My hand flies to my mouth to stifle a gasp. Is he really here for me? Is my exile at an end? Or is he merely here to toy with my fraying mental state before taking my soul? I decide to try and make my way back to my room, hoping that I'm really just imagining this, or that if not, then maybe Erik will leave me be if I leave the stage. Suddenly I hear a whisper close to my ear "I'm here, the Phantom of the Opera…" and it makes me jump. I bump into the ropes for working the curtains, and the feeling causes a faint shriek to escape from my lips.

I shouldn't let him do this to me. He's doing this on purpose; I know him and his tricks. But it doesn't stop a mixture of fear and joy from welling up inside me. Joy? Yes, even as I fear him and his anger, I have missed him. I feel like these weeks without him have crushed me more than the fear, the strange "accidents" that occur. I wish to make things right. That desire impels me to turn, and walk back toward the stage. I stand there for a moment, and I can feel him watching me from somewhere, perhaps his box. I take a deep breath, and softly begin singing.

Angel of music, guide and guardian

Grant to me your glory

Angel of music, hide no longer

Secret and strange Angel

I wait for a long moment, hoping for some sign from him, something to let me know if I've touched his wounded heart and soul at all. Then I hear him softly calling my name "Christine, Christine" and this time a small smile comes to my face. I decide to reach out again with the one thing I have to give him: my voice.

Angel, my soul was weak,

Forgive me.

Enter at last, Master.

My voice echoes in the stillness of the theater, and I stand there, hoping for some signal from him. Again I hear his soft whispers: "I'm here…" and I whirl around, searching for him. Even just a glimpse of his golden eyes would comfort me at this point. But of course, he keeps himself well hidden. I wonder, is he waiting to see if I stay or run again? Perhaps he's protecting his heart from me. I can't blame him for that. The first time I hear his voice again, what do I do? I try to run, to hide, probably the worst reaction I could have. My mind made up, I face the front of the stage again and resolutely sit down on the cold hard floor.

I wonder if I'm imagining the soft chuckles I'm hearing, or if he's really amused by my actions. I guess amusement is better than anger. I know he's waiting, watching to see if I'm going to stay, or if childish fears will get the best of me. But finally I hear him softly whisper "Have you forgotten your Angel?" and I smile again. Finally, he has reached out to me. Perhaps all is not lost. I close my eyes and keep the smile on my face, hoping he approaches soon.

He doesn't disappoint me. My Angel never disappoints me. I know he wants me to know he's approaching since I hear the faint whisper of his cape moving as he walks. This means his anger has at least somewhat subsided. If he wished to punish, I wouldn't hear him approach till he had the Punjab lasso around my neck. I open my eyes and let him come to me. He is right next to me, and I feel the familiar soothing that his presence used to bring me. He reaches out with one hand as if to touch my cheek, but he holds himself back. I look at him and see hesitancy in his eyes that has never been there before. My lips part as I begin to tell him how sorry I am, how I wish to make things right, but he cuts me off. "We won't speak here. Come with me, Christine."

Erik takes my hand and begins leading me away from the stage. I force down any feeling of fear. I don't want him to sense anything but joy in seeing him again. He doesn't look at me as we head down, and I begin to worry. Why is he not saying anything? Am I still to be punished? What will happen between us?

Ok you guys already know I don't own anything or make money off of this. And you already know that I adore reviews. Do you know that Gerry Butler makes lemon bars for you when you review?

I'm dedicating this to my very special buddies TigerLilyGrae and You Are Love. These two help inspire me to write, and help keep me going. You guys are awesome.