3,423I would like to thank you all so very much for your amazing comments and for making Seeing is Believing the most reviewed POTO story of all time. You all just blew me away with your wonderful support.
.
Seeing is Believing
Appendices #4
Welcome to my Nightmare
As Erik's eyes opened, and he stared at the ceiling of his bedroom, he knew something was terribly wrong. Yet, for the life of him, he could not recall what it was. He was home, he was in his own bed and he was not in any sort of physical pain. In fact, the warm and comforting body of his wife nestled at his side should have dispelled any such disquieting thoughts, and yet something was nagging at the back of his mind. What was it?
"Good morning, my love," Christine murmured as she too awoke and began to stir. "And how is the father of the bride feeling today?"
And there it was!
His own personal nightmare coming true…for today was to be Julianna's wedding day. His little Julianna…a bride!
Erik gave a low moan of misery and rolled over, burying his unmasked face in his pillow, wishing with all his heart he could stay in bed forever and not have to endure this day.
"That well, I see," Christine said with a sympathetic sigh, realizing just how difficult this was for her husband. Thus far he had held up admirably; smiling at the parties, offering suggestions, happily paying for every little detail his daughter had requested, and on the whole being very supportive. And yet, Christine knew that inside, Erik was torn up about the whole affair. It had been a long time coming, and she had felt sure that Erik would have long ago come to terms with his daughter growing up…yet it appeared not.
"Why?" Erik's muffled question was heard from the pillow. "Why does she have to go and marry that boy? Why can't she just remain my little girl?"
"She is not so very little anymore, Erik, and besides that…she is in love!" Christine explained for what felt like the millionth time. "Julianna is an adult now…already past eighteen, and she wants to start her own family."
"Oh, God!" Erik moaned, striking his fist against the mattress next to his head. "She will want to have children as well? That will mean she must…that she will…" No! Erik could not even think such vile things! The mere thought of any man touching his precious baby in such a manner made him physically ill. How on earth had Charles survived this long knowing just what he and Christine must be doing behind closed doors? He truly pitied the man and decided to buy him something as a form of apology. Would a mansion be enough of a peace offering?
"Erik…please, you have to let this go," Christine begged, pulling on his shoulder until he rolled over and once more stared blankly at the ceiling. "Today is the most important day of your daughter's life, and thus far you have done a splendid job of putting on a good show of it. Don't let her down now by revealing your feelings of dread…it would ruin things for her. You don't want that, do you?"
"No," came his mournful reply. "I want her to be happy."
"I know you do," Christine smiled, leaning down to kiss his pouting lips. "And that is why you will get up, get dressed and give your daughter away with a smile today."
"I wish I had the foresight to construct a mask that made it look like I was smiling," he muttered. "Then I could put it on and no one would know just how much I detest this whole idea."
"Well, you didn't think to make one…so you must put forth the effort all on your own, I am afraid," Christine informed him, slipping out of the bed and putting on her dressing gown. "I will go see if Julianna is up and help her get started on her bath. Would you be a dear and see to the twins' breakfast for me?"
Erik gave a grunt of agreement, one that apparently satisfied his wife enough to leave the room, allowing him a few more moments of reflection before he was forced to begin the hardest day of his life.
It struck him as amusing that he would label today as such, choosing this occasion over all the other moments of his life as the most difficult to endure. And thinking back, there had been many events to choose from! Yet now, Erik hardly even remembered the years he had spent as a prisoner in Suzette's keeping, or his time traveling with the gypsies…or even the days and nights of hell in Persia. No…those times were in his past and that is where he chose to keep them. His days since meeting Christine had been filled with such light and joy that those evil moments no longer crossed his mind…at least not on a daily basis.
Lacing his fingers together and bringing them up behind his head, he lay there and tried to recall how this day had come about. Was there a moment in time he might have been able to alter the outcome, to somehow keep his beautiful baby girl with him for all time? However, with both his scheming wife and daughter - as well as his own son at times - working against him, he highly doubted it. Still, he would run it through his mind once more, just to be sure.
.
.
Erik knew it had all begun the first time that sinister little Samuel had begged to hold his daughter…yes, it had all started there! He should have listened to his inner voice, warning him of the danger, yet Christine had insisted it was a harmless infatuation. "All children love babies," she had said. Well, now Erik knew the truth, and the truth was that Samuel loved Julianna! Plain and simple.
As the children grew, the three of them were always together, with Daniel and Samuel watching over Julianna as if she were a sister to them both. This pleased Erik greatly, and he hoped that things would continue on in this manner as they matured.
It took a few years before Lili joined the group, for being the youngest of the four, she had a hard time keeping up with them until she reached the age of five or six. Then wherever they went…so did she, trailing along behind, begging for them to slow down. Thankfully, Julianna and Lili became thick as thieves and when the boys wished to take off and play pirate or do something that would ultimately get them covered in dirt, the girls were happy to sit in the parlor and have a tea party with their dolls. It amused Erik greatly that whenever Amir would come by and Julianna would offer him some of their tea…the Persian would eye him suspiciously and only accept a cup after the girls assured him that Erik did not have a hand in making it.
From day one, Daniel had no trouble fitting into the family and everyone instantly loved him. It took four days before Erik worked up the courage to show the boy his full, unmasked face. It had been a very stressful afternoon for him, knowing what he must do, yet dreading it so greatly. However, Daniel once more shocked and amazed Erik by his reaction to it all, acting more intrigued and thoughtful than frightened. He asked a ton of questions, wished to inspect it close up, using his little hands as he scrutinized every blemish and defect. In the end he informed Erik that his face didn't matter to him at all…repeating the very same words that Erik had used on him. All in all, it was a very emotional, yet satisfying day.
As the years marched on, and Daniel grew older, Erik could see that while the boy was extremely smart and talented, he favored art and drawing over musical endeavors. Oh, he had learned to play the piano and was quite proficient on the violin as well, but they never became his passion like they were for Erik. Yet everywhere you looked there were drawings of animals, landscapes and people, all skillfully done by the junior artist himself. Erik was beginning to wonder just how the boy might turn this talent into a career when he unknowingly made the life altering decision to take his family to the 1889 World's Fair. It was there that Daniel saw the newly built Eiffel Tower up close. Up until then, Erik had never been able to get the boy interested in architecture, even after providing him with many books on the subject and offering to take him on multiple building projects with him. Yet the moment he saw the artistry of design in the tall tower created by Monsieur Eiffel…the boy was resolute. He had to design! So it was that Erik began to tutor the boy in all he knew about architecture, encouraging him to pursue more and more knowledge on the subject.
Julianna, on the other hand, took after Christine…as Erik had fully expected her to do. Music it seemed was in her blood, and long before her voice had fully developed, it was clear that she was destined to follow in her mother and grandmother's footsteps, to one day grace the stage. Christine often attributed this to the fact that not only had Julianna inherited her father's almost seductive quality in her voice, but because she had also been trained by him from such a young age. Many evenings were spent with the four of them gathered in the music room, with Daniel playing the piano for his younger sister as she practiced her scales. They were quite content with their picture of domestic bliss…that is until one day Christine announced that there was to be yet another addition to the Trouville family at last.
Once again, Erik was bursting with pride, eager to tell everyone he knew the good news…which, for Erik, was in truth a very small circle of friends. Already having a boy of twelve and a girl of nine, Erik decided it no longer mattered what sex the baby would be…yet deep down he hoped it would be a son, for they seemed to put less of a strain on his already worn nerves. However, almost as if he were being punished for teasing Amir about twin girls when Lili was born…that was exactly what the fickle hand of fate deemed to give him. Chantel and Jacqueline came into the world on a cold November night, delivered by none other than the reliable Doctor Brun. While Julianna had been born with the golden hair of her grandmother, this time the tiny twins took after their parents in this manner. Chantel had her mother's luscious, chocolate curls, while Jacqueline was blessed with the straight, raven black tresses of her father. It didn't take long before it was obvious that their coloring was not the only way the two girls differed. Chantel was quiet and shy, where Jacqueline was loud, boisterous and was almost impossible to keep still…and Erik could not have loved them more.
He was forced to endure quite a lot of ribbing from Amir, who never passed up an opportunity to point out that Erik was slowly creating his own harem. Yet even after all the guff he had to put up with, with just one look at his darling girls and Erik could not have cared less. They were healthy, they were happy and they were his.
Christine was pleased to have met their goal of four children, just like she had always wished for, in one final shot. Especially when as more years passed, and no further children came along, it was clear that her body felt it had reached its quota. Still with Samuel and Lili always visiting and staying over, more often than not, Erik and Christine felt like they had a total of six. Amir and Monique had also come to the conclusion that two was more than enough for them, and by either fate or design, their little family remained a small but happy foursome.
And so it was that Erik and Christine raised four beautiful children, each one bringing untold joy and pride to the both of them. Over the years they had spoken to Dr. Brun about the possibility of fixing Daniel's facial deformity, yet since the procedure to do so was still new and in the experimental stages, they eventually decided against it. Erik had kept his word and perfected an easily applied flesh-like patch to hide most of Daniel's disfigurement, allowing the lad to go out in public without even a hint of fear. Yet, just like Erik, he always removed it when he was around friends and family, and no one ever cared a bit.
By the time Daniel and Samuel reached the age of eighteen, they were inseparable and their relationship was stronger than that of most brothers. All through school they had stood up for one another, watching the other's back whenever there was the danger of bullies to contend with. Neither boy was overly muscular, yet Erik had seen to it that they were well trained in defense, making sure they could hold their own in a fight. Amir on the other hand instructed them in the art of defusing a tense situation with words, often showing them how to use humor to lighten the mood or escape it completely. With both tactics under their belts, Daniel and Samuel were well equipped to face whatever life threw their way.
They were both very popular among their peers, as well as their teachers, for they received instruction both at school and at home. Erik had deemed it important that his children, and Amir's as well, take in a working knowledge of many subjects, most of which were not offered in the normal curriculum. He insisted that they all learn the fundamentals of science and biology, as well as how to speak and read English…not to mention Christine's native tongue from Sweden. Not to be outdone, Amir took his turn and schooled them in learning the speech of his homeland, Persia. All in all, they were very well rounded children, educationally speaking.
Yet neither set of parents were prepared for when, after graduation, the two boys announced their wish to attend college in all places…America! Unbeknownst to their parents, they had secretly applied to the Ivy League school of Princeton, having kept it between themselves until their acceptance letters had arrived. Daniel was excited about the excellent art and architectural programs they offered, as well as the thrill of studying abroad and exploring a new country. Samuel, on the other hand, who had yet to settle on a chosen career, was mainly going to be near his friend - while hopefully discovering what it might be that interested him. Either way, their minds were made up and their hearts were set on Princeton, and nothing anyone could say would convince them otherwise.
So it was, with heavy hearts, that Erik, Christine and their three girls found themselves at the Port of Bayonne, just outside of the city of Toulouse, waving farewell to their beloved son and brother as he boarded a ship bound for America. Amir, Monique and Lili were equally sad to see Samuel go, yet equally proud of the boys just the same. It would be four long years before their sons made their way back home, now grown men of twenty-two with many stories to tell…both good and bad.
From the regular letters they sent home, it was evident that both of them had taken to college life like ducks to water. It was also clear that they were rather popular with the ladies, and the retelling of the parties and dances they attended with girls from their sister school often left Christine worried for her son's reputation, as any good mother would. Yet where Samuel appeared to never settle on any one particular girl, Daniel, it seemed, had developed a deep affection for a local debutant named Evelyn Vanpatten, the daughter of a wealthy banker. It was through his friend's budding relationship that Samuel became acquainted with the girl's father, and an interest in finances took root. Soon he had switched his major and was taking classes in anything pertaining to that field, be it bookkeeping, stocks, funds or investments.
Unfortunately, Daniel's relationship was doomed to failure, for though Evelyn was lovely in form and very popular among her peers, her underlying personality left much to be desired. And in a moment of heartfelt devotion, where Daniel had deemed her worthy to reveal his darkest secret…the girl had been found sadly lacking. Upon learning the true condition of his face, the courtship was terminated and Evelyn severed all ties with him. Devastated and humiliated, Daniel threw himself into his studies, centering all his focus on school in order to ease the pain of a broken heart. Thankfully, Samuel was there to pick up the pieces and see that his friend did not wallow in despair, keeping him busy and entertained until their graduation later that year.
Being the type of parents who would never miss their son's graduation, it was decided that Erik, Christine, Amir and Monique would sail to America, attend their commencement ceremonies and accompany them on the trip back home. Unfortunately, Julianna was enrolled in a prestigious music class and Lili, who was attending ballet school, could not afford to take the many weeks off it would have taken to compleete the voyage. So the girls offered to remain at home in France and watch over the twins - with the help of Anna and Charles, of course, who had since moved into the Trouville home due to advancing age.
Upon their return to France, the two young men were given a hero's welcome, and a very lavish party was thrown in their honor. It saddened Erik to see how Daniel, though seemingly just as outgoing as ever, appeared to now shy away from the opposite sex. Not even glancing at many of the young ladies who were so desperate to catch his eye. The girl in America had apparently wounded him deeply, and Erik made a mental note to speak with him about it…soon.
However, Samuel did not seem to be suffering from the same affliction and paid more than the usual amount of attention to a certain lady at the party. The trouble was, that girl was Julianna! Ever since they had stepped off the boat, it would seem the young man had eyes only for her. They had greeted one another politely, renewing their old friendship with the customary hug and a kiss on the cheek, and yet in their eyes, Erik immediately saw the spark of change. It was also that very night that Samuel ceased referring to Erik as his uncle, and now addressed him with a respectful 'sir'.
It was then that Erik's unease began to grow.
.
.
As the days continued, so did Samuel and Julianna's affection for one another, until it was more than clear that this was no passing fancy. The two spent every waking moment together, either at her house or his, closely chaperoned at all times. Daniel and Lili were the ones to shoulder the bulk of this assignment, seeing how they were inclined to attend the same parties and functions that the other young couple were invited to. Yet it was Erik who would sit in the parlor when they frequented his home, watching the two lovebirds like a hawk from behind his newspaper. He kept his eyes peeled for any slip of propriety, any moment of weak resolve where the boy would show his true colors, thus allowing Erik to toss him out of the house – much like he had often done to his father in the past. However, not once did Samuel appear to tempt Julianna with affections too great, or words too seductive…so Erik never found a valid reason to eject him.
And so it went, with Erik's trepidation growing to monumental proportions, much like the jests and quips heaped upon him by Amir. Oh, it seemed to please the Persian to no end that his son was now officially wooing Erik's daughter, and he was not shy in telling him so either.
"Come, come, old man," Amir would say, slapping him on the back in good sport. "If your little girl must marry, why not with my son? It will successfully unite our families just as we always wanted, will it not?"
"I believe that to be your personal fantasy, Daroga," Erik growled back, stepping away from him in an effort to lessen the desire to strangle him. It did not help. "I am quite content to never have your family and mine mixed in any fashion."
"Erik…if I did not know you better, I would be seriously wounded by your words," Amir retorted, looking almost hurt by his offensive statement. "Thankfully, I am of the jovial nature and will overlook your surly attitude on the subject. For I think it is a marvelous match and I will not be swayed to think otherwise."
And true to his word, he never did change his mind. Not once passing up an opportunity to invite Julianna and her family over for dinner, or out to some function. He was literally bending over backwards to ingratiate himself and his family to the Trouvilles.
Erik did his best to ignore it all.
.
.
Then the dreaded day arrived, the one he had been hoping to avoid since the moment Samuel came back from America. Julianna had invited him over for dinner, and while her doing so was nothing out of the ordinary, the way everyone was acting certainly was. Daniel and Samuel kept exchanging side glances with each other. Erik saw his daughter place her hand over the boy's in a comforting gesture more times than he cared for, and even his wife and Chantel were more subdued than normal that evening. If it had not been for the constant chatter from Jacqueline, the room might have been as silent as a tomb.
When Erik could take it no longer he announced that he was full, refused to partake of dessert and excused himself from the table. Wishing for nothing more than to barricade himself in his study, he did just that, picking up one of the many books Daniel had sent him from America over the past four years. Both he and his son had always shared a love of good literature, and when packages began to arrive from Princeton filled with new and exciting titles, Erik had been delighted. His favorites had been the works of a colorful author by the name of Mark Twain. Erik had devoured every one of his works thus far, and was currently making his way through 'The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg'. It was an amusing satire on how even the most honest of people could be tempted to do wrong, if presented with enough encouragement. Erik quickly became engrossed in the tale, making certain the door was properly locked before divesting himself of his confining mask.
Unfortunately, his wish to be left alone would sadly go unfulfilled. Once again he was thwarted by his conniving wife, for a short time later she knocked on the door, asking if he would let her in. Knowing there was no denying her, he rose and unlocked it for her to enter. Yet when the knob turned and the door opened, it was not Christine that stepped into the room…but Samuel.
"What do you want?" Erik all but growled, turning away quickly so that the boy did not have to stare at his now unmasked face. He knew that Samuel had seen it before, but still, it always unnerved Erik when he was put on display. Heading back to his chair, he grabbed his book and opened it up, placing it in front of his face as a shield. He hoped the boy would take the hint and leave, but just like his father, Samuel foolishly pressed on.
"I must speak with you, sir," he began, walking over to where Erik sat, not sure if he should sit or remain standing. If a fast getaway was needed, standing would offer him the quickest means of escape. "I have come to ask you for…"
"Stop!" Erik barked, causing the poor boy to step back in fear. "I know exactly what you are here to ask and before you say another word, there are a few things I wish to ask you." He closed the book with a loud thump and put it on the stand beside him, interlacing his fingers and placing them over his midsection as his thumbs tapped together in irritation. If it was the boy's intention to put Erik through this hell, then it was only fair that Erik exact the appropriate amount of torment from him as well. "Sit down," he ordered, pleased when he immediately did as directed, perching on the edge of the large settee facing him. "Now…first and foremost…what makes you think, in your wildest dreams, that you are good enough to court my daughter?"
"Nothing, sir," Samuel answered without hesitation. "I know for a fact that I am unworthy to even stand in the shadow of her grace and beauty. And if I were in your shoes, sir, I would be just as opposed to this union as you now appear to be."
This took Erik back a bit…the boy was actually making sense. He was also looking Erik directly in the eye, never averting his gaze from his deathlike face. The boy was strong willed, to be sure, yet one right answer and the ability to stare at him without flinching did not automatically win him the right to his daughter.
"So you admit to being undeserving of my daughter's hand and yet you actively pursue her…I fail to see the logic," Erik continued.
"In my heart, I know that Julianna is so far above me, for she is like the moon and stars…glorious and unreachable…yet I am unable to cease gazing upon her loveliness." Samuel seemed lost for a moment in thought, yet he quickly cleared his throat and pressed on. "I would give her the moon, sir, anything she asked for I would travel the earth to provide it. As soon as I got home I applied for a position at a prestigious financial firm, and just yesterday they offered me a job. It is just entry level, but it will offer us a fine living, one that will allow me to afford a wife and family. I want to protect Julianna, to care for her, and make her happy in every way imaginable."
"And just how many other women have you said these words to?" Erik was now going in for the kill. He had seen Samuel with girls before he left for America and his imagination could conjure up a dozen more such lasses hanging on the boy's arm while at college. He was, after all, a chip off the old Persian block.
"I admit that I have stepped out with a few girls in my time," Samuel confessed, looking a bit more nervous, yet determined to hold his ground. "Yet I can state with all honesty that never once have I lied to them or offered more than I was willing to provide. I have never told a woman I loved her…not once. And while I know I might appear to be something of a wolf in heat, I resolved in my mind years ago that until I knew I indeed loved a woman with all my heart and soul, I would never take that relationship further than the bedroom door."
Erik was stunned. Was Samuel saying what he thought he was? That he had never bedded a woman…not once?
"Are you telling me that you are still…" Erik stopped there, not sure exactly how to phrase such a delicate question.
"That is correct, sir, and I am not ashamed to admit it." Samuel held his head high, even if his cheeks did turn a tint of pink. "You see, I grew up hearing about my father's past and his dalliances with women."
"Yes, I know all about them," Erik muttered, rolling his eyes as he recalled the many tales he had been forced to endure. "And that is what concerns me most."
"I think you misunderstand," he broke in, eager to set things straight. "My father was not bragging about them…instead he laments each and every encounter. I cannot tell you how many times he has sat me down and explained the importance of making sure of your feelings before engaging in such intimate relations. That if he had it to do over again, he would have waited until he met my mother before giving of himself that way. I know that the reason they decided to marry was because of me, they have kept nothing secret, yet they swear that even if I had not been on the way, they would have eventually married. I have seen the depth of their love and I would never wish to risk attaining such a prize myself by throwing it away on some meaningless conquest."
"Honestly? Not even once?" Erik was torn…for on one hand Samuel was a handsome lad and from what he saw, very popular among the ladies. And yet, he himself could not fathom being with any woman but Christine, so the idea that the boy might be speaking the truth was not completely out of the realm of being true.
"I will not lie and say I have not been tempted," he admitted with a touch of reluctance. "However, every time I have come close to giving in, something would stop me. I used to think it was my father's words, yet now I know it was instead the beautiful eyes of Julianna. She has been in my mind and heart since the first time you allowed me to hold her as a child…I simply did not realize the extent of my love for her until I returned from America." He then leaned forward, staring at Erik with eyes full of sincerity and hope. "And that is why I come before you today, sir, begging for your approval to take your daughter's hand in marriage. She loves you far too much to go against your wishes and so all my happiness rests upon your answer. Will you do me the supreme honor of giving us your blessing?"
Erik did not know what to say. He had planned and practiced for this day over and over in his mind…and each time the answer was a resounding no! Yet now as he sat there and stared into the face of his would-be enemy, the thief and cad who was bent on stealing his little girl from him…he hesitated. Why was he not grabbing the lad by the scruff of his neck and pitching him out into the street? Why was the boy not in a choke hold at this very moment, turning a delightful shade of purple as his Punjab lasso stole the air from his worthless lungs? Erik had no answer…and yet he knew he must give one.
"I…I will need time to think on this," he managed to get out at last, "before I can give you my decision."
"I understand," Samuel said, sounding much less despondent than Erik assumed he would. "I will take my leave of you now and await your reply at your convenience." He then stood and offered Erik his hand, showing his admiration and esteem.
Erik had become used to shaking hands over the years, mostly when closing a deal for business reasons. Yet this was different. In this handshake he would be conveying mutual respect for the boy, an unspoken bond of acceptance…if not friendship. Dare he?
Slowly reaching out his own hand, he gripped Samuel's and gave it a firm shake, watching the boy's eyes light up at the gesture.
Damn it all to hell…now he was going to have to say yes, wasn't he?
"Send Daniel in to see me," Erik ordered, doing his best to sound gruff as the lad headed out.
"Yes, sir," Samuel nodded, "Thank you again for your time." And with one final nod he shut the door behind him.
Erik sat there stewing over what had just happened for a long time, lost in thought until he heard the door open once more.
"You wished to see me, Father?" Daniel asked, coming in and sitting down in the seat his friend had just vacated.
"Yes, I wish to ask you some questions," Erik began, steepling his fingers and resting them under his chin. "I want you to tell me of Samuel's…history with the ladies, and I expect the truth, son."
"I have never lied to you before, Father," Daniel insisted, sounding a bit offended by his suggestion that he would do so now. "And as much as I admire and care about my friend, my loyalty will always be to you and this family. I owe everything I am to you and Mother, for taking me in and showing me the kind of unconditional love that a boy in my position never dreamed possible. So never doubt that I will speak the truth, no matter what questions you might pose to me."
"I believe you, Daniel," Erik nodded, a slight lump in his throat forming at the boy's touching words. "So tell me…what do you think of Samuel wishing to marry your sister…is he worthy of such a prize?"
"I think we both know that no man is worthy of Julianna's hand," Daniel replied with a bit of a huff, crossing his arms over his chest. "Each of my sisters is precious in my eyes, and any man who wishes to court them will find me a formidable adversary. And yet…if Julianna must fall in love and wishes to marry…I cannot think of a more decent fellow for her to choose than Samuel. I am not sure what he told you in here, since Mother refused to let me listen at the door." This caused Erik to crack a smile, imagining the scene outside with everyone waiting in dread to see if the boy made it out alive. "Yet I know for a certainty that in respect to his conduct with other women, Samuel is worthy to offer himself without reservation to Julianna. I have long admired my friend for his moral code when it comes to the subject of marital relations."
"I…I am glad to hear this," Erik nodded thoughtfully. "And coming from you, my son, it is indeed high praise." Yet something in Daniel's tone gave Erik pause, making him recall his plan to speak to his son about what had transpired with the girl in America. Now might not be the most opportune time, but at least it would take his mind off Samuel and Julianna. "And what about you? Might I be so bold as to ask about your current state where the opposite sex is concerned? We have not had a chance to talk about what happened while you were at college. Will you tell me about it?"
Daniel's eyes grew wide and then he turned away in shame, not wanting his father to see the humiliation he felt over the whole ghastly situation. Yet he valued his father's opinion and his advice had always been helpful…besides, if anyone could understand what he was feeling, it was him. So with a deep breath he spoke the painful words he had been keeping inside for over six months now.
"I was a fool, Father, an utter fool," Daniel began, leaning back against the settee and running his fingers through his hair as he stared at the ceiling. "Evelyn Vanpatten had bewitched me with her beauty and grace from the moment I laid eyes on her. She was all I could think of, the only one I wished to spend time with…and yet, from day one she had duped me."
"Do not berate yourself so," Erik told him in a sympathetic voice. "Love is a difficult maze to navigate, and often it is only through trial and error that we find the prize at the end."
"Yet you and Mother never had to look around, you knew immediately that you belonged together," Daniel argued, still feeling foolish over the whole fiasco.
"I might have known immediately that your mother was the only woman for me, however she was not as quickly convinced as I was. Still it took us both a long time to admit our feeling, we both held back, not wishing to offer our hearts in case they be rejected."
"Well, I certainly put my heart on display…and Evelyn stomped all over it!" Daniel said bitterly. "I was so blind to all her faults, even though Samuel tried on multiple occasions to open my eyes to them. And when I was certain that she was the one, the only one, I sat her down and revealed to her…my greatest secret." Here he leaned forward, looking down at the floor and giving a low moan of pain. "It was nothing short of a nightmare. She gasped and pulled away from me the moment she saw my scars. I had often wondered if she had at least suspected, for as talented as you are at making masks, Father, if a person looks closely enough, the edges are not completely invisible. Had she never cared enough to notice? Never looked at me closely enough to even see there was something different?" When Erik gave no reply, for in truth he had none to give, Daniel continued on. "When I tried to explain she ran for the door, wishing for nothing more than to get as far away from me as possible. I tried to stop her, to get her to stay and speak with me, but she began to scream, striking out at me and calling me a…a monster and a freak." Here he stopped and took in a few ragged breaths, his hands balling into fists as they shook slightly. "I have never dreamed it was possible for me to wish harm upon a woman, but at that moment, all I wanted to do was wring her selfish, rotten little neck. It was as if every kind and tender feeling I had for her turned to hate in one split second. I felt betrayed, I felt used and I felt…ugly!"
"Daniel," Erik leaned forward, reaching out to comfort his son, but the boy sat back, not wishing to be touched.
"No, Father…please do not give me your pity," he stated, unwilling to look him in the eye.
"It is not pity, son," Erik insisted, knowing just how his boy felt. "My words stem only from the love I feel for you, and knowing just what you are going through. You think you are the only one who has ever felt ugly before?"
"I know what you are going to say and believe me, I had said it to myself a million times already," Daniel continued on. "I know that looks do not make the man, and that I have so much more going for me than a handsome face. Yet…my actions and feelings frightened me that day. I swear I did nothing, I never laid a hand on her or spoke any of the vile things I wished to say out loud. I let her leave and I never attempted to see her again. And yet…I worry…what if I had acted out of anger? Or what if the next woman I choose to love reacts the same way? Will I have the strength to stop myself again? What if, deep down, I am a monster? I am so confused and afraid…and I don't know what to do!" He could no longer hold back the tears he had kept in so long, and burying his face in his hands he gave into his grief.
Erik was up and at his side in a flash, wrapping his arm around his son as he pulled him close. It did not take long for Daniel to turn towards him, accepting the embrace of his loving father.
"You need to stop thinking of yourself in such a way, Daniel," Erik began, his heart breaking for the pain this was causing his boy. His eyes suddenly fell upon the book there beside his chair and something he had just read sprang to mind. "You know…Mark Twain wrote, 'That the weakest of all weak things, is a virtue that has not been tested in the fire.' You, my son, are not weak, for through this battle of the heart, you have been tested…by the fire of both love and hate. However, you stood up to the heat of persecution, of being betrayed by one you thought cared for you…and you came out stronger because of it. You did not give into the instinct to lash out, to return harm to those who first hurt you. Instead you proved your worth by walking away and not lashing out like some wounded animal. I am proud of you Daniel…you did the right thing."
"You…you truly think so?" he asked, looking up at his father with a mixture of hope and admiration. "Yet I can still feel the pain…I can still hear her condemning words echoing in my mind."
"I am so sorry this happened to you, my son," Erik whispered, unable to speak any louder over the lump in his throat. "As your parent, I have always wished that your life would be better than mine. That by growing up with a family who loved you, things might turn out different this time. Yet it would seem that no matter our past, the cruelties of life will always be there to challenge us. I had hoped that my temperament would not rub off on you, yet it would appear that you need not have my blood running through your veins in order to inherit my sins. For I once feared the same things as you…that I would lose myself to the rage that boiled inside of me when faced with scorn and ridicule. Yet in you, I see a power I never possessed in my youth…a strength of will that I did not acquire until I met your mother."
"You…you fought against such evil thoughts as well?" Daniel questioned, looking up at Erik in astonishment.
"I have worked hard to keep my past secret hidden from you and your sisters. I never wanted you to look at me with fear or disgust over the wrongs I have committed against this world," Erik lamented. "I understand your turmoil…the same battle that rages within you has long been my unwanted companion - something I have fought very hard to control. Yet it can be defeated…you can prevail over it, my son and I have more than enough faith that you will succeed."
"I never want to feel that way again, Father," he insisted, sitting back and wiping away his tears. "I never want to open my heart to the pain that love can bring. I thought the despair would kill me, and those first few weeks I was inconsolable. If it had not been for Samuel, I don't know what I might have done."
"You get that from your mother," Erik said with a deadpan look, recalling just how despondent she had become after she had learned about her blindness. When Daniel gave him a questioning look, Erik quickly waved it off and continued. "Yet it does not have to be that way. When the right girl comes along, and there is such a person out there, you will not fear opening your heart again. She will accept you for who you are and your face will not matter to her one bit. She will look upon you with the eyes of love and you will know without a doubt that you have chosen wisely. If I can find such a woman with a face like mine…I have no doubt that you will do the same."
"Have I told you lately how much I love you, Father?" Daniel asked, a warm smile gracing his lips at last. "How much I have grown to respect you for all your years of care and compassion? It has truly been an honor to call you my father."
"I too have found nothing but joy in raising you as my son," Erik replied, his own tears now running down his mangled cheeks, yet he felt no shame. "I cannot tell you the pleasures you have given me every moment you have been in our lives. I don't know what I would have done had you not wished to join our family, for I had come to love you so dearly from the first moment I spoke with you. I could not have asked for a truer son than you, Daniel."
The words were barely out of his mouth before the two were wrapped in a tight embrace, both sniffling and trying their best to fight back the unmanly tears. Finally when they were able to compose themselves, they began to chuckle, each one doing their best to act as if the touching moment had not happened. Yet, they both knew the love had been real and they would never forget the words they shared.
"Well…now," Erik said, clearing his throat. "I suppose that still leaves me with the problem of what to tell that upstart who wants to marry your sister."
"I know this is hard on you, Father…it is not very easy for me either," he admitted. "Yet, I fear that should you say no, you will break Julianna's heart in two. I have spent a good deal of time with the both of them lately, and when they look at each other…I see the same kind of love I have always noted in you and Mother. I believe they were destined to be together, that they have been waiting for the day their love would blossom, ever since they were children." He then got a sly look on his face and added, "Besides that…Mother is all for it and you know you will never hear the end of it if you go against her."
"I truly am caught between a rock and a hard place, am I not?" Erik moaned.
"It could be worse," Daniel pointed out.
"Truly? How is that?" he scoffed, not sure such a scenario existed.
"Julianna could have fallen for a de Chagny," he replied with a hint of laughter.
"Bite your tongue!" Erik bellowed, pulling back in horror. It had long been a private joke between Erik and Amir, that whenever they wished to curse at the other, yet did not want the children to hear foul language, they would wish a thousand de Chagnys upon the other. It was decidedly the most vulgar thing that either one of them could imagine. Apparently, Daniel had learned the secret behind the statement and was now using it to put things into perspective. "I would pack up this family and move to the North Pole before I would allow any of my children to marry into that family!"
"Samuel is suddenly not looking so bad after all, is he?" Daniel asked with a laugh, causing his father to roll his eyes before he too began to chuckle.
"I suppose he is the lesser of two evils," he admitted, reaching up to muss the boy's hair like he used to do when he was little.
And with both of them still smiling, they got up and headed for the door. When it was opened, they were faced with three pairs of anxious eyes, all waiting for the answer that Erik was loath to give.
"Father?" Julianna asked, stepping forward with a worried look in her eyes.
"Do you love him?" Erik asked in a gruff tone, not daring to look at his wife or Samuel.
"I love him with all my heart," she assured him, not wavering for a second.
"You think he will be a good husband to you?" Erik persisted. "Never take you for granted or become harsh with you in any fashion?"
"He will be the best husband in the world," she told him with a smile, stepping even closer as she placed a kiss on his cheek. "Second only to you, of course, Father."
Her words and the kiss had melted his heart and taking her into his arms he whispered into her ear, "Then I give you my blessing. Marry the boy if you must…just promise me that you will never forget your old father, and come over for dinner every now and again."
"I promise," she assured him, returning his hug as tears of joy spilled down her face. "I love you so much…thank you!" she choked out at last.
Erik looked up and watched as Samuel approached, a smile of gratitude on his face as he watched the tender scene before him.
"I thank you as well, sir," he said with a nod.
"You just make sure you treat my baby right," Erik threatened, not caring if his words frightened the boy. "I am not a forgiving man, and my arm is long, so if you ever make my Julianna cry, I will take great pleasure in showing you the true meaning of the word pain."
"Erik!" Christine scolded, not having seen this side of him in many years.
"No, it is all right," Samuel insisted, holding up his hand to Christine to halt her words in his defense. "I accept his terms and I fully intend to live up to each and every one of them. And should I fail to make Julianna happy, I would deserve nothing less."
"Well…then it looks as if we are all in agreement," Daniel laughed, finding this whole exchange rather odd…yet somehow fitting. Theirs had never been what one would call a normal family, but he would not exchange it for all the money in the world. "I believe this calls for champagne!"
.
.
And so, that was how Erik had been tricked into allowing this whole fiasco to go forth…and with each passing day his heart grew heavier and his trepidation increased. How on earth could he have agreed to let his little Julianna go?
Now as he lay there, staring at the ceiling and dreading the moment he was forced to set foot outside his bed, he wondered if he just stayed where he was, time would stand still as well. Yet this was not to be, for very soon he heard the pitter-patter of little feet making their way into his room, coming to stand beside the bed.
"Papa," came the distinctive sound of his precious Chantel. "I am hungry."
Erik turned his head and stared at her plaintive little eyes, for that was just about as much of her face that showed above the mattress and blankets. Either they needed a shorter bed…or his daughter needed to grow.
NO! Erik sprang into a sitting position. None of his girls needed to grow! Not a day older or an inch taller, and if he could have discovered a way to make that happen…he certainly would have!
"I am sorry, little one," he told her, reaching out and picking her up as he brought her up on the bed beside him. "I am afraid your father is getting a late start of it. I will fix you something right away." At ten years old his little twins were getting to the age where they wanted to do many things for themselves…thankfully making their own breakfast was not one of them. This made Erik happy, for what girl would even think of getting married without knowing how to cook for her husband…correct? Erik knew he was grasping at straws, but in his current mood, he would take any bit of hope he could get.
"Me too, Papa!" Jacqueline called, running into the room and bounding up on the bed beside her sister. "I want eggs and toast and juice and…and candy!"
"You can't eat candy for breakfast!" Chantel informed her in no uncertain terms. She took after her mother in that regard, always practical.
"But it is a special day! Julianna is getting married…shouldn't we get candy today, Papa?" She then looked at him and batted her long dark lashes at him, a trait that Erik knew would be the death of someone. If such a tactic worked on him…he could only imagine how effective it would be when she tried it on some poor unsuspecting boy. Yes indeed, he would have to kill every young man in town.
"You will be getting cake after the wedding, Jacqueline," he told her firmly. "Thus you will be having oatmeal and toast for breakfast, and be content with it."
"May I have brown sugar on my oatmeal?" she pleaded, apparently not abandoning the issue of sweets very easily.
"I think that can be arranged," he smiled. At least he could still fulfill the wishes of some of his daughters, he thought to himself as he pushed back the covers and climbed out of bed, placing his own robe over his black, cotton sleepwear. "Now…hurry and dress and your breakfast will be waiting on the table."
Both girls hurried off to obey, leaving Erik to trudge down to the kitchen alone. When he arrived he saw Daniel standing there alone, his back against the counter while he absentmindedly consumed a buttered croissant.
"Is that all you are having?" Erik asked, reaching into the cupboard to retrieve the oats needed to cook the girls' breakfast.
"I will try to grab something else before the wedding," Daniel told him with a halfhearted smile as he popped the last of the flaky pastry into his mouth and dusted off his hands. "Can't have the best man passing out during the ceremony…after all, that is the groom's job."
"Is something bothering you, son?" Erik asked, instantly seeing through Daniel's attempt at humor. "You don't have to pretend with me. Are you concerned about the wedding? Are you having second thoughts about your sister marrying today?" Erik almost hoped he would say yes, giving him an ally in his wish to stop this whole day from going forth.
"No, of course not," Daniel quickly assured him. "Nothing like that…it is just that…" he paused there and shook his head. "It is nothing, forget I said anything."
"If it is something that causes you distress, you know I cannot," Erik informed him, steering the young man to the table and encouraging him to sit down. "Now, tell me what it is."
"I…I think I might be jealous," he admitted with a reluctant chuckle. "I see Samuel and Julianna, together and so in love…and well, I want that too. Yet every time I think I might be ready to begin trying…I think of Evelyn and how much she hurt me and I am right back where I started. I don't want to feel this way…but how can I stop?"
"I do not have an answer for you, my boy," Erik said with a heavy sigh. "The only thing I can recommend for you is time. Time will allow your wounds to heal…time will offer you insight on what it is you truly want…and time will also allow that special someone to finally make her way into your life. All you have to do is wait."
"I was never known for my patience," Daniel laughed, knowing his father's words were both insightful and true.
"You get that from me," Erik nodded, having had to deal with the boy's constant need for things to happen immediately and on his schedule more times than he cared to remember. "Still, you are a smart lad, you will know when the time is right."
"Time is right for what?" Anna asked, entering the kitchen, dressed and looking like the quintessential grandmother of the bride, bedecked in her best dress and pearls.
"For me to wish you good morning, Grandmother," Daniel spoke up, rising from his seat and giving her a kiss on her cheek. "You look lovely today, so much in fact, that I fear no one will even notice the bride."
"Oh, stop," she fussed, turning a shade of pink at his words. "You are a master at flattery, just like your father." She then reached out and patted his shoulder lovingly. "Yet I will never turn down a compliment from such a handsome young man as yourself. Let's just not tell your grandfather about it, all right, you know how jealous he gets."
"What is this?" Charles asked, also coming into the kitchen dressed. "Are you keeping secrets from me again, my love? What is it this time, a handsome prince you plan to run away with? I always knew you would see the error of your ways and run off with someone better one day," he laughed, placing his arms around his wife as he gave her a gentle squeeze. Charles too was dressed in his finest monkey suit, as he was known to call them. His cravat was a bit crooked and a few licks of his greying hair were sticking up, but otherwise he looked very dapper. He had been forced to retire from the orchestra a few years back, due to the aching in his joints and fingers, making it impossible for him to continue playing the violin professionally. He still found time to play a song or two for his grandchildren and assist Erik in training the twins, who had recently taken up the instrument. He also now walked with a cane, but he told everyone it was due to the fact that Anna said it made him look distinguished, not because he needed it to steady his steps.
"You foolish old man, you know that I would never run off with anyone else…for in my eyes there is no man alive better than you," Anna laughed. "However, I have indeed been the recipient of flattering words this morning, compliments of your grandson."
"Well, that is altogether different," Charles nodded, giving Daniel a wink. "And how is everyone doing this morning? All ready for the big day?"
When Erik gave a low moan, closing his eyes and shaking his head, he had his answer. Yet before any words of sympathy could be offered, the sound of the twins racing down the stairs and into the kitchen interrupted them. They both stopped short, staring at the empty table and then at their father in surprise.
"Papa! You said you were going to have our breakfast waiting," Jacqueline whined, acting as if she were about to expire from hunger at any moment.
"I am sorry, my dearest," Erik apologized, rising from his seat and heading back to the cupboard to finish what he had started when he had become distracted by Daniel's plight. "I will fix it right away."
"I will take care of the girl's meal," Anna countered, taking the tin of oats from his hand. "You need to get yourself ready…we can't have a wedding without the father of the bride there to give her away. And you can't do so in your night clothes!"
"If I remain in them will that put a halt to things?" Erik asked hopefully.
"No! Now get yourself upstairs and get dressed!" Anna was using that tone of voice that meant business, and even Erik, the famed Opera Ghost, knew better than to argue with her. So grumbling all the way, up he went to bathe and dress…much like a condemned man preparing to face the guillotine.
.
.
The wedding was to be held at a chateau outside of Paris and an hour long carriage ride was required. Erik had hired an extra coach to make room for all attending, and as George pulled up in the first one, Erik and his family were ready and waiting. Erik, Christine, Julianna and Daniel rode together, while Anna, Charles and the twins made use of the second. While most were dressed for the ceremony, Julianna wished to dress at the chateau so as not to wrinkle her gown. Mother and daughter kept up a steady stream of conversation, talking about everything from the cake to the veil, never noticing that Erik and Daniel remained subdued.
When they arrived, Christine and Julianna hurried off to the apartments designated for them to dress and prepare. Erik directed Anna and Charles to the place where the ceremony would be held and strictly ordered the twins to behave while they waited. He saw Amir, Monique and Samuel standing off to the side, the elderly Persian fussing over the state of his son's cravat. It would not be long now.
Erik made his way upstairs and knocked on the door, patiently waiting to be admitted into his daughter's dressing area. When the door opened and his lovely wife smiled at him, a bit of the tension he had been carrying around lessened. She always did have the ability to lighten his moods.
"May I come in?" he inquired, holding back.
"Yes, we just finished," Christine nodded, stepping aside as she allowed him to enter.
What Erik saw took his breath away. Next to seeing Christine on their wedding day, walking down the aisle towards him, this had to be the most beautiful sight a man could behold. Tears pricked his eyes as he stared at the vision before him, his little girl…all grown up. Taking a few steps towards her, he grasped her hands in his and brought them to his lips, kissing them reverently as he fought to keep his emotions in check.
"You are truly a vision, my little Jewel," he told her. "No man deserves such a prize."
"Except Samuel," she chuckled, reaching up to kiss Erik's masked cheek. He had chosen to wear his white leather mask this day, the effect quite striking against his black suit. There would only be friends and family here this day, aside from the judge hired to perform the ceremony, so he did not bother to break out his flesh colored one. "I know you do not like the idea of me getting married…to anyone, however, I also know that of all the young men in this world, Samuel is the closest you might already consider to family. Am I right?"
Erik knew she was fishing, forcing him to admit his feelings out loud…and he did not disappoint her.
"Yes…I suppose that the boy has been around long enough that I have grown…tolerant of him," Erik confessed, practically choking on every word.
"And I love him very deeply, Father," she assured him. "I always have, you know, ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of growing up and marrying him. Now my dreams have come true."
"I would never wish to deprive you of your dreams, my darling," Erik assured her, yet couldn't help adding with a pleading look, "Yet…if you did wish to change your mind…I can't say I would be disappointed."
"Father," Julianna sighed, giving him an exasperated look.
"I know," he replied in defeat, "I just had to try one last time. You just have no idea how different things will be now, with you gone and out of the house. For the past eighteen years I have watched you grow right before my eyes, filling our home with laughter and love. Daniel might be older than you, but you were my first child. You were the one who made your mother and me into a true family, and I can't help but feel like I am losing you this day."
"You could never lose me!" Julianna assured him, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. "You have been the world's greatest father and my best friend for as long as I can remember. Growing up I often wished I too was a boy, so that I could one day become just like you…proud, strong and so loving. You have shown me what every girl deserves in a mate, and I will expect no less from Samuel."
"Well then," Christine broke in, coming up beside her husband and taking hold of one of his hands, "it would appear that Samuel has some pretty impressive shoes to fill. He will have to strive very hard to meet the standards your father has set."
Erik felt a swell of pride at his wife and daughter's words, wondering what he could have done to deserve such unconditional love.
Just then the bells at some local church began to chime the time, and after quickly conferring with his pocket watch, Erik announced that it was only a scant thirty minutes until the wedding.
"You scoot along and make sure Daniel and Lili are ready and in place," Christine ordered, directing him to the door. "I will see to the final touch ups here and then Julianna and I will meet you at the back entrance to the hall. Now scoot, we are running out of time."
As the door shut behind him, he knew she was right. He had only thirty minutes left before Samuel would usurp his position in his little girl's life. Shutting his eyes, he gave a heavy sigh as he leaned his head back against the door.
"Harder than you thought it would be, son?" came a voice from down the hall.
Erik opened his eyes and watched as Charles walked towards him, a bit slower these days and aided by his cane, but still a striking figure of health.
"How did you survive it?" Erik asked when he came to stand beside him. "I keep telling myself that this is all natural…that children grow up and marry, making their own way in life. But for some reason…I just can't seem to shake the urge to scoop her up and run away, hiding her someplace where no man will ever find her again."
"That sounds about right," Charles laughed, folding his hands over the head of his cane and leaning against the wall next to Erik. "I too wanted to do that very thing the day you wed my little Christine. However, Anna kept reminding me that she was not my little girl any longer…but a woman. And as much as I hate to inform you of this, Erik…Julianna is all grown up as well."
"Yes…I just noticed," he admitted, gesturing to what lay behind the door he was leaning on. "When did it happen? Wasn't she just a baby yesterday, learning to walk and talk?"
"It feels that way, doesn't it?" Charles nodded sadly. "Where has the time gone?" He then straightened up and jerked his head in the direction he had just come. "Yet, I think I know something that might lift your spirits. Follow me."
Erik was not sure if anything at this point could make him feel better, yet over the years he had learned that his father-in-law was often a fountain of good advice and suggestions. So he followed.
Charles led him to one of the other apartment doors just down the hall. It was slightly open and as he approached, Erik could hear voices. The older man beckoned him closer, placing a finger to his lips, instructing him to be quiet. Peeking through the crack he saw Daniel fussing with his own cravat while Lili sat nearby laughing at him.
"Some best man I turned out to be, I can't even fix this blasted thing!" he huffed, giving up and pulling it from around his neck for the third time.
"Let me help you," Lili offered, rising and coming to stand before him. "You have tied these a million times, it is only your nerves causing your fingers to fail you." In no time at all she had successfully tied the perfect knot and had it lying straight. "There, now you look handsome."
Daniel gave a snort of disagreement over her statement, before reluctantly turning to look at himself in the mirror.
"Why do you do that?" she asked, stepping closer to him until they could both be seen together in the reflection. "Why do you always put yourself down when anyone compliments you that way? Is it so impossible for you to believe me when I say you look handsome?"
"I have recently been shown the contrary, and I am not one to live in a fantasy world," he informed her, his tone a bit harsh.
"Daniel," Lili began, taking his hand and leading him away from the offending mirror and bringing him to sit next to her on the lounge. "I don't know all the details of what happened during your time in America…but from what Samuel felt comfortable telling me, I understand that this woman, Evelyn, hurt you very deeply."
"I do not think this is suitable conversation," he told her, turning his head away.
"I disagree," she insisted, reaching up and using her fingers to turn his face back to her. "For obviously it is something that has been eating at you for some time. Do you still care about this girl…do you still love her?"
"Love Evelyn?" Daniel asked, shock and disgust resonating in his voice. "I can assure you that I ceased caring for her the moment she threw my declaration of love back in my face…my horribly deformed face!"
"Stop!" she scolded, placing her hand on his chest. "You are the only one who thinks that way, and I will not have you speaking badly about the man I…" she stopped there, looking down at her hands as a tinge of pink covered her cheeks.
There was a moment of silence in the room, and out in the hall, both Erik and Charles held their breath.
"The man you…what?" Daniel asked at last, his voice slightly shaking.
"I…I shouldn't," she protested, moving to rise, but he grasped her hands and held her in place.
"Tell me," Daniel pleaded once more, reaching up to tip her chin so that she was looking him in the eye. "The man you what?"
"The man…that I love," she finished, suddenly transfixed by his stare.
"You…you love…me?" He was both shocked and pleased by the news, yet his mind did not quite know how to process it all.
"I have for a very long time," she admitted, suddenly empowered by having said it out loud. "I just never had the courage to tell you, and then when you went away and began sending letters back home about her…I believed I had missed my chance. I prayed every night that it was not real, that you didn't really care for her and that you would instead come home a free man. And when it came true, and you did break things off with her, I felt just terrible, thinking that my wishing had been the cause of your pain. I never wanted to cause you grief…even if it meant you being with someone else, I have always desired your happiness above all else."
"I…I never knew," he stammered, feeling rather foolish at the moment. "Was I blind?"
"No…you were just, well…being a man," she told him with a nervous laugh. "When you left for school, I was still only a child in your eyes, and you looked upon me as a cousin or a friend…that is all. Yet during those four years, I have grown up…I will be turning eighteen very soon and…"
"And you have blossomed into a beautiful flower, just as your name suggests," Daniel finished for her, daring to reach up and brush her cheek with his trembling fingers. "How did I miss it? How did I not see this amazing woman right under my nose?"
"I think you were too busy searching the horizon to bother noticing what lay at your feet all along," she told him, leaning in to his touch.
"Or perhaps I was simply unworthy to dare cast my eyes upon the goddess whom I had placed on a pedestal so long ago?" he suggested, once more enjoying the way she blushed at his words. "I still recall the first moment I laid eyes on you, and even back then I said you were pretty. Yet now…now you have surpassed any description of beauty I could ever hope to imagine. I admit that I have always had feelings for you…and not always of the cousinly kind. Yet to me, you have been like a treasure out of my reach, a woman I would never be worthy to possess."
"That is not true!" she firmly insisted. "You have let the lies that viper told you lead you astray. I am sorry she hurt you and made you feel unworthy of love…but it is right here, yours for the taking, if you only wish it."
"What about my face?" Daniel questioned, pulling back slightly. "Does it not offend you, knowing that it only lies hidden behind a rubber mask designed by my father? Does the idea of it not disgust you?"
"Daniel…I have seen your face on many occasions, and never once has it caused me a moment of concern." She then looked him right in the eye. "Your face is part of you, a part I love as much as any other. It does not matter to me what you look like…for don't you know that love is blind?"
"Your words are beginning to make me believe that it might be true," he smiled, staring at her as if she were the most perfect thing on earth.
"Besides…your father wears a mask, and I do not see your mother complaining one bit," Lili finished, a triumphant look in her eyes as her words made him laugh.
"Well, if I am in any way being compared to my father, how in the world could I feel inadequate?" Daniel responded. "Yet I fear that I will need to prove my worth to you…and your father. He might be pleased to welcome my sister into his family…but would he feel the same of me?"
"Daniel…" Lili gasped, pulling back so that she could look him directly in the eye. "Are you saying…I mean do you feel…" she was unable to finish her statement due to the fact that he brought his lips down on hers, silencing any further speech.
"That's my boy!" Erik whispered, nudging Charles with his elbow as the older man grinned alongside of him.
When Daniel finally pulled back, the look of complete contentment on both their faces made it more than obvious exactly how they felt.
"I may not have fully understood until this very moment, Lili Dessan…but I know in my heart that I too have loved you for a very long time," he confessed. "And if I had to endure the pain inflicted upon me by a thousand Evelyns in order to come to this conclusion…then I regret nothing." He then slid off the side of the lounge and went down on one knee, taking her hand in his. "Will you do me the honor, Mademoiselle Dessan, of allowing me to court you properly? To speak with your father on our behalf and plead for the privilege of being your beau?"
"Yes!" Lili squealed, needing no further encouragement than that. "Oh, yes, Daniel…YES!" And before he could respond, she too got down on her knees and engulfed him in a loving embrace.
Feeling rather intrusive now, Erik signaled that it was time that they leave the young lovers to themselves, and the two of them began to head down the hall, making their way to the ceremony location.
"How did you know?" Erik asked, looking at the older man with a new sense of wonder.
"Oh, I have been around long enough to recognize young love when I see it…even if those involved have yet to notice it themselves," he told him with a smug look.
"I will never underestimate you again, sir," Erik told him, slipping back into using the long abandoned title of respect.
They were just about to turn the corner when Amir came around, looking a bit frazzled and in a rush.
"Where have you been?" he asked, tugging on his cravat as if it were choking him. "Samuel is already waiting at the altar, and you, Erik, will need to walk the bride down the aisle at any moment! We only have ten minutes left!"
"Calm down, old man," Erik huffed. "Everyone is ready and we are heading there now."
"Where are Daniel and Lili?" he asked, looking around with a worried expression. "The best man and maid of honor need to walk in first."
Charles opened his mouth to answer but Erik cut him off.
"I think they are waiting in the room at the end of the hall," he casually mentioned, gesturing to the door they had just been spying through. "Why don't you go motivate them to hurry up and we will see you downstairs." With that he grabbed his father-in-law and all but dragged him around the corner. Yet, halfway down Erik paused, turning back as if waiting for something.
"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?" came the bellowing voice of Amir, followed by the slamming of a door and further muffled voices raised in both panic and alarm.
"You are a very evil man," Charles told Erik, yet even he could not wipe the wide smile off his face.
"And it only took you this long to figure that out?" Erik asked, laughing as well. It might have been an unkind thing to do, but he knew that Daniel could take care of himself. Besides, anything he could do to get a rise out of the Daroga was well worth the effort. "They will be just fine…besides, looks like Amir has just been inducted into our small club."
"Our club?" Charles questioned, as the two men continued on their way.
"Yes, the 'fathers who had to give away their daughters club'," Erik informed him with a smug smile on his face. "Let's just see how he enjoys the jokes and the ribbing for a change!"
.
.
Ten minutes later, a very flustered, yet happy best man and maid of honor rushed down the stairs and took their places, both smiling and holding hands. They were followed by a stern looking, red faced Persian who paused only long enough to give Erik a look of death, before making his way up the aisle to sit in the chair next to his wife. The next to come down the stairs were Christine and Julianna, doing their best to not let her dress and veil drag on the steps as they went. With a quick kiss on her cheek, Christine bid her daughter all the best and then, with a wink and a smile directed at her husband, she too went down the aisle to find her seat.
"You look beautiful, sis," Daniel told Julianna, causing her to blush. "Samuel won't be able to think straight once he sees you."
"I only hope one day I make as pretty a bride as you," Lili whispered to her friend.
"I have no doubt that you will," Daniel told Lili, leaning down so that his lips almost grazed her ear as he spoke.
Just then the music began and the blushing couple straightened up, walking through the doors and heading up the aisle right on cue.
"Did I just miss something?" Julianna asked her father, looking up at him with a suspicious smile.
"I have a feeling we all missed it…even they themselves for a little while," Erik laughed, tucking his little Jewel's hand into the crook of his arm and escorting her to the doorway. "This is your last chance," he whispered. "Just say the word and I will whisk you away."
"I think my mind is made up," she assured him with a loving smile.
"I will buy you a pony," Erik offered in one final effort to persuade her.
"Tempting…but no," came her final answer.
So with one final look at his little girl, Erik blinked twice and instead walked a beautiful woman up to her awaiting groom.
.
.
As the judge droned on, extolling the virtues of love, faithfulness and commitment, Erik sat next to Christine and thought about how fortunate he was. He had begun life as an outcast, an unwanted child who never expected to know love. Yet with the appearance of a woman, with a heart of gold, his life had been set on a path that had ultimately led to redemption. He still harbored deep regret for all the sins he had committed in the past, yet through Christine's love and acceptance, he had long since reconciled that with who he had been…not who he was now. Now he was a husband, a father and a friend…three things he never thought he would ever be. Yet, if truth be told, he loved each and every title bestowed upon him.
When the judge asked if anyone knew of any impediment preventing the couple to be wed, Erik couldn't help but open his mouth…yet no words came out. Samuel was a fine lad…no, a fine man, and he would take care of his precious little Jewel, of this he had no doubt. For if not, he had a well-kept Punjab lasso back at his home that would do the speaking for him in that regard.
The time came when the judge asked who it was that gives this woman to this man, and Erik rose, looking very tall and proud.
"Her mother and I do," he informed them, winning a smile of pride from his lovely daughter. Erik then sat back down, feeling suddenly quite old and tired. Yet with one look at the two beautiful little girls sitting next to him, he was instantly revitalized. With Amir not having any more sons, there went all hope of at least having a measure of control over prospective husbands. His Chantel and Jacqueline would need a lot of looking after, for all too soon they too would come of age and wish to put even further strain on his heart by seeking out a mate. And worst of all…they would be doing such things at the exact same time. Oh, the horror!
"Erik…are you all right?" Christine asked, noticing the stricken look that had settled in his eyes.
"I…I am not sure," he admitted, reaching out and taking her hand in his. He stared up at Julianna as Samuel raised her veil, the looks of love passing between the two impossible to miss. Next his eyes drifted to Daniel, standing up with his friend on his most important day, yet his eyes were only for Lili...and hers were in turn trained directly on him. Many things were bound to change, however, one thing would always remain the same. "Yet with you at my side, my darling angel, I think we will make it through…somehow."
"We always have before, my love," she assured him, leaning her head against his shoulder as the judge announce in a loud voice…
"You may now kiss the bride."
THE END
And I REALLY, REALLY mean it this time!
And there you have it, folks.
I did not mean for it to be that long, but you know how things go...when Erik takes over and starts dictating what I am supposed to write, I am helpless against his seductive voice. *sigh*
I hope you enjoyed the peek into their future, and with two more girls to go, I am certain Erik is in for one heck of a ride. ha ha.
How did you like Samuel and Julianna's romance?
Poor Daniel's failed one but then him getting it right with Lili?
Erik really is a very good father.
Thank you all for such a fun ride! I enjoyed sharing my story with you and loved reading all your wonderful reviews! I hope to see you all again when I get my new idea out of my head and on to my NEW computer (which arrived and is lovely!) It will be a modern day one...something I have never tried before, so it will be fun to see Erik with a cell phone and a sporty car! Christine will be there, and Amir, M. Giry, Meg and Charles Daae! And yes...Raoul will be front and center in this one. Sorry. I do hope you come check it out when it is done.
.
If you wish to purchase this on Kindle, it is up and ready with all the changes and corrections I made. It will soon be up for sale in book form on Amazon as well.
Thanks once more and until next time...happy reading and writing!
FantomPhan33
.
Guest Reviews:
MlleNikki: Amir and Erik do have a very quirky relationship...but like Erik said...it works for them. ha ha. And you might have noticed that i used that line as the title of this last chapter. hope you enjoyed the more mature/older Dessans and Trouvilles.
TheRebbs98: I hope you found all this new one as well...I would hate for you to have missed out on any of the extra chapters! Daniel is truly a chip off the old block...even if that block did not sire him. ha ha. Erik was only being modest when he said he 'dabbled' in music, ha ha. Samuel is very much like his father...just not in the way of womanizing. He saved himself for his true love...Julianna! Ha ha, what are kids for if not to spoil them with rose biscuits? ha ha. And any day that Erik can scare the bejeebers out of Amir, is considered a GOOD day. ha ha. Yep, Amir finally got it all when he held his little daughter...the light goes on and the worry starts. ha ha.
Mystery: I hope you liked how the kids turned out. It was not ALL smiles and laughter, there was some heartache in there too, but that is life...right? Everyone was happy in the end though. I really went back and forth about the last two kids...I wanted them to have a total of four, but it was only at the last second I decided to give him twins...and both GIRLS. I think that made Daniel feel even more special and close to Erik, being his only son and all. I am sorry this one was not up to "Erik speed" but did you see how LONG it was? ha ha.
Another Guest: You can like whichever one you want to the best. They are all like my kids...and you are not supposed to have a favorite child. ha ha. I will be writing an new one VERY soon! I am afraid that I have never seen that show. Sounds like a cross between Survivor, Lost and the game Clue. ha ha. It would be a modern-day FF, right? Well I have never tried one of those before, but my next one will be my first stab at it. I will keep your plot line tucked away in the back of my mind in case I ever run out of my own ideas. ha ha. But with Erik as my muse...how could that EVER happen? ha ha. I thank you for your vote of confidante and your spirit of adventure! Thanks for reading. FP33
PhantomChristine: ha ha, oh you betcha! Amir HAD to have a girl, just so Erik could get even. No, I did not even think about how I named the little girl in MBTM Lillian...i just looked up Persian names and found one that meant blossom or flower and liked it. Thankfully, the mothers had SOME say in their daughters lives, so they are assured of weddings and babies. ha ha. I think Charles is the smartest one of them all...he has already lived through it, he could be a wealth of information and comfort. ha ha. I will do my best to crank out another one as quickly as possible. Thanks!