I do not own any of the characters from The Phantom of the Opera, I am still sad about this fact!

A/N I have found that I just don't have the time to re-write this as I had planned so I am posting it as it was first written errors and all. A very big thank you to Abear4, you saved the story by having the chapter that I lost when my laptop crashed last summer.

ToryD

Broken Sparrow

Chapter 4 Sorrow's Broken Heart (Revised)

"Please, help me," Christine's tormented plea still echoed within the now silent room. With the whisper of those six simple words, Christine at last broke her silence and opened her heart to the devastating grief that she had held at bay.

All of the occupants in the room held their breath, unable to look away from the tortured face of the beautiful young woman. Erik stared into Christine's anguished tear-filled blue eyes, and felt her pain as if it was his own. Gently releasing her tight grasp on his hands, he took her into his arms. Cradling Christine's trembling body against his, he tried to absorb some of her pain.

Madam Giry stood at the entrance of the room, her own eyes filling with tears. Nadir leaned heavily against the wall, as if his frame was unable to sustain him as he witnessed the immense suffering-taking place. Erik's security team all looked to the floor, unable to intrude on this young girls suffering a moment any longer. Erik lifted his gaze to Nadir, silently communicating Christine's need for privacy. Nadir nodded and silently ushered the other occupants out of the room, softly closing the door behind him.

As the door closed, Christine let her grief take flight within the safety of Erik's arms. Her heart wrenching sobs echoed throughout the mansion.

Christine cried for her father. She cried for the man who was there to wipe away her tears when she skinned her knee. She cried for the man who taught her how to dance, as most doting fathers do. She cried for the man whose laughter filled her childhood memories with such happiness. She cried for the man who taught her how to play poker at age 13. She cried for the man who would not be there to see her graduate from medical school. She cried for the man who would not be there to walk her down the aisle at her wedding. She cried for her adoring father, who would never again hear her say, "I love you Daddy."

Christine cried for her mother. She cried for the woman who had held her as she cried her eyes out when Bobby Parnes called her "beanpole" in third grade. She cried for the woman who had showed her the true meaning of selflessness. She cried for the woman who always put her family's needs before her own. She cried for the woman who would never know what it is to be the mother of the bride. She cried for the woman would never hear the laughter of her grandchildren. She cried for her loving mother, who would never again hear her say, "I love you Mom."

Christine cried for her sister Janie. She cried for the young girl who lit up a room when she entered. She cried for the young girl who loved the ballet. She cried for the young girl who would never know what it was to fall in love. She cried for the young girl who would never marry. She cried for the young girl who would never know what it was to be a mother. She cried for the little sister, who would never again hear her say, " I love you Sis."

Finally, Christine cried for herself. She cried for all that was, and will never be again. She cried for all that could have been, but would never be. She cried for lives, not fully lived. She cried for loves, not fully loved. She cried for a family that was no more.

Erik continued to hold Christine. He gently stroked her long chestnut brown hair, as she gave way to the grief that had tortured her soul. How he wished he could take her pain as his own. As Christine's tears receded, Erik began to sing to her softly, his voice soothing her in her grief.

No more talk of darkness

Forget these wide–eyed fears

I'm here, nothing can harm you

My words will warm and calm you

Let me be your freedom

Let daylight dry your tears

I'm here with you, beside you

To guard you and to guide you

As Christine slipped into an exhausted sleep, Erik held her close to his heart. His mind marveling at the strange new feelings she inspired within him. He would gladly give everything he owned to spare her the pain she was enduring. He would give his very life to protect her. A shiver went down his spine at the thought that Buquet was still out there, waiting for an opportunity; an opportunity that he would move Heaven and Hell to prevent.

As Erik closed the door to Christine's bedroom, he saw both Nadir and Marie seated in the sitting room. He crossed the room to sink down tiredly into a comfortable green chair. "She is sleeping peacefully now," Erik said with a deep sigh. "I'll stay here throughout the night, incase she has another nightmare."

"Erik, now that she talking again, I'm afraid that I will have to question her soon," Nadir stated in a quiet tone.

Erik closed his eyes and leaned back in the chair, "I know. I would like to be with her."

"Of course," Nadir returned. "The medical examiner has released the bodies of her family. She will need to make some decisions regarding their funerals tomorrow."

"Oh Nadir, how much more can this poor girl take!" Marie exclaimed with irritation.

"I agree with you Marie, I wish we could spare her." Nadir said.

"Marie, is it possible for Meg to come home for a visit? I think that she would be a comfort to Christine," Erik asked.

"Yes, I wish I had thought of it before. Meg is about the same age as Christine. Yes I think that they will get along well together," Marie stated with confidence.

"Send the plane for her tomorrow morning," Erik said. "Now I think we should all try to get some sleep. I fear tomorrow will be a long day."

As Christine slept peacefully within the safety of Erik's mansion, Joseph Buquet was watching the news on the 24-hour news station with a slight smile on his face.

"Again this breaking story just in, Maryland State Police have just issued a public alert. Police believe that fugitive Joseph Buquet is in the area of Frederick, Maryland. Police believe that Buquet may be involved in the murdered and car jacking of 57-year-old Robert Snyder earlier today. Police request that all citizens be on the look out for a 2004 Ford F150 black pick-up truck, license plate X24-3P8. Police advise that if you see this truck to call Police at (800) 555-1456 immediately. Do not approach Buquet, as he is armed and extremely dangerous. Buquet is wanted in Pennsylvania for the murders of Charles and Emily Daae as well as their daughter Janie."

Joseph turned off the small battery operated television set he had stolen earlier that night. Taking out the picture of his beautiful Christine, he stared at her perfect image in awe. "Christine, why did you run? Why don't you understand that I did what I had to, so that we can be together. Nothing can stop us from being together. Don't worry my love, I will find you. There is not a place on this earth where they can hide you from me. Good night sweetheart," Joseph said to the picture as he gently ran his hand along the image of her face.

A/N Sorry about such a sad chapter but we needed to get some of Christine's grief out of the way.