Healing a Broken Soul

Chapter 7

Meg woke in the morning in Erik's arms. She knew his insomnia kept him awake most of the night, but he hadn't moved so she could get a good night's sleep. His right arm was under her neck and his left hand was stroking her baby bump. "Good morning, Meggie," Erik kissed her forehead.

"Hi, darling, did you sleep well?"

"I did sleep a little surprisingly, but now I have to go to rehearsal. Why don't you stop by and watch? As a matter of fact, why don't you get ready now and just come with me?"

Meg smiled broadly and Erik hurried to his feet and went to her side of the bed. He helped her get to her feet and then he went to wash up and dress. Meg also went to the washroom. Just a little bit later, the couple was ready and after eating a piece of fruit, they headed to the performance hall. "Good morning, everyone!" Erik said walking in, "Those of you that are new here at Phantasma, this is my wife, Meg," he smiled proudly. Meg looked absolutely lovely wearing an all blue dress with white accents and a belt just above her stomach. Somehow, despite everyone else's ideas, Erik talked Meg out of wearing corset while carrying their child.

"Hello, everyone!" she grinned charmingly.

Erik led her to a seat in the audience next to Raoul and made sure she was alright, then he went to the stage. The whole group got their costumes on and then warmed up. This was their final practice before the opening night of Don Juan that evening. It had already been two weeks since Christine, Raoul, and Gustave arrived.

"How are you today, Meg?" Raoul asked as held Gustave in his arms.

"I'm good. How are you?"

"Great!" 

"Mind if I take Gustave off of you for a bit? I could use the practice."

He chuckled and placed Gustave in Meg's arms.

Meg, holding Gustave, and Raoul watched the entire opera and then ended with bows where Meg and Raoul gave them a standing ovation. "That was lovely, Christine," Erik said after the curtain had closed.

"Thank you! Ready for tonight?"

"I believe so. It's been awhile since I've taken the stage."

"You'll be great! Hey, why don't Meg, Raoul, you, and I grab some lunch."

"That sounds nice. Let's go change and grab the others."

Erik was done changing first so he left his dressing room and went to meet Meg and Raoul. "What did you two think?" 

"It was really great," Raoul commented, "You are truly a composing genius."

"Thank you," Erik replied, "Well, Christine suggested we go grab some lunch. So we're just waiting on her."

"Alright then."

A few seconds later Christine appeared. She was glowing from her first time performing in so long. "You were wonderful, dear," Raoul kissed her.

"Thank you, sweetheart! And I see Gustave made friends with Auntie Meg!" 

The couples then made their way to get lunch. Christine carried Gustave. While they sat and waited for their sandwiches, Meg commented, "I think Uncle Erik needs to hold Gustave and get some practice."

Christine immediately placed Gustave in his arms. Erik tensed up quickly. Then immediately relaxed which made Meg smile. Surprisingly, Erik held Gustave the rest of the time they were at lunch. After eating, Christine and Meg headed back to the performance hall with Gustave to take naps in the back rooms. Meanwhile, Erik and Raoul headed to the bar for a drink. 

"Erik, right?" Raoul questioned as he took a sip of Whiskey.

"Yes."

"Look, I'll be honest. The de Chagny's power has come an end in France. I only have a little bit of money... Can we stay here in Phantasma? Christine loves singing and she's so happy to be with Meg. Erik, I'm begging you."

"You don't have to beg. I would love to have Christine here to sing and once Meg can dance again the two can dance together like they used to."

"Are there any houses here in Phantasma?" 

"Well, we live underneath Phantasma. Madame Giry lives in a house on the pier, but she only lives in one half of it. Maybe you can live in the other half."

The two men talked business fora little bit, but then Erik finally asked a question that had weighed on him since he learned that Meg was expecting, "Raoul, how the hell do I act like a father?"

"I think you're asking the wrong person... I was scared to touch Gustave for a whole month after he was born."

"Is that normal?" Erik asked.

"I suppose... I honestly don't know..."

Erik looked at his pocket watch, "We'd better get going. I have to perform in an hour."

"Break a leg. I'm sure everyone will surpass themselves."

"Thank you, Raoul," Erik shook his hand. 

Two months later, Don Juan closed. It had been a hit and Erik was pleased. He decided that since it was such a success he would bring back Hannibal and Il Muto as well until he was able to compose a new Opera. 

Right now, he was busy constructing a nursery for his and Meg's baby. Meg was due in less than a month so he had to be sure everything was finished quickly. His insomnia kept him awake at night anyway so he found himself working on the nursery even during the nights. Finally, one hot August night, he led his heavily pregnant wife to the nursery which she hadn't been allowed to see until it was finished. He opened the curtain that covered the doorway of the nursery, "So what do you think?" he asked Meg.

She began to cry which at this point he expected. He didn't know what was going on inside of her, but it sure made her cry a lot. "Oh, Erik! It's perfect!" He went up next to her and wrapped his arms around her. He grabbed her hand in his and rested them on her swollen belly, "Did you build all of this?" she asked as he nuzzled his face into her neck.

"Yes," he stated proudly, "For you and for our miracle..."