Erik and Christine: Loves Secret (A Phantom of the Opera Story)

Chapter 48

After three weeks, Erik stays with Christine and her family to watch over and care for her. The family sees a change in Christine's behavior as time goes by. Instead of sadness and tears, she smiles and laughs more than ever. Early one morning, Christine is in bed asleep, and Erik is up with a tray with tea for Christine. After placing the tray quietly on the desk, he walks to Christine's side of the bed and gently sits down. He leans down and kisses her lips, which wakes her up. Christine opens her eyes and smiles at him.

"Good morning," whispers Erik.

"Good morning," Christine answers.

"How did you sleep?"

"Better than I have in months. You?"

"Better since I am with you again," Erik answers. They smile at each other. Christine sits up. "Christine, what should we do today? I have an idea; how about a picnic?"

Christine raises her eyebrow and asks, "A picnic?"

"Yes. In the garden."

"I think that's a wonderful idea."

A few hours later, Erik and Christine are talking and eating breakfast from their picnic basket in the garden.

"I meant to ask you this, but I haven't been able to since all you do is ask me questions about everything that has happened since I left," says Christine.

"Ask me," Erik replies.

"What's happening back home?

"Well, the Giry's are good. They miss you, of course. I've heard that the boy's father, Ralph, am I correct?"

"Yes."

"Ok, he and his wife should be expecting their child sometime soon."

"That's right! I remember the day she told me and her husband and Raoul about it. I'm happy for her. His father is excited and nervous because he wants to do what is best for his next child. But Raoul...didn't take it too well. He was so angry and upset that his father had married again and that he would be a father again. He's very protective of everything and doesn't want anything to change."

"Even though I've never been in his position, I know that change isn't easy. Change isn't easy for all of us. But sometimes it's a good thing."

"It also gives us time to remember that we only live once."

They smile at each other. Suddenly Eliza approaches from behind Christine. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but Christine, we have some guests here to see us," Eliza informs them.

"Who?" asks Christine.

"Ralph, Emily, and their baby girl," Eliza replies. Erik and Christine turn to each other and smile. Erik stands up then he and Eliza help Christine stand up. Christine starts walking back to the house. Christine shouts, "Erik! Come on! Let's go!" They quickly go back to the mansion.

Gabriel, Alex, and Charlotte gather around Emily in the courtyard to admire the baby. Charlotte sighs, "Awe! She's so adorable!"

"She definitely has her mother's eyes," states Alex.

"Thank you, Alex," Emily replied.

"Congratulations to you both!" says Gabriel as he shakes Ralph's hand.

"Thank you," says Ralph.

"We should celebrate," implies Charlotte. "Eliza, could you bring us some wine."

"Oh, water for me, please," Emily kindly asks.

"Of course," Eliza replies. She then goes back inside the mansion. Everyone sees Erik helping Christine walk up the stairs as she heads inside. Christine walks toward Emily and the baby. Christine sighs with a smile and says, "Oh my gosh! Awe! She's so beautiful!"