My Blue Rose (Phantom of the Opera)

Chapter 22 - Christmas Gift

Carly's POV:

I straightened my blouse and made sure everything looked nice. We had been planning a talent show for the past few months and I was to be singing something. I had chose "We Three Kings" as it was a Christmas talent show. We had about a hundred kids who came regularly and most of them had agreed to sing or play an instrument. Those who hadn't were going to be part of a pageant. I looked at the dress and blushed at how spoiled Erik was making me. He had bought it for no particular reason except that he wanted to. I tucked my hair behind my ears and made my way to the car. Erik was waiting patiently for me. He opened the door but not before kissing me passionately. He always did that. He tried not to in public but sometimes he did. I always turned red when he did but, hey, we loved each other and it didn't hurt the world to know it.

We drove quickly to the place and started set up. I was really excited because I had a surprise for Erik. A Christmas present I was sure he would love. I laid my hand on my stomach and smiled brightly. A little while later the kids arrived and the show started. I watched and listened. Some of them could actually sing and play but others were just trying for the fun of it. Erik had been deemed the pianist for those who were singing and I knew he was begging for it to be over. His sensitive ears couldn't bare the noise. He looked at me and I saw the pain in his eyes. I smiled and knew he would be grateful when I got onto the make-shift stage. He loved my voice. At last it was my turn. The last teen walked away and I took my place. Erik started to play and I started to sing.

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we travel afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star of royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Following yonder star.

Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star of royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Following yonder star.

Frankincense to offer have I.
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising all men raising,
Worship Him, God on high.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star of royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Following yonder star.

Myrrh is mine: Its bitter perfume
Breaths a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrow, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in a stone-cold tomb.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star of royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Following yonder star.

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Sounds through the earth and skies.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star of royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star of royal beauty bright,
Westward leading,still proceeding,
Following yonder star!

When I was done the whole place erupted in clapping. I blushed and held up my hand to stop them.

"Please, I need to make an announcement." The place quieted down almost instantly. Erik gave me a weird look. I laid a hand on my lower abdomen and smiled.

"Most of you know that Erik and I haven't yet been blessed with posterity. Well, I am proud to announce that has changed. Erik," I said with the biggest smile on my face. "I am pregnant." Everyone started to scream and shout; everyone but Erik. The look on his face was priceless. He was in shock and delighted. He stood up from the piano and walked over to me. A moment later he was kissing the life from me.

"Well, I guess I am going to be a father!" He proclaimed. Suddenly, Charlie shouted.

"Three cheers for the new parents. Hip Hip!

"Hooray!"

"Hip Hip!

"Hooray!"

"Hip Hip!"

"Hooray!" The last was a shout that echoed the building. All of the kids were like our children and they were responding like siblings who found out there was going to be another addition.

On the way home, I looked over at Erik and I could see that he was fretting. I knew he had been putting on a false face while we were there and I needed to know why.

"Erik, what is wrong?" He took a deep breath.

"Carly, what if the child looks like me? I know that may sound foolish but I don't want to ruin its life just because its father was a monster." I laid my hand on his arm.

"Erik, you're not a monster. You are a man. And if the child looks like you than so be it. I want it no matter what. The child is ours and I will learn how to survive. We can teach it. Don't worry, I will love it no matter what." Erik looked over at me and said,

"I know. I can't wait. My child." He laid his hand on my belly.