Christine cried out in pain. "Erik, it hurts. Do something. Please, do something."

"What do you need, Angel?" Erik asked. He was in shock. His baby was coming. His baby was actually coming.

"Go wake Meg. Once she's awake, you run and get the doctor," Christine cried out in pain once more.

Erik did as he was told. His heart was racing. He was about to become a father. He felt so ready, yet at the same time, so unprepared, but he didn't have time to think about that now. Christine, his Angel of Music, was in pain and needed him now more than ever. He needed to make haste.
Meanwhile, Meg helped Christine up the stairs and into bed. Meg was equally as frightened. She hadn't any experience in child birth.

"Aren't I supposed to boil water or something?" Meg asked.

"How on Earth would I know?" Christine snapped.

"I'm sorry, Christine. I wish I had more experience with this."

Christine was on the verge of tears. She was in intense pain and wanted Erik by her side more than anything.
"Where is he?" Christine cried.

"Don't worry, Christine. Erik will be back before you know it," Meg comforted.

Christine hoped Meg was right. She was, for just then the two heard the door open and shut and heavy footsteps on the stairs.

"Christine! Christine!" Came Erik's voice.

"Come to me, Angel!" Christine called.

Suddenly, the bedroom door swung open and Erik rushed to Christine's side.

"I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner, my love," Erik apologized.

"You're here now. That's all that matters," Christine replied.

After a few moments of examination, the doctor instructed Christine to push. It was torture.

"You're doing beautifully, Angel," Erik commended.

Christine was in pain. Excruciating pain. Then, suddenly, it was all over and the sound of a baby's cry filled every inch of the room.

"It's a boy!" The doctor announce.

Gently, Christine's son was placed on her chest. She was speechless.

Erik was the first to speak. "Angel, you did it. I love you so much. I'm so proud of you."

"I couldn't have done it without you beside me. I love you too," Christine replied.

Meg and the doctor left the room to give the new parents some time alone with their child.
Erik sat down on the bed next to Christine, who was still holding their newborn son.

"Take off your mask, dear. I don't want little Gustave to get used to seeing you wear it," Christine said with a chuckle.

Erik removed his mask and Christine gingerly put Gustave in his father's strong arms. Tears brimmed Erik's eyes. Christine smiled.
Erik expected his son to cry at the sight of his deformed face, but he didn't. Erik smiled as the tears ran down his cheeks. Christine, too, shed tears of joy. This was the happiest moment of both of their lives.
After a little while, the doctor and Meg reentered the room. As the doctor took Gustave for further examination, Meg said to the new parents, "Really, he's perfect."

"I'm just glad that he doesn't look like me," Erik joked.

"On the contrary, dear. I think he looks very much like you," Christine replied.

"You know what I mean," Erik laughed. "He's not the ugly creature that I am."

"There is not one thing about you that is ugly, my darling," Christine assured.

Erik kissed his wife tenderly. He loved her. Christine was his Angel and warrior. He didn't want to ever lose her.
For the next few days, Christine was confined to her bed. It was a relief when she could finally walk around the house again. At first she was a bit weak and needed to hold on to her husband's strong figure, but was eventually able to walk without guidance.
Erik was a very attentive father. Each time Gustave made the slightest noise, Erik would rush to his son's side. Christine loved that about her husband.
Erik had changed so much over the past year. Christine remembered how quick-tempered he used to be. He used to kill people. That was a secret that both Christine and Erik hoped they would never have to tell their son.