After the Fire

Chapter 12

Erik's whole body shook with sobs as Amelie hugged him. He buried his face in her neck, "You can't... you cant possibly..."

Amelie was crying too, "Erik, I love you and I would shout it from the rooftops."

Amelie took Erik's face in hers and gave him the kiss that she had been wanting to give him.

When they broke away, Erik stared at Amelie, "Are you sure this is what you want, Amelie? You're beautiful and you could go off and have a normal life."

"You're all I want. You and Fifi. And for you to be happy. That's all I want."

"Amelie, I love you too," he whispered in her ear.

Amelie broke down crying into his chest, and he shakily put an arm around her, "And Fifi loves you. You mean the world to her."

"I know that. You both mean the world to me."

They embraced for a few moments and cried together. It was a relief to finally share their true feelings with one another.

Erik finally gathered himself enough to speak, "Amelie, I'm not normal. You know that right?"

"Neither am I," Amelie whispered.

"Amelie. You know what I mean. My face is deformed, and now this stroke... who knows if I'll ever get back to where I was."

"It doesn't matter to me. You love me and Fifi. I couldn't ask for anything else..."

"I'm not saying it's going to be easy, but we will build a good life and a family for that sweet baby," Erik said, referring to Fifi.

"She wants to call you Pops and me Mom-Mom. Is that disrespectful to my sister?"

"I don't think. Whatever makes her happy."

"I suppose you're right. She called my brother-in-law, Papa, and my sister, Mama. So it's a little different at least..."

"We're all she has. Now, I am going to work at the church. Once I can make sure that I can provide for you, you will no longer work, so you can be with Fifi."

"Erik, I think we should come clean to the priest. He can help us. Maybe protect us if anyone is ever able to track you down."

"I agree. Tomorrow you and Fifi will come with for the organ delivery. We will share the truth with him then."

"Erik?"

"Yes, Amelie?"

"Since we're living together, what if he suggests that we get married... for real?"

Erik's eyes grew wet again, "If you don't want that, then we will say no..."

"What if I do?"

"Then you'll be my bride." They embraced again, and Erik passionately kissed Amelie. "Amelie, if I haven't fully said it out loud, thank you for saving me that night."

"It was the least I could do. I could stop them from torturing you as they did, but now, I can give you the life and love that you deserve."

"You are everything to me."

The next morning, the trio got into their carriage and rode to the church. The priest happily greeted them at the door, "Madame! Fifi! What a pleasant surprise!"

"Father Martin," Amelie smiled, "Could Erik and I bother you for just a few moments before the organ is delivered?"

The priest nodded and led the family into his office, "Father Martin," Amelie began, "We have been dishonest with you."

"Is this a confession?"

"Maybe of sorts."

Erik spoke, "If it is a confession, it is I who needs to confess. Father Martin, I am the Opera Ghost of Paris. Amelie rescued me after the fire. I had a stroke from the stress and have been recovering with her help. Her sister died leaving her custody of Fifi... Leaving us custody of Fifi."

"Fifi was mute when Erik met her. She hadn't spoken since her father passed. That was until Erik came along," Amelie spoke.

Father Martin sat back in his chair and sighed, "Well, what can I do here? You've both been through an incredible amount."

"I suppose we felt guilty lying to you."

"You we're protecting yourselves... it's understandable. Now, here's what I'll tell you. Erik, I'll give you a job here as the director of music. Amelie, you can come in and clean the church twice a week. And as far as marriage... is that something you two are interested in?"

"Yes," Amelie replied quickly, "I love him."

"And I love her and Fifi."

"Then after this organ is delivered, I shall marry the two of you. Please know I will do whatever I can to protect you... spiritually, emotionally, and physically."

Erik and Amelie shared a smile. Then Erik said, "You have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you."