Availre: Don't worry, everything turns out all right.

Phantom Serenity: I know, I apologize. I wish I could send you a tissue box because I keep making you cry!

Trrmo77: No they didn't handle that very well, but they have the opportunity to handle it better.

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Katdancer: Yes, I updated it just for you!

Chapter twenty-one

"Nina?" Christine said tapping her shoulder.

"Hmm?" she blinked. "Oh, I'm sorry."

"Are you all right?" Raoul asked.

She nodded. "I'm sorry, I was thinking of Erik." She had been thinking hard about the situation. Her heart hadn't changed in any way towards him. The absence, had indeed made the heart grow fonder.

Raoul sighed, "what else could you expect Nina?"

She frowned, "it was a fight Raoul. For his and the baby's sake, I will be going back to him tonight."

"But Nina," he said. "He threw your love in your face. From what you've told me, if I were in his shoes, I'd be proud to have you defend me."

"You're not Erik and I thank God for that." She said. "I shouldn't have disclosed any of Erik's past without his permission."

"Nina, you were only protecting him." Raoul said. "He doesn't deserve you. Ask for the annulment, there'll be other men who'll be glad to court you. You won't have to be subjected to such things."

"No Raoul." she stood up and placed down her teacup. It's been a week, and my mind is made up. I'm going back to Erik, tonight." She clasped her hand around her firm stomach. "Now, I thank you two for allowing me to stay, but nothing you two can stay will change my heart or mind. You see, I broke a promise and I just remembered it. I promised him I'd stay as long as he needs me."

"Sir, you have to come." Andre said. "The whole company is waiting for you."

Erik sighed. Nina had been on his heart and mind all week. He knew she wasn't coming back. "Tell them to go."

Andre shook his head. "I gave my word you'd be there. Maybe Nina will be there."

Erik frowned, "don't mention her name to me!"

"Sorry. But we must go." Andre sighed. "To be honest. I am missing Meg very much and if I have to get you to the party at gunpoint just to get a glimpse of her, I will do that!"

Erik groaned. "Fine! But don't marry her! Love only serves to weaken a man!"

"Or change him for the better." Andre said. "Come on old man."

"Watch it boy!"

"Here you ma'am." The carriage driver said helping Nina out of the carriage.

"Thank you. Will you wait please? I may be out after a while."

"Yes ma'am."

She had decided to wear her wedding dress and wedding mask. It had brought them good luck. She carefully made her way up the stairs.

"Nina?" she turned to see Meg approaching with her mother.

"Yes, Meg it's me."

Meg exhaled and hugged her. "I can't mistake that dress. Oh, thank heaven's you returned. Erik has been simply miserable. "

Nina nodded, "I've missed him too."

"What are you doing here?" Madame Giry demanded.

"I'm attending the party."

"Move inside Meg. I'm going to have a word with Nina for a moment." Meg nodded meekly and moved inside. "Erik has forgotten you. He told me he's going to annul your marriage in the morning."

She shook her head. "I don't believe you."

"You don't? Listen to me."

"No I won't listen to you anymore Madame Giry. To enter this party you must be clad in red, white or pink. You are wearing black."

"I will be admitted regardless."

"No, you will not." She turned to the door attendant. "This woman is not to be admitted under any circumstances."

"And you are?"

"Nina Destler. I made the reservations for the night and paid in full."

"I remember. Very well."

"How dare you!" Madame Giry shrieked.

"No Madame, how dare you! You see your daughter is in love with Andre yet you keep them apart. You should be happy that she loves someone. You poison Erik against me, but you will not win." She leaned forward. "I am carrying his child."

"You lie."

Nina shook her head. "I assure you, I am not."

"What if your baby looks like Erik?"

"Then he'll be a very dashing man."

"Sing please." Meg begged. "I love that new song of yours."

"Which one?" he had written twenty since Nina had gone and he did not like any of them.

"That Spanish one. Agua de Berber."

"No." Erik complained.

"Come on." Andre said, giving him a little nudge towards the stage.

"I'm going to requisition for a new guard!" Erik snapped as he stood up. "You are trying my patience!"

"And you sir are trying mine!" Andre said. "Now, get up there and try to act civil for a moment."

Nina stood at the foot of the stairs. It was Erik she heard singing, she knew his music anywhere. She knew Erik enough to know that he wrote what he felt. The lyrics alone let her know that her Erik was missing her very much. She stood and watched as he played the piano.

Your love is rain, my heart the flower. I need your love or I will die. My very life is your power. Will I wither and fade or bloom to the sky? Aqua de Beber. Give the flower water to drink. Aqua de Beber. Give the flower water to drink.

The rain can fall on distant deserts. The rain can fall upon the sea. The rain can fall upon the flower. Since the rain has to fall let it fall on me. Aqua de Beber. Give the flower water to drink Aqua de Beber. Give the flower water to drink.

Erik played the last chord and everyone applauded. Nina clapped at the top of the stairs. Several people noticed and began pointing at the woman standing at the foot of the stairs. Soon everyone was turning to look at her. Nina held her breath as she watched Erik slowly turn and look up at her. They both paused and looked at each other for a moment.

Erik, was the first to move, and he moved slowly towards her. She moved towards him, keeping a firm grip on the banister for fear her legs would give out on her. She missed a step and landed awkwardly at the bottom of the stairs. By the time she looked up, Erik was beside her helping her up immediately.

"Are you all right?" He asked, his hand gently supporting her back.

Nina reached out and traced his face with her hand. Erik gripped her hand and held it.

"Why are you here?" he asked.

"For you."

"Why?"

"Because…I love you."

"You left me." Erik said darkly. She opened her mouth to speak, but he covered her mouth with his hand. "But I drove you away. I am so sorry."

Nina shook her head as tears trickled down under her mask. "I'm sorry."

Erik pulled her into a tight embrace and she choked on her tears. Why had she stayed away from these arms so long?

Erik lifted her mask and pulled it away from her face. It fell to the ground with a clatter. He removed his mask and handed it to her. She frowned as he leaned forward and kissed her.

Erik could not believe it. He was actually holding her again. She came back to him, twice. Nina let out a moan and he pulled her closer. They had lost so much time together, and he was going to make it up to her somehow.

Nina gasped for air and rested her cheek against his face. "Take me home."

She had no sooner pronounced the 'o' before she was in his arms. Nina shrieked and clung to him. Erik turned back to the company. He glowered at Andre. "Mr. Reyer, kindly make sure that Andre stays here and dances every dance with Meg until midnight." Erik turned to the other men. "Twenty francs to every man who keeps him from leaving before midnight. And fifty to the one who fetches the priest!"

"Sir, I'm supposed to watch you."

Erik laughed and went up the stairs. "My wife and I have a great deal to discuss at home. You will stay here and I better hear she received a proposal tonight!"

"Erik!" Nina said. "You can't."

"I can!" Erik said. "And I better hear a yes on Meg's part. Goodnight everyone!"

Erik walked towards the front door and Nina carefully held the mask to his face as they climbed into the waiting carriage. He hastily gave the address as he set Nina on the seat.

"Erik." Nina tried to begin. He cut her off with a kiss. She groaned as his lips traveled down her neck. His hand slid to her neckline. "Oh Erik!" she jumped. "Your hands are cold!"

"You're always warm. I've spent seven cold and lonely nights alone, tonight won't be one of them."

"Erik." She gripped his neck. "We need to talk."

Erik nodded. "Yes. First, I need to apologize. Meg told me what you really said, I had no right to get angry with you."

Nina shook her head, "I'm sorry too. I had no right to disclose your past to everyone. I shouldn't have taken off like that."

"Nina, I'm glad you did, but don't do it again. I needed a chance to realize what I had, I knew I had you, but I didn't realize what a big impact you are on my life." Erik said putting a finger over her mouth. "You once told me the world wasn't all bad and you were right. Whatever you said, or did, paid off."

She frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"Well, let's just say, I've got enough presents to make up for all those years I missed.."

"You mean," she tried to sit up but Erik kept her pressed against the seat. "They bought you presents?"

"Everyone." Erik said. "But you, gave me the best present, yourself."

"Erik." He squeezed her thigh again and she jumped. "Oh God! I need you so much."

"I need you more, without you, I'm nothing." Erik kissed her neck. "I'd take you here," she trembled as he ran his hand down to remove her shoes and stockings. "But now, but we're too close to home."

"Erik." She gasped as he handed her the items. "That driver is going to see me holding these."

"When we go through that door," he tugged off his coat, vest and tie, throwing them on the floor. He leaned over her and pulled her pantaloons free. "I don't want to take so many layers off you."

Nina blushed at the look between his eyes but she nodded. The carriage stopped and she flew forward at him.

Erik laughed and swept her out of the carriage to the sidewalk. She held the items and moved towards the door. The door was unlocked, and when she pushed it, open she dropped a shoe. She felt Erik behind her. She shrieked as he picked her up.

"Erik." He slammed the door and locked it making her jump. His shirt hit the ground and she clung to his shoulders letting the rest of the items in her arms fall to the ground. Her lips eagerly attacked his chest, tasting every scar. He pressed her against the wall and he brought one of her legs up around his waist. "Erik."

"Erik."

They both paused as a light came on. Madame Giry was sitting in the parlor, looking rather disheveled. She frowned as Madame Giry stood up. "So, she came back?"

Nina blushed as Madame Giry stared at them. "Yes Madame," Erik said, still holding her leg around his waist. "Surprised?"

"Erik," she whispered. "My leg."

He squeezed it and hooked his arm under it so he could stroke her leg. She closed her eyes and leaned against the walls. Madame Giry walked towards him, her eyes serious. "I hope you can endure it. All my life I only wanted what was best for you and Meg. But you two have minds of your own." She frowned. "Would you mind taking your hand off her? It's not seemly."

"So breaking and entering is?" Erik said.

"You left the door unlocked. I wanted to talk to you."

Erik shook his head. "I'll speak to you in the morning. You have had the chance to talk to me all week. I'm finally holding my wife again, and you expect me to let her go?"

Nina blushed. "Erik." He responded by squeezing her a little tighter. She tried to keep from whimpering aloud but couldn't hold it back.

"Madame, I realized something tonight. You have been poisoning me against my wife. You have been emotionally crippling your daughter. Her last performances have been depressing."

"She'll get over it!"

"Who was he?" Nina asked quietly. "The man who left you harsh and cold to those who love deeply."

Madame Giry stiffened. "He was nothing! That is why I am determined that Meg marry somebody better."

"Andre is somebody." Erik said. "I'll be very upset if I find out she hasn't married him tonight,"

"You what?"

Erik nodded. "I told Andre to propose and I told Meg she better accept or else!"

"Why?"

Erik tightened his grip on Nina. "That Madame, you're going to have to find out for yourself. You're still young, don't waste what time you have left to find out." Erik nodded towards the door. "Goodnight."

Madame Giry stood and walked out of the door. Nina could see her hard facial expression had softened and she hoped some of Erik's words had softened her heart. Erik closed the door and latched it. He took her hand and pulled her up the stairs.

"I'm going to get some blankets, you, remove all your excess clothing."

She frowned. "Erik, what are you?"

"Just do it!" he said as he headed towards their room. He turned, kissed her quickly. "It'll be worth it."