I am introducing a few new characters in this chapter and perhaps the promise of a few other romances. You guys know I need more than just one. LOL

One couple in particular will play a huge role in helping Christine see how a two people in love should feel. It isn't such an unnatural thing after all. Just saying…..

"I am not sure of anything anymore, Antoinette. If you had been there and seen her face when I told her Erik had gone….It was almost as if I had stabbed her in the heart."

"Nadir, Christine was always a good girl. She came back because she felt she owed Erik something by means of that invitation. Yes, he may have asked for it but I am sure it would have only devastated him to see it. The way he spoke of her to me just now, proves that the invitation was only meant to torment himself." Damn that man's self-loathing.

Nadir looked at her with keen interest. "That's what I told myself. I knew that if Erik saw the invitation it would only lead to more heartache. Then I told myself that if he saw her return, he would mistake her sense of obligation for love."

"I agree with you. Stop overthinking things."

"Yet the way she looked at me when I told her to go and forget this place was the exact same way she looked when Erik told her to go and leave him that night. She looked so lost, so helpless."

Antoinette did not allow herself to entertain such a notion. "Don't, Nadir. Now is not the time to second guess ourselves. I was so guilt ridden for showing the Vicomte to the lair that night. I even told Erik that perhaps if he and Christine got to really talk that….." She sighed. "But even Erik told me to dismiss it. In his heart he knew that despite what she felt, it was not love. You cannot make a heart love someone and Erik has been through much too much to gamble on false hope."

"Is he still here?"

Antoinette looked over her shoulder. "He was with Meg when I left him." She smiled. "I had hoped they would have regained their friendship when she was older. I always regretted what Jules told him."

Nadir stood beside her. "Erik told me about that. Don't fret. After all, Meg wasn't his daughter."

"No, but he was my friend. I should have told Jules that there was more than enough love to go around. Instead, I let Erik leave. When he returned, I knew he would never be the same again."

Nadir tried to touch her shoulder but she moved away too quickly. He hid his disappointment. "Persia can do that to a man. The horrors he went through. The pain and suffering, not just by the Shah but by what he had to face out there. It is a miracle he still found it in his heart to take an interest in a ward."

She turned to face him. "She saved him and he saved her. Oh, why is love so complicated? Why does it have to be tied up with romance and lust and sex? Erik could have been happy with just companionship."

Is she speaking only of Erik? "That's not a life, Annie. That would not have been fair to either one of them. Everyone deserves a chance at love." Sometimes a second chance. "At least he was able to finally feel something real."

"The moment I saw the young noble make his way to Christine's dressing room, I knew disaster would occur. I knew Erik would be forced to reveal himself as a man and the years of lies would come back to haunt him."

"How I wish my return would have been of a more pleasant nature." He thought back to the letter. Her letter that asked him to please come to France and help see if together they could help make their friend right. "I know you wrote ti because of Erik but I had hoped that you… That is to say…"

She looked stunned. "Nadir, I made no false pretenses in my letter. I am not Christine Daae. I told you why you should come to France. Erik was the only reason."

"I know. But long ago when we first met, there was something there. There was a softness in your eyes, a difference in your laughter. I knew you hadn't looked or sounded that way in a long time."

"I had just lost my husband! I wasn't used to feeling like….."

"A woman? How many years had you been made to feel less than what you were? Than what you are? It was long before you became a widow. He was not the man for you."

She slapped him. "How dare you! He was my husband. You knew nothing of my life with him."

Nadir touched his now red cheek. "I brought Erik back from Persia when you asked him to return. I thought I was repaying a debt to a man who was the best friend I could ever have hoped to have had during the darkest period of my life. When there you were. I didn't think Allah would grant me any more miracles."

"Stop. You were grieving and so was I. It was wrong. I had to think of my daughter and France was no place for you. You said you would never reside here."

"A mistake I always regretted." He came towards her. "Annie….."

"No! It was wrong then and it is too late now. I told you that Erik needed you. I never said anything about me."

"Why did you shut me out all those years ago? You blamed it on timing and my religion but we could have been happy. We could have found a way."

"Nadir, please! Whatever we had is over now. The past is in the past. You need to get Erik to the conservatory."

"And then?"

"And then we will live just as we have always done."

Frustrated, Nadir went in the dining room and panicked when he didn't see Meg or Erik there. "Erik?"

Hearing Nadir call Erik's name caused Antoinette to follow. "What is wrong?"

He glanced at the clock. "I better make sure he is back down below getting his belongings. He can't miss that train."

"Nadir!"

He turned around, looking hopeful. "Yes?"

"May God and Allah protect you both."

He somberly nodded.

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In the small but very pretty country side of Beaune, two children were feeling their way around inside the kitchen, looking for a snack before dinner and hoping to obtain a bit of gossip. They opened the door to the pantry and ducked down.

"Tobias, stop moving about and sit still. Bets is sure to hear you with all that noise you are making. Goodness, it is as if you have never sneaked in here before."

"I am trying to get comfortable. Aaron said it would be a while before his return. You're the one who had to make sure we snuck in here now, as opposed to later."

"Bets is due back in any minute. What if she perched herself by the fireplace and stayed there until Professor Dexter arrived?" She then heard him munching on something.

"Are you eating already?"

"No." He spoke with his mouth full.

"I am blind, not deaf, you halfwit!" She slugged him at his side.

"Viviane, come on! I had a small lunch. Who helped you try and find all that sheet music in braille?"

She huffed. "Yeah, the whopping two pieces of music. What if he can't teach us with regular sheet music? All we will be able to learn are some useless nursery rhymes."

"He doesn't need that stuff. He can use real sheet music and we will have access to all kinds of songs. They told us he can even compose. He's a true teacher. I am sure he will be able to teach us great scores. Besides, we are good. He is bound to discover that for himself."

"I guess I wanted him to think we were advanced, despite our handicap."

He reached for her hand. "All he needs to do is hear you."

Viviane could feel herself blush. She then yanked her hand out of his reach. "Stop buttering me up."

"Don't say butter. I'm hungry."

"Shhh... Here. Eat this but don't chew like a cow. Be quiet."

He moved his hand up her arm until he felt her offering. "Biscotti!"

"Tobias! I said be quiet!"

He took the cookie and broke it in two. "We share." He handed her the other half.

"Thank you. Now shut your lips."

"But how long are we to….."

She heard footsteps and socked Tobias in the side again, causing him to lean back and hit his head on the back of the doorframe. She grabbed him and pulled him close to her, whispering not to make a sound.

"Aaron, I just don't know if this is a good idea."

"Of course it is a good idea, Bets. It's not like we can't deliver. We have a real professional with us now."

"But Monsieur Khan said he wanted his privacy."

"Privacy at a conservatory for children?" He laughed. "Guess he chose poorly."

Bets shook her head. "No, silly. He agreed to teach children but a private student?"

Viviane's ears perked up. A private student? Who?

"Well, she isn't a student per say. Look, it's just one little song. I thought you'd be happy with the business. News is obviously spreading that we have ourselves a real, genuine music professor. This extra money will come in handy. The children need….."

"Aaron, that money isn't ours. It will belong to Professor Dexter. After all, he is teaching the young lady."

"Who is coming because we employed him. Bets, it isn't every day we get a letter from the Vicomte telling us he wants his fiancée to sing him a love song at their wedding. It's a few days' work. Easy money. "

"What if she's horrible? We aren't in a position to judge skills or talent."

"So the man will earn his money."

"Ah, so you agree it is his money?"

Aaron sighed as he looked at his teasing wife. "I could really never refuse you. You know that, right?"

She smiled. "I know! Now let's put the matter to rest and kiss me you fine, looking man."

Aaron grinned. "Isn't it wonderful that after all these years together, we still can light each other's fire."

"Why did you think I married you?"

"Better come over here and remind me."

The children made faces inside the pantry. Tobias stuck his tongue out. "EWE."

"Sh.." Viviane warned him as she suppressed her giggle.

After Bets and Aaron came up for air. She took the letter from his pocket. "I suppose it would be nice to get more of these invitations."

"Does that mean we can keep the money?"

"Well, maybe we keep a percentage. Professor Dexter may be handy but he'll need resources to help us expand. I suppose a finder's fee is in order."

"Now you're talking, my shred business partner." He then placed his arms around her. "You know the man's train doesn't get in until night fall." He began massaging her shoulders.

"Aaron, I need to get dinner started."

"I'll be quick."

She turned and pulled him closer. "I don't want us to be quick. Now help me with dinner and once our new employee is settled…."

"Yes?" He eyed her hopefully.

"We can devote ourselves to other matters." She winked. "Got that, partner?"

"Got it." He grinned and kissed her on the cheek.

"Can you bring in the wood? I need to check on the eggs."

"Okay, Bets."

The minute they heard their footsteps leave, Viviane opened the pantry door. "Can you believe that?"

"I know. I can't believe they kiss all the time."

Viviane shook her head. "Not that! Why is our new professor getting distracted by some student who isn't even a part of this school?"

"She is if she paid."

"He teaches children, not soon to be wives."

Tobias got out of the pantry. "Maybe she's good and we can learn from them both?"

"Maybe." She pouted.

He felt for her hand. "I can tell this bothers you. I am sure Professor Dexter will be able to teach us and this lady."

"You better be right because if she distracts him, she will need to deal with me."

"Viviane! Tobias! Are you two in the kitchen eating biscotti again? Get out here!" Bets called after them.

Tobias laughed as Viviane groaned. "Coming, Bets."

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Meg looked out at the train station to see if she could spot Christine. She was doing all she could to try and come up with a plan to not have to go with her to the conservatory. Of course, she could have escaped for a few days but the last thing Erik and Christine needed was a chaperone. They had far too many intruders for their own good. It was time for both of them to be alone and finally be where she suspected their hearts had always been.

"Think Meg! How can I send Christine alone without her backing out and ruining everything?"

"Talking to yourself again, Mademoiselle Giry?" Darius adjusted his hat and shook his head. "Really, I am sure there is at least one other person who you could engage in conversation with."

"Monsieur, Good day!" She looked over her shoulder quickly and then back to Darius. "It isn't what it looks like. I promise you that I am not crazy."

He grinned. "Pity. I rather like crazy. Are you waiting for someone then?"

"Sort of…." Can I trust him? I mean he didn't say a word to the Comte or his sons the other night. Maybe he could….. Meg became so excited she didn't think about how it looked, she just took Darius' arm and dragged him inside the small café overlooking the station platform. "I need your help."

"So it appears you were listening when I told you about the kindness of strangers, eh?"

"Please, Monsieur. I need to get out of something but unless I have an excellent reason for doing so, I am afraid my friend will make another horrible mistake and this time I don't think she will be able to take it back."

He took off his hat and held it firmly in his hand. "Does this involve the same young lady from the other night?"

"What if it did?"

"Then it is obviously rather important to you if you would commit trespassing and riddle your crafty mind into helping her." He paused for a moment and moved towards her when he saw the way her golden hair shimmered in the sun.

"So you will help me?"

He should have walked away. The young lady in question was marrying his friend's son and yet, something couldn't make him say no to the woman before him. "What do I need to do?"

Meanwhile, Christine arrived at the station, clinging to the rose in one hand and her bag in the other. She saw a vacant seat and decided to sit down as she waited for Meg to appear. She carefully placed the rose on her lap and her bag next to her. She then absentmindedly stroked the black ribbon.

"Excuse me, Mademoiselle?"

"Yes?" Christine looked up to see an older woman who was selling flowers for men's lapels and lady's bonnets.

"I am sorry but I couldn't help seeing you admire that rose. You know if you are interested, I could create a miniature one for you so you could have it always. I would just take a few of the pedals and attatch a fake stem, then press it down flat."

"Oh, no." She looked down at Erik's rose. "I couldn't. You see the rose and the ribbon are special to me."

"I can capture the ribbon too. It wouldn't be more than the price of one of my bonnets."

She hesitated.

"It will die without it. This way, you can keep its memory with you."

Christine thought about the rose…. Erik's rose fading until it died. She suddenly knew that could not be an option. "Will it take long?"

"I'll have it ready for you before your train." She took the rose and saw how reluctant Christine was to let it go. "I'll bring it back, I promise."

Just then Meg called out to Christine. "Christine!"

"Over here, Meg!" She stood and hugged her friend when she came up to her. "I am so glad to see you. I am not sure I could do this without you."

"Nonsense, Christine. You need this time away. Beaune is beautiful this time of year." She then waited for Christine to look away, when she motioned for Darius to come over. She then pretend to become engrossed in the train tracks.

"Oh Mlle Giry, thank goodness, I caught you in time."

"Hmm?" Meg looked up and faked being surprised. "Oh Monsieur Reimes. How strange to find you here. Do you know my friend, Christine Daae?"

Christine smiled and Darius tipped his hat but then focused his attention right back on Meg. "Please, won't you reconsider?"

"I am sorry. I can't. I promised to leave town for a few days." She then pretended to grab her bag and start walking to the train. "We better see if they will allow us inside, Christine."

"Wait!" Darius got in front of them. "You are the only one that can dance that part. I know my theatre will be very disappointed."

"Dance?" Christine's eyebrow arched up. "Meg, what is he talking about?"

"It's nothing. Come on."

"Nothing, she says." Darius threw his hands in the air. "The prima ballerina has finally been given a chance to shine and she turned down the part."

"What?" Christine pulled Meg back. "What is he talking about, Meg? What part are you giving up?"

"It's nothing. Look, the Opera House is doing Faust and since Mama is busy with the renovations, the managers decide to move it to a smaller venue and commission an out of town choreographer and director to stage the production. We had rehearsals and I got the lead dance part."

"Meg, that's wonderful! Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I only found out after I promised you I would go with you to the conservatory." She made a very dramatic pause before continuing. "Now, let's go! Good day, Monsieur."

Christine stopped her again. "Meg, you can't leave. Not now. This is a wonderful opportunity, if it goes well, which I am sure it will, the managers will remember you and perhaps cast you in another production when they are ready to open the Opera House again."

"I…. Hadn't thought of that." But I was so counting you would remind me, dear friend.

"You must stay!" I can't have her give this up because of me. I already hate myself for hurting my angel, I can't do it to my best friend too.

Darius admired Meg's intuition. The lady is good, I'll give her that.

"But Christine if I stay, I can't go with you. You need to go to the school. Time away from Raoul and… everything is just what you need."

"Oh Mademoiselle?"

Both Meg and Christine turned around. When Christine saw the flower lady, she smiled. "Yes?"

"Your pressed rose. I would have been here sooner but I had another request and he was insistent that I do his order right away."

Christine's eyes went to the finished product and brought it to her nose. "It still has the faint smell."

"Oui, Mademoiselle. You like?"

"It's forever." Like my angel. She couldn't see or think about anything else but the rose.

"Christine, are you sure about this? You aren't afraid of being alone?"

She gently caressed the flower. "I will not be alone."

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Meg waved goodbye to Christine and Darius escorted her off the platform.

"I must say, you played that perfectly."

"Me? What about you. I swear Monsieur Reimes, I almost thought you did some acting before." She giggled.

"What can I say, you bring out that side in me. Can I interest you in an afternoon tea?"

"I really should be getting back." She was about to leave when she heard Carlotta DeGuide's voice bellow from the platform.

"I am not crazy! I know what I saw. That devil is still alive and he was on that train. He will not stop until he has killed me."

"Signora, no! He is dead. And even if the Opera Ghost wasn't dead, would he really be so stupid to board a train in daylight?"

"Exactly! It is so obvious, no one would suspect him. "Andiamo! I will travel another way!" She left leaving nothing but the sounds of her voice echoing behind her.

Darius shook his head. "What was that all about?"

Meg faked indifference. "Some people just can't stop living in the past, I'm afraid." She then thought about what Carlotta said. Could Erik be on the next train parting for Beaune? Why couldn't he and Christine have been on the same train? She then decided to get out before Carlotta spotted her. The last thing she needed was for Carlotta to suspect Christine had been there as well.

"On second thought, I would love a cup of tea. Lead on, Monsieur."

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Erik closed the door of his small, yet private compartment. He practically had to force Nadir to leave him in peace. He wasn't interested in a long, dragged out goodbye. He knew where Erik was going. When the time was right, Nadir would know to make contact.

He then looked at the small, red, newly pressed rose that the flower lady had made for him. At first, he wasn't interested in talking to anyone. The less people who remembered a tall, man dressed in black, with a rather large fedora covering his right side profile, the better. Yet the way he had been lovingly looking at his rose caught the flower lady's eye and she needed to capitalize on as many customers as she could.

"Monsieur, you seem to have a very pretty rose. You know all roses must die but I could preserve her for you. I am doing the very same thing for another customer. Do you want me to do it to yours as well?"

"No, that won't be necessary. The ribbon makes it….."

"Unique?" The lady nodded. Not really but a sale is a sale. "I am sure I can preserve it. What do you say? 8 francs?"

"No." He turned slowly.

"But your rose will die. This way, it will always be with you."

Erik turned back to face her. "Always?"

"I can have it ready before you board. I am becoming an expert." She said proudly.

The next thing Erik knew he was gently caressing the tiny rose with just a hint of fragrance. It reminded him of her.

In some small way, you will always be with me, angel.

The train started to move and with it, Erik's fate was set.

Several hours later, Erik arrived to the conservatory. His train was actually quite early and therefore there was no way of contacting Aaron to come and get him, so he hired a carriage and enjoyed the peaceful countryside. He considered the train being early a sign that this new position was a positive step to rebuilding that new life that both Annie and Nadir talked about.

When he knocked on the door, he was nervous. He pulled his fedora all the way down over his right side and did his best not to shake. He kept reminding himself that these people hired him and did not know of his past. He then wondered if that was a good thing or another lie he would have to live with.

"God, why must even a new beginning be tied back to my past?"

The door rustled open and Erik stepped back. He forced himself to stay and not run in the other direction.

"May I help you Monsieur?" Bets wiped her hands on her apron and smiled.

Erik nodded and then spoke softly. "I am Erik Dexter. Your new music professor."

Bets smile turned even wider. "Monsieur, I mean Professor, we weren't expecting you until later. Aaron was going to come and get you at the station. I… We…. Oh, will you listen to me. If I am going to force you to listen to my babbling, at least come and get warm." She allowed him to enter and Erik obliged.

"Do you have bags, Professor?"

Erik nodded. "I placed them over there. I will…."

"No, I'll have Aaron get them. "Aaron get over here! Professor Dexter has arrived!"

Erik was started by the way she yelled for her husband to come over. "That won't be necessary. I can manage."

Aaron walked in. "See Bets, he can manage."

Bets yanked her husband and pushed him outside. "Go and help him."

Erik had already retrieved his bags and returned to the door before Aaron could assist.

"Welcome to the school, Professor Dexter. I know the children are anxious to meet you."

Erik held on to his bags tightly. How anxious would they be if they knew what was teaching them?

"I'm Aaron Wilen. You have already met my lovely bride, Elizabeth."

"Please, just call me Bets."

Erik nodded again and both Aaron and Bets looked at each other strangely.

"Are you hungry, Professor? I could make you something to eat?"

"No, thank you."

"Uh… How about I show you to your quarters? You will have your own private entrance and bedroom along with a bath and a small work station but it is very close to the music room so you can consider that your space as well."

"Thank you, Monsieur."

"Now wait a minute, Professor, I insist you call me Aaron. I mean you don't know what a thrill it is to have a war hero with us. "

Erik looked away and Bets came around and touched his arm. "Professor, I know that your injury upsets you. I can't begin to even imagine what you went through but I can honestly tell you that all we care about is your ability to teach and your keen ability to help us renovate. The school is old and we are in desperate need of someone who can help us and maybe even offer up some ways to do it more cost efficiently as well."

Aaron agreed. "Yes, I am not very shrewd when it comes to those things, I'll admit it. I'd be able to offer you up my labor though but I will need your keen mind."

"I…."

"Professor, my wife and I are honored to have you here. Not too many men would accept a commission such as this. The children may be blind but they can see. They will see you for your skills and talent just as we do. So don't feel as if you need to hide your mask. This is not just a place of employment. It is your home, if you wish it to be."

Erik lifted his head and for a moment forgot to pull down on his fedora. If you only knew…. "I think I should like to retire."

Bets spoke as she moved out of the way. "Of course. Aaron will show you to your room. Are you sure you don't want something to eat?"

"Please do not go to any trouble for me."

"But it is no trouble at all. In fact, you can use this kitchen whenever you like also."

"I really should get some rest and start early tomorrow, getting better acquainted with everything."

Bets smiled again. Poor man. It is obvious he has been through a lot. "Aaron?"

Her husband was quick to oblige. "I'll take you to your room, Professor and if you need anything, just ask."

Erik turned to follow Aaron when he looked back and caught Bets' attention. "Good evening, Madame."

Bets smiled at his formality. "Good evening, Professor. I am glad you are here. And remember, call me Bets."

Once Erik was alone he took off his hat and cloak and carefully sat down on the bed. He looked around and thought the place was actually very accommodating. He hadn't looked at the music room yet or their catalog of music but would wake early enough in the morning to do a full inspection.

He sighed when he thought about how different his life was. Three weeks ago, he was being hunted down and cast aside by all the people he loved. Tonight, he was welcomed with open arms and able to sleep soundly in a warm room with the hope of letting music heal him once more. Only this time, he would not allow himself to dream for more than the little he deserved.

All of a sudden, he heard a carriage make an abrupt stop. He stood up and went to the window and peeked through the curtains. It was too dark to see anything really, except it appeared that the Wilens had another visitor coming. He was a bit curious but then dismissed the thought.

"No matter, it has nothing to do with me."

A/N: I doubt that Erik. Until next week.