Told you that I wouldn't leave you hanging…Anyway enjoy..

I had trusted Lonnie, only to have my worst night mares coming true. He hit me with a branch. Why? Why had he done such a thing? We were alone, and even if I screamed no one was going to hear me, we were too deep in the woods for that. I lied there in the creek, bleeding, and trying to register what had happened, when Lonnie threw himself on me. I tried to fight back, but it was no use against his strength. His hands held my wrists down so tightly, that I couldn't even move if I wanted to. What happened next brought me to tears….if only you could imagine the horrors that filled my head as Lonnie tore the skirts of my dress, and lowered his pants. I cried the whole time, trying to wiggle my way out, but I couldn't get free. Thoughts of Erik were the only things keeping me sane while Lonnie abused my body. When he finished, he stood up to adjust his pants as if nothing had ever happened. I lied there with my face in the cold creek, sobbing as he gave me a swift kick with his boots. Before leaving, he leaned down, pulled my hair ever so tightly, and whispered in my ear.

"Tell a soul about this, and I'll personally take you to Crawly myself. And not before putting a few bullets in your hideous friend…"

I was then left, cold and alone in the woods. I had to get up, I couldn't lie there all night and wait for someone to come find me. I stumbled through the dirt path, feeling dirty and used…nothing like that had ever happened to me before. I used to think that sex was something I would do for the first time on my wedding night….and now my first time was gone. When I made it back to the fairgrounds, I ran to the bathhouse. I was thankful that no one was there, and found myself tearing off my dress, the dress Erik had bought me to work in. I couldn't wear it any longer, I didn't want to…I knew every time I saw it, it would remind me of that horrible moment. When I sank into the warm water, all the dirt and blood from my body soaked off, causing the once clear water to turn a deep brown color. I felt so dirty, so horribly dirty….I shouldn't have gone with Lonnie, I should have gone with Erik. If I had, none of this would have happened, and I probably could have kissed him once more. Instead I was sitting in a tub, washing myself from dirt that had been caused by rape… I sat there in that filthy water, sobbing until it turned ice cold. When I dried myself off, I stood in front of the mirror, and looked at my face. It was full of splinters, splinters brought on by Lonnie hitting me with the tree branch. I kept the towel around me, and ran back to Erik's tent. When I arrived, I was happy to find that he hadn't returned yet…thank god for that. I slipped into my nightgown, and lied down in bed. I turned on my stomach, and sank my face into Erik's pillow. Oh how I loved smelling the cologne that was indented into it. It seemed as though I drifted off to sleep, a sleep filled with dreams about the night's events. All I kept seeing was Lonnie's face leaning over my helpless body. When I felt someone touching my shoulder, I awoke with a startle, and screamed in fear. When I turned, I noticed that it was Erik who had touched me. The screaming must have frightened him, because he was standing up against the wardrobe closet. By the way he was dressed, it told me that he just returned from his opera, plus he still had his cloak secured around his neck.

"What has gotten into you?" he asked in a concerned tone. "How was Esmeralda…"

He paused, and stared at me as if I had spiders crawling all over my head. That's when I remembered the splinters…Oh no! he noticed them! I tried to cover my face with the blanket, but he only leaned over and tore it away. His face seemed distraught, as he lifted his boney hand to my face, running his fingers gently over the splinters.

"What happened to you?" he asked.

Oh how was I going to get myself out of this mess….think Lauralye, think. I couldn't tell him about Lonnie, I couldn't, and I wouldn't.

"I was helping the wolf man set up stage, and I fell onto it."

Oh how I hated lying to him, but I just couldn't tell him the truth. Erik was such a caring person, he immediately tore off his cloak, and filled up a basin with alcohol. He then sat back down beside me, and dabbed my face with a cloth.

"This is going to hurt." he replied softly. "But I promise to be gentle."

He then took a small knife from his pocket, and began to take each and every splinter out of my face. God it was so painful, but after every splinter, Erik took a brief moment to let me breath, before continuing. When each and ever one of them were out, he soaked a rag in the alcohol, and cleaned out the open wounds.

"There you are. It might leave some scarring, but nothing too bad."

How I wanted to hug him so badly, but I couldn't let him see the bruises on my arm.

He then tucked me in, and I turned away as he began to get undressed.

"How was the opera?" I asked.

I heard the sound of him folding his pants, and unbuttoning buttons, as I lied there.

"Good I suppose, but I did miss my company tonight."

I had to admit that I missed mine as well….

When I saw the light within the room darken, my body began to shake in fear. It was dark now, and I wasn't used to it. Erik had always stayed awake long after I had gone to bed…what changed it now? When I turned over, I noticed that he was crawling into his cot.

"You're going to bed?" I asked.

"Yes." he said. "I've been hit with another headache…most pain I've been in since last week."

I lied there in darkness, listening to all the weird noises coming from outside…I was afraid that Lonnie was going to come in during the night and rape me again…I tried to close my eyes and sleep, but it was impossible, because all I could see was his face.

"Erik?" I called softly.

When I didn't get a reply, I called again.

"Erik?"

This time, I heard the covers rustling, and for him to groan a reply.

"What is it?"

"I can't sleep."

"Well I can, and when I can sleep, I do it. It's not often that I find myself exhausted, but tonight it seems as if my pain has gotten the better of me. Just close your eyes, you'll eventually fall asleep."

This wasn't the answer I wanted….

"I had a bad dream. Every time I fall asleep, the dream keeps reoccurring."

"I always have bad dreams, but they're just dreams. They can't hurt you…go back to sleep."

For the remainder of the night I left Erik alone, and lied wide awake. I couldn't sleep, knowing that Lonnie was out there…somewhere. The following morning, when I heard Erik getting to his feet, I finally shut my eyes. I was finally able to sleep, if only for a few minutes. I then felt someone touching my shoulder, and flinched as soon as a hand rested against me. When I turned to see who it was, I noticed Erik standing over me, holding a folded rag against his exposed skull.

"You flinched." he said in a confused tone. "Does the mere touch from me, frighten you?"

"No, I'm sorry." I said.

Erik sighed, and pressed the rag harder against his forehead.

"Are you alright?" I asked. "You look like you're in a lot of pain."

"I am." he replied. "Thankfully my Persian doctor friend will be here for a visit in the next few days."

"Why is he coming here?" I asked.

"He comes to visit me once a year. He checks to make sure I'm in good shape and to see if I need any changes in my medicine."

I lied back down, and that's when Erik pulled the covers off of me.

"Come on, get up. You need to get to work."

I moaned…I was so tired, and I didn't have any clothes to wear. I had discarded my dress…my only dress.

"I'm not feeling well today." I cried.

I then saw Erik open the wardrobe closet, and begin searching for my clothes, clothes that wouldn't be there.

"Where is your dress?" he asked.

It was then that I began to cry. I couldn't lie…what was I to say about what happened to my dress? That the wolf man ate it?

"What's wrong with you?" he asked, approaching my bed.

When I didn't answer him, he grabbed me by the wrists….and that's when he noticed the bruises.

"Where did you get these?" he asked. "What happened to you?"

As I continued to sob, all I could think about was what to tell him? I couldn't tell him the truth…I just couldn't.

"Who did this to you?" he asked. "Who gave you these?"

When I didn't answer again, he grabbed both my shoulders and shook me.

"Answer me!" his anger was furious, and it was only going to get worse.

"I can't tell you…" I cried. "He said he'd hurt me if I told anyone."

Erik sat down beside me, and held my body close to his. I pressed my face into his shirt, and sobbed even harder.

"I can help you Lauralye, but you must tell me what happened."

When I didn't answer him, he gently lied me back down, and covered me up.

"You're not going to work today. You're going to stay here and rest."

Erik then turned away, and came back carrying a basin. He then sat down beside me, and began to dab each and every bruise on my arm.

"Lauralye, you can tell me." he said, in a concerned tone. "I know how it feels to be threatened. Did they just beat you, or did they do more?"

I lied there full of tears, wondering what to say next. He then removed the blankets, and stared down at my thighs, that were covered in scratches and cuts. His eyes trailed over me, and it was then that I knew he knew about what happened to me.

"Is it true?" he questioned, seriously.

"Is what true?" I asked.

"Did someone rape you?"

I cried harder, and nodded. I couldn't lie to him…I couldn't. I wasn't going to tell him who did it to me though…. Erik's eyes turned pale, and he stood up in silence. My world came crashing down in an instant, for I knew he wouldn't want anything to do with me now….After a few moments, he left the bed chamber without a word. I was so worried as to where he had gone, but I knew he didn't leave the tent. He returned seconds later, with a glass of water, and handed it to me.

"Drink that." he demanded softly.

I did as I was told, and glanced at him as he took a seat beside me once more.

"Are you going to be ok?" he asked. "I know how it feels to have something like that done to you."

My mind wandered in curiosity at what Erik had said. How would he have known what it's like? I was pinned down, raped, and taken of my childhood innocence.

"How would you know?" I asked, in a quiet sob.

Erik took the empty glass from me, and I saw his eyes move down towards the floor.

"I don't like talking about my personal life, but I need you to know that I know how it feels. I know how it feels to be a victim of such things….I myself have been raped."

My eyes widened…How on earth could that have happened?

"I don't believe you." I cried. "You're just trying to get me to tell you who did it."

Erik grasped my wrist in anger, and pulled me to his face.

"I don't lie, mademoiselle! I was abused as a child! Taken hostage by gypsies who showed me off as their main attraction! I had a horrible master who fancied me in every aspect."

He let go of me, and pressed the folded rag up to his exposed skull, cringing in agony.

"I'm sorry."

Erik's eyes moved to stare at mine, before continuing.

"My master whipped me every single night….it hurt so bad. One night after the show he took me to his tent and forced me face down on his bed…."

Erik paused, taking a breath before continuing.

"He forced me down on his bed, and tore my trousers off me. He said I should feel privileged to be having this done to me, because no woman would ever want me."

My tears only rushed faster to my eyes as Erik told me this. How could someone treat him that way? How could anyone say such cruel things about him…I was a woman, and I loved every part of him.

"Afterwards, I managed to escape the camp…"

I couldn't be alone any longer…I needed to feel him up against me. I crawled out from the covers, and sat myself in his lap, pressing my head into his shirt. His arms immediately wrapped around me, and I begged him not to let go.

"Hold me." I cried. "please…"

"Who did this to you, Lauralye?" he asked softly. "Was it one of my workers? Was it a patron? Please tell me."

I cried harder. "I can't. I can't tell you. He threatened to kill me if I told anyone."

"I don't want you delivering the food for a while." he stated. "I want you at my side at all times. Do you hear me?"

After what happened to me the night before, I never wanted to leave his side.

"Ok."

"What would make you feel better?" he asked. "What would take your mind off of what happened?"

This man was incredible….oh how I loved him with all my heart. I had lied to him, and yet he was still trying to make me feel better.

"Dinner." I replied. "With you."

Erik then lied me back down, and tucked me in.

"Your wish is my command. Now get some rest, and I'll be out in the other room if you need me."

I tried to sleep, but that horrible nightmare about Lonnie raping me continued to play out in my mind. That night however, I awoke to the smell of delicious food. As soon as I opened my tired eyes, Erik was there standing over my bed.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

"Starving." I said.

He then handed me a plum colored dress, and left me to change in private. Where did this dress come from? Did Erik buy it for me? After slipping it on, I walked out into the main room to see him pouring me a glass of water. As soon as he saw me, he pulled out my chair.

"Please have a seat." he said. "And I hope water is ok? I don't think drinking wine in your condition is a very good idea."

"It's perfectly fine." I said, taking my seat.

When Erik was seated, I glanced at him to notice that his wig was still off, and his exposed skull still looked like it pained him. He did however remember to put on his low cut dinner mask.

"You still look like you're in pain." I said.

"Yes, it hurts me very much. This has to be the worst headache I've ever had."

"I know I haven't thanked you much, but I want you to know that I appreciate everything you do for me."

Erik laughed. "It's only right."

When Erik stood up once again, he turned to gather up our dinner. Tonight's meal was a Cesar salad with a side of chicken in wine sauce. As I began to let the delicious flavor of the chicken melt within my mouth, I looked at Erik who seemed to be in so much pain. As he chewed, he cringed, making my heart ache.

"Does it hurt to chew?" I asked him.

"Usually no, but for some reason tonight it is."

"Do you want to take a break from eating, and dance with me?" I asked.

Erik nodded. "If you insist."

As soon as Erik turned on his phonograph, I wanted to try something new. When his arm was placed around my waist, I reached up to touch his mask.

"Please don't." he said, gently catching my hand before it made contact. "please…"

"Could you dance with it off?" I asked.

Erik's eyes moved back and forth, as if trying to decide what to do. Finally he removed his red cravat from around his neck, and tied it tightly over my eyes. I then heard him untie the mask, and place it down on the top of the piano. Afterwards, his hand came back around my waist, and we began to dance.

"I bought you three dresses." he said a little while later. "A black one, a pink one, and the one you're wearing. Figured that you needed more than one dress work in."

I smiled. "You didn't have to do that."

"Well what were you going to wear? You lost the first one I bought you."

It was then that I moved my hand up along the side of his cold neck….I wanted to feel him, I wanted to know what his face felt like….but did I dare try? Before I could even attempt it, my knees gave way, but Erik caught me before I could hit the floor. I was still tired, and my body was now telling me that I had enough for one day.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Just tired I guess. I haven't been able to sleep…too many nightmares."

Just then, I felt my body being lifted from off the floor, and being carried back to his bed. When he lied me down, I felt him try to pull away the cravat, when I stopped him.

"Lie with me, unmasked for a while." I begged.

I knew he agreed, when I felt his body lying close to mine. I was still in the dark, but just knowing he was there beside me sent warmth throughout my body. It was then that I reached my hand up to his head and began to massage his exposed skull. He didn't mind at all, and lied there, groaning out the pain.

"Erik, could I try something?" I asked.

"What?" I heard him ask.

I then moved my hand from his exposed skull, down the side of his neck, and over to the right side of his face. I then attempted to lift my fingers to touch his flesh.

"Is it alright?" I asked, before continuing.

It took Erik several moments before responding to me.

"As long as you don't look."

"I won't."

With permission granted, I moved my fingers up along the side of his distorted face. Oh how badly meshed it was. I could feel bone, and long veins around his eye. The flesh was as tough as leather, and there were horrible blisters around the side of his ear. As my fingers trailed on, I felt for his nose, to realize that there was nothing but a hole, where his right nostril should have been. As soon as I felt this, I pulled my hand away.

"What happened to you?" I asked. "What's wrong with you?"

"Does it frighten you?" he asked.

"No, it makes me upset."

His hand came down, and clasped around mine. He then moved it up towards his distorted cheek again. When my fingers came to a long, bumpy vein, he stopped.

"Do you feel that?" he asked.

"Yes." I said.

"It's purple and blue."

He then moved my finger to the blisters that were around the side of his ear.

"Do you feel them?" he asked.

"Yes."

"They pain me so much. I can't have them removed, and do you know why?" he asked.

"Why?"

"Because my major blood vessels run through them. Everything on this face is beyond repair…I'm stuck this way."

My fingers then trailed along his lips, and I led my mouth to it. As soon as our mouths closed in together, I moaned. As I began to kiss him, I noticed that he wasn't kissing me back. I stopped, and could feel his hands trembling at his side.

"Erik, what's wrong?" I asked. "You're trembling."

I felt his shaking hand place itself on my shoulder. He then placed his other one against my cheek. I loved his touch ever so much.

"I'm not used to getting compassion." he said.

Without another word, I placed my lips on the distorted side of his face, and kissed it. As soon as my lips made contact with his flesh, I began to taste salty hot tears. My fingers trailed up to his eye, and I could feel them emerging from him.

"Erik, why are you crying?" I asked.

"No lips have ever touched me there." he cried.

I wanted to remove the cravat from over my eyes, but I knew it would anger him. A few moments later, I felt his fingers grasp it, and pull it away. I had expected to see his distorted face lying in front of me, but instead I was looking at his mask. He must have replaced the mask before removing the cravat. He then wiped his eyes, and got to his feet.

"Where are you going?" I asked softy.

"You need your rest. I bid you goodnight Lauralye. Tomorrow is another day, a new day."

With that, he tucked me in and left the bedchamber. I could have lied there with him all night, but as always, good things within my life only last a short time. The next morning however, I awoke and felt a whole lot better. I dressed and searched for Erik, but he wasn't around. After arriving at the caravan, Esmeralda served me breakfast, and let me eat.

"How are you feeling today?" she asked. "The boss told me you were sick."

I hadn't been sick, and yet Erik covered for me. Instead of coming out and telling Esmeralda that I had been the victim of rape, he told her that I was ill. I promised myself to never lie to Erik ever again….he was certainly an angel sent from the heavens above.

"Yes." I replied. "But I feel much better today."

She smiled, and handed me the basket.

"Good, now you can get to work."

As soon as I stepped out of the caravan, Erik was standing there waiting for me. No, this couldn't be happening….what did he want?

"Good morning." I said politely.

"Are you off to deliver breakfast?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Good, I'll join you on your outing."

No…this couldn't be happening. Erik couldn't join me…if Lonnie saw me with Erik, he'd know I told him….

"I'll be ok." I said.

"What did I tell you last night?" he asked. "I told you that I was going to be at your side at all times. I can't let another event like that happen to you."

I began to walk down the cobble path, when Erik caught up to me.

"Lauralye, what has gotten into you?" he questioned.

"I want to be alone." I said.

Erik didn't listen though, and began to follow me to my first stop. I turned to him, once more, and told him to leave.

"Erik please, let me do my chore alone. No one is here but the workers…I'll be safe."

If I would have known what was going to happen next, I would have let Erik continue to walk with me….but no, I assumed he would just leave me alone. As I handed breakfast to the acrobats, I noticed that Erik had left me. I thought perhaps he had gotten the hint and went back to his tent….that was until I heard his voice yelling for everyone to come out of their tents for a meeting. I turned around, and noticed Erik standing on the stage as his workers began to gather around…

"Something terrible has happened to one of my workers." he began. "This camp is a family, and I demand that each and everyone of you treat it that way. We should look out for each other… Now she refuses to say who hurt her, but I want each and everyone of you to know that if I ever catch any of you hurting another person, I will fire, and discipline you myself."

I stood there in the back of the crowd, cursing myself for not letting him follow me. I then glanced over to see Lonnie standing at his tent, listening to Erik's speech. His eyes then made contact with mine, and he smiled evilly as he shook his head….Lonnie knew that I told Erik….and now my life was over…

Ok end of chapter…I hope everyone liked it! Next chapter should be a great one! I hope I won't leave you hanging too long…Thanks again!