A/N: Sorry I haven't been updating!!! I've had all kinds of things gong on lately and haven't had time to work on this. :-\ I know this is short, but hopefully it will be better than nothing!!! And remember to take a moment to hit that little "review" button down there... ;-)

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Chapter Ten

Her pleading words echoed in my ears as I gazed at her earnest face. She truly meant every word- all she wanted to be taken care of. That was something any woman would want. Sorrow immediately welled up in my soul.

"I am so sorry, Jeanette," I whispered. "Truly, I am. I'll ask again, how can I make it up to you?"

She tilted her head, thinking. Her brow was furrowed with concentration. Finally, she said quietly, "I want to see your face."

I frowned. "Why on earth… I don't understand, Jeanette. You can't… see me anyway…"

"I know that. But I want to know you as well as I possibly can. I don't want you to keep hiding things from me, Erik."

"Why not?!" I cried, sounding almost angry. What business was it of hers if I had secrets?

"Because, I—" she stopped in mid-sentence. "I just do."

I faltered for a moment, wondering what it was she had been about to say, and sighed, thinking about her request. If I did allow her to "see" my face with her hands, she would know what a deformed monster I was. If I didn't… she may get angry. Knowing how her temper could fluctuate, she may become angry enough to leave. I didn't want that… the truth was, I needed her too. But what did I need more- Jeanette, or my pride?

I walked away from her, still mulling over my decision. Finally I gave another sigh- this time, one of resignation.

"Have it your way, Jeanette," I whispered. "God help you when you see the monster you've been staying with." Having said that, I walked back over to stand in front of her.

Jeanette slowly reached out, placing her tentative hands on my shoulders. Her hand gently brushed against my bare cheek, then traveled to trace the edge of my mask. I closed my eyes, dreading the moment I knew was coming. Jeanette's fingers ran along my forehead, reaching under the lip of my mask, and then carefully removing it.

The cool air of the grotto hit my now-bare cheek, and I knew there was now nothing in Jeanette's way. She was free to see everything that had caused the pain of my life, to see what had cost me every dream I'd ever had of settling down, of ever having a family to love and cherish. This abhorrent face…

I struggled to calm my racing heart as Jeanette slowly caressed every groove, every fold, every single mar on what could have been, should have been, a pleasant-looking cheek. I opened my eyes for a moment, only to see that hers were closed and her brow was furrowed once more. She was probably trying to imagine what I looked like… I only hoped the poor woman wouldn't have nightmares.

Jeanette's fingers still lingered on my cheek, moving softly in small circles. I savored every moment; I'd never experienced anything so close to a lover's touch before. Not unless you counted the forced kiss that I had received from Christine… I trembled slightly as I thought of it. It was, most likely, the only kiss I would ever receive in my life. Or so I thought…

Before I knew what was happening, Jeanette had stood on her tiptoes and gently brushed her lips across my cheek. My heart pounded as my face flushed with embarrassment... and pleasure. A tear slowly rolled down my disfigured face, and onto Jeanette's gentle fingers. She smiled as she brushed it away.

"You're no monster," she whispered. "You are misunderstood…. If more people only knew how wonderful you truly are, you would not feel the need to hide from the world." Her fingers ran through my hair as she spoke.

I was stunned… no, I was absolutely speechless. Could it be?! Could she actually not view me as the monster I'd been described as throughout my life? It didn't seem possible… and yet…

I almost believed her…