Search for the Opera Ghost: Rewrite

XXII.

Antoinette sat in the parlor of the Vicomte's manor. She was still wondering to herself how she would tell them about Erik when they made their appearance. No one thought that he would find another woman, much less get married. Smiling to herself, she took out the ring and held the small piece of jewelry in her hand. Turning to the sound of footsteps she looked as Raoul and Christine entered the parlor and sat across from her.

"Madame Giry! It is so good to see you. How have you been?" Christine asked her politely.

"I have been doing well thank you. I am sure you are wondering why I have come to visit you."

"I have to admit, I did not expect you to visit me."

'Here goes nothing.' Antoinette thought to herself. She pulled out Christine's ring and held it out to her. "He wants you to have this back."

"Why?"

"He is getting married." She replied.

Both Christine and Raoul gasped loudly. "What? He is getting married? Who would want to marry him?" Raoul questioned Madame Giry.

Antoinette threw a glare at him, "I do not agree with what he did in the past, but Erik deserves love."

"Who is he marrying?" Christine asked.

"A young lady by the name of Zuri Bellamont."

Raoul's expression was slackjawed, "As in the Aveyron Bellamont's?"

"Yes." Antoinette confirmed.

"What could she possibly see in him?!"

"Maybe she saw something that no one else could. The way they met...I cannot reveal, but she loves him and he loves her. In the end, Erik deserves love just like anyone else."

"Can we meet her?" Christine interrupted finally.

"I will see what I can do. I am sure she would like to meet you." Antoinette said as she handed the ring to Christine. "I am sure we can arrange something."

xxxx

Later that day Zuri ran up to see Antoinette. She had news that she wanted to share with her. She had yet to share the news with Erik, but hoped that he would be esctatic when she told him. Zuri almost ran past Antoinette in an effort to find her. She grabbed Antoinette's arm and smiled as their eyes connected. "Zuri, what are you doing up here?"

"Madame Giry, I don't know what to do. I found out a few hours ago." Zuri told her in a hurried manner.

"Found what out? You are speaking nonsense."

"I am pregnant with his child. I have not had my cycle, it is two weeks overdue. Oh Antoinette, how can I tell him?" She questioned.

"Hold on Zuri. Are you sure you are pregnant? Maybe you are stressed. I know that can cause women to miss their cycles." Antoinette suggested.

"No Madame. I know I am pregnant." Zuri affirmed, her eyes were bright with joy. "Do you believe in soulmates Madame?"

"I suppose..."

"Erik must be mine. I know it Madame Giry. He will be so excited when he finds out about our child. Don't you think so?"

Antoinette did not know what to tell her. Erik was one of the most confusing men she knew. "I am sure he will."

"Thank Madame Giry. I cannot wait to tell him that he will be a father. I will see you later." She thanked her then hurried off to see him.

xxxx

Zuri hoped that Erik would be excited like she was. Having a child would be a big responsibility but she had faith that he would make an excellent parent. She knew it. "Erik!" Her voice echoed as she entered his home.

He greeted her with wet hair and the top half of his chest exposed to her. "Yes Zuri?" He questioned her as he walked towards her.

Her jaw dropped as he neared her, she was starting to appreciate the male body much more since being with him. Erik was no exception to beauty, he was like a dark-haired Adonis to her. "Erik remember when we talked about pregnancy?"

"Yes. Why do you ask Zuri?" He questioned her as a big smile crossed her face.

"Erik, I'm pregnant!" Zuri exclaimed excitedly.

"What! What do you mean 'you're pregnant?'"

"Erik we're having a child. Aren't you happy?"

"No."

Zuri felt confused, hadn't he said that he wanted a child? "What do you mean 'no?'"

"You were not supposed to get pregnant till after we got married. Preferably a few months until I get situated living with you." He replied.

Zuri's jaw dropped, this time in shock. "You are one of the most selfish, self-centered men I have ever had the displeasure to know. You go from one extreme to the other Erik. What am I to do?"

Erik glared at her, "If I am so selfish then why don't you stay with Madame Giry till you have the baby!"

She felt tears well up in her eyes. She did not want to leave Erik. Why was he being so mean to her? "Fine! I will send her down to get my things because you don't want me here!" Zuri then turned around and fled back towards the main part of the opera house.

xxxx

"He said what?!" Antoinette shouted in an angered voice. She watched as a tearful Zuri sat on her bed and continued to cry while telling what had happened between Erik and herself.

"He is so selfish. What is the matter with me?" Zuri wept.

"Nothing is wrong with you Zuri." She narrowed her eyes. "I am going to have to have a talk with your future husband about being a father."

"Do you think he will listen?"

"I hope so. If not, I can always threaten him." Antoinette replied with a small laugh.

Zuri smiled at Madame Giry as the older woman stood up. "I am going to see him Zuri. While I do that, you need to get some rest." Zuri nodded in understanding. "I will be back as soon as possible."