So this story is coming to an end soon and so this is the next chapter :) Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing my story I try to please everyone who reads my fanfics :) All constructive criticism is welcome and as you know I don't own any lyrics or characters from Phantom :) Just my own character :) Anyway on with the show! :)
Heartache and Pain
Chapter Twenty-Three: But sensed you even so...
Charlene's POV
It was the morning of our first year anniversary and I woke up to find a bunch of red roses on the bedside table; but where was Erik? I picked up the roses and smelt them gently. I then decided to bring them to the kitchen to put them in a vase. I heard the door open just as I finished arranging them in the vase and I ran up to the door to see who it was.
"Erik you're back! Happy anniversary darling; thanks for the roses, they're lovely." I said quickly before giving him a kiss on the lips.
"I am glad you liked them. But the day hasn't even begun yet. Dress in something nice we are going out shopping."
"Oh Erik you do like to spoil me don't you?" I asked teasingly. He hugged me then said gently.
"I just like to make sure my beautiful angel is happy." Which caused me to blush at his comment. We then went out of the door and drove towards Camden Market.
"What are we shopping for?" I asked curiously.
"An outfit worthy of this occasion and worthy of where we are going tonight." Yet again there comes the cryptic reply but I still love him for it; I guess he isn't going to tell me where he went this morning and where we are going tonight. We soon arrived at Camden Market and immediately went to the nearest boutique to find a dress worthy of wherever we were going tonight.
"Can you give me the tiniest clue as to what would be suitable to wear tonight?" I asked pleadingly.
"Wear something worthy of your beauty and splendour." And I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes at his cryptic reply; it almost reminded me of what the Phantom would have been like if he were still alive.
"You're not going to give anything away are you?" I asked teasingly.
"But you still love me for it." And he gave a cheeky wink with his teasing reply. As we looked around nothing caught my eye so far and I was about to lose all hope on finding anything to wear tonight that would be worthy of Erik's splendour. But before I could give up all hope on finding anything Erik stopped me in my tracks and was looking straight in front of us.
"What is it? What have you seen?" He didn't reply but instead led me over to the shop where there were some dresses in the window displayed on mannequins. I immediately fell in love with one of the dresses in the window; it was a halter style in red with black flocking with skull and rose print on it and it had a little netting underneath a wide skirt.
"I must try that one on." And when Erik saw the dress he agreed with me wholeheartedly and so we went into the shop to try it on. I stepped out of the changing room and gave a little twirl.
"Well what do you think?" I asked as I twirled a little.
"It looks lovely on you; definitely worthy of the occasion." And so after getting back into my clothes I took it up to the counter where Erik paid for it. As we walked around Erik would buy me a little piece of jewellery or something for my hair and before I knew it we were in a familiar scenario where I have five bags on my arms at once.
"Where would you like to go to lunch?" Erik asked suddenly.
"How about that cafe that does the nice pastries?" I replied and so after putting our purchases in the car we drove towards the cafe which we frequently go to. As we sat and ate our pastries I kept thinking about where Erik had been and what he was planning for tonight. I mean today is a big occasion for me and so far Erik has been spoiling me far more than usual.
"I can tell you're thinking darling; you have that look on your face when you're concentrating intently. Would you like to tell me what you're thinking about?" A voice asked me gently which knocked me out of my thoughts.
"Sorry...I was thinking about what you were planning for tonight. You know how curious I am and how I am not good with surprises."
"I am not giving anything away dear. You'll just have to wait for tonight." He said teasingly with a wink. We soon finished lunch and so we took a walk around the nearby park. As we sat by the lake feeding the birds I just watched the people going about their lives and I thought how lucky I was to have someone like Erik. I then leant against Erik's shoulder and closed my eyes in rapture; I smiled a little when he planted a gentle kiss to my head.
"Are you enjoying yourself mon ange?"
"I am...I wish to stay this content forever." I felt him shift a little and then he explained gently.
"We better get back to the flat so we can get ready for dinner tonight." I whined a little but allowed him to help me up from the ground. As soon as we got back I took my purchases upstairs and proceeded to get changed into my new dress. Just as I finished zipping it up and tying the straps there was a knock at the door.
"Come in!" And I was suddenly tackled to the ground by someone hugging me from behind.
"Hey could you let me up please!" I was then able to turn around to see Christine in front of me.
"Christine it feels like forever since we saw each other! What are you doing here?"
"Helping you get ready for your date tonight of course and to wish you a happy anniversary." She then proceeded to plonk me down in front of my vanity and do my hair and make-up. When I was told to open my eyes I saw simple make-up with my hair in an elegant updo.
"Is there nothing you can't do?" I asked and after putting on my shoes and grabbing my clutch I went downstairs to seek out Erik. I saw him standing in the hallway talking to Nadir so I cleared my throat a little to get his attention. He turned around and I had to stifle a laugh at the expression on his face.
"You look...words cannot describe how beautiful you look." He then held out his arm which I took gratefully and was led out of the door. After Erik helped me into the car he drove me down a route that I knew well.
"You're taking us to the restaurant where we went on our first date aren't you? You really do like spoiling me don't you?" I asked curiously.
"Yes indeed we are; well we have been together a year after all so I think it is worthy of a big celebratory meal at such an expensive restaurant." And soon enough we arrived at our destination and pulled up into the nearest parking space. When we sat down at a table on the balcony I immediately perused the menu.
"Pick whatever your heart desires; cost is no objection whatsoever." As I continued to peruse the menu I heard something being placed down on the table; I looked up from behind my menu to see two wine glasses on the table and an open bottle.
"I've never drunk wine before." I explained quietly.
"Well I decided to but us something a little different that you might like. It's plum wine; I like to drink this with lemonade and I thought you might like it too." I then remembered the fact Raoul gave me this once when we were dating; but how did Erik know I would like this drink? I guess he knows me better than I know myself. He poured me a glass and I started to slowly drink it.
"I can see you're enjoying it. Have you had it before?"
"Yes, once, when I was dating my ex and I really liked it."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Have you decided what you want to eat yet?" I nodded in agreement and soon enough a waiter came over to take our order. As I continued to take sips of my drink my thoughts drifted to my parents and my brother; it saddened me to think they would never see me so happy and with that special someone.
"Are you ok you've gone quiet?" A voice asked gently but before I could reply the waiter came with our food and so I waited for the meal to be placed in front of us. I ordered the grilled salmon fillet and Erik ordered a steak. After eating dessert and paying the bill we clambered into the car and drove away from the restaurant.
"Are we going back to the flat?" I asked curiously.
"Nope, the night has only just begun. I have another surprise in store for you." And we kept driving to our destination as Lindsey Stirling played over the stereo system. Soon enough we arrived and I gasped when a familiar building came into view.
"This is where they show Phantom of the Opera! It's one of my favourites! I wish to see it more often but tickets are always so expensive."
"You have very good intuition darling because this is what we are doing this evening. And you'll be happy when you see what seats we got too." After parking the car we entered the theatre and we were led to our seats by an usher.
"We're in the stalls and at the front of them too!" And I started to fidget excitedly in my seat.
"How did you get such good seats?"
"I have a good friend who works here who owes me a few favours." He replied cryptically. I wonder who this good friend is? Maybe I'll ask him once the show is finished. I then heard the auctioneer bang his hammer and I knew the show was going to start. I sat back in my seat and watched in awe as the chandelier was raised above our heads.
It was the interval and Erik said he was going to get us drinks so I waited in my seat patiently. He soon came back with a rose in his hands but no drinks. But before I could even query as to the absence of the drinks he knelt down on one knee and took a small box out of his pocket. He then started to sing;
Then say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime
Let me lead you from your solitude
Say you need me with you here, beside you
Anywhere you go let, me go too
Charlene, that's all I ask of you.
[Me]
Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime
Say the word and I will follow you
[Both]
Share each day with me each night, each morning,
[Me]
Say you love me
[Erik]
You know I do
[Both]
Love me, that's all I ask of you
[Both]
Anywhere you go let, me go too
Love me that's, all I ask of you
After we finished singing he slipped the ring onto my finger and there was a round of applause from the audience around us. I looked around and blushed a little when I realised how public our engagement is now. But before the rest of the show could progress the lights suddenly went out and I gripped Erik's hand tightly to get reassurance from him. I sensed him even though it was so dark and felt safe but suddenly a voice echoed around the theatre that shook me to the core.
"I've come to claim what belongs to me and what is rightfully mine!"
"Don't worry I'll protect you." Erik whispered gently as I looked around the theatre trying to find the source of the voice. I then heard the cocking of a pistol and I looked up to see the man who my father promised me to.
"Ah Miss Rose we meet again; I will claim what is mine and if you refuse I will shoot your fiancé where he stands!"
"No don't shoot him. I'll come with you as long as you promise not to hurt him." I said quietly and so I walked towards him whilst ignoring Erik's pleas for me not to go. I somehow found the courage within me to go with him because I knew Erik would rescue me from his clutches soon enough. I got to him but before we left I heard a gunshot and there were screams of panic; I turned around and saw Erik clutching a bullet wound in his shoulder.
"Erik!" I screamed in anguished as I was dragged away by the wrist...