The Aftermath(Phantom Of The Opera)

Chapter 8- Have You Gone Mad?

Raoul held Christine in his arms, smiling and running his fingers up and down her arm. She hummed a familiar tune, smiling just as contently as her husband was.

"I love you," Raoul whispered through the pitch black of the night.

"I love you," she replied, her voice barely audible. Raoul gently kissed her forehead, and quickly fell back asleep.

When the two awoke, the sun was beaming brightly through the windows. Christine awoke first, quickly going to the washroom to make herself presentable.

     When she was finished, she went to the kitchen to make a pot of tea. She could hear Raoul walking around in the bedroom, so she decided to enjoy her morning tea on the balcony.

    Raoul joined her a little while after, fully dressed and ready for the day as she was. He smiled at his beautiful wife. She smiled back.

     "Are you well?" Raoul asked, speaking up.

      "I am. And you?"

       "I have never been better than I am right now," he replied, placing his hand on hers.

       "Thank you for being, well, patient...last night," she said, blushing.

       "You were worth the wait. You always are," he remarked. She blushed once again, something she tended to do often. "Last night, I remembered something- something I would like to discuss with you, if you wouldn't mind."

"Of course. What is it?"

"Christine, have you ever thought of children?" Christine's heart stopped for a moment. It missed a single beat. And then it went faster. She was almost positive he could hear it pounding rapidly, creating the sound of drums that echoed in her ears.

"What do you mean? I- I don't...Well, I do not recall knowing any children. What children am I supposed to be thinking about?" She asked, her tone clearly filled with anxiety. Raoul squeezed her hand, smiling gently at her.

"Christine, have you ever thought about us, you and me, having children? How nice it would be to hear the sound of little feet running around the estate," Raoul tried to make it sound more appealing, but it only made Christine more nervous than before.

"Have you gone mad, Raoul? We really haven't been married all that long. We have laid together all of one time. How could you be thinking of things so soon? We have s-so much time! Please! Don't think about these matters so soon," she begged, tears filling her eyes. Raoul couldn't understand. Why was she so terribly afraid?

"Love, if you do not want children, we do not have to have children. I thought it was what you wanted-"

"It is. Perhaps, it isn't. I- I...I don't know, Raoul," she cried in despair. He hushed her, leaning over the table to kiss her forehead. She smiled, and let out a sad laugh. "I suppose I say that quite often, too often. I'm ruining this, aren't I?"

     Raoul chuckled. "I have heard the first year of marriage is the hardest year of them all."

     "I agree," Christine laughed with him. He smiled, and she smiled.

       "We really don't have to have children. It is entirely your choice," Raoul noted.

        "I know you want them. I know. I...I'm scared," Christine admitted.

          "I've always promised to shelter you. That is what I will do. You mustn't worry, my dearest, dearest wife."

          "I know," she smiled. Raoul stood up, excusing himself. Christine sat alone, sipping her tea. She could hear music, some sort of music. She hummed along to the familiar tune.

      Memories flashed through her mind.
   
       A Persian robe.

       Velvet lining.

       The one thing she was never afraid of in the prison of Erik's mind. Perhaps, if she thought of that, it would keep the bad memories away. If she always hummed the tune, if she always remembered it, it could help, possibly.

        Raoul came back rather quickly, sitting down. He looked up at Christine, wondering what she was thinking of.

        "Are you all right?" Raoul asked.

         "Very much so. I think..I think things will be better now, Raoul," she said.

           "Truly?"

            "Truly."

Short chapter again, but I'm back! It's been very hectic, but I will be updating more. And updating longer chapters, hopefully. Love you all- Bella.