I was inspired this week after my weekend in NYC, along with a very interesting replay of Sirius XM's Hamilton interview. Comma sexting?! Who knew. See if you can find it. LOL I don't title my chapters, but if I did, I would call this one, Notes.

Erik took off running after Christine, begging her stop.

"Christine, please. Don't go! Let me explain." He wasn't even sure if he had heard her but that still didn't stop him from calling out to her nor did it make him slow down. "Christine, what you heard… I… There's much you don't know!"

Christine was amazed that he could keep up with her but that didn't make her want to turn around and see for herself. She only wanted to get away from him. His murderous words were still echoing through her mind. Raoul was right after all. I hadn't seen him turn until now…. Wait, that's not true. I did see him turn. In his office. When he showed me his face…

It was during Christine's recollections, that she slowed down and Erik was able to catch up to her and grab her arm.

"I am not going to harm you. Please, don't run away from me again. Not like that, not ever."

"Let go of me! Am I to be used as a means to take out your aggression?"

"What?! No! Christine, what you heard in there…."

"I heard you threaten another man's life. My God, Erik! I thought we were past all this hatred. When I saw you in Madame Giry's office, you looked exactly like the man I feared in your office all those weeks ago. The same man, you swore you would never be."

Erik looked at her in disbelief. "You know why I behaved that way. You said you understood."

"And you said you wouldn't act that way again. Now you threaten an innocent man!"

"Innocent man? The Vicomte? The man that wagered me I couldn't train you? A man that finds me so dangerous and yet he encourages a beautiful stranger to spend alone time with me, all in the pursuit of getting what he wants. I may not be a saint but he is far from innocent, Christine. If you only knew my story….."

"Then tell me!"

Erik froze. How in the world could he tell her about his past, when the moment she heard him in a rage, she ran away from him? You'd run away again, only this time, I would never see you again.

"Erik, you claim I don't know your story. How could I? You haven't told me anything. All I know is that there is bad blood between you and the Vicomte but I don't know why? I know his views… Or what I could gather from that day on stage but you have told me nothing. You say you trust me and yet, I still know nothing!"

"Maybe it's because I'm afraid to tell you."

"Afraid to tell me?" She looked at him blankly.

"Maybe I don't trust you not to leave if you knew the truth. Then you would know…. What I am."

"I don't fault you for your face and I am sorry for the life you had to live because of it. However, that does not give you the right to respond with violence and rage. I thought you were a better man than that. Have I given you my mind so blindly?"

Erik cursed to himself and shook his head. You fool. She doesn't understand you and thus will never love you. How can you blame her though, she is your exact opposite. "I'm sorry, Christine. I seem to have failed you once more. You were right to run. Run as far away as you can from me and never look back."

He then surprised her when he turned and walked away.

Christine wanted to call him back but didn't. She was so confused. She needed to leave the grounds for a while and before she could change her mind or have anyone stop her, that's exactly what she did

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Meg saw Christine leave and simply shook her head.

"I really hope you know what you are doing, Christine."

"Are you taking to talking to yourself little girl?"

Meg turned around and cringed. "Carlotta, I am in no mood for you right now." She picked up a water bucket and began walking towards the animal tent.

"So they have you tending to the animals, have they? What happened to our star dancer, eh? Or have you been replaced by the Master's new love interest?"

Meg rolled her eyes. "As usual Carlotta, you have it all wrong. I help out around here because that's what a family does. Yet you have no family nor do you have any idea what that word even means."

"Family?" She looked around. "I will never call this place family and you should think twice about that too."

Meg gave her a fake smile. "Carlotta, I thank you for showing me the light."

"Where was your little friend off to?"

Meg shrugged her shoulders. "Even if I knew, I certainly wouldn't tell you."

"Well, maybe you will tell her this. She should think before she roams about from one camp to another."

Meg dropped the bucket of water. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"I mean her little game is almost at an end. She knows the Vicomte and from what I have overheard, she knows him quite intimately."

"Carlotta, shut your mouth. God will strike you dead for those lies."

"She made plans to meet him at his home the other day. He was here, onsite speaking to her at her bedroom window."

"Lie."

"She is probably off to see him again, laughing at Erik. If you love this so called family, then maybe you best keep a watch out for her. I may not have a family anymore but I do know all too well that it's the ones who we love and trust the most that have the power to destroy us."

Meg walked away from Carlotta but couldn't stop thinking about what she said. "No. The old bat is crazy…." She looked out across the gates. "Cause if it is true…."

"Excuse me, Mademoiselle?"

Meg jumped up. "Why is everyone trying to sneak up on me today?" She noticed the boy was on a bicycle. "Can I help you?"

"Mademoiselle Giry?"

"Who are you?"

"Letter for you, Mademoiselle."

"From who?"

"I was only told to deliver this personally to you." He handed her the letter.

"How did you get in here?"

"I'm paid to do just that." He tipped his hat to her. "Good day."

Meg saw him ride away. "We need to get stronger gates around here." She then saw her name on the envelope and turned it around to see who would go through all this trouble to send her a note.

M. Thompson.

Her heart sank. She tore the envelope open and read what he wrote.

Meet me tonight at my chateau. 27 Rue Pasteur. Midnight.

"This will all end tonight."

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Christine went to her father's grave, unsure of anywhere else to go.

"Papa, what am I going to do? I feel so conflicted. I have been wrestling with my better judgement for weeks about the stories that Raoul told me of Erik but when we are alone…. I can't possible imagine how he could have done or do any of the things Raoul said he is capable of. But there were times when I did see that mad rage and it makes me think that I have only been making excuses for him all along. Why would I do that?"

She kneeled before Gustave Daee's grave. "Papa, was I actually starting to believe that I could love him? How is that possible when I know nothing about him? Well, that's not entirely true. He's brilliant and talented and determined." She smiled, despite herself. "I know his face isn't handsome but the more you spend time with him, the more the appearance actually becomes normal and you start to see so much more. Actions define a man, not his face. But what if Raoul was fooled too all those years ago and he truly has been trying to warn me? I know they have a past. Erik broke into his home. That's how we…." She paused and remembered that night.

"He didn't harm anyone that night. How much of that was his intent all along or how much of it was because of me, I don't know. Perhaps I never will." She laughed. "It was funny seeing all those books lying out on the floor." She then covered her mouth in shame. "No! That's part of his charm, no? The way he could enchant? Everything that enchants, has the power to deceive too. Papa, what if I have been a fool?"

She looked at his name carved on the stone. "I miss you. I wish you were here to help guide me. What do I do?" She paused for a moment, as if she were reasoning the answer in her mind. "I can't trust someone who I don't know or who won't trust me. If he would just tell me his story, maybe then…." She stopped her words instantly. "The Devil's Child…. What kind of life has he known? How can I simply think it is easy for him to tell anyone of his past? I'm supposed to be the one he can turn to but I ran away, I haven't proven myself worthy for him to trust me. But violence is never the answer. He threatened Raoul. He…" She closed her eyes, feeling the impact of a headache coming on. "Raoul threatened him too. The bet is a means to trap him and I'm helping him, aren't I?"

"Dear God…. Who should trust me? Whom am I loyal too? Papa, am I at fault too? I've been lying to both men. I haven't told Raoul about my growing affection for Erik and Erik has no idea I know Raoul. No… No, this isn't about me. I am trying to do the right thing; the rest are distractions that I need to cast aside." She exhaled a deep breath. "But how can a man that Raoul described as evil, do such extraordinary acts of kindness? How can a man that I find sweet and charming and wonderful, think of playing God and determine who lives or who dies? My God, Papa I have kissed him!" She whispered, "I liked it. I feel as if he is a part of my very soul." She stood up, appalled that she echoed those words out loud.

"Papa, what do I do? Do I leave? Do I just disappear and forget all of this ever happened?" She shook her head. "How can I even think that would even be possible now?"

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A few hours later, Christine returned to Phantasma. Her plan was to gather up some things and spend a few days away to think about everything that had happened since she'd been back. She was going to write a short note to both Raoul and Erik, asking to give her time so could sort things out. She was thankful that she didn't run into anyone on her way back to the house.

She wrote the letter to Raoul first. She knew that one would be quite simple. A short note to tell him not to worry but she needed a few days by herself. She wrote about knowing how much he was depending upon her but she need to be honest with herself first. For if she chose to help him win the bet, she had to make sure she had no doubts of Erik's intentions.

She sealed it up and placed it on the side. She then looked at the blank piece of paper and trembled a little. For she knew that the letter to Erik wouldn't be so simple for her to write. How could she write down, what she didn't really understand herself yet? Still it had to be done. She picked up her pen but before she was able to even get through the greeting, she stopped and decided she needed a glass of water.

She calmed herself and opened the door to go down into the kitchen, only she was shocked to see a letter on the floor by her door, with her name on it. She picked it up and knew instantly it was from Erik.

Without a second thought, she stepped back inside her room and closed the door. Next, she ripped open the envelope and began to read.

My Dearest, Christine

Words are so primitive in terms of offering an apology or explanation for my actions. In writing to you, I feel a little disgraceful because while I do apologize to you for my behavior, I cannot apologize for my anger. I suppose I haven't been able to free myself from its hold. I am weak, you see and may never be as strong as you are.

You. So strong to forgive my past sins and allow me the grace to train your voice again. You showed so much trust in me and I… I am not able to offer you the same trust in return. It isn't you, angel. It is me. I am afraid that exposing you to my life, will ultimately tear you away from me forever. Isn't it humorous, that the very thing I fear will take you from me, is actually keeping us apart?

I am not brave like you, Christine. But I do know better than to drag you down with me. I am going away. With the investigation, I can't have the good people of Phantasma mixed up in all this. Annie and Nadir will run the park in my absence. I still have dreams of making this park a great oasis for amusement and fun and I know it can be done but I need to clear my name first. So I am going back to a place that I never dreamed I would return to. I'm going to try and find the only man that knows the truth about what happened that horrible night, other than me. I won't be back, until I can hold my head up high as a free man.

Please do not worry about your voice. I have taken the liberty of arranging for you to leave and study with a very well-known tutor in Germany. I have commissioned him to take you on personally and his fee has already been paid. He is very good, Christine. He will help you achieve greatness. For you see, it isn't very important who it is that tutors you. It's all in you. It's all up to you. You will train and be disciplined and work hard and one day, we will all know the name of the Soprano of the Century, Christine Daee. Do not give up on your dreams. Show the world the brave, strong woman that you already are inside.

When you are ready to leave, see Nadir. He has all the information and will take care of your lodging, transportation and escort you safely to Germany.

Lastly, I wish to thank you for allowing me a taste of joy in seeing you again and letting me dream of what could have been between us, if only things were different.

Be happy, angel. Live well and please when you think back to your early days, I ask that you will think of me fondly, now that we have said goodbye.

Erik

Tears were in her eyes as she read the letter again. She then shook her head frantically.

"No! He can't leave. I have to stop him!"

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"Erik, I can't accept this money. You will need it!" Nadir forced the fistful of francs back into Erik's hand.

"Daroga, I'm the one leaving you with a mountain of mouths to feed and look after. Besides, you will need some of that for…. Incidentals." He gave Nadir a knowing look that brought them both back to their days in Persia. "I'll be fine. Remember, I am trusting you and Annie to keep this place going."

"And we will. I can't take your money, Erik."

"It isn't for you to spend on ale and wine, Daroga! It's for emergencies and in case anything is needed while I am away. Besides, I was saving it to expand the park. It will be used for good measure. I travel light, remember?"

"Erik." Nadir didn't know what more he could say. "I'm sorry about…."

"Don't." Erik placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "I am to blame. I haven't allowed myself peace with Raoul and it got the better of me. She was right to run and…"

"You deserve love and happiness. You most of all."

"When she seeks you out, please don't hesitate to get her out of here. I don't want de Chagny using her as more bait. When I return, I'll know that Raoul will hold nothing against me."

"Erik, you don't have to come back. Maybe you should find a new life…" Nadir saw Erik's visible profile and quickly added, "It's not that I want you gone, But Allah, knows it would be safer for you if you did leave France forever."

Erik stood in silence for a minute. "Maybe after this is all over. Despite all he has taken from me, I will not have him run me out of my country forever. If I leave, it will not be because he forced me to hide away. After this is all over, I will not hide any longer."

Nadir had tears in his eyes. Erik groaned. "Now, don't tell me my niece has made you soft!"

Nadir laughed "I have something in my eye, that's all."

"That's better." He then gabbed Nadir's arm. "Take good care of the women I love, Daroga. They are my life."

He nodded. "I won't let you down." He moved to hug him but noticed that Erik backed away. "Come, man, it's just a hug amongst friends."

"Save it for our reunion." He laughed.

Nadir placed a few documents in an envelope. "Claude sent these for you. I know he had to act quickly before he lost all of his privileges but the seal is dry and you can travel easily with these papers."

Erik took them and placed them in his suit pocket. "Thank him for me, will you?"

"Of course."

"I know I was out of line before. One day, I'll make it up to him and Annie."

"Just be safe."

Erik nodded. "Okay, so I think you have everything." He heard the office door open and turned around. He shook his head in disbelief. "Christine? What are you doing here?"

"I read your letter and you can't leave."

Erik gave her a weak smile. "Angel, it's alright. I meant everything I said. Nadir will…."

"With all due respect to Nadir and this excellent German vocal instructor, I already have a vocal instructor. He's a genius. I know that, as sure as I know my own name. What I don't know is much more about his life and he doesn't really know mine either. See, I'm not brave and truthful, like you think I am. I say words to you one minute and then run away from you the next. How is that brave?"

"Christine, please. You owe me nothing. I meant every word in my letter."

"I know you did. You were so incredibly selfless. I am so ashamed." She couldn't hold back her tears.

"Christine…." Erik turned to Nadir. "Get her some water." He then came up to her and took her in his arms. "Don't waste your tears on me. I am not worthy of them."

"Angel, I am the one who is not worthy. I have no right to ask you for anything but… I want to know your story but not until you fully trust me and know mine. There's only one logical conclusion to make that happen. You have to stay."

"I can't stay, Christine. There will be an investigation. I spoke of it in my letter."

"I don't know very much about that, except that the Vicomte is running it, is that right?"

"More or less. Don't worry, I won't let him use you as bait. Once you leave here, you will be safe."

"There you go again. You're not even thinking about yourself right now. You're just going to go way, alone? How will I ever get to know you? How will you get to know me?"

"Christine, it's too dangerous for everyone if I stay."

"I thought you would say that." She smiled. "Then I'll just have to go with you."