Hello everyone! Thank you for all the wonderful reviews and support. To those of you who are Guests and I am unable to respond to your reviews personally, I just wanted to officially thank you. These reviews mean a great deal do me.

I should let you know that I will be leaving for a beach vacation next Saturday and thus will not be able to update until Labor Day weekend. I promise once the holiday is over, we will resume our weekly Saturday updates. Please stay with me. ;)

I would like to take a moment and remind everyone, especially me, that I own nothing. LOL

A week had passed since Christine left the conservatory and Erik had been making vigorous plans to secure her safe return. Yet there was only so much he could do from so far away. The Vicomte had wasted no time and had taken an ad in the paper announcing his wedding date to the former Opera diva this coming Saturday and a small celebration being thrown by the Comte at the de Chagny estate the night before to honor the happy couple. And so, after many arguments with Nadir, Erik finally won out and made the necessary preparations to return to France.

"Erik, this is too dangerous. I still think you should remain hidden and allow me to go and deal with the Vicomte."

"Nadir, we have been through this. I am going. I am no longer going to hide like I should be ashamed. I am in love and the woman I love, loves me. I won't hang my head in shame. Instead, I will profess my love up to the heavens."

Nadir groaned. "Erik, the Vicomte will not play fair. I think…."

"Yes, you think. That's the problem, Persian. You think, while I do. I already have written to Antoinette telling her of our return. Megan and her new suitor can help us. Besides, what better way to see whose side he really is on?"

"Isn't that a terrible chance to take?"

"I'm afraid we will have to take some risk but fear not. I won't reveal everything. All I need is for Megan to slip a message to Christine the night before the wedding at the party the Comte is throwing. Surely, his good friend will be invited. He will take Megan as his date and once she gets Christine alone, I'll handle the rest. There is no need to tell anyone else what happens after that. It is for their own protection anyway. The less they know, the better."

"And if Darius informs the Comte of the plot, what little he knows of it?"

"Then at least Megan will know the truth about him and everyone's suspicions will be left to rest. I am not worried. I have a back up plan if necessary."

"What, your Punjab lasso?"

Erik remained silent.

"Erik….."

Just then Aaron and Bets entered the music room. "Hello. May we come in?"

"Into your own home? Please Madame, Monsieur, enter at your leisure." Erik smiled but then he noticed Bets' face?" Madame, what is it?"

"We will miss you, Professor. We knew that eventually this day would come and of course we want you and Christine to be reunited but…"

"Bets! We already talked about this. There is no need for any buts." Aaron shook his head. "Forgive her, Professor. We will miss you and that's all we wished to say."

"Aaron, I have not forgotten my obligation to you." Erik was about to continue when Aaron stopped him.

"Nonsense. We are free and clear. Thanks to you and the concert, we have had many inquires about people wanting to work here and the influx of funds from supporters have allowed us to hire any workers we wish. If you ask me, we are the ones that will forever be in your debt."

"Tell me, when do Tobias and Viviane leave for Italy?" Erik beamed, he couldn't have been prouder of his best students. "I know that both Christine and I couldn't be happier. Who knows, maybe we will both spend some time out there for a while." Erik let his mind wander. He knew that despite his confidence at being able to rescue Christine, they wouldn't be able to reside in France. Thus they needed a new place to call home. Although, there were some dark moments for him there, Italy had made him happy for a time and it was so beautiful. He longed to show its beauty to his angel and share it with her.

"Don't you worry about that, Erik. Just be safe and concentrate on getting your lady back." He then looked lovingly at Bets. "We only have one soul mate in this lifetime and most people never find theirs."

Nadir looked this watch. "Erik, we better get going. The last train leaves in two hours."

Before he responded, Bets handed Erik a bag full of biscotti. "Something to remember us by." She then kissed his unmasked cheek.

"Thank you, good lady."

Nadir looked at the bag with curiosity. "What's in there?"

"Never you mind, Daroga!"

The three adults laughed until Tobias and Viviane walked in. "Professor?"

Erik looked up and couldn't help but smile. "Children, I was afraid you both would be asleep. I was torn between waking you up or letting you rest without a drawn out goodbye."

Tobias shook his head. "Are you crazy? Viviane wouldn't dream of sleeping until she said goodbye to you. She….."

Viviane rammed her elbow into Tobias' side. "You just have no heart. You're going to miss him just as much I am!"

"Ouch! I know but geez, Viviane. He needs to get Christine back and…. Ouch, that really hurt!"

Erik walked up and kneeled down as he placed his arm out to each of them, holding them still. "I shall miss both of you, so much. Yet you two will be far too busy to worry about me. However I make you both this promise. We will see one another again and it won't just be when I am waiting around at stage doors, hoping for a glance at my two former protégées."

Viviane leaned in and placed her arms around his neck. "Be safe, Professor Erik. I love you."

Erik hugged the child back, grateful he had another little girl's voice to guide in his lifetime. "You will never leave my heart."

He then looked at Tobias who extended his hand out, just like he did on the first day they met. "Don't you think we have grown past such a formality?"

"I….."

Erik surprised everyone, including himself when he initiated the hug with the boy. "You are like the son I might have known, if things had been different."

He then stood up and looked at them again. "Take care of one another." He then turned around to face Bets, Aaron and Nadir. "Come Daroga, trains wait for no man."

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Meg stumbled into the kitchen in the wee small hours of the morning and wasn't surprised when she saw her mother sitting at the table with an untouched cup of tea.

"Mama….

"Meg? What are you doing up at such a late hour."

She pulled out a chair and sat down by her mother. "The same reason you are. I can't fall asleep until I know they are both safe. Did Uncle Erik's letter say anything about what time they would arrive?"

"No, he didn't. I know they were taking the very last train and had to travel in disguise. I can't help but worry. He assured me he would take every precaution but I am still leery of this whole plan."

"I can't help but wonder if my going to the de Chagny estate is really a good idea or not. After all, I haven't heard a word from Christine. I am sure Raoul is not letting her see just anyone. What makes Uncle Erik think I'll be able to walk in and see her the night before the wedding?"

Antoinette stood up from the table. "Another reason why I worry. How can he think that you won't be in danger?"

"Mama, I am not worried about that, believe me. Darius will be with me. He told me he is on our side. If Uncle Erik can believe that with having so much at stake, why can't you? I thought you liked him? Has Nadir been filling your head with doubt again?"

"Don't mention that man's name to me. I blame him for Erik even suggesting this idea. He just runs his mouth off and tells Erik of your friendship with Darius and they both decide to make assumptions. When will Nadir learn that if he insists on endangering other people's lives, he should leave us out of it?"

"Mama, you can't mean that. I want to help and I am not afraid. I'll be safe with Darius. All I need to do is see Christine for a few moments."

"Oh, is that all?" Antoinette replied sarcastically. "Next time those two plan another crusade, they best find somebody else to do their bidding."

"Mama, Uncle Erik needs us and so does Christine. We can't just sit back and allow Raoul to….."

Knock, Knock

Meg instantly got up from the table. "They're here!"

"Wait, Meg. Stay here. I'll get it."

"Mama, please don't start an argument with either man tonight."

"Hush."

Antoinette hurried out to the front door. "Who is it?"

"An old friend and an even older Persian."

She unlocked the door quickly. "Hurry, both of you."

Erik stepped into the house and took off his fedora. He was wearing his flesh mask as he stood before Annie. The sight of him in front of her after so many months of being without him, caused her to turn emotional.

"Erik… You…Is that really you?"

He chuckled. "In the flesh, or rather flesh mask." He opened his arms up. "Miss me, dear sister?"

She threw herself into his arms and Nadir couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. However he recovered quickly and spoke as if nothing were wrong.

"Thank you, Annie for letting us come at such a late hour."

She turned to look at him and nodded. "I hope you two know what you are doing. This plan sounds very risky and Meg….."

"Is more than willing to do what she can to help." Meg appeared from the kitchen and walked towards the trio.

"Megan!" Erik was so happy to see his niece.

"Uncle Erik, I am so happy you are safe. You too, Nadir. Mother and I were so worried for both of you." She emphasized the word both.

Erik extended his arms out to her and she didn't hesitate to run up and embrace him.

"No time for worrying, Megan. Now then, are we ready to go over your part? I must say I am a little surprised your gentleman caller is not here."

"Darius will be here tomorrow night to bring me to the party. It is all arranged, just as you instructed. What I don't know is where do I tell Christine to meet you?"

"That shall remain a mystery. Just make sure she is alone. I'll take it from there." He then arched his brow. "So how did you meet such an acquaintance, Megan?"

"Erik, you need your rest. We can talk in the morning." Antoinette countered.

Nadir agreed. "She's right, Erik. We all could use with a few hours of sleep. We can go over the plans once the sun is out."

Antoinette looked his way for the first time since they arrived. "Finally, he becomes sensible."

Erik hesitated. He knew the women were tired but his mind was racing towards tomorrow night and seeing Christine again. He knew he needed a distraction and sleep wasn't going to cut it.

"Very well, you two old birds can retire. Megan and I can get caught up as she tells me of this new love of hers, eh?" He wasn't letting her off the hook that easily.

Meg blushed. "Uncle Erik!"

He cupped her cheek. "I have some provisions." He pulled out his bag of biscotti. "As you can see, I have quite a few and if you are good, I'll share."

Antoinette sighed. "I can see that sleep will not be an option in this house tonight."

Nadir coughed. "I for one could use a few hours of rest. We won't be getting much of it tomorrow."

Erik frowned. "Good Lord, you two. You are acting like an old, married couple." He turned to Meg. "Do I need to get caught up on their romance as well?"

Meg giggled. "Trust me, you have missed nothing."

Erik wasn't so sure but reasoned they already had caused enough of a scene for one night. "Come Megan, tell me how you met this man."

While they sat on the couch, Nadir pulled Antoinette to the side. "We won't put her in any danger, Annie."

She softened a little. "I'm sorry for my behavior. I just….." She then looked at him intently. "Answer me one question. Are you nervous? If you aren't nervous than I will ease my troubled mind. I know you would never let him do something reckless without a plan."

Before he could answer, she shook her head. "What am I saying? You can't stop lovers from being reckless. I am glad I will never be in that predicament again."

Nadir nodded as he fought the sudden ache surrounding his heart.

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The past week felt like an eternity for Christine. She spent much of the time alone in her room and when Raoul would force her to interact with his family, she only said the absolute minimum. Even if she wasn't heartbroken over losing her angel all over again, the prospect of having Isabella and Melanie stand in as her bridesmaids made her want to gag.

In fairness, Melanie wasn't too terrible. She was civil and seemed to not ask too many questions. Christine wondered if maybe the thought of being Maid of Honor to a woman she hardly knew made Melanie feel awkward as well? How Christine wished she could have had Meg by her side, at least. Maybe then she wouldn't feel so terribly alone. Yet if she wasn't able to marry Erik, then what difference did it make?

She had just come back from signing the marriage license and felt as if her world was starting to crumble around her. At first she had protested. She always thought that the ceremony would have had to have taken place before they signed a legal document. However Raoul insisted that they handle the document right away so they wouldn't have to bother with trifling matters after the ceremony. The priest was a little hesitant but when Raoul gave an extra donation to the church, he didn't refuse him. The priest rationalized to himself that since they were to marry in the morning, what harm would it do? When Christine had finished signing her name, she felt completely dead inside.

Once they both signed the piece of paper, Raoul's father told him they were as good as married at this point. He then smirked but added quickly. "Be sure you two respect my wishes in my household. You can prolong your...Er…. consummation for one more night."

Christine hadn't even considered that part yet. She could feel her insides start to revolt. Raoul played coy with his father and pretended to say something sweet in her ear.

"You think I would have you after you have been with that thing? You wish you could have a real man like me. We will discuss my expectations after we are married. For now, smile and play the part you do so well, wife." He kissed her cheek and then pretended to laugh.

"Father, please. We don't need all this pressure."

The Comte shrugged. "I just wanted you both to understand that it isn't legal until you say 'I do' " He then shook his head. I wonder if she will even let him have her then. She seems so cold. Well, that's why God created mistresses.

Christine sat at the vanity mirror and began to cry. All she could think of was her angel and how he must hate her for leaving him again. "Forgive me, please Erik….. Forgive me. I did it all for you…And all for nothing." She couldn't look at her reflection anymore.

The knock on the door startled her and she jumped up, fearing it was Raoul.

"Who is it?"

"It's Melanie, Christine. May I come in?"

"Just a minute." She wiped her tears with her handkerchief and then went to open the door. "Hello."

"Hello. I thought you might want to know that your things arrived today from the conservatory."

Christine's mind suddenly remembered that she had left everything behind that night. She hadn't even thought about her journals until that moment.

"My things! Oh, do you know when they will be bringing them up?"

"The head butler thought it best to leave them downstairs. He and Raoul can decide what to do with them after the honeymoon."

"Oh." Those books are all I have left of my time with Erik. Every memory since I was a little girl. Every thought. Every realization of how much I love him. I can't just let them be forgotten. "Melanie do you think I could go down and just look for myself? I carelessly forgot my journals and I do wish to have them with me in these days before I wed. Surely you understand, no?" She did her best to smile and convince her future cousin that she was desperate to capture every moment of her new life.

"You mean these?" Melanie placed the package into Christine's hands. "Please don't misunderstand. I wasn't prying. I was simply thinking what I would want if I were in your place. I would have liked to have a look before some menopausal man decided what I needed and when. These were already packaged so carefully and when I saw the word journal written, I knew I couldn't just let them stay abandoned."

Christine's eyes lit up as if she were given the sun, moon and stars. "You have no idea what this means to me. Thank you."

"Think nothing of it. I used to keep one too. Yet I'll admit there hasn't been much I would care to write these days and risk someone knowing all my secrets." She giggled. "I must say, this is the first time I have seen you smile since you got here."

Christine avoided eye contact. "I have kept one since I was a little girl. They are my memories."

Melanie nodded. "I'm glad you have them back then. No doubt these next few days will bring about a world full of new ones."

Strange but she isn't at all as Raoul had described her. She seemed very sweet and a bit of a fish out of water when having to deal with her new lifestyle. Melanie wondered if the poor girl could really handle it all.

"Christine, I realize that we are practically strangers and I wouldn't be your first choice for a Maid of Honor but I wanted you to know that I am here to help you. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to let me know." Even if it means to stop sleeping with your bridegroom. She was surprised to find that she actually meant it.

Christine smiled politely but knew better than to trust Raoul's cousin. She couldn't risk it, even though Melanie was the first family member to show her any kindness. "Thank you but I am sure I could say the same for you. After all, I am hardly an ideal bride for this family. I know I will fail a hundred times before tomorrow is over."

"Fail? Christine, you are the bride. You can do no wrong on your special day." Christine moved her left hand and Melanie was surprised when she noticed her engagement ring for the first time. "Is that your ring?"

"What?!" She looked down and could feel herself start to shake. "Is there some….thing wrong?"

"Well no, it's just….. It doesn't look like Raoul's taste at all. It's beautiful." She then laughed. "I didn't mean it like that, it's just I would have thought he would have given you a more traditional stone from the family or buy something more reflective of his stature." Melanie stared at the ring. "Again, I apologize. Your ring is elegant and very becoming. I just wouldn't have thought Raoul would do anything different like that."

He didn't. Good God, what if others notice and Raoul forces me to give it up? He hasn't said anything since he took me away. What if I have to dispose of it? No! Not my angel's ring!

They were interrupted by Isabella barging into the room.

"Don't you even knock Isabella?" Melanie said annoyingly.

"Why? She isn't married yet. What could I be interrupting? " She then giggled. "I was asked to bring in the wedding dress." She rolled her eyes. "I really didn't think the word bridesmaid, actually meant maid."

"Actually, Isabella it does." Melanie stuck her tongue out at her.

"Really mature, Melanie. My, doesn't one wish we all could be as gracious as you, considering the circumstances."

Christine was confused. "Circumstances?"

Melanie gave Isabella a deathly stare as Isabella began to cover up. "Well, we always thought Melanie would marry before Raoul. Tell me, how does it feel to be an old maid?" She laughed and hung up the dress. "What great taste you have, Christine." She laughed again knowing she was the one who actually picked it out."

"Old maid? Well, at least I still care about my figure, unlike you who can't even fathom wearing a dress without having your corset tied up so tight it conceals all the fat! Christine, please don't let THAT happen to you." She pointed at Isabella.

"That's a lie!"

Melanie laughed. "Care to prove me wrong?" She then turned to leave. "I have no regrets with my life, Isabella and I have found that only the ones who do, go around trying to deflect their sorrows onto others. See you both at the party."

Melanie walked out the door as Isabella huffed, before shouting out. "I will have you know I am a size four both in and out of this corset!" She then eyed Christine up and down and without saying another word left the room.

"Is this what my life will be like?" Christine went to grab her handkerchief and used it to suppress the cries that came out of her mouth.

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The Comte had arranged for a small gathering to wish his youngest son well on the evening before his nuptials. It would mainly be family and a few close friends. Of course Darius was invited and as planned he would bring Meg as his date. Despite all of his assurances for Meg's sake, Darius couldn't help but feel as if things would not end up well.

Even though he always found Phillip and Raoul to be ignorant fools, he liked his long time friend and thought that if circumstances were different, Meg might like him also. With regret, he realized that after tonight, his friendship with the Comte would never be as it once was. Yet all thoughts went out the window when he stepped out of the carriage and saw Meg come out to greet him.

"Hello." He smiled.

"Darius, you look so wonderful."

"My dear Meg, it is I who should be saying such a compliment. You will clearly outshine every woman there tonight." He kissed her hand.

"Darius, I am nervous. What if I'm not allowed inside? I need to be able to…."

"Darling, don't. The Comte is my friend and I was given free rein to bring a date. Is it my fault, my date happens to be the bride's best friend and wishes to say good luck to her? Besides, your uncle was right. This is a perfect opportunity to be there. For if Raoul and Phillip see that you approve, then you will no longer be a threat and as an added bonus, I will finally get to show you off properly on my arm."

"Oh Darius, I thought the plan would be so simple but now I feel as if anything could go wrong. If I can't speak to Christine and tell her that Erik is there…..."

"Why do you speak of ifs? Let's concentrate on when. Now, let's get the party started." He smiled. "Those boys won't know what hit them."

He helped her into the carriage and received a small, yet sweet kiss as his reward.

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The party was small but in full swing. The men were in the drawing room smoking cigars and drinking, while the ladies were in the parlor. However they appeared to be one leading lady short.

"What does she mean by skipping out on a party that was given in her honor?" Isabella eyed a cookie but looked at Melanie and decided to turn it down. "As if I needed this to prove she will never fit in. Poor Raoul."

The other ladies nodded and whispered comments of their own, while Melanie sighed in frustration.

"She has a headache, Isabella. I am sure she would much rather conserve her energy for tomorrow. She will meet the same people after the wedding."

Isabella rolled her eyes. "And what was all that talk about my corset?"

Melanie laughed. "I was joking. Besides you were asking for it. You weren't being very nice."

"When am I ever nice?" She then put the incident behind her and took Melanie by the arm. "Guess who is coming tonight?" When Melanie didn't match her curiosity she frowned. "My, you are in a foul mood. Oh never mind, I will tell you. It's Darius!"

"So?"

"Well since Raoul is occupied for a while, I thought you might want to have a little fun before you leave again."

"Why would you think that? I am not interested in Darius."

"Melanie, don't be foolish. If you aren't going to fight for Raoul….."

"Stop that right now! I don't want anyone else to hear you. Raoul made his choice and he needs to deal with it. Besides, from what I have seen, he doesn't deserve her."

Just then two guests were escorted into the party. When the Comte learned who it was and that he had brought a date, he excused himself from his male guests and went to find his children.

"Phillip?"

"Yes, father."

"Grab Raoul, then get Christine and Isabella, I want them all to greet Darius properly and of course to meet his friend."

"Darius brought a woman?" Phillip laughed out loud. "It is always the quiet ones."

When Isabella, Phillip and Raoul met the Comte in the hallway, they saw him frown. "Where's Christine?"

Raoul played with his collar. "She wasn't feeling well, father. She had to retire for the evening."

"For the evening?! This blasted party is for her! How dare she be so flip with my generosity! Damn it, I don't care if she is battling pneumonia. You get her dressed and down here. She will address these guests at once!"

"Come, come, old friend. Don't keep us waiting. I have someone I wish to present to you."

"The Comte turned around, embarrassed as he saw Darius come towards him. "Darius. I am so pleased you came and who do we have here?"

"May I please present, Meg Giry, my date."

"Meg?!"

Raoul practically choked on his words while Phillip grinned. Isabella wasn't too pleased with the way her husband was looking at the young woman.

"How do you two know her?"

Phillip leaned into his wife's ear. "She is friends with our future sister-in-law."

"Oh this gets better and better." Isabella laughed, as Phillip tried to quiet her down.

The Comte shot a death look to the couple as he walked Raoul up closer. "I am afraid Christine has fallen ill tonight and won't be at the party. But you'll see her tomorrow, no?"

Meg's mouth dropped. "Not here? Please, Comte I must see her. I must. I…. Need her to know that I harbor no ill will and….."

Darius grasped her hand tightly, afraid she might say something she shouldn't. "What a pity. Well, why don't I get Meg settled with the ladies and then you could offer me up one of your famous cigars, alright?"

"Fine, Darius but no need to worry about Meg. I am sure Isabella will take good care of her." He then called his daughter-in-law over. "Isabella, please see that Meg has a good time."

Isabella rolled her eyes and mumbled under her breath. "Sure, let me play wet nurse to another misfit toy."

Meg interrupted. "No! I…. Darius?" She looked at him with pleading eyes.

"Relax, dear. We won't bite." Isabella took Meg's arm and escorted her into the parlor. She then had her stand by the punch bowl.

"I'll get you something a wee bit stronger. I think you'll need it."

"Wait! Madame, I must speak with Christine. I promise I will only be a moment. I need her to know how happy I am for her." Please make her believe me.

"Isabella smiled like a good hostess should. "I am sure she knows it, dear. Now I'll be right back with something to make you less uptight."

Meg didn't waste any time leaving the parlor. She knew Isabella was not going to help her, so she had to take matters into her own hands. She had to make sure Christine talked to Erik tonight. She had reached the third step on the staircase when she heard a familiar voice call after her.

"Excuse me, but that's for family only."

"I am sorry, Madame but I…."

"It's still Mademoiselle and I'm Raoul's cousin, Melanie. And you are?"

I remember her voice from the dress shop! "I'm Meg Giry. I am best friends with the bride, Christine Daae. Please…. I must see her. I think she feels we are at odds because I wasn't asked to be in her wedding but I understand. Truly I do. She is going to be a Vicomtesse. I know my place. I only wish to see her for a few minutes."

Melanie thought for a moment at how sad Christine seemed to be and wondered if her headache was really just the product of not having anyone she knew around her.

"Just for a few minutes?"

Meg couldn't believe it when she heard the woman. "I swear it!"

"Alright. But hurry and if you are caught you are on your own."

Melanie looked around quickly and then hurried Meg up the stairs. She knocked on Christine's door.

"Please, go away. I am too ill to see anyone."

"Christine, it's Melanie. I think this is one visitor you will want to see tonight." She nudged Meg to speak.

"Christine, it's me, Meg! Open up please!"

The door was unlocked in seconds. "Meg?"

"Oh Christine! Meg hugged her tightly and Melanie couldn't help but laugh.

"Consider this your wedding present from me. But please, don't be long. I'll make excuses for you, if anyone asks."

Christine looked at the woman and smiled widely. "Thank you, so much!"

Melanie closed the door as she walked back downstairs. Meanwhile, Isabella was waiting by the staircase with a now half empty glass of alcohol.

"Where have you been?"

"Obviously not anywhere as productive as you. Care to share what's in the glass?"

"Where's Darius' new toy?"

"How should I know? I was just making some arrangements with the head butler. I am leaving right after the ceremony tomorrow."

"Funny, I thought I saw him serving more brandy to our distinguished gentlemen." She shook her head. "Tell me, were you just giving Raoul a final taste of what he will never have again?"

"You really are an evil twit when you have been drinking."

Isabella shrugged her shoulders. "Here, take this." She handed her the glass. "I am in need of my husband."

"Don't let me stop you." Melanie walked away.

Isabella walked into the drawing room and tried to get her husband's attention. When she failed to do so, she decided to fill him in later and headed up the stairs instead.

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"Meg, how did you get here?"

"I was invited….. Technically."

"You mean Raoul?"

"Are you kidding? No, Darius. He and I…. Well, it's a long story and we don't have time for that right now. I must be quick."

Christine thought for a moment. "Darius….. That nice older man from the train station?"

Meg grinned. "Yes but oh, Christine I must hurry. Uncle Erik asked me to give you this message."

"Erik? He asked you to find me? He… Oh, Meg, He must hate me for leaving him the way I did. You have to know that I had no choice. I never wanted to leave him. I love him, Meg. I love him."

"Christine, he knows that. He figured out that Raoul forced you to leave with him that night and he has a plan. He wants you to meet him tonight. He knew about the party and wanted me to get you alone but I didn't think you would be up here in your bedroom."

"He's here?! My angel is here? Where?" She began to frantically dress when the balcony door flew open.

"Change of plans, Megan." Erik's voice echoed the room.

"Angel, speak….. I listen."

Erik appeared before them. "You know, you could have prepared me for how long of a climb that was, Megan."

"You could have told me you were going to climb up the balcony. Remember you said the less I knew the better." She giggled. "How did you know she would be here?"

Erik's eyes went to Christine. "My Christine. Not enjoying the party, it seems?"

Christine stared up at the masked face that she adored and fell to her knees. "Erik, I am so sorry. Forgive me, I beg you. I seem to bring your life nothing but woe." Tears gently fell down her cheeks.

Erik instantly dropped to the floor beside her. "Don't cry, my love. I am here."

"How can you still be here after all I put you through?"

"You will have a lifetime to make it up to me." He smiled as he brought her lips to his.

Meg felt a little out of place. "Uh…. You know that seeing my uncle and best friend kiss could count as being a bit awkward…. I'm sure you two want to discuss the plans for tomorrow, right? Yeah… You guys have this." She wanted to giggle when she saw how they weren't paying any attention to her. "I'll just see myself out."

She slowly exited the room and walked down the stairs in triumph. Finally a happy ending.

Seconds later, Isabella had been waiting in the vestibule watching Meg leave the room. She smiled smugly as she knew she had been right to think something was going on with Meg. She waited until the girl was out of sight and then pressed her ear firmly to Christine's door.