Wanted

Chapter 6

After a few weeks of deciding, Erik finally sent a letter back to his father inviting him to the Opera Populaire.

On the day his father was supposed to arrive, Erik was rehearsing Don Juan with the cast. When they heard the doors open, Christine went out to greet him.

"Hello, monsieur. How may I help you?" Christine asked politely.

"My son works here. I'm here visiting." Erik's father said and Christine smiled. James had no idea that Erik was married so he had no idea who Christine was.

"You must be James Destler." Christine said and he nodded. "I'm Christine, it's a pleasure to meet you." She said as they shook hands. Christine led him into the theatre and walked to the front row of seats. They sat down and watched as Erik ran through the songs with the cast.

"Let's run the song once more from the top!" Erik demanded and the cast scurried to their opening positions. He walked over to the piano and began playing the overture.

James watched in shock as Erik played the piano perfectly. "He's a musician?"

"A very talented one, monsieur. He's also the owner of this opera house." Christine said with a proud smile as she watched her husband.

Once the scene was finished, Erik turned to look at the audience. He gasped when he noticed his father. They locked eyes for a moment before Erik turned to look at Christine.

"Erik, your father is here." She said and Erik dismissed the cast before walking off stage. He stood in front of his father for a moment with his hands folded in front of him.

"Erik, I didn't know you were a musician." James said hesitantly and Erik nodded.

"Music has always been my passion."

"Christine was telling me that you own the opera house?" James asked. The awkwardness was slowly disappearing.

"Yes, my wife and I." Erik says proudly. James looked at Erik with a confused look on his face while Erik looked utterly amused.

"Your wife? You're married?" James asked and Erik looked over at Christine.

"Christine didn't tell you her last name, did she?" Erik asked his father. Christine tried to hide her smile but it didn't work.

James looked confused, "No, but why does that matter?"

Erik wrapped his arm around Christine. "My name is Christine Destler, monsieur."

James smiled and patted Erik's shoulder. "I knew you'd find love." He said and he smiled at the happy couple. "Do you want to show me your home?"

Erik inhaled a sharp breath and looked over at Christine. His father didn't know that they lived under the opera house. "Follow me," Erik said and he took Christine's hand as they walked towards her dressing room.

Erik pulled the sliding mirror open and let Christine step in first. James looked hesitant, however, when it was time for him to walk. He finally took a step in and Erik closed the mirror. They were soon engulfed in darkness. Erik could see fine in the dark but Christine and James were a different story.

"Erik, dear, light a lantern." Christine said and Erik obeyed. The flame sparked in the lantern and Erik led them through the catacombs. Christine held onto Erik's arm as they made their way down.

"Erik, I thought we were going to your house." James said and Erik sighed.

"I live under the opera house. After I escaped from the freak show, I came here. I've lived here since." Erik said as they reached the lake. Erik slowly got in the boat before hanging the lantern on the stand. Erik held his hands out and helped Christine in. James stepped in after her and looked around.

When they arrived to the house they all stepped out. Erik took James for a quick tour before showing him to the sitting room. Christine dismissed herself and went to make tea.

James sat in a chair as Erik lit the fire place and hung his cloak up. He picked up Christine's cloak, which was draped across the couch, and hung it up with his.

Christine came back into the sitting room with tea. She set the tray on the table and poured everyone cups. Christine handed Erik the honey and he smiled. "You know just how I like it." Christine kissed his cheek and took a sip of tea.

"How long have you two been married?" James asked.

"Our three year anniversary is in a week." Erik said.

"Do you ever plan on having kids?" This question took Christine aback. They had never really talked about having kids. Christine had always wanted children but she didn't know how Erik felt about it. He had such a terrible childhood and she knew he would be reluctant about having children. But she knew that he would be a father.

Maybe in time, she thought. Maybe in time...