A/N: Wow! You guys rock! And welcome all new readers! I'm glad that many of you loved last chapter… it was certainly a lot of fun writing. Let's face it… Erik has scared the crap out of Christine enough times so it's good to get a little payback in. I'm posting this early because I have a forensics tournament all day tomorrow so wish my 1 person team luck! Don't forget to review! Already… I can hear the loud gasps that will follow at the very end.

Chapter 7

The knocking became impatient rapping as Erik hurried to answer the door. Somehow, he wasn't surprised to find who it was on the other side.

"Hey Nadir. Man, it seems like I haven't seen you in… I don't know… two hours ago."

"And he's back," Nadir muttered, shaking his head. "I did say I would be stopping over."

"Yeah but not this soon," Erik retorted as he let the other man inside. Closing it behind him, Erik raised his brow at him quizzically. "So what brings you around?"

"I thought I would see how you were settling in," Nadir said.

"Well, as you can see, I settled in quite nicely." Erik shoved his hands into his pockets and went over to the kitchen. "Water?"

"No thanks."

Erik looked over his shoulder and his brow only deepened as Nadir remained in the center of the room, looking but not looking at him. "What?" he barked.

"Nothing," Nadir answered but the glare he was receiving meant it wasn't a good enough answer. Sighing, Nadir decided to skip the niceties. "Okay, I really wanted to make sure you were fine. By yourself."

"And I'm still in one piece," Erik said, uncapping his water bottle. "I have been alone on my own for some time now Nadir. I don't need a babysitter anymore. The danger's over."

"Yeah, you say that and you have been alone, but it's not the same," Nadir replied curtly. "I'm glad you got the help that was offered. Really, I am. I thought we would have to drag you kicking and screaming or something, but you accepted it right away. You really turned over a new leaf."

"Yup and every time a bell rings another suicide has been thwarted," Erik mumbled. "Honestly, Nadir. You keep bringing this up and I won't think twice jumping off that balcony again."

"It's not funny Erik," Nadir said, growing angry. "Don't joke like that."

"You have to lighten up, man," Erik said. "I learned my lesson and I won't ever do it again. I have told you and the doctors this. I have been working to get over my issues and I feel better than ever. You're the one that insistently starts this."

"Yes because I'm your friend—"

"Some friend. Has to be a redundant nanny."

"Shut up!" Nadir's voice thundered, which forced Erik to stop what he was doing. He never heard the Iranian raise his voice like that before, not even at the theater when he's trying to get the attention of the cast. He had little choice but to do what he said.

"You might not care and you may think that everything is hunky-dory, but it's not for me. I was so goddamn scared you were dead that night. I didn't know what to do or why this happened or anything and I have been your best friend for over ten years! I should have known something, but I didn't. I thought I was some fucking awful friend not to realize that you were suffering. Like I could have done something to help you. I don't ever want to go through that again. So forgive me if you think I'm being annoying or a nanny. I want to be sure that tomorrow when I wake… I will see my best friend."

Erik lowered his head in shame. After all the bullshit Nadir had put up with over the years, the least he could do was cut him some slack. He never knew that was how Nadir felt. Not once in the four months during his recovery had Nadir mentioned how he felt himself about the suicide attempt. All he knew that Nadir was mad at him, but he didn't know how far that anger went.

"Nadir, I… I know I have been an ass, but I don't want to keep bringing it up." Erik looked up at him. "Do you get it?"

"What I don't get is why Erik," Nadir replied. "I don't know what drove you to that desperation. All I can think about it either had to do with your parents—"

"It wasn't my parents," Erik interjected.

"… or Elena or your face. And I don't think it had to do all that much with your face since you would have done something sooner than this, which leaves only Elena. I don't know what the Hell happened between the two of you or why she ignores my messages or why she keeps going to the media to say she has been visiting when she hasn't. And I don't know why you haven't stepped forward and called her out on being such a fucking liar. It's not you to let that slide."

"Look, Nadir, I don't want to talk about it yet," Erik said. "But what Elena and I do is no one's business but our own. Rest assured we are not getting back together in the foreseeable future. Not ever."

"I've heard that before," Nadir smirked and walked past him to get that water after all. "It always works out for you guys."

"This is different Nadir," Erik told him as he sat down on the couch. "This time I don't want to see her ever again."

Nadir paused before taking a sip of his water. He thought about pushing it further, to see what had transpired between the two former lovers, but thought best not to. As much as he wanted to know the reason why his friend was so depressed, he knew pushing him too far wouldn't be wise and the last thing he wanted to do was reopen old wounds and give him another reason for maybe trying again.

"Later," Nadir said a promise that they would speak on this again in the future and Erik better not omit anything.

Erik agreed for it would keep Nadir happy in the meantime. "If you don't mind, I think I might rest for a while. I'll see you tomorrow."

Nadir nodded. "All right. Tomorrow." Erik showed him out but before he left, Nadir added, "Call me. If you need anything. Don't hesitate."

"I won't. Night Nadir," Erik said.

"Night."

"Hey, Nadir?" Erik called before he got too far down the hall. Catching up to him, he asked, "Does the name Christine Daaé mean anything to you?"

Nadir frowned. "I don't think so. Why?"

"Oh, no reason," Erik replied. "I just thought you might know."

"No. Afraid not," Nadir said.

"All right then. I'll see you later." Erik went back to the apartment and he had half-expected Christine to reappear, but she didn't. He wondered if she was still mad at him for suggesting she'd leave.

Taking a deep breath, he went to the fridge and pulled out a frozen dinner from the freezer. A quick and simple meal was what he needed and as he sat down to eat… he couldn't stop himself from glancing at his cell phone.

Nadir was right.

He should have said something about Elena, but he couldn't find it in himself to fight about it. Of course, a part of him wanted to know why she hadn't visited. Was it still because of his face? Was it still so awful and the memory too fresh for her to be in the same room as he?

He picked up the phone and scrolled through the list of his contacts. Elena's name appeared and his thumb hovered over the call option.

What would he say? Hey, I'm alive and well. You probably heard on the news and I wanted to let you know so you didn't have to worry if I hadn't spoken to you.

Even that was a horribly lame excuse.

He closed his phone and set it back down as his thoughts turned back to the ghostly woman he now had as a roommate.

Christine.

It was a nice name and she seemed sincere in her concern about him, but why? Why did she care if he lived or died? Despite what she said earlier, they were practically strangers. He didn't know anything about her and she only knew about him from his time living in the apartment. It wasn't much to base on, but she acted like she knew him very well.

Then again…

This whole situation was unconventional and bizarre. What does a person do when a ghost lives with him or her? Erik doubted there were handbooks or guides on how to handle a ghostly roommate. Crazy and messy ones, yes… but a ghost?

Part of him wondered if this was some elaborate hoax with very convincing special effects with the walking through her body and her hand. But even he had to admit that was preposterous and too outlandish to conceive.

So… what was this then?

And what is the story on this Christine Daaé?

She may have all the appearance of someone innocent, but he didn't know her and he didn't know if she was a compulsive liar or if she had some kind of ulterior motive. Maybe she had contacted other people before and they weren't able to do whatever it was she wanted. So in enters Erik Trussler with everything a person could ever hope for, and why not taunt him a little with some tricks and then show up at his lowest point? Maybe even save him… He would certainly feel indebted, right?

Yet, what purpose would a ghost have to do such a thing? She clearly wouldn't be able to blackmail him. After all, what is the use of money to a dead person?

So what was her game?

However, as much as he tried to figure out a reason, the more torn Erik felt about the situation. On one side, the manipulating factor could be possible while the flip side did not seem likely. She didn't seem the type, but then again, he thought the same about Elena and looked what happened there.

"I can't move on…"

There was definite anguish in that tone and in her eyes when she uttered those words. Perhaps… she wanted to move on and something was keeping her back. He knew as much that she had to have been a ghost for over two years. That is a long time to be waiting for some sign to be welcomed to the next plane.

And being alone.

Damn.

He knew what it was like to be lonely, even when there were people in your life. No one ever knew him or understood his pain or the wish to look normal.

Somehow, he had to assent that Christine had it worse than him. He had Nadir (as irritating and bothersome he can often be) while she had no companion at all. Not even another ghost.

It was possible she might have some kind of unfinished business. That would make sense.

Still… he would have to talk to her again. Find out more about whom she is and if she's expecting something from him in return.

xxXXxx

Five Years Ago…

May 2007

Erik closed his eyes, not even attempting to disguise his cringe, as the twenty-something girl was belting out a note that was obviously out of her range.

Auditions were taking place at the Trussler Opera House for the upcoming season. Erik had fired about half the chorus as they either gotten too lazy, too off-key, or lost the ability to keep in time with the dancing. He had spent the past couple of days either dismissing or being force to hire the singers and dancers that was passable, but not exactly perfect.

It was a long two days.

So far, Erik had been hoping that this latest group would be different, but no one was able to amaze him. Or the very latest wow him.

Before the girl could repeat that same note, Erik held up his hand effectively cutting her off.

"Thank you for the Mariah Carey rendition. I think we're done," he said, meaning that she was not going to be part of his Opera.

Yet, the message wasn't clear and she smiled and gushed with her thanks.

Mental note, Erik thought. Send that one a letter explaining she wasn't hired.

"I don't know. I thought she was rather pleasant," Nadir commented, which rewarded him a glare.

"This is why I pick the singers and not you. She's gorgeous, yes, but she lacks talent. If she is going to perform in my work, then she better be up to par," Erik said.

"I thought you were some hot shot playboy," Nadir retorted.

"I am," Erik replied, smirking devilishly. "But when it comes to music, in particular, my music, then she better have more than a pretty face for me to put her on that stage. Next!"

The following auditions were all right. Erik found a couple of strong men who would hold their own with the other basses and tenors, not to mention who were able to dance. The girls were a different story.

He still had at least several spots to fill and while time was running out, he had to make a quick decision.

He decided that this one cute blonde might work. She was a very good dancer, but her singing wasn't going to make the heavens weep. Yet, she did have a nice voice and it didn't hurt his eardrums, which counted a lot.

Erik jotted down a note next to #45 Meg G. and called out for the next number: #52.

"Really Erik… do you have to write over the top diva on that last one?" Nadir questioned.

Erik shrugged. "I call it when I see it. Face it, Nadir. That one had trouble written all over her face. Did you notice how she strutted on the stage like she owned it? This is for a chorus spot, not the lead role."

"Seems to me that she had self-confidence."

"And this is why I'm the musical genius and you're my lackey. That one would drive us insane with off the wall demands. Even her name sounds like a prima donna—Carlotta Giudicelli. I don't ever want to see her again."

Nadir rolled his eyes. "Quit being a drama queen and pick the final chorus members so we can call it a day. My ass is getting sore from sitting for so freaking long."

"Can't rush perfection," Erik muttered as he lifted his eyes to see a petite young woman walking with a slight nervous gait, but there was a confident determination in her countenance. In first appearances, there was nothing remarkably striking about her features, except she did have natural beauty and grace with that wild halo of curly brown hair and piercing blue eyes.

This waif coolly took center stage and directly sought contact from Erik.

She had spunk Erik could tell and he had a feeling this was going to be interesting. Maybe she had talent or maybe she thought she could fit Erik Trussler's standards. Either way, Erik was ready to get this over and done with so he could hopefully call it a day too.

"All right. Mr. Reyer? Go ahead and start on 8."

TBC…