After the Fire (Phanfiction)

24

Since that dreadful masquerade announcement, Jacques barely let her out of his sight.

She missed Erik terribly but she dared not lead Jacques to him.

His safety was more important than her feelings, and she knew that the only way to protect him was not to aggravate Jacques.

So she wrote letters, and she had them left at the warehouse for him. Evangeline was a loyal ally, and faithfully brought his replies to Henri in the morning.

Erik was relieved that Henri still cared about him and angry that Jacques was treating her like this.

That morning he sat on the edge of a crate to read her latest.

Dearest Erik
I wish I could come and see you myself, but Jacques keeps hold of me like a dog on a leash. I cannot risk your safety, and I will not. Please do not act against him, because the only thing that would make me unhappier is the thought of you in trouble. Please be careful, and please be happy
Yours
Henri xxxx

He held the paper to his heart shakily.
Their second kiss on that dancefloor was everything he had ever dreamed of and more. It had been three days since then.

Meanwhile Henri was receiving unwelcome news.

'I have a date for the wedding.' Jacques announced to her as he walked her to the bakery.

'I have no wish for a wedding.' She muttered, looking forlorn.

'You will understand in time. Now please stop looking like a dying duck, I saved you from a fate you cannot understand.' Jacques said brusquely.

'The only reason I am going along with this pathetic charade is to protect him.' She glowered.

'Stop pining after that...that murderer. I don't even know how you met him in the first place.'

'That is none of your business, and you know nothing.'

'You weren't there that night. He dropped the chandelier on the entire audience, people running and screaming as the fire started. You don't know what he is capable of.' Jacques replied with a shudder.

'I know him, and that is enough.' Henri replied.
'I don't know how he brainwashed you, but I'm not standing for it. Now I will see you after work.'

She stormed inside, not bothering to turn. I hate him.

She remembered the day after the ball

~flashabaaaack~
'Hey so you made your choice!' Evangeline nudged her happily. 'Jacques must be quite something!'

'He's something alright' Henri muttered, kicking the wall.

'Do you think you made the wrong choice?' Evangeline asked, looking perplexed.

'I can't talk about it right now.'
~~
Now as she came in Evangeline beckoned her, glancing around before handing her a creamy sealed envelope.

'Thank you.'

'Why are you staying with that man?' Evangeline shuddered. 'Your Erik seems so much nicer.'

'I can't explain it all to you, but I don't plan on staying with Jacques forever.' Henri replied, tucking the envelope down her front.

'Are you going to run away with Erik?' Evangeline's eyes were as big as saucers.

Henri said nothing, her silence speaking for her.

As the work day wound down she found herself hoping it could last longer so she wouldn't have to face Jacques.