Summary: This is a sequel to my Phantom of the Opera phan-fiction, Visions of the Past. If you have not read that yet, I would read that first before reading this story. Disclaimer: I do not own anything with the exception of my original character, though I think that would be awesome.

Ten years after a fateful Christmas Eve, Sophia returns to New York a successful singer and opera star, looking forward to performing on Coney Island at Mr. Y's Phantasma. However, fate swoops in, reuniting her with Erik Destler, her former music teacher and now owner of Phantasma. Soon, she begins to have the dreams once again, seeing herself as Christine Daae in the past and her reunion with the Phantom of the Opera. As the dreams continue, Sophia's struggles resume, as well as some new struggles when she discovers a dark secret that she meant to bury was never buried at all. Dreams and modern day reoccurrances. Technically, it is Erik/OC, but it's also E/C with the dream chapters.

Enjoy! ~ DP

Prologue

Christmas Eve, 2007

Sophia's POV

I stood in the shower, letting the water run over me as I breathed a nervous sigh, trying to shake the nerves out of my system as I washed my body, letting the soap run off of me. I quickly washed the rest of it off, shutting the water off and stepping out of the shower carefully, drying off. These four months in New York passed quickly; I had found closure with what had occurred over six months ago and I was moving on. I had turned eighteen after I arrived in New York, I was excelling in my studies, had a lavish apartment with a great roommate only a few blocks from Julliard, and it was Christmas. Who wouldn't be excited? I would be excited if my nerves weren't getting the better of me at the moment.

Christmas time in New York was wonderful. Snow was falling, there was a certain bustle in the air of people shopping at Bergdorf's and Barney's, and I was getting ready to see someone that I hadn't seen since August. I wrapped my towel around my body, and then repeated the process for my long, brown, curly hair, wiping the mirror off. I gazed at myself, seeing how nervous I was. I felt my palms starting to sweat as I groaned, wiping them on my towel. I didn't know what was worse; seeing someone that I hadn't seen in four months, or knowing that we were going to the Met to see La Boheme. I ran out of the bathroom, seeing that I was running late as I glanced at my clock, heading into my walk-in closet to find the best dress that I had.

I heard my roommate come into my room, laughing at me and at the fact that, in her opinion, I was getting nervous over nothing. "You know, I can hear you laughing out there," I yelled from the closet, still rummaging through my dresses. "This isn't funny, Emma. He's very important to me!"

Emma was a fun person. We met at Julliard and she pretty much took me under her wing when I came to New York. She was the same height as me, just a little over five feet tall, with long blond hair and green eyes. She was a dancer, and did some singing as well, but you could tell that she was more of a dancer. She had the petite build of one, and from what I heard at Julliard, she was a legacy. Her mother was a dancer and married up, and when the husband died, she inherited everything and ended up being one of the richest women in Manhattan. We were originally roommates at Julliard in the dorms, and I was nervous about rooming with someone who was from the Upper West Side when I didn't even have any connections in the city. However, those worries were soon doused when she befriended me. Soon, we became sick of living in the dorms, and we found an apartment that we could split the rent on, moving in within the same month. She chuckled softly as she sat down on my bed, pulling on her boots as she got ready to go to her mother's house for their annual society Christmas party.

"I just don't understand why you're so nervous, Sophie," she replied as she stood up. I found a long formal that I could wear, coming back out into my room, laying it on my bed as I took my hair down from the towel and began to fix it at my vanity. "He was only your teacher. How can you be so nervous because your teacher is coming to visit you on Christmas Eve?"

"He's not just my teacher; he's the teacher! He's the person who taught me everything I know about singing! So forgive me for being a nervous wreck."

"You're acting like you're going on a first date, so calm your shit," she said, coming over and helping me with my hair. "He's going to enjoy seeing you, and I know you're going to enjoy seeing La Boheme. You just need to calm down and enjoy yourself."

"It's not a date," I replied softly. "We just…we haven't seen each other since I left home in August. He was really good to me; I could go to him with any problem that I had, and he helped me through a lot of my problems." I glanced down at my ring, smiling softly at the thought of that day when I last saw him. I looked up at my mirror again, smiling as I saw what Emma had done to my hair. "Thanks. It looks great."

"Good. Now you're on your own for your make-up, but I will help you put that dress on before I go," she said, going over to my bed to get it. I stood up, finding the proper undergarments and slipping them on with my back to my roommate, even though her back was turned towards me. "Are you sure you don't want me to come home tonight? I can always go to my Mom's tomorrow to open my gifts. I'd hate to think of you alone on Christmas."

"I won't be alone," I said as I walked over to her, getting the gown from her and stepping into it and slipping it on, pulling the straps over my shoulders. "I'll have Erik, even if I'll only have him for the duration of the performance." I felt the gown zip up and I looked myself over in the mirror. The gown was beautiful; a deep purple with only a few tasteful sequin accents and a small train. It was perfect for the Met tonight. I grabbed the towel that I had used to dry my hair, wiping my hands again as Emma peeked around from behind me, grinning from ear to ear.

"I don't think you need make-up," she said, handing me her black shawl to see how that would look with the dress. "I think you look beautiful."

"Maybe a little wouldn't hurt," I said, placing the shawl over my chair as I heard a knock at the door. I groaned again, looking at Emma, my eyes begging for her help. She rolled her eyes, laughing softly.

"Okay, I'll get the door," she said, leaving my room and shutting the French doors behind her. I sat down at my vanity, taking a couple of deep breaths as I put just a small amount of make-up on. I heard the door open and shut, listening to the muffled voices that were only a few feet from my door. I put down my make-up brush, sighing softly, looking at my reflection in the mirror.

I need to calm down, I thought as I stared at myself. What would Christine think? I'm a nervous wreck. Fuck, I'm more nervous than she was with Don Juan.

I took another deep breath, putting the final touches on my make-up as I stood up, slipping on my heels, taking the shawl and wrapping it around my arms, walking to my doors and slowly opening them. The living area of our apartment was huge, complete with a kitchen and enough room to fit two couches as well as a computer desk. My gaze traveled to Emma, who was leaning on the island, talking to a tall man who was dressed in a tuxedo, wearing a long black trench coat. I couldn't hide the wide smile that had begun to play across my lips, staring at him as he stood casually, listening to Emma talk about school and what she did. Her gaze turned to me and she smiled. "And there's your lovely lady now, Erik," she said, still looking at me. I watched as he turned, my breath seeming to leave my body.

He looked the same as when I last saw him in August, minus the tan. Tall and handsome as ever, even with the scars from his birth defect on the right side of his face. His blue eyes shimmered when he saw me, and he couldn't hide a smile either as he gazed at me. He slowly made his way to me, his eyes never leaving mine as he stood only inches away from me. He took my hand, slowly lifting it to his lips, kissing the top of softly. I secretly melted at his lips and his hand holding mine once more, smiling up at him. Emma took the hint, gathering her things. "I'll see you tomorrow afternoon, Sophie," she said, opening and closing the door, her footsteps fading down the hallway. I didn't have a chance to say goodbye, but I didn't care. I was too engrossed in his eyes once more.

"You look amazing," he said softly, still holding my hand as he looked down at me. "Are you ready?"

"Uh…uh-huh," I replied, making sure the shawl was wrapped around my arms again as I grabbed my purse. "I'm really excited to see La Boheme. I've been waiting to see it for weeks."

"It's one of my favorites," he said as he opened the door, letting me step out first before he followed, making sure the door was locked. "I'm just happy that you agreed to go with me."

"I've wanted to see you for a while, but you told me to concentrate on my studies."

He chuckled softly, holding the door for me as I stepped outside after we got off of the elevator, wrapping the shawl around me more. It had just begun to snow, and the busy Christmas Eve bustle of Manhattan was ringing loudly in our ears. He hailed us cab, helping me inside and telling the cabbie where to go after he got in and shut the door. "So tell me, how is everything?"

"Really good, Erik. I'm so happy here. School is going well, and my voice instructors have told me that I have the makings to be an opera star if I keep working hard with my lessons and studying."

"You may have to sing me a little tidbit later. It's been so long since I've heard your voice."

I shuddered lightly at the memories floating in my mind. The memories of us in his basement back at home, singing the song that he had written with him. I looked up at him, smiling still. "I would love to. Emma won't be coming home tonight; she's going to her mom's for Christmas."

He nodded as the cab stopped in front of the Met. Erik got out first, and then offered his hand to me. I placed my hand in his as I got out of the cab, waiting while he paid the cabbie. He turned to me once more, offering me his arm. I gladly took it as he escorted me inside. "I really do hope you enjoy this, Sophie," he said, getting a program as we walked upstairs to the balcony boxes. "You're the only person I could get something for Christmas."

"As far as I'm concerned, Erik, I got my Christmas present before this," I said as I sat down, the lights beginning to dim.

"And what's that?'

"I got to be with you."

Three hours and countless used tissues later, the opera was over and we stood to leave. I was thankful to have waterproof mascara, even if the rest of my make-up was gone. I wrapped my shawl around me, taking Erik's arm once more as we walked out of our box and down the stairs, listening to the murmurs of those around us, commenting on the performance. Erik looked at me before he spoke, holding the door open for me. "Did you mean what you said earlier," he asked, putting his arm around me as we walked down the steps of the Met, being cautious of the possible slick spots from the snow that had fallen during the opera.

"What do you mean," I asked, shivering lightly in the cold. He noticed the shiver, stopping to shrug his coat off, putting it around me. He stepped in front me, looking down into my eyes and he cupped my chin in his hand gently. I felt myself drowning in his, breathing slowly and deeply as he asked the question again.

"Did you mean what you said earlier? About getting to be with as your Christmas present? You were really, truly happy to see me tonight?"

"Yes, Erik. Even if we didn't get to go to the opera, I would have been happy just to be with you."

He leaned down, kissing my lips softly. I let out a low, content sigh, kissing him back very gently. He slowly pulled back.

"I had another surprise for you," he said, stepping out of the way, my gaze falling upon a black, stretch limousine, the driver waiting for us with the door open. "I figured we could drive around Broadway and Times Square before I took you home."

I smiled, taking his hand. "I'd love that."

He smiled, walking me down to the limo, allowing me to get inside first. As I got comfortable, I noticed there was a bottle of sparkling grape juice chilling in a bucket of ice, as well as some chocolate covered strawberries and a beautiful bouquet of white roses. I blushed, looking at my hands. Even though I didn't think this was a date, a date was sure what this was turning out to be. Erik climbed in next to me and the driver shut the door, going around and getting into the driver's side. I felt the limo shift into gear and begin to move as I looked at Erik. I hadn't even held his hand since the last few minutes of the opera, but I felt a familiar heat burning inside of me, and I knew that there was no point in fighting it, but I also knew that if I let it grow and I made a move, I probably wouldn't be able to stop myself. I wondered if Erik felt the same way. He looked at me, and I looked at him, neither one of us saying a word. Our eyes were saying it all.

Screw the strawberries and the sparkling grape juice. This was going to happen, and we both knew it.

He pressed a button to roll up the window in between us and the driver. As soon as the glass was up, he pulled me into his lap, kissing me fiercely. I moaned softly against his lips as I pulled up the skirt of my dress so I could straddle his lap better, kissing him back as I moved both of my hands to his face. He kissed me again, his lips parted and his tongue slowly brushing against my lips. I opened my mouth only a little, just enough to give him entry into my mouth. We kissed again, his tongue gently massaging mine as he pulled back. I panted softly as his lips moved to my neck, kissing, sucking, and nibbling softly. I melted against him, moaning softly as I moved my hair out of the way, giving him more access. His lips concentrated on the nape of my neck; he knew that was my weakest spot from before. I moaned again, only slightly louder than before, but it was enough for him to lightly press his finger to my lips, a sign for me to try and be quiet. How could I be quiet when every thought I had about him was beginning to come true?

He kissed my lips again, his hand on my neck as he held me close to him. "I have to ask you this, Sophie, before we move on."

"Ask me anything," I breathed, my whole body aching for his kisses, his touch, everything about him.

"Are you sure you want this to happen? Are you ready for it?"

"Yes," I said honestly, looking down at him. "Please, Erik. I want to be with you, fully. Please."

He only nodded, picking up the phone that was in the back, telling the driver to take us back to my apartment. The driver replied with a muffled 'yes, sir' and turned a corner to go back a different way. He turned his attention back to me, kissing me once more as he slid his coat off of my shoulders as I kissed him back. This time, I moved my lips down to his neck, kissing and suckling softly. He took a sharp intake of breath, his hands gripping on to my dress as he moved me back to where I was originally sitting, climbing on top of me. I gasped quietly as I felt the bulge in his pants, which only made me ache for him more. We felt the limo come to a stop, hearing the gear shift into park and the driver getting out. Erik pulled the skirt of my dress down, helping me to sit up as he the driver opened the door. I grabbed the flowers and my shawl, getting out of limo with my keys out of my purse, going to open the door as Erik settled his account with the limo driver. He quickly followed me in, both of us trying to be as calm as we could be as we stepped into the elevator. As soon as the elevator doors closed, I kissed him, my hands on the jacket of his tuxedo as he kissed me back, his hand tangled within my hair. The elevator stopped and the doors opened to the floor that my apartment was on, walking down the hall. I unlocked the door and let him inside, shutting and locking it.

I felt his arms wrap around me in the darkness as he kissed me again, lifting me into his arms and carrying me into my room, kicking the door shut as he held the kiss. I kissed him back, feeling my feet hit the ground slowly as I moved my hands to slip his jacket off, unbuttoning the shirt underneath. I felt my gown growing looser, hearing the light sound of the zipper unzipping. I slowly deepened the kiss as I worked off the tie and his shirt, tossing them to the floor as his tongue entered my mouth once more, massaging mine with his. He pulled back for air, and then moved his lips down to my skin as he slowly moved the straps of the gown down, letting the rest of it fall to the floor. I felt the cool air against my skin, which didn't last long as I felt him pull me against him, his warm sculpted chest against mine. Following my instincts, I moved my hands down his chest and to his pants, my hand lightly skimming over the bulge that was begging to be released. He let out a low growl, gently throwing me onto my bed. I gasped playfully as I kicked my heels off as he quickly moved his body over mine, pinning me to the bed. My breaths began to quicken as his hands roamed over my curves and my stomach, slowly finding their way to my back and the snaps of my strapless bra. He slowly unsnapped it, pulling it away and gazing down at my body. He moved his hand over my chest, which I gasped and instinctively arched. He lowered his head and took one of my breasts into his mouth, suckling and tugging gently.

I gasped and moaned, my body writhing beneath him as I worked my hands to get his pants unbuttoned, which I found hard to do as I was still pinned down. His mouth switched sides and I moaned more, my hands moving to his back and clawing gently. His hands roamed my sides once more, slowly traveling down to massage my core. I heard a low groan escape his lips as he felt the heat and how moist I was, pulling away to remove my panties. I sat up, and worked on his pants, unbuttoning and unzipping them quickly, slowly slipping my hand inside. It was only to feel him, to see what it actually felt like. The reaction from him was something I didn't expect. He gasped, moving to lie down on the bed, his eyes closed. I froze, thinking that I had hurt him, until he looked up at me, his eyes begging for me to keep going. I slowly moved my hand and he groaned softly, his hands gripping the sheets. I panted softly, the anticipation growing more and more inside of me, wanting to feel him inside of me. I slowly removed my hand and I lay down beside him, kissing his lips gently. He worked off his pants, rolling me onto my back and slowly opening my legs. He entered me slowly, and my body welcomed him, my legs wrapping around his waist and my arms around his neck.

At first, he didn't move, letting my body get used to him before he began. He moved slowly and my reaction was immediate. My head fell back upon my pillows, quiet moans leaving my lips as his hands moved to mine, pinning them above my head. He groaned lightly, keeping the gentle pace as he gazed into my eyes, kissing my lips softly. Waves of ecstasy began to rush over me as my hips began to move in sync with his, another low moan leaving my lips. I felt Erik's smile against my lips and his movements began to quicken. It wasn't long after that I had my first climax, my hands clutching his as my whole body reacted. He smiled, his movements ceasing only for a moment as he moved his lips down to kiss my neck. Then he resumed, holding me close to him as pleasure rushed over me more and more, my walls contracting and tightening to accompany him. I came over and over, and the movements seemed endless. I had completely lost all sense of time. Suddenly, he stopped, looking down at me. He grabbed hold of my hips and rolled, and I released a loud moan. I was now on top of him and he was on his back, holding my hips and looking up at me. My body took over, my hips slowly moving over him as I placed my hands on his chest for balance. He guided my hips with hands, moving me over him faster and faster. Below me, I felt his body become rigid and stiff and I knew that he was on the verge of release. I took over the movements as my body felt close to another release as well as Erik's hands fell beside him, gripping the sheets. I whimpered as my body began to tremble and with one final thrust, we both climaxed. I felt him filling me up and my walls squeezing around him.

We panted heavily as I leaned down, slowly rolling off of him and lying beside him. I closed my eyes, feeling tired. I felt the blankets being pulled back and my body going beneath them. Sleep seemed inevitable, especially when I felt his arms wrap around me. I released a content sigh, drifting off into a deep sleep.

The sun shined through my window the next morning and I slowly opened my eyes, smiling and stretching within my bed, turning to the other side. I blinked, rubbing my eyes, seeing that the opposite side of my bed was empty. I slowly sat up, looking around room. All I saw was my flowers in a vase on my bedside table. I knew at that moment, he was gone. I looked down at myself, wondering how I could've let that happen. He had gotten what he wanted and he was gone. I slowly stood up, the sheets still wrapped around me as I looked out the window. I felt used, ugly, bruised, and worst of all, heartbroken. This was only meant to be a one-night stand for him, and for me, I was going to swear my love to him.

Merry Christmas, Sophia. Just wish for a better year next year.

Erik's POV

Nine months later…

I stood in the waiting room, going back and forth between pacing and watching the mindless chatter on the television. It had been almost twelve hours since I was called to tell me that my baby was on the way, and I had been waiting ever since. I sat down in the chair, my head in my hands, thinking that something had gone wrong with the birth mother or the child all together. No, I can't think like that. Everything's going to be fine. I looked outside at the summer sky, wondering how much longer I was going to have to wait. I checked my watch again, seeing that it was 9:30pm. I stood up, pacing again, becoming anxious and angrier with each passing moment. What was going on? Why couldn't I see my child? Suddenly, there was a knock. I stopped pacing, looking up at the door. Two nurses walked in, one of them carrying a small bundle wrapped in a pink blanket. Pride and joy swelled up inside of me as I swallowed a hard lump in my throat. The nurses stepped in fully, the nursing carrying the bundle showing it to me. It was a gorgeous baby girl with a head full of dark hair just as mine was.

"Congratulations, Mr. Destler," the nurse said as she slowly handed me the small baby. I cradled her in my arms, smiling softly as tears formed in my eyes I looked down at my daughter. "It's a girl."

I just nodded, and then looked up at the nurse. "Does the mother know anything about the child?"

"No. She didn't even want to see her."

"Does she know that I'm here?"

"No, and we kept it that way. We'll do a DNA test to be sure that you are the father of the baby before we can release her to you."

"I understand."

"She still needs a name."

I looked up at the nurse, then back down at my daughter. I could only think of one name. In my opinion, it was the most beautiful name in the world.

"Christine."

"I'm sorry?"

"Christine. Her name shall be Christine Sophia Destler."