479Friends, readers, followers, lend me your eyes, for we have reached the final curtain to our tale. After two years, no more having to guess how this will end. At last, we will all find out together! First, I wish to thank all of you who have stuck by me throughout this story. I especially thank the readers who have reviewed every single chapter. You have no idea, how much that meant to me and kept me going.
I stumbled upon a magnificent quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald that in my opinion, is absolute perfection for our super couple. So in good Fan Fiction writing fashion, I will be using it. LOL It will be towards the end and you'll be able to tell that such exquisite thoughts, are not mine. My only regret is that I did not use it sooner!
And now, I bring you the final chapter to a "A Gentleman's Agreement."
"He's the Phantom of the Opera!" Raoul's words began to resonate with the audience members.
The Opera House Managers looked at one another cautiously.
"Andre, what did he say?"
"No, it can't be…."
Jamie didn't know whether to take notes or stand up and get on stage to help in some way. When he saw his co-worker, taking pictures, he thought a note or two about what was happening may not be such a bad idea after all.
Commotion was going wild, until a loud, soprano scream was heard from above.
"No!"
Erik gulped, knowing full well that it was Christine. He didn't want her to come down and be seen. He had to do something but what?
As Christine ran down to the stage, she bumped into Carlotta and had to do a double-take when she saw she was wearing the exact same gown.
Carlotta spoke, "My dear, it was all a plan to help…"
Yet Carlotta's words were a waste of time. All Christine wanted to do was get down to Erik.
Erik moved center stage to address the audience, who were demanding answers.
"Who are you?"
"The Devil's Child is really that murdering Phantom from years ago?"
"No! It's some sort of publicity stunt as usual."
"Let's get out of here…"
"Are you kidding?! I paid full price for this seat. This is getting good!"
Erik placed his hands out to try and silence the crowd.
"Please, my dear patrons. I can explain everything…"
"Wait!"
All eyes went towards Christine, who was practically out of breath from running so fast.
"Don't hurt him."
Erik didn't mask his angry at seeing Christine on stage but she was unwavering. She came closer to him and took his hand. The instant touch, melted all of Erik's anger but intensified his fear. They were both venerable now. Christine, then turned and addressed Raoul.
"Raoul, please don't do this."
The crowd was instantly hushed by Christine's plea.
"Raoul, this isn't you, not the boy I knew so very long ago. We were friends once and I adored my time with you and my Father. We will always have those days by the sea. Those are the memories I shall think of whenever I hear your name. Please tell me that boy isn't lost. Please show me that he is still a part of you."
Raoul looked uneasy, as Christine kept speaking.
"I love him. Does that mean nothing? I have known this man, for practically my entire life and I can assure everyone here that he is no monster, phantom or freak." She looked at him with such love in her eyes, no one could think she was being dishonest. "He is not the Devil's Child either. He is a man. A brilliant, good hearted man, who captured my soul and my heart. We haven't broken any laws. All we did was fall in love. All we want is peace. Peace you can grant us, Raoul. Tell the truth. Please, if not for me then for the boy you once were."
Raoul looked at everyone, as if the fate of their lives depended on him.
"I'm sorry, little Lotte but I have to do what is right." He then proceeded to walk towards the stage and motioned for the authorities to follow him. "Arrest that man!"
"No!" Christine jumped in front of Erik.
"Angel, no! It will be alright." Erik whispered, as he tried to move her out of the way.
All of a sudden a voice from the rafters was heard.
"Up here, Monsieur le Phantom!"
Erik looked up and saw Thompson pointed a gun straight at him. He didn't think twice. He pushed Christine out of the way and then lifted his hands up in the air to show he was unarmed.
"I mean you no harm. You are confused. You don't want to do this. I'll go quietly with the authorities. My death should not be on your hands."
Meg screamed to Thompson to stop.
"Charles, what are you doing?! He's my uncle and he's innocent. Stop this at once! What has happened to you? Did you ever change at all?"
"Meg, I'm sorry but life is about survival. I didn't want it to have to come to this but these people had to make it so difficult. Our noble Vicomte, was blackmailing me. It's survival and nothing more." He pointed his gun and was about to shoot when Carlotta came from behind and knocked him over the head with a large sandbag.
"Scoundrel!" She called down to Meg. "Meg, I always knew he was no good."
Erik quickly went to Christine. "Angel, I'm sorry. Are you hurt? I just couldn't risk anything happening to you."
Tears were in her eyes. "Don't you see? If something happens to you, it happens to me. Anywhere you go, let me go too. I can't…. No, I don't want to live without you."
He held her tightly, dreading the moment he would have to let her go.
The audience watched in silence, and just before the police chief walked towards Erik, Nadir ran on stage clapping.
"What a show! What a performance! My word, Phantasma, does it again!"
The audience began to stir. "What did he say? Who is he?"
"Ladies and Gentlemen, if you would please allow me. My name is Nadir Khan and I work here at Phantasma and all of you good people have been a part of the final performance. Give yourselves a round of applause!" He began to clap his hands towards the audience.
"You see, every year, Phantasma likes to liven things up. We not only brought you a dancing sensation from Meg Giry but you heard the former leading Soprano from the original Opera House, for 22 seasons. A record, mind you…. Carlotta Giudicelli. We also had the distinct honor of hearing Erik Dexter and Christine Daae, perform on this stage for your eyes only. I know their paths will lead them to greatness but remember who brought it to you first!"
Jamie was laughing, as he wrote his note and jumped on the stage.
"I'm from the press, folks and let me tell you, this was utter genius! What a performance!"
Nadir shrugged. "Well Phantasma knows how to end the season and this year we are humbled greatly that we could have all of you share it with us! Special thanks of course goes to the Vicomte de Chagny for graciously agreeing to play along. Bravo! Bravissimo!"
The audience seem to accept this, as they all began to stand up and cheer. Erik and Christine looked at one another and stood up.
"Thank you, one and all. Yes, it appears Monsieur Vicomte was the most helpful of all. We couldn't have done it without you." Erik then graciously shook Nadir's hand and placed Christine's hand in his. He threw his voice so they both could hear him. "Take her to the train station."
However, Christine did not move. "Not without you."
"What the devil is this, Vicomte?" The Police Chief cried out. "You mean this whole thing was an elaborate hoax? You never meat for us to arrest this man?"
Raoul was getting flustered. "Now see here…"
Instantly, he felt the tight fist of his brother, Phillip, grip his shoulder. Raoul saw Phillip on his left and Claude on his right.
"Phillip, thank God. Now you can see that this is settled once and for all."
Phillip smiled, but whispered something not very pleasing into his brother's ear.
"You imbecile. You arrest Erik as the Phantom and it will be all over town that you were in business with a murderer."
"What are you talking about?"
Claude pulled out the deed, which had Raoul's signature to give up all claims and relinquish the surrounding land to Erik and thus Madame Giry.
"Did you forget this little document, Vicomte?" Claude gloated. "I told you I was an excellent Inspector."
The Police Chief grew impatient. "Well, Vicomte? What are we to do?"
Phillip walked up to the stage. "Take a bow my dear, Chief. I then command that you take your men and return to your stations." Phillip clapped towards the officers. He then walked up to Erik. "Impressive show, Monsieur Dexter. What do you do for an encore?" He held out his hand to him.
"You'll have to return next season. Phantasma always leaves them wanting more." Erik looked down at the man's hand and slowly shook it.
"I shall look forward to it." He then walked off the stage, as he nodded towards Claude. He proceeded to leave the tent, with Raoul in tow.
Erik thanked the audience once more and finally the curtain came down.
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After the performance the family gathered at the house for some refreshments and a long overdue explanation. They all kept up appearances as the press and the patrons finished exploring the park but as soon as Phantasma closed, Annie got the family together and included an invitation to Carlotta and after much insistence from Meg, Jamie.
"Claude, are you going to tell us all what the hell just happened?"
Claude smiled and finished pouring out the Champagne. "Give me a minute, Annie."
"The hell with your minute. I was wondering all evening, why you were sitting next to the Comte. Now I demand to know what you, Nadir and Erik were thinking!"
"Actually, I'd like to know what those two were thinking. I was left clueless on tonight's weird turn of events." He laughed. "Perhaps we can all add our stories and see how the puzzle fits. As you all know, I have taken on a few clients for short term assignments. Being the former Inspector, allows me some clout. Despite our differences in the past, the Comte and I always had an amicable relationship. I had taken on a small job for Phillip, when Erik informed me of his gentleman's agreement with Raoul."
"Some gentleman." Meg mumbled.
Claude laughed again. "Be that as it may. I didn't know exactly how it would play out but I knew that if Erik was associated as the Phantom it would expose the de Chagny family exposed as negotiating with murderers. I had expected to intervene after the performance. Not necessarily be in it."
Annie looked confused. "What did the documents say?"
Claude looked at Erik. "I think you should be the one to give her these, no?" He handed Erik the documents.
Erik took them, with gratitude showing in his eyes for Claude. "Thank you." He then took Annie's hand. "Dear sister. Long ago, I told you that you would be rewarded for your loyalty in me. I admit, I didn't think it would take this long but a promise is a promise." He handed her the deed. "It's all yours. The park and the surrounding land. Nothing can stop you now, my dear"
Annie looked at the documents in complete shock. "Erik… I…. I couldn't take this. No, it yours too. It's all of ours!"
"You are more than capable of making this place even bigger and better than it is today. You've earned this. It's the least I could do to repay you for your faith in me."
"Stupid, man! I love you! Of course I…" She was at a loss for what to say next. So she hugged him tightly. "I'm going to miss you both, very much." She whispered into his ear. "Thank you."
Meg chimed in. "Alright, so we understand how Claude was able to outsmart the Vicomte but can someone explain why on earth Carlotta and Christine were wearing the same dress?"
Everyone laughed and Jamie chuckled as he said, "That will be front page news."
Erik then place his hand on the boy's chest. It was a little forceful but only to make his point. "Young man, what exactly are you going to write for this story of yours?"
"Monsieur, have no fear. My story notes are on the biggest show of the season with an excellent hoax of an ending to ensure audience participation and delight. This part is off the record. I look at all of you as friends, if you'll have me."
Meg took Jamie's hand and Nadir tried to hide his disappointment. "You're family now, Jamie."
Erik took Meg's acceptance as assurance. "Well then, yes, Nadir can you tell us all your costume design choices?"
Nadir rolled his eyes. "I knew you would do something other than what was agreed to, Erik. Granted I didn't think it would be performing a duet with your lady love but I thought if Carlotta was seen in the same dress and seen with the same mask, etc.…. It would have allowed some leeway if Christine decide to venture out into the park. She did say how she would have loved to see you sing. Who knew how ingenious my plan was after all."
"Poor Thompson." Fleck sighed.
"Poor Thompson?! He could have killed Erik or Christine or anyone of us. That man was always a snake." Carlotta reminded everyone.
Meg shook her head. "I would prefer to think of him as being misguided. Does anyone…." Her voice broke up. "Does anyone know what will happened to him?"
Nadir calmly addressed the group. "Claude and I saw to it that he would be handed over to the Police Chief once he woke up. Our Carlotta doesn't miss when she aims with her sandbag." He smiled at her, as the former diva blushed.
"Nadir, will that cause the Chief to ask questions about tonight?"
"Don't worry, Meg, I'll be sure to shed the light on Charles Thompson for all my readers." Jamie assured her.
Nadir nodded. "Honestly, Meg. He was so grateful to be doing police work, that he actually felt as if he owed us a favor."
The group laughed but Erik noticed that Christine had walked outside. They hadn't had any time alone since the curtain came down. He placed his arms around her from behind.
"Angel, are you alright?"
She leaned back into him. "It's really over. We're free. It seems so surreal."
"Are you…. Angry with me?"
She tilted her head so she could look up at him. "For denying me the right to be beside you?"
He stiffened. "Christine, I couldn't let anything happen to you. We had been over everything and I told you that I didn't want you to be seen. I was only following our plan; it was all I had. When Thompson had the gun and I thought for a moment he would aim at you…" He let her go and she could see his hands start to tremble.
"Precious…."
"Christine, I know you wanted to be with me and I love you for it but you can't think that I would allow me to just risk your life. I would never forgive myself if my desire to be with you, caused me to overlook your safety. I won't apologize for that!"
"You would want me safe?"
"Of course!"
"You would lay down your own life for mine?"
"In a heartbeat."
"You would give your life for one more moment beside me?"
"Yes!"
"So would I." The tears began to fall and she couldn't stop them. "So you have to know exactly how I feel and what I would do. I won't apologize either for it."
He was going to reply but the words wouldn't come. He instead dried her tears with his thumb. After a moment, he went down on his knees. "I was going to join you on the train! You still doubt my abilities?"
A laugh escaped her. "I just had to make sure you knew that I would be equally devastated if you…" She couldn't finish her sentence.
"How could I fail to know?"
She removed his mask and kissed him in front of God and anyone who dared disturb them.
After several moments, Erik depended the kiss but they were forced to break apart when Meg coughed.
"I'm sorry you two but you best get going if you are going to make the last train. Despite the turn of events, you two should stick to your plans. Nadir has a carriage waiting."
Erik stood up and Christine blushed profusely.
"We'll be right there." He didn't turn around, he simply stared at Christine. He then realized something. "The bags…."
"We got them, Uncle Erik."
He turned when he heard her call him that. "My Megan. You were glorious tonight."
She threw her arms around him. "We all were." She grinned. "Come on, no goodbyes. I'm seeing you both off." She went inside.
Christine gave Erik back his mask.
"I'll use my flesh one. I'll be right back."
"Erik?"
"Yes?"
"Don't wear any masks until you absolutely have to, okay?"
He smiled. "As you wish."
She kissed him once more. "I wish."
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Erik, Christine, Nadir and Meg were in the carriage. It was a somber moment.
"Nadir, I can't tell you enough how much I …."
"I know, Erik. You don't have to say it." He smiled and then looked back out the window, until he felt Erik's hand on his shoulder.
"Yes, I do. Thank you, old friend. I'll miss you. Watch over our family."
"You know I will. I suppose you heard that Squelch and Fleck are getting married."
Erik smiled. "Indeed, I did. Wonderful news. Perfectly matched."
"And Annie and Claude…."
Erik took Christine's hand. "We will be back for that wedding, rest assured."
Meg took Christine's other hand. "I wish we had more time together. I'll miss you Christine."
"We'll see each other very soon." Christine said coyly.
"We will?"
"I need a maid of honor, silly."
Meg beamed. "I'd be delighted!"
The girls hugged and Erik nudged Nadir. "The best man question goes without saying. So you best come together."
Nadir gave Erik a look. But then smiled. "I will start working on my toast."
The carriage stopped and Erik helped both ladies out. He then motioned for Nadir to help him with the bags.
"Nadir, what I said in here…."
"I told you I'd be your best man, what do you want, a kiss?"
"No, you old, fool! What are you going to do about my niece?"
"Erik, please."
"Didn't tonight prove anything to you? Life is precious and far too short. You love that woman."
"You should know then that woman is going to be a dancer. I love her enough to let her go and be what she is destined to become."
"It's not one or the other."
"I know what I'm doing…"
"No you don't. Tell her at least."
"Erik…."
"Otherwise, you'll only have a love that you regret. Now give me a hug, you old fool."
The ladies waited by the train, as Nadir gave the bags to the porter. Erik emerged with his flesh mask, securely on and Christine couldn't wait until they were alone and she could take it off and maybe a few other items of clothing too.
Erik hugged Meg one last time. "Write to us."
"I promise. I love you."
"I love you too and be happy, my Megan." He then took Christine's hand and they boarded.
Nadir and Meg waved until the train left the station.
"They're gone." She wiped a tear away.
"They'll be back and we will visit."
"We will." She emphasized the word we.
Nadir looked at her for a moment. "When do your start rehearsals?"
"Nadir…. It's not official yet."
"No?" He looked at her suspiciously.
"I have a meeting tomorrow. They want me to sign a contract!" She squealed.
"That's marvelous! He hugged her and without thinking, kissed her gently. They slowly broke away. I'm sorry, Meg."
"Why?"
"I didn't want to step out of line. Please know, I wouldn't come between you and Jamie or…."
"Jamie?! Is that what you think?"
"Well, I…. I saw him tonight and he is obviously smitten. Who wouldn't be?"
"I am not in love with Jamie, Nadir."
"No?"
"No."
"Meg…."
"Nadir, I intend to accept the Opera House's position tomorrow. And I plan on celebrating."
"You should. You have earned this."
"Will you take me out?"
"Me?"
She nodded. "Seems like a perfect time to start again. The right way, this time. Our terms and no secrets."
"I want that very much." He smiled and let out a deep breath. "Meg, I promise, that I won't come between you and your dancing. I will support you in this and all endeavors."
"That's precisely why I want to start over. You love me, all of me. God and Allah help you." She giggled.
"Meg Giry, I'm not much but I am yours!"
"You're all I will ever need."
They kissed on the platform until the station closed.
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Erik escorted Christine into their private compartment. It was a deluxe suite that Christine said was much too extravagant but Erik knew she loved it, nevertheless. She could hardly contain herself when she saw the roses and Champagne and decadent chocolates, along with a tray of cheese and fruit prepared for them. She then eyed a very silky nightdress that appeared over the couch.
"Monsieur Dexter, that nightdress had all sort of implications. Just what do you plan to do with me in this room all evening?"
He took off his mask and kissed her hand. "My dear, I never assume but I do pray, wish and hope like hell that I can spend the next several hours being nothing but your man, no more and no less."
Before long there would be talk of their wedding details and new home and preparations for their new theater and the operas and concerts they will perform. Soon after that, there will be news of babies and fears, along with joys, hopes and happiness. In other words, a life shared as one but for now, Christine opened her arms and Erik closed the gap between them. They slipped briskly into an intimacy from which they never recovered.
The End.
A/N: The last line is the infamous quote. Below is the song list for "A Gentleman's Agreement"
Chapter 3- "Please Remember Me"- Tim McGraw
Chapter 16- "That's as Close as I'll Get to Loving You."-Aaron Tippen
Chapter 22- "I Have Nothing"- Whitney Houston
Chapter 33- "The Phantom of the Opera"- Duh
Chapter 42- "Open Arms"- Journey
Chapter 52- "Unchained Melody"- The Righteous Brothers.
Chapter 54- "Where Does My Heart Beat Now" Celine Dion
Chapter 63- "Evermore"- Beauty and the Beast
Chapter 65- "Love Never Dies"- Duh
Chapter 69- "A Thousand Years"- Christina Perri