. How much time had it been since he had left his home? It was going to be more than two months soon. He would have never dared to believe that someday he would leave the catacombs of the Opera Populaire, much less that he would be getting married. And now here he was, standing in front of an enormous audience just about to marry Meg Giry.
He tried to concentrate on the soft music coming from somewhere at the other end of the church. He knew that piece…it had been the one he had played while Meg took a shower the day Antoinette's letter arrived. How proper. Erik felt as if the sweet scent of the burning candles mixed with the smoke was choking him. He pulled his jacket, feeling his stomach twisting nervously. What was wrong with him? He reached up and loosened the stiff collar.
Together they had told Arabelle and Federico about the proposal and that they wanted to be married as soon as possible. Arabelle reacted positively, extremely excited with the news and immediately took Meg away so she could get a proper dress. Federico had helped Erik to book the church for Friday. Also he had asked Fabrizio to be his best man, and he had accepted very pleased and happily. Meg had also asked Gisella to be her bridesmaid. Arabelle and Gisella had taken Meg out during the days before the wedding to get her all the things she needed.
It was warm inside the church and that was beginning to choke Erik somehow. He had got a brand new black suit, which was very comfortable, but still he felt hot and nervous. Turning around to glance at the congregation, he inhaled repeatedly as he forced himself to smile at them. There were mostly persons, couples and families they had met during their almost two months in Florence. Almost all the students from the dance academy were present with their families. He spotted Marco and Isabella on one of the first benches and waved at them quietly with a tense smile.
What was happening with him? His legs were stiff but at the same time trembling with fear, his stomach was made knots as he tried to swallow the painful lump in his throat. The people began to turn around as the priest entered the room with Fabrizio at his side, talking quietly. He approached to Erik and stood by his side giving him an encouraging smile. Federico had been the most appropriate person to be his bestman; somehow he always managed to calm Erik down.
"She's coming" he whispered excitedly "Wait until you see her"
Releasing a deep breath, he nodded in acknowledgment. Erik clenched his hands again and looked down to the floor trying to calm himself down. He couldn't believe it, he was going to get married. Things were different now than it had been two months ago, he was different now. He had never pictured this moment before, he couldn't imagine him doing this with Christine. But with Meg it was happening. Although he didn't know if everything would end right in Paris, he was doing all of this for her…just for Meg, she deserved it.
He quietly observed the rows of people who were present. Those people had treated him like no one else in Paris had ever had. They had accepted him as he was and now they were here accompanying Meg and him on a big moment in their lives.
He transferred his weigh from one leg to another clasping his hands behind his back tightly. Feeling even more nervous with each passing moment, he gazed in the direction of the big wood double doors that were opened. Suddenly a tiny girl dressed in yellow came walking slowly through the doors. It was little Clara with a basket full of rose petals throwing them gracefully all over the red carpet. She smiled cheerfully at all the guests as she continued to throw the petals. She spotted Erik and smiled even bigger waving a hand at him. Erik smiled repressing the urge to laugh at the little girl. Clara kept walking until she reached the end of the benches and turned to sit on the first one.
Behind her appeared Lorenzo carrying the rings as he walked carefully towards the front of the church. He smiled brightly at Erik as he sat down at Clara's side. A few moments later appeared Gisella wearing also a beautiful creamy yellow gown holding a small bouquet of lilies. She had a calmed smiled and when her gaze collided with Fabrizio's she smiled warmly at him and Erik felt the urge to look away as he felt it was a private moment between them. When Isabella walked up the two steps she smiled at Erik encouragingly and stood at the other side, leaving empty the place where Meg would stand. The music changed suddenly to something even softer and the whole congregation turned around to stare at the front door. Erik heard the intake of breaths before he could realize why it had been. Meg appeared at the center of the threshold with her arm hooked with Federico's.
His stomach turned fully over as he admired her slender figure walking up the aisle. His jaw dropped almost imperceptibly as his heart increased its pace. He couldn't tear his gaze away from her, he didn't wanted to. His feet were glued to the floor and his throat went dry. She was only rows away from him, and still he was awestruck by her beauty. She wore an elegant white gown, completely different from the one she had worn to the Masquerade Ball as a swan. White silk cascaded all over her skirts; strands of pale golden embroidery bordered all her bodice. He caught his breath the moment their eyes met. Her eyes were warm and luminous under the thin veil, and somehow he felt frustrated by that obstacle that kept him from seeing her eyes directly. They stepped up the stairs, standing in front of him. Federico placed her hand over his and a jolt of electricity ran over his hand as he held her hand and squeezed it tightly.
Her hair cascaded all around her face reaching her shoulders. Her cheeks were of that lovely pink color he adored, her eyes warm and hypnotizing as she smiled, her rosy lips curved in a pleased smile, which caught his attention immediately. Her fingers were cold, and Erik thought that maybe she was as nervous as he was; just that she knew how to hide it. The scent of peaches and lilies mixed with something new to him unbalanced him momentarily. Meg turned around and gave the bouquet of lilies to Gisella who stood a few steps behind her.
"Dear family and friends, we have gathered here today to celebrate the wedding of Erik and Marguerite" although the Priest had already begun to speak, Erik couldn't take his eyes off Meg, but somehow he managed to look to the front.
"Marriage is the promise of hope between two people who love each other sincerely, who honor each other as individuals, and who wish to unite their lives and share the future together. In this ceremony, Erik and Marguerite dedicate themselves to the happiness and well-being of each other, in the new life they now accept."
Erik tried to pay attention to what the Priest was saying, but his mind still wandered to the beautiful creature standing by his side. How could he be so lucky to have her? To know that she had accepted him and now she was willing to spend the rest of her days at his side. Erik felt his knees faltering by the nerves and emotions he was feeling. To know that an entire congregation was observing his every move just made him feel even more exposed.
"We rejoice with them that out of the entire world they have found each other; and that they will henceforth find the deeper meaning and richness of human life in sharing it with each other."
"On this happy day, surrounded by friends and family, we also honor those who are not with us, especially Marguerite's mother who needs strength to overcome the difficulties life has presented."
Erik felt as Meg's hand tensed at the mention of her mother and looked down. He knew how deeply she loved her mother, and to know that she wouldn't be present affected her more than she had admitted. Somehow he was glad that she had had Arabelle there for her. He would thank her later. Although he would have liked that Antoinette was there, he knew that he was honoring her wish and that that would be enough for her.
"What more sweet than to live with one with whom you are united in body and mind, who talks with you in secret affection, to whom you have committed all your faith and your fortune? What in all nature is lovelier? You are bound to friends in affection. How much more to a husband or wife, in the highest love, with union of the body, the bond of mutual vows, and the sharing of your goods! Nothing is more safe, tranquil, pleasant and lovable than marriage."
He felt his eyes filled with moisture, sensing that in any moment he would wake up and find himself under the Opera surrounded by the damp cavernous walls and darkness. He had lived all his life alone, always wanting human company, someone to hold him and love him. But his only hope had been crushed by his hideous face. He knew Meg was completely different from Christine: she was stronger. Although she had a pure soul as Christine's, she had had the ability to see past his face and into his soul. Meg had been the first person to look him in the eye and embrace what she saw.
"We come to marriage as separate persons, who, through love and affection, agree to unite our lives in common purpose. Marriage, as in life, challenges us to find the best in each other, in times of joy, and in times of sorrow, to learn from each other, and to deepen our love, our compassion and our understanding of each other. "
"Erik and Meg please face each other" Said the Priest softly.
They both did as they were told and moved slowly, once again gazing deeply into her eyes. How could she look even more beautiful than she had ever? He though that in the Masquerade Ball she had been something breathtaking, but now she had exceeded herself.
"Erik, are you ready to enter into this marriage with Meg, believing the love you share and your faith in each other will endure all things?" asked the Priest looking at him directly.
Erik felt as everyone on the congregation observed him expectantly. Although he already knew the answer, to say out loud gave it a completely new meaning.
"I am" he answered looking deeply into her eyes.
"Marguerite, are you ready to enter into this marriage with Erik, believing the love you share and your faith in each other will endure all things?"
"I am" Meg answered softly, a small smile on her lips.
"Will you please join your hands" asked the priest.
Erik grabbed her hands softly, holding her like a life line. Her hands were now warm, and somehow he knew that if he held her, nothing could go wrong.
"No other human ties are more tender and no other vows more important than those you are about to take. Both of you come to this day with the deep realization that the contract of marriage is sacred as are all of its obligations and responsibilities".
Somehow he saw himself with Christine at the bridge, surrounded by flames as he tried to convince her with his music. But now he couldn't imagine living all he had lived by Christine's side. Probably their lives would be condemned to misery. How could he have been so weak? If he hadn't made the wrong choices probably he wouldn't have ever met Meg, not the way he knew her know. He would have never been where he was now.
"Erik, please unveil your beloved" said the Priest gently.
He grasped the edges of the delicate veil and lifted it slowly, afraid of spoiling anything of her radiant and beautiful hair. He felt her eyes over him, observing his every move. He moved closer to her as he placed the veil behind her. He was about to take a step back when her hand gripped his wrist, holding him close as if she needed him to stay calm.
"Now we will witness the vows which Meg and Erik have written for each other." And with that he nodded to Meg to start.
She closed her eyes tightly and cleared her throat quietly as she breathed and looked up again into his eyes.
"I Meg take you, Erik, to be no more than yourself, love what I know of you, trusting what I do not yet know" she smiled nervously and continued "With respect for your integrity and faith in your love for me through all our years and in all that life may bring us"
She stood there smiling at him although her eyes were full of moisture. His throat went dry and for the first time on his life, he was speechless. He forgot what was happening and what was he supposed to say. He only wanted to bent down and kiss her. He heard faintly as the Priest said something and then Meg's smile grew wide with amusement.
Suddenly recovering from his state, he grabbed her hands tightly and cleared his throat.
"In the presence of these witnesses, I, Erik, take you, Meg, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live." He took in a shaky breath, marveling at the warmth her eyes radiated and how her smile made him feel "We shall keep together what share of trouble and sorrow our lives may lay upon us, and we shall hold together our store of goodness and plenty and love"
The moment he ended, he saw as a lonely tear rolled down her soft cheek, even when she was smiling. He felt Meg's hand turn within his own, her fingers lacing between his.
"It is a custom to exchange rings as a symbol of love, and remembrance of the promises you have just made. Who presents the rings for this couple?"
Lorenzo stood nervously and walked towards them with a faltering smile, Meg smiled warmly as Erik winked at him. He stood holding a little cushion in which rested the rings Erik had chosen, especially for her.
"Erik, what gift do you offer in pledge of the vow you have made?"
Erik moved and took the ring from the cushion, grabbing her hand gently and smiling when he saw her wide eyes as she stared at the ring. It was very similar to the one he had given her when he asked her to marry him. Just that this one had a tiny flower made of amethysts on the top.
"Meg, this ring I give to you is the pledge of my love and devotion" he said as he slid the ringer onto her finger. Before he could lower their hands she squeezed it gently. He looked down into her eyes surprised to see tears over her cheeks. He smiled warmly and squeezed her hand back.
Meg truned around and grabbed the ring that was on the cushion, quickly retuning her gaze towards him. Lorenzo smiled and made his way back to his seat.
"Erik, this ring I give to you is the pledge of my love and trust" she whispered with a smile, her eyes sparkling with sweetness. Just as she had done, he squeezed her hand, resisting the urge to raise a hand and dry her tears.
"As the rings have no end so your love should have no end" continued the Priest.
The priest put his hand over theirs and said loudly "Here in the space between you both, lies all the future of the fragment of the universe which is your own. Your lives are now bound into each other's keeping."
They stared at each other, not daring to look away. How many years had Erik dreamed of marrying the woman he loved? He had thought Christine could bring him happiness and love, but even if they got married, none of them would have lived happily. Meg had been the one; she had saved him, from the world and from himself.
"I, therefore, before God and man, pronounce you husband and wife" the Priest said focusing on only them "Erik, you may kiss your bride"
Meg stared up at him as music started up again. His eyes fell to her lips and then returned back to her eyes. The corner of his mouth turned up in a playful smile as he bent his head to hers, placing his hand softly atop her delicate waist. She giggled quietly and placed her hand on his forearm as he molded his lips to hers softly, spreading one hand over her cheek. He knew that the entire congregation was observing them, so after a moment he straightened, aware of her soft sigh of protest.
He smiled and turned them both around to face the congregation as they began clapping. After the Priest dismissed them with the blessing, Meg gripped his arm forcing him to look down.
"You didn't need to buy such an expensive ring" she whispered, although her eyes sparkled with joy.
He bent down and breathed "Can't I pamper my wife?"
She laughed as Erik pulled her close and put his arm around her waist, pressing her tightly onto his chest. Fabrizio and Gisella were the first ones to congratulate them, embracing them tightly and quickly walking away to check that every detail was done in the ballroom where the reception would be. People were already approaching them when Arabelle reached them, her eyes full of tears, although she was smiling holding a handkerchief close to her eyes.
"I just can't believe you are married, Ma Cherie" sobbed Arabelle as she hugged Meg tightly "Your mother would be very happy for you"
"I know" smiled Meg "Thank you for helping me with everything!"
"You look beautiful, my dear" said Federico as he appeared behind his wife.
Meg blushed, burrying her face on Erik's chest "I…yes…thank you."
"You know I don't lie" stated Federico with a smile as he approached and embraced her tightly.
Meanwhile Arabelle threw her arms around Erik's neck and pulled him down for a tight embrace. Erik laughed at the woman's gesture and patted her upper back in a comforting manner. With that Arabelle pulled away to give him a dazzling smile and stepped back so Federico could shake Erik's and give him a quick hug.
"But really, you do make a lovely couple" Arabelle sang as they began to descend the stairs.
Meg blushed fiercely and the older couple laughed, making their way towards the exit door. Erik and Meg continued to shake some hands of the guests. Meg gripped his arm for support as she smiled to an older woman who kept praising her dress. Suddenly, all the girls from their class at the studio surrounded them in a massive embrace. Laughter and cheers echoed in the chapel as they congratulated them.
"Girls!" cried Meg laughing.
Erik had to hold her tightly as the girls were about to throw them to the floor. She looked up with a thankful expression as the girls kept hugging them tightly. After a moment, their parents approached and made the girls step back.
"Thank you for all the kind words" said Meg sweetly.
Marco and Isabella made their way slowly towards them as they passed through all the girls. Marco shook Erik's hand vigorously as Isabella embraced Meg tightly talking excitedly about how beautiful the ceremony had been. Moving out of Isabella's embrace, Meg watched as Isabella turned around and threw her arms around Erik. Looking somehow surprised by the gesture, he turned to look at Meg with an expression of disbelief, but she smiled innocently as Marco bent down to hug her tightly. From behind Marco she saw how after a moment Erik returned the hug and smiled gently.
"You must come for dinner tomorrow" Marco urged as he and Meg stepped back.
"Yes, we must insist" pleaded Isabella as Marco came to her side and placed his hand around her waist.
Erik walked and pulled Meg in front of him, wrapping his arms gently around her waist from behind, beeing careful to not spoil anything from her dress or hair. She smiled at the action and raised her hands to his forearms.
"We would be honored" smiled Meg leaning on his arms.
"Yes" nodded Erik "And thank you for hosting the reception at your ballroom"
Isabella waved a hand dismissively "It's nothing"
"Anything for our good friends" answered Marco with a warm smile as they headed towards the exit doors. But before they could go further, Clara came running from behind them and straight to Erik and Meg. Clara jumped excitedly in front of Erik before he scooped her up into his arms as she giggled happily. She clasped her tiny hands over his shoulders and kissed him soundly on his ruined cheek. Moving her arms excitedly she mamaged to hold one of Meg's hands and pulled her into an awkward big embrace just the three of them.
"Congratulations!" Clara sang as Meg laughed at how Erik's cheeks were getting a soft red color.
"Thank you, Clara" laughed Meg as Erik placed her down again on the floor. At that moment Isabella and Marco were already standing behind their daughter with a look of apology.
"You look beautiful, Signorina Meg!" chanted Clara as she circled Meg to have a better view of her dress "And thank you so much for letting me be the flower girl! It was my very first time!"
"You did an excellent job" stated Erik with a wink.
"When I get married I want you both to be here!" she exclaimed looking around the chapel with her little arms stretched.
"We will be here" smiled Meg softly.
"Oh and perhaps your children too!" exclaimed Clara "Two girls and one boy!"
Meg felt as Erik's arm tensed around her waist and glanced up to see a faint shadow upon his features. But it disappeared quickly and a smile appeared instead.
"It seems you have already decided" said amused Erik.
"I'm sorry, Erik" said Marco with a smile "Apparently Clara can't contain her excitement"
"We'll see you at the party!" chanted Clara as her mother grabbed her hand and began walking away.
Trying not to laugh, Erik tightened his grip as Meg leaned on him to lift one foot and adjust her shoe. He had thought about having children…but his fear of condemning them to have his face was bigger than that. Meg knew Erik was afraid of being a father, but after observing how good he was with children, her desire of having one of their own grew bigger and bigger. She looked up, surprised to see that he was already watching her, his eyes sparkling with emotion. Could he be thinking the same thing she was?
More guests approached them to express their congratulations, and soon there was an entire line flowing across the chapel. Both of them smiled and thanked each person, realizing that they had been standing for almost one and one half-hours. Meg's feet were beginning to ache and Erik's face was beginning to hurt from all the smiling, he had never smiled that much his entire life. But what was more important to them was that they hadn't had a single moment for themselves. He glanced down to her, her eyes meeting his as a smile began tugging from the corner of his mouth. Butterflies filled her stomach at such a simple gesture, but in reality, she loved when he looked at her like that. The kind of looks which revealed what he was truly feeling.
They kept shaking hands and smiling to the guests. Erik had never met so many people in such a short period of time, and Meg realized that he was trying to commit all their names to memory. What was keeping Erik from running away probably was the feeling of her tiny hand on his back, reminding him that this was something he was doing for her, and just for her. He gripped her waist gently trying to reassure to himself that everything had been worth the effort. He was now married to the most beautiful creature and her only dream was happening at that exact moment. Through the whole time they kept hold of each other, giving each other confidence and support. A little stroke on her waist, a caress on his back or a simple furtive look upon each other made them feel calmed again.
"I think we are done" whispered Erik as he nodded to the empty church.
Meg let out a heavy sigh and bent down with her hands on her hips "My God I haven't smiled that much since the last performance on the Populaire!"
Suddenly, Federico appeared at the door of the church "You can come now!"
And with that he disappeared again. Meg straightened and fixed the wrinkles of her skirts as she began walking to descend the stairs towards the doors. Erik caught her hand and pulled her close, placing the other one at her back gently as he leaned down.
"I haven't had the opportunity to say…" he began, placing a warm kiss on her cheek "Vous êtes si belle"
Meg's eyes shot up to his, bumping her nose with his lips in the process. His eyes sparkled with amusement as a smile began to spread on Meg's lips.
"Thank you for marrying me" she whispered as Erik began escorting her towards the door, carefully going down the stairs.
"No, thank you for marrying me" he corrected softly.
Meg giggled and looked up to stare at him "I thought I wouldn't be able to talk in front of so many people!"
"Me too" he smiled as he remembered how he had been speechless for a moment "But everything was worth the effort. You were worth the effort"
They stopped in front of the doors which led to the ballroom, the soft breeze hitting both their faces. Neither of them could believe what had just happened. Meg had always known the Phantom of the Opera, but she had never known Erik. Everyone was afraid of him, but in reality he was an extraordinary man, despite his face. She still wondered why Christine had been afraid of him and rejected him. He was different, he had changed and become a better man, and she suspected that somehow his wounds had begun to heal. Meg glanced up, meeting his eyes. He leaned down and placed a warm kiss on her temple.
"Ready?" he asked with a smile.
She smiled and let Erik guide her inside the ballroom, as husband and wife for the first time.
Vous êtes si belle-You are so beautiful