Search for the Opera Ghost: Rewrite

XXXVII.

Erik noticed that Zuri had become more withdrawn as the weeks passed by. At first he wondered if he had done something to make her angry with him. But she had quelled his fear of that when she had laid with him several days ago. Erik could not stand that she was becoming withdrawn from him and he could not stop it.

Zuri didn't want to tell Erik the truth. She had been having reoccuring nightmares since the first time she had dreamed about falling down the steps. She didn't know if it was something important but she knew that it scared her. She was scared of what might happen if she were to fall down. What would happen if her baby were to die from a result?

"What is the matter Zuri?" Erik questioned her, bringing her out of her thoughts.

"Nothing." She replied.

"It can't be nothing. Tell me what is bothering you so." Erik commanded as he pulled her into his embrace. She gasped softly as he gently kissed her forehead.

"I keep having the nightmares Erik. What if I do fall down a set of stairs? I couldn't bear if I lost our child. I would be a murderer!" Zuri cried out as tears fell down her cheeks in streams.

"Love, nothing will happen. If you feel this way then I will accompany you up and down every set of stairs you have to climb and descend." Erik said as he gently stroked her hair in loving caresses. "And no, you would never be a murderer. Accidents happen love. No matter what you do you could never be a murderer in my eyes."

"Oh Erik." Zuri mumbled miserably. She wrapped her arms around his neck as his hands moved down her back and caressed her spine gently. "I love you so much."

"Zuri, sit with me for a few minutes." He told her as he gently lowered her to the couch. Erik sat next to her then said softly, "I feel I have been too selfish."

Zuri cocked her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I mean I have been selfish in making you lay with me. I hope you understand that I do not want to be selfish. We should not have as much sex now that you are pregnant and you are in your second stage of pregnancy."

Zuri smiled, "Erik, you are not selfish. However, you are right."

Erik returned her smile then gently caressed her cheek. "I love you."

"Not as much as I love you." She replied with another brilliant smile. Erik laughed then kissed her lips as she wrapped her arms around his neck once more. He softly stroked her hair as she leaned into his embrace. She loved her husband, there was no doubt in it.

xxxx

Madame Giry joined Zuri as they embroidered a large baby blanket. "I don't know if poor Erik is going to be comfortable with us not being as active in the bed."

"He'll survive." Madame Giry replied with a laugh.

Zuri felt very close to Madame Giry. She was a friend and a motherly figure as well. She trusted her more than anyone...besides Erik. "What was it like when you were pregnant with Meg?"

"It was difficult, but I loved every moment of it." Madame Giry explained as she worked on the pattern she was embroidering.

"Did your husband have sex with you too?"

"Yes. A few times. He was a busy man though." She replied.

"I don't want to disappoint Erik. He is such a loving and caring man."

Madame Giry stifled a laugh, "Oh my dear. Erik will survive a few more months of pregnancy. All husbands must go through this phase. Besides Erik has endured longer periods of time without being sexual."

Zuri smiled, "I suppose so."

"Zuri, a wife has many duties to her husband; however, a husband has equal amount of duties to his wife."

She nodded in agreement while continuing working on her pattern. "I agree." Zuri paused then asked, "Do you think Erik will ever move away from the opera house?"

"I don't know Zuri. He's been here too long to move away suddenly."

"True. I would never want to force him from his comfort zone." Zuri said as she pulled at the thread that had suddenly knotted. "However, he can't stay here forever. As much as I love him, he needs to face the outside. We could go anywhere. No one would have to know us and we could raise a family."

Madame Giry smiled. "Talk to Erik about it."

"I know what he would say." Zuri laughed then imitated her husband, "Are you out of your mind woman?"

They both shared a laugh. "You would be surprised Zuri. Ask him."

Zuri nodded, "Very well. I think I will."

The two concentrated on their embroidering once more and exchanged brief words when weary of the silence. Zuri felt so relieved that she could talk to Madame Giry about Erik. It was a huge burden off her shoulders and she could ask for advice from the older woman. She was glad Madame Giry was her friend.