Chapter Twenty-Seven
Christine and Maddy returned from town later in the day than usual, and Maddy was eager to tell her father of why. She was flushed and excited, and she ran as quickly as she could from the foyer to the music room. "Papa, Papa! Today at school there was a substitute teacher, and he was so handsome, Papa! And he told Mamma that he knew I was beautiful because of her and he kissed both our hands and Mamma talked to him for a while, and she let me listen! Papa, I think I'm in love!" She fell backward across the piano bench with her hand over her eyes. "Parting was such sweet sorrow! At least that's what Mamma said, and he laughed. I love his laugh, Papa, I want to marry him and give him the special hug."
Erik raised an eyebrow, chuckling softly at his daughter, before looking up at Christine with a raised eyebrow. He fought hard to keep the jealousy from his voice as he spoke. "Well, I'm glad the two of you had such a wonderful time. Perhaps we shall have to invite him to supper some time." He stated, instantly dreading the very thought.
Christine raised an eyebrow and leaned against the threshold. "Actually, I was going to surprise Maddy, but I already asked him if he would like to join us for dinner."
Maddy jumped off the bench and ran to her mother. "Really?!" Her eyes sparkled.
Christine nodded and grinned down at her daughter, and accepted the tight hug Maddy gave her before the girl ran off to go and brag to Charles. Christine walked over to Erik and pecked him on the lips. "I suppose we think alike, my love." She smiled before walking out of the music room to go prepare dinner.
Erik's eyes were wide, and he swallowed hard, suddenly completely uninspired to write more of the song he had been working on for his wife. Setting the music aside, he stood and walked from the room, heading up stairs to dress for company.
Later that evening, Christine had changed Maddy into her best dress at her command, and helped her scrunch her straight hair so that it had more curl to it. She'd also fed Charles and the twins so that he could watch them while Maddy had her special night. She'd never seen her daughter so excited before, and she was determined to make this night special for her. She prepared a luscious meal and had everything set as Maddy made Erik stay with her by the door, waiting.
Erik stood next to the door, holding his daughter's hand tightly in his own and trying not to become upset. Christine knew he hated meeting new people, and now one was coming into his house, one that obviously had taken a liking to his daughter, to his wife....
A knock sounded at the door, and Erik gulped, reaching out and pulling it open. On the doorstep stood a young man. He couldn't be much older than Christine... he had sparkling green eyes, and light brown hair, longer and worn tied back behind his head. He wore a fine suit and carried two bouquets of flowers. He grinned when he saw Erik, and his eyes flashed curiously to his mask, before he shook Erik's hand. "Hello, I'm Edwin Dubois, Maddy's substitute teacher from today..." He looked down and saw the little girl, and grinned. "Hello, Maddy!" He handed her a bouquet of flowers.
Erik nervously let the man in, closing the door behind the three of them and shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot.
Maddy blushed and reached for Edwin's hand, and smiled sweetly up at him. "Thank you, Mr. Dubois, they are beautiful flowers..." She pulled him toward the dining room, the whole time a little blush upon her cheeks and her eyes lowered to the ground.
Upon entering the dining room, Christine looked up and smiled. "Hello there, Mr. Dubois." She pointed to the seat at the head of the table. "You can have the special seat, tonight. And I suppose Maddy would like to sit right next to you." She winked at her daughter. "Isn't she beautiful?" Maddy glared at her and then smiled sweetly up at her teacher.
"Please, call me Edwin." He insisted to Christine, taking her hand and dropping a quick kiss to her knuckles. "I am very glad to be in the presence of two such lovely ladies." He said with a broad smile. "And here, these are for you." He stated grandly, pulling the other bouquet of flowers; all red roses, from behind his back.
Erik clenched his jaw but said nothing, choosing to look from the scene before him, and he stooped over to build up the fire a bit.
Christine sniffed them and smiled brightly at Edwin. "Thank you, they are delightful!" She pulled his chair out and then pulled Maddy's out, and the young girl climbed delicately into the chair. "Would you like me to put them in water for you, Maddy?" When she nodded and grinned excitedly, Christine took them and moved to the kitchen to put them in a vase. When she returned, she called out to Erik so they could say the prayer and begin the meal.
Walking to the table, Erik frowned and sat next to his wife. Reaching over, he took her hand and Maddy's hand, and prepared for the prayer.
Edwin smiled broadly, and looked curiously at Erik once more, before closing his own eyes as well. Slowly his fingers slid across the table, and he grasped Christine's hand in his own, squeezing it softly. Reaching for Maddy's hand as well, he cleared his throat, wondering who it was the spoke the prayer.
Maddy giggled slightly before squeezing Edwin's hand and beginning softly, "Thank you our dear God, for giving us a yummy meal and bringing to us a very special lovely guest that I might one day special hug with to share the meal with us. Amen." She blushed and pulled her hands away from everyone, eyes on her mother, who very gently pulled her hand away from Edwin and smiled reassuringly at Maddy.
Edwin smiled, although he was confused as to what a special hug was. Shrugging it off, he looked at Christine with a gentle smile.
Erik frowned, not liking the way Edwin looked at his wife, but unsure what to do. He didn't want to upset Maddy, this was her special day, after all.
Christine lifted her fork and began slowly, watching how Maddy barely took her eyes off Edwin. She thought it was adorable and tears came to her eyes as she watched Maddy have her first crush. Making light, pleasant conversation, Christine asked, "So what is it that you do when not substituting, Edwin?"
Edwin grinned at Christine, lifting his own fork. "Well, I do a bit of writing, and I fancy myself a bit of a scientist as well. I've been able to create quite a few interesting inventions with my spare time. In fact, just last week I perfected a toy which I made for my niece. It is a doll, and when you rock it, a mechanism inside of her makes a sound like a yawn, and her eyes will close."
Erik couldn't help himself, and scoffed. "I've created a doll which sings when you tell her to." He stated simply, looking to Maddy. He knew she still had it, after all...
Edwin shook his head. "What mechanisms do you have that could do such a thing, monsieur?"
Erik frowned. "That is my secret. And any how, no mechanisms could create such a perfect voice as this doll has."
Christine frowned in her husband's direction and Maddy did, as well. "Just because you are a genius doesn't mean Edwin can't be, either," Maddy spoke, and she pushed her fork through her food with a frown.
Christine hurried to remedy the situation. "Edwin, you said you write? I happen to read." She smiled. "Have you published anything? I'm afraid I only bother with romance novels..." She smiled sheepishly and poked at her food.
"Oh, yes I do..." He said, still stuck on the situation with the strange masked man. "But unfortunately I have not published. It's all silly bits of prose, really... nothing worth publishing." He said with a chuckle. "Romance, you say? That is something I know quite a bit about..." He said, smirking at Christine and reaching for her hand.
Christine's eyes widened and she evaded his hand quickly before placing her own in her lap. She looked to Maddy and raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps you'd like to sing for Mr. Dubois after dinner? I'm sure he'd love to hear your voice."
Maddy looked up shyly and bit her lower lip, a habit she'd inherited from Christine. "Would you?" She asked Edwin softly, her blue eyes sparkling with hope.
Edwin smiled kindly down at Maddy. "Of course! I'm sure you sing like an absolute angel." He stated, winking at her.
Erik ground his teeth together, forcing himself not to say a word about what was happening around the table. Instead he stared down at his plate, pushing his food around with his fork.
Maddy beamed up at Edwin and began eating once more, unable to wipe the smile from her face. Christine wished her husband would be more outgoing, but she knew Erik, and knew how he felt about meeting people, though, he had openly challenged Edwin about the doll... She frowned and reached for her wine glass.
Edwin looked to Erik then. "So, monsieur.. what is it you do?"
Erik choked, looking nervously up at Edwin. "Well, I am a composer of music." He stated simply, unwilling to list off his many positions to this man.
Edwin nodded. "Ah yes... I used to play a bit of piano as a boy..."
Christine smiled and patted Erik's shoulder. "Come now, you do much more than compose music!" She looked to Edwin. "He's really a genius." She assured him, always ready to brag about her husband's many talents.
Edwin laughed, nodding. "I'm sure that he is." He stated, smiling gently. Looking down to his now empty plate, he ran a hand through his hair. "Christine, might I have a word with you?" He asked, leaning toward her a bit.
Christine raised an eyebrow but nodded and smiled as she leant in toward him, Maddy eyeing them carefully. She just knew they must be talking about her, and it made her smile. She looked back down at her meal, and began to poke around at her bread.
Taking Christine's arm, he gently guided her to stand and walk a few steps away. "I didn't want to ask this in front of Madeleine.. but would you be willing to come out with me tomorrow night? We could go dancing, or for a walk.. whatever you would like!" Edwin flushed, taking her hands in his and drawing them close to his chest. "I would like very much to see you again, Christine..."
Erik had wonderful hearing, and they hadn't walked too far away after all. His entire body stiffened, and his hands clenched to fists swiftly. However, he remained in his seat and stared down at the tabletop.
Christine blushed and she laid her hands on his chest, smiling softly up at him. "I'm afraid the only time you'll ever see me is if you substitute again or come to the opera." She stepped back and said just as softly, "I'm married, Edwin." She found it odd that he hadn't figured that out, though, with the uptightness Erik had, she doubted he could see anything between them.
"What?! Then where is your husband?!" He asked, not whispering any longer.
Erik turned and gave Edwin a hard look, resisting the urge to put the boy in his place.
Christine and Maddy jumped simultaneously and Christine backed away a bit. "Perhaps Erik didn't formally introduce himself." She reached out and rested a hand on her husband's shoulder. "This is Erik Destler, and I am Christine Destler, his wife, and that is Madeleine Destler, his daughter." She smiled broadly. "No resemblances?"
Erik smirked and stood, finally glad that the truth had come to light, and he grasped Christine's hand in his, kissing it softly and looking down into her eyes.
Edwin gaped, completely unbelieving. "Him?! I thought he was your father!" Edwin exclaimed, eyes wide.
Christine blushed and giggled slightly, and then stopped when she looked back up at Erik. She motioned to Madeleine, who came up beside Edwin and reached for his hand. "Perhaps you'd like to sing for Edwin, now?" Maddy nodded eagerly and Christine took her other hand. "The music room, then."
Erik reached out, grabbing Christine and pulling her back from Maddy and Edwin, letting them go on ahead. Spinning her to face him, Erik bent over and possessed Christine's lips with his own passionately. "Mine..." He whispered, before breathing deeply and kissing her forehead. "He makes me nervous." Was all Erik said, taking her hand and walking with her to the music room.
Edwin looked in surprise at how beautiful the music room was. So many rare and amazing instruments lined the walls. His attention was captured by the large grand piano in the middle of the room, however, and as if it were a magnet he was drawn to its side.
Erik walked in, giving Christine's hand one final squeeze, then sitting at the bench and looking to Maddy. "Whenever you are ready, darling." He said.
Christine came to stand beside Edwin and watched as Maddy took a deep breath and then smiled, opening her mouth to sing. Her voice was pure and childlike, though no child her age sounded as she did. She lifted her head proudly during the interlude of the song and looked toward her father with a smile.
Erik grinned, nodding in satisfaction and continued to play. "Perfect, Maddy... just stand up a bit more straight..."
Maddy frowned slightly, blushing as her father pointed out one of her more prominent imperfections, and she stood straighter, and breathed deeply from her diaphragm. When she finished the song, and smiled and went to stand in between Edwin and her mother, and beamed up at her crush.
Edwin grinned down at Maddy then, patting her head. "That was wonderful!" He exclaimed, laughter in his eyes. �Christine, will you sing now, please?�
Christine blushed and looked down at Maddy. "Would that be alright, Maddy?" When the little girl bit her lip and nodded, Christine turned to Erik and gave him the song title she had in mind, and then turned to face Edwin with a broad smile.
The song was called "My Johann," and she'd taught it to Maddy when she had been but a child. Figuring Maddy would giggle insanely if she changed the name to Edwin, she began to sing, "Tra, la, la, la, when I go out to dance my Edwin meets me. Oh! See what's he brought. Oh! See what he's brought! Edwin's brought me flowers, tra la la la la." She batted her lashes playfully and stepped forward to lay a hand on his chest. "Tra la la la, and with a kiss the naughty boy would greet me!" She laughed during the song interlude and came back by blowing him a short kiss. "I always have a lot of fun with Edwin... I simply can't resist him, tra la la la la!" She ended the song and grinned broadly.
Edwin flushed during the song, laughing as Christine frolicked around and sang cheerfully. His breath caught in his throat when she touched his chest, and when she blew him the kiss he knew he must have turned bright red.
Erik frowned when Christine changed the words, but didn�t say anything yet, just kept playing. When the song was finished, he looked at Edwin, who was staring dreamily at Christine, and sighed.
Maddy tugged at Edwin's hand with a broad smile. "Isn't she amazing? Mamma taught me that song, one day I will sing it just like her!"
Edwin smiled. �Yes... absolutely, divinely, completely amazing.� He said, his voice soft as he looked at Christine with wide eyes.
Erik gave a tiny growl, completely unable to be heard, and stood up rather abruptly from the piano.
Christine's smile faded, but she quickly replaced it with a fake smirk. "Maddy, dear, you have school tomorrow, it is quite past your bedtime." She placed a hand at her back and said softly, "Say goodnight to Edwin, perhaps you will see him again soon."
Madeleine sighed sadly and hugged Edwin tightly around the waist. "Goodnight, Edwin. Thank you for coming over." She smiled sadly up at him before bidding her parents good night and turning to go to her room.
Edwin smiled after Madeleine, walking over to her and putting a hand on her shoulder. Bending over, he pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek. �Goodnight, Madeleine, I am sure I will see you again.� He said, squeezing her shoulder, then standing and looking longingly at Christine.
Erik�s breath came in small puffs as he forced himself not to speak. Don�t ruin this... just keep quiet...
Christine took Edwin's hand and led him to the foyer. "Thank you so much for joining us tonight. Madeleine adores you and it really made her feel special." She smiled and took both his hands then. "You're welcome to have dinner with us again whenever you please. I don't know how often you will be substituting, but I know Maddy would love to see you again."
Edwin grinned, holding Christine�s hands tight in his own. �And I would love to see her again as well... and her mother, too.� He lowered his voice a bit, looking intently into Christine�s eyes. �If you decide that you want to leave your husband, I would be glad to marry you, would be glad to be a father to Madeleine. Please, Christine... come away with me! We can travel.. Madeleine would love it! Why I think she already thinks of me as a father, probably more than she does... Erik.� He said, struggling to remember her husband�s name for a moment. �You are young... a woman as beautiful and youthful as you should not be wed to such an old man...�
Erik stood outside the foyer, listening to the words Edwin said, and he grew more and more angry with each moment. Rage filled him, and he strode away, slamming the door to the hall hard and moving up the stairs quickly. Reaching the bedroom, he closed the door with a bang and paced, not knowing what to do. Finally he went to the window and stared out at the twilight, rage pouring from him.
Christine pulled away from Edwin and opened the door, her head shaking. Oh, the hell she would have to face this night. The door slam was not a good sign at all. "Edwin, I love my husband, that's why I married him. He's the other half of my soul and I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I will never love another. Besides that, Madeleine voiced that she wished to give you a special hug, and let me tell you know that she would not give a special hug to her father." She continued softly. "You're a handsome, dashing young man and I'm sure you could have any woman you chose. I'm sorry to ruin a nice evening, but this is how it must be. Have a good night, Edwin."
Sighing softly, Edwin nodded and took Christine�s hand in his own. �As you wish... I will not push you.� He said, leaning forward to place a quick kiss to her cheek. �Please don�t let this come between us, I would love dearly to see Madeleine again.� He said, stepping through the door. �Goodnight, Christine.�
Christine sighed as she closed the door, and turned to the dining room, to take the dishes to the sink. She pulled up the sleeves of her dress and pulled her hair back, wrapping it around itself and creating a loose bun. She wiped her hands off on a small towel and wiped all around the counter, wondering what Fate would have planned for her tonight.
Erik watched Edwin get into a hansom and ride away from the window, and he sighed in relief. Striding down the stairs, he pushed open the door to the kitchen and stood, looking at his wife and trying to decide what to do now.
Christine's breath caught and she stood still for a moment, before turning and marching straight up to him. She stared up into his eyes for a moment before moving to his side, pushing open the door. "I must check on the twins," she murmured, her head down.
Reaching out, Erik caught Christine�s arm and pulled her back. �They can wait.� He stated, tugging her into the room and wrapping his arms tightly around her body. Gently he nuzzled his face into Christine�s hair, and he sighed. �I don�t want him to come here again.� He stated.
Christine tensed and pulled away from him, a hand on his chest. "Because? What if Madeleine wants him to come here again?" She paused, and bit her lower lip. "What if I want him to come here again?"
Erik�s eyes widened and he backed up a few steps, fighting a wave of nausea that came over him just at hearing Christine�s words. �I thought that after he all but threw himself at you in the foyer you would want nothing more to do with him.� He stated, eyes narrowed and fear mixing with anger in his eyes. �Or perhaps after I stopped listening you agreed that Madeleine would love him better, that you should be with a younger man? After all, I�ll die soon enough anyway and you�ll be alone.� He stated, working his jaw and trying not to cry.
Christine moved forward, her blue eyes holding a certain fire in them. She poked him in the sternum and said in a low, dangerous voice, "Yes, he threw himself at me! And you ran away like you were scared! Why didn't you stand up for me, Erik?" She shrugged and looked at him with wide eyes. "I tell you time and time again how much I love you, how I would never leave you, and for what!" She glared and raised her hand to slap him.
Erik grabbed her hand, pulling it down and gasping for breath, trying to regain control. �The last time I became jealous, things did not go well, or do you not remember the attack I had?! I thought you would be angry with me if I said a word! I sat on my hands the whole time he was here, forcing myself not to fight him off every time he came too close to you... and you�re angry at me for that! I only wished to respect your wishes, and I certainly didn�t expect a dinner guest this morning, and surely not a young, handsome one!�
Christine jerked away from him and glowered. "Maybe you should think the next time you respect my wishes could be the next time I get raped!" She turned and stomped off to the staircase, grabbing her skirts up as she ran up them.
Rushing after Christine, he grabbed her roughly when she hit the top of the stairs and pressed her against the wall. �Do not speak to me in that manner, as if I don�t care that you were raped! Christine, what is this all about?! I didn�t know what to do, whether I like it or not I�m only human! It kills me that men like Edwin fall for you, because they are young, handsome... but Christine, I know you would not leave! I know you love me, and I was angered only by his words!� A sharp pain began in Erik�s chest, and he sighed, defeated, unwilling to fight any more. Tears suddenly began to fall from his eyes and he turned, unwilling to let Christine see him like that. A sob rose in his throat and he walked to the bedroom, opening the door and falling to the bed.
Christine's lower lip trembled as she tried to hold herself straight, and she moved toward the bedroom to sit beside Erik on the bed. "Are you having another attack?" She asked softly, tears in her eyes. At least they weren't as bad, and hardly affected him. She lightly ran her fingers over his back, and up through his hair.
Erik nodded slightly, his hand resting on his left shoulder as he trembled with his sobs. �Don�t.. hate me..� He mumbled, rolling over to look at Christine with his fearful eyes.
Christine sighed and lay beside him, and gently removed his mask, running her fingers over his ravaged skin. "Oh, Erik, I don't hate you... Please don't think that, it hurts me that you do. How can you not know I love you more than anything in this world? We've grown so much together and yet you are still so worried that I will leave you, or loathe you."
Erik trembled, rolling to lay against Christine and holding his chest and he gasped for breath. �But you were so... so angry with me..� He said, eyes wide and almost child like as he looked at Christine.
Christine sighed and stroked the back of his head. "I was frustrated Erik. Come now, you get frustrated with me at times, don't you? Think of when I was pregnant." A playful smile came upon her lips and faded just as quickly. "I suppose I was frustrated because you seemed so indifferent, not... Well, not protective at all." She cuddled closer. "I like it when you're protective..."
�Believe me, Christine... I wanted to pull you against me and not let him even look at you... is that protective enough? But after I spoke to him and both Maddy and you seemed upset... I thought it would be best for me to stay out of it all.� He sighed and snuggled close to his wife, his breathing slowly returning to normal and the pain ebbing away from his chest.
"I suppose I am being unreasonable, in asking you to be jealous, in asking you to be protective. After all, there was a time when you were so overprotective you killed..." She sighed and laid his head gently on the bed beside her, and moved off, and smoothed out her dress. "I'm going to go check on the twins, and make sure everyone is in bed, okay? Rest, my love." She turned and walked from the room.
Christine returned a short while later, after having a short conversation with a half-asleep Maddy and making sure the twins were sound asleep. She opened her bedroom door only to find that Erik was not where she had left him, and she gasped, a hand coming over her heart. Where had he gone?!
Erik stood within the closet, the door slightly ajar, and he watched Christine enter the darkened room. Very gently he spoke, throwing his voice and making it sound a bit different. �Walk forward, Christine...� The whispy voice called. �Come to me...�
Christine raised an eyebrow but did as the voice asked, remembering the days when Erik had been her Angel of Music. Was he playing some game with her? "Erik?" She asked, her voice unsure. She stepped to where she was adjacent to the dresser, which was slightly close to the closet.
Erik smirked, calling out softly again. �Undress for your angel...� He held back his laughter, which was trying very hard to rise to the surface, and instead watched Christine with rapt attention.
Christine blushed and looked around the room oddly, before frowning and reaching around to the ties at the back of her dress. She undid them quickly and slipped the dress off her shoulders and it pooled around her feet on the floor, and she then proceeded to slip her corset off as well. When she was only in her chemise, she stepped forward again. "Erik?"
Erik smiled broadly. �Undress completely for your angel, sweet Christine...� He called, making his voice even more sensual. �And you shall be rewarded greatly.�
Christine bit her bottom lip and hesitated for a moment before reaching down to her thighs and gripping the fabric of her chemise, and drawing it up where it nearly dragged on the floor, and off her head. She let it drop to the floor beside her and shivered.
�Good.� He purred. �Now go to the bed, and lay down. Close your eyes... and if you open them, your angel will disappear.� He said, working his clothes off as he spoke.
Yes, but where will the angel sleep? She almost snorted, but decided she would play this little game. She shivered again as the cold air hit her naked body and climbed onto their bed, and pulled the covers over her as she did so. Well, he didn't say she couldn't... She pulled all her hair out from underneath her and laid it across the pillow, and then closed her eyes and lay there.
Erik grinned, slipping from the closet and pulling the blanket from Christine�s body. Starting at her ankles, he placed gentle kisses up her body, letting only his lips touch her. Reaching her stomach, he slid his lips up and over both of her breasts, then up her neck and finally he reached her lips and kissed her gently.
Christine moaned softly and reached a hand up to his cheek, stroking his cheekbone as she kissed him back. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him more deeply, rubbing her breasts against his chest.
Erik grinned against Christine�s lips, stroking her cheeks and running his hands down her arms. �Open your eyes now, my love...� He whispered, longing to see the love reflected in her eyes. Gently he slid his hands down her back and grasped her bottom, rubbing playfully. His lips found their way down her neck and across her chest, and he sighed softly in pleasure, loving to touch Christine.
Christine's eyes fluttered open as she sighed softly, and she watched him move his lips down her body. She ran her fingers through his hair, the strands feeling feathery soft against her skin. She cupped his face in her hands and brought his lips back up to hers, gazing into his eyes with pure adoration before sucking gently on his lower lip.
Erik gave a small sound, almost like a purr, as he pressed his body against Christine�s fully. He trembled in desire as he began to move his hips against her abdomen playfully. �I need you, Christine...� He groaned, ghosting his fingers over her body. �Without you I would die...�
Christine panted softly and held his head in her hands as she looked into his eyes. "I want you inside of me," she gasped, twining her fingers into his hair. She felt desire flood her entire body, she was on fire, and she tingled where skin met skin. She shuddered and stared into his eyes, pleading, and slid her legs apart, her knees coming up to either side of his waist.
Erik whimpered, sliding down a bit and thrusting himself deeply inside of Christine. His eyes slid closed as a satisfied moan flew from his lips. �Oh Christine!� He cried as he began to move quickly inside of her, �I love you... I love you... I love you...� He whispered the words into her ear with a thin, gasping voice with each thrust he made.
Christine cried out fiercely and wrapped her legs tightly around his waist, closing her eyes and letting her hot breath trickle out onto his ear. She gasped each time he moved deeper into her, and she moved her body with his, becoming dizzy from the intense pleasure she felt. She held him tightly to her, her chest heaving as she licked her lips, her throat feeling dry.
Erik breathed heavily, nearing his release and shaking uncontrollably as he moved a bit faster, his thrusts become sharp and frenzied. His hands moved over her breasts, then up to cup her cheeks and he kissed Christine with a gentle passion, flicking his tongue against hers playfully, and nipping at her lips and tongue.
Christine gasped, arching and whimpering. "Erik," she rasped against his lips, squeezing his shoulders, "Erik... Come with me..." She slid her tongue across his lower lip. "I want to feel you..." She groaned and arched even more against him, her eyes closing tightly as she cried his name.
Erik groaned, deepening his thrusts, and he cried out suddenly, drowning in the brilliance of his release, and he nearly fell from the bed in his pleasure. �Christine! Oh God!� Falling forward and to the side, Erik nearly lost consciousness from the rush to his senses. �...Christine...� He whimpered, still pulsing within her, shaking slightly.
Christine was still panting heavily, still tightening slightly around him. She held him tightly and breathed against his shoulder, her traditional sated smile coming to rest on her lips. She sighed happily and pushed damp strands of her hair off her forehead, all the while examining Erik's features, her eyes sparkling in her delight.
Erik reached out, touching Christine�s cheek and smiling through his gasps for breath. �Oh Christine... I love you...� He whispered, slowly withdrawing from her body and holding her close.
Christine sighed sadly at his withdraw but quickly turned on her side to cuddle into his arms. She rested her head on his arm and wrapped her free arm around his waist, the other in between them on his chest drawing idle patterns. She smiled up at him and kissed his marred cheek. "I love you, too."
Erik smiled lovingly down at Christine, yawning as sleep began to overtake him. Reaching to the foot of the bed, he drew the blankets up around their bodies and cuddled close to Christine. Slowly his eyes began to droop, and with one final yawn, he began to fall asleep. �Good night...� He murmured, before falling fast asleep.
X
Christine hummed softly to herself as she made her rounds of all the dirty laundry in the home. She came to the kitchen and saw Erik with his back to her, leaning over the sink. She grinned and gave a short war cry as she ran and leapt onto his back, wrapping her legs tightly around his waist and her arms around his neck. She nibbled at his ear and licked his cheek playfully.
Erik gave a cry of shock, laughing when he felt Christine lick him, and he spun around quickly, trying to dislodge his wife from his back. �Christine, what on earth has gotten into you?!� He asked, laughing as he pulled her from his back and wrapped his arms tightly around her body.
Well, mon amour, I was hoping you would get into me..." She winked and tried to use his shoulders to lift herself and wrap her legs around his waist in the front. She grinned wickedly and captured his lips with hers, smirking against his mouth.
Erik turned and pressed Christine to the wall, pressing his hips against hers, and suddenly he heard the kitchen door open. Swiftly he let his wife down to the ground, and watched with wide eyes as Phillip came running in at full speed. �No! Phillip, stop!� He cried, but it was too late.
Phillip laughed hysterically as he ran through the kitchen, toward the sound of his parents� voices... and ran right into the cupboards. Falling back on his rear, he sat stunned for a moment, before raising a hand to his head and beginning to cry. �Maman! Maman!!! MAMAN!!� He cried over and over, wailing and holding his head.
Christine gasped and pushed Erik back as she fell to her knees beside Phillip, and scooped him into her arms. "Oh, my darling!" She rocked him gently and stood, going over to Erik so that he could inspect the child's head. Christine kissed him softly and cooed at him, knowing that the tone of people's voices was the equivalent of seeing people's expressions to a blind person. She kissed his head repeatedly and looked worriedly at Erik.
Erik chuckled, reaching out and checking his son�s head. �You�re just fine, Phillip, just a bump...� He looked to Christine soothingly. �I think he�s more shocked than hurt... I can imagine it�s a bit scary to run into something when you didn�t even know it was there...� Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to his son�s cheek. �Phillip, this is why we ask you to stay in the sitting room if you aren�t with us... there�s nothing to hurt you in there...�
Phillip whimpered, clinging tighter to Christine. �Got lonely.� He mumbled, burying his face into Christine�s neck and sniffling.
Christine kissed his head and rocked him gently. "Is there anything you would like to do with Papa and I, Phillip? We don't want you to be lonely." She stroked his raven soft hair that reminded her so much of Erik's.
�Piano, Papa.. teach me more!� He exclaimed suddenly, flailing his arms and trying to reach Erik. He clung to Christine as well, then, kissing her cheek by memory of where it was. �Maman you have to be there too.� He stated, snuggling close to her.
Erik smiled, taking Phillip�s hand and holding it tight. �Christine, would that be okay for you?�
Christine nodded. "Of course it wound be okay!" She held him tightly and moved toward the music room, grabbing Erik's hand before she went.
Erik walked along with his wife and son to the music room. Quickly moving his papers from the piano, he opened the keys and sat down, putting out his arms for Phillip to be placed on his lap.
Christine placed the young boy gingerly into her husband's arms, and sat on the end of the bench next to them, watching Phillip intently.
Phillip squealed in excitement, putting his hands over the keys right away and leaning back against Erik. "Teach me more!"
Erik laughed, kissing the top of Phillip's head. "First, show me that you remember the song I taught you last week." He stated, watching Phillips hands automatically move to the correct part of the piano. It was amazing, really, that he could remember by feel where his hands needed to be.
Phillip grinned and played the little song with ease, and when he had finished, he left his hands there and giggled. "Well, Papa?"
Erik beamed with pride down at his son. "Wonderful. Okay, here comes the next one." Placing his hands over Phillip's, he moved them to a different area of the piano, and slowly began to play a gentle children's song. It lasted for several minutes, and when they had finished, he withdrew his hands. "Okay, now you go."
Phillip nodded, appeared thoughtful for a moment, then began to play, striking each note correctly and in perfect time.
Erik's eyes were wide, and he nodded, before remembering Phillip couldn't see it. "Perfect." He said, voice hoarse with emotion. He looked to Christine and smiled.
Christine's eyes were filled with tears, and she reached out to stroke her son's head. She sighed happily and lifted her hand to stroke Erik's face. "Phillip, you're amazing, do you know that?" She looked up to Erik and her smile faded for a moment. She lowered her voice as she asked her husband, "Have you tried to teach Bella anything yet?"
Erik sighed. "I have tried... I am afraid she is not advanced like the rest of the children." He said, kissing her cheek. "Do not worry, my love... she is normal." He said lovingly. Looking down at Phillip then, a bemused expression crossed his face. Phillip had turned in Erik's lap and was cuddled against his body, apparently about to fall asleep.
"Papa... I'm tired..." Erik grinned, lifting Phillip into his arms and standing slowly.
"I'll finish cooking, darling." Christine stood as well and kissed Phillip's forehead before moving ahead of them.
X
Erik walked into the sitting room where his children were and sighed in relief as he sat down on the settee. He had been tired all day, and it felt good to relax.
Maddy smiled when she saw her father, looking up from her writing. She stood and dusted her bottom off, then picked up the piece of paper and showed it to her father, mindful of the still wet ink. "You want me to read it to you, Papa? I just wrote it!"
Erik grinned, nodding at Maddy. "Yes, go right ahead, dearest."
Maddy grinned and stood up tall as she read. "One day a beautiful girl named Madeleine and a handsome young man named Edwin fell in love. Edwin gave Madeleine the special hug and they had a child that was the smartest in the world like Madeleine's papa, and they all lived happily ever after." She bit her lip as she beamed up at her father.
Charles laughed a bit, cuddling Bella closer. "That's silly! Edwin is too old and anways he wanted to give maman the special hug."
Erik chuckled at Madeleine, stroking her cheek. "I think it was lovely."
Maddy grinned and turned back to her papers, and just as she did Bella struggled out of Charles's arms and drooled all over her newly composed sheets of music, as well as the drawings she'd been working on for her dream home with Edwin. She shrieked loudly and fell to her knees, and pushed at Bella's head. "You stupid baby!"
"HEY!" Charles cried, rushing over to scoop up Bella. "Don't call her that! She can't help it that she's dumb, she's just a baby!" He exclaimed, holding Bella close. "That's what papa told me before." He said proudly, holding her close to his body. "She'll be smart some day too!"
Erik sighed heavily and put his head in his hands. "Not again..."
Maddy sniffled as her beautiful music dripped off the sheet, the ink ruined. "Papa!" She cried, running over to his side and burying her face in the cushion by his knees. "It's ruined! Everything is ruined! I hate her! I hate her!"
Erik drew Maddy up into his arms. "Now now, dear... she didn't mean to ruin your music... you hate what happened, not Bella herself." He said, rubbing her back soothingly.
Maddy glared down at Bella as the one year old crawled up to the couch and reached around for Maddy's ankles. Her gaze softened as Bella cooed at her and gurgled, "Mmmmmma!"
Erik's eyes widened at Bella, and he smiled broadly. "Bella? Did you just say 'mama'?"
Charles beamed, sitting next to Maddy and looking at his little sister.
Bella's legs were shaking as she supported herself by holding onto the couch. She gazed up at Maddy and held out one chubby arm to her. "Mmmmmavy!"
Erik gave a great laugh, patting his daughter on the back. "You see, she loves you so much your name is her first word!" He exclaimed, kissing her cheek.
Charles shrieked, jumping up and holding his shirt out. "Bella! Why do you always do that on me?!" He cried, laughing a little as he was still disgusted. Sighing heavily, he moved toward the bathroom to clean up.
Erik laughed heartily, throwing his head back and putting his hands over his face. "I love you children so much... never a dull moment."
Chapter Twenty Eight