Love will still remain

Chapter 31

Erik's POV

"Gwen?" I ask as I enter the library. My daughter is curled up on the couch with a book and a blanket

"Yea?" She replied without looking up.

"I just got a letter from your mother. Care to explain why she says it was your birthday yesterday?" I couldn't help but feel a little hurt that my own daughter wouldn't tell me when her birthday was. I had now officially missed fourteen birthdays, and that fact broke my heart.

"I don't really like to celebrate my birthdays. I mean I n-never really did." She shrugged nonchalantly.

"Well I want to celebrate. And as punishment for not telling me about your birthday, I'm taking you out tonight."

"No," she groaned and I couldn't help but smirk. "I hate people." She grumbled.

That's my girl.

"And that's why this is a punishment."

"Where are we e-even going?"

"That's for me to know and you to find out." I checked my pocket watch to see it was 4:30. "You have about an hour to get ready. Wear something formal."

Gwen sighed dramatically but put her book away and went off to her room. I went to my room and changed into a more formal tux and greased back my hair. I adjusted my mask and grabbed my wallet, then headed into the parlor to wait for Gwen. About 15 minutes later she came out in a stunning white dress with black decals. I instantly recognized the dress as a costume Christine wore a while back. Gwen had tied the dress to the tightest it could go, but it was still a bit loose. Nevertheless she looked stunning.

"You look beautiful Gwen," I complimented. She turned red and looked down. The act reminded me a lot of Christine.

"Thanks," she muttered shyly.

We picked up Nadir from the main level of the opera house, then headed out to a fancy dining place. Nadir and I would talk, or argue rather, about current events. Every now and then Gwen would comment on something and amaze both Nadir and I. She had a way with words. She could construct an entire argument within two sentences that left us speechless. Ever since we started singing lessons, and her stuttering has been almost completely fixed, words seemed to come more naturally for Gwen. Every time she spoke she spoke as if her words were building a palace that left as all in awe.

A part of me knew she could do great things in the business world. But, sadly, Gwen was a woman and their weren't many opportunities out there for women. Despite her talent, the men in the cut throat world of business would never take her seriously. The very thought angered me. It wasn't fair.

After dinner we all took a carriage down to a play house towards the edge of the city. It wasn't a spectacular place, but I had done some research on all play houses in the area when thinking about reopening my opera house.

It was small and cozy, and only sat about 100 people, not including the four boxes that they had reserved for special people.

Gwen's gaze lit up at the play house and she examined the anterior with a gleam in her eye. We made our way up to a box seat. As soon as I found out about Gwen's birthday I asked about getting a box seat here. Being Mr. Y had its perks, and this was one of them.

"Well Gwen, what do you think?" I asked once we were comfortably seated.

"It's beautiful." She said while looking around with a glint of wonder in her eye. I knew she would like it.

Soon enough the play Romeo and Juliet begins. All throughout the play Gwen is watching intensely, enjoying every minute of it. I know that acting is what Gwen wants to do, and I intend on featuring her in some operas. Her voice demands to be heard and adored by an audience and I would make sure it would happen.

Once the play ended Gwen brushed away some tears and smiled up at me. "That was beautiful!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed it."

We exited the theater and headed back to the opera house. Nadir had some business to finish, but I still wanted to spend more time with Gwen. Then I remembered Christine's favorite spot at the opera house and decided to take Gwen there.

"Want to see Paris from a different point of view?" I ask her. She nods excitedly and I lead her up onto the roof. We look down at the beautiful city lights and my breath is taken away, as it is every time I'm up here. Living underground makes me appreciate views like this so much more. 

"Wow," Gwen breathes out. "It's such a beautiful city isn't it?"

"The most beautiful city in the world." I agree. After gazing at the city for a while we sit at the base of a statue.

We sit in a comfortable silence until Gwen lays her head in my lap. I absentmindedly run my fingers through her hair.

"What's it like to be in love?" She suddenly asks. I blow out a breath.

"Love is like a slap in the face." I smile slightly. "It creeps up on you until it hits you full force. Love is sacrifice, and hard work, but the feeling is unlike any other." A dreamy look crosses her face. Then suddenly something dawns on me.

"Gwen why the sudden interest in love?" He previously closed eyes snap open and she sits up.

"Er... N-no r-r-reason."

"What are you hiding?" I ask with narrowed eyes.

"W-well-" she squeaks in a small voice. "I, uh, I met someone back at the ball we went to at Phantasma, and we danced and it was great, and well we started to see each other more and would always talk and it was all going well until I saw him with another girl who... Well let's just say she's not a nice person, well not a nice person is an understatement I mean she was the one who started the assault-" Gwen talked so fast I barely caught on to what she was saying.

"Assault... What assau-" suddenly I remembered the day Nadir found my daughter beaten to a pulp. My temper flared.

"U-um... I-I didn't say a-assault..." She took a quick breath. "But ever since then I haven't seen him! I didn't want to see him after that. I j-just was curious as to what love was like so I know if I ever find it..."  A look of sadness washed over her face. That look was so familiar to me. Every time Christine was out of my reach that was the look I would have. It was a look of hopelessness and sorrow.

"You're going to find love Gwen, I promise you." She gave me a small smile.

"You think so?"

"I know so."

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My heart and prayers go out to those in Paris. What happened was absolutely tragic and I hope the friends and families of victims can find peace.