Pursuit of Your Deepest Urge©
Chapter Thirteen: Disillusion
By Genevieve Lee

LonesomeGurlAngelOfDeath: Of course there is a problem ahead. Hehe. There always has to be a twist.
Mirror to my Soul: Yes, I do admit that is my favorite line in the whole story.
TwinDragon25: Don't worry, I usually update every other night.
AnimeKitty47: Hehe, as this story is getting harder to write, I find myself favoring nights I write for "Dreams."
Avatar Wolf: Ugh. I think they should leave it as it is.
Eyeplayclarinet: Yes, Nadir is mistreated sometimes. But I love his character.
La-Petit-Aviateur: Hehe, don't worry. I would never not update because I didn't get the requested reviews! And I guiltily almost made this story one of those. But I spent many days and finally came up with this plot.
Le Lutin: Oh yay! A new reviewer! And thanks, I'm trying (: And your review popped up just as I was beginning to reply to my reviews. I just thought that was funny.

POV- Erik

Disillusion (verb)
To destroy the false but pleasant beliefs (held by a person)

"But, why are we going to Monsieur Khan's home so early?" Christine asked curiously as Erik helped her into her coat. As her hands appeared through the coat sleeves, he caught the glimmer of her gold engagement ring. Despite the current situation, a small smile crossed his lips. He still could not believe that he was actually engaged to Christine.

"Because, my dear, I have not seen him in quite some time. I believe he would rather like to hear of our engagement." He smiled again. "Wouldn't you like that?"

"Well sure…" Christine mechanically responded. "But do you think since we are out, we could visit Meg?" Erik did not miss the hopeful glint in her eyes.

"I believe Madame Giry will be there as well, and I do not see why she would not bring Meg."

"Oh good! It has been too terribly long since I have seen her!"

Erik smiled in amusement. "It has only been a few days, my love." He teased gently.

After playful bantering back and forth for a few minutes, the couple made their way upstairs and after hailing a carriage, they were on their way to Nadir's home.

----X

Christine laced her hand in Erik's and gave it a tight encouraging squeeze. He looked down and gave a light smile before turning to face the three people in the room.

"We are engaged." He stated, not being able to keep the pride from his voice.

Immediately, all three people rose to their feet and walked over.

"Congratulations!" Nadir said, giving Erik a friendly pat on his back.

"You two will be very happy together." Madame Giry commented with a smile.

"Oh, Christine! That is simply wonderful! Please tell me I can help pick out your wedding dress!" Meg gushed, grabbing her friend's free hand.

Both Erik and Christine took the congratulations before all five took seats in the parlor to enjoy a cub of tea.

There was a noted awkwardness in the room, for three knew the real reason they were here. While Meg and Christine had slipped into a conversation concerning only them, Erik shot Madame Giry an expression only to be stated as, "How do we get them to leave?"

As if on cue, Madame Giry cleared her throat, gaining the attention of the room.

"Why don't you two girls use this day to go shopping?" Madame Giry said with a soft smile.

"Without an escort?" Meg asked horrified as Christine gave Erik a questioning expression.

"I'm sure you will be fine for an afternoon. As long as you stick to crowded areas." She gave her daughter a look that told her to not disobey.

"We promise!" Meg said, obviously excited to have some freedom. She went over and grabbed Christine's hand, pulling her up from the couch.

Erik cleared his throat uncomfortably as Christine's questioning gaze lingered on him. He stuck his hand in his pocket, issuing out a handful of francs. He stood and handed them to his fiancée.

"Will this be enough?" He asked.

"Yes…" Christine trailed off, still giving him that heated gaze. She obviously knew this was a way to get rid of her. The look never faltered as she made her way to the door and left with Meg. As soon as the door closed, Madame Giry looked pointedly at Erik.

"You will have to tell her eventually, you know. Christine is a smart woman."

Erik shook his head. "I do not want her to know anymore ugly details of my past life." He stated. He had thought long and hard about this, and although a part of him thought Christine deserved to know, the other part willed him to remain silent. "I am just hoping I can figure this all out and put it behind me. I want to start my new life with Christine…" He paused, searching for the right word. " – Fresh."

Both his friends nodded their understanding. That is when it hit him. He had friends. And a beautiful fiancée. He had everything he had ever asked for. He would soon live in a normal home, with a normal wife, and he would be a normal man. Or, at least as normal as he could be. Suddenly, he was more determined than ever to get this, hopefully, last thing behind him.

"So would you like to tell us exactly what happened?" Nadir prodded gently.

Erik leaned forward in his chair for a moment, letting his masked face fall into his hands. Finally, he sat upright again and with a sigh began his story. "I was nineteen. I had no money, so I thought gambling was a good way to get it. Long story short, I won and he wouldn't pay up. I needed the money, so I took it forcefully. I didn't mean to kill him…" He trailed off. "I did not realize he was a de Chagny until after. I never thought they would search for me."

"And when you met Raoul, did you hate him because of it?"

Erik's eyes flashed dangerously at the sound of his name. "No, not right away. He was the patron, and I saw he was doing no harm. But when he began going after Christine…" He trailed off. They knew the rest of the story.

"Well, what should he do?" Madame Giry asked, glancing at Nadir. After no one answered her, she said, "Perhaps he should write back?"

"How would we get it to him?" Nadir asked.

Erik nodded. "It may not be best for you to deliver it," He said looking at Madame Giry. "You should not be in danger because of my stupid mistakes."

Both nodded in agreement and the room fell silent again. Suddenly, Erik's head shot up.

"We could just flee. I could marry Christine, and we could just move. It may be best anyways."

"Yes…that may work." Nadir said, nodding his head eagerly.

"Perhaps…but it will be hard getting you out of Paris with the gendarmes everywhere."

Erik smiled at this. "Please Madame, you forget you are speaking with the infamous Opera Ghost."

This comment was rewarded with a few chuckles from Madame Giry and Nadir. The remainder of the afternoon was used to discuss possible places for Erik and Christine to settle down. Erik knew Christine would want to be married here so at least Meg and Madame Giry could be present, so wedding plans were discussed as well. Soon, Christine and Meg came through the door with several shopping bags. Erik grinned and stood to greet Christine but stopped short.

"Christine, are you alright?" He asked, observing her pale and shaken form.

"What? Oh…yes. I am fine." She said waving off his concern. But he did not miss the quick glance she stole from Meg, as if they shared a secret. Then suddenly Meg's eyes flew to her mother's with a panicked expression. Something definitely was not right.

Erik's heart filled with fear as he realized something must have happened on their outing. His protective nature was currently filling his body and he felt his heart go icy at the thought of something happening to his Christine. He decided to question her alone. She was more likely to admit to him what was going on if there wasn't an audience. With a new determination, he hurriedly said his farewells to Madame Giry, Meg, and Nadir before quickly ushering her out the door. A look of dread filled her eyes as Christine realized she was not going to get off so easily by trying to fool her fiancée.

Genny's Note: What could have shaken Christine? Hmm…well please review! And I am starting to get a little discouraged at my other story, so if you could go give it a chance, it would be much appreciated. I will be updating it tomorrow, and this story the day after!