A/N: Here is it, the last chapter of the story. I just want to say a huge thank you for all of you who have read it, this story was a joy to write and I'm thankful you guys read and liked it. I admit it is always sad to finish a story, but every story must ends and it's time for the final chapter of this story.
Since this is the last chapter, there won't be a bonus chapter for this story unlike Angel of Darkness which I saw the bonus chapter for that was cut halfway through. I didn't realize it was that when I upload so I will fix that for everyone and upload it either later today or Sunday. I will away all day Saturday so there won't be an upload on that day. Wildest Dreams is still being worked on the next chapter will be upload either today or Sunday. That is currently the only story I'm working on. White Mask will maybe be deleted since I've lost interest in it and I haven't written a chapter for that in a year I believe, so I'm not sure what to do with that story.
I am also open to ideas for new stories that you guys would want to read. It can be based on movies or TV shows or stories. I will have to do some research depending on what you guys want. I do have 2 ideas for future stories, but I am also interested in what you guys want to read. I can also do other fandoms like Les Mis, not just Phantom (though Phantom stories are my favorite, followed by Fifty Shades and Les Mis) So feel free to DM me with ideas or suggests or requests.
A thank you again to all of you and I hope you enjoy the finale of Bluebird
Chapter 50: My Bluebird
"With malice toward none, with charity for all
let us strive on to finish the work we are in
to do all which may achieve and cherish
a just and lasting peace among ourselves
and with all nations."
~ Abraham Lincoln
Gettysburg, 1875
Dawn and sounds of birds chirping fill the room. Outside one of the windows, a bluebird landed and began singing. It's voice, so soft and beautiful. A pair of eyes fluttered opened as its ears picked up the sound of the bluebird outside the window. Sitting up, her hand grabbed the sheets to cover herself as she looked around the door. The sun helped bring in light as her nose inhaled the morning fragrance and a soft smile appeared on her face. Turning her head, her eyes gazed down upon the sleeping form of her husband. Leaning down, she placed a soft kiss on his cheek. Quietly and slowly, she crept out of the bed, keeping the blanket around her naked form. Walking over to the window, she looked outside to see the sun rising higher in the sky. The warm rays hit her face, giving her that beautiful glow. Smiling, her ears picked up movement outside the bedroom door and little giggles. She knew the children were up which meant the parents should get up. Walking back over to the bed, she sat on the edge and gently nudged his arm.
"Erik…Erik wake up." He groaned, slowly waking. "Wake up…" He turned onto his side, making her sigh. "Oh wake up, you stubborn Yank!" Her voice rose and she didn't care if the kids heard her. And yes, she still called him a Yank. Groaning, his body began to move as he slowly woke.
"You married this stubborn Yank." He pointed out, making her giggle. Sitting up, he let the sheets fall to his lap. The wounds from the war had all healed and now only faint scars were left. Shaking her head, she rose from the bed and walked to grab her chemise. While she dressed, he lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. "Erik?" Feeling the bed shift slightly, he turned his head to look at her now dressed. "What are you thinking?" She asked, a little concern in her voice.
"That eight years ago, I married the most beautiful woman in the world." Blushing cheeks and a smile made him smile as he sat up again, cupping her face gently. "And that she loves this cocky, stubborn Yankee bastard." A laugh left her mouth, remembering the words she called him during the war. She still called him that…a lot too. "I love you, Christine Destler."
"Say that again." She always loved hearing her name.
"I. Love. You. Christine. Destler." He said between kisses before claiming her lips. Returning his kiss, her hand rested on his chest. As she as she felt the kiss deepen, she pulled away.
"I just got dressed…" He raised an eyebrow, knowing that never stopped them before. "Erik…"
"Alright." He pulled away as well. Pushing the covers off, he rose from the bed and went to dress as well. She did have something to tell him, but she wanted to tell him later.
Deciding to see where the kids were. Leaving the room, she walked down the stairs and heard their voices. Walking into the room, she saw Thomas playing with Florence and Julia. When Florence saw her mother appear in the room, she stopped and jumped up to her feet, running over to hug her mother's legs. Hugging her daughter, she couldn't help but feel blessed to have two children. Florence was born two years after Erik and Christine married and has been a daddy's girl ever since. She resembled Christine very much with the hair, eyes, and personality.
"Is Daddy up?" She asked her mother.
"He'll be down shortly." She answered. "What are you three doing?" She asked her daughter.
"Playing cards." Thomas answered. Hearing footsteps behind her, she turned to see Meg appearing. "Aunty Meg." Thomas stopped and ran over to hug her while Julia followed him. Picking up Julia, Meg kissed her daughter's cheek.
"Where's your husband?" Meg asked Christine.
"Right behind you." Erik answered, standing behind him. Florence squealed and ran into her dad's arm. "I blame you for teaching her that squeal." He said to Meg who giggled.
"You're welcome." Meg said as she put Julia down who returned to play cards with Thomas. "Breakfast is already made for the two that decided to sleep late." She told them. Glancing at Erik, he motioned his head and the two left the room to head into the kitchen. Meg and Nicholas stayed with the children for a bit, watching their daughter play cars with Thomas while Florence played with her doll.
Later that day, Erik sat in the music room. His eyes glued to the music score in front of him. One last song and his work would be finished. He had been working on it for years, since 1867 to be exacted. It was a project that he kept from everyone except one person.
"Please tell me you have finished this, my wife would like me back at one point." Erik's ears picked up the sound of Hancock's voice entering the room. Turning his head, he saw his friend standing in the room.
"I only have one more song."
"That is what you told me before." Hancock walked over to the piano, picking up a music sheet. "What song are you struggling with?' He asked.
"The final song." He answered, staring at the blank music sheet. "I don't know how to end it."
"You know how it should end." He set the music sheet down. "You based this piece off of what happened during the war, finish it like it. The woman reunites with her the man she truly loves, the soldiers return home to their loved ones."
"Yes but how to create the words is not simple."
"Erik, you are a great composer. I know you'll think of something. Think of all the songs the men played around the campfires, the words they promised their families in their letters." Hancock kept suggesting, making Erik think. "I know it's been years since the war, but I can still remember many things."
"As can I." Some of the memories still haunted him, leaving him away for hours at night. He lost many nights due to the nightmares of the war he had. Standing up, he walked over to a small table where a few photos sat. One photo was of him during the war with Nicholas and Hancock. Staring at the picture, his mind suddenly came up with the words.
"Hancock, you are brilliant." He rushed over to the piano bench. "I need Nicholas to get here." Before saying a word, Hancock for once took an order from Erik and went to grab Nicholas. As he waited for the men, Erik went to work on the lyrics before they were gone.
"Alright, we're here. Why do you need us?" Nicholas asked as he and Hancock entered the room, shutting the door behind them.
"I need you guys to sing these lyrics." Erik answered, eyes still glued on the music sheets.
"I don't sing." Hancock pointed out.
"You do now." Erik said right back. "I need to get the right music for the words. This is my most precious work and I would appreciate your help." Sighing, Hancock held out his hand and Erik gave the music sheet to him.
"Very interesting." He commented as he read the lyrics. When Erik was ready, he had them sing the words while Erik played the piano. He would stop them to add or change something before making them resume. At one point, Hancock and Nicholas didn't need the sheet, having memorized the words after singing them over and over. The three men were basically locked inside the music room until Erik got the right note.
While the men were in the music room, the women were in the drawing room. Almira had arrived with her husband and stayed with Christine and Meg. As the three women chatted, they almost didn't realize how long the men have been gone. It wasn't until after four hours that Meg started to wonder where they had gone. Just before they were to start a search for their husbands, Nicholas came into the room.
"Christine, Erik has requested your presence in the music room." He formally announced, making Christine curious. Accepting the request, they walked together to the music room. Entering the room, Christine noticed the children sitting by the piano, waiting. Erik sat at the piano while Hancock stood by a music stand. Nicholas, Almira and Meg walked over to stand with him while Christine walked over to the piano.
"Erik…what is going on?" She asked him. Not responding, he pushed something to her. Looking down at the first page, her eyes read the words
Bluebird
Composed by Erik James Destler
Looking at him, the corners of her mouth move slightly upward in a smile. Before she could say anything, he started playing the piano. Christine listened as he played, smiling.
"We love America
America is our home
Fight for America
Every leave and stone
God speed America
Let the bells rings out for America's joy…"
Meg's voice started singing as she read the words of the first song. Christine couldn't help but smile as Meg sang, singing about before the war. When that song ended, another began.
"I try to live my life
The only way I know
A true and honest family man
We live a balance life
The way our fathers did
A simple and loving life…
I'm joined in soul and mind
My wife, my precious heart…."
The song…Erik composed it as if Raoul was singing it. A tear formed in her eyes as Nicholas sang the words, picturing Raoul. She never forgot about him and yes, she did miss him.
"It's strange how happiness is found
I endeavor to protect
There's nothing I expect
For her, I'm a caring family man…"
She wiped a tear from her eyes.
"All that I would do
So we can share
Every precious hour
Every day I'm thankful they are here
A future she deserves
A world I must preserve
Is there more I can do
To live my life
To keep our world secure
Outside a danger grows each day
I yearn to win a war
To give my family more
My wife, my love…
I'm an honest family man"
Florence rose from the floor and walked over, wrapping her arms around her mother, comforting her. Returning her hug, Christine felt more tears threatening to fall but forced them stay. Erik paused to make sure his wife was alright before he continued.
"What if this was your last to be with me?
To look in my eyes
To show me you care
And what if this was your last chance
For I love you"
"Please don't say that…"
Nicholas and Meg sang out the words, reminding Christine of the day Raoul told her that he was leaving for war. The words…it was like he was there in the room.
"How would you feel?
What could you say to me?
Would you pray for me?
Why would you leave all of this?"
"But what if this is my last chance for our country?
How would we feel come victory day?"
"Yes I know
But this is not about fighting
You have a life…"
Tears threatened to fall again as she remembered that day. She could not forget that fear she had, the anger. The song continued into the next and she felt her heart ache.
"Somewhere in the skies
Way above this world
Our little bird keeps flying
Hoping now to gaze upon your face…"
Erik sang this time, locking his eyes with hers.
"I'll come home, home to you
Always on my mind, ever now in my heart
How could I forget you?
As carried on the breeze
Our favorite song…
Sing for me, my darling little bluebird
I won't be far away
So don't cry for me, my darling little bluebird
Fly, you must fly to me
Where our hearts can be, precious love
You are my little bluebird."
Tears rolled down her face as he to her.
"I'll come home, home to you…
Sing for me, my darling little bluebird…"
"Sing for me, my darling little bluebird…"
Meg joined in, followed by Nicholas, Almira and finally Hancock. All of them singing her song. Christine listened to them sing her song, feeling the tears fall down her cheeks. Once the song ended, Erik allowed another small break as Christine tried to collect herself. Once collected, Erik continued. The next song represented the day Christine and Erik in a little comedic way. She couldn't help but giggle as she recalled that day. Song after song, Christine was reliving everything.
"Do you know where bluebirds really come from?"
"No, enlighten me
I'm sure you will."
Meg and Nicholas sang out the words of a song as Erik played.
"Every time I look into your eyes
I see you looking back
But every time you're laughing
My heart jumps
I know yours does too
Have you thought of me
As a friend to hold?
Someone to trust
Someone to love
Please don't let this go
You have to know this is real
I'm not Pete, I won't leave."
"You have crossed a line
How dare you say that?
While a husband is miles away
You make advantages in a dirty war
Your arrogance I can't ignore
So you know my heart
But not my head at all
You are just an arrogant Yank!
I must be professional
I have a job to do
I'm not pay to suffer fools like you
This is where it ends
As a patient you must know
I can't work without boundaries
I must go…
I'm a nurse
A nurse that cannot have you as a patient
Please, get well."
Meg delivered the emotion perfectly, capturing the anger of Christine. She remember that day and was still amazed that Erik didn't give up. The next song Christine remembered, it was the song Erik sang to her when she found out that he was a composer. That song that he sang his heart out to her, that song that told her that he wanted her.
More songs came and Christine continues to listen. Florence stayed by her mother's side while Thomas and Julia sat on the floor, sitting next to each other. Meg and Nicholas continues to sing the lyrics, the lyrics of the past.
"Two men, one heart…"
Almira sang this time
"Help me
Is my life breaking apart?
One soul, yet divided it becomes
Two worlds
Where to turn when that time comes…"
She never heard Almira sing, but she could sing.
"I can't take this
I'll never comprehend
Why he left me?
Why go to war?
You had a life
Now from nowhere
There comes a caring heart
Honest and real
It seems ideal
But I am scared…
Two men, one choice…"
Christine couldn't help but wonder how he could have captured exactly what she was thinking when she realized she loved two men.
"One way, I betray the man I know
Madness, but If I don't
I'll live alone
Something I've always believed
Is that marriage was for life
Now I'm torn between to hearts
Am I failing as a wife?
But does he love me?
Can this provide?
Not go to war
He must ensure
He's here for life…"
She remembered accusing herself as a bad wife for falling in love with two men. She did always believed that marriage was for life, but Erik changed everything she believed in when she met him. The next song brought tears to Christine's eyes; it was a song about the final battle. Nicholas sang the words, describing the battle. Closing her eyes, she could picture everything…bullets flying everywhere, orders being shouted, the crying of wounded soldiers, the sound of cannons firing, the smoke covering the battlefield…Erik sitting in his saddle, shouting orders. As the music rose, she could picture the fight between the two men and with one last rise, the music stopped as if the cannonball landed, the cannonball that wounded him. Softer music played as she imaged the field of dead blue and grey…an imaged of a mask Union general and Confederate infantry soldier laying on the battlefield, a white mask laying on the ground nearby.
Now came the final song, the song Erik had written just hours before. Christine was already driven to tears from the emotion of the last song and she didn't know how much more she could take. Though she knew this would be a great masterpiece for Erik, it would drive people to tears as it did to her.
"I know, I tried
Always I'll be with you
I loved the moment that I met you
I knew I had to hold you
Forever
I'm flying home, my darling little bluebird
Always trust your heart…"
Nicholas started the lyrics and Christine instantly remembered those words from a letter.
"Can we begin to recall all that we learned?"
"Can we begin our world as it was?
Meg and Almira started singing.
"War changes lives, all the nation
No one excused
Is there a chance we were dreaming?
No…"
Their voices coming together now.
"Time to explore
With a new eye
No one's the same
Older and wise
Are still standing whole
Look to the dawn, to the sunrise
Tomorrow now comes
Learn from the past
Understand it
Hold for tomorrow
Wait for the future
Let in your hearts…"
Words that run true and each one of them knew.
"Standing together
We're fighting for our chance
Brothers beside you
Forever we advance…"
Erik, Hancock and Nicholas's voice sang together, singing as fellow soldiers as they were during the war. The women watched and listening, watching their husbands singing together. They had become brothers during the war and remained brothers even after the war.
"Standing united
The land we grew
Joining as brothers
We fought for what was true
We're a nation joining force…"
Slowly, Christine walked over to stand behind Erik at the piano as all of their voices now joined in the final verse. Union and Confederate joining together once again to become whole.
"Standing together
Joining forever
Standing together
Joining forever
For peace
Home
Love…"