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Having completely forgotten it was Christmas Eve, Erik was down in the fifth cellar checking traps and other goodies lying in wait for unsuspecting snoops. Satisfied all was in order, he made his way back to the lair. On arriving, he stopped short. On top of the piano was a large, flat, festively-wrapped box. Then it dawned on him. Christmas Eve. He approached the present, certain it was from Christine. Smiling to himself, and relieved he had finished his present for her, he read the card on top. It instructed Erik to open his present immediately, “make use of it”, come to Christine’s dressing room ASAP and don’t forget his cape. Erik’s eyes widened, but he duly opened his present.
Inside, lay a beautiful, dark red, old-fashioned smoking jacket - velvet with satin lapels, satin sash and satin pocket trim. There were also matching slippers. Erik just stared in awe. He put the things on. Perfect fit. Then he realised. Both pockets were bursting with something! He put his hands in the pockets and pulled out two golden velvet, drawstring bags of dark chocolate Hershey’s kisses! Laughing, he noticed a card on the floor. It had obviously fallen out, when he pulled out one of the bags. The card read,
“Save these for when I can’t be with you. That way, you can still have kisses from me! But right now, come to my dressing room - if you want the real thing! Joyeux Noël! Christine.” Stopping only to get Christine’s gift and his cape, Erik hurried upwards - popping a few kisses into his mouth on the way.
********
On arriving at Christine’s dressing room, Erik couldn’t help but stare through the mirror. Christine had gone nearly all out decorating the room. She had long since managed to somehow put a large four-poster bed into one corner. It and everything else was positively buried in Christmas attire. But Erik could not see a tree - or Christine. Still, he quietly crept into the room. He carefully deposited his cape and Christine’s gift on a chair, taking care that his cape completely covered the box.
Christine came out from behind her screens. She looked beautiful in her dark green, satin lounging pajamas and matching slippers. There was a matching scarf tied round her head, the bow just behind her left ear. Erik had been so quiet, that on seeing him, Christine started so badly, that she nearly fell back on top of his cape! Fortunately, Erik caught her just in time.
“Goodness, I didn’t know you were here! You’re always so quiet!” Then Christine noticed Erik’s appearance. “Oh, good! You’re wearing your Christmas presents! And they fit perfectly! You look very handsome and elegant!”
Erik, still sceptical about the “handsome” part, nevertheless bowed and smiled. “Thank you, my dear! You look beautiful, Christine!” He reached into his pocket and took out a kiss. “And as for these presents…,” Erik unwrapped the kiss and pressed it to Christine’s mouth. She obliged by accepting it, with a smile. “…they are quite delicious! But, I believe, my dear, you promised me a real kiss?”
“Indeed I did, good sir!” She ate the chocolate kiss and promptly planted her lips on Erik’s. The kiss was quite thorough, lasting several seconds. As they came up for air, Erik proclaimed,
“I do believe chocolate tastes much better, when it’s accompanied by your lips!” Christine blushed a delightful Christmassy red.
Christine was about to say thank you, when Erik asked why she didn’t have a Christmas tree.
She grinned, “As for that, follow me!” Christine started for the door, whilst grabbing a rather shabby winter coat.
Erik started to get his cape, when he remembered. “Christine!” She turned round. Erik was holding out a large box, grinning. “This is for you!”
“Oh, Erik, that is so sweet of you! Thank you!” She started to leave again. “Bring it along, would you please? I’ll open it when we get to our destination. Ooh, I can’t wait!” Christine took off. Grabbing his cape and Christine’s present, Erik followed. They left the room and Christine led Erik towards the back stairs. Christine said not a word, leaving Erik thoroughly confused. They started climbing…
********
After a lengthy climb, the pair arrived at their destination. Christine had brought Erik to one of the most disused practise rooms in the Garnier. It was way at the top and had spectacular views of Paris - second only to the roof! And that was why it was very rarely used. Students would spend far too much time glued to the view, instead of paying attention to their instructors! But, today, it suited Christine’s purpose perfectly. She opened the door and Erik nearly passed out.
The room had been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. There was a gigantic tree overflowing with fairy lights and decorations. There was a cosy sofa by the fireplace and cosy overstuffed chairs in front of the huge windows. The whole room was dressed in holiday style. Even the piano had been decorated for Christmas! Tables held a Christmas Eve supper of scrambled eggs, cinnamon toast and cocoa. There were also other Christmas treats and drinks. Curiously, there was a futon over in one corner - about which Christine said she’d explain later. She also said she’d explain why a large festive curtain was covering one wall.
Seeing as how Erik was clearly speechless, Christine led him over to a chair and got him a glass of wine. When he could finally speak, he looked round and asked who all was coming to this Christmas party.
Christine laughed and said it was all just for the two of them! Erik required another glass of wine. “I thought it was long past time, you had a really good Christmas, Erik! So, my helper elves and I pressed this poor neglected room back into service and here we are!”
“Oh, Christine, it’s wonderful! Thank you! I just never thought I’d ever…”
“…deserve it? Erik, of course, you deserve it! Now, no more of that……..Oh, look! It’s snowing! Ooh, I love snow at dusk! All the streetlights and stoplights blinking a bright red and green! Oh, it’s so pretty! A real snow sky! Let’s just watch for a bit.” So they sat in the chairs and watched the falling snow. After a minute, Christine got up, put their supper on a tea trolley and wheeled it over. It felt so lovely and romantic, eating whilst watching the snow fall outside.
Later, after supper, Christine said she wanted to go watch the still-falling snow from the roof. She started to grab her shabby old coat, when Erik told her to wait. He held out her present - the large, somewhat heavy and beautifully-wrapped box…
“Christine, please, open this now. Before we go outside.” Christine gave Erik a puzzled look, but took the box and opened it. Christine’s jaw looked like it would take up permanent residence on the floor. Her eyes were on stalks as she removed the contents. There was the most beautiful princess-seamed, ankle-length puffer coat, Christine had ever seen! It closed with dark blue toggles and an inner zippered panel. It was in a gorgeous medium silvery blue and had matching fur lining, even in the attached hood. The same fur was also used as trim for the hood, continuing down each side of the front, the hem and the ends of the sleeves. The hood had matching drawstrings made from strong curtain cord ending in fuzzy furry balls. The fur was fake as Erik knew Christine did not approve of real fur. But the coat was not all. There were accessories that matched the coat colour, including, thickly-knitted mittens, slightly thinner-knitted gloves, a thickly-knitted beanie hat and a nice long, thickly-knitted scarf! But even those were not the end of the goodies! At the bottom of the box, lay a pair of matching fake fur-lined moon boots - with thick indoor/outdoor soles and an inside leg zipper! And Erik had made everything himself! Was there no end to this man’s creative talents?? Christine was too in awe, to say anything! And her eyes glistened with tears. After a second, she just threw her arms round Erik and nearly crushed him in a grateful hug.
Still teary-eyed, Christine looked up at Erik and cried, “Thank you, Angel! They’re all beautiful! I can’t believe you made all this for me!” She sighed. “Ahh!”
Erik looked down at her, “Whew! I’m glad you like them! I couldn’t decide what to get you. Then I remembered that shabby old coat of yours and I knew exactly what to get you! Try everything on for me, please?”
“Of course!” Christine knew they would all be a perfect fit and everything was! Warm as the boots were, Christine was still glad she’d worn heavy socks with her slippers. She was ready to go outside. But first, Christine needed to get something. She reached under the sofa and brought out Erik’s heavy snow boots. He wouldn’t have minded cold feet, but she knew Erik wouldn’t want his new slippers ruined.
“Christine, you’re a marvel! When did you get these?”
“When I dropped your present off earlier.”
“Yes, of course! Thank you!” Erik took off his slippers and slipped on the boots, then swirled his cape round his shoulders and they made for the roof…
********
Once they were settled on the roof, Erik asked Christine what she was going to do with her old coat. “Donate it to the costume department. It would be perfect, if the company ever decided to do ‘The Little Match Girl’!” Christine smiled. “Thank you again, Erik! These are wonderful and so delightfully warm! Mmmm!”
“You’re very welcome, my dear! You look like the most beautiful snow angel in them! And you’re right about your old coat! That’s a perfect idea!” Christine grinned. Erik calling her a ‘snow angel’, gave her the bright idea of making snow angels…
They spent some time making snow angels in several places on the roof and had enormous fun doing them. But, sadly, their efforts didn’t last. The snow was still coming down and soon covered everything up! Then the wind became quite strong and it became difficult to stand. They went back inside.
After putting their wet outer things to dry in the bathroom - just down the corridor, the pair went back into the practise room to find hot cocoa magically waiting for them! Christine winked at Erik. “I see the ‘helper elves’ have been here!”
Erik winked back. “How very thoughtful - and perceptive of them! And how does one say thank you to our - what? Three ‘helper elves’?”
Christine grinned, “Well, we could leave them huge amounts of cash in envelopes on the empty tea trolleys. Or, we could just say, ‘thank you’, the next time we see them!” She laughed.
Erik laughed along. “I like the second option best. By the way, I should get back to check on Ayesha.”
“No need. You’re having a holiday! Even from her! But don’t worry! Nadir’s looking after her! She’ll be fine.”
“Seems like you’ve got everything sorted out, my dear! Haven’t you?”
“I do my best! Now, how about some nice Christmas music?” Christine walked over and drew back the “mystery curtain”, just far enough to reveal a wonderful sound system! The majority of the curtain still covered something huge! Erik couldn’t think what something that large could be.
“What would you like to hear first?” Christine smiled at Erik.
“Your voice, mon ange! How about we make our own music first? Then later, we can put that lovely sound system to use and do a little dancing. All right?”
“Perfect! What do we do first?”
“How about since we’re in Paris…Silver Bells?”
“Oh, of course! Perfect!” So Erik played the piano and Christine sang. They went through several more songs, including The Christmas Song, Christmastime is Here and Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!. Then, for a change of pace, they did Silent Night, Adeste Fidelis, Hark, The Herald Angels Sing and Angels We Have Heard on High. Sometimes, they did a duet and sometimes, it was just one of them singing. It was glorious. They just grinned at each other. They finished up with rousing renditions of Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and Jingle Bell Rock. Then they took a rest!
After they’d rested and had something to drink, it was decided that Erik should choose the dance music. He looked through the CDs Christine had brought and discovered a CD mix, Christine had created from Rod Stewart’s Greatest American Songbook albums. The selections were very romantic and very danceable! Erik slightly suspected Christine had put that particular CD in on purpose. But he couldn’t argue with that suspicion! The CD was perfect.
At the first few notes of, “I’m in the Mood for Love”, Erik took Christine in his arms and they started moving to the music. With the seemingly endlessly falling snow outside and with only the Christmas tree lights on - the fire in the fireplace had long since gone out, but it didn’t matter, they were quite warm enough - it was one of the most romantic evenings ever.
By the time they’d danced to every song on the CD, - ending with Fly Me to the Moon, they were exhausted and decided to rest and just watch the snow, along with some wine. But first, Christine insisted on getting together some refreshments for a certain jolly old elf - just in case. Then she came back to join Erik by the window. He chuckled. Whether it was the wine or the snow or, simply, the peaceful atmosphere - no one knew, but soon, they were both fast asleep.
********
They woke up to a jingle bell. It kept jingling till Christine got up to open the door. Their breakfast was on a tea trolley - which also included their toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and Erik’s razor! - waiting outside the door. It was like having room service in an hotel! As Christine pushed the tea trolley inside, she noticed something strange and wonderful. The refreshments under the tree were gone and in their place, were two gaily-wrapped parcels! In very distinctive wrapping!
“Erik!”
Erik sleepily rubbed his eyes. “What is it?”
“Look!”
Erik got up and came over to the tree. “Good Heavens!” They looked at the parcels. The ‘jolly old elf’ had indeed come!
Christine opened hers to find a beautiful rose gold locket topped with a matching 3D rose bloom. She opened it to find room for four pictures. And it seemed, Père Noël knew just which photos to put in! Starting from the front was Christine’s mother - who had died when Christine was six, next, was her father - who died not that many years after, then Mamma Valerius - who had died the most recently, and the last picture was Erik - complete with mask! All people in her life, who’d cared for her and that Christine loved dearly. It was a lovely gift and Christine would cherish it forever! She immediately put it on.
Then Erik opened his gift to find it filled with dip pens! His favourite kind for writing operas! There were more than enough pens to keep him well supplied for quite some time! Both were very grateful and marvelled over their gifts for some time. Both expressed their gratitude to Père Noël. Then they both freshened up and had their breakfast in front of the fireplace.
Afterwards, while they were waiting for their breakfast to settle, Christine suggested they play some games. Erik looked positively alarmed! He relaxed when Christine said the first game she had in mind, only involved drawing pictures. She went to get paper and coloured pencils. Then she explained the game.
“The first person draws a head, then folds the paper over to hide the drawing and passes the paper to the other person who draws the next part of the body, folds the paper and passes the drawing back. It continues on like that till the drawing is finished. Then whoever did the feet, passes it to the other person to write a name for the unseen sketch. Then the drawing is unfolded and we see our creation! It’s really fun to see what the results are. How about it?”
Erik was a bit unsure, but agreed. Christine started the first drawing. It was insane. Each drawing got sillier and sillier. Erik and Christine had never laughed so hard in their lives!
When it was time to get up and stretch their cramped muscles, Christine had an even more insane game planned. She went over to a cupboard and brought back a box. She explained that she had found a new version of Twister that was voice-activated. One simply entered in the players’ names and said, “Start!”, and the control box would call out a player’s name and indicate a spot for that player to touch. When you were ready to stop, you just called out, “Stop!”. “Want to try it?”, Christine grinned.
If simply for curiosity’s sake and nothing else, Erik agreed. It was even more insane than the drawings! The machine had an evil streak and seemed to want the pair tangled into the most embarrassing positions. And they were constantly flopping on top of each other! Erik finally called out, “Stop!”. The machine didn’t listen. He tried again. No luck.
Christine stopped laughing. “Sorry, it must only acknowledge whoever programmed it. I’ll have to read the instructions again.” She called out, “STOP!!”. The thing immediately shut off. Erik rolled his eyes and Christine laughed.
They were about to decide what to do next, when they heard the jingle bell. This time Erik answered. He had to ask Christine for help. There was more than one tea trolley and each one was laden with the most delicious food and drink! At no point did either of them actually ever see their helper elves. Things would appear as if by magic! And that just added to the magic of the day! It was nuts, but fun.
Christine couldn’t stop staring at everything. “If all this is what they’re giving us, I can’t imagine what they’re eating downstairs! Antoinette told me they were making enough for five people - the two of us and the three of them. But wow!” She laughed. “This is amazing!”
Erik had already eaten far in excess of his normal intake in the last twenty-four hours. But, surprisingly, he found himself ready to dig in. “It does look delicious! So, my dear, I think we should get started, don’t you?”
“Oh, yes!” Christine started filling up her first plateful. Erik followed suit. Some time later, they were both so stuffed, they could barely move. They just plopped down into the chairs and stared at the ceiling.
When she could seriously consider moving, Christine decided it was time for the next phase of her plans to give Erik the best Christmas she could. Christine ambled over to the mystery curtain and pulled it back all the way, revealing an enormous flat-screen TV! Erik’s mouth fell open!
“How did you get THAT up here??”
Christine smiled. “It was courtesy of our very capable personal elves and a little Christmas magic!”
Erik was still laughing when Christine asked him what he wanted to watch. After a bit of deliberation - and indulging an impish urge, they chose a number of children’s Christmas animated Blu-Rays. It was different and good fun. By the time they’d finished up with 2018’s The Grinch, their stomachs were very nearly settled. But they realised they weren’t going to need supper!
About an hour later, Christine got up and started to go to the door, then stopped. Considering what she had planned next, she realised it might be a good idea for Erik and her to clean their teeth. Though puzzled, Erik agreed. When they got back, Christine grinned at Erik and told him she had another gift for him. She said she had to get a few things from her dressing room for it. Then she shocked the daylights out of him, when she told him that when she got back, he’d better be lying on the futon - stark naked, on top of one of the sheets and under the other one. When Erik gave her, firstly, a shocked look, then an enigmatic one, Christine shook her head and cried, “Erik! Tsk! Tsk!”. Then she left, taking her presents and her other things with her.
She came back a short time later, to find that Erik had done exactly as he’d been told. Erik was surprised by Christine’s appearance. She was wearing a red tank top and red ladies’ boxers. She had her hair tied back with a big red velvet bow and a Santa hat perched atop her head. She was barefoot. Erik also noticed Christine was carrying a tray filled with bottles, towels, wet wipes and some other mysterious items. She set the tray on floor and went to turn out all the lights, except the tree and the fireplace. She then put on some soft instrumental Christmas music.
Erik still hadn’t a clue as to what Christine was going to do - even as she sat down behind his head, with her bottom on her heels. Then she cradled Erik’s head between her knees, kissed his forehead - he hadn’t worn his mask at any point during the past twenty-four hours, told him to relax and proceeded to give Erik the most Heavenly, relaxing full-body massage anyone could ever ask for!
Christine had done her research. She did an excellent job! There was not a single part of Erik’s body that was not given complete care and consideration. Erik’s eyes welled up with tears. He’d never been treated so well. He never knew his body could feel so good! Christine took her time and didn’t rush anything. She tenderly tended to Erik for a good hour at least. When she finally finished, she put her hands on Erik’s shoulders and just kept them there for a few minutes.
It took Erik a while to come back to earth. His eyes were filled with tears and all he could say was, “Oh, Christine!”. He struggled part way up, laid his head against Christine’s chest and just clung to her. She held him close. Then Erik partially gathered his wits and gave Christine a very grateful thank you!
“You’re very welcome, mon ange! But before we say good night and leave, let’s just sit and watch the snow. I can’t believe it’s still falling!”
“Neither can I, my dear! It’s been a perfect white Christmas, hasn’t it?”
“Oh, yes! Yes, it has.” Christine smiled to herself, thinking it still wasn’t over yet. Erik still had a few surprises yet to come. In companionable silence, they watched the snow fall. It was peaceful and beautiful.
At one point, Erik looked over to comment on the snow and found Christine fast asleep. He smiled. She had given him an amazing, unforgettable day! He had never felt so good! He decided he’d better take her down to her dressing room and tuck her up in that four-poster of hers. She was exhausted and didn’t wake when he picked her up and carried her downstairs. When Erik had Christine nicely tucked up in bed, he went back upstairs and made sure the fire in the fireplace was completely out, gathered his things, turned out all the lights and left.
Erik wasn’t thrilled about going back to his cold dark lair, but at least Ayesha might be back by now. That was something to look forward to. He got to his lair and stopped cold. The helper elves had been at work!
Erik’s lair was another Christmas wonderland! There was a large tree in one corner - complete with lights and decorations. Other decorations were all over the place. Also all over the place, were dishes brimful of Hershey’s dark chocolate kisses! Erik laughed out loud! Then on the piano, he noticed a Christmas card and another present! Christine was really spoiling him!
The card was standing up, begging him to read it first. Erik picked up the card. It was from Antoinette, Meg and Nadir - the famous ‘helper elves’! They hoped he enjoyed his Christmas and to follow the instructions inside his present from Christine.
He opened the present and found pajamas and a dressing gown. Both matched his new smoking jacket and slippers. A note told him to get into his new night wear, take care of Ayesha and then get into the swan bed and turn out the lights. Right on cue, Ayesha walked into the room and rubbed against Erik’s legs. She seemed to have been fed, so he gathered her up for a cuddle, while he walked over to where he’d put her present. A nice comfy new bed! He put the bed down and Ayesha went to sit in it. But, after Erik had turned out the lights and had started towards the swan bed, the cat jumped out and started to follow him. She went a few steps, then meowed, went back to her bed and repeated the performance a few times. It was clear she wanted her new bed by Erik’s! He smiled and brought the bed along. He placed it by his bed and Ayesha climbed right in and went to sleep. Smiling, Erik got into his own bed, then realised he was not alone.
He came face to face with an adorable teddy bear in matching pajamas! Taking the bear into his arms, Erik chuckled, and turned out the lights. And then it happened…
Erik heard Christine’s beautiful voice so clearly, it was as though she were in the room with him. Her voice wafted through, seemingly, the whole fifth cellar, as she sang the most beautiful lullaby Erik had ever heard.
“Constant as the stars above
Always know that you are loved
And my love shining in you
Will help you make your dreams come true
Will help your dreams come true
The lamb lies down and rests its head
On its mother's downy bed
Dolphin plays in the moonlight's glow
And butterfly dreams of a violet rose
Dreams of a violet rose
I'll cradle you in my arms tonight
As sun embraces the moonlight
The clouds will carry our songs tonight
Our dreams will run deep like the sea
Our dreams will run deep like the sea
Constant as the stars above
Always know that you are loved
And my love shining in you
Will help you make your dreams come true
Will help your dreams come true”.
Then Christine said softly, “Bonne nuit, mon ange, fais de beaux rêves!” But Erik didn’t hear her good night wishes. He was sound asleep, with a peaceful smile on his face.