The Phantom's Baby

Chapter 6

Erik and I didn't speak for a day after I had professed my feelings toward him. Through the silence, Erik played some compositions while I sat in the swan bed listening to his musical genius. I cradled my bump and gently stroked it with my fingers. My back was aching and I was exhausted as usual. 

Since I had been in the lair so long, I had lost all concept of night and day. Either way, I was getting very tired, but I wanted to talk to Erik after yesterday. I was scared to interrupt him, but I also couldn't go without speaking to him after I had told him I loved him. I also couldn't go without speaking to him after he had confessed that he had almost ended his life. 

I decided to get out of the bed and put my night dress on before going to find Erik. Erik had bought me a beautiful white lacy night dress that almost touched the floor. It laced up in the front so I was able to accommodate my growing belly. I then slid on the matching white slippers and went to find him. 

He was sitting at his organ and looked to be composing from the inkwell and dip pen on top of it. I stood quietly watching him for a few moments. He was a strange combination of being both frail and strong as well as weak and powerful. After being completely enchanted by his music, he stopped to write something down, "Hello."

"Oh, hello," he said quietly, "How long have you been there?"

"Just a few minutes. I enjoyed listening to your beautiful music."

"Thank you," he whispered. He was clearly unsure why I was standing before him.

"If I'm bothering you, I can go. I'm getting tired anyway," I spoke softly. I didn't really want to leave. I wanted to be with him so badly. 

"No," he responded rather quickly. His tone softened, "No, you're not bothering me. Annie-"

"Erik-" I mistakingly interrupted, "You go first please," I placed a hand beneath my burgeoning belly and another hand on my sore back. 

"Are you alright?" he asked. His eyes displayed fear, "Please sit."

"I'm alright," I replied. He shook his head and took my hand with his huge hand, leading me to the soft chair in his makeshift music room. 

"I wanted to talk to you about yesterday... You said that..." he was nervous which was evident by his hesitation, "You said that you loved me." 

"I did," I affirmed.

"And I was just wondering if you truly meant it... I guess I mean... Do you think you could really love me?"

"Erik," I said as he crumpled in front of me. He was kneeling in front of me holding onto my hand still. Slowly, he placed his head against my knee. Soon, I felt warm tears on my hand as he held it in front of his face. His whole body shook as he cried. "Erik, I love you." Tears were springing to my eyes. 

"You do?" he cried, looking up at me with tear filled eyes. 

"Oh, Erik," I ran my hand through his hair. I would never get used to the synthetic feeling of his hair, "Darling... you have been so kind and gentle with me. I do love you... very much so." He continued crying and was unable to respond so I continued to speak, "Erik, I don't know what you've been through and how you've been treated, but I promise you that I love you. I will be here for you as long as your promise the same for me... and for our baby... no matter what he or she looks like."

In a loud sob, he cried out, "I love you." After a few silent minutes as Erik composed himself, he looked up at me. He took a deep breath, "Can I show you?" His voice was a whisper. 

"Show me what, darling?" He motioned toward his face and I was shocked that he would offer, "Only if you want. Don't feel pressured."

"You should know what you're getting yourself into," he said sadly, "I won't hate you if you scream or run."

"I won't," I replied quietly. 

His chilling blue eyes remained locked with mine as he reached up to his face. His hand lingered on his mask not moving. It was clear he was scared and having an internal crisis. Very slowly he began to remove the mask. Once the mask was off, his eyes went to the floor. I cupped his face in my hands and he shuddered, "Did I hurt you?"

"No," he said. 

His face was still so handsome to me. Despite the knot and craters on one side of his face, he was still so beautiful. It was a part of him and he wouldn't be the mysterious Erik I loved without it.

I brought his face to mine and placed a kiss on his lips while still holding his face in my hands. "Look at me," I whispered. His two bright blue eyes met my eyes, "I love you."

"The hair... It's a wig," he replied.

"I know, and I still love you," I repeated. 

"You knew?" he asked shakily.

"I drew my own conclusions from the texture. You're still the kindest, most handsome man I know. I love you... all of you."

His eyes remained connected with mine, and his usual expression broke into a smile. He wrapped his arms around me, "I love you, Annie."