CHAPTER 29

Phantasma had been built on the bones of an earlier development for a smaller amusement park, now its grandeur rivaled that of the other two parks on the island. It was considered the best of all the attractions Coney had to offer, and its owner's genius for entertaining patrons with sights, sounds, and mystery was the reason.

Erik took pride in all he'd created and made sure that even the smallest effort resulted in unmitigated success, but there was never a small effort on his part. Even though he had less of himself to give in invention and innovation these days, he made sure that what existed was still at its best.

He'd started the tradition of offering special shows and events for certain holidays, and none were as special as all Hallows eve. On that night, the entire park came to life with a special type of decadence and the center of it all was the monsters ball. Anything was allowed, guests came masked and costumed to mingle, dance and watch the freaks put on a show.

This would be the fifth year of the celebration. If Lisa did attend, he wanted to be the only one to unmask her. But as the sun set and the festivities began, he stood staring at the portrait of Christine that hung in his room over the small alter he'd erected.

His eyes inventoried the collection of valuables he kept in her memory. The veil she'd left behind in his lair that Meg had retrieved for him. The ring that had been meant to be their wedding ring, the necklace and earrings she'd worn for her last performance.

Over the years he'd come to this portrait for solace. His beloveds eyes always gave him the sympathy and love he'd needed to make it through another day. Tonight, they seemed distant. As much as he begged for some leave from them he could ascertain nothing from their unblinking stare.

How could he even consider the embrace of another after having known the rapturous love of his Christine? No one could ever fill the part of his heart that was forever hers, but could there be enough of a heart left to beat anew? Would he be betraying her love? A part of him felt that even in death a love such as theirs demanded unending faithfulness?

Love never dies. Like an echo he heard the words she'd sung, his words that he'd written for her. But the message in the lyrics seemed to have evolved. Once they had spoken of his love for Christine, then they were the love of father and son, now they touched a raw part of him that trembled like a new born babe.

Erik paced before the portrait, glancing at it periodically. His mind felt jumbled with a cavalcade of thoughts. He could never love another the way he'd loved her. Erik's heart hammered against his ribs threateningly, and he reflexively grasped his hand to his chest as if needing to keep it from escaping. How could he banish that traitorous organ once and for all from his being?

"Oh Christine, what am I to do?" he begged.

Just love, just live. Just give what you can give, and take the love that you deserve. Her voice seemed to emanate from the harsh beat of his heart with those last words she'd spoken to him. Whatever it was he felt for Lisa, it didn't abate his love for Christine, it actually brought it into sharp relief.

He moved to stand as close to the picture as he could and glared into the soft portrayal of her face. It seemed to come alive and the face looking back at him shone with affection and love as her voice filled his head.

Who knows when love begins,
Who knows what makes it start
One day it's simply there
Alive inside your heart

It slips into your thoughts
It infiltrates your soul
It takes you by surprise
Then seizes full control

Try to deny it,

And try to protest,
But love won't let you go
Once you've been possessed

Love never dies
Love never falters,
Once it has spoken
Love is yours

Love never fades
Love never alters

Love lives on

They were his own words and Christine had brought them to life for him. Tears began to pool under his mask and slip from his eyes. Had it not been for his angel he'd never known the truth of what love is and been able to write the lyrics that had moved her soul and inspired her voice that night. And how did he honor that love in his life now?