Remembering the Angel

The Point of a Return

Erik's POV

Erik did not know what to say, every cell in his body was telling him two things at once. Firstly, that he is an undeserving, lying, cruel being that should still feel death. Secondly, that this angel in front of him was his gift from heaven.

He looked at Christine. He wanted to memorize her in this moment. The way her silky brown hair flowed in ringlets, and the way she put it up so some just grazed her shoulder. The way the pink tone of her dress mixed with her milky white skin so she looked like a pearl. The way her eyes seemed to expand with each breath. The way her lips looked like a full rose, at their peak.

Erik liked to memorize her in times like this. The image of her in the boat, asleep, that night in his lair was still vivid in his mind. Her wrapped in nothing but a blanket, moonlight on her endless hair, the night before her wedding. All of these, were pictures he held of her.

No one could take them from him.

"Erik?" She placed her hand at the nape of his neck, "You're a million miles away."

"No, I couldn't possibly be." He took her hand and kissed it, "Nowhere in this world could be better than where I am standing now."

She said nothing, but her eyes told him everything.

"Come, my dear." He straightened out his shirt, "Let us finish dinner."

They walked back into the drawing room, the sun was a half of an orange in the sky. A mixture of every color of purple, blue, and orange imaginable took up the sky. Birds flying to and from the coast created a postcard scene.

By the window, Gustave was sitting at the piano playing.

"Gustave?" Erik said, "Would you like to play your mother the song that we wrote for her?"

He smiled at Christine as she drew a breath.

"She hears me play constantly, Father. Why don't you play?"

Erik had never played for Christine in front of anyone before. It was something intimate, something they shared that he cherished.

It was bittersweet, saying goodbye to this part of them, but his son was a part of this music. A chapter opened and closed.

He nodded, then sat where Gustave had gotten up.

Christine walked to her place by him, and he took her hand, "Again, for me embrace your destiny...let me hear you sing, once more."

"Once more, and forever more." was all she said.

Christine's POV

Christine looked at the music Erik had set in front of her.

She recalled the night, over a week ago now, when he led her up into the aerie. He had handed her a song that was clearly written by him and him only. This wasn't that song. Christine hated herself for longing to sing his song again.

This was their song. Erik's and Gustave's. Though she wanted her Angel's music, her heart swelled with pride for them both. It was a love they shared, a love of music. It was her honor to sing their music.

Her honor to sing theirs, her passion to sing his.

A lighter melody, the song flowed like breeze on a summer's day. It was calm, confirming. Nothing like anything she'd hear her Angel write before. Christine's heart warmed with love. At last her life felt whole. Nothing was missing from her world.

Finishing, she heard Erik sigh.

"What is it?" She asked nervously.

"I had no idea how this song would sound when it was finally sung. You are exquisite, my dear."

Christine felt herself blush, "Thank you."

There was a *crash* in the kitchen.

"Gustave?!" She rushed quickly to her son, only to find him getting into the pot Erik had made. The noise came from the sound of the pot's lid landing on the floor.

"Is he alright?" Erik rushed into the room behind Christine, placing a hand on the small of her back.

"Yes," She laughed, "it seems he is a bit hungry."

Erik joined in Christine's laughter at Gustave. He then walked over to his son, took the pot from him, and set it on the table.

Christine was shocked when she saw the spread that took over the table.

Warmed bread, the color of caramel. Various vegetables, of all colors. The center held a warm pot of what she assumed to be a form of soup, giving off steam into the air. Candles were lit, and flowers she hadn't even seen him bring in decorated the scene.

It looked like a feast.

Feast. "The trap is set..."

A man in a dark cloak, face hidden.

A point of no return.

"Oh God." Christine braced herself against the corners of the table.

"Mother?"

"Christine?"

Christine heard them, but didn't acknowledge it. Her mind was gone, somewhere in the past.

She was in a dress, one that hugged her figure as a young woman. The tension in the air, tearing at her soul. Her heart ached with anticipation. A ghost hand touched her neck, she felt it trace her collarbone. She felt a pair of hands run up the length of her torso, until they reached...

"Christine..." A real hand touched her arm.

"I'm so sorry," she searched the room, not knowing what she was looking for, "I don't know what came over me. Let's eat."

**********

After dinner, they kissed Gustave goodnight. Then, an unspoken question hung in the air.

Christine walked over to her bedroom door and paused, "Are you staying the night, Erik?"

She turned and watch the deliberation on his face, and feared the answer. If he were to say no, at least she wouldn't need to fear waking up alone. Yet, if he said yes, they would have a night in each other's embrace. Christine didn't know which one she wanted more.

Erik studied his palms, then a look of determination came over his face, "If you would let me, Christine, I would love to."

She reached and took his hand in hers, then led them both into her room.

********

Note to Reader,

Heyyyyyyyyyyyyy friends! So new update. Hope y'all enjoy.

Sad news, I auditioned to speak at my school's graduation and didn't get chosen. :/ But I was up against some super talented students, so I'm not too bummed! They'll be great.

Found a roommate for college! Life is being nice to me right now, we'll see if that continues lol.

Opinions on Christine's little flash back? She's gotta remember someday...

As ALWAYS comments, critiques, and questions are welcomed warmly!

instagram: Sing_Angel_of_Music

Your humble servant,

W.G.