The second time did the trick. This was something that both pleased and saddened Christine. She was actually disappointed that there would be no more trips to visit Erik. However, things weren't getting better between herself and Raoul as they'd hoped. Not in the slightest.
If anything, Raoul was spiraling and there was very little that she could do about it. He went out more often and for more than just business. He often came home at all hours, more than a little inebriated. However, she was thankful that he never tried to enjoy her body during these times.
She wasn't sure that she ever wanted to experience his touch again in such a way. Though she often tried to shove those two nights below ground to the back of her mind, they were enough to prove that despite his lack of experience in bed, Erik was a much better lover than Raoul.
Today, she found herself lounging downstairs, practicing her knitting. She hated it. She hated it more than she'd ever admit. But she didn't have many more choices.
It wasn't as if she couldn't go find Meg and spend time with her. She was expected to welcome her husband home today. Something she was less than thrilled about. With the way he'd been acting lately, it was a little off putting that he'd think she'd be in any way content to play happy wife to him.
She stood when she heard the door open and headed over to it, plastering a smile on her face, though she was sure that it looked more like a grimace than anything else. It turned into a frown when she noticed that her husband had some ... woman clinging on to him. Not only that, but he seemed to be encouraging her attention with the charm that used to be reserved for her and her alone.
"Raoul... who is she?" Christine demanded, a slender hand curling into a fist. The man looked at her and arched an eyebrow. He pushed past her and tugged the wench in behind him. Her anger grew as he essentially ignored her.
"Not now, Christine. I'll deal with you later. Right now, I wish to enjoy what Genevieve has to offer." Raoul slurred, stumbling slightly as he headed to the bathroom. Genevieve stifled a giggle and waved mockingly as she followed after him.
Christine stood there, frozen as humiliated anger washed over her. She wasn't going to stand for this. She would leave as soon as she had the opening. She didn't care that they were married nor did she care that she was pregnant. Clearly Raoul didn't either and it wasn't his child anyways.
She laid in the guest room, waiting until the obnoxiously loud moans and groans stopped. She snuck into the room as quietly as she could manage that night, throwing as many dresses as she could in a bag. She made sure to grab a large enough variety that she wouldn't have to worry about looking too out of place.
She walked to the opera house, not having the money for a carriage as she didn't feel safe enough to take some. She reached the door and rested a hand on her chest, gasping softly as she tried to regulate her breathing. But she was so exhausted. She tried to fight the encroaching darkness, but she failed. She crumpled, having just enough forethought to brace herself so as to be able to avoid falling on her stomach.
Erik had been trailing behind Meg, wanting to ensure that the girl got to her 'date' safely- only because her mother asked him to do so. The girl wasn't sneaky as she thought she was. He would never tell Antionette just who she was sneaking off too or where. One, he didn't really care and Two, he doubted Antionette would be happy to know her daughter happened to be fooling around with another woman.
When he arrived back at the opera house, he fully intended upon going around to his usual entrance, but he noticed the fallen figure on the steps. It was oddly feminine in nature and he couldn't fight his own curiosity. He gave in just this once. It wasn't as if she'd be aware enough to notice him. When he was close enough, he noticed her and it sent a cold chill down his spine.
"Christine..." He breathed, kneeling beside her. His hands ghosted along her form as he hesitated. He could leave her here for Antionette to find, if not Meg. Though he almost doubted that Meg would be back any time soon. Or he could take her for himself.
He didn't think. He acted upon impulse. He gathered Christine's body in his arms and grabbed her bag once he had her settled. He was more than a little aware of how horrible this idea was, but there was no going back now. It would be impossible for him to willingly lay her back down.
It was incredibly difficult to maneuver himself and her down below from this way, but he'd managed. It became easier when he reached the boat. All he had to do was lay her and the bag down while he rowed. While this gave him very little room to stand, he made do.
He tossed the bag on the ground and stepped out before turning around. He scooped Christine up into his arms and carried her towards the bed and laid her down. He perched on the edge of the bed, carefully running his fingers through her hair.
"Why are you here, Christine? What are you trying to pull?" Erik mused aloud, gazing at the woman in apprehensive wonder. He doubted it was for him or for more sex. He supposed he'd just have to demand more answers once she awoke.
He stood and wandered away, figuring some music would be a good distraction until then. If his mind would let him concentrate. She'd been wreaking havoc on him for far too long. Especially when she wasn't around. He wasn't sure he could allow himself to take it any more.