The Phantom's Sister

Chapter 3

He rode off into the night, just as he had come with tears streaking his cheeks. He wanted to stay; he wanted to tell her that he was her brother, but he couldn't. He was a coward who was scared of rejection.

On his way out the door, he gave Marie a way to contact him if Arabella or her family ever needed anything. Marie promised that she would reach him at any sign of trouble.

And it wasn't long before trouble found them.

About four months after his mother's death, Erik received word from Marie that he should return to the house. Marie said she would meet him there and take him to see his sister. She explained no more in the letter, but Erik gathered some items in preparation for his journey. He hobbled to his horse, and Cesar grunted as Erik threw his body weight to situate himself on the saddle.

Erik rode as fast as he could through the dark winter evening before arriving at the path leading up to the old house. Marie met him there as promised.

"Marie," he whispered into the darkness of the night, "What has happened?"

"Arabella's husband died: illness of some kind. It's just her, little Erik, and a baby on the way within the month."

Erik swallowed hard, "What am I to do?"

"She's going to lose her home, Erik..."

He sighed, "I have money... I will pay for the house."

There was a long pause before Marie began to cry, "You turned out so well, Erik dear. What a gentleman you are."

Erik was silent, but offered Marie a small smile.

"I think you should go see her."

Erik nodded and offered his good hand to help Marie up, "Show me the way."

A little while later, they arrived at a small cottage. Marie led Erik up the walk, offering her arm for extra support as he was quite sore and tired from the long journey. When they reached the door, Marie let them in.

"Oh, Marie! Could you help me finish up dinner?" Arabella called from the kitchen.

Marie and Erik walked in to the kitchen.

"Monsieur Claudine!" Arabella went to greet him. Surprising to him, she hugged him, "It's a pleasure to have you here."

"It's a pleasure to be here. I am terribly sorry to hear about your husband."

"Thank you," Arabella said quietly. "We've been managing. I'm afraid some of the money you gave me for music lessons has gone toward keeping the house... I'm so sorry."

Arabella began to cry and found herself sobbing into the arms of a familiar stranger.

"I'm so sorry... I barely know you, and here you are again... How did you learn of my husband?"

He hesitated. It would seem strange that he asked Marie to keep tabs on her for him. He wished he'd never had that damned stroke; his mind didn't work as swiftly as it once did.

Marie cleared her throat, "I happened to run into him, and he asked how you were doing. I told him that tough times had befallen you. I hope I didn't overstep."

Arabella wiped her eyes and stepped back, "No, of course not. It's kind of you to come, Monsieur."

"I want to help, Arabella," he said, quietly. He had thought about her often since their first meeting. He wanted so badly to reveal his identity, but he was afraid.

"Monsieur, we can't accept any more of your generosity..."

"Mama?" a small voice called.

Erik froze; his heart leapt into his throat.

"Yes, EJ?" Arabella replied.

"Mama, I need help."

"Coming, EJ!" Arabella glanced at Erik, "My son, we call him EJ. Would you like to meet him?"

"Of course."

Erik followed Arabella into the music room where EJ was seated at the piano. He was trying to reach a book of sheet music sitting atop the piano. 

"EJ, I would like you to meet Monsieur Claudine. He is the gentleman who paid for your music lessons."

"Monsieur Claudine, thank you so much," little Erik smiled. 

"It is a pleasure."

"Monsieur, can you play?"

"Oh, I haven't for a while..."

"Please, Monsieur."

Erik sat down next to the small boy, placing his cane on the side of the piano and massaging his right hand. The piece would have to be simple; his right hand wasn't capable of doing much more without sending his whole hand into a spasm.

He began to play for the first time in years. The music cascaded over him. He wasn't even sure what he was playing, but it was beautifully freeing. When he was through, EJ tugged on his sleeve. The little boy's eyes were wide with fascination and wonder, "Would you be my music tutor?"

Erik glanced at Arabella who had tears in her eyes, "If it's alright with your Mama..."

"Of course it is!"

"Monsieur Claudine, would you join us for dinner?" EJ asked, hopefully. 

"I don't want to intrude," Erik said quietly. 

"Please, we want you here," Arabella replied.