Many of you have asked about Meg and I promise we will see her again. The eal question is, be careful what you wish for.

I own nothing but I would like to someday. Does that count?

The night air felt soothing to Christine, as she held onto Gustave's hand while they walked to the beach. He was so excited to tell her all about the fun he had with Ms. Fleck.

"She then took me to where she does her act and I was able to watch all of them perform and then…." He stopped suddenly.

"What is it, Gustave?"

"Well, she let me play the piano that was on stage."

"What's wrong with that?" She kneeled down touched his cheek.

"Nothing. It was a wonderful to play but I guess when I thought about it just now, I remembered that I hadn't played since the day I saw Mr. Y's face."

"Oh Gustave…"

"I know I shouldn't think about it and most of the time I don't."

"Does his face still frighten you, dear?"

"No. I like him and he's going to teach me to ride horses and you're so happy whenever you go and see him but I can't stop remembering how he looked."

"Gustave, you know that true beauty isn't something that can be seen, don't you? It's inside you."

He thought for a moment. "Like looking with your heart?"

She nodded. "That's exactly right."

"I don't think Mr. Y's face frightens me anymore but what if I am not sure? What if I see him without his mask and I get scared and hurt his feelings?"

"Maybe you just need more time and a little getting used to it."

"When did you stop being afraid, Mother?"

A little too late. "Before you were born, darling."

Just then Erik called out to them by the beach.

"Over here!"

Christine smiled as she stood up. "Let's not keep him waiting, alright?"

When they met Erik on beach, he had the area prepared with blankets and carefully placed lanterns to provide sufficient light. He had chosen a spot with a breathtaking view of the water and the sky was a glorious red.

"Oh Erik, I don't think I have ever seen anything so beautiful."

He took her hand. "I have." He stared into her eyes and then looked at Gustave.

"I hope you're hungry, boy. I also took the liberty of bringing you these." He presented the boy with a jar full of sea shells.

"Are these from the sea over there?"

"The very same. You mother said you never been by the water before and I thought you might like to see all the treasures that can be found. If you take one and place it up to your ear, you can hear the sounds of the ocean."

"Really?!" Gustave began opening the jar to see if Mr. Y was telling the truth. His stopped himself when he realize he was getting carried away. "Oh Mother, may I?"

"Don't you want to eat first, sweetheart?"

"That's alright, you and Mr. Y eat first. I know he can't eat with his mask on and that way…"

"Gustave! That is rude."

He eyed his mother strangely. "I didn't say it to be rude, Mother. I know Mr. Y would want privacy. I only thought I was being polite." He then looked up at Erik. "I'm sorry, Mr. Y."

"Don't be, Gustave. It was just a misunderstanding. You did nothing wrong. Why don't you go and play with the shelves and I'll convince your mother." He winked at the boy.

"Go on, Gustave but stay where I can see you." Christine said and then smiled at the boy.

When he was no longer in earshot, Erik shook his head. "Please don't do that."

"Do what?"

"Force him into doing something he isn't comfortable with. I did that and it didn't go well in my favor." He said it sharper than he had intended.

"But I am trying to get him to see that you aren't scary. He knows that. It's just new for him."

Erik took her hand. "I know and I'm okay with it. I want him to see me, I do but it has to be on his terms, when he is ready for it. You're telling him not to be rude or pretend, won't help."

She caressed his unmasked cheek. "You are so different." She then looked at him pointedly. "Maybe, not so different after all. Maybe I'm the one that's different now."

"Come and sit down. I want you to have a real picnic."

They sat down on the blankets and enjoyed the last remaining minutes of the sun going down and seeing Gustave shaking each shell.

"They really sound like the ocean!" He shouted over to them.

Erik smiled when he saw the wind blowing in Christine's air. God, I want to kiss her. I want to kiss her so much.

I wish he would kiss me. I have wanted him to kiss me ever since the last time. What would happen if I kissed him right now….. Stop, I can't. Gustave might see us and I don't want to give Erik mixed messages about my needing time but still when he looks at me like that….

"Christine, did you hear me?"

"Hmm? I'm sorry what, Erik? I was distracted by the…

"The ocean, I'm sure. Yes, it is rather peaceful." He then offered her some cheese and bread. "Eat."

She took it. "Thank you. What about you? Gustave, expects you to eat."

"I don't want to cause his mother an upset stomach, if she has to look at my corpse like face."

She placed her plate down and started to get up.

"What is it?" He looked at her with worry.

"I told you to stop doing that. If you want me to stop pushing Gustave to see your face, than you best stop making those comments about your face. I want to see you. The real you and that includes your corpse like face."

"Christine." He stood up quickly and placed his arms on her shoulders. "I'm sorry. I just…."

"I don't want you to wear your mask when we are alone." There. She finally said it. She refused to turn towards him, despite his pulling her closer.

"Please, sit back down."

"Agree to my request, first."

He sighed. "That's not fair, you know I can't say no to you. It pains me to ever refuse you."

"As it pains me to know you still feel, as if you need to hide from me." She looked at him sadly.

Erik's collar felt tight. "What if Gustave sees me?"

"He wants you to eat and I'm famished, so if you aren't going to eat with me, we'll just go and ruin this lovely evening."

He sat down back onto the blanket, looking defeated. He then reached for her hand. "Will you sit beside me on my right side?

She did so with no hesitation and he placed the plate in front of her. He then placed a few bites of cheese and bread onto his plate. He then swallowed hard before he loosened the ties of his mask and letting it fall slowly into his lap.

"Erik, will you let me see you?"

He spoke with his head still down. "You haven't seen this face since the night of Don Jun."

"When I kissed you." She grinned.

He didn't expect that response from her and he looked up.

She smiled. "It's good to see you again."

He could feel his eyes start to water but he kept himself in check. That is, until she leaned in and whispered into his ear that she loved him. Then he lost the battle.