Wanted

Chapter 45

Christine looked closer at the picture and then read the article out loud. "Vicomte Raoul De Changy was found in his home in America passed out after an attempted suicide." Erik turned to look as Christine gasped.

Erik finished the tea and set it down in front of his wife before taking the newspaper and reading it. The article said that he was currently in the New York Hospital until he was well enough, mentally and physically, to go home.

"It's all my fault." Christine whispered and Erik put the paper down and looked at her. "I haven't been kind to him. It's my fault." She whispered and Erik pulled her up. He pressed his lips against hers and just kissed her for a few moments.

"My love for you will never die. Now, go get dressed. We're going to the hospital." Erik said and Christine placed a hand on his deformed cheek and smiled lovingly at him before walking away. "Come Gustave, let's go get dressed." Erik said as he took Gustave's hand.

"Papa, where are we going?" Gustave asked as his father got him dressed.

"To see the Vicomte at the hospital." Erik answered and lifted Gustave onto his hip as he walked out of the room and back downstairs. The boys met Christine in the living room before walking out the door and to a carriage.

"Take us to the hospital." Erik said as he handed the driver five francs. He helped his family in before getting in beside them. Gustave watched out the window as they drove down the street.

"Look at Coney Island!" Gustave exclaimed as they passed the big, beautiful amusement park. They passed a huge sign that read 'PHANTASMA: CITY OF WONDERS' and Gustave pointed it out.

Once they arrived at the hospital, they all walked in together. Christine took a deep breath as she asked the lady at the desk for his room number. Once she obtained it, she led her family down the hall to the room. "Stay out here. I'll go in first and talk to him." Christine said before kissing Erik's cheek and then entering Raoul's room.

"Raoul?" Christine asked as she came into the room. He looked pitiful. The man was hooked up to machines and he looked depressed. Raoul looked up with a confused look as he saw his ex financé.

"What are you doing here?" He asked in astonishment. Christine made her way over to his bedside and sat in the chair.

"I saw the story in the newspaper. I convinced my husband to let me come. He's actually here, out in the hall with Gustave." Christine said and Raoul nodded. Christine took his hand in hers and placed a kiss to it. "I care about you still. You were my first love." She whispered and tears sprung to his eyes.

"Thank you for coming. I really had no will to live. I missed you and I had no purpose for life." Raoul said and Christine kissed his hand again. She turned his wrist over to see the bandages where the scars must've been. Christine carefully undid the gauze and kissed every wound and scar on his wrists. "Don't do this, Christine. It'll hurt too much when you leave and I know you'll go home and kiss your husband more affectionately than you've kissed me." Raoul pleaded and Christine nodded and stood from the chair.

"May I bring in my family?" She asked timidly. He nodded and pointed to the door as Christine went to bring them in. Gustave was still attached to Erik's hip and his arms around his father's neck.

"Gustave, say hello to Mr.De Changy." Erik said but Gustave buried his head in his father's shoulder instead. Erik kissed his head and tickled his stomach to try to get him to turn around. Finally he did and he waved to Raoul.

They stayed for a little while longer until the nurse came in to tell them that visiting time was up. Christine stood up from her chair and placed a kiss on Raoul's forehead. "I forgive you." Christine said, remembering how last time he had asked for forgiveness and she had denied him.

Raoul smiled and kissed her hand. "Thank you, Madame Destler." He said and Christine smiled and made her way back over to her husband. Erik strode over to Raoul and held out his hand for Raoul to shake.

"Get well, Vicomte. Once you're well, come to our house for dinner." Erik said and Raoul nodded.

"Thank you, Monsieur. It means a lot." Raoul said and Erik smiled and walked over to his wife and son. Gustave waved to Raoul as the Destler's walked out. Christine was quiet the whole way home and when she got inside to went upstairs to the bedroom. Erik took Gustave to his room for a nap and then walked to the master bedroom.

Erik opened the door and sat on the bed next to his wife. Christine immediately fell onto Erik's shoulder and sobbed. Erik wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his lap. He rocked her back and forth and kissed her head continuously.

"I hate seeing him like that." Christine choked out and Erik held her close to him. "I wish there was more I could do to help."

"I think you coming in was enough to make his whole day better. And I invited him over for dinner once he's better." Erik said and a smile crossed her face. She wiped her tears and hugged Erik tightly.

"You always know how to make me feel better. I love you so much." Christine said and Erik smiled.

"I love you as well." Erik replied just as Christine got up and walked over to the mirror. She wiped her tear stained face before reapplying her makeup. "You know, you are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me." Erik said as Christine put her makeup back on.

Erik walked downstairs into the living room and grabbed his hat. He placed the black fedora on his head as Christine made her way downstairs. "I have to do a few things at Phantasma. I'll be back shortly." He said as he opened the door and walked out.

Once Erik arrived at Phantasma, he walked into the office building and said hello to Mary. "How are you, Mary?" Erik asked as he signed in for the day.

"I'm well, Mister Y." She responded and for a moment Erik was confused. He had almost forgotten about his persona. He smiled at his secretary before taking the stairs up to his office.

Erik worked on paperwork for some time until he was ready to go home. He loved his job, but he had promised to give his son a piano lesson. And he couldn't deny his son anything.

Cast:
Erik Destler ~ Ramin Karimloo
Christine Destler ~ Sierra Boggess
Raoul De Changy ~ Hadley Fraser
Gustave Destler ~ Hadley Karimloo
Mary ~ Mary Beth Peil
Nurse ~ Betsy Wolfe