The Phantom's Sister

Chapter 4

It was as Erik sat there eating dinner that he resolved to tell Arabella the truth that evening. Now that he had met EJ, he knew he wanted and needed to be involved in their lives.

He hoped that she wouldn't be disturbed by the revelation, and that she would accept him happily. However, he was nervous and his foot tapped anxiously throughout the entire dinner.

Finally, the time came for EJ to go to bed. Erik spoke, "Madame, while you put him to bed, I will clean up the dishes. Then perhaps we can chat for a few minutes?"

Arabella smiled at him, "Sure."

"Goodnight, EJ."

The boy smiled, "Goodnight, Monsieur Claudine!"

Erik cleaned up from dinner nervously. Marie chuckled at him, "You know that's my job, right?"

He shook his head, "I'm going to tell her."

"Oh, Erik! She'll be thrilled."

"Are you quite sure?"

"Yes."

A few moments later, Erik and Arabella went to sit in the living room. Arabella looked tired and worn. Erik couldn't help but worry about her.

"So what did you want to chat about?"

"Are you doing alright, Arabella? You look exhausted."

"I'm alright," she yawned. "It's a handful taking care of EJ and carrying this baby. Marie said she'd stay with me another two months. Then she's retiring to the countryside to live with her son and his family."

Erik nodded.

"So what did you want to chat with me about? It seemed important to you."

Erik's hands began to shake.

"Oh Monsieur! Are you that nervous to talk to me?" She reached over and touched his hands.

He squeezed his eyes shut, willing the tears not to spill out.

"Arabella," he whispered, "Your brother... Tell me what your mother said about him."

"Not much... She said he was a wicked child, that she didn't know how to handle him, and that the both of us had ruined her life. Why?"

"And despite all of that, you've always wished you could meet him?"

"Of course. Monsieur, do you know something about my brother? Is he still alive?" her voice caught in her throat.

"He is very much alive..." There was a long pause. Then Erik spoke no louder than a whisper, "And he's right here."

Arabella gasped, "Monsieur, I let you into my life... Shared something very personal with you, and now you are mocking me."

"Arabella... Please... I'm begging you to believe me."

"Why didn't you tell me when we first met then?"

"I was scared..."

"I can't believe this. You are making a mockery of my poor brother."

Normally, Erik wouldn't cry, but the stroke had made him so sensitive. Tears started streaming out of his eyes, "I'm sorry," he whispered.

He stood, grabbed his cane and hobbled out the door, preparing for a lifetime of solitude.