So hey guys another chapter :D I'm on a roll :D
Erik: Glad to see you are loyal to me.
Me: Right today I'll let Erik do the disclaimer :)
Erik: Basically she doesn't own any of the characters from Phantom, just Charlene...although I do own her :) *Smiles evilly*
Me: Right I erm better go before he gets any funny ideas. *Runs away and hides as Erik chases after her*
On with the show! :D Oh yes one more thing; any constructive criticism is welcome and thanks to all of my reviewers for all of your support. Maybe some reviews will calm Erik down a bit :D
Heartache and Pain
Chapter sixteen: Now and then I get insecure.....
Charlene's POV
All I could see was darkness around me and I could hear their laughter surrounding me like a cage but when I shouted out Erik's name he didn't save me. I then screamed when I saw him dangling from the ceiling by a noose...
"Noooooooooo Erik! Please don't be dead!" I yelled out and then the tears started to fall down my cheeks. Without even thinking I grabbed the nearest thing to me and hugged it as tightly as I could hoping it would make the image go away; however the image was still there fresh in my mind which caused the tears to fall even harder.
"It's ok I'm right here beside you, nothing can harm you as long as I'm around to protect you." I heard a voice say reassuringly whilst they stroked my hair gently.
"Erik is that you?" I asked quietly.
"Yes Charlene it's me; and I will never ever leave you." Erik replied reassuringly and I smiled a little and hugged him back.
"So Charlene what would you like to do today?" Erik asked.
"I would like to spend the day with you." Was the only reply I could muster.
"Well I should be able to manage that since I haven't been called into the office so far and I guess I could always ask Nadir to handle any urgent matters that crop up." Erik replied with a slightly teasing tone.
"Aren't you going to get in trouble for not going to work?" I asked worryingly.
"Don't worry; there have been times when I haven't been needed at work for weeks at a time so I just catch up on sorting through paperwork that needs sorting. Anyway I like the sound of spending the day with you too." He replied gently. I nodded in agreement and forced myself to get out of bed to get ready for the day. After picking out a burgundy coloured maxi skirt with a gypsy-style top which was also in burgundy I went into the bathroom to wash and dress. I came out ten minutes later all washed and ready to go.
"Let's go out for breakfast shall we? I know this nice little cafe nearby that does lovely pastries for breakfast." Erik said and he then looked down at his clothes and laughed a little.
"I think I should change first before going out as I am still in the same clothes as the day before." I then saw him leave out of the room and I proceeded to grab a pair of shoes and a handbag from my wardrobe. I then realised he mustn't have fallen asleep last night after putting me to bed and me having my nightmare. How does he function on so little sleep? I just hope he won't over exhaust himself staying up so late for nights on end.
"Are you ready to go?" All I could do was nod as I realised I was day dreaming for a moment and lost to the world around me. He then led me out of the door and towards the high street.
"Are we not taking the car today?" I asked curiously.
"No need; the cafe is a short walk from our flat so I thought we could walk together instead." Erik explained matter of factly. We arrived at the cafe and decided to take a seat outside as it was a nice day.
"What would you like to eat for breakfast? There are a lot of different pastries to choose from." Erik asked kindly.
"I can't honestly decide; there are too many to choose from." I replied teasingly.
"Well I would recommend the fruity one and the chocolate one; even though as you already know I don't have a sweet tooth but I actually quite like the chocolate one." I smiled a little then nodded in assent. After ordering our pastries and two hot chocolates I went to the bathroom for a moment. I came back about five minutes or so later just as the waiter placed our plates down at the table. As I sat down I could see Erik cutting each of the pastries in half before putting half of each one onto each plate.
"There you go. I've cut them in half so you can try each one." He explained gently.
"Thanks." I said and I proceeded to start eating the fruit pastry first. Afterwards I ate the chocolate half before promptly moving onto my hot chocolate which has marshmallows and cream on the top. Once we finished and paid the bill we walked back towards the flat for a moment.
"Where are we going now?" I asked curiously.
"It's a surprise." Erik replied cryptically.
"Why do you always answer in riddles?" I asked teasingly.
"I like to throw surprises for people; especially people I care about." He replied and with that he kissed me gently on the lips before promptly helping me into the car. I then looked out of the window like an excited child going on holiday as ABBA played on the CD player.
"I have the crutches in the back of the car as I want you to use them when we get to our destination." Erik explained gently.
"Oh do I have to?!" I pleaded with a little pout and folding my arms across my chest.
"Don't give me that look. I know you don't like them but I don't want you to damage your ankle when it is still healing." He replied in a fatherly manner. Finally after half an hour or so the car stopped at its destination and I saw Erik get out first before promptly going towards the back of the car. I saw him get something out of the back before promptly coming back round to my side of the car.
"Here you go, here are your crutches. Now here, I'll help you out of the car." Erik explained gently.
"Thank you." I replied quietly and after getting out of the car I noticed we were at the shopping centre.
"I can't believe we are actually here! This is a really expensive place to be and only the rich can shop here." I said excitedly.
"Well only the best for my special angel." Erik replied kindly. I blushed a little and we proceeded towards one of the clothes stores. I gasped a little when I found myself surrounded by hundreds upon thousands of dresses in every colour of the rainbow.
"I couldn't possibly purchase one of these. Where on earth would I warrant wearing such a beautiful dress?" I asked curiously.
"Well if you were willing to attend in three weeks there is the annual Masquerade ball at my place of work and I was hoping you would attend with me as my date." He replied and for a moment I couldn't bring myself to say anything in reply. Was he really asking me to come to this big event as his date? I haven't really had a guy ask me to such a prestigious event before and I was worried I might embarrass him in some way.
"Charlene, please say something? Have I been too forward because if I have I deeply apologise and hope you can forgive..." I then proceeded to silence him by placing a finger gently on his lips before he could say anymore bad things about himself as I hate it when he does that.
"No you haven't been forward in the slightest. But I am worried I might embarrass you socially somehow." I replied quietly.
"How could you possibly embarrass me?" Erik asked curiously.
"Because of my autism I find social situations difficult; sometimes I come across as rude without realising it or I do things that are socially unacceptable. That's why I find relationships so difficult too because I don't know what is expected of me."
"Well I will be there with you every step of the way to make sure you know what is expected of you." Erik replied gently whilst taking hold of my hand and stroking it gently. I smiled a little and said gently in reply.
"Yes I would love to attend the event with you."
"Ok so what should we go as? I mean we could go in matching outfits or something along those lines." I thought long and hard and then the idea hit me like a lightning bolt.
"How about going as the Phantom and Christine from the Phantom of the Opera?" I suggested. I could tell Erik was pondering for a moment and then he replied.
"I think that's a great idea. At least I have most of my costume sorted already; now what should you wear?"
"How about that dress Christine wears during 'Wishing you were Somehow Here Again' in the theatre version?"
"That sounds like a great idea. Now all we need to do is get a dress that looks like that one."
"Or at least something similar." I finished matter of factly. We then proceeded to look through every single dress hoping I could find something suitable but eventually I sighed a little when I realised there was nothing suitable and I was starting to feel tired from standing on my crutches all day.
"I think you my dear are tired. Let's call it a day and we'll think of something on the way home." Erik explained gently.
The minute we got in I collapsed onto the sofa and fell asleep almost immediately.
I wasn't sure exactly how much time had passed but I woke up screaming out Erik's name and I immediately burst into tears when I couldn't see him in sight.
"Erik! Where are you?! Please answer me I'm scared!" I yelled out pleadingly. But when he didn't answer me I grabbed hold of my crutches and proceeded to look around the entire flat. But when I finished looking around I couldn't see either Erik or Nadir anywhere; where did they go? When I couldn't see them in sight I just collapsed back onto the sofa and hugged my knees tightly as the tears continued to fall. Where were they and why didn't they leave a note? I cried so much I fell asleep on the sofa without eating a bite of food...
Erik's POV
I got back from the office that morning, in the early hours of the morning I received an unexpected phone call from work; they called us in to attend an important meeting in order to discuss how we can help our patients better. As soon as the meeting finished I went straight back home to check on Charlene hoping she wasn't too upset about me leaving for half an hour or so. I opened the door and it felt like something was wrong. It was just too quiet; when I walked through the kitchen towards the sitting room I couldn't see any dishes in sight. The only dishes in sight were the ones we washed this morning and they were put straight on the rack once they were washed. So why aren't there any other dishes? Had Charlene eaten anything since we left this morning? Come to think of it was she even in bed when we left? I mean I was in such a hurry I didn't even think to check to see if she was safe in bed. But before I could make my way to her bedroom I heard something coming from the sitting room and I crept slowly into it to see who or what was producing the noise. I was shocked when I saw Charlene sleeping on the sofa but it looked like she was having a nightmare and I was worried she might fall off the sofa again. I quickly went up to her and held her hand gently before saying reassuringly.
"Charlene it's ok, it's me. I'm here now, nothing can harm you anymore. Please wake up; it's just a nightmare, nothing more." I held onto her tightly as she shot up quickly from the sofa with an ear-piercing scream.
"Erik is that you?" She asked with a child-like innocence.
"Yes I'm here. Nothing can harm you anymore." I explained gently whilst stroking her hand gently.
"But you were swinging from a noose and there were masked figures all around but not one of them was you and then the men from that night hung you from a noose and then went to hurt me next." She replied quietly whilst the tears fell heavily down her cheeks. I took her into my arms and hugged her tightly; I kissed her gently on the top of her head and allowed her to cry on my shoulder. Soon enough her sobs progressed to the occasional hiccup and when I looked down at her I saw she fell asleep again from all the tears she shed. I took her gently into my arms and took her to her room and laid her gently into her bed before promptly placing the covers gently over her. I was about to leave when I felt a hand close quickly around my wrist and I looked down to see Charlene looking up at me pleadingly.
"I'll stay here for as long as you need me." I explained gently. I took my jacket off and laid myself down next to her.
When I woke up I smiled a little when I saw Charlene still sleeping peacefully beside me and I looked at the clock and saw it was still early. I decided to get breakfast ready so she would have a nice surprise when she wakes up. After leaving a small note for her on the bedside table I went to the cupboards but realised we had no food available. After leaving a more detailed note on the bedside table I grabbed my coat and my wallet and went towards the store to get some pastries and fruit. After getting the relevant ingredients for a tasty breakfast I spotted a flower stall in the centre of town selling lots of different flowers including red roses. I decided to purchase one tied off with a black ribbon as I remembered her favourite film was Phantom of the Opera and the fact he gave Christine roses tied off with ribbon. I got back and proceeded to make us cinnamon toast with some fruit on the side as well. I put everything on the tray before placing the rose gently on the front of the tray and carrying it to her room. I got to her room and saw she was stirring slightly and so I crept in and placed the tray on the bedside table. I then kissed her gently on the forehead which caused her to wake up. I smiled when she gave a little yawn and stretched herself out almost like a cat.
"Morning Erik." She said quietly.
"Morning I brought you breakfast." I explained gently before promptly placing the tray in front of her after she sat herself up in bed. The first thing that made me smile was the fact she immediately picked up the rose and brought it up to her nose before inhaling deeply with a smile on her face. After gently placing it down she proceeded to quickly eat her breakfast before it went cold.
"That was absolutely delicious. You'll have to teach me how to make that cinnamon toast sometime because that was so yummy." She said excitedly.
"I'll make sure I do that sometime then since you enjoy it so much." I said happily. But before I could say anything more I heard the phone ring and I quickly ran out of the room to answer it.
"Hello... Yes sir I'll come right away." I replied quickly and after putting the phone down I ran upstairs to my room to get dressed for work. I hated leaving Charlene all alone. However if I am called into work by the boss then I have to obey his instructions otherwise I could potentially lose my job.
"Where are you going?" I heard a child-like voice ask from behind and I turned around whilst putting on my jacket to see Charlene wrapped in a dressing gown clutching a pillow to her chest.
"I'm sorry but the boss has called me in to deal with a new case. I shouldn't be too long and we could have dinner out tonight if you want." I replied quickly and I had to hold myself together when I saw the tears start to fall down her cheeks.
"Please Charlene don't cry, you know I like it when you smile." I saw her try to smile a little and I continued reassuringly. "There now there's my favourite beautiful angel back. I'll be back soon I promise and we'll spend the rest of the day together however you choose." I kissed her gently on the lips and I quickly grabbed my wallet and keys before promptly leaving out of the door.
Charlene's POV
I stared at the door for a moment still seeing and hearing Erik there for a moment. I wonder which poor unfortunate girl needed his help this time. Then a horrible realisation came over me; what were to happen if he fell in love with this girl who comes into his life? He could dump me for her because she is normal and more beautiful than I am. I looked outside and could see the clouds darkening almost like the weather were matching my mood somehow. Without even eating any breakfast or grabbing a coat I went out into the rain-filled streets. After walking aimlessly around the streets for what felt like hours I realised I somehow managed to find myself in a place unfamiliar to me. Where was I? I looked around and I couldn't recognise any of the buildings around me. I then realised the fact that I was truly lost in a place unfamiliar to me. What was I suppose to do now? I couldn't walk up to a stranger and ask for directions...I mean they could potentially hurt me in some way. Maybe if I wandered around enough I might find my way back...eventually anyway.
However after what felt like hours of wandering the streets aimlessly I was no closer to finding a familiar stretch of street than before I became lost. I soon found myself at a park with a large pond and lots of weeping willows all around. I sat myself down under a deserted tree and closed my eyes waiting for sleep or death to claim me; whichever came for me first. I could feel myself smiling as a voice called my name and I knew it was the angels taking me away to let me join my parents...
Raoul's POV
I was taking a walk through the local park when something caught my eye; under one of the many weeping willows in the park was what looked like a bundle of clothing or something. Instead of walking past something told me I should go closer which I did. I bit back a gasp when I saw Charlene huddled under the tree soaking wet and cold to the touch. However, when I felt for a pulse I could feel a faint one flickering like a weak light about to go out. I could also see her chest rising and falling a little as well. But for some reason she wasn't fighting me when I picked her up and I knew I had to get her into some dry clothes and somewhere warm quickly before she caught hypothermia or something. I quickly ran to the main road and hailed a taxi before promptly telling the driver to take me back to Erik's place hoping someone was there who could help her. I know I was such a jerk by dumping her in a cowardly way but it didn't mean I wanted her to suffer so badly. I got back and ran up to the front door with her in my arms before kicking at the door since I couldn't knock. I started tapping my foot impatiently as for a while I couldn't hear anything. I kicked the door again and I heard someone cursing in Persian and realised it must be only Nadir at home at the moment.
"By Allah what did you do to her?!" He yelled at me with anger lacing his tone.
"I didn't do anything to her. I know I dumped her but I didn't hurt her! In fact I've been trying to gain her forgiveness for a while now. Anyway enough about me she's been out in the rain for quite a number of hours and she could catch hypothermia if we don't get her inside!" I replied quickly.
"Of course Raoul. Follow me and I'll lead you to her room." He explained and I quickly followed him inside before he promptly closed the door behind me. I then followed him towards her bedroom and placed her down gently under the covers. I then saw Nadir go out of the room for a moment before promptly coming back with an armful of blankets. He then dumped them on the floor before placing each one over her freezing body.
"Shouldn't we get her out of those wet clothes?" I asked curiously.
"I'm not sure; I am worried she might wake up and panic when she sees one of us removing them but we will have to otherwise she could still catch a chill from being stuck in wet clothes for ages. I decided to turn around and at least give her some semblance of privacy whilst Nadir removed them as quickly as possible.
"Could you go over to her wardrobe and get out the warmest nightgown she has please." Nadir asked and with that I quickly went over and grabbed hold of a flannel nightdress that was on the top of the pile in the top drawer. I brought it over and Nadir quickly changed her into it before promptly covering her in the blankets again. I looked at her breathing softly under all the blankets and hoped deep down she would be ok.
"Come with me. We better make her a..." But before he could continue any further we heard the front door open and realised Erik was home from work. I looked at Nadir with a worried expression and realised Erik wouldn't be best pleased seeing me here with Charlene buried under a tonne of blankets. But I had nowhere else to go so I waited to face my fate with Erik.
"Nadir! Nadir! Where are you man or I swear I'll send my ancestor after you if you don't show yourself!" I heard him yell and I could tell Nadir for some reason was trying to keep a straight face. It made me realise for a moment the fact I knew next to nothing about Erik's ancestry and who his ancestors were.
"Nadir there you...why have I found you in Charlene's room? And why is HE here!?" He questioned angrily whilst pointing at me.
"Now Erik I need you to remain calm otherwise she's not going to get any better if you lose your temper..."
"What is that suppose to mean?! I demand to see Charlene right now!" Erik yelled and with that we decided to part so he could see her lying on the bed under all those blankets.
Erik's POV
After Nadir and Raoul parted I could see Charlene lying peacefully on the bed but she was under a pile of blankets.
"Now can one of you two explain why Charlene is in that position right now?" I asked slowly with a hint of iciness to my tone.
"Well...erm...you see..." Raoul started stammering nervously and I glared at him angrily before Nadir continued slowly.
"Well I am not 100% sure what happened exactly but Raoul found her in one of the local parks sitting under a tree; she was wet and cold. I am not sure exactly how she got out without my knowledge though."
"I always instruct you to keep an eye on her when I am not here and you couldn't even follow that simple instruction! Now she is close to death and it is your entire fault!" I yelled angrily before striding towards him angrily with intent to kill him. But before I could even get my hand around his throat I heard her stir and a small child-like voice said quietly.
"Father is that you? Your little angel is here with you in Heaven now." I stood there in shock realising the line sounded similar to the ones she said the night she was raped.
"Charlene, please wake up. It's me Erik. I'll never leave you I promise. I can't bear it if you left me alone." I said pleadingly. I then could see her eyelids fluttering open and I smiled a little as I saw her beautiful hazel eyes staring up at me. But a moment later they were filled with anger and she backed away from me. But what did I do to cause such anger in her eyes?
"Please Charlene whatever I did I am sorry and I hope you can bring it upon to yourself to forgive me." I said reassuringly.
"I will never forgive you for falling in love with another girl who is normal rather than a disabled freak like me!" She yelled angrily in reply.
"Charlene what are you talking about?" I asked confusedly.
"You went off to work because of a new case and all that...what was I suppose to think?!" She yelled angrily in reply.
"I would never fall for another girl ever. You are the only one for me." I replied passionately whilst approaching her slowly with my arms opened wide.
"You lie! I bet the minute you see that girl you'll..." But before she could finish her sentence I kissed her soundly on the lips to show her how much I loved her. I could feel her pushing against my chest trying to resist my advances but eventually she gave in and kissed me back.
"So you haven't left me for another girl then?" She asked quietly.
"No I would never leave you. You are my one and only. For all eternity; only love and music are forever." I replied passionately. I then kissed her to seal my promise.
"How are you feeling?" I asked concernedly.
"A little cold still but not too bad." She replied.
"Best get you warmed up then. I'll go make you some soup to warm you right through." I explained gently. I then left out of the room towards the kitchen hoping the soup would make her feel better. But it also gave me time to think about us; I feel guilty for making Charlene feel insecure about our relationship causing her to run out into the rain and nearly kill herself in the process. After boiling up the soup and warming up some bread I dished up a portion of soup into a bowl with some bread on the side and brought it to her room. I smiled a little as I saw her sat up in bed and by the looks of it she received no help in doing so.
"I've brought you something to eat. Hopefully it should warm you right up." I was about to leave out of the door when I heard her plead quietly.
"Please don't leave me alone." I turned around and said to her gently.
"But do you mind me watching you eat?"
"I don't mind you watching me eat at all; it just reassures me you are still there to protect me." She replied gently. I smiled and set myself down next to her bed as she continued to eat her soup. Eventually she stopped and put her tray to one side.
"Have you finished?" I asked gently. She nodded and I took the tray from her before proceeding to take it to the kitchen. I proceeded back to her room and heard the water running so left her to have her shower.
As I busied myself by composing for a bit I stopped suddenly and looked around the room as I thought I heard something coming from Charlene's room. I got up slowly and armed myself with one of my lassos that I always have lying around the flat. I proceeded towards her room and when I got to her door I listened intently for a moment; what worried me though was the fact there was no noise coming from the door including the noise of running water. Could she have finished her shower already? But if she did why couldn't I hear anything?
"Charlene is everything ok in there?" I asked concernedly whilst knocking on the door gently three times. When I didn't hear an answer I said loudly.
"I'm coming in ok?!" I then kicked the door down and held my lasso defensively in front of me. What I saw in front of me worried and shocked me to the core...