I am so sorry for the delay and I won't blame you if you've all given up on me. I know I don't really have any excuse but I will say that I have been extraordinarily busy, if I didn't know better I'd say that the universe was contriving to keep this chapter from ever being written. I also apologize for the short length, I'm a bit low on inspiration, but I'm working on that. I am done with my ramblings so here you go.

I watched the girl through the two-way mirror, a somber expression etched deep into my face. I knew how she felt, and I had felt the same, the first time I yelled at Christine. My eyes burned at the memory, but I swallowed my sorrow, that was over and done, I had shed my tears for that, I need not do it again, and it would change nothing.

I wanted to go to her, but her vicious little feline guard prevented it. I scoffed to myself, it was a foolish notion anyway, and I'd only frighten her. Sitting on the cold stone floor I leaned my back against the wall, closing my eyes I permitted myself to selfishly enjoy the music that wafted through my mind, soft and bittersweet.

/

Because of the oncoming Christmas performance the managers designed to give everyone the Sunday off to be with their families, and to attend the holiday church services. Though it is likely that not every person will be using their day off for such noble causes, I had a strong suspicion that more than one of my orchestra players would be nursing some terrible hangovers come next morning. In preparation for this I had decided to spend my morning out buying coconuts. I remembered fondly the mornings my mother took me to buy the odd foreign fruit.

My father was never a man to hold his liquor well, but he also had a tragic love of parties and other social events. At such happenings his friends would often, one way or another; goad him in to having a drink or two… usually more. Fun at the time, but he always ended up so miserable afterward, I chuckled softly under my breath. He had never learned, and so my mother's sworn-by cure was a tall glass of coconut milk, sweetened with a spoonful of sugar and nutmeg.

I smiled softly at the bittersweet memory, it was too lovely a day for sorrow, and the bright morning sun warmed my face, chasing away the winter chill. I wore the green dress from a couple of weeks ago, it had been too nice to resist, the only bright spot of color in my drab wardrobe. I self-consciously patted the green satin skirt, I wasn't used to wearing such finery, not anymore…

Strolling down a side street of the poorer section of Paris towards a small local market selling fresh produce, I observed woman hurrying along their small children, their bell like laughter a soothing balm to my battered soul. Venders called eagerly to potential customers, each vying for attention. I smiled, at the varied display of bustling city life. Finally, catching sight of my odd treasure I hurried over, and a shady looking vender with a drooping mustache eyed me over.

"What's a pretty lady like you doing in a dump like this, eh?" as he said, leaning over the side of the cart, raising his eyebrows suggestively. I bristled.

"I don't believe that is any of your business monsieur" I replied stiffly. He shrugged his shoulders, grumbling under his breath something that sounded suspiciously like 'worth a try'. I pursed my lips, inwardly berating myself, this is what you get for dressing up, such a pointless thing to do, you have no one to impress, and of course it'd only because you trouble in the end.

As I did this I also picked my way through the vendor's fruit stock, picking out the biggest healthiest looking of the fuzzy brown fruits, and placing them in the large wicker basket I had borrowed from the opera kitchens. Once I decided I had enough, I paid the man, watching mournfully as my pay check disappeared into his greasy palms.

Wrinkling my nose in distaste, I left, heading back out into the morning sunlight. After my encounter with the shabby vendor, I didn't feel so confident in the nice dress. I pulled my tan shawl a little tighter, suddenly eager to be back in the relative safety of the opera house. As I walked I began to notice a man, following me. I felt a sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach. He wore a high collared black winter cloak and a wide brimmed hat, casting a deep shadow across his face. I moaned inwardly, why do I keep getting into situations like this, it can't be normal. I shook my head.

"I'm probably over reacting, he could just be heading in the same direction as me" I gave a shaky laugh as I attempted to reassure myself. Glancing back, I found that the man was gone. I breathed a sigh of relief, but my unease did not leave me. In hope of a short cut I dodged into an alley way, a couple of meters in I began to regret it, it was dark and silent, just like a certain ominous hallway from my memories.

"Lady Luck is not favoring me today" I whispered softly under my breath, not entirely sure why I was whispering, but liking the sound of my voice all the same. I glanced behind me, feeling terribly paranoid. There was no one there, but looking back I found myself face to face with a large expanse of brown; I jumped back revealing it to belong to the chest of a tall, sleazy looking man. He had greasy hair that hung, in matted clumps, down to his jaw. His shirt was a muddy brown color that I suspected was more from a lack of washing than his choosing. I swallowed thickly, as the man loomed over me.

"Looks like a little birds lost her way" I fought the bizarre urge to roll my eyes, what ever happened to luck of the Irish? The man's companion peeked around him, this one had a long tattered trench coat that had seen better days, and a huge bushy mustache. In another situation it would have been comical. I glowered at them, wracking my brain for options. I couldn't fight them, nor could I run away, with the better numbers they could easily overpower me, and in my heavy skirt I couldn't run very fast at all.

"I think the little bird could use a drink" the other man added, with a lusty hungry look in his eyes that made my skin crawl. I backed away, and just as I was about to cut my losses and try running, a large gloved hand clamped down onto my shoulder. I choked back a scream.

"There you are ma chérie I was wondering where you'd run off to… you really ought to be more careful" looking up I saw that it was the man that had been following me before. "you could get in trouble" this last bit he addressed more to the men in front of us than me, his tone made it clear it was a warning. Taking the hint the two lowlifes scampered off, back to what ever dark hole they came from, I supposed. As soon as they disappeared from sight, the man spoke again.

"Are you aright?" I could feel his eyes burning into me but I didn't respond "you do not need to fear me, I promise that I will not harm you" I jerked out of his hold, scoffing loudly under my breath.

"ha, right, and I suppose you just saved me out of goodness of your heart" looked up to him, his face still hidden from my view, " don't lie to me monsieur, you men always want something" my eyes took on a haunted look as old memories resurfaced "I should know…" I heard him move, I reacted fast, lashing out I kicked him in the leg, hearing his grunt of pain I took my chance and bolted, I heard footsteps behind me and as I turned to look, my foot caught on the hem of my dress. I stumbled, and fell to my knees, my basket and its contents flying everywhere. I didn't stop to look, I scrambled to my feet and kept running, as my heart did it's best to claw its way from my chest.

Too wary of the little side street leading to the employee entrance of the opera populair, I ran straight up the main steps and through the double doors leading to the grand entrance way. I slid to a stop, as a few lingering employees, turned to stare at me. I backed off to the side, and leaning against one of the golden statues I struggled to catch my breath. My dress was in ruins, mud and dirt covered the hem, and a large tear ran up the side from where I had fallen. I started, as I noticed blood seeping through the exposed inner lining. I must have skinned my knee when I tripped. I sighed heavily, so much for my day off.

After cleaning my wound with alcohol, I tied a folded path of gauze around it, as Eric fussed over me mewing and pawing like some fussy old nurse maid.

"Calm down Eric I'm fine, it's only a scrape" I rubbed his head, and he nipped at my fingers playfully. Feeling somewhat better I changed out of my dress, and taking one last look at the ruined green dress, I balled it up and tossed it in the waste-basket.

I spent the rest of the day wandering the deserted upper levels of the opera house. After my brief scare in the alleyway I was, under no circumstances, ready to reenter the world, I probably wouldn't for a long time. I sighed heavily, leaning on the wooden rail of one of the opera rafters. Eric butted his head against my leg, I looked at him and he met my gaze with large amber eyes. I grinned ruefully and bent to stroke him. He had stuck to my side like a burr ever since I had returned from my outing, my furry little protector.

"sometimes I wish I could just run away from it all, run off into the woods and live in a cave or something, at least then I wouldn't be bothered…" Eric stared up at me with wide eyes, "you know I always come to my senses before it comes to that, silly." I chuckled weakly, as I reassured the alarmed animal. "I wouldn't make you live out in the cold, wet wilderness mo duinne" he purred happily at the sound of the old Gaelic endearment. I stayed there for quite a while, letting my mind wander as I admired the view that usually only stage hands received.

My mind drifted to the encounter with those men, and the one who saved me, it was true I didn't trust him, but he had helped me… I suppose reacted a bit harshly, my pride feeling bruised, I didn't like depending on others… for anything. I then imagined my self telling Meg about it, how she would react, she'd likely tell me I overreacted, and probably say something about how romantic it was how he saved me. My chest constricted painfully, as I realized it would likely be a conversation that would never happen. After the way I acted I wouldn't blame her if she never wanted to see me again.

"Damn, I'm such an idiot Eric, how could I do that to her? she had been nothing but kind to me until now and that is how I thank her?" I swallowed hard, schooling my features into a determined expression on my face "I have to find her and apologize, even if she doesn't forgive me it's the least I can do…" I stood up suddenly, filled with a new sense of determination. I must have stood too quickly, because as soon as I did a wave of vertigo hit me. I stumbled back, my arms shooting out in a desperate attempt to regain my balance, my left foot hung over the open air. Eric mewed loudly in fear, clinging desperately to the rough wood, as the platform swung wildly. My foot slipped and a piercing scream tore through the air.

Well there you go, I am sorry if it seems like a bit of a filler chapter, but every story has its slow parts. I hope you enjoyed it and pleasereview, I found that it actually makes me write faster. Also I will try to write and post the next chapter as soon as humanly possible. Mo duinne= my brown one ma chérie =my dear

Ps: I know you all probably don't care but I'm still going to say that I am so excited, I got asked to my school dance for the first time ever. :3 I also think that may help you all somewhat on the whole guessing my age thing, there have actually been a few people who were only one year off, also happy new year!