My Angel of Music

Preperation

The next day, before the children could wake, I prepared a large breakfast for them.  Elsa had only begun to eat solid food, so for her I made porridge.  Annabel and I though, had strawberry breakfast pastries and ham.  Once they woke, I fed them hastily, and herded them back into theiir room.  I gave Annabel two cups of water and some sweets in case they got hungry.  "Annabel, listen to me.  I am going to lock this door behind me.  You are to remian here and not touch anything in this room until I get back, do you understand me?"  I ordered.  She nodded and I handed her a large children's book that would keep her occupied until I got back.  "And watch over your sister.  If anything happens, just crawl through that secret door, there.  But you are only to use it for emergencies."  I pointed to a small trap door that Erik used for spying in on the managers.  

I left and went to visit Erik.

***

"Christine!"  Erik breathed as he stood to recieve me.  We were in the same back room as last time.  I rushed to my husband's side and wrapped my arms around his torso.  Of course, he couldn't hug back, so he just rested his cheek on the top of my head as I rested mine on his chest.  We stayed like that, breathing eachother in.  I wasn't complaining, but he smelled like they hadn't allowed him to bathe since he got here.  I smiled and pulled away to look at his face.  They had not allowed him to have his mask back, so he was completly bare.  I stroked his deformed cheek and smiled gently.  A brooding look crossed his face and he looked away.  

"Come, darling.  Sit down."  I encouraged as I gestured to the uncomfortable chairs.  He did so.  I sighed and he looked up.  "The children?  How are they?  Where are they?"  He asked worridley.  I took his cuffed hands in mine and smiled.  "They're just fine.  They're at home."  I said reassuringly.  His brows knitted together in confusion.  "Home?"  He asked.  I looked away.  "Uh...The Opera House."  I replied.  It wasn't a lie!

He nodded.  I didn't like keeping the truth from him, but what could I do?  He would be furious if he found out they were staying in the lair.  He would say it was too dangerous, or not a place for children.  Which, he was right, but where else could I take them?  I looked down to avoid his stare.  His thumb rubbed circles into my palm and I held back a smile.  The situation seemed too somber to smile.

"So, about this trial.  Have they said when it will be exactly?"  I asked, still avoiding his eyes.  He straightened up and cleared his throat.  "Well, they said it will most likely be the day after tomorrow."  He answered seriously.  I nodded.  At least they were hurrying with things, and not dragging it on.  "What day is it, again?"  Erik asked.  I crinkled my brows.  "Tuesday."  I replied.  He nodded and looked away, as if in deep thought.  I started up some conversation about how nice the opera house looked.  He, of course, wanted to know every detail.  I happily explained it to him, eager for the talk to be lighthearted.  

But before I knew it, Monsieur House ( the guard who had been escorting me to see Erik) stepped in and declared that our time was up.  Erik sighed heavily and my smiled faded.  I rose and waited for Erik to rise with me.  He did so, and I grasped his arm in my hand.  We walked out together, since we were going the same way, though our destinations were different.  We reached his cell, and I reluctantly let go of him.  He smiled reassuringly and kissed my forehead.  "Until next time, Ma Petite."  He whispered before stepping into his cell.

***

The air was chilly as I walked from the jail and to the opera house.  I planned on getting the children and taking them to a bakery to have lunch.  I snuck through the opera doors, and hurried through the secret passageway that led to the lair.  Once I entered, I rushed to the room in which the children were.  I cracked open the door, in case they were still sleeping.  When I saw them, I sighed in relief.  Annabel sat against the wall, engulfed in the book I got her.  And little Elsa was still asleep in the make-shift crib.  I opened the door wider and smiled.  "Little Lotte, I'm back."  I whispered, as to not wake Elsa.  

Annabel jumped in fear, but seeing it was me, laughed.  "Mama, you frightened me!"  She cried.  I giggled and strode in.  She sat up and smiled.  "I'm reading the most wonderful story, Mama!"  I raised my brows.  "Really?  You can tell me all about it over lunch."  I said.

***

The day had passed by pleasantly enough.   We went shopping in the city, buying clothes for the children, books to entertain us, and the basic necessities.  I was wheeling Elsa in the new stroller I bought down a quiet street, on the way back to the Opera House.  We stopped by a food market to buy some apples for snacks later.  Just as we were checking out, a hand gripped my shoulder.  I whirled around to face whoever it was.  But my surprised expression quickly faded into a smile.  

"Monsieur Firmin, what a surprise."  I greeted.  The old man smiled warmly.  "Christine Daae!  I thought I would be on my deathbed before I saw you again!"  He joked lightheartedly.  After a moment of a rather awkward silence, he glanced down at the confused Annabel.  "And who is this little one?"  He asked politely.  I smiled and looked down at her.  "She is my eldest daughter."  I explained proudly.  A look of surprise passed over his face.  "Oh!  You are married?"  He got closer, as if fishing for my secrets.  I grinned and nodded.  

"To whom?"  He pried.  I held my breath and looked away.  He seemed to be waiting for my answer.  I raised my chin proudly and looked back at him.  "My husband's name is Erik Destler."  I replied confidently.  His face fell, as if he was hoping for something juicier.  "Oh, I am afraid I do not know him."  He said, growing bored with the conversation.  I smirked.  "Oh, but you do, Monsieur."  I commented rudely.  He turned back to face me, his brows raised in question.  I smiled.

"You know him as....What was it again.....Oh, yes.....The Phantom of the Opera."  I said carelessly, turning away after I said it, as if something else caught my attention.  I heard him gasp behind me and I sneered.  

His fat hand was again on my shoulder.  "Christine..."  He whispered.  I ignored him and examined an apple in my hand.  "That's funny.  The Phantom is just what I wanted to talk to you about."  He replied coldly.  My curiosity being peaked, I whirled around to face him.  "Monsieur?"  I asked.  He pursed his puffy lips.  "Well, I was just called to the Justice of the Peace building.  In two days I am to testify against the Opera Ghost."  He said.  My eyes widened.  "What?"  I gasped.  He sighed and shrugged.  

"And...So are you, my dear."  His voice was apologetic, but I didn't notice.  I gulped and felt a shiver run up my spine.  "Thank...Thank you, Monsieur."  I muttered before thrusting a few coins on the clerk's desk and hurrying off, children and apples in hand.