A/N: Wow! I've gotten more response to this story than any of my other ones. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed it. Also, Alex Lee Rowan, I wrote this chapter before I read your review. Thanks for the suggestion and in my next chapter, I'll try to remember to do that (I may forget to, but who knows). Anyways, here's chapter 2. Don't forget to keep those reviews coming and to give me feedback. I really could use as much feedback as possible because it helps to improve my writing style. Also, in a couple of weeks, I will be going on a three week vacation, so I may or may not get the next chapter out soon.

Finally, I tried once again to get ALW to sell the characters to me, especially Erik, but he still wouldn't budge. Well, maybe next time! Enjoy!

Chapter 2

When Christine woke up, she didn't recognize where she was. As she tried to sit up, she felt a sharp pain in her side.

"Christine." A rich baritone voice said. "Don't try to sit up on your own. Let me help you."

When Christine saw the Phantom, she smiled a little. She was finally going to have a real family. Sure, Raoul was like a father to Gustave in many ways, but she could tell that there was never that real connection that a father and son have. Like something was always missing. She had seen that connection happen almost instantly between Gustave and the Phantom.

"How are you feeling?" The Phantom asked as he helped her sit up.

"Okay." Christine told him. "My side still hurts and I'm hungry, but other than that, I feel fine. Where are we?"

"We're at the hotel. You were hurt pretty badly and the doctor didn't want to move you too far. The hotel was as far as he would let us take you."

Christine then looked around. It looked a lot like the hotel room she had stayed in for the past three days. It even had a balcony.

"Would you like something to eat?" The Phantom then asked

"Yes, please."

"What would you like?"

"Just some toast, please. And maybe some tea to drink."

"Alright, my dear."

He then came over to her and kissed her on the forehead.

After he left, Christine began to think about things. She thought about Raoul and how he was gone. Then she thought about Gustave. He had found out that Raoul was not his real father and that the Phantom was.

Suddenly, a thought popped into her head. She didn't even know the Phantom's real name. She had only ever known him as the Phantom. It had been one of the many things that had made him mysterious. That mystique had also made him even more alluring to her. Still, she wanted to know what it was. Not just for her own self, but also so that she could tell Gustave what it was whenever the question arose.

"Here you are, love." The Phantom said as he back in, with some toast and tea.

"Thank you." Christine said as he set the food down on her lap.

After she had taken a couple of bites of food, she decided to go ahead and ask him.

"Darling, may I ask you something?"

"What would you like to know?"

"What is your name?"

At first there was complete silence. Then, the Phantom finally spoke up.

"Erik. That is my name."

"Erik what?" Christine then asked.

"I don't know my last name. My mother never told the carnival owner my last name. I never even thought about having one."

"Well, how about Destler?"

"That's fine with me."

~o~

After Christine had finished eating, she decided that she wanted to see Gustave.

"Where is Gustave?" She asked.

"He's with Fleck, Gangle, and Squelch. I'll go get him."

In what seemed like only a minute, Erik came back in with Gustave. Christine noticed that Gustave didn't seem to be as scared of his father as he had been only last night. Or was it just last night? She had no idea what day it was or how long she had been out. She wanted to know, but she decided that she would ask Erik later.

"How are you feeling, Mother?"

"Much better. How are you doing?"

"Just fine. I've been having so much fun!"

"I'm so glad, darling."

Gustave then came over and gave her a gentle hug.

"I'm so glad you're feeling better, Mother. Would you like me to play you something on the piano?"

"Yes."

"What song would you like me to play?"

"Whatever you like."

As Gustave began to play, she was taken back to when she was young, in Paris. Even though the song wasn't something she had heard while at the Populaire, it sounded like something Erik would have created, just not as dark. The music was lush and beautiful. It also made her feel calm and peaceful, like nothing could or would ever harm her or her family again. It felt like as long as Gustave continued to play it, they were safe.

When Gustave had finished playing, both Christine and Erik began clapping.

"Did you like it? I made it up myself."

"It was absolutely gorgeous, darling." Christine said.

"Magnificent, Gustave." Erik said.

"Thank you."

"Gustave, I need to talk to your mother alone. Why don't you go back to Fleck, Gangle, and Squelch?"

"Alright."

For a moment, Christine couldn't figure out what Erik would want to talk to her about in privacy, but then it dawned on her what it was: Meg.

A/N: So what do you think? Please review and to check out some of my other stories!