Chapter X

It was around night time when Gustave opened the doors to their home in Paris, setting down some of their luggage down on the ground. He handed some money to the driver for him to grab the rest of their belongings and bring them inside. "Christine!" he called from the doorway. She had been trying to help him carry the luggage but he flat out refused and told her to come inside. Obviously she hadn't listened as she entered the home whilst yanking a heavy trunk through the door. "Lord above! Are you mad, Christine!"

"Simply trying to help," she let out through heavy breaths, still pulling on the strap to bring the trunk inside further. Gustave pulled her away from it and brought her to sit down. He went to the kitchen to find Julie and ask her to make a pot of tea for them leaving Christine alone.

Marie entered from outside and made her way to the kitchen, following her father and ignoring Christine as if she did not exist. They hadn't really spoken to each other in Vasing save for their arguments that were always stirred because of Marie's constant belittlement.

It had been a month since they went up to Vasing and Christine had never felt more joy than to be back home. The de Chagnys' had arrived to their home in Paris as well to set up the arrangement for the wedding that was in two days. Christine didn't know whether to cry from her broken heart or feel happy that she no longer had to deal with Marie. But then again, she was deceiving Raoul and she was marrying someone who has no idea how truly vicious Marie could be.

Christine retreated up to her bedroom and decided that she didn't exactly feel like doing anything except resting. Upon, closing her door, Christine turned on the oil lamp and nearly screamed when she saw a figure standing there in her bedroom. The figure rushed to place a hand on her mouth and in the light, the face of Henri was finally seen.

"Henri!" Christine cried out, gripping her chest and pushing his hand away. "You frightened me!"

"I apologize," he said with a grin. Christine opened her door to look out in the hallway, making sure that no one was around before closing it with the lock clicking shut. Henri moved to sit at the window seat, the pale moonlight gleaming upon his skin.

"What are you doing here?" Christine asked. "Especially in my bedroom! It is quite improper!"

"It's not as if I intended to do anything with you," he replied with a roll of his eyes. "I came back from working a day ago and came to see you but you weren't here."

"We barely arrived a few minutes ago,"

"Clearly," Henri said, looking out the window seeing their coach barely driving off as their luggage was finally all inside. He stayed quiet for a while, his thoughts whirling around in his head, trying to make sense of everything. "I came to ask for your help."

"Is something the matter?"

"Yes," He stood to stand in front of Christine and it was only then that she noticed that he was quite tall. "Meg will not speak to me."

"What have you done?" she asked skeptically. Henri groaned and put a hand through his hair, irritated.

"Nothing!" he exclaimed loudly causing Christine to shush him. She glanced at the door, nervous that someone might hear. He sighed to let himself calm down before he spoke again, "I have done nothing wrong, I think."

"You think?" Christine grabbed his hands and pulled him with her. They sat down at the side of her bed and she turned on the other oil lamp on her bedside table. "You said you were working."

"Yes, Nadir sent me to work in another town here in France so I went." he began to say but Christine quickly snapped her head to look at him.

"Nadir? Nadir Khan?" she asked. Henri glared at her and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Must you know all of Paris?"

Christine rolled her eyes. "Monsieur Khan knows Erik?" she asked. Henri frowned at this question. Not wanting to answer, he began to continue his story but Christine cut him off. "Henri, please! I just want to know if Erik is all right."

With a heavy sigh, Henri nodded his head. "Yes, he know Erik, all right! Might I be able to continue with my story?" he asked. Christine smirked and allowed him to do so. "I left for work for a month but I came back because it was terrible and I know there are better occupations here and in truth… I missed her."

"You told her you left?"

"Yes I wrote her a letter–"

"A letter?!" Christine asked, exasperated. Henri looked around, not understanding her sudden reaction. "Rather than telling her in person, you wrote her a letter?"

"That's what I said," he agreed.

Christine rubbed her temples in annoyance. "You really do not know the ways of women, do you?"

"Well considering she's the only woman I've ever loved–"

"What did you write in the letter?" she asked.

"I told her that I loved her and I would be leaving for work." he recounted, thinking of the exact contents in the letter. Christine cocked her eyebrow.

"And?"

"And? There is no 'and'!" he repeated in a mocking voice. "That is all."

"Oh, Henri!" Christine held back from smacking the lad upside the head. "How could you? She must have thought that you ended things with her!"

"WHAT?" he shot up and began to pace like a mad man. "No, no, no. She couldn't have truly thought that, could she?"

"You telling her you loved her could have been misinterpreted as you confessing your love but almost as a last goodbye if she thought you truly left for good." Christine explained, standing to her feet and grabbing her shoulders. "Listen to me, I will speak to her soon. I will try to explain to her what happened, all right?"

Henri was biting his nail, nervously but slightly nodded his head. "Yes, all right." he conceded. Christine pondered on how she will go about this whole situation. Surely Meg will wonder how it is that she knows Henri and Christine wasn't sure if she could lie to her best friend. She would just have to tell the truth without telling the truth… if that was possible. Did Meg know about Erik? Madame Giry certainly did but she didn't know if Meg was one of confidence in regards to her Maestro yet. He was a man of many secrets and what if Meg accidentally told someone else? She couldn't have that–

"Are you thinking of Erik?" Henri asked, snapping Christine out of her thoughts. She didn't even realize that she had unconsciously walked to the other side of the room.

"No, no." she lied dismissively. "Just many things are happening. Weddings and such."

"Ah," Henri said. "You're going to marry the Vicomte de Changy, yes?"

"No," Christine frowned. "Marie is marrying him, not I."

Henri's eyes widened and he grabbed her shoulders, frantically bringing her closer to him. "Marie? Marie is going to marry Raoul de Chagny?" he asked almost desperately. Christine was shocked at his sudden change of demeanor and wiggled out of his grasp. "But, but it was you… she said you were engaged to him!"

"I was," Christine explained. "But Raoul decided to marry her instead."

"No, no, no!" Henri almost shouted and Christine pleaded with him to be quiet. "You don't understand! If Erik finds out–"

"Erik doesn't have to know!"

"Oh please! That wealthy family will let all of Paris know about the wedding!" He let out angrily. "He will go after her!"

"Why, Henri?" Christine asked, not understanding why all the sudden panic. "I am aware she broke his heart –"

"She didn't simply promise to marry him, Christine! She has known him in many more ways than you perceive,"

"Henri, what are you talking about?"

"Oh, god!" he let out in annoyance. "She gave herself to him! She became his woman the night before she disappeared. She promised to marry him and that very night, they practically became man and wife!"

Christine backed up in shocked, her hand covering her mouth. She was in disbelief! She knew that Marie would flirt with men, even give men false hope, but she never thought that she had given herself away to someone! "That can't be right," Christine let out. "There must be some kind of mistake!"

"Erik never lies," Henri uttered.

"He told you this?"

"Yes," he sighed. Erik was not the type of man to tell his personal life to anyone, not even him. But he let out hints that told Henri this much is true. He remembered the day clearly and in his life, he had never seen a man so broken and so angry at the same time as he saw Erik. He had loved Marie and she left him without an explanation. If Erik found out she was in Paris and marrying a man he hated, there would be hell to pay.

"Henri, you mustn't tell anyone of this!" Christine pleaded. Henri gave her a harsh look, almost angry that this was her response.

"Is that all you care about? Your precious reputation?"

"No I–"

"You are like all the rest of your people." he seethed. "All you care about is what people think of you. What about Erik, hm? The actual victim in all of this?"

"Of course I worry for him!" Christine agonized, trying to get him into a tranquil state. "It is Marie who has fault in all of this but..."

"But?"

How could she put this so he could understand? Christine could care less if she and her sister's reputation goes to the gutter, but her father was another story. She could never allow him to become depressed again. She sighed before deciding to confide in him. "My father had lost my mother and Marie's mother within a short time. He also lost an unborn child before. He has suffered more than anyone in this world and gossip around the city will not do him any good!" she explained. "Please, he needs to hear this from us."

Henri stared at her for a while, contemplating whether to believe her or not. She wasn't exactly like her sister who seemed to be selfish and cruel. Her intentions weren't for her family's reputation but her father's health. Henri clicked his tongue and agreed. "Fine, fine." he muttered. Christine gave a thankful expression before wrapping her arms around his neck, planting a kiss on his cheek. Henri expressed a somber smile, patting her head gently. He turned to the window and opened it after they both agreed on meeting again in a couple of days before climbing out. Christine watched as he ran off into the Parisian streets before letting herself become a completely different person.

Christine turned from her bedroom and unlocked the door and rushed to Marie's room. Her blood was boiling from anger. How could Marie be so stupid! How could she do this and still had the nerve to be so confident about everything?

She slammed the bedroom door open causing Marie to jump up from bed. Her hair was in a braid and she wore a tight lilac nightgown. She was all ready to go to sleep but barked at Christine for suddenly barging into her room. Christine, however, lost all sense and dragged Marie out of bed with strength she never knew she had. Marie let out a scream and trying to smack Christine's hands away, frightened by her sister's attitude.

"How could you do such a thing?!" Christine scolded through her anger. "You shameless sloven!"

"What is wrong with you?!" Marie screeched as she pulled away from Christine's grasp. "Have you gone mad?"

"It is you who is insane!" Christine shouted. "You will not marry Raoul after this, I will not allow it!"

"What the hell is going on here?!" Gustave shouted as he entered the room, tying his robe tight, astonished by all the commotion.

"She is an absolute disgrace, Papa!" Christine yelled to her father but never bothered to look at him. Her hateful gaze was set on Marie who was fuming in place. "She's is not as innocent as you believe her to be!"

"She's mad with jealousy–" Marie tried to say but Christine would not allow her to continue. The brunette rushed forward to stand face-to-face with her younger sister in a threatening manner.

"Deny it then! Deny that you slept with Erik!" Christine challenged. Marie widened her eyes at this and even Gustave gasped. He moved between his two daughters, staring at Marie with an appalled expression.

"Who's Erik–"

"No it didn't happen!" Marie shouted, trying to deny it but Christine clenched her fists as her anger only became deeper.

"You unimaginable liar! Henri told me himself!" Christine snapped. "She has been with Erik and gave herself willing to him, Papa!" she told. Marie felt tears fall down her cheeks before rushing to her father's arms, chanting that it wasn't true. Gustave held his hysterical daughter tight, while staring at Christine who was filled with fury that he had never seen in her. "You are not going to marry Raoul because I will tell him about this myself!"

"No, Christine!" Gustave shouted, letting go of Marie and grabbing Christine by the shoulders. "You aren't even sure that it's true!"

"I know it to be true. Henri came here himself to tell her to stay away from him!" the brunette moved towards Marie's dresser and yanked open the drawer to grab the exotic pendant that Erik had given her sister.

"You are simply jealous!" Marie shouted, hot tears streaming down her face like waterfalls. "You just want to ruin my life because Raoul doesn't love you!"

"I admit that I sickened myself with jealousy! I nearly died because he preferred you over me." Christine admitted knowing herself that the death part was more true then they knew. "But I will not permit this! You will not marry him!"

"That's enough!" Gustave shouted but the girls paid no attention to him.

"Fine!" Marie shouted through her tears. "You make up all these lies about me because you are so envious of my marriage. If you so desperately want him, then keep him!" she took off her engagement ring before throwing to the ground and rushing out of the room.

Gustave called after her but the youngest daughter did nothing to stop. He turned to Christine who was breathing heavily from the altercation. "What the bloody hell just happened Christine?!" he asked but he did not wait for an answer. "I cannot believe that you would accuse your sister of such things!"

"But Papa–"

"Your sister can be everything else you ever accuse of but she will never be that which you called her tonight!" he gripped firmly. Christine widened her eyes at his harsh tone that he had never given her before.

"You think I'm mad too? You think I am filled with jealousy just as she says?" Christine sputtered in disbelief. She couldn't have him thinking of her the same way everyone else did. "I vow to you Papa, she is did everything that I said."

"Be what may!" Gustave rushed to Christine's face angrily. "This matter will be swept under the rug and you will not speak a word of this to anyone, am I understood?"

"And what about Raoul?" Christine shot back at him. "Do you not think of him? He does not deserve a woman who is false and a liar!"

"ENOUGH CHRISTINE!" Gustave shouted harder than he ever had before. He pushed Christine onto the bed, stick a finger in her face "I will not have you ruining Marie's reputation based on the rumors of this so-called Henri! I forbid you–I forbid you to say another word on this matter, do you understand me?!" he stormed out of the room, leaving Christine with fresh tears spilling down her face.

No one would ever believe her.

"You haven't heard from him?"

Nadir paced around in his office, nervously. It had been too long for Erik to be away. Every time he had said he would return in a certain time, it was always exact but now… it had been a month and he hadn't returned.

Madame Giry sat in a chair, facing Nadir's desk as she waited for the Persian man to relax. "He hasn't contacted me," Madame Giry answered. She gripped her cain that she had in front of her, worrying for the masked man.

"I shouldn't have let him go," Nadir berated himself. "I should have tried to stop him."

"You have before. Many times, in fact." The older woman said. "But Erik is a stubborn man who listens to no one."

That didn't calm Nadir one bit. Something could have happened to Erik and he knew that based on the jobs that the masked man did, it would be incredibly difficult for him to ever find him. Erik was not a man who can be found if wanted to hide and what if it was precisely that? What if he didn't want to be found? "I must go to London and search for him." he decided and went to sit on his desk, trying to find paperwork to fill for his trip. He was so frantic that it frightened Madame Giry who had never seen the Persian so crazed.

She rushed to the front of the desk and grasped his hands tightly. "Monsieur Khan, you have to remember one thing: Erik is a man capable of anything." she began and Nadir glanced up at her, his worry written plainly across his face. "Something inside assures me that he is all right."

Nadir slumped back in his chair and exhaled a deep sigh. "I supposed I could wait a couple for days to see if he arrives back in Paris."

"That would be wise," Madame Giry agreed.

The Persian man removed his glasses then rubbed his eyes, fear and frustration running throughout his body. Madame Giry could see the worry in him and despite the current situation, she found it rather amiable how this man could care so deeply for Erik. Any other person in this cruel world would have left the masked boy to fend for himself after Lionel's death, but not Nadir. He had looked high and low after Erik disappeared from the de Chagny's home. He had given him a home to sleep in even if the boy refused any charity.

Nadir cared more for Erik than anyone could ever know. In reality, Madame Giry believed that Nadir was a father figure to Erik even if they both denied it. They needed and cared for each other. Erik was a terribly cold man and many also thought that he cared for no one save himself. Yet he helped the poor anonymously, gave Henri so much knowledge and gold, he had given Nadir much wealth as well when he had returned from Persia. Despite the fact that he seems to grow annoyed of her, Erik had helped Madame Giry in many ways as well. He helped her see the potential that is in Meg and gave them both a home in the opera house. He even frightened away a stagehand that had set his revolting eyes on Meg.

Erik had changed when he returned from Persia years ago. He was seemingly crueler and hateful towards everyone. Madame Giry truly suspected that something had happened to him over there that changed him for the worst. Yet once, when she had a worst opinion of him since his return, she had been exiting the opera house late one chilly night. Madame Giry had caught a glimpse of the masked man wrapping a blanket around a girl no more than seven years of age. She moved towards them, wondering what he was doing. The child was not afraid of Erik, rather she was having a full conversation with him as children do. He did not speak but it was clear that he was listening to every word in her rambling. From inside his cloak, he pulled out a bag that must have been filled with food as the girl gleamed when she saw it and noshed on the nourishment he had hungrily. She noticed a large gloved hand pat the child on the head almost with sympathy.

She knew after that day that he was still a good man inside.

He became this good of a person because Nadir was there. Or so Madame Giry though but the evidence was there. Both Nadir and Erik were generous people who care for each other dearly.

"He will come to you first," Madame Giry assured after a pause. Nadir looked up at her in confusion. "Erik. You will be the first person he will come to see once he returns."

It was an odd thing to say but Nadir simply nodded his head. "Yes, I hope so." he replied.

"Oh and Marie's wedding," Madame Giry began. "I presume you will attend?"

"Yes," he scratched his head with the back of his pen. "The invitation was from Gustave's behalf naturally. I sincerely doubt the Comtesse would have wanted me there if it not for him."

Madame Giry scoffed. "I never understood how Raoul could have been such a optimistic and genuine boy with such Celeste as a mother."

"He is her pride and joy," Nadir shrugged. "Everything she lacks in being a kind person, she absolves in being a good mother."

"Hm, she does love Raoul, I admit." Madame Giry concurred, remembering how good Celeste behaved with Raoul when he was just a baby. "You've been a good parent as well."

"I am not a parent," Nadir replied with an obvious tone.

"You've always been one to a certain masked man." Madame Giry said, smirking at Nadir's confused expression. "You raised that man to be good even if neither of you ever admit it."

Two days later...

Marie was staring at herself in the mirror, she was wearing her bridal gown as it was finally the day of her wedding. She looked absolutely beautiful and she was fully aware of it. She had picked the loveliest and most expensive dress that Raoul could buy. Tight around her torso and lots of ruffles at the bottom of the dress.

Glancing through the mirror, she spotting Christine at the other side of the room, brushing out the wrinkles of her skirt. She scoffed at how simple she looked and internally mocked how Raoul made the right decision in choosing her over Christine.

"Alas my wedding day is here," Marie beamed, placing back in place a loose strand of hair. She noticed that Christine made no gesture in acknowledging that she was spoken to. "What I will enjoy most is that you'll stay here in Paris and I will never have to look at your face again."

Christine slowly lifted her gaze to Marie, her stare dead and cold. "I couldn't agree more," she glowered.

"Good," Marie spit out. "Something we both are content with." she smirked at her sister before walking out of the bedroom.

Christine clenched her fists so hard that her knuckles turned white. Was life so unfair that Marie was going to get away with it? How could God allow this to happen? Raoul didn't deserve any of this… he was innocent in this whole ordeal that she dreaded to think what would happen if he found out.

A knock came from the door and Christine called for the person to enter. A blonde little head peeped through, and in strolled Meg with a lovely blue dress that looked absolutely beautiful on the ballerina. She moved to stand in front of Christine and frowned when she noticed her friend's fists so pale. Meg reached out and took Christine's hands into hers, loosening the tightness in them with gentle caresses. "You are hurting," she stated rather than asked.

"She doesn't deserve him," Christine let out, a sob escaping through with her words. "May God forgive me for thinking and saying such terrible things about my sister but I…" She stopped as she felt tears flood eyes and fall down her cheeks.

Meg grabbed a handkerchief from the bedside table and gently cleaned her tears away. "You are human, Christine. You are allowed to feel angry." she affirmed, pulling her brunette friend into her arms. Christine let her sobs of anguish take over her as Meg held her, pulling her to sit on the bed with her. "You must be strong, dear Christine. Marie is so hateful because she fears you as you are capable of besting in her in so many ways. And with that she retaliates with her power of humiliation. You cannot let her break you like this." She brushed Christine's curls back as many loose hairs stuck to her face, glued on by the tears on her cheeks.

"How can I be strong when the man I loved for so long wants her over me?" Christine asked, her quiet intakes of breath causing her words to come out even more broken. "Marie has always been handsomer. While I am not… I can't compare to her."

"No, it is she who cannot compare to you." Meg corrected as she stood in front of Christine, taking her hands once again and holding them tight. "Marie relishes in her beauty because she has no redeeming qualities. She is like a porcelain doll: lovely on the outside, hollow on the inside." Christine let out a giggle at Meg's insult causing her friend to smile. Meg cupped Christine's face in her hands, admiring the beauty that is her closest friend. "She does not have your beautiful smile nor your wonderful heart. Marie will never compare to you and she is not worthy of your tears."

Christine sighed, a little hiccup escaping her. She gave Meg a thankful smile before hugging her tight. Oh how she thanked the Lord to have a friend such as Meg! She could not help wondering how terrible life would be without her. "I suppose it's best to get this day over with," she sniffed her last tears away and walked towards the mirror, trying to fix her appearance.

Once ready, both girls walked arm in arm downstairs to where everyone was waiting to leave towards the church. Christine glanced at her father who was well dressed and looked positively handsome but when he turned to look at her, she averted her gaze.

She had not spoken to him since the whole confrontation with Marie. Christine had preferred to stay away from her family and hadn't left her room in those two days. Gustave had come knocking at her door several times but Christine didn't dare open it. The way he had spoken to her that day, the way he had reacted caused a great deal of pain to her. He had taken Marie's side and refused to believe her. While she knew he was in denial, he had no right to allow Marie to marry Raoul after it.

And Raoul… dear Raoul. How could she help him throughout all of this? He was a blind victim who in the end will suffer. If he ever found out, he would be the one who would take the biggest blow. He deserved none of it and Christine wanted to aid him so much but how could she go against her own family? How she wished she knew what to do! The right thing to do is to stand by her family when everything goes wrong. The right thing to do is to keep quiet about Marie's past.

Yet the right thing to do never felt more wrong.

The church ceremony went on beautifully. Christine had never seen so many people gathered at the church, even on religious holidays. All of the benches were filled up with guests and even normal people from the street who wanted to witness the joining of two people.

Once their vows were through, Christine closed her eyes as tears tried to overtake her sight. It was over now… at least the worst for her was now done with. She opened her eyes, gazing at the cross that hung above the newlyweds and began to pray internally. The way that God wanted everything to happen was now coming forth and she felt that it was better for her to let things be.

Everyone had returned to Raoul's home in Paris where a grand party was being held. All the aristocrats attended and the grand chateau was packed with people even Christine never knew. She stayed away from most, trying exceedingly hard not to be social as she had no desire to talk to anyone.

The music was playing and people were dancing around. She noticed Nadir and Madame Giry also being quite uninterested in the whole party. They sat at a table, talking to each other and their conversation seemingly a serious one. Christine longed to ask them if they knew anything of Erik but she couldn't bring herself to. Would it be imprudent? Or perhaps meddling of her?

"Not planning to dance?"

Christine jumped at the sound of a voice next to her, only to notice the face a the sweet lad she had helped before. "Beau!" The boy smiled and bowed to her mockingly which made Christine roll her eyes but giggle. "How are you? Are you healed now?"

"Not entirely but I am feeling much better." he stated with a grin. He had been bringing more tables and chairs for the guests when he noticed the lovely brunette standing all alone in the corner. He found it odd as most women would be jumping for joy at parties or attempting to dance at every song. Christine, however, seemed so unhappy to be there."Why aren't you out there dancing?"

"If I am being honest, I don't enjoy social gathering that much." Christine confessed, glancing at all the people moving by. "Why are you here? I thought you were at Vasing."

"The Comtesse needed workers for the wedding. They had us fixed the garden and all." he shrugged. "Amelie is here too. She helped prepare the food."

"Well, it was very delicious." Christine complimented. Beau nodded as he knew his sister to be a wonderful cook. He noted how quickly Christine would lose herself in thought and her smile quickly faded. Normally, he would think that one was uninterested in the conversation but Christine truly seemed absent. Her mind was somewhere else and it found it very strange.

"I must go," Beau said, as some of the guests eyed him as he spoke to a noble woman. "I have much work to do anyway."

"Be careful, Beau." Christine said. "Please give my regards to Amelie." Beau nodded and with one last goodbye, left.

Her eyes scanned the party, feeling more out of place than ever. However, once seeing that Nadir was sitting alone, Christine made her way over to him. This might be her only chance to speak to him in the terms of Erik.

"Monsieur Khan," Christine called. Nadir turned his head and stood to his feet, a grand smile plastered on his face.

"Christine!" He greeted happily. "How are you, child? A child no more, I see!" he said with a chuckle as he noticed that indeed she was now blossomed into a beautiful woman.

"No more," she agreed. Nadir pulled out the chair next to him for Christine to sit in before moving to his chair and taking his seat.

They spoke very casually about how everything what going in their lives. Nadir commented on the wedding and how it was a blessing that Marie and Raoul were able to be joined in matrimony. Christine said nothing in this regard as her opinion of the marriage was quite obvious but changed the topic on if Nadir was doing well and if he has gone to see any operas recently. After he replied with no, Christine believed it time to try to slip in the question about her maestro.

"Monsieur Khan, I do not mean to pry but I'm afraid I must ask you something," she began, scooting a bit closer, glancing to see if anybody is listening. "I shouldn't be so meddlesome but I must know if he is all right."

"Who, my dear?"

"Erik." Speaking his name felt almost pleasing to her ears. Nadir's eyes widened at this and he sat up in his chair. Before he could question her, she explained. "You see, he was my teacher. He promised me lessons for my audition to the newest production that will be next season in the opera house."

"Indeed?" Nadir's lips formed into a thin line, irritated at Erik for his foolishness. Was the man never to think clearly? "Did you accept?"

"He hardly left room for me to refuse," Christine confessed. "It's just that… well he has not returned, Monsieur Khan and I worry."

"Your heart is too kind for a man who promised you lesson then left without any notice," he replied earnestly, tapping her chin with his finger in a sweet gesture. "He does jobs of some sorts."

"That doesn't sound very reliable," Christine clucked which caused Nadir to look away.

"No, I suppose it doesn't." he meant to say more but stopped as he noticed a couple giving them odd looks as they walked by. He stood from his chair and held out a hand for Christine to take, chuckling at her confused gaze. "Perhaps it would be best if we speak in privacy." he suggested.

"All right," Christine accepted. They made their way through the groups of people, finally heading out the door and into the garden. The sun was setting and the warm glow of it was gleaming through the flowers ever so gently. Christine wondered how people could deny the existence of God when he created such a masterpiece in nature.

As they walked along, Christine continued, "Henri had expressed his loyalty to him before. He talks about him with such admiration." She noted Nadir's frustrated look in mentioning the lad's name and cursed herself for using it. "But everyone speaks so terribly of him. I know he is the infamous Opera Ghost that demands orders and steals money from the managers."

"Yes, when put that way, it does seem terrible." He let out. "But I assure you, it is not what you think it to be." They settled on a stone bench just along the pathway and in front of the tulip section.

"Monsieur Khan, be frank with me," she probed. "Is Erik a man to fear or to not associate with? Henri is young but utterly faithful to him and holds him in high regard. Yet the rest of the world speaks of a masked man who murders and is a theft. I am not sure what to believe."

Nadir sighed, scratching his head. He turned his seat to face Christine fully before speaking, "Listen to me, Christine. There are things that terrorize even a man as old as I am."

"I know of injustices and cruelties that happen; I am not afraid to hear the whole truth." she interjected.

Nadir grabbed her hands, cupping them in a very father-like manner. Her innocence was there and Nadir feared the day she would realize just how truly brutal life can be. "I say this in the most sincere way, but I do not think you can understand the life of the people who grow up in the streets, the helpless who will kill another for only a crumb of bread. Giving away everything they have: dignity, honor, virtues, and even faith just so they don't starve to death. That is how Erik found Henri so long ago. He was the only person who took him in and cared for him."

Christine bit her lip in sympathy for the poor boy that was Henri. Hungry for food when just a mere child had to be a sin. How could life be so unkind as to let children starve in the streets?

"Erik is not the devil that many believe him to be." Nadir enunciated. "No one in the world knows him better than I do. Since he was a boy, disheveled and traumatized; with no one to care for him, no family, not even a surname.

I have seen him fight for his life many times. He earned respect with the poor people who do not know who he is but acknowledge that a mask man always gives to the poor. Erik is intelligent not only in surviving but in academics as well. Despite his harsh persona and unkind manner of speaking, he is not uncultivated. He knows about anything and everything."

"Forgive me but you're describing a person who–"

"Who no one sees." Nadir finished for her with a slight smile. "Yes, I know but there is more. Erik has a beautiful heart; he is dignified and generous. That coldness and inhospitable mannerism is simply an armour that he has created for himself to hide the lonely soul underneath that only wishes for acceptance and love."

"To speak so highly of him, you must care for him dearly." Christine imparted with an admiring gaze. Nadir slowly nodded his head in agreement.

"Indeed," he looked down at his feet, before into into her eyes. "I hope for him to return well as I thought to share with him my surname. It would be a honor to me to have the law acknowledge him as my son." Nadir's tears welt up in his eyes and Christine felt her heart grip with emotion. Nadir was the most kindest man that this world had ever known.

After a moment, Nadir stood and held his hand out to Christine, helping her to her feet. "I must take my leave now," he said, fixing his coat in place. "The Comtesse would not enjoy seeing me here for so long." he held his arm out which Christine took. He escorted back to the door of the chateau, stopping as the bottom of the staircase. Christine began to walk up the stairs but stopped before looking back at Nadir.

"We will speak again, Monsieur Khan?"

"I am at your service," he replied jokingly. "Please say goodbye to your father for me and tell him I should hope to visit him soon."

"You are always welcomed in our home." Christine said with a kind smile. "Farewell, Monsieur Khan."

With that, Christine turned and descended up the stairs, listening to the footsteps of Nadir echo away. She opened the door and was surprised to hear the muffles of the party so far away. It was quieter in the back of the home and she felt a bit uneasy to be all alone.

Christine began to move towards the front of the home until she noticed Meg conversing with a gentlemen, a little too fondly. It almost seemed like the man wanted to lean in for a kiss to which Christine gasped. This certainly couldn't happen! Knowing she shouldn't, Christine made her way over to them and pulled Meg by the arm.

"Excuse me, Monsieur." Christine said, giving the gentleman a fake smile. "Her mother is looking for her and I promised to find her so…" And with that, Christine pulled Meg away and went into another room that was utterly dark since it was not being used.

"Would you like to explain what you're doing?" Meg asked irritably.

"I'd ask the same," Christine snarked, crossing her arms over her chest. "You're with Henri."

"Who?" Meg asked. Christine smacked her friend in the arm causing Meg to cry out. "Ow! All right! There is not much more to say other than he broke my heart and left."

"Meg," Christine sighed. How was she going to explain this carefully?

"I am not upset anymore," Meg uttered, believing that to be the reason of Christine's sad tone. "I've come to accept it."

"It isn't what you think," Christine began, biting her nail, trying to find the right words. Meg frowned at this and it was her turn to cross her arms over her chest.

"There's more to this that you're not telling me," The ballerina accused.

"Well, it's that…" Christine hesitated. "I know Henri."

"You know him?"

"Yes," Christine sighed and moved towards the window, the light of the sunset gleaming on her pale skin. "He is my friend."

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" Meg asked, not sure whether to be upset or not.

"I don't know. Uncertainty, I suppose." Christine pulled her curls to one side, twisting them as she tried to think further. "He came to see me the other day and said you will not speak to him. I asked what had happened and he said he had left for work but gave you a letter."

"One moment," Meg put her hands up, trying to grasp everything. "He came to see me once and I evidently told him to never contact me again. He told me in the letter he was leaving me,"

"It wasn't what he meant," Christine defended. Meg frowned further, her irritation only growing worse. "I think you should speak to him. He can explain it to you."

"Christine, I don't want to," Meg said, flat-out. "I don't think I can. He left and I never heard a word from him."

"I think he deserves a chance to explain the misunderstanding." Christine let out. "Just hear him out. If not for him, do it as a favor for me."

Meg poked her lips out in thought before letting out a deep breath. "All right. For you." she settled. She grabbed Christine's arm and they made their way back to the party where Raoul and Marie had just finished their dance.

Standing where they were, all of the other women lined up around Christine and Meg, shouting at Marie to throw the bouquet. The youngest Daae giggled before turning her back and flinging the flowers behind her.

Christine didn't even notice her throw it until the bouquet landed in her arms. All the women cheered, even Marie who was laughing from joy. Christine turned to Meg who had the largest grin on her face.

"Looks like fate has other things in mind for you."

The morning after the wedding, Nadir lied awake in bed as sleep refused to overtake him all night. He worried too much and didn't want to believe anything wrong had happened to Erik. Somehow something was telling him that he was all right.

The conversation he had with Christine at Marie's wedding bothered him. Christine was a beautiful woman who had much of her life ahead of her. She had intelligence and a beautiful heart that no one could surpass… and she was involved with Erik. Nadir knew that she intended no ill will and that Erik must have been the one to initiate the lessons between the two–as forceful as he is. But there was something about the way she questioned about him… it wasn't out of fear as she perhaps wanted it to seem. It wasn't out of worry if she was associating with a terrible man…

It was genuine worry for his well being.

The questions of who he was seemed like it was her way of getting more information out of Nadir. It worked, obviously. Nadir could never stand people speaking of Erik so horribly based on false rumors. Christine was interested in knowing more about Erik and that didn't sit well for him. Perhaps it's because he had known both all their lives! He remembered the day Christine was born and he has been a part of her life like a kind uncle. And Erik… despite the masked man believing himself to be independent, there was a time when he wanted to protect Nadir and was faithful to him…. Like a son would be.

But Erik and Christine? He feared something going wrong there. Erik had the temper worse than hell and Christine couldn't be strong to care for someone like Erik… could she?

Nadir rose from his bed, putting on his slippers and robe before making his way to his front room. He began to light the candles of the room, deep in thought. Perhaps he should tell Christine that it would be best to stay away from him? Or maybe to warn her that–

"Unlike you to barely wake at this hour," a voice called.

Nadir whirled around, surprised at the sound of someone behind him. Lifting up the candle in his hand revealed the masked man standing before him, his eyes glowing beautifully.

The Persian let out a breath of relief. "Erik, you're all right." he uttered.

Erik frowned underneath his mask, crossing his arms over his chest. "Had I given you a reason to think otherwise?" he asked irritably.

Nadir patted his back before gesturing for Erik to take a seat. "It's just that you disappeared for a month." he replied, sitting down as to relax his suddenly light body. Erik was here and he was all right! Never had Nadir felt more at peace than at that moment.

"Yes." Erik replied nonchalantly.

"You had told me two weeks."

"There were complications this time. Evidently I stayed longer than I had intended." he droned. Nadir sighed at the way Erik spoke about it without any care in the world. He only he could know that there were people here who had been worried for him. "Alas, I have returned."

"I can see that," Nadir replied with a smile. "And now these jobs are over with?"

"Precisely," Erik confirmed. "I have sufficient wealth to retreat peacefully–or as peaceful as a monster such as I can live."

"Monster," Nadir repeated the word with a shake of his head. "If only you'd know how many people see you as a good person, Erik."

"Hardly," he sneered. "It is only you who has such high faith in me."

"Henri does as well," Nadir retorted. Erik rolled his eyes and stood from the chair, moving to the other side of the room. "And Christine…" The masked man stiffened, his head slowly tilting back to look Nadir in the eyes. "Surprised that I know?"

"I confess I am rather taken aback," he muttered bitterly. "I supposed she spoke of how she was afraid of me and I terrorized her–"

"No, no." Nadir interrupted. "Actually, she came to me and asked where you were. She was quite worried that something had happened to you."

Erik stared intently, trying to understand what it what that Nadir had just said. Worried? That was odd as he had been nothing but strict with her. Cold and sharp in every word that he ever spoke to her yet she had been worried? "That is quite unexpected, I confess." he revealed, a tad bit dismissively. He wasn't sure if he wanted to continue that topic of conversation.

"I believe she and Henri are in communication," Nadir added. "She seems to have spoken about you with him as well."

"Intrusive girl," Erik bit angrily. "She shouldn't be meddling in things that do not concern her." He moved closer and stood behind one of the lounges, holding on the frame and leaning his weight on it. "How did you speak with her?"

"She was at Raoul's wedding."

"Raoul's wedding?" Erik's head shot up. "What was she doing there?"

"Well, Christine is the bride's sister." Nadir said, casually. "Her family had been close with the de Chagny's; not to mention Lionel was Christine's godfather. I also have been friends with her father for many years, Gustave Daae. All of them, including Christine and Marie, have been like family to me."

Nadir almost regretted his words, not knowing what about them was a mistake, but Erik's demeanor change quickly. It was no longer of his usual stone look, it was deadly now. Horrible and if eyes could kill, Erik could brutally murder anyone in sight.

"Marie?" he asked, his voice low and terrifying. He rushed to Nadir, pulling the older man harshly up up the collar of his robe. Shocked by this sudden movement, Nadir stared at him with widened eyes. "Marie?" he asked again but there was something much deeper in that. Something hysterical.

"Yes," let out Nadir. "Marie Daae is the youngest daughter of Gustave Daae."

When she had said her name, Christine Daae… Daae… that is why it had sounded so familiar. Christine was Marie's sister! The very sister that Marie had told him long ago that would be wedded to Raoul de Chagny. How a fool he must have looked to believe that terrible wench!

Erik shoved Nadir away before shooting towards the door so swiftly that Nadir couldn't catch him. All the masked man saw was red. He had every intention of doing the worst once he reached the de Chagny home. Erik pulled open the door and descended into the morning shadows, moving faster than ever before. Not even Nadir's callings beckoned him back. He heard nothing, saw nothing, and spoke nothing. Red was all clouded in his head and he was sure someone was going to pay the price for the deception that he had faced these years. All the pain and cruelty that he received from the de Chagny family and now from the Daae family.

There would be hell to pay and not even the God himself could stop the Phantom from what he planned to do.

A/N: OH HO HOOOOO. Told y'all drama was comin'!

The anticipation we are all waiting for is FINALLY here!

R&R