472Friends, I wish you the merriest and happiest new year. This chapter is long overdue. My only excuse is the holidays took up a lot of free time but also, if I am to be honest, I was delaying the end of the story. However, it is time. The story needs a proper ending and I am ready to bid farewell to our beloved super couple.
So on with the show!
Erik could barely utter a word, as Madame Giry was pushing Christine towards the tunnels.
"Hurry, you two. The boat is ready, and we must get Christine into her dress. Thank goodness, the seamstress finished all the alterations."
"But Madame, I don't understand. We can't possible perform tonight. The show isn't even…"
Meg took her friend's hand. "Mama insisted the show be moved up. We needed to boost sales for the Opera House and have some positive publicity for a change." She couldn't contain her excitement. "Christine, we are sold out. Everyone is dying to see the new diva… Err well, dying it probably not the best word with everything that has been going on as of late, but you know what I mean." She winked.
"Erik, did you know about this?" Christine arched her brow at her husband.
"Christine, I swear to you, I am just as in the dark as you are." He then took Madame's arm. "Annie, we can't stay, even though I wish we could. The Vicomte…."
"Has been arrested."
"What?!" Echoed both Christine and Erik.
"Mama, let me tell, please?"
Madame rolled her eyes. "Well, alright."
"The police arrest Raoul for the murder of Veronica. It's over!"
Madame looked at her daughter. "Do you think you should add a bit more to the story, my dear?"
Meg looked at her strangely for a moment. "Oh! Well, after the murder of Lorraine was discovered…."
"Lorraine? Meg, who is Lorraine?"
"I'll take it from here, Meg. Erik, do you remember Lorraine?"
Erik thought for a moment. "No, I don't but I never paid attention to any of the ballet rats except for Meg and Christine, of course."
"Lorraine was with us a few seasons ago. She was a lovely girl and a very good dancer. You girls used to call her, Lori."
"Oh My God…" Christine's mouth fell open. "But she left to go to Germany. Her parents wanted her to go…."
"That's what she wanted you all to think. You see, girls, the Vicomte or rather his family have been patrons to the Opera House for years. First it was his brother, Phillip but then he came of age and needed a proper wife. Before that though, Lori was sweet on him. They were seen outside the Opera House on occasion but once his engagement hit the newspapers, that faded."
"I don't understand, Madame. Are you saying the Phillip killed Lori?"
"Lori thought that she was going to elope with Phillip. So, she made up that story about her parents wishing her to go to Germany. However, on the night she thought she was to be wed, Raoul came and gave her the upsetting news about Phillip."
"It appears every de Chagny is a coward." Erik scoffed.
"Erik, just hold your tongue and steer the boat. We have to hurry." Madame then continued. "Apparently Raoul and Lori became friends that night and were rumored to be involved."
Erik turned around. "That's preposterous. I hate that boy, but he has only ever loved Christine. Why would he make a play for another girl? He only chose Veronica because Christine chose me."
"Angel, Raoul and I hadn't seen each other again during that time. He only noticed me when I took Carlotta's place at the performance, last season. Until then, I was just a nothing chorus girl to him."
"No!" Erik shook his head. "How could he not have seen you? Remembered you…."
"He only noticed me when I was the center of the attention. Then he remembered who I was. It's all because of you, that he noticed me, angel. Your love, care and commitment to my success, was what made Raul remember me."
"Are you kicking yourself for that, Uncle Erik?" Meg laughed.
He looked back at Christine. "Never."
Madame continued. "It wasn't too long before Christine's debut, that Lori end things with the Vicomte and was leaving the Opera House."
"She ended things?" Meg questioned. "I thought Raoul did."
"No, she loved Phillip. She told me she as going to leave and begin again. She was ashamed of her past and she was convinced that leaving France was the only way."
"Only no one walks out on the de Chagnys." Erik retorted.
Madame nodded and then bowed her head.
"Poor Lori…." Christine was in utter shock, but Meg took her hand to comfort her.
"We didn't know she died. However, when another Opera dancer was murdered in less than two years' time, the police started to ask more questions. They knew of foul play with Lori and both murders seem to be very similar…."
Was she…? With child as well?" Christine asked timidly.
"No, we don't think so. Again, it was Lori that broke it off with Raoul. I think he doesn't handle rejection well, but you do know that, don't you my dear?"
"We are here." Erik said as he docked the boat carefully. He then helped Madame and Meg out of the boat. "Angel, are you sure you want to do this?"
"Your voice must be head, my love. Let me by your mask tonight."
They all entered through the mirror and Erik was about to leave to allow Christine to change with Madame and Meg's help, until a knock was heard at the door.
"I'll just…."
"No, Erik. Don't go. I want my husband here with me."
"Husband?!" Now it was Madame and Neg to speak in unison.
The knock was heard again. "Madame are you in here? It's Sierra. I must see you."
Madame went to the door.
"Sierra, what is it. We need to help Christine dress. We…"
"It's our male lead."
"What about him?"
"He's intoxicated!"
"What are you talking about, Sierra? Now is not the time for tricks."
"Meg, I'm not fibbing. He was so nervous about the new score and all and he felt he needed more time to prepare. He thought some liquid courage would help him, only it helped him become very sleepy. He's backstage sleeping on two crates and we can't wake him."
"Oh no! But it's a sold-out house! The press is here!
"I guess Erik will need to play the part."
"Say what?" He looked at Madame and shook his head. "No. I can't. It's… No, I couldn't…."
Christine went towards him and took his hand "Erik, you know the part, you are a million times the voice than Piangi ever was. You can do this. We could do this. Together. Our hearts and voices intwined for all to see and hear."
"But I can't go on with my mask…."
"Why not? We'll make it part of the costume. No one will think twice, Erik."
"But I…"
"Uncle Erik, you have to. If you don't, we'll be ruined and all the hard work for Christine's premiere will be for nothing."
Christine held his hands tight. "Please, Erik. You deserve this too. The world should hear you tonight as you are."
Sierra looked confused. "I'm sorry, did you say, Uncle Erik? Who are you?"
"Never mind all that. Sierra and Meg come with me to get a new suit for Monsieur Erik's costume. He won't fit into Piangi's, but I have just the thing in mind. Christine, can you manage to dress yourself?"
"Yes, Madame. Don't worry about me."
"Erik, wait here. I'll be right back. Girls, come along."
As they left the dressing room, Sierra asked, "Did I say it alright, Madame?"
"Perfectly, Sierra."
"Mama! Did you plan this?" Meg was shocked.
The old woman grinned. "Vodka and water look awfully similar dear. After all, what do I know of spirits? Now let's get going!"
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The applause could still be heard after the house finally cleared out from half a dozen curtain calls. Christine was the toast of Paris and the Opera House managers couldn't wait to discuss future plans with their new diva.
However business was the last thing on Christine's mind. She still had so many questions about Raoul and how she could have been blind for so long. Yet she decided that the past was not what she wanted to waste the present on. Even if she did wish to dwell on it, she didn't have much time to process anything with Meg practically showering her with praise one minute and berating her the next for getting married without her.
"Christine, just because you are a world-famous Opera singer now, doesn't mean you can forget your best friend! How could you get married without so much as a….?"
Christine took her friend's hand. "I know I should have told you sooner, but I didn't even know myself. Erik and I were at my father's grave and…. It just felt so right. Honestly, Meg, it wasn't an offence to you or Madame. I love you both so much. I just wanted to be with Erik, and I didn't want to wait anymore. Can you please forgive me?"
"Well…." Meg pouted but soon her frown turned into an enormous grin. "Silly, girl! Of course, I can. But if you think I'm calling you Aunt Christine, you have another thing coming!" They hugged and laughed, until Madame interrupted their merriment.
"Christine, Meg…. Have either of you seen our dashing tenor?"
Christine stood up instantly. "He left so soon after the curtain all. I thought he might need a minute. He isn't used to all of this."
"Well the Managers are anxious to speak to our understudy. They seem utterly perplexed how they could have not noticed him before."
"I will find him Madame, but I doubt he will make their acquaintances."
"I'll leave it to his young bride to do the convincing from now on." She winked and took Meg's hand. "Come, child. We have things to do too."
"But Mama, Christine can't go down below just yet. The is still so much to discuss…."
"Fear not, Meg. I won't be going below. I think I know exactly where our elusive Phantom is hiding. We will both be back soon."
With that, Christine took her shawl and left the room.
"Mama?"
"Yes, Meg?"
"They won't be coming back, will they?" She rested her head on her mother's shoulder.
"All in good time, my dear. All in good time."
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Instead of going down, Christine went up. How appropriate, she smiled to herself. She opened the doors to the rooftop and just as she suspected, there he was. A larger than life being, even when he was humbled and confused.
"How fitting to find you here, near Apollo, my angel."
He turned and shook his head. "Did I worry you?"
"No." She came towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "But if you think I'm going to deal with Meg Giry's lashing over not being invited to our wedding by myself one second longer, you are mistaken, Monsieur."
"I can imagine that Annie will have a private lashing reserved just for me."
She giggled. "I can understand why you didn't want to face the managers or the crowds but why did you escape to come here, without me?"
"Because you belong up there. It was long overdue. I am so thankful that you finally got your moment. Christine, what a triumph you gave me tonight. The student has surpassed the teacher."
And the teacher outshined the brightest lights in the theatre. Erik, to sing with you like that. It was a dream." She pressed her forehead to his, as she stood tiptoe.
"Make no mistake. Tonight, was your night. No doubt those two fools will be throwing themselves over you to sign a contract. Don't do anything rash. I know how much they were paying Carlotta. You should earn twice that."
"Well, I haven't even thought about that. Why should I?"
"Quite right. You shall leave that to your husband. We will leave you out of the bidding war."
"No, angel. I mean I can't perform at the Paris Opera House, if I am in America. That's quite a voyage to and for." She giggled.
"But that was before…."
"Before what? You can't make promises to your wife of adventure and America and then not follow through. Don't you remember your wedding vows, Monsieur Dexter?"
"Christine, why would you wish to leave all this acclaim behind? You have all you ever wanted right now."
She entwined their left hands together and brought them up so they could look at their wedding rings.
"Everything is right. You and music and the memory of tonight will live forever but I do not want to stay here, while you live below."
"Christine, we can purchase a home above ground in the country and…."
"What if I want more?"
"More?"
"What if I want my husband to accompany me in song on his piano or violin? What if I want to perform original operas by his creative genius? What if I want to bear babies and see them grow up and fall in love, all with my beloved right by my side?"
"Christine, you can have a family, me and a career."
"Yes, but not on our terms here. People are blinded in Paris." She removes his mask and was delighted when she noticed he did not even attempt to flinch. "America will offer us both freedom. A world with day and night pleasures for us both to enjoy."
"Christine hatred is everywhere…."
"And so is acceptance, if we plan it right. You were coming back to the Opera House for money and supplies. How much struggle will we face?"
"I am insulted. Do you dare think I would have you marry a popper?" He faked insult but then sheepishly whispered, "We would be quite comfortable for a while."
"I thought so." She kissed him tenderly. "I don't need money, but money can buy acceptance and favor, though I am load to admit."
"Are you becoming cynical like me?"
She shrugged. "Maybe. But this isn't cynical. I'm simply voicing what I want. Let's go to America, Erik. Let's start a new as husband and wife."
Erik started thinking. "I can continue to work on my flesh mask. I'm making improvement every day."
She rolled her eyes. "That doesn't interest me."
"Yet it will when I sell my compositions and create a show all around you!"
Her eyes widen. "Our own theatre. Where all talent is welcomed. Maybe even a traveling one, so everyone could see it and not just the town we reside in. Or one where we open half the year and the other half, we…."
"We what?"
She played with his collar. "We work on another composition or two of a more intimate nature."
"I will advertise you as the Soprano of the Century." He was dreaming big.
"Married to the amazing and mysterious Master of Ceremonies."
He went to kiss her, but she pulled away.
"So, have we got a deal, Mister Dexter."
He was started at her attempt at an American accent.
She played coy. "Well, that's the best English I could muster on my own."
"That's English?"
"Oh, look who wants to be comedian?" She went to punch his arm, but he ducked and twirled her around instead.
"I'll be anything you want me to be, Christine. God knows you have made me what I am right now."
She kissed him long and passionately. "I have never been so happy."
He nodded.
"Shall we go back now?" She extended her arm.
"I'd much prefer to stay happy right here."
"Erik…." She giggled as he went to kiss her again. "Maybe another minute or two won't hurt."
Two Years later…...…..
Erik was diligently working at the piano with a pencil in his mouth and one hand on the piano.
"No, that's not good at all." He played a few cords. "Maybe if I make this an octave higher…."
"There you are!"
Erik froze before turning around. "Angel, I am so sorry I woke you."
Christine slowly waddled towards her husband.
"I can't blame you entirely. I woke up to go to the bathroom for the hundredth time and noticed you weren't beside me. I was going to let you stay here in peace but then it became obvious that I couldn't sleep without you.
He placed his hands on her round belly. "So, Mommy is sleep deprived. How's our little one?"
"Misses you, I am sure. She is still inside her Mommy and thus feels what I feel."
"I am sorry my loves. "He kissed her stomach and her forehead. "I just can't find a way to end this new song."
"Need any help?" She grinned.
Erik was almost tempted to take her up on it. "Yes, but not tonight. All of us need sleep."
"But Erik, tomorrow Meg and Madame are coming. I am not going to let you lock yourself away in here."
"I won't. We promised to show them sights of the Phantasma. I am not going to miss an opportunity to show the park off to our family."
"But I know how you get."
"I need inspiration…"
"Didn't I offer you some?" She batted her eyes.
"I don't want you singing these high notes so close to your due date, my love."
"Am I only able to inspire by my voice these days?"
Erik shook his head in shock. "Madame, how brazen!"
"I am simply being practically. We will have house guests until the baby is born and once she arrives, we may not have many opportunities to be alone."
"She, eh?"
She shrugged. "I have a feeling."
"You know I seem to have a feeling too, but it may not be child appropriate." He chuckled, as he pulled her closer. "You inspire me in a million ways." He nuzzled her neck.
"Sure. A swollen, fat woman, who can't see her feet. Very alluring."
"It is to me." He kissed her neck. "Hey, what happened to my inspiration."
Her curiosity got the better of her. "What's the song called? Assuming it is for me?"
"Who else? As soon as you are ready, my love." He started to tickle her.
"Erik…." She giggled. "Oh alright. If this is what it will take for another masterpiece, so be it. I will endure."
He kissed her long and hungrily. "I promise I will make it worth your while."
She caressed both of his checks. "Very well, angel. Take me to bed. Let our fantasies unwind."
"That's a good line." He picked her up and walked towards the door. "Love Never Dies."
"What did you say, angel?"
"The name of the song, Christine. It's for the beginning of the season. Our little angel and I have discussed it and she will be here in plenty of time for you to be ready."
"Is that so?"
He looked into her eyes and kissed her. Then he grinned. "Christine!"
"What?"
"I think I know how it will end. You have once again proven to be my muse."
"Does that mean you don't need any more inspiration?"
He tightens his hold. "Let's not be too hasty."
She rested her head on his shoulder as they walked towards the bedroom. "What was the title again?"
"Love Never Dies."
"How right you are, Erik."
The End