Some have asked about a timeline - so here is what has transpired thus far:

Erik is 31, Christine is 20, Amir is in his late 40s, Anna and Charles are in their 50s

Erik finds her at 10 weeks until the festival.

At 12 days she sends the telegram to her parents.

At 20 days she TRIES to send the letter to her family - is accosted by the three creeps.

At 31 days she sings - leaving only 6 weeks until the festival.

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Guest Reviews:

Mystery: Thanks for not blaming Amir too much, he is rather confused by what he heard. Thank you very much for your compliment, but I must give my Beta and pre-readers a LOT of credit for catching my MANY mistakes before you all see them. I do try very hard to spell and use the correct grammar, but finger slips happen and my brain might go haywire at times. And if you read my story 'The Angel of Persia' you WILL find a lot of mistakes. Being my first I had not employed a beta yet and I intend to go back and correct all the boo boos in that one very soon. And "Amir jumping to conclusion speed" is REALLY fast!

MlleNikki: Thank you so very much for enjoying Mystery Behind the Mask. I got your reviews and thank you for them. I am glad the couch scene made you laugh outloud, I just loved playing Erik and Amir off one another, they were such good buddies...unlike in this story where they are more like Frenemies. ha ha. Thanks again and I look forward to hearing what you think of this story!

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Chapter 26

Misconceptions

Yet when Amir rounded the corner and rushed into the parlor he skidded to an immediate stop, the blade frozen in his hand as he stared at the scene that greeted him. He had expected to find an entirely different scenario playing out before him, one involving a couch, a struggling girl and - heaven forbid - a semi dressed Erik. However, what he saw was completely different. There was the sobbing Christine, sitting in a chair, fully clothed with only her one naked foot exposed in Erik's grasp. Both of them turned and looked in his direction, his entrance having been none too quiet.

While Christine was left wondering what had caused the ruckus, Erik's eyes took in the sight of the stunned man with the blade in his hand and his own eyes began to narrow in suspicion. Did that perverted Persian now assume that he was mistreating his little guest? Running the last few sentences they had spoken over in his mind, he could easily see how Amir might have misread the situation. Yet, understanding it, and forgiving him for it, were two different things!

"What…what is going on here?" the Daroga asked, still a bit unsure.

"Monsieur Amir?" Christine asked, a bit perplexed by his sudden appearance.

"Are you all right, my dear?" he questioned again, his eyes darting between the startled girl and Erik's menacing stare.

"I have injured my toe it seems, and Erik is attempting to….OUCH!" she cried out as Erik, taking full advantage of her distracted state, grabbed hold of her jammed toe and gave it a swift yank, setting it back in place.

"There we go, all better," he informed her in a rather smug voice.

"Erik! That was not nice!" she scolded, pulling her leg out from his grasp. Yet very soon, her anger melted away as she did indeed begin to feel the pain in her digit lessen considerably.

"Nice or not, it needed to be done if you were going to heal, Christine," Erik assured her, rising to his feet and reaching for her hand. "But the best thing for it now is to place it in some cold water to keep the swelling down. Any residual pain should subside by this evening, but soaking will accelerate the process." He then pulled her into a standing position as she did her best to balance on her uninjured foot. Before she could make any further protests, he scooped her up in his arms and headed for the lavatory, completely ignoring the flustered and now frightened looking Amir, who continued to stand just inside the doorway to the parlor.

Once they arrived, Erik sat Christine on the edge of the large bathtub, allowing her still shoed foot to hang safely outside of it. He then inserted the plug and began to fill it with a few inches of cold water.

"This should suffice," he informed her as the chilly liquid began to creep its way up her foot until it was completely submerged. "Allow it to soak for at least ten minutes and that will do it a world of good."

"How do you know so much about everything, Erik?" she asked, deciding that there was no subject that he did not seem to be an expert on.

"I do a lot of reading," he told her, his admission sounding almost sad for some reason. "And I knew the sooner I replaced your toe's location the better off you would be."

"Well…that was still not nice the way you did it. You could have at least warned me first," she huffed, swishing her foot around in the cold water.

"When you were aware of my intentions you were incapable of holding still," he explained with an exasperated roll of his eyes. "I simply took advantage of the Daroga's appearance to expedite matters. You cannot argue with my results."

"Argue…no," she mused, a slight smile coming to her face. "Take offence…most certainly!" Yet all her scorn was lost by the little giggle that followed, telling Erik that she did not truly hold it against him. "I am sorry I was such a baby about it all…but it hurt!"

"I know, Christine, and I am very sorry to have caused you further pain," he assured her. He then turned his head and looked towards the door. "Will you be all right here alone for a bit? I find I must deal with our unwanted houseguest."

Erik's tone had turned more serious and Christine could tell that he was upset with the Persian for some reason. Was it only because he had arrived so unexpectedly…or was something else bothering him.

"Please do not let him leave before I am finished here," Christine begged. "It would be nice to visit with him for a spell."

"Oh?" Erik turned back to look at her questioningly. Why would she possibly wish to speak with Amir? Was he alone no longer entertaining enough to fulfill her need for companionship?

"Would you please just ask him to stay a little longer?" she persisted, not offering up any further reasons.

"Very well..." he agreed with a long sigh. "I will see that he does not leave too quickly. Now you sit there and soak your foot for a while longer. I will return to fetch you when I think it has been a sufficient amount of time."

He waited for her to nod in agreement and then exited the room, making his way back to the parlor where the bane of his existence now paced anxiously. As he entered the room, Amir stopped and stared at Erik, half expecting him to lunge forward and grab him around the throat again for his most recent offence. Perhaps having put his blade back in his boot was not such a good idea after all?

Yet instead, Erik simply walked over to his chair and sat down, crossing one leg over his other knee and resting his elbows on the armrests with his fingers steepled together. Amir also took a seat opposite him, cautiously perched at the very edge of the chair, ready to jump up and run if things should suddenly turn violent.

"So…" Erik began in a low and threatening tone. "Once again you come bursting in like a white knight prepared to do battle with the evil dragon in order to protect the fair damsel."

"Erik…I…" Amir spoke up, attempting to defend himself, but he truly had nothing to say.

"The fact that you arrived holding a weapon was proof enough of your thoughts." Erik did not appear to be in the mood to listen to excuses. "Do you seriously believe me capable of such atrocities against her personage? You truly think me that kind of monster? I may be a killer, Daroga, but I would sooner be a slave to the Shah once again than harm a single hair on that girl's head!"

"Erik…I am sorry," Amir lamented, looking down in shame. "But when I heard Christine cry out…followed by some of what you said…I…I just…"

"Thought the worst of me…again!" Erik finished, his tone now a mixture of anger and hurt.

"I said I was sorry, what more can I do?" he asked in a pleading tone.

"A few things come to mind, but most would require me having to bother with disposing of your body," Erik huffed, turning his head as if he couldn't stand to look at him. He remembered Christine's previous words, of how she believed the Persian admired him. Ha! Her idea now seemed even more preposterous than before!

"Are you truly this incapable of forgiveness, Erik?" Amir asked, becoming defensive.

"Of course I am capable," he assured him. "I am more than willing to forgive any minor, innocent transgressions…as long as it is the fair Christine who is asking it of me." He then appeared to be giving it some thought. "However, I cannot imagine any scenario where an angel such as she would ever require my forgiveness…so the entire point is completely inconsequential."

"You are hopeless," the Persian muttered, rolling his eyes in exasperation.

"If that is the case, why do you continue to plague me with your presence?" Erik pressed.

"Because if it were not for me…if I had not intervened as I did back in Persia, then I would not lie awake at night and worry about what your next scheme might be or what you plan to do!" Amir fumed, his face turning an alarming shade of red. "Do you have any idea how this whole thing burdens my mind?"

"What exactly causes you such weighty concern?" Erik asked, his eyes narrowing just a bit.

"Her, blast you! Christine!" he just about exploded. "Can you not see just how unorthodox this is? What exactly are your intentions, Erik? What are your feelings towards the girl?"

"I do not understand what you mean," Erik lied smoothly. "She is here, she needs caring for and I provide this."

"Let me ask you this question then…and I want an honest answer," he warned, waiting until Erik gave a slight nod of agreement before he continued. "Do you find yourself thinking about her all the time?"

Now it was Erik's turn to become agitated and he began to squirm in his seat just a little.

"She is living in my home, you foolish man," Erik spat. "I take care of her, so of course she is on my mind. It would be impossible not to constantly think of her needs and wishes."

Amir gave a heavy sigh. "Let me try again. How would you feel if she left?"

This question caused Erik to bound from his chair and loom over the now frightened man as he gave a low and threatening growl.

"If you try and take her away from me, I will destroy you!" Erik swore, his fingers once more itching to encircle the Persian's throat.

"No! I did not mean me!" he protested, holding up his hand in defense as he leaned back in the chair in order to distance himself from Erik's menacing stare. "I have no death wish! But what if she told you that she was unhappy and wished to leave? What would you do then?"

Erik's eyes grew cold as he stared at Amir for a few seconds longer, then he began to pace the floor, raking his fingers through his hair in frustration.

"Christine can't leave…she…she needs her Erik," he insisted, almost as if he were speaking to himself and not the Persian.

"But what if she didn't need you?" he persisted, knowing he was treading on dangerous ground. "What if she asked to leave…would you force her to stay?"

Erik stopped his pacing and turned to look into the fireplace, watching the flames dance before his eyes as if in deep contemplation. Finally he placed his hand on the mantle and leaned forward, supporting himself as he spoke his next words.

"No…Erik would let her go," he admitted quietly. "He would not hold her here against her will."

"I see…" Amir said, bringing his hand up to rub his chin in thought.

"You see what? That Erik…that I am a fool?" he questioned bitterly, breaking out of his disturbing habit of speaking in third person.

"No…it would appear that I am the fool in this case. A fool for not seeing it sooner," he muttered, his eyes now taking on an almost sad expression.

"Seeing what?" Erik asked, still not bothering to look his way.

"That you truly are a man in love." At this, Erik turned and stared at Amir as if he had sprouted a second head. "You are in love with Christine Daae."

"I…" Erik began, but he found he could not speak another word, neither to confirm nor deny his statement. Was it true? Had he allowed his emotions of pity and concern for the girl morph into…love? He admitted he had feelings for her, deep ones in fact, but had they become so strong that they had finally touched his cold heart? The idea left his body shaking and wracked with sweat. He was not capable of love! Was he? He didn't know what to do with such feelings for another person, knew nothing about how to woo and cajole. He was Erik…a killer, a scoundrel and a monster…not someone who could love! "It appears you are correct, Amir…" Erik replied at last. "You are a fool! Love is not meant for me, Daroga. I am incapable of such a thing and you should know it."

"Then I pity you, Erik," he said with a sad shake of his head. "For in the other room there is a woman who could honestly learn to care for you."

"Why? Because she is blind?" Erik spat back. "Because she is one of the very few in this world who can actually stand to be around me since she cannot see this monstrosity I call a face?"

"No…because for once in your life you have allowed someone to see the real you…the man you are inside," Amir continued, not deterred by Erik's angry outburst. "Someone even I have never managed to fully catch a glimpse of…until now. I always knew you had great potential, Erik. Dare I believe that you also have the capacity for love as well? You have both been hurt by this world…perhaps you two can help mend each other's pain. You were made for one another, but with Christine you mustn't…" the Persian began, yet thought better of whatever he intended to say and ended simply with a paternal sounding warning. "Just be careful, Erik. For both your sakes."

Erik opened his mouth to say more but the voice of Christine calling his name from the other room stopped him, making him give a silent curse. He had allowed himself to become so wrapped up in his argument with Amir that he had forgotten he left her soaking her foot in the tub. Without a word, he left the room and headed back into the lavatory.

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"I think I am finished," Christine announced when she heard him enter. "My toes feel all pruney." She then held up her bare foot as if to show him the evidence of her statement.

"Forgive me, Christine," he apologized, reaching for a towel. His agitation over what Amir said left no time for embarrassment to set in over his close proximity to her naked appendage. "Has the pain lessened any?"

"Yes, quite a bit in fact," she assured him.

"Excellent. Though I still insist that you remain off of it for at least a day, maybe two. I do not want you to reinjure it from hobbling around," he warned as he scooped her up in his arms once again and headed out the door, stopping only long enough to grab a replacement stocking from her drawer.

"So you intend to carry me around like a child for the rest of the day?" she laughed, lacing her hands around the back of his neck to assist him.

"I will do what needs to be done and nothing more," he insisted, in a matter-of-fact voice.

"So serious," she teased, her face scrunching into a playful frown. "I take it your conversation with the Daroga, as you call him, was not a pleasant one?"

"He was his normal irritating self and if it were not for your previous request, he would have already been tossed out on his ear," Erik informed her as they entered the sitting room. He had not attempted to keep his voice low and only hoped the Daroga had heard every word. From the narrowed eyes and scowl on his face as they entered, he believed that he had. This pleased Erik greatly.

"Mademoiselle, I do hope you are feeling better," Amir spoke up, breaking the tension that Erik seemed to create whenever he entered a room.

"Yes, I am, thank you for asking," she nodded as Erik sat her down in his large, comfortable chair and pulled up the footstool for her to rest her injured foot upon. He then took a few steps away, yet remained at a protective distance, his arms crossed and a warning glare in his eyes.

"I must apologize for bursting in like I did, it was very rude of me," Amir continued, not wishing her to think he had no manners at all. "I confess that I heard you cry out and became alarmed, thinking something was amiss."

"Oh, it was! However, it was my own clumsy fault," she laughed as she gingerly slipped on the thick warm stocking Erik had procured for her now chilly foot. "I honestly do not know how Erik puts up with me. I am nothing but a constant source of trouble for him."

"I am sure he does not see it that way at all," Amir chuckled, doing his best not to take note of the scalding look Erik was giving him. "So tell me, what projects have you been working on lately? I noticed you are in the middle of creating a very handsome looking cap there." Amir gestured towards the knitting basket that sat beside the sofa, displaying her latest attempt at creativity.

"It is meant to be a tea cozy!" she huffed, trying to appear affronted, but failing miserably.

"A thousand pardons!" Amir sincerely apologized. "I fear as a man I am quite inept at judging such things by sight. Of course it is a tea cozy…how silly of me."

His genuine fear of having offended her was plain and that made Christine burst into laughter. Men were such silly creatures.

"I am hardly insulted, Monsieur," she assured him. "I will be the first to admit that I am far from talented when it comes to knitting."

"Well do not give up, Mademoiselle Christine," Amir said in a placating voice. "I am certain if you keep searching, you will indeed find a talent you do excel at."

"There is no need for further searching," Erik spoke up, a touch of pride in his tone. "We have already found her calling and one she is more than capable of answering with great furor."

"Knitting?" Amir questioned, a skeptical look on his face as he once more eyed the deceptive tea cozy.

"No! Singing!" Erik huffed, sounding as if the Persian was the most stupid man alive…and perhaps in Erik's mind he was. "Christine is a marvelous singer! She has the voice of an angel and the talent to be a great star!"

"She…she does?" This was indeed a shock to Amir, not only learning that Christine had a lovely voice, but that Erik deemed it good enough for such high praise. Although, now that he took a moment to think about it, his masked friend's opinion could simply stem from his unspoken love for the girl and in truth she possessed only a passably acceptable voice. A quick glance at the painting that now resided over the fireplace was a prime example of Erik's inability to be impartial where she was concerned. Still, Amir would not argue the point, he had already insulted her knitting, he was not about to do the same with her voice. "That is wonderful. I am very pleased for you."

Erik could easily read Amir's skepticism and the thought that the Persian doubted him - as well as Christine - truly irked him. How dare that tone-deaf, nuisance of a man question his musical critique! He truly was a fool!

"I see you doubt my word, Daroga!" Erik barked, his hands falling to his sides as they balled into fists. "Perhaps a demonstration will convince you otherwise?"

"I never said I doubted you, Erik," Amir protested, then looking over at Christine he added, "I am sure you have a very lovely voice."

"Lovely does not even come close to describing it," Erik continued, once more scooping up Christine like she weighed nothing. "Come, my dear. I think it is time we showed him the truth, just so that he will have a fine meal this evening…as he dines on crow!"

"Erik…I don't know…" Christine began to protest as he carried her to the music room, followed closely behind by a confused Amir. "I…I am not sure I am ready to sing for an audience."

"Nonsense," Erik insisted, setting her down gently next to the piano as she braced herself up against it. "Think of the Daroga merely as a test subject…he will be the first of many in Paris you will amaze and astound with your voice." And before she could further protest, he sat down at the piano and began to play the intro to the song they had practiced all morning.

Christine kept her eyes on the floor as she began to sing, picking up her cue like a professional as Erik played on. At first she sounded a bit nervous, knowing that there were more than Erik's eyes on her this time, but soon she was able to forget all of that and became lost in the music, allowing her voice to soar. When she was finished and the final notes from the piano faded away, there was nothing left but the sound of her heavy breathing, her efforts having left her winded.

"Now what do you have to say, Daroga?" Erik asked in a smug tone as he turned and stared at the gaping man.

"I…I truly have no words," Amir admitted, completely in awe of what he had just heard. At first he had been shocked to see that Erik was so proficient at the piano, having never heard the man play before. Oh, he had suspected, from conversations and his odd fascination with instruments back in Persia, but that was something his masked friend had always kept to himself…until now.

Yet all of that had been immediately forgotten as the first note issued forth from Christine's lips. Over the next minute or so he had been completely transported to another world, one where music and perfection reigned on high. Amir could see why Erik was so quick to boast about her abilities, for indeed she possessed a great talent. It was no wonder they were so amazingly compatible…they were like two sides of the same coin. Both remarkably gifted, yet while one had the appearance of an angel, the other possessed the face of…well, certainly nothing of a heavenly nature. It broke Amir's heart to see how Erik had watched her with such devotion while she sang, his gaze never leaving her as he obviously played from his heart. The poor man was perhaps even farther gone than the Persian had originally believed.

Amir rose from his seat and walked over to where Christine stood, and taking her hand in his, he kissed the back of it reverently.

"My lady, I have never heard such beauty before," he praised. "I offer you my humblest of apologies for ever doubting you. That was perfection."

"Thank you very much, Monsieur," Christine replied, a blush coming to her cheeks over his flattering words.

"Then it will come as no shock to hear that Christine will be auditioning for the role of lead soprano for the Opera Garnier at the festival being held in less than a month and a half," Erik informed him with a smug smile, standing up from the bench and removing Christine's hand from the Persian's offending grasp. "In fact, that was the sole purpose which brought Miss Daae to Paris in the first place."

Amir's eyes grew wide at this information, clearly seeing the irony of it all.

"Well…that is indeed a…fortuitous turn of events, now isn't it?" he muttered, shaking his head at the whole idea. Just one more piece of the intricate puzzle, so to speak, in his theory about the two of them. Fate certainly had a very interesting sense of humor.

"Yes…isn't it?" Erik agreed, yet the tone in his voice caused Amir to stare at him in confusion, reading more into his cryptic words than perhaps Christine would. He was instantly aware that he would need to proceed with caution once more as it was obvious that Erik was hiding something from the girl. His life could easily hang in the balance if he were to inadvertently say too much and let something slip. "And on that note, we have a favor to ask of you, Daroga. It would seem that Christine has been waiting for a letter from the Opera Garnier that is to inform her of when her audition will be held. Would you be so kind as to check if that correspondence has been sent out and redirect the message here?"

At first Amir was at a loss as to how he should respond, but a none-too subtle nod from Erik gave him the answer.

"Of course, I would be happy to," he agreed enthusiastically. He ignored the fact that there was no way he would ever be able to get his hands on any of her personal mail since it was more than likely resting at the police station with her other belongings…which he still had not discovered a way to retrieve, as Erik had requested.

"Fine, then it is settled," Erik said, clapping his hands together and giving them an almost gleeful rub. "Amir will discover when your audition will be and all you need to do, my dear, is keep preparing for it."

"Are you sure you don't mind, Monsieur Amir?" Christine asked, still not as convinced as Erik. "I do not wish to put you to any pains on my account."

"Nonsense, I would be delighted to assist in any way possible," Amir assured her. Besides he kind of got the impression everything had already been handled by Erik and he was just to play the front man.

"Then you have my thanks," she told him with a smile that could melt the coldest heart. "Would you care for a cup of tea, Monsieur Amir? I may not be the best at making it just yet, but even Erik will now drink what I brew without complaint…well not too many anyway." The jovial tone in her voice was not missed by Amir, neither was the annoyed huff that Erik made over her jest.

"I would love to have tea with you, my dear," Amir assured her, more excited about putting one over on Erik than the actual offer of a hot beverage.

"Then it is such a shame that we used the last of our supply just this morning," Erik broke in, though for some reason he did not sound as disappointed as his words might claim. "Perhaps next time, Daroga."

"Hmmmm, yes…next time," Amir agreed, giving Erik a squinty look and a low hum of displeasure. "I suppose it is for the best, because I truly must be going."

"So soon?" Now Christine did sound genuinely disappointed and that at least stroked Amir's ego, as well as made Erik fume a bit more. "I understand, but it was a pleasure talking with you."

"And it was my great pleasure to hear you sing, Mademoiselle Christine," Amir told her, as Erik began to none too gently escort him to the door. "I look forward to another performance next time," he called over his shoulder, never getting to hear what she might have said to that, for by then he was already being shoved down the hall and towards the still wide opened door.

Erik stopped and stared at it and then back at Amir, a perturbed look on his face. "Were you born in a barn?" he asked, with a roll of his eyes.

"I…I was a bit distracted at the time," the Persian said in defense. "Besides, I might have needed a quick exit and how the hell do I know how to open any of your blasted doors?"

"A secret I intend to guard closely," Erik muttered as the two of them stepped outside.

"Well, I hope you do not intend on keeping how I am supposed to get my hands on this mysterious letter a secret," Amir said, crossing his arms and looking at Erik expectantly.

"That will be quite simple," he responded with a smug smile. "The letter announcing Christine's audition date will be delivered to the home of my young assistant, Victor Batton." He stopped here and gave Amir a knowing look. "And if my suspicions are correct, I believe the two of you are already well acquainted."

Amir simply gave a harrumph and refused to answer.

"The letter will inform Christine that her scheduled date is but a little over a week from now and thus she will need to spend every waking moment in preparation," Erik continued. "Although in truth, she could march up there tomorrow and still easily win a slot to perform the night of the festival. Yet with my aid, she shall do more than win…she will triumph! I can easily guarantee her stunning success."

"But you won't…correct?" Amir asked, his voice now sounding worried. "You would not go so far as to rig the festival or coerce the managers into giving her the title…would you?"

"Of course not! I will remain an impartial bystander where her performance is concerned," Erik answered, sounding affronted. "Christine has the talent and skill to win this contest in her sleep, she will not be needing the assistance of the Opera Ghost whatsoever. Nevertheless, should I hear as much as a whisper of collusion among the judges, even a hint of bribery, I will not hesitate to set things right. Christine will win this contest, no doubt about it, but she shall win fairly."

"Very well, I believe you," the Persian nodded. "I will go by Monsieur Batton's home tomorrow and speak with him about the letter. When it arrives I will deliver it to you immediately."

"We will anxiously await your visit," Erik agreed.

This response made Amir chuckle slightly, causing Erik to cock his head to the side as if trying to guess the reason for his unexpected mirth.

"I bet you never thought you would be saying those words, now did you?" he laughed, causing Erik to roll his eyes.

"Just remember your assignments!" the now irritated masked man ordered, giving him a shove towards the tunnels. "Bring us the letter and don't forget you still need to find a way to get her personal effects from the police station."

"I have not forgotten…but it will take time, Erik!" he whined.

"Just see that it gets done!" He then turned and reentered the house, shutting the door loudly as an indication that their conversation was officially over.

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When he made his way back to the music room he was greeted with a stern looking Christine, her arms folded over her chest and her lips pursed in a tight frown.

"Tell me honestly, Erik," she began. "Are we truly out of tea…or did you just wish to get rid of Monsieur Amir?"

Erik took a deep breath and swallowed hard before he answered…truthfully.

"We have plenty of tea," he admitted in a contrite voice. "But that man is like a stray cat…feed him once and he will just keep coming back!" The last part was said in a plaintive tone, one that almost sounded like a whining child, causing all thoughts of further scolding to fly from Christine's mind.

"Oh, Erik," she laughed. "You do make it rather difficult to remain upset with you."

This thought made him smile, such information might prove useful in the future.

"Besides, with him here to distract us, how would we ever find time to practice?" he pointed out, always eager to get back to their music.

"We had lessons all morning, Erik," Christine protested. "When do I get a break? You are more of a slave driver than my mother ever was when trying to get me to practice…and that is saying something!"

"Then I compliment your maternal figure on knowing the importance of training and consistency," Erik huffed.

"Oh, yes, you two would become fast friends immediately, bonding over your combined efforts to make me sing night and day!" By now Christine was grinning from ear to ear, not at all upset, as her words might have indicated. "So do we begin now, or wait until after dinner?"

"Now would suit me fine," Erik offered hopefully.

"Then now it shall be, Maestro," she told him with a wobbly curtsey, doing her best to avoid putting undue weight on her injured toe.

And so they sang…and sang…and sang. Right through dinner and on into the night, and neither one seemed to notice or care one bit.

Well, looks like Amir eluded the cold hand of the Grim Reaper once again. Ha ha ha, that man has more lives than an alley cat!

Wow...Erik almost went ballistic on him there when Amir was questioning Erik's intentions towards Christine and his wish to 'keep' her. But it shows how much he loves her...even if he will not admit it to himself.

Amir was quite impressed with Christine's singing, huh?

And DO you think Erik and Christine's Mom would become fast friends? Do you? ha ha.

And look! No cliffie!