Chapter 14 An Opportunity
As they walked out of the dining room, Meg felt as Erik's warm hand brushed hers and grasped it softly, lacing their fingers together. She looked up, a tender look in her eyes. He glanced down, his eyes meeting hers. His stomach twirled at the power of her glance as a smile began forming on her lips. Without even trying, he smiled back. If anyone had told Erik that he would marry Meg Giry someday, he would have mocked that person without a doubt. But there he was now, holding the hand of the woman who was slowly invading and infiltrating his soul and heart. He had made a vow to her, to always be by her side. And although he expected the worst to happen when they returned to Paris, she believed the opposite; she believed that everything would end up right.
Erik admired the soft line of her jaw and down to her long, lean neck. He remembered how it had felt when he traced its length with his lips, it had been a whole new experience for him, never before having the opportunity to admire and cherish a woman. And he also suspected that it had been new to Meg too. His gaze was drawn immediately to the movement of her lips, he studied the faint hint of pink that colored her soft cheeks, resisting the urge to raise one hand and caress it. He kept her close to his side as they followed Marco and Isabella into the living room, Meg returning her attention to what Isabella was saying. Erik admired the way the faint rays of sun that entered through the window made her golden hair look. He tried to pay attention to what Isabella was saying, his thumb absently brushing her hand in a faint caress.
They stepped into a small parlor and walked toward the couch.
"I believe we have never had such a good meal" said Marco nodding, indicating them to sit down "It's a pleasure to have you both here"
Meg smiled as they sat down "Well, thank you for inviting us in the first place."
"Now, what was it you wanted to talk about, Erik?" asked Marco raising an eyebrow.
Erik shifted on his seat uncomfortably, something that Marco and Isabella didn't noticed but Meg did.
"I would like to know more about your work" Erik answered in a stern tone.
He immediately felt Meg's hand tense, he was sure she knew what this was about. He had thought about it a million times since he had asked Meg to marry him. If they returned to Paris, everyone would recognize him and he would end up in prison, leaving Meg defenseless and alone. But if he had the opportunity to change the way he looked, even if it was a minimal change, he would do it. For Meg.
"Well, right now I am working in a new medicine area specialized on reconstructive surgery" Marco began explaining "We make use of surgery to restore the form and function of the body, especially on faces after trauma or injuries and to reconstruct the head and neck too."
Erik leaned forward and asked with interest "And does it work?"
"We have practiced several times with different patients and until now it has worked excellent, but still we can't guarantee anything" explained Marco, his voice taking on a more professional tone as he spoke.
"We try to correct functional impairments caused by burns, traumatic injuries, such as facial bone fractures and breaks" he continued "Here in Florence there are only three surgeons, myself and two other friends who are trying to deal with congenital and acquired deformities of the skull, face, and jaws."
Erik leaned back on the couch, feeling as Meg's grip tightened.
"What would you think if I were to offer as a volunteer and patient?"
Marco's eyes widened "I…well…Erik that would be very helpful for medicine, but as a friend I don't know if you should do it"
Meg turned to look at him, a pleading expression on her face "You don't need to do this"
"I know" he whispered down to her, returning her attention towards Marco "But you see, we need to return to Paris at the end of the month and my face is a great liability"
"If you want to, we can try" said Marco in a soft tone "But I can't guarantee you anything"
"I'm willing to take a chance" answered Erik firmly, caressing Meg's hand.
Marco sighed and stood up "Well, then, let me examine you"
Isabella walked out of the room with Marco to collect his tools. Erik stood up, Meg never letting go of his hand. She stood up too and forced him to look down at her.
"I don't want you to do this because of me" she warned in a firm tone, but still her eyes sparkled with frustrated tears.
He pulled her close to his chest and held her tightly "I want to be able to stay with you forever"
"But that doesn't means you have to risk your life" she whispered, her voice muffled by his shirt "I don't care how you look, I would still stay with you, don't you understand that?"
He straightened, placing a finger underneath her chin, forcing her to look up at him. He smiled, caressing her cheek softly "Trust me"
She smiled sadly "I do"
After a moment, Marco and Isabella returned to the room. Marco motioned Erik to sit down on a chair as Isabella grabbed Meg by the arm and guided her down to the couch. As he sat, Erik looked at Meg, smiling calmly at him.
Marco began tapping his cheek with a long metal tool, up to his temple and down until the middle of his cheek. Erik had never felt more vulnerable in all his life. He had worn his mask almost all his life, and that piece of porcelain had made him feel strong and powerful. But now sitting on a chair, in broad daylight with one of his new friends touching his face, he felt powerless. He had never thought of having the opportunity to reconstruct his face, but now he was doing it not because of his own interest, it was because he wanted to be with Meg every single day of his life.
"You were born with this, weren't you?" asked Marco as he touched slightly his nose.
Erik looked up at him "Yes"
"Did you used to cover your face with something?" continued Marco grabbing a new tool.
"I wore a mask, but I stopped using it since we arrived here" explained Erik.
Marco straightened and said curiously "I supposed that…your skin has somehow healed miraculously"
Erik looked directly at Meg with an expression of surprise. She looked back at him, her mouth slightly open with surprise too.
"What?" whispered Erik in a surprised tone.
"May I ask where exactly did you lived at the Populaire?" He tilted Erik's jaw upward and then moved it to the right and to the left.
"Underneath the Opera House" Erik chuckled, giving Meg an amused glance.
"All right" he turned around to leave his tool "I believe that what your skin needed was sunlight and fresh air, and somehow, your skin has accepted the vitamins that the sun provides. Your skin is getting healthier."
"Just a couple of things more, please let me know if this hurts you somehow-"
Marco began pressing the sensitive skin underneath his eye and continued down to his nose. Erik winced surprised, clenching his teeth "Yes"
"Tilt your head" ordered Marco. Erik obeyed suddenly feeling shame that Meg had to witness this "And here?"
He closed his eyes, gripping the arms of the chair tightly "Yes, not as much as before but still it hurts a little"
Erik relaxed his grip on the chair and soon felt a gentle caress upon his hand; he opened his eyes and realized that Meg had come closer to him. She smiled encouragingly, although that smile didn't reach her eyes.
"That's all I can do for now" Marco sighed as he sat at Isabella's side.
Erik let out a shaky laugh and stood up. Meg grabbed his arm and guided him to the couch. They sat down as Erik continued massaging his nose slightly "So what do you recommend?"
"Does your eye or nose ever caused you problems?" asked Marco.
Erik looked up "Sometimes, but I thought it was because of the mask or something."
"Over all these years, didn't you ever seek medical attention for this?" Marco asked genuinely curious.
Meg squeezed his hands as he laughed quietly "Never, I learned to use some medications and prepared my own sedatives which worked with my congestion and migraines"
"That's brilliant, Erik" Marco gave him a tiny smile but then he leaned closer "But I believe that the best would be a surgery, for your own sake."
Meg tightened her grip. He tensed his jaw and asked "Why?"
Marco shook his head and looked from Meg to Erik "I believe you need a sinus surgery. You've followed what's called "maximum medical treatment" through your whole life. You have sensitivity beneath your eye and on the bridge of the nose, I must insist on the surgery."
"What would happen to him?" Meg asked nervously, gripping Erik's hand.
Marco glanced at Meg and continued "He has a bone malformation extending along his cheekbone and eye which has blocked your internal conduit; you don't have proper sinus drainage, that's why you have sensitivity all along that area".
"The goal of surgery is to make drainage of the sinuses better, usually by removing the blockage and draining the mucus. This may mean removing bone, to create a wider opening for drainage…" He explained glancing back at Erik "and damaged tissue also."
"What does the surgery involves?" Erik asked carefully.
"It's not a simple surgery, Erik" sighed Marco "It would last for about three hours, and as apparently you have a birth malformation, we would need to be more careful, as your bones had matured also."
Meg groaned in discomfort and turned to look at Erik "It sounds really dangerous!"
"I know how it sounds, Meg" said Marco in a soothing tone "But this would benefit Erik mostly"
Erik caressed with his thumb her hand, making her return her attention to him "This will all mean a difference in my health, vision and of course, my future. Our future"
"He won't feel anything because of the anesthesia" stated Marco softly "And he will be in great hands, the best doctors of Florence. There are risks, as in every surgery, but everything will end all right, I guarantee you that"
"How much time will I need to recover?" Erik asked curiously.
"The recovery time is mostly of two weeks, but it depends on the patient and how well you would heal"
"You need to think about this" whispered Meg turning to face at him.
Erik stood up slowly, running a hand along the back of his neck. He looked down at Meg, her eyes sparkling with fear "There's nothing to think about-I will do it"
Marco and Isabella stood up. Isabella moved swiftly to Meg's side, caressing her arm in a soothing manner. Erik knew this was too much for Meg, but she would understand. She needed to understand that this would benefit both of them.
"He risks more if he says no" said Marco to Meg with a warm smile.
"Would there be any change in my physique?"
"Of course, all for the better. The side of your nose would be reconstructed" said Marco encouragingly as Meg stood up slowly helped by Isabella "It would improve its appearance and you will look absolutely normal"
Erik reached out for Meg's hand and glanced down at her with a small smile "No more hiding?"
"That's not funny" she choked.
Erik met Marco's smile, who had already stood behind his wife. They began walking towards the door that led to the main hallway.
"She worries too much" Erik said with a grin.
As they followed Marco and Isabella through the main hallway, Erik felt the weight of Meg's eyes upon him. He looked down at her, his expression showing concern and worry as his eyes traveled over her face. She blinked furiously against the tears that threatened to fall. She didn't wanted Isabella and Marco to see how she truly felt, not now, not when Marco was disposed to help Erik. She couldn't cry in front of them. She needed to be strong until she was completely alone.
Erik helped Meg down from the carriage. She collected her skirts and walked toward the entrance while he paid the driver and then hurried to catch up with her just as she got to the porch steps. She noticeably tensed when he took her hand to gently turned her around.
"Don't be afraid of all of this, my love" he said as she kept her face downcast, still not turning around.
"How can I not?" she answered "I keep thinking of horrible things that could happen to you…I'm not doubting Marco's abilities but-"
"Don't you want us to be together?" he interrupted, his tone making her forced to look around.
She stared up into his severe expression and nodded "Yes" she breathed "But that doesn't means you have to change who you are"
"I will do this because this face earned the fear and loathing of everyone in Paris, and I am not willing to risk your innocence because of it."
She stared up at him, an expression of wonder in her face "How do you do it?"
He rose an eyebrow "Do what?"
"Not be afraid"
She looked up to his eyes, his green orbs sparkling with emotion. Resisting the urge to stand on her toes and kiss him, she chewed her bottom lip with nervousness. Sensing how she felt, Erik bent his head closer and brushed his lips on her temple, gently grabbing her by the arms and pulling her closer. The connection she felt with him had been growing day by day, though neither of them dared to say anything, both of them felt it. Meg knew when he needed something from her, and he knew exactly the same.
"Years of practice" Erik breathed into the fragrance of her hair, she felt as he exhaled at the top of her head "And because there is nothing more terrifying than the way I look"
Meg tensed and separated from his embrace, looking up to him "You are just too unfair"
And with that she turned around abruptly and walked inside the cabin hurriedly towards the kitchen, leaving a stunned Erik behind her. She felt tears picking on the corner of her eyes as she stormed into the living room, not knowing where to run away. She didn't want to see him, not now, not when he had admitted somehow that he didn't care what happened to him. Couldn't he understand? His face didn't matter! Yes, she knew that people in Paris would recognize him, but she could go on her own!
"Meg?" he called from somewhere on the dining room. She didn't answer, and as silent as she could, she entered the kitchen and opened the door that led to the backyard. He called her again, more insistently this time.
But before she could step outside, she felt his presence behind her; she knew he was standing behind her.
"Meg…what are you doing?" he asked in a serious tone.
She tensed, and without turning around she answered "I don't want to see you"
"I-I don't understand" he stuttered.
Meg turned around slowly, her face beaming with fury and repeated "I don't want to see you!"
His expression twisted with pain, but then his eyes darkened with anger "You are doing all of this because of the surgery?"
"Yes, Erik" she answered coldly "I'm doing this because I don't want you to do something like risking your life just because you want to protect me!"
She could feel his anger even when he was standing on the entrance of the kitchen. He took a step forward and growled "You think I'm happy with the choice I made?"
"Well you must be since apparently you didn't care what I had to say!" she yelled, blinking furiously to control her tears.
"What do you have to say, Marguerite?" he demanded furiously, taking another step towards her "That you don't want me to do this? I know that!"
"Then why are you doing it?" Meg shouted "Don't you understand I can return to Paris alone?"
"No, you can't!" Meg jumped when his voice boomed through the room. But still, she didn't let that stop her and she stepped closer.
"Yes I can!" she shouted back "Let me remind you that I faced the mob which was after you the night of the fire alone, I ran down to your lair through dark tunnels alone, I followed you through a tunnel filled with traps and helped you escape the Opera House and Paris!"
The louder tone was unfamiliar to her own ears, but still she didn't step back. Erik looked taken aback at first, but then, he continued to look at her with anger.
"Je ne suis pas faible" she hissed.
"I have lived my whole life hidden because of this" he pointed at his face, his voice filled with venom "I'm having the opportunity to change that, and you don't want me to do it?"
Meg groaned furiously, lifting her hands to her forehead and looking at him frustrated "I don't want to lose you!"
He walked to her, towering over her, only a foot separating them. His eyes burned with fury as Meg glared at him.
"You can't face the authorities for something I did" Erik roared.
"Because I'm weak?" she squeaked furiously "Don't you understand I want you to stay as you are?"
"And don't you understand that I hate how I look?" he growled, his breath coming in short spurts as he stared at her.
"I don't care!" she yelled with frustration "I just want you to be safe!"
"Then let me do this!" he hissed "This would be the best for me…for us!"
Meg breathed heavily as she stared at him, her eyes sparkling with anger. His eyes were irritated but they began to soften ever so lightly. Meg took a step back and turned around, but suddenly his hand grabbed her arm tightly, the grip very strong. A cry of shock escaped her lips as he turned her around, causing Meg to slam hardly into his broad chest. Meg looked up, finding Erik staring back at her. His expression softened as he studied her eyes, sparkling with unshed tears she had fought bravely to hold back. He glanced to his hand that gripped her arm and loosened his grip, a look of regret on his features.
"Erik, please…" Meg begged, a lonely tear rolling down her cheek.
"Forgive me" he said breathlessly as his eyes became glassy.
Meg stared at his eyes which sparkled with moisture. Even with his deformity, she thought he was beautiful. He was trying to apologize for something she had caused. The feeling of fear inside her chest was beginning to scare her; she was beginning to feel that if Erik went away, she wouldn't be able to live. She knew she cared much more about him than she should. She felt hot tears rolling now freely down from her cheeks as she tried to swallow the lump in her throat.
"You don't need to do this…" she whispered, her body trembling with sobs.
His eyes searched for hers "Yes, I do"
He stepped closer, his fingers gently caressing her jaw. That simple touch made her sob even harder, and she knew that Erik was fighting the urge to hold her.
She shook her head and begged "Do this for me"
"I-I want to do this for you" he whispered desperately.
Meg closed her eyes with shame as more tears fell from her eyes. She gently slipped away from his touch and turned to leave. Before she had taken even two steps, he grabbed her hand once more and whirled her around. Erik caught her in his arms again, this time more gently, and pulled her to him.
"Dieu!" Meg cried out as she pounded her delicate fists against the solid wall of his chest "You make this harder for me!"
She continued hitting his chest, every blow becoming weaker and weaker. Suddenly she couldn't stand it any longer and began sobbing harder. Erik pulled her closer into an embrace, his arms wrapping around her tiny frame as he held her tightly, running a hand along her back. Meg buried her tear-stained face into his chest, her body shaking uncontrollably. At one point, Meg felt as something hot fell into her hair. She looked up to Erik and found tears rolling down from his cheeks too. Meg couldn't stop crying, so after a while, Erik picked her up, cradling her close to his chest. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he tightened his arms around her, making her cry even more.
Meg didn't want to lose him. Not when it had taken her so long to find him. She trusted him, that was a fact, but what if something went wrong during the surgery? Erik walked into the bedroom and placed her down on her feet again. She removed her dress and put on her nightgown quickly as he removed his clothing staying only with his trousers. She climbed onto the bed and he followed her. As soon as she laid her head over the soft pillow, he stretched one arm and pulled her softly by the waist into him. He held her tightly, resting his cheek on the top of her hair as she leaned her head against his warm chest. Erik ran his hands soothingly along her spine, her sobs slowly beginning to cease.
"I'm sorry" she whispered against his neck as more tears came to her eyes "You are right, and I'm sorry I was that stubborn"
Her face was pressed against his neck and jaw, his pulse thumping gently. He continued caressing her back and then moved to her arm. Suddenly he looked down at her, his eyes glassy with the tears he had shed.
"Did I hurt you?" he breathed.
She blinked confused "What?"
He looked past her face and to the arm that he was caressing, a look of shame in his eyes. She followed his gaze and realized that the place where he had grabbed her had still the mark of his strong fingers.
"I'll never do that again…" He sobbed out "You are so fragile and I shouldn't have grabbed you so hard"
She raised one of her hands and caressed his jaw softly; pulling his face down so he could face her. His eyes sparkled with regret and shame, big tears rolling down his cheeks. She passed her thumb under his eyes to wipe them away.
"I did say some hurtful things too" she smiled sadly, a few tears spilling from her eyes "You are quite frightening when you're upset, did you know that?"
He gave her a sad smile "Forgive me, I'll never, never, be like that again"
Erik gently rested his cheek on the top of her head, holding her close to his chest. He continued to caress softly her forearm as the lump in her throat finally disappeared. At some point, he began humming a comforting song under his breath, a sound deep and soothing. The song was somewhat familiar to her, but before she could know which song it was, he spoke.
"So you don't want to lose the Phantom of the Opera?" he asked with a chuckle. Meg sat up and turned around, meeting his devious grin.
She placed one of her hands atop his muscular chest and leaned closer "And you don't want to lose a silly ballet rat?"
He arched one of his brows and whispered "You are wrong about one thing, my love"
Erik moved quickly, pulling her back against him until she lay sprawled over his chest. He pressed one hand to her neck until he had her how he wanted, bringing his lips within a breath of hers.
"Je ne veux pas perdre un ange"
And with that he caught and held her lips in a drugging kiss. She giggled against his lips and then sighed, grasping the back of his neck as she responded to his kiss. He closed his eyes and rolled over so that now he was on top of her, lifting a hand to cup her cheek, pressing lingering kisses down from the corner of her mouth until he reached her jaw. She encircled her lean arms around his broad back as he pressed soft kisses down the length of her neck, breathing in her sweet fragrance. He gripped her waist as he caressed her skin, making her shiver with delight.
"Have I ever told you that you smell delicious?" he breathed against her skin, inhaling her fragrance "Like peaches…"
"Don't do that" she giggled, placing her tiny hands against his chest in an attempt of pushing him away from her tender spot. He chuckled and lowered his head down to the hollow behind her ear.
"You are ticklish" he stated with a grin, and slipping one arm underneath her body, he arched her back, placing lingering kisses on her neck, where the nightgown began.
Meg began laughing, squirming underneath him so she could break free. He laughed against her skin as his lips continued nibbling her exposed skin.
"Please!" she begged pathetically as she continued laughing.
"Please what?" he chuckled as he kissed her collarbone and towards her neck "You are full of surprises"
He lifted his head, meeting her eyes. His eyes, more stunning than she had ever witnessed, sparkled with amusement. He smiled warmly and placed a chaste kiss upon her lips. He stretched and blew out the candle, leaving them in darkness, the only light provided by the moon which shined outside the window. Erik came closer to her and pulled her against his chest, resting an arm over her hip as she encircled his chest with one of her lean arms.
"Meg?" he whispered after a long silence.
"Hm?" she breathed, feeling her eyelids heavier with each passing moment.
"Are you really all right?" he asked softly, a tint of worry in his voice.
She sighed, feeling the lump begin to form again "No"
He pulled her even more tightly against him, running a hand through her hair gently. Meg gripped him tightly, afraid of letting him go.
"I don't know how I would sleep weeks without you by my side" she confessed at last, pressing her cheek against his chest, feeling the slow thump of his heart.
He let out a deep sigh "Me neither"
Erik pressed a soft lingering kiss on her temple and caressed her back in a soothing manner. Slowly, exhaustion began to crept over her body as he slowly lulled her to sleep. But deep inside her, Meg was afraid, afraid that she wouldn't have him for a long time.
Je ne suis pas faible-I'm not weak
Dieu-God
Je ne veux pas perdre un ange- I don't want to lose an angel