Disclaimer: I don't own Phantom, but if I did, I certainly wouldn't be writing phanphiction. . .:) Feedback: You know you want to review! ~Chapter 3: The Simple Truth~ "The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple." ~ Oscar Wilde The next few days passed quietly; Claudette made sure of that. She was quickly becoming like a mother to me, taking care to see that I was always warm, well rested and as content as possible. Clearly, she knew that I was hiding a great many secrets from her, that much was evident whenever she looked at me. There were questions in her eyes, but she never asked them. She never judged me and she let me remain aloof even as she clung to my side, she somehow knew that I hated to be alone, and made a great fuss to keep me comfortable. She never judged me, and I respected her immensely for it. She must have known that my silence was the only way I had left to keep my dignity. But, I knew she was no fool. There were stories in the papers and gossip flew in the streets; it was not everyday that a torment opera singer who just happened to be engaged to a Vicomte went missing. My appearance, my voice, my name: she must have known the truth. Never did she prod, though, never did she take offense at my apparent lack of trust and good faith. She simply accepted me, loved me and coddled me as only a Mother could. She knew I was eager to see the Persian, even if she knew not why. She reassured me, placing her hand on mine and saying, "Dear Christine, it has only been two days and our good Doctor is a busy man. This Nadir will surely come tomorrow." I nodded, and for some reason, I believed her. I had no reason not to. I do not know what I expected when I gave the good doctor the Daroga's address. Instant resolution, perhaps, the most convenient way to gain some absolution for the mistakes of the past; Nadir might not even choose to come after what I did to Erik, or, he might choose not to listen if he did. I placated myself; he would listen. Of course he would listen, and he would come; who could be so heartless as to deny a last request? Unless that request was untenable. There was no guarantee that Erik was still alive. Despite his strength and amazing agility, he had never been in the best of health. He was easily upset to say the least, and it didn't take too much excess emotion to cause one of those frightful attacks. . . The sort of excess emotion that my departure from the Opera surely caused him. Three days after the Doctor's promise to find Nadir, he finally arrived. Claudette let him in, smiling widely as though she were a cat triumphantly bringing its owner a prized mouse. She excused herself quickly, leaving the Persian and I alone. "You came," I said dumbly, not knowing where else to begin. "Yes," Nadir said, nodding sadly, "I came as soon as I heard." "I assume that the Doctor informed you of my condition?" I asked, and, again, he shook his head in reply. "Yes, and I am sorry, Mademoiselle Daae, I truly am," he said sincerely. "What else did he tell you?" I asked, sitting up in bed. "Just that you only wanted to see me, which, I must admit, perplexes me. The papers speak of. . ." "I know what the papers say, Nadir," I interrupted, "but I have my reasons." "Then please," he said looking me directly in the eye, his confusion apparent, "please tell me why I am here instead of your Vicomte. Please, tell me why you are living within this masquerade." I looked at him with all the strength I could muster, "Because I was a fool when I left Erik, Nadir. I was a cowardly, pathetic fool. I loved him then, and I love him now." Nadir took his head in his hands, and did not speak for a long time. Finally, without looking up, he said, "Christine, are you sure that. . ." "I know what I feel, Nadir, and I would expect you show some respect for my emotions," I said incredulously. "And what of the Vicomte? Surely you are aware that. . ." "Raoul is like a brother to me, and I will always be grateful for the friendship and devotion he has shown me. But, I think it would be easier for him to think me dead then to know that I am dying, and I do not wish to live out my last days in his company." "Then you are saying that you wish to live out your final days in Erik's? Christine, he. . ." "He's what?" I asked desperately, "Is he. . ." "No, he isn't dead," the Persian interjected, "but I am fairly certain he wishes that he were. If you return to him, Christine, it shall be a blessing and a curse to him. I fear he is dying without your love, but, conversely, to watch you die. . ." "Nadir," I said pleadingly, "I know the situation appears dreadful, but the truth is, neither of us can truly live without the other. We are two parts of the same whole, Daroga. I simply realized that a bit to late. I can only pray that we can have some happiness together before. . ." "I am to go to him tomorrow," the Persian said, sparing me the pain of my thought's fruition, "and if you wish you may come and make your case before him. It's almost inconceivable that he would choose to deny you, so I would advise you to make your peace with the world above before you venture to the world below. I shall return tomorrow at noon, and I expect to find you ready." I smiled, and took his hand, "Thank you, Nadir, bless you. I shall be prepared when you arrive." He nodded and looked at me sympathetically. "Good day, Mademoiselle," he said, standing and quickly leaving the room. I sank back into the pillows as the door shut behind him. Suddenly, I felt as though I needed to rest, to sleep, to dream of what once was and soon would be. ~To be continued~ |
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