Thanks for all the reviews, guys! I really do appreciate each and every one. Without further ado…

Christine's P.O.V

I took a deep breath and began singing one of the new arias from the Opera Erik was writing to premiere at the Grand Theater. It was my first rehearsal and though I was worried for the contrary, my cast mates were very kind and supportive, helping me when my English faltered. It was almost surreal to have Erik there, leading the orchestra and singers. I couldn't believe that this patient, shy, quiet man, with a kind spirit and who always treated people well was the same "madman" who terrorized the Opera house those ten years ago.

Laycee sat in the front row, excitedly hanging on each aspect of the rehearsal. After my song finished we took a small break, and I headed down to the house seats to see my daughter. I pulled a shiny apple from my bag, teasingly waving it in front of Laycee.

"Here's a snack, Laycee Elizabeth." I handed it to her and rubbed my nose against hers. "How's my love feeling today?"

"Fine, just a little achy." She answered absently, dimples showing on her freckled cheeks as she chewed through the apple's white flesh. I rested her legs on my lap, removing the braces and rubbing the knots out of the mangled little limbs. With a contented sigh, she closed her eyes.

"Hello."

I jumped to see Erik standing right in front of me. "Oh, hello Erik. How are you?"

"Well. And you?"

"Well also."

He smiled a little, that sweet half smile that I loved so much. "You are doing wonderfully on stage. Just practice your English pronunciation."

I sighed. "I know. It's just difficult."

"I know." He sat beside me. "You'll get it in time."

I nodded and looked down at my daughter who slept contentedly in my arms. I smiled and looked over at Erik, who just stared at Laycee's legs. But a look of disgust or discomfort didn't cross his face, rather that of confused sadness.

"What happened to her?" he asked gently.

"A little while ago, back in Paris… people insulted us because I was a single mother. They'd call me a prostitute and Laycee a bastard and all of those kinds of names. I ignored it. They all hated us. Some boys lured Laycee out into an alley while I was working, and they beat her. Mostly her legs. She almost died, Erik." The tears overflowed from my eyes and spilled down my cheeks as I pulled her sleeping form to me.

When I finally looked up into Erik's eyes, they were burning with fury. His fists were clenched tightly. That temper of his was a deadly thing…

"Do people have nothing better to do than intervene in the well being of others? What business is it of theirs who you are? I swear Christine, this is all my fault. If only I hadn't left you…"

"Erik." I whispered as the tears continued to stream from my cheeks. He finally paused from his rant and looked at me, flaming eyes softening at my tears. He kneeled before me and wiped my cheeks with his thumb.

"Shhh, I'm here now. If you'll allow me, I'll never let anyone harm you or your daughter ever again."

I nodded, looking away. This was so bizarre. Gone was the ominous, dark Phantom. Here before me was just a man… just Erik.

But for the first time in years, I felt completely and entirely safe.