A New Beginning

Chapter 16

(Christine's POV)

I woke up the next morning eager to spend another day with my new husband, but when I turned to greet him, I found the spot beside me empty. I started listing all the possible options of where he could be, and the first option that came to mind was the music room. Panicked, I got out of bed and headed there at a quick pace, trying to calm myself down. I knocked twice before I opened the door only to find the room empty. I went to his office to look for him and knocked just like I did at the music room, then I tried to open the door, but it was locked. "Erik?" I called, but no sound came came from inside. I turned on my heel and directed back to the bedroom to find the key that would open the door.

On my way to the room, I bumped into Raoul. He was holding a piece of paper in is hand. "Have you seen Erik this morning?" I asked him; he shook his head. I walked past him and he followed close behind me.

I was about to open a drawer when something red on my bedside table caught my side. I walked toward the rose and picked it up in my hand. I then picked up the note and read it silently. It read:

'My dearest wife,

I am sorry for leaving on such a short notice, but I didn't want you to have to go through any more pain; I simply was afraid of hurting you. I write you here to inform you that I have left to fulfill my fate, please don't come looking for me. I am doing this only to protect you, but do not fear for me, for I will be fine. Lastly, I want yo to know I love you more than I have ever loved anything in this cruel world, please never forget that. I am sure I leave you in good hands, but I will always be with you, remember that.

With all my heart,

Erik'

When I had finished reading the letter, tears were falling from my eyes. Raoul saw me and came to me, wrapping his arms around me. I cried into his shoulder for a few minutes until he pulled back to wipe my tears.

I eyed his note and he asked me if I wanted to hear what it said, I nodded. He started reading,

'Raoul,

I know that we never liked each other much, but as I got to know you this past week, I remembered that young man that cared for my angel so much back at the opera. You have earned my trust back, so I assume you will try to work to get better, especially now that Christine will be needing you so much. Please take good care of her and give her all I have ever wanted to give her; she deserves the world and more.

Thank you greatly,

Erik'

"Raoul we have to find him, I have a bad feeling," I told Raoul. He nodded his head. "I do, too," he sighed, "but where are we going to find him?" He asked.

We went to the village, where that post covered in advertisements for entertainment had been. I didn't know if I would find any answers there, but it was the only possible clue I could think of.

I found that the one poster that Erik seemed to be looking at the day before had been covered by another one, but both had the same name on the top. As I read it I started feeling light headed. I moved my gaze down to where the name of the event was printed. It read:

'Now showing once again after long years: The Devil's Child'.