Destiny Takes Time | By : GueritaSalome Category: M through R > The Phantom of the Opera > Het Views: 19820 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own The Phantom of the Opera, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. |
Chapter 29 – The Sweetest Assistance
Christine lost no time in asking for her job back at the opera house. Although André and Firmin were not happy about how she had left before, they barely hesitated in saying that she was hired. When she explained that she would need to have her maid come with her to help her look after her daughter, they agreed. At least it would be Christine paying Lynette and not them anyway.
As soon as they had a moment alone, Christine told Madame Giry about Raoul’s threat.
“Do you think he really meant it?” Anne asked.
“I don’t know for sure, but I’m afraid that he did. Raoul is very skilled with a sword and firearms. I’m afraid for Erik’s life, but I promised him that I would return to speak to him about why I left. Could you tell him that I still plan to go and see him, but for him to wait and not come up here looking for me?” she asked, not knowing what else to say.
“I suppose I could, yes. He will wonder why, though.”
“I want him to know that I’m here. Just tell him that I’m being kept very busy, or whatever you think will make him wait.”
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Elaine took ill the day after Christine moved back to the opera house with her and Lynette. She had a high fever and her mother could barely get her to eat. Christine was beside herself with worry. A doctor had seen the baby and gave her medicine to take, but it didn’t seem to be helping. The day after Elaine had been tended to, she was still in the same condition. Christine sat crying in her room when Madame Giry came in to check on them.
“Is she still no better?” she asked sadly.
“No, she isn’t. The fever won’t break,” Christine answered weakly, holding her daughter and gently pressing a cold, wet cloth to her forehead. “What am I going to do?”
“I have an idea. Take the baby and whatever you might need for her and go to Erik.”
“You think that perhaps…he might know of something that could help her?” Christine asked, with hope trying to find its way into her distressed tone.
“Possibly, and don’t be afraid of anyone finding out where you are. It’s late, and nearly everyone is in bed by now.”
Without another word, Christine got Elaine’s things together and set off to Erik’s underground home. He was clearly surprised when she arrived, turning to look at her with gentle eyes. Anne had told him that she had returned to the opera house, but he’d been afraid to believe it. He wondered why she had chosen to come back and what her husband thought of her return. However, the moment he saw Christine’s expression, all of his passing thoughts faded. Erik knew right away that something was wrong.
“What is it?” he asked worriedly.
“My daughter, Erik – she’s very sick. Madame Giry told me that you might know of something that could help her,” she explained.
Erik looked at her with pity as she cradled her little girl.
“I will do my best. What is wrong with her?” He went over to see Elaine more closely. Her eyes were open, but she was lying limply in her mother’s arms.
“She’s feverish and her appetite is poor,” Christine answered. “Please tell me that there is something that can be done.”
“Yes, I think there is. Come with me.”
He led her to his kitchen area and pulled out a chair for her to sit, while he set about preparing a mixture in a bowl. It was something that he had seen Jovanka make many times and knew it was safe for young children. He still used the concoction himself whenever he felt ill. Christine was relieved when he returned to her.
“We need to get her to take this,” he said reassuringly while he stirred the syrup-like substance. “Just hold her still while I give it to her. It’s rather sweet. I don’t think she’ll mind it.”
She nodded and Erik gently spooned the medicine into Elaine’s mouth. He was right; she took it willingly.
“How long before it will start to work?” Christine asked worriedly, fighting back a tear.
“Not long. In the morning, she should be better. You’ll need to continue giving it to her for a few days, but she will be fine. For now, you both need rest. You’re welcome to stay for the night. It’s a grueling trip back, and neither of you should have to endure it.”
How kind he was to give her his help without even knowing that it was his own child he was caring for. Christine could barely suppress the urge to hug him and shower him with kisses. She had always loved him, but his actions this night had made him even more endearing in her eyes.
“Thank you, Erik. I’m not sure what would have happened to Elaine if you hadn’t been able to help her.”
He looked at her with tenderness. “I am glad that I could do it. Come, I’ll take you to your room.”
How odd it sounded to hear him say that again – your room. In that moment, Christine wanted to tell him everything, but she feared for his safety. It wouldn’t do to put his life in danger. If she told Erik the truth now, he would be certain to confront Raoul, and she couldn’t bear to think of what the outcome might be. She would do what was necessary to protect Erik, no matter how badly it hurt.
Once they had reached the room, Christine laid the baby down on the swan bed.
“Surely, you are exhausted. Why don’t you go and take a bath? You will feel better. I will sit with your daughter until you return,” Erik offered.
“I don’t want you to have to do that…” she began to protest.
“I insist. You will find that everything is still here just as you remember it. Now go. I can take care of Elaine.”
Christine nodded and reluctantly went to inspect the wardrobe. Sure enough, all of the clothes that had been placed there for her before were still untouched. She took out a gown and went to take a bath. As she soaked in the tub, she could hear Erik singing to the baby through the closed door, first a lullaby that she remembered from her own childhood and then another one that he must have composed more recently, because she did not recognize it. He had always been there to comfort her ever since she was a child, and now he was doing the same for her daughter. When she returned, refreshed and changed, it was to find both of them lying sound asleep. Erik was on one side of the bed with Elaine in the middle, and he had his hand on her side in a warm, protective way. They looked so sweet together, father and daughter, in peaceful rest, their faces both so innocent.
My two angels.
Not wanting to disturb either of them, Christine carefully climbed into the bed on the other side and nestled close to her daughter. Hesitantly, she placed her hand on her baby’s middle, letting her fingers rest over Erik’s. Soon sleep found her too, and she was transported in her dreams to a carefree place where she and Erik strolled down a street hand in hand, pushing their daughter in a carriage.
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