Learning Not To be Lonely Chapter 2

Author's note: Arrgghh! I can't believe that it has taken me five years to come back to this story, sorry to leave you dangling for so long guys! Enjoy!

It was fast approaching midnight in Erik's underground home, but both he and Madame Giry were deep in conversation about escape plans. Meg knew that it would be better to leave them to it; though she couldn't help eves-dropping occasionally.

'Erik, it really would be wise to get out of Paris altogether. You know that it is only a matter of time before they hunt you down.'

Antoinette Giry surveyed Erik seriously with her piercing blue eyes and furrowed brow. She had come to care for Erik deeply over the years and had been like a mother to him in his need. Indeed, that is how she regarded Erik, he had almost become her son. Erik himself had the highest respect and regard for her and always sought her counsel.

'You are right of course my dear Antoinette. I am well aware that the gendarmes will hunt me down. I am undecided as yet about where I shall go. I do hope that young De Chagny keeps his word and does not reveal my whereabouts!'

'Raoul, you have spoken with him?', Antoinette questioned in surprise, 'when?'

'I brought…Christine down here earlier and ever the hero, he came looking for her! I was angry at my betrayal and I told…Christine to choose between him or me. I had my Punjab lasso around his neck and I was quite prepared to throttle the daylights out that aristocratic fop. C…Christine implored me to let him go and she pitied me. She kissed me Antoinette and I swear… I could feel the compassion in her heart in that kiss. She poured all the love in her soul into that kiss and I… I have never known such happiness! I…I forgave her and I let them both escape together. But she wouldn't keep my ring… she would have been my devoted wife….I….I loved her so much!'

Erik's head fell heavily into his hands as the tears began to fall once more. Every mention of Christine had this affect on him, it was like getting his heart broken all over again. He shook uncontrollably and began to cry out in anguish. Antoinette could feel hot tears rising up in her own eyes and threatening to fall. Before she could make a comforting gesture in Erik's direction; Meg had sprung from the divan and had her arms around his shaking form pressing him to her chest and stroking his hair. He held onto her for all he was worth, sobbing in earnest into the calico fabric of her dress.

Madame Giry smiled a little at her daughter's enthusiasm towards Erik. She knew that Meg had admired the Phantom Of The Opera for years and that she was always a little envious of Christine's secret tutor. Madame Giry had visited Erik many times in his underground home, so she knew the house inside out and also where all the secret passageways were that he used frequently. She excused herself saying that she was tired and made her way towards one of Erik's spare rooms, leaving Meg entirely alone with him.

Meg continued to stroke Erik's hair and hold him close until he eventually stopped crying and slumped back in the armchair just staring straight ahead. He had the saddest expression haunting his beautiful green eyes and his face was contorted with emotional agony. He had loosened his hold on Meg, but she still stood in front of him, tentatively watching him through glassy eyes that brimmed with tears.

Very unexpectedly and more than a little boldly, she inched towards him until she sat in his lap. This pulled Erik from his reverie and he began to get uncomfortable and fidgety until she shushed him by placing her finger on his lips. She then proceeded very softly to stroke his hair and his face, wiping away tear tracks with her thumbs:

'Erik, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!'

'Whatever for child?'

'I should have come for you sooner!'

'What do you mean Meg? I do not understand.'

'I have loved you for so long!'

'You can't mean that child, it is pity you feel for me!'

'Am I here with you out of pity?'

'I don't know!', Erik stuttered, 'Are you?'

That was when Meg pulled his face towards her own and kissed him urgently on the lips. At first he squirmed, but then he relaxed and started to enjoy himself. He kissed her back with such passion that a gasp escaped her and they broke apart.

'Forgive me, I quite forgot myself. That was not proper!'

'I don't care, I love you!', Meg said breathlessly.

'Child I am nearly as old as your mother, you could find someone much more attractive of your own age. I am sure that you do not wish to be shackled to a hideous monster all your life!'

'Erik, please don't talk like that, it's not true. I will never see you in that way!'

Meg wrapped her arms about his neck and held on to him. She sighed contentedly, a yawn escaping her lips as her head nestled against his shoulder.

'You're tired child, I think it is time you retired for the night. I have tired you with my talk.'

There was no response from the slight little figure on his lap, she had fallen asleep, her head resting on his chest and a pretty smile on her face. Ever so slowly, Erik made to stand up and gathered Meg up into his arms. She did not stir, she was dead asleep as he carried her over to his elegant Swan bed in the next room. Laying her down gently, he placed a soft kiss on her forehead:

'Goodnight sweetheart!'.

Fin

Author's note: Well there you have it guys, I am back after five years and nearly a degree later! I only have one more year, this time next year I will have finished my English Literature degree woohoo!