Wanted

Chapter 54

March 28, 1892

"Gustave, stay close by me." Erik said as they made their way through the crowd of people so they could board the ship. Erik held all of their luggage as well as the cat carrier. Christine held the twins in their carriers.

"Mister Y, leaving so soon?" A reporter yelled out.

"My wife and I have jobs to tend to in Paris." Erik yelled out just as a photographer snapped a photo. "No pictures of the children!" Erik yelled and he motioned for Christine and Gustave to get onto the ship and find their room. Erik went in and set their belongings in the room before going back out.

Erik held up his gloved hand to stop the cameras. "Delete all pictures of my children at once." Erik said and nobody moved. "I will come and check and have you arrested if there are pictures." Erik warned and some people started to erase the photos.

Erik thanked them before getting back on the ship and walking to the first class area. He found the room that said Destler and knocked on the door. Christine opened it and sighed in relief when she realized it was just him. Erik came in and took his gloves off. He took his tan overcoat off and set it on a chair.

"I don't think I've ever seen you in a brown suit." Christine thought aloud and Erik chuckled.

"That's because I never wear them. Black is more my color." Erik said and Christine laughed as he sat down in the chair and closed his eyes.

"Tired?"

"Very." He replied and she handed him a blanket.

"Get some rest, I'll take care of the children." She assured him and he allowed himself to close his eyes and drift off to sleep. Christine smiled and then looked over at the babies who had fallen asleep as well. "Are you excited to go home, Gustave?" Christine asked and he nodded.

A few minutes later a knock sounded on the door. Christine answered it and a man stood there. He handed Christine an invitation and she examined it. "Everyone in first class is invited to a banquet tonight. We were hoping Mister Y would speak tonight." The man said and Christine nodded in thanks.

"I'll talk to him." Christine said and closed the door. She shook her husband's shoulder and handed him the invitation. He read it over and then set it aside.

"Find a dress, we're going to a banquet tonight." Erik said, standing up from the chair. "I'll be back." He said and left the room. He walked down the hall until he saw the room that said Kahn. He knocked and Nadir opened the door.

"Are you going to the banquet tonight?" Erik asked and the Persian nodded and let him in. Erik sat in the chair as Nadir sat in the one across from him. "I just need to ask Antoinette to watch my children." Erik said. He stayed and chatted with Nadir for a while before heading to the Giry room.

Meg answered the door and smiled at Erik. "Is your mother here?" Erik asked and Meg went to get her. Madame Giry came to the door a minute later and hugged Erik. "Could you watch my children tonight for a few hours?"

"Of course, I'll be over around 5:00." Madame Giry said and Erik thanked her before going back to his family. He opened the door to the room and was met with the sound of two crying babies. He immediately went over and as soon as Harmony saw him her tears subsided. She reached for Erik and he lifted the small baby up.

She rested her small head on his shoulder and Erik rocked from side to side. He began singing quietly which calmed Melody down as well. Christine smiled and rocked Melody to keep her calm. 

Erik sat in the chair and kept his daughter in his arms. Christine sat on the bed with Melody in her arms. She smiled at her husband and he returned the gesture.

Later that night Christine stood in the bathroom fixing her hair and makeup. Once she felt ready she opened the door and walked into the main area of the room. Erik just stared at her.

"I married the most gorgeous woman on the face of this earth." Erik concluded and Christine blushed. He walked over to her and wrapped her in his arms. "And I get to brag to everyone about it." He added and she smiled and laid her head on his shoulder.

Madame Giry showed up a moment later, so Erik and Christine kissed their children goodbye before walking to the ship's banquet hall. Their arms were locked together as Erik opened the door and led his lady in. A man in a suit came up to them.

"You must be Mr.Destler." The man said and Erik nodded. "I'm Mr.Dupont, a pleasure to meet you." The man said and Erik shook his hand. The man then let his eyes scan Christine up and down making Erik pull her closer to his side. "And who might this beautiful woman be?" He asked taking her hand and kissing it.

"This is my wife, Mrs.Destler." Erik said and the man nodded. He thanked them for coming before walking away. Christine sighed once he was gone. "I don't like him." Erik said and Christine laughed as they walked over to the refreshments table. He poured them both a glass of champagne before sitting at a table.

Meg and Nadir came over eventually and sat with them just as a man walked up on stage and everyone clapped. "Thank you everyone for coming. We have some special guests today. Erik Destler, the owner of Phantasma and the Opera Populaire. As well as his wife, world renowned opera singer Christine Destler." The man, whose name they learned was Mr.Leroux, said. Everyone clapped for them and they both waved to everyone.

Food was brought out a minute later and they all started eating. After dinner, the couple said goodbye to the many people they had met and went back to their room. When they walked in all three children were sound asleep. They thanked Madame Giry and then she was on her way.

Christine opened the sliding door and stepped onto the deck of the ship. She leaned against the railing and watched the water. She heard the door open again and felt strong arms wrap around her. She sighed into the embrace as the man kissed her head.

"Go change into your nightgown and meet me back out here." Erik said and that was when Christine realized he already had his night clothes on. She quickly changed into her floor length nightgown and rejoined Erik on the deck. She stood next to him and watched the water.

Christine shivered slightly and Erik noticed. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. She pecked his lips and then rested her head on his warm chest. His hands rested on the small of her back as he held his wife. Eventually, he lifted her up bridal style and walked back into their room. He laid her on the bed and got in beside her. Perhaps three days on a ship wouldn't be so bad.

Cast:
Erik Destler ~ Ramin Karimloo
Christine Destler ~ Sierra Boggess
Nadir Kahn ~ Nadim Naaman
Meg Giry ~ Daisy Maywood
Madame Giry ~ Liz Robertson
Gustave Destler ~ Hadley Karimloo
Mr.Dupont ~ Neil Patrick Harris
Mr.Leroux ~ Gardar Thor Cortes
Reporter ~ Bronson Norris Murphy
Photographer ~ Lucas Steele