Christine awoke to the music of the monkey music box, but was alarmed when she didn't hear Erik playing his organ.
Christine walked downstairs and saw Erik sleeping on the couch,
Christine felt bad for taking Erik's bed, but she also couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong Christine slowly tiptoed over to the couch, and saw that Erik was sleeping.
He looks so handsome, I suppose I was worried for nothing. Christine thought as she watched Erik sleep.
Then Christine watched as Erik's face twisted into a troubled expression.
Oh no, he must be having a nightmare, Christine thought as she moved away from the couch.
"Erik, you're having a nightmare wake up. "Christine said gently.
Christine moved back to the steps and sat down, as Erik woke up with a scream, and thrashed violently at thin air.
Christine looked at Erik with an extremely worried expression, not knowing what to do.
Then she decided to let Erik work through this problem on his own.
Then Erik stood up and quickly turned to Christine.
"Christine, what happened?" Erik asked quickly, as he gave Christine a worried look.
"You fell asleep and had a nightmare, but it's okay it was only a dream, it's over now." Christine said, as she desperately hoped to comfort Erik in some way.
"It wasn't a dream, it was the past."
I fight off sleep as often as I can, but sometimes I grow weary and the past catches up with me." Erik said in a grim voice.
Then Erik turned to Christine, and his face took on an expression of extreme worry once more.
"Erik, what is it?'' Christine asked, quickly as she tried to fight back the feeling that something was terribly wrong.
"Did I hurt you, Christine?" Erik asked in a strained voice.
"No Erik I'm fine I promise," Christine said calmly hoping that this would help to ease his troubled mind.
"Thank goodness I thrash quite a bit in my dreams, and I have broken many things because of the anger, and sadness they bring me but Christine I would never forgive myself; if I ever did anything to hurt you." Erik said, as his voice cracked.
Christine stood up and, stared at Erik, it took all of her willpower to hold back her tears.
She longed to tell Erik that it was okay and that she didn't care about what he did in his sleep; but then she thought it was better to let him talk, she was also afraid that he wouldn't believe her.
Then Christine was pulled from her thoughts as Erik spoke again.
"Did I frighten you, Christine?" Erik asked in a strained voice.
"No Erik not this time, and I take full responsibility for the last time.
I have no one to blame, but myself." Christine said, desperately trying to think of a way to make Erik feel better.
Erik nodded with a long sigh but otherwise said nothing.
Christine took that as her chance, to change the subject."
"I'm going to make a sausage and cheese omelet, do you want one?" Christine asked, as she walked towards the kitchen.
"I'm not hungry, but I could make it for you," Erik said, as he slowly rose from the couch.
"I can do it myself Madame Giry taught me many things including how to cook how to cook." Christine said as she disappeared into the kitchen leaving Erik alone with his thoughts.
Christine gathered her ingredients, as she started the stove.
She listened to Erik's music and thought that it and some space would make him feel better.
Then Christine heard Erik, playing at the organ.
The music was so melancholy that Christine could hear, every sob that Erik was trying to hold in and with each note; Christine could almost see every torture Erik had suffered.
When Christine could no longer hold back her tears Christine quickly grabbed some onions and loudly chopped them so Erik wouldn't hear her cry.
A little while later Christine came out of the kitchen, carrying two plates of sausage and cheese omelet with potatoes.
"Erik breakfast is ready, did you change your mind?" Christine asked as she set the table.
Erik looked up from his organ and watched Christine set the table.
The idea of breakfast didn't really appeal to him, but he didn't want to be rude to Christine; and the idea of tasting Christine's cooking intrigued him.
Erik got up from his organ, and walked over to the table and pulled out Christine's chair.
Christine thanked him and waited for Erik to take his seat.
Then Christine explained the ingredients she used.
"I used cheese mushrooms, red peppers, green peppers, onions, and Italian sausage.
Do you like those things?" Christine asked, as she looked at Erik.
Actually, I love those things, but I'm surprised you would use Italian sausage; it's known to be a little spicy." Erik said, as he cut into his omelet.
"I'm so glad you like it, and to be honest I like spicy food, and I love Italian food. " Christine said, as she ate her potatoes.
"Really when did that happen?" Erik asked with genuine interest.
"The Dechaeys had an Italian cook who was married to an Italian maid.
The Dechaneys liked only French food, because they claimed that other foods were too spicy.
My father and I often ate dinner with the cook and his wife, and that's how I came to like Italian food but I have to keep it a secret. "Christine said, as she ate her omelet.
"Why would you want to keep that a secret?" Erik asked, as a surprised expression passed over his face.
"Well most people here only like French food, and don't see any reason to try anything else. " Christine said as she ate her potatoes.
"What else do you keep a secret Christine?" Erik asked as he looked at Christine.
"Well I'm good at math, but I have to hide it for obvious reasons.
I have a really hard punch, but my father told me to only use it in emergencies.
At some point I want to see the world, I went up to the roof many times, and wondered what else was out there." Christine said, as she finished her breakfast.
Erik stared at Christine for a long moment, as he absorbed everything she had said.
The thing that surprised him the most was Christine's dream to see the world, he stared at Christine for a long moment not knowing what to say.
Then Erik said the first thing that came to mind.
"Christine I have traveled the length and breadth of this world."
I have seen its horrors, and have also had a hand in creating some of its wonders." Erik said but stopped himself before he made his true desires known.
The truth was that Erik longed to show her the world beyond the opera house.
There was a time when he thought he had grown tired of the world above, tired of hearing people bicker about things that were unimportant, tired of being surrounded by the people's unwanted opinions of him, tired of the people caging him up for entertainment, or chasing him from town to town.
He hated them because they never let him rest.
They never let him rest, never let him find the; peace, love, and happiness they all took for granted.
When Erik discovered this fact his hatred for them grew.
Then at long last he had completed his home in the lake it was then, that Erik came to the decision he may have to spend the rest of my life alone but at least I will be safe.
Erik used this fact as the only consolation, on the night his loneliness drove him to tears, or on other nights when his loneliness drove him to even darker thoughts, but now as he looked at Christine he felt all his good judgment leave him
He longed to take her to a restaurant for a romantic dinner, and have it be just the two of them.
He longed to look into her eyes, and know that the love she held in them was for him and him alone. He longed to take her for long strolls in the park on Sundays; where they would talk and occasionally share a laugh as they talked.
Then Christine's voice brought Erik back to the present,
"Erik are you alright?" Christine asked as a worried look passed over her face.
Erik was quiet for a long moment as the things he longed for swirled around in his head.
He hated himself for allowing himself to indulge in his longings, he knew that she would never really love him for who he really is.
She said that she cared about him now, but in time her feelings would change, and she would leave him.
It would hurt her for a short time, then Raoul would come for her.
He would sweep her off her feet, with his money, his good looks, and his social standing.
It was often said of society pairs that they cared nothing for one another on the day of their marriage; and as time would pass their love would grow, and by the time they were old society would call them the most adoring couple it had ever seen.
Then Erik answered Christine's question,
"I am quite alright Christine I was only thinking about my opera, I hope you can forgive my rudeness," Erik said, as he ate his breakfast.
Christine stared at Erik for a long moment then she decided to finish her breakfast.
A short time later Erik led Christine, to the gondola and took her back to the surface.
The pair walked in silence until they reached the mirror, and Christine turned to Erik.
"I may come to my lesson a little later than usual today, but I will be here."Christine said as she looked at Erik."
"Why would you be late?" Erik asked, unable to hold the question in.
"I promised Meg I would go out to lunch with her, and dress shopping afterward," Christine said as the mirror opened.
"Of course I completely understand goodbye, Christine," Erik said quickly as
Christine stepped into her dressing room, and Erik willed the mirror to quickly close behind her.
Christine felt the cold rush of air, and immediately felt uneasy.
Christine quickly turned to the mirror, knowing that Erik was still there.
"Erik I think there has been a misunderstanding, please can we talk for a minute," Christine said as she longed to see Erik's face in the mirror.
Then Christine heard her dressing room door open, and when she turned she saw Meg come rushing in.
"Christine there you are, mother, sent me to get you, who were you talking to?" Meg asked, with a confused look.
"I-I was talking to no one."
We should hurry, we don't want your mother to be upset with us." Christine said, as her throat grew tight. Then she ran from the room leaving Meg to run behind her.
Erik watched the whole scene unfold, and knew that he had hurt Christine.
For a brief moment Erik felt remorse for what he had done, and wanted to make amends with Christine; but another part of himself told him that this would be the beginning of the end, she would get over it in time; then run away with the Vicomte, and never look back.
Erik made his way back to his lair, comforting himself by thinking about the work he would do on his opera.
Then Christine's voice invaded his thoughts,he heard Christine say that; she would come to see him later and that she really wanted to talk to him.
He covered his ears to drown out her voice and quickly made his way back to his lair.
"A thief has come to steal what I hold dear
One man who should never come here
His looks and charm beguile all who are around
But he does not know the value of the treasure he has found
A thief has come to steal what I hold dear
One man who should never come here
This man can who gain his slightest whim
with a single command
Now seeks to take my treasure away
to a land filled with a glittery display
This man seeks to take my light
But I will fight will fight with all my might
A thief has come to steal what I hold dear
One man who should never come here
Meanwhile, Christine practiced with the adult ballet class, and for the moment was far from Erik's reach.
Christine's moves were perfect and gained a jealous whisper or two from the other ladies in the ballet troupe.
If the children's group had been there Christine would have been peppered with their oohs and ahs, and her face would have turned the loveliest shade of pink; but those that knew her well, especially madame Giry knew that her heart wasn't in it.
Madame Giry decided to end practice early, it was a decision that was met with many cheers including one from her own daughter.
The women of the ballet didn't stay long, some went in search of the men's ballet troupe; while others went in search of lunch, and shopping.
One by one each woman disappeared, leaving Christine to wander with her thoughts.
Christine traveled through the grand house, like a good queen would travel through a kingdom. Christine's first stop was to see her little subjects, the ballet brats of six and ten,
Christine would give them sweets as they showered her with adoration, and told her of how they would one day be covered with diamonds.
But Christine found that she couldn't bear to stay long, for when she looked around the room where she once practiced; her mind drifted back to the first night Erik ever made himself known to her.
Christine quickly left the little girls, and their pleas for her to stay, she ran hoping to a place that didn't have a memory of Erik waiting for her.
She made her way to the workshops where fine craftsmen, cut into rich stuff that would cloth heroes. Christine inquired about what they were making, and what costumes would be used in the next opera. The good queen's tailors were more than happy, to tell her whatever she wanted to know.
Once again Christine was showered with admiration as her tailors made it known, that they were honored to clothe someone as sweet, and as beautiful as her.
Christine's face turned the loveliest shade of pink when she heard her subjects high praise, but she found that she couldn't find any peace there either.
Christine listens to the men talk with great interest, she couldn't wait to hear about what they were creating.
However as the men talked Christine's mind drifted to Erik's opera, and she found herself what his ideas for it were.
Christine quickly hopped down from the stool she was sitting on, and quickly said her goodbyes.
Then she ran through the opera house desperately seeking fresh air,
Christine ran until she found herself in the garden of the opera house.
Surely I will be able to cheer myself up here, Christine thought as she walked around the garden.
She once thought the garden was so beautiful, but now realized that it would never be as beautiful as Erik's roses.
a sob escaped Christine as she entertained, the idea that she would never receive one again.
I can no longer feel that you are near
it is a realization that fills me with fear
my world is turning cold and gray
will you always be far away from me
Do my words reach you when I speak
Do you understand that it is your love I seek
I can no longer feel that you are near
it is a realization that fills me with fear
my world is turning cold and gray
will you always be far away from me
with you near I felt safe and as if I had a home
but now your absence chills me to the bone
Why do you constantly push me away
when I only want to help love find a way
It is your in your heart and mind that
wish to reside but you continue
to lock me outside
dead roses are all that I see
and I fear that you will
never give another to me
I know my weakness is what you see
but I will show you that I am stronger
than used I to be
This is a decision that I must make
Together we will make our own fate
I can no longer feel that you are near
it is a realization that fills me with fear
my world is turning cold and gray
will you always be far away from me
Christine wiped the tears from her eyes, as she heard Meg calling her.
"I'll be right there Meg," Christine said as she quickly made her way back to the entrance of the garden.
"Christine there you are, I have been looking everywhere for you," Meg said as gave Christine a worried look.
"I'm really sorry Meg, I needed some time on my own to think," Christine said as she pasted a smile on her face.
"I understand Christine, but did you forget that we were supposed to have lunch together today?"Meg asked in a hurt tone.
"Of course not I've been looking forward to it all week, where did you want to go?"Christine asked as she kicked herself for making another person she cared about unhappy.
"There's this little Italian restaurant that I love.
I'm sure you'll love it too when you try it." Meg said with a bright smile.
"Since when do you like Italian food?" Christine said, with a small smile.
"It's a bit of a long story, but the restaurant isn't far from here I'll tell you on the way," Meg said as she led Christine out of the garden.
During the carriage ride, Meg prattled on about her boyfriend and how they met.
When Meg had finished a shopping trip for her mother, Meg had slipped on a patch of ice while she walked through the marketplace.
To Meg's great fortune there was a handsome young doctor, who was also on an errand for his mother. The man by the name of Daniel Berkshire quickly lifted Meg off the ground, and hailed a carriage to take her back off his father's doctors office.
Daniel brought Meg to his father Timothy but saw that he had a few appointments to take care of.
Timothy took Meg to a room so she could rest Daniel pulled a chair up beside the bed, and politely talked with Meg while he waited for his Father.
To their relief Daniel's father, Timothy said that there was nothing wrong and that Meg could return home that night.
Daniel said that he was very happy to hear that, and he asked Meg to join him for dinner.
Meg said yes and they have dated ever since,
It was a pleasant afternoon for the women as they enjoyed a lunch of Chicken Parmesan, and Five Cheese Ziti with a piece of Tiramisu cake for dessert.
Meg extremely enjoyed the shopping, trying on dress after dress.
Christine, however, found nothing that suited her style since she h ad grown tired of pink; and she thought white-suited Meg better than it did her, and Meg was more than happy to hear that Christine was willing to give her any of the pink dresses that she wanted.
Later after shopping Meg, and Christine chatted happily as they made their way back to the opera house.
Then Meg let out a startled cry as a golden blur ran out in front of her,
"Oh, that mutt got mud all over the bottom of my dress!" Meg shouted, as the golden retriever puppy stopped in front of them with a huge stolen turkey leg in its mouth.
"Oh Meg your dress will come clean, and this little guy didn't mean any harm Christine said with a smile.
"Oh Christine, you can't possibly be thinking about, keeping this dog," Meg said, as she watched the muddy covered retriever puppy, chew on the turkey leg.
"And why not?" Christine asked, as she cautiously petted the puppy.
" Well people have enough trouble with Carlotta's dogs, and his face is..."Meg said, as she let her voice trail off.
"My dog will be nothing like Carlotta's dogs that people loathe, just as much as their mistress if not more.
My dog will be a proper dog worthy of living in the opera house, and I don't care about his face it makes me love him more." Christine said, as she looked at the black patch that covered the right side of his face. Then Christine picked him up, walked back to the opera house with Meg.
When Christine returned to the opera house, she smiled happily to be back home.
Christine walked back into the opera house, and even though she couldn't feel Erik's presence she could see his influence, everywhere she turned.
It was in that moment that Christine realized, that the opera house was as much a safe haven for her as it was for him; and he only wanted what was best, for the closest thing to a home that he had ever known.
Christine felt extremely proud of herself for discovering this new revaluation, she felt like she knew Erik so much better now; and she longed to tell him what she had found out, she just hoped that he would give her that chance.
After Christine said goodbye to Meg she took Dominic to her dressing room to give him a bath, despite his many protests.
When Dominic was properly groomed, Christine picked him up and made her way to the kitchen.
Christine laid out her ingredients on the kitchen table then she began to mix them, while Dominic laid in the corner; and happily chewed on what was left of his turkey leg,
Christine was halfway done with mixing the batter when she heard a knock at the door.
"Come in, "Christine said as she continued to stir the batter.
"Hello Christine," Madame Giry said, as she walked into the kitchen.
"Antoinette I hope you had a pleasant afternoon," Christine said, as she put the bowl of batter on the table.
"Meg informed me that you came back with quite the unusual, item after your shopping trip today won't you show it to me?" Madame Giry asked, as she looked over at Dominic,
"You must mean Dominic, he's over there in the corner, just be careful when you approach him he can be a little skittish." Christine said, as she picked the bowl back up.
Madame Giry slowly walked over to Dominic and patted his head, but Christine couldn't help but noticed that Madame Giry's eyes lingered on the right side of Dominic's face.
"It seems to be a small deformity, I gave him a bath but it wouldn't come off." Christine said, as she turned her attention back to the bowl.
"It's sweet of you to take him, I know most people wouldn't,"Madame Giry said, as she sat at the table.
"I'm not most people, and the harsh streets of Paris are no place for a puppy like him." Christine said as she pulled a pan of peanut butter cookies, that she had made especially for Dominic out of the oven.
"Christine you wouldn't happen to be making the thing, I make for you; and Meg, when you have a rough day, would you?" Madame Giry asked.
"Well I admit that I have had a rough day, but I'm afraid that Erik has had an even rougher one than I did do you know if he likes walnuts?" Christine asked, as she tried to hide the sadness in her voice.
"As a matter of fact he does like walnuts, but I think I would be of more help to you if you told me the whole story.
Christine stared at madame Giry for a long moment, then took a deep breath and told her everything.
"Ah so, he had one of his nightmares again," madame Giry said as she helped Christine pour the batter in the two pans.
"Yes, and he seemed so put off by it, that he doesn't want to see me again," Christine said, as she nervously ran her fingers through her hair.
"Oh Christine you needn't worry about that, he'll come back to you trust me." Madame Giry said as she laid a comforting hand on Christine's shoulder.
"I don't understand why he would come to me, I made him so uncomfortable even though I didn't mean to.
I missed him a great deal while we were apart today, I couldn't feel his presence at all.
I understand that the things he does around this opera house is only because he wants what's best for it like I do.
I made him these Madeleines because I was sure they would make him feel better, but now I'm not sure of anything anymore."
" Well if there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that Erik will come to you tonight.
He won't abandon you when you still need his help, but you must take things slowly; and don't get discouraged, when he's hard to reach.
It's hard for someone who's been through what he had to open up, but I know he will in time just be patient." Madame Giry said as she helped Christine take the Madeleines out of the oven.
"Do you remember what happened the first time, you made these Madeleines?" Madame Giry asked, with a playful smile,
"Of course I remember the tops were hard as a rock, and I was beside myself with embarrassment; not to mention sadness, then you turned the Madeleines upside down.
It turned out that the bottoms were fine so we ate them upside down," Christine said, with a laugh, then she hugged Madame Giry, and thanked her for always being there for her then the clock in the kitchen struck six in the evening.
Madame Giry quickly helped Christine put her treats in two baskets, then Christine quickly scooped Dominic into her arms; while Madame Giry carried the two baskets, then they quickly made their way to Christine's dressing room.