( Note to readers: Sorry everyone! I've been quite busy lately and I only wrote up to chapter 10 before I started posting, so now I am trying to finish to story line on the top of my head. I hope you are enjoying the story! Again sorry for the wait between each chapters! I promise I will hurry it up :) haha)

Christine

How does one measure a day? Is it by seconds? Minutes? Or even hours? Or, perhaps it's measured by something more. Sometime more than mere numbers, something timeless. For me, it's those brief moments of happiness, those moments were time fades and wounds begin to heal. It's a smile, a laugh, a heartbeat. Life's all about the moments of impact and how they change your life forever. But what if one day, all of those moments were taken from you? The days roll by as the week is coming to an end, and there isn't a moment I regret. These moments are going to last Erik a lifetime and I plan on giving him everything I can give before I make my decision. The thing is, it's already been made.

As I sit here and watch Erik make breakfast, watching his back muscles work and move, I long for this to be our forever. For him and I to spend an eternal lifetime with one another in a long never ending ride of ecstasy. Being with Erik has changed me, changed my heart and changed my views on everything. Things look more brighter, colorful. I can see things I would have never noticed before in the dull world I use to live in. Erik is my sun.

I wanted to give Erik something that I could give no other man freely, my soul. From now on Erik's name will be forever written on my heart, soul, and body. Everyday I am with Raoul, I will secretly be with Erik in my dreams. Erik is my everything now. He is the very air I breathe and finally, I know he feels the same way about me. I feel awful because I know, eventually, I will have to break his heart. The thought of breaking Erik's heart nearly destroys mine. I don't believe I will be able to do it... But I have to. I will not allow Erik and I to be hunted like animals for the rest of our lives over something that can be fixed by a sacrifice.

I stood up and walked over to Erik, only in his t-shirt, and wrapped by arms around him from behind. I placed my cheek on his shoulder and breathed in his smell. It was perfect, this moment was perfect. Why can't life be like this all the time? Tomorrow will be my week dead line for Raoul and my heart aches for the moment I have to tell Erik.

I felt Erik breathe in quickly and turn his head to look at me. "Are you alright, darling?" He whispered so low, and yet loud enough for me to hear.

"I can see it," I start with a quiet and quick tone. I felt Erik shift and move in a circle in my arms to face me. He placed his hands on my face and placed a single kiss on my nose.

"What, love? What do you see?"

"I can see us getting married, living together, cuddling on your couch, waking up to good morning kisses and breakfast just like this morning. I can see us having arguments, making up afterwards with words of promises for our forever. I can see us cooking our favorite foods, smiling for no reason, irritating one another when we're bored. I can see us starting a family... watching them grow up and I can see us never leaving each other's side. I can see us together. Forever."

Erik smirked and moved his hands to my waist as he pulled me closer to him. He leaned down into my neck and began a trails of kisses. "That," he said between each kiss, "was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. You truly are an impeccable women, Christine. I couldn't imagine spending my forever with anyone but you."

I sighed and laid my head on his chest. Allowing my lungs to be filled with his scent, taking so much in that maybe it'll feel like he will be with me when I leave. "It is so easy to love you that it frightens me. I've never really be good at anything, except for singing." I felt him smile against my head. "But I've never wanted anything so much as I want to hold you every waking minute, and every night while I sleep, the question that would flow through my head isn't 'How do I love you?' it is now 'How do I stop?' But thats the thing. I can't stop, and I won't stop loving you." I lifted my head up to meet his eyes. "I want you to know, Erik, that no matter what happens from now until the die I day that I will always utterly and completely love you. You're my always." I leaned up on my toes and kissed him so passionately that it made us forget about breakfast on stove and as Erik took it off, I grabbed him and we kissed more.

"I can't wait another minute," Erik gasped as he started to pull down his pants, "I have to have you." He pushed me on top of counter and everything in the entire world faded away for just one moment. Once we were one, I knew that I couldn't lie to him any longer. I needed to leave tonight instead of waiting until tomorrow. Today after rehearsals I will write him a note and explain everything.

Before I left Erik's house for the last time, I took a bath. I wanted more time to spend in Erik's house knowing that after I am gone I would miss these dark and cozy rooms. I also needed time to think about everything. Is leaving Erik really worth it? Must I really sacrifice my happiness for the sake of a future that may or may not happen? Raoul won't listen to negotiation so there is no point in talking to him about anything, but would running away with Erik work? If I told him the truth before I left he would lock me up and never look back, which in my heart I longed for anytime with Erik but the thing is, is that Raoul would be down here the day after tomorrow. Raoul would search the entire catacombs until he found this house. I will not allow Erik's home be ransacked by Raoul and his mob simply because I am being selfish.

Raoul... I hate him. I have seen the true Raoul and there is no love in his heart. I can't really be expected to love him if he can't even see me as his equal or a love. I sighed. Sadly, I know he loves me, but not the way Erik does. He's nothing like Erik and that is why I can't and won't love Raoul. I sighed and sunk deeper into the bath. Eventually I got out, and went to bed where I found Erik reading a book without a shirt on and no mask. God, how I love him. I am going to miss him so much. I jumped into bed, without any clothes on, and cuddled up to his side. I put my head under his arm and closed my eyes as he finished reading. Erik shifted and I moved to place my head on his chest and his arm wrapped around me. I fell asleep like this and had a wonderful dream of a family with Erik in a house outside of Paris. It was an amazing dream, one I wished would be a reality.

I awoke in the morning, and found Erik missing. A note with a rose was placed on his pillow. I smiled and picked up the rose. I brought it to my nose and my smile grew as I read the note.

Good morning, beautiful. I went out to get a few things and I wanted to leave early. I will be back soon, my darling.
I love you.
~Erik

I got dressed and walked into his study. There I found a pencil and a piece of paper. I began writing my note and sighed as I left it on his desk. Time to make the unbearable decision and leave for good. I stopped as I stood in the doorway to his home. I sighed and whispered, "Erik, I love you." Then I turned and left, never looking back.

Erik

I didn't plan on falling in love with her. It wasn't suppose to happen, but I couldn't help myself. I haven't worn a mask since the first night we made love and now its as if I despise it. I loathe wearing it because I know it makes Christine feel uncomfortable, and the last thing I needed was to make her feel uncomfortable. What I need is just her love. My world was black and white before I met her. And now its full of color and wonder. She put color in my world and now I can't breathe, see or feel anything else but her. I watch her when she rehearses for the upcoming play, I watch her change in her dressing room and I watch her giggle with her friends between each acts. I can't help it. Christine makes me see the sun when all I saw was complete and utter darkness. Christine is a once in a lifetime kind of person and I am so honored to have her in my life.

Today I decided to go out instead of watching her. I wanted to make tonight special. That's what Christine needed, she needed to be treated more than just some girl. She was the whole reason for my living! The least I could do was make an impeccable meal and have a romantic evening. I wanted to take her to my favorite spot in the Opera house, the roof. Its so pretty up there and the sight is beautiful. I think Christine would like that.

Once I got home I had no time to play any music today. I had to work and make everything as romantic as possible. I began cleaning the dinning room and placed everything accordingly. I stopped and listened every time Christine sang and just let her voice fill me with wonder and delight. She was something else and I wasn't going to let anything happen to her. I worked all day until I knew tonight was going to be perfect. I sighed and glanced at the clock. Christine would still be in rehearsal.

I double checked everything to make sure it was in place and were it was suppose to be. Rose petals were on the table along with dinner and candlelight. The rose petals fell off the table and led straight to den where there was a spot in front of the fireplace with two wine glasses and a bottle of the best wine money can buy. I smirked and thought of Christine's reaction as she walked into the kitchen. She would curse me for spending money on her, and I would assure her that money is of no concern to me and she would argue differently. She has such a kind heart and I love her for it. I glanced back at the clock and noticed it was time for Christine to be here already. She must be catching up with Meg. I shrugged my shoulders and walked into my study to play some music. I walked in and went straight for my piano. Before I could sit on the bench, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a note sitting on my desk. I walked over to it and saw it had my name on the front. It was Christine's hand writing. Puzzled, I opened to note and began to read.

My dearest Erik,
I have completely fallen in love with you. Everything you do, everything you say, everything you are. You're my first thought in the morning, you're my last thought before I fall asleep, and you're almost every thought in between. It was the beginning of everything when I fell for you and to me, a sad poor girl with a guardian angel who adored her seemed like a better option than being alone. But I meant what I said last night, I can see us together forever, but something clicked inside of my head last night and I just can't do it. Erik, do you even want a family? Because I do. I want to live in the sun instead of the shadows. I want a house in town and I want to walk down the street with my husband on my arm. I want to show off the man I love to world, and with you all of those things I want seem pointless. Sometimes I have to remind myself that this is my life and I have to do what is right for me. Being with you, Erik, won't give me the things I desire most. My mother once told me that everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you have made. If you want a different result, make a different choice. This is me doing that, my love. I choose Raoul. I will always choose him. Now, don't come after me, don't try and change my mind because it won't work. I have chosen and it will be what I will choose from now and forever. Just never forget our wonderful week and always remember that you have my heart and soul.
I will always love you.
Your angel,
Christine.

Pain. The first initial feeling that came to me, then came betrayal and finally heartbreak. I had to re-read it a few times just to make sure it was her handwriting, or the fact that she left me... After everything we have been through. I stood up, picked up my chair and threw it across the room. It smashed into the wall and collapsed into pieces. I huffed with anger and ran out the door. I had to see it for myself. I couldn't believe this, not one word. Not after the week we just endured together. I raced up the stairs, I needed to watch her leave with him. Watch her give him the same look she would give me when I knew she loved me. The look that spoke a million promises of forever.

I stopped just as I reached the roof. I had to be rational, I can't just go out here and not do anything. But I couldn't just go knocking on Raoul's door and demand Christine back either. The anger was getting to me and I was turning into something that I have loathed since the day of the accident. A monster. Something Christine helped me overcome in our time together.

I gripped the door handle and flung the door open. The bitter air hit my face, but I was use to its sting. I ran out to the ledge and jumped on it, gripping the angel statue for balance while leaning over the ledge. I glanced out into the night as my eyes searched everywhere. I watched as couples huddled for warmth, shops closing for the night and fathers rushing home from work to get to his family. I envied each and every one of them. I wanted that sort of life and I was doomed never to have it according to Christine and my face.

Then, I saw her. I could pick her out of any crowd simply by the way she walked. I had watched her walk everywhere and I observed every little detail about her. I couldn't help it. She was perfect and I wanted to know everything there was to know about her. Then, I saw Raoul. Hatred boiled in me as I growled out loud at this horrible scene playing out before me. Christine walked right up to him and took his arm. She kissed him on the cheek and smiled! She actually smiled at him! They both began walking away towards what I believed to be his home. Then, he stopped and whispered something in her ear. She gasped and looked at the neatly wrapped box that was pulled out of his pocket.. My heart stopped. He pulled out a necklace and she giggled with delight. Christine allowed him to put it over her neck, in front of everyone! Practically showing the world that she belonged to him. It was a giant necklace with a gold chain with so many gems on it. It looked terrible on Christine, it didn't even look like something Christine would wear. She kissed his cheek again and they began walking down the road again, arm in arm. It was like an opera scene, and I watched with horror until they left my sight completely. My heart was shattered. This simply can't be true. My heartbeat began to hasten and I clutched at my chest. My heart literally began to hurt and it was burning from pumping too much blood. I slid down onto the ground and laid there, leaning against the ledge of the roof. My Christine would never do this to me. Her words struck me again and again. Always remember that you have my heart and soul. I don't understand. My head hurt and my heart would not stop beating. It was like a horse galloping for its life. I couldn't control the pain and soon it will take over me and kill me. But would death be so bad? It would actually be a relief to not feel this pain in my heart.

I can't feel anymore. I can't even breathe without her. How does she expect me to move on? My Christine... lost and gone. But wait. I sat up and tried to breathe deep and even breathes. Hadn't she told me herself that she still loves me? So that means I have a chance. I can't and won't let her escape... Our love had only just began to blossom and now its being plucked by a man filled with vengeance and hatred. I had to do something. This was not my Christine. Maybe its not Christine's idea... I believe she was put up to this against her will, but then her words hit me again. Erik, do you even want a family?

Did I? All of the love making going on, a child was bound to be born sometime, but it had never really crossed my mind. What if Christine was pregnant and she were carrying my child? Would it really be so bad? I shook my head as I gazed out into the night. If such a child was born, and it somehow got scars just like mine, it would be loved so much by its parents. Christine and I would take care of it and never abandon it. Even though my scars were man made, what if it somehow made the baby have scars? I have no idea. But what are the odds? I was willing to change for a family but Christine didn't believe that. I could do it... And then there was the issue with the sunlight and wanting to walk out in town. I couldn't do that and I had hoped that she would understand. I just can't. Maybe someday but not right now. I loved her so much that I didn't even notice her suffering by loving me.

I covered my face with my hands and screamed a blood curling cry that ended with tears streaming down my face and landing in my frozen hands. I couldn't do this anymore. I needed her. She was everything to me. Christine is the reason why I smile, I love, I breathe, I live. Everything. Losing her would be the end of me. I long to feel her arms wrapped around me, kissing me and whispering "I love you." I miss her and this, this kind of pain without her could go on forever. I needed to get her back. If there was even the slightest chance Raoul put her up to this, then he knows I might come after her... He will be ready for me and I refuse to fall into his trap.

I wonder if she is thinking of me...

I stood up and swiped the snow off of my body. I can't wait a moment longer. I won't be a rat in a rat trap. I am ten times the man Raoul will ever be in everything that comes to the mind. I will best him and win Christine back. I turned to look at the direction they had gone in. They must be staying in the largest estate in Paris, it wouldn't surprise me.

I'm coming, my love. I won't leave you until you look me in the eyes and wish me away. I love you.

With that thought, I rushed to the door. If I were to develop a plan, I needed to know where the little ignorant boy lived. I rushed down to the ground and followed the shadows towards the spot where I last saw them. I ran. I couldn't keep my slow and stealthy appearance anymore. I needed to know where he was taking her. I ran until I saw them stopped at a little shop. It was a dress shop and they were looking at.. Oh god. They were looking at wedding gowns displayed in the windows. Rage ripped through me and I longed to lunge forward and snap Raoul's neck. I looked at Christine and noticed something odd. Her facial expressions, her every move, seemed hallow. She was an actress at heart and it seemed to me she was doing the worse performance of her life... Something sparked in me that made me smile. Perhaps she was pretending! That means Raoul must have threatened her with something.. but with what? Her career? No, I controlled that.

I jumped back in the shadows as Christine whipped her head back and glanced around. She seemed to be looking for something as she scanned the crowd. Her eyes were filled with real hope as she looked around. Maybe its me she's looking for! She knew I would come regardless of her note! Oh, how I loved her.

"Come, darling, its getting late. We will look at more gowns when the time comes."

God, how I hate his voice and everything about him. I peeked around the corner and saw that he had kissed her forehead. How dare he! I gripped the edge of the wall. Anger and frustration were going to be my enemy in this war and that was something I couldn't have. I needed to keep a level head and make sure that I do everything correctly. They began to walk more down the road until they turned right in front of a mansion. I knew it! Typical Raoul to buy the biggest house in Paris. Guards were stationed outside of the house, but it seemed like they were the only two. I watched until they were both in the home, then I rushed around back.

The house had three levels it seemed. A rather large staircase that rose to meet the door, and then a large room right inside of the house. The house was on the edge of the city, so there was so much space between the neighbors and the house that I had no problem sneaking around back. The garden was huge behind the house and there were fountains everywhere. I glanced up and noticed a balcony. I needed to get up there. I scanned the area until I found a large fence that rode up the side of the house that landed right next to the balcony. I walked up to the fence and pulled it out a little. It was quite sturdy and should be able to hold my weight as I climbed. I took of my cloak, my jacket and began to climb. Flowers were strung between each little opening on the fence, so it made it quite difficult to place my footing. At one point I nearly fell off because my foot slipped. I gritted my teeth as I made my way up to the balcony. Please be Christine's room...

I poked my head through the railings of the balcony and I saw her. Relief flooded through me as I watched her comb her hair. She sat at the vanity at the far right side of the room, right next to huge bed. I scanned the room and saw that there was a maid in there with her. I also noticed that the curtains were opened and covering most of the balcony. I glanced down and noticed one of the guards walking around and glancing up. I had to do this quickly. I jumped over the railing and silently ran for the curtain. I hid behind it and glanced inside.

"Mademoiselle, I have laid out your night clothes in the bathroom and your bath is ready. Is there anything else you need?"

Christine glanced at the women with a smile that never met her eyes, "Thank you. And no, that will be all. You can leave."

The maid nodded and left. As soon as the door shut Christine looked at herself again. Then her eyes moved down to the necklace Raoul had gotten her. Then tears formed in her eyes as she ripped the necklace off and threw it across the room. She cried and cried as she gripped the edge of vanity. My heart broke for her, because she doesn't deserve this. Christine doesn't deserve to be made miserable.

A minute had past and I couldn't take it anymore. I straightened my back, and walked out into the light. "Christine."

She gasped as her head whipped around. "Oh, Erik!" She cried as she ran towards me and fell into my arms. She sobbed and sobbed and beg for my forgiveness.

"Erik, I had no choice. I am so sorry, angel. Can you forgive me? I love you so much." She looked up at me and noticed my pain. "Erik, I am truly sorry. I did not mean for any of this to happen. I love you." Her hand was lifted to my the side of my unmasked perfect face.

"Christine," I whispered. "Please tell me that this is an act. Please tell me that my heart may beat on knowing that you are still mine and not my brothers. I can't bare to live in a world were you are his. I will stop at nothing until he is dead for splitting us apart, if you still are mine. If you truly want to be his, if you feel the way you feel like you wrote in that heartbreaking note, then I will leave here tonight and never return. But if there is hope, hope that we may have the future we were destined for, then I won't stop until you are all mine."

Her eyes softened as she looked at my face. Then her other hand lifted up and grabbed my mask, whisking it away and throwing it in the direction she threw the necklace. Her eyes searched my face as she spoke ever so softly, "You silly man, of course I am yours! I will always be yours, forever. Our souls are already combined on this journey straight towards our future together. No matter what happens, always remember that I am yours heart and soul. Raoul will never have my heart because it can not be taken by the man who has held it in his grasp since the first moment I heard him sing. You have my heart in a grip so strong, angel, so unmoving that it will never be broken by anyone but you."

I couldn't take it anymore. Her words made me feel alive and I needed her to know that I will not give up so easily. My instincts took over as I brought my face down and kissed her. I'll admit, it wasn't a soft kiss that she was so use to. This one was driven merely by passion and desperation. My hands gripped her hips as I slammed her body into mine. Her hands moved up my chest and into my hair, clutching pieces of it in her small hands. She jumped and I caught her, wrapping her legs around my waist, as I moved her back against the wall next to the bathroom door. I needed to feel her. As my weight held her against the wall, my hands roamed around her body, looking for skin and making sure that this was real. My mind forgot the letter, forgot my face and forgot Raoul until the only thing that was left was the contact between Christine and I.

I growled and moaned against her lips. I moved my lips away and allowed her to breathe as they moved down the side of her neck. I heard my name gasped in such desire that I growled again and pushed harder against her. Then, I heard something. I stopped abruptly and placed Christine back on her feet. I reached for my mask and ran to the balcony. A knock, and then a voice came from the door. "Christine?" It was him. I sneered as I watched from the shadows. Christine fixed her hair and smoothed her skirts down. Oh how I long to rip them off of her! I growled silently as I heard another knock erupt from the door.

"Christine?!"

I looked at Christine and she scanned the balcony with worried eyes for me. She must think that I had left. I stepped out and met her eyes. I winked at her and she blew me a kiss. Then she picked up her necklace from the ground and clasped it around her neck. She glanced back at me one more time and went to open the door. I shrank back into the shadows and watched yet another scene play before me.

"Yes, Raoul?" Christine answered with an irritated tone. I smiled. That's my girl.

He stepped into the room and glanced around. Then his eyes went back to her and they were fired with a desire that I had once known. A fire that claimed he would do anything to get his way. "My servants told me they heard something going on here. Is everything okay?"

Christine watched him intently as he walked around. "Raoul, it was probably me trying to find something to wear for tomorrow. This room is so big that I can't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by it all. The only way I can get to the dresses and see them all is if I throw them all on the bed. I had to lift so many that I was struggling with most of them. I did not mean to alarm you or your servants, but I'm just not use to having someone cater to my every need."

The way she spoke, sounded empty. She was not the passionate Christine that I had just spoken to minutes ago. No, this was a girl forced to do something against her will.

Raoul glanced at her and nodded. "I understand. Perhaps good news will help brighten your sorrow mood. I have decided that the wedding will take place the day after tomorrow!"

I caught my breathe and watched as Christine's face was struck with horror. "Wha-what do you mean?" She shook her uneven voice away and spoke with hard question in her voice this time. "Why such the hurry to be married? Raoul, I can barely function right now and you expect me to be ready for a wedding the day after tomorrow?"

He walked right up to her and stopped just a few feet away. She cringed away. Why would she do that? Was she truly afraid of him? What happened to make her scared of Raoul? My mind pondered as I listened more.

"Why not? You will be more accustomed to the house, and why wait when we both know you have made the choice? There is no going back now, Christine. You will no longer be able to see Erik again so why are you still fighting me?" I watched his eyes search her and he turned and made his way to the door. "Remember, you chose me. Erik is no longer part of your life and you are no longer his. You are mine and I expect you to act like it. From now on you will eat with me every night and you will look happy to the servants and to the outside people just like you had done so perfectly tonight." He stood and turned to lightly applaud her. "I was highly impressed with you tonight, my love. And in two days when you are my wife, I expect you to do you duty and provide me with an heir. I expect a real marriage, Christine." He stopped at the door and glared at her. "My guards have been informed that if a masked man is so much as spotted around the house, they must shoot on sight. I warned you, Christine. You will fall in love with me sooner or later. Either you will or you won't, but either way you choose you will act like it. If not, there will be consequences." He smiled. "Much like the night this whole arrangement began. Good night, Christine."

As soon as the door was shut she ripped of her necklace one again and tossed it on the bed. She lifted her hand to her face and began to cry. Now I understood... he had physically hurt her. She fell to the ground, but before she could hit it, I caught her and lifted her into my arms. Christine sobbed and sobbed and the only thing I could do was to hold her and tell her that everything was going to be okay. As I spoke to her, the words I spoke never really reached my head. How on Earth can I undo this now? I had no idea what to do, but I couldn't tell that to Christine. I needed to be strong, I needed to be confident but most of all, I needed to be her angel.

"Sshh, Christine. Look at me, darling." Her head lifted up as she looked me in the eyes with tears in them. "Everything will be alright. Listen to your angel, loves. I will not let Raoul do anything to you, and I sure as hell will not allow him to touch you ever again. I will fix this and we will have our happily ever after. I promise."

I kissed her forehead and brought her to the bathroom. I helped her strip her clothing and helped her into the bathtub. The water was still hot, surprisingly. I had no idea how she was able to handle such heat, because I nearly yelped in pain from placing my finger in it. I ran to the bathroom door, and locked it. I didn't want anyone to walk in on us. Christine relaxed into bath and I sat down on the ground right next to the bath. I placed my arms on the side and leaned my head on my arms. I watched her clean herself and watched her sing a song with her original voice. It was her voice that I loved. Not the one that I had taught her. The moments when she would just sing and not care, were the moments I truly loved her for. Christine has such a beautiful voice and I appreciate every second I get to listen to her sing.

Soon the whole bathroom was filled with steam and it was getting quite stuffy, but I didn't care. I wanted to stay in this moment forever with my Christine. Once or twice she would meet my eyes and I would wink at her. She would smile and get back to washing herself. Once she was done, she laid there and I watched her feel with relief. Her body was so perfect that I couldn't keep my eyes off of her. I would start at her face and end at her toes, and then go back up again. Everything about her was so perfect and the moment she noticed I was adoring her, she leaned forward and kissed me. It was an awkward kiss because of the mask but as soon as Christine took it off, I went back to her mouth and showed her a softer, kinder passion that I was reluctant to show her earlier because of my hunger for her. She placed her hand on my face and then drew back all at once. And before I knew it, water had splashed on my face. I was shocked and slowly wiped it off my face.

"Oh, you'll pay for that one, my darling." I growled playfully and lunged at her. She splashed me more and I splashed her back. Soon enough, I picked her up out of the water and threw her over my shoulder. She squealed and I laughed as I placed her on the wet floor and looked over her. She struggled against me, trying to find a way to best me but eventually she gave up. I had my knees on either side of her, and my hands were holding her wrists down above her head. Finally, when she stopped fighting, I loosened my grip and planted a kiss on her forehead. She freed her hand and lifted it to my face so her fingers could trace the outlines of my scars.

"I find you so beautiful, Erik." She whispered, just loud enough for me to hear her.

I laughed. "You only say that because you love me. I truly am ugly."

She smiled, "But my opinion should matter just as much as fact does. And besides, I find beauty in things that are odd and imperfect, they are much more interesting then the simple boring perfection. I love you because you are imperfect, and to me, that makes everything about you beautiful."

I gazed up at her with endless longing and adoration. How was I blessed with such a creation as her? That is why I must fight my hardest for her. An idea, just sprung into my head. But once Christine, falls asleep I will play it out. As though she read my thoughts, she released a yawn and started to look extremely sleepy.

"Don't leave me," she whispered. "He scares me and I don't feel safe sleeping alone without you, Erik."

I smiled down at her and kissed her. "You do not need to be afraid of anything as long as I am still breathing, Christine. Nothing will harm you ever again, including Raoul." I stood and helped her up. I allowed her to go first into her room, just to make sure we were alone and as soon as she said it was okay to come in, I ran to her. I spun her around and picked her up. Her legs wrapped around me and brought her to the bed. She kissed me and I laid her on the bed. I moved on top of her and at that moment I realized she was still naked, and whose house we are in. I stopped kissing her and got off the bed. She gave me a confused look and I smiled. I walked over to her night gown in the bathroom and grabbed. Once I got back in the bedroom I tossed it to her. "I refuse to make love to you while you are in someone else's bed, and specifically living in someone else's home. I have no idea why you are doing this, Christine, but I must trust your judgement and allow you to make your choice. I love you so much that I am choosing to over look the fact that you are with my brother and not me. I love you so much that even though it kills me not to be able to make love to you I am choosing not to. Before the wedding I expect you to make a choice between me and Raoul. Even if the choice is already made, you may change your mind once more." I began to walk towards the balcony when she finally spoke.

"Erik!"

I glanced back at her and she stood there, leaning against the bed, still wonderfully naked with a big grin plastered on her face. "Just don't forget that true love has a habit of coming back. Which means I will always love you, and you will always be my first choice," she paused and looked away, the smile had already faded, "but that doesn't mean that you are the right choice for me. Good night, Erik. I love you." She turned and began to get dressed.

I watched her for a few minutes after she thought I had left. I just wanted to make sure she wasn't going to cry. She went right to sleep after she got dressed and once I saw her breathing slow and become a steady motion, I finally left. I climbed down the fence and grabbed my jacket and my cloak. I think before I leave, I should stop and visit my brother. And that's exactly what I did.