The Point of No Return- COMPLETE

Chapter Four

Monsieurs Andre and Firmin waited anxiously in the parlor of Chagny Manor. Firmin began to pace incessantly as he begun to ring his hands. “This could be it Andre. This could be our way out of this mess.” He looked back at the shorter man. “This was more money than we or the Vicompte put into the Opera Populaire. We could make money!” He clapped his hands excitedly.

“Gentlemen, you wished to see me?” Raoul stood in the doorway of the parlor. It had been a long two weeks for him. His clothes disheveled as if he had slept in them. There were dark circles under his eyes. He and the police had just ended the search at the Opera Populaire. There was nothing there but a mess and bad memories. Often his mind drifted to Christine. Was she happy? Was she living the life she wanted to?

“How are you Vicompte?” Monsieur Andre rose out of the chair and clutched his hat tight in his wrinkled hands. “Did the police find anything?”

Raoul gave him a sad smile. “No. The investigation is now closed and will not be reopened, no matter what.” The last part of his sentence was said with a hint of force. He would give Christine the chance to be happy. It was at least he could do. “What brings you gentlemen here?”

“We have been contacted by a potential buyer for the Opera Populaire.” Monsieur Firmin stated. When he saw the surprise on Raoul’s face, he continued quickly. “It is a substantial amount.”

Raoul was silent for a few minutes as he walked around the room. He stopped in front of the marble fireplace. Taking a deep breath he asked, “Who is the buyer?”

“We only have a name.” Andre piped up.

“What is that name?” Raoul asked gently.

“The name scribbled at the bottom is simply Erik.” Andre told him.

Raoul’s eyes rose. “Such a simple name for a man who is wealthy enough to make that kind of offer.”

“Nevertheless it will get us out of the trouble that opera house put us in.” Firmin threw up his hands in frustration. “We cannot turn down that kind of offer.”

“What exactly is the offer?” Raoul asked.

Andre reached into his overcoat pocket and dug out the letter. He took it out of his envelope and handed it to Raoul. “Here. See for yourself. We can retrieve all of our losses.”

Raoul’s eyes widened as he stared at the amount that was written on the parchment. Was this man thinking clearly? Even in it’s state the Opera Populaire was never worth that much. Maybe not to you, but maybe it would be to someone else. The thought just hit him suddenly. Raoul let out a small pained laugh. “When does this gentleman want to move into his opera?”

“We do not know. We are supposed to contact him and let him know of our decision.” Andre spoke.

“We have no other choice. This is the only way to get our money.” Firmin argued.

So he wants the opera now? Raoul shook his head as he nearly crumbled the letter into a ball. He silently hoped this Erik was taking care of his beloved. She might have walked away from him, but deep down Raoul still loved her. Who was really behind the purchase of the opera? If they owned it, Christine would be a star. She had dreamed of that from the time she was a little girl. Raoul remembered the times of the picnics in the attic where Christine would sing for him. No he would not spoil her dreams now. “Send this man a letter and tell him we agree to his terms. The Opera Populaire will be his.”

Both Andre and Firmin broke out in huge smiles. “This is perfect Vicompte. A perfect solution. We shall take care of this for you.” He patted Raoul’s shoulder as he and Andre grabbed their hats. “We can put this silly business of the Opera and its ghost out of our lives.”

Raoul let his shoulders sag as he let out a harsh chuckle. For his business partners it would be easy to rid themselves of the past. However, for him it would not be as easy. Christine was still a part of him. Putting his hands on the mantle, he stared into the bright flames of the fire. He suddenly wondered if this is what the Phantom felt like when he thought he was losing Christine. Did his heart break just as mine is now? If so then finally I have some pity for that creature.

* * * * * *


Christine laid in the darkness, her head upon Erik’s bare chest, listening to his heartbeat. Her fingers trailed softly over the hard muscles, as her fingertips brushed through the soft dark hair that dusted the skin. Erik’s words still rung in her ear after two weeks. I am going to buy the Opera from those two bumbling fools. What did he mean buy? With what money? The opera house was special to them both, but at this moment it seemed like an unattainable dream. One that was too good to wish for.

“Aren’t you supposed to be sleeping?” Erik’s husky voice cut through the darkness.

“I can’t sleep.” Christine whispered back.

Rolling over, Erik pulled her under him and gently covered her body with his. He stroked her cheek as he lowered his head and kissed her softly. He nibbled on her lips as his hands slid down over the worn cotton that made up the chemise she wore. “What is the matter, little one?”

Reaching up, Christine ran her fingertips over his scars. She felt him shiver under her touch. “You mentioned buying the opera house?”

“Yes I did.” Erik laid soft kisses along her collarbone. “It will be ours. Then I will give you the stage and the world.” He whispered against her skin. “I want to give you everything.”

She arched up against him as she ran her fingers through his hair. “You have already, Erik. I have you.”

“Not all of me yet.” He brushed his lips along her neck to her earlobe. Taking the soft lobe between his lips, he began to suckle softly. “However that soon will change. It is safe for our return to the lair. We shall leave tomorrow.”

“What do you mean, not all of you?” She asked in a voice full of innocence.

Breathing in her ear Erik whispered to her. “When we return to the lair, and we are safe.” He slid his hand up her body to cup her breast. “That is when I shall make you mine.” He began to kiss his way down her neck again. “When we are back in our home, then and only then will it be right.”

Christine moaned as she felt the velvety softness of his lips graze her skin. “Erik please, how can you afford the Opera Populaire?”

Pulling his head up, he caressed her cheek. “Trust me little one. I have more than enough money.” He reassured her. Pulling her tight against his chest, he buried his head in the crook of her neck. “Never will you have to worry about anything.”

“How?” Christine laid a palm against his heart.

He could see she wasn’t going to be satisfied until she got an answer. But she was right. This was a new beginning for them both. All they had was each other and there was no room for lies or secrets. “Do you remember the salary I was paid by the previous manager of the Opera, Monsieur Lefevre?”

“Yes, it was 25,000 francs a month wasn’t it?” Christine asked as she ran a hand down the length of his neck to his broad shoulder in a loving caress.

“Do you know how long I collected that salary?” Erik asked her carefully. When she didn’t answer, he sighed. “Ten years. Ten years I collected the francs, only spending the money on my barest necessities.”

Christine sucked in her breath as she searched his eyes and found the truth. “But why? Why hoard the money like that? You could have gotten out of here, lived a grand life?”

“Why leave when I had so many reasons to stay?” Erik asked her as he gazed into her eyes.

“Reasons?” She asked.

“You Christine. You were the reason I stayed. I taught you to sing so that someday you could claim your throne. You were an undiscovered gem, and I was merely the natural force that shaped you.” Erik whispered to her. “I never planned on falling in love with you.”

“Are you sorry that you did?” Christine asked hesitantly.

“NEVER!” Erik swore with passion. “You are my light. You are a part of me Christine.”

“I love you.” She pulled his head down and whispered against his lips.

“I love you Christine, never forget that.” Erik kissed her deeply as his tongue parted her waiting lips to taste her mouth.

She moaned as she felt his hands on her body. The spark he started with his kiss was now in danger of turning into a wildfire. She pulled him closer as she tried to arch against his body. She wrapped a leg around his waist. Erik moaned in her mouth as he slid his hand up her bare thigh. “Erik…” She moaned softly.

“No we must stop.” He whispered as he laid his head on her chest. His breathing was heavy and he held onto her as if she were his lifeline. “Not on a rug in a long forgotten room.” He kissed her chest. “When we make love for the first time, it will be in our home, in our bed.”

Christine smiled as she stroked his hair. Hearing the passion and love in his voice sent shivers up and down her spine. Our home. Our bed. The thought of belonging somewhere and to someone filled her heart and brought tears to her eyes.

Erik felt a teardrop hit his hand as he cupped her cheek. “Why are you crying, little one?” There was worry deep in his voice.

“For years I was looking for a place to call home. When I resided in the ballet dormitories, it never felt like home. But here, with you…I have come home.” Christine whispered.

“I often watched in the darkness as you slept.” Erik admitted. “I had to make sure you were safe.”

“I am safe with you.” She whispered as she kissed his forehead.

“Remember that Christine.” He stroked her cheek. “I guard your heart with my life.” He moved up and kissed her softly. “Now sleep. Nothing shall harm you with me as your guard.” He rolled over and gathered her up in his strong arms. He smiled as she laid her head back down on his chest. “Sleep my angel. Let me be your protector.” He sang to her softly. When he heard her breathing even out telling him she had fallen asleep, he whispered to himself in the darkness. “I will marry you Christine. For I fear I can’t live without you.”