Come into the Light

The Truth

Chapter Three

The Truth

At first, Erik didn't respond. He was frozen, for a second it was like kissing a wall. But that just made me want to kiss him more. I let the love I felt for him fill my chest and mind, until all I could do was show him how much I felt for him. That it wasn't just a schoolgirl crush or pity; it was a consuming feeling that has been growing within me since I was seventeen. I slid my hand up his chest and put it on his neck until I found myself kissing his neck, his cheek, his forehead, his deformed right cheek and then his lips again. I didn't care anymore about what he might say or do; I just needed to show him how much he was loved. Suddenly, I felt his hand touch my lower back and his other rested slowly on my cheek. I heard him sigh and his lips started to respond; I opened my mouth and deepened the kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed myself fully against him; I wanted him to feel he wasn't alone, in every part of his body, even if I had to show him with my own.

I hadn't noticed the tears running down my face, or were they his? I didn't care; I just needed to show him. I felt his hold tighten around my waist and I couldn't help but smile, was he finally letting me in? But then I felt his hands pushing me away and our lips fell apart.

"No, Meg... I-I cannot."

I closed my eyes as I heard the words I have dreaded for a very long time.

"Why? I told you I don't ca--"

"It wouldn't be fair to you!" He pushed away from me and I already felt the coldness of his absence.

"What do you mean?"

"A dead man cannot love, Meg." He said those words with a finality that almost tore my heart.

"But Erik--"

"NO MEG!" I jumped at his reaction.

"I will not curse you as well to a life of torment!"

"I don't--"

He looked at me with a heartbroken stare that made me go silent. I knew him well enough to know that there was no arguing with him. I let my tears fall freely in front of him as he put on his mask again.

"Don't waste your affection on someone who doesn't deserve it."

He walked away into the dusk and didn't look back.

...

A month later

Christine looked absolutely radiant in her wedding dress as she stood in front of the mirror. She was trying it on one last time to make sure that it still fit for the wedding tomorrow. I was her maid of honor and my Mother would walk her down the aisle since she was her adopted mother. Christine swore she wouldn't have it any other way. The ceremony was the talk of the month, more than two-hundred people were invited, and less than half Christine actually invited herself. Raoul had made practically all the arrangements himself, all except tasting the cake or picking out the dress, I insisted on doing that with Christine. The wedding was going to be spectacular and Christine looking spectacular in it, but at times I could see it sometimes, when she's alone or she believes that no one sees her. She looks sad, as if a single thought tormented her heart and mind. I knew of course what it was; she missed Erik... terribly.

Erik was leaving tomorrow night, his friend in Persia finally answered him after so much waiting. And my heart just turned much heavier with a sudden burden that I felt in myself. Should I tell Christine about Erik? Before he leaves... perhaps forever? Even though my heart was still reeling with Erik's rejection I know he simply did it out of fear. And even though it hurts me to admit it, I know that if he saw Christine again his reaction would be very different.