Twisted Every Way(Phantom Of The Opera Fic)

Chapter 25: Ribbons

Days passed and with them the weeks. And within this elapsed period there was peace at the opera house.

Erik, fighting his fears, spent every second he could with Christine, holding her hand through good times, kisses to her cheek through bad. He felt keenly his luck, his loss. He was here this time, he would make every moment count.

"Erik," Christine said one day, her rather large bump showing as she turned and looked at him with shining eyes.

"Yes?" He responded looking at her adoringly.

"I thought, you might like to read this." She beamed, walking to the carpet and sitting down beside him near the fire. She rested her head on her shoulder and handed him a note, one she had written after a sacred lesson oh so long ago.

If I was to look into the eyes of my lover. My grief may overcome my happiness. For I know how my heart yearns and yet it knows Its greatest want shall not be satisfied. If I were to look into the eyes of my lover a sea of hopes and fantasy would become reality. Oh, but the sea brings a storm in its wake, for I know he cannot be mine.

If I were to look into the eyes of my lover I believe I would feel the purest joy of my senses, I could see myself by his side. Yet, I know if I looked into the eyes of my lover I would surely die for he does not love me the same. So I shall not look into the eyes of my lover I will not take his heart. Though I shall not look into his eyes from them I will not depart.

All I can ask is that he does not forget.

And pray and hope he still may learn to love me yet.

Erik looked up and with tear filled eyes, pressed his lips to hers. For a moment, everything in Erik Destlers life was perfect.

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As Autumn laced up her dress one frosty December morning tears stung her eyes. She knew where she was to go next year, yet she didn't want to leave for a moment. She had to talk to Gustave, he didn't know, he couldn't know.

Her days at the opera house, she had hoped would last forever. Roaming the halls with Gustave, singing, even thought she knew she wasn't half good, they completed her. 

She entered the labyrinth and found her own way into the large cavern.

He had been composing, nothing ever came of it though. His frustration was deep, he wasn't like his father. Erik could sit for a moment and have everything come all at once, Gustave's mine needed time. Time and clarity, the two things which of course in his life, always lacking.

He looked up from his muse, his eyes locking with hers.

At that second every thought in Gustave's mind vanished except for Autumn.

No more music, no more anger or confusion.

In fact, it was, perfectly clear.

For the first time, she was no longer wearing her school dress with the brown slippers and high tied neck. She now adorned a long dress of lace, white and gleaming in the candlelight. It clung gently to her elegant frame, ending at the bottom with a pair of new muslin shoes.

For the first time, her eyes twinkled in glee and her face showed brilliant color. Her hair was pulled into a mature woman's topknot instead of two tails of braids.

She smiled awkwardly as he stared. "That song it was beautiful." She smiled "Truly Gustave it was beautiful. What's it called?"

"Autumns coming." He said and blushed a bit. He stood up awkwardly and rubbed his hands together.

"Are you here to see my dad?" He asked standing, fixing his music and rubbing the back of his neck.

"No actually, " She smiled "I came to see you."

"Me?" Gustave asked, quickly busying himself with his papers.

"I like you, Gustave." She whispered so he could barely hear her.

"What?" He laughed, a new outfit hadn't changed her quiet disposition. She barely ever spoke loud enough for anyone to hear, he was constantly having to ask her to repeat herself.

"You're my friend! Alright." She said raising her voice nearly to a yell.

Gustave's heart sank.

Why did that bother him?

A friend?

"That's why I want you to be the first to know." She sighed rubbing her hands together timidly.

Gustave felt sick, "Know what?"

"I'm studying abroad next year. I..." She sat down in the chair and broke down in quiet sobs. "I'm going to get on with my life. I can't expect to be my best here. I'm going to go out into the world. I'm going to meet eligible bachelors of high standing and respectable nature. I'm going to get a job and finish my studies. I'll come back I promise."

"Unless you fall in love..." Gustave muttered angrily. "And all that other junk rich girls get into."

"Gustave please don't be mad. I'm fond of you too dearly for you to be annoyed with me."

"Fond?" He thought with disgust, "Anabel was fond of me and look where she ended up. Lord knows where."

"I understand," He muttered.

She sighed, she was hoping he'd get angry and oppose it, but he seemed as if he wouldn't miss her.

"I'm going out into the world to look for love and life, and I just can't do that here Gustave. I'm a bird in, the cages of society. In Paris, I'm free and do as I please and meet someone! I can decide my own future. You'll understand one day." She blushed, "You'll understand love."

Gustave shifted uncomfortably, he felt like yelling, "I do understand! I'm in love with you dang it!"

"Hold it." Gustave thought to himself.

He suddenly felt sick. What had he just said to himself? What secret had been admitted? This couldn't be happening, he couldn't allow it.

"Thank you for everything Gustave." She told him kissing him awkwardly on the cheek.

The young girl turned and walked from the room, tears flooding down her sullen face.

Gustave collapsed with despair onto the Piano bench. How had he been so blind? What change had graced her overngiht that had so struck him senseless.

It was good then, good that she was leaving. He couldn't allow this to happen, he had obligations, to his music, to his art. He didn't have time for silly childish romance.

But how badly he wanted it.

Autumn had made her way halfway out the door when she paused, removing a small note from her jacket pocket.

She set down the letter under Erik's mask and scurried off.