Bravissimo

A.D.

Erik-

As the months of Christine's pregnancy go by, the day for the child to come draws closer, and any day now could be that day.

"She's doing quite well!" Christine whispers to me as we sit in box five. I nod my head, it's true, Carlotta has gotten a bit better. "Perhaps she took my original advice and learned how to act." I say and chuckle and she tries to hide her own smile. 

"Perhaps it is this new card she's turned over, being nice, a friend even,  and has improved in acting. Attitude has a lot to do with it." Christine tells me as I smile and shake my head. "Perhaps, I'd still much rather have you out there." Christine leans on my arm and holds my hand, "soon enough darling." 

The performance ends and per usual everyone claps. I stand up and Christine reaches her hands out to me with a smile. I pull her up and carefully escort her out.

"There's no after party, is there? I know Carlotta likes the attention and this isn't forever for her, maybe she'd like to stay?" Christine asks as we pull up to the house. "Not this time dear, they are all coming over, even though I'd rather have you to myself, it will be good to see them. They've been so busy." I say and she nods her head. Helping her out of the carriage and into the house I lift her face to me and kiss her. 

"You're tired." I say and walk her to our room. "I suppose I am." She says as I help her lay down. "Thanks for sneaking me in Erik. I miss it." She says and I smile. 

"Anything dear, and I know you do, as do I. Now sleep, you're going to need some energy for our dear friends." I say and place my hand on her stomach and kiss her forehead. I widen my eyes as I feel the child kick, I sit next to her on the bed and grin. 

"I don't think we're very tired are we?" She says looking at her stomach as she lays down. "Erik, what do you think it is?" "I've got a pretty strong feeling about what it is actually, have for some time." I say and shrug. 

"Really?!" She says, "tell me then." I look at her tired, beautiful face and then back to her stomach and nod. "Well, dear what do you think?" I ask. 

"Well, just a guess, I think it's a boy." I grin and nod my head. "Okay." I say and ponder on what it would be like to have a son. 

"We'll come now, what's your guess?" She urges me and I chuckle as the baby kicks where my hand is. "I've just got a feeling it's the opposite." 

"Really? A girl. Why is that?" I shrug and kiss her stomach then her, "I don't know, just a feeling." She nods and slowly closes her eyes and I silently leave. I sit on the couch and pick up some news papers I haven't caught up on yet. I smile as I see the one on the bottom is of our wedding. The photos of us at the alter all those months ago, then me dipping her at the reception, and the one with the frosting on our faces. 

"Becoming one with Monsieur Erik Destler," the title surprisingly reads, interesting they didn't use Christine's name for more readers. "Our Christine Daae takes the name 'Destler' early Saturday morning." I chuckle and shake my head at the frosting photo and slide the paper to the side. After a few more I get to the news about her leave of absence. 

I read, "Former Prima Donna, La Carlotta takes the stage once again in the place of Christine Destler." "'Christine has no plans of leaving, just needs a well deserved break to spend time with family.' Opera house owner Monsieur André says. 'The only question is when she'll be back, not if.' Comments co-manager Monsieur Firmin. 'We wish her a healthy and fun filled break and await her return.'" I put the stack of newspapers back on the side table and lean back on the chair. I know I won't be able to rest so I don't bother trying.

The silence is interrupted by a humming Christine, I smile and make my way back. I slightly open the door and lean against the frame and watch her for a moment. Christine sits at the bay window and puts down a pencil and her black book, and kindly looks at her stomach.