Hello Dear Friends! I am back and I think it is safe to say that the holiday season has officially started for all. Now, if I could only get Santa to bring me a nice, new job this year…A girl can dream. But you guys don't want to hear about that. So enough about me, it's show time!

"Melanie, please stop! You have been running away from me for the last two days. How big do you think this ship is?"

"Apparently not big enough!" She turned around with an exasperated look on her face. "Raoul, you have been unbearable ever since you stormed over to my table the other night. I told you then that I wanted nothing more to do with you. What makes you think my feelings have changed since then?"

"All I want is to have an opportunity to talk. Don't you think it is more than a coincidence for us to be together on the exact same ship?"

She looked at him silently for a moment and then sighed. "No, Raoul. Now if you would just let me be."

He stood still as she walked further away from him, only to call out to her once more. "Why can't we start again?"

She almost cringed as she slowly turned back to face him. "Why can't you see that it's over? I am not some victory medal for you to display as your latest conquest. You had your chance to pick us and you didn't. You wanted to marry Christine. Don't misunderstand me, she is a lovely girl but she too must have seen through your lies when she left you at the church. Are you only pleading your devotion to me because you have been rejected, Raoul? I seem to recall you telling me that de Chagnys are never rejected. What happens now?"

Raoul didn't know how to respond to Melanie's observation regarding Christine. Yes, she left him at the altar but they did marry. He knew if he told Melanie the truth he would lose her forever. Besides, it was his father who kept pushing and pushing him to do it. He was under the assurance that when he returned, his so called marriage would no longer be an issue.

I may never get this chance with her again. All I need is some time to reconnect with Melanie. My marriage to Christine will be obsolete soon anyway. I am sure father will handle the matter. If things go according to plan, no one will ever know of the marriage or my altercations. After all, Christine chose her fate when she chose that thing over me! Her demise is her own fault, not mine. I need to take this opportunity and make it work to my advantage. Melanie will not leave me again!

"Melanie, I wasn't thinking clearly. You know my love for you has no rival. I wish for us to begin again. Please allow us a chance. If for no other reason, do it out of necessity, for I will continue to follow you everywhere until you consent. Your final days on the ship could be treasured or a complete nuisance."

She made a wiry grin. "I am slightly vindicated that you do acknowledge your presence to be a nuisance."

He laughed. "Let me make it all up to you. Let me show you the man I can be with you on my arm."

"Raoul….."

He moved closer to her. "If after the ship docks, you want me as far away from you as possible, then I will never bother you again."

"How can I trust you?"

"Because you know me. You have always known me better than anyone, even myself." He extended his hand out to her.

As her hand touched his, she uttered these words. "Do not make a fool out of me for trusting you again, Raoul. For I swear to you on my life, it will be the very last time and this is your very last chance."

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A few weeks went by and Christine's voice had returned, thanks to Erik's care and the demise of Dr. Ronzert's tea. However, she was still apprehensive about singing and was careful to not overexert herself. Their days at the cottage were peaceful but with all the focus going to her recovery, Erik hadn't confided to her yet about his time in Persia and thus progressing their intimate relationship seemed to be at a standstill.

She sat in the music room allowing Erik's beautiful melody to soothe her, while she wrote of her concerns in her journal. She had become so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't seem to notice when Erik stopped playing and sat down beside her.

"Angel?"

"Hmm? Oh precious, I am sorry. I was just…."

"Lost in your words?" He grinned.

She blushed, hoping he couldn't guess what she had written about and how she longed to move their relationship further. "Yes, actually. The music was beautiful. I don't think I ever heard it before. Did you just write it?"

He took her hand in his. "No, it was from before. Yet I do have something new in my mind, only I can't seem to give it a voice without you."

"Me?"

"Yes, you." He motioned to the journal. "Do you need more time or can we talk?"

The instant he asked for her undivided attention, she closed up her journal and placed it on the table. She then cuddled up closer to him. "I am yours."

He kissed her fingertips and then her lips. "I know you are scared but your voice has returned stronger than ever. I see no reason why we cannot resume our singing lessons." He could see her tense up but he pulled her closer to him. "Christine, you can't abandon the very part of you that makes you alive. In time, it will eat at you, change you. Your remaining silent is giving victory over all the de Chagnys. But they can't keep your spirit or your soul in chains or in a cage."

"Erik….."

"Please, let me finish." He looked at her with such love and then spoke her fears out loud. "Don't let them or your fears trap you in a cage. Your voice was meant for all to hear. We both know that. I know you are scared but I am here and just as we both nurtured your speaking voice, we can do the same with your singing. It may take time but that is something we both have and I for one would love nothing more than to spend our days in song. Furthermore, I am hopelessly addicted to your voice and need it in order to give my compositions meaning."

"Angel…." She caressed his cheek. "I know I have been holding back but what if my singing causes people to start talking and they alert Raoul or the Comte or….."

"Christine, your public performances would not happen until we are safely away in our new home. You should know by now that I leave nothing to chance, least of all with your safety."

"What if I can't perform?"

"You will grace the stage again. We will be careful but….."

"It has nothing to do with our identities, it has to do with my skillset. What if I can't do it anymore or like I once did?"

Erik knew she was scared, so he arched his brow and looked at her for a moment. "Do you dare doubt your maestro's abilities? My dear, really! Have some faith in me."

She shook her head, trying to masquerade her grin. "Not you, angel. Me. What if….."

"It will change nothing that is between us. However, you worry too much. For even if you are unable to sing as before, which I doubt, you will still have your trained ear and your passion and excitement for the music. I need that just as much as your own voice to inspire and encourage me. Besides, I can teach you to play the piano and we could have competitions."

He laughed, which caused her to laugh. "Oh Erik, how I love you."

"And I love you, my dear. He then kissed her brow. "I know the last few weeks have been focused on your treatment but I have not forgotten that I owe you the last chapter of my life before coming to the Opera House. I just wanted to make sure your health wasn't in question."

"I was worried that you might shy away from telling me. Erik, I do not want us to go backwards, only forwards and we are so close now, I want us to be even closer. If Persia is the only remaining obstacle preventing us from becoming one, I don't want to wait anymore."

"I know and I want to tell you, only I arranged a little surprise a few weeks back and I am happy to say it is finally in place."

"A surprise? Where is it?" She began looking around the room.

Erik laughed out loud again. "How I love your curiosity."

She looked at him suspiciously. "There was a time, when you hated it."

"Never hated, love. I just didn't understand how much a part of you it was"

"Well, where is it?"

"I couldn't get it here, so we will need to take a little trip. It will be the last one before we have to depart France for good."

She nodded. She knew it was only a matter of time but she still regretted their having to leave because of her. "Do you have some place in mind?"

"A few but I want your thoughts on the destinations. Yet it will be easier once we are away to talk about it. Until then we must hurry, the train leaves in two hours."

"Two hours? What should I pack?"

He grinned. "I took the liberty of putting a few things together." He motioned to the hallway and she saw their bags on the floor.

"I see." She marveled at his ability to not only surprise but be so organized and prepared. "You really leave nothing to chance, do you?"

"Not when it come to your happiness or safety."

He was about to get up when she stopped him. "Wait a moment, Monsieur. If we are all packed, what are we going to do for the next two hours? It should only take 15 minutes to walk to the station.

"You don't say? Well, I had hoped that you would try and get the surprise out of me. We all know how good you are at acquiring information." He winked.

"Is that a challenge?" She grinned as her hand started to move up and down his shirt.

"You tell me."

He leaned back waiting for her attack. Fortunately for Erik, it didn't take long and soon he was losing the battle as he willingly surrendered to Christine's kisses.

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As they clung to one another in comfortable silence on the train, Christine sat smugly in her victory over Erik, reveling in the fact that they were going to see Bets and Aaron again. Erik smiled as he watched his angel looking triumphant over her quest. Although, truthfully he had no intention of winning that battle. For he was able to enjoy Christine's sweet kisses, all the while knowing she would never even think to guess who else would be joining them on their visit back to the conservatory.

She caught his glance and blushed. "From the look on your face, you would think that you won this afternoon's challenge." She was happy she had convinced him to take off his flesh mask while they were alone in their compartment.

"Who's to say I didn't? Hmm?"

"Well, perhaps it was a win-win for both of us?" She giggled.

"Perhaps." He then looked out at the country side.

"Erik, is there something you are not telling me?"

"Me? Come now, my dear. I am an open book." He then kissed her cheek before standing up. "You only need to open to the right page." He winked before placing his mask on and leaving the compartment.

"Erik! Erik, get back here!"

He poked his head back inside. "Christine, you mustn't strain your voice. I will return with refreshments."

She sighed before she laughed out loud. "Fiend!"

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Bets was in the kitchen, delighted that she had a full house to cook for again. She turned around to grab a spoon, when the face of her husband greeted her with a kiss.

"I did not agree to have all these people over so that my wife would remain hidden in the kitchen all this time!"

"Goodness, you startled me. Here, taste this." She took the spoon and filled it with the stew she had been cooking and then placed it in his mouth. She watched him for a minute or two. "Well?"

"I stand corrected. Maybe you should be in this kitchen more often." He laughed as he brought her to him and kissed her again. "I have a better idea. Why don't I just stay in here with you?" He went to kiss her again.

"Aaron, behave. What would Nadir and Antoinette think?"

He shrugged. "Maybe they will get the hint? It's ridiculous. Those two could use an hour or so locked in a room together."

"Aaron! That's none of our business."

"Is that so? And was Erik and Christine your business? I seem to recall someone sticking her nose in-between those two."

"And you told me to stop."

"And I was wrong. There, I said it."

"Finally, you admit it." She smiled. "In that case, maybe this conservatory will work its magic again and have another couple admit their love for each other?"

"With role models like us, how can they not?" He reached for anther spoonful of stew and another kiss.

"Aaron, I can't wait to see them again. I didn't think we would the last time they were both here."

"Just goes to show that once it is meant to be, it is meant to be."

"Did you tell the children?"

Aaron looked offended. "Nadir asked me to keep it quiet. I am not about to go breaking my promises. Besides, they won't be here until after Erik and Christine's train comes in."

Bets laughed. "I knew there was a reason you were so good at keeping a secret."

"You could silence me in other ways too." He leaned in and she pretended she did not see him. So he leaned in closer but she ignored him again. Finally, he spun her around and took her by the shoulders as he planted a big kiss to her lips.

"Excuse me…. I am so sorry!"

Aaron laughed as Bets turned around. "It's alright, Nadir. Can we get you anything?"

"No, I was just getting anxious. I can't thank you enough for allowing this little reunion. When Erik asked me to arrange it I had mixed blessings. Of course, I wanted to see them both but there is danger for all of us. While the Comte's inquiries have seemed to die down, I don't think they will ever be safe until they leave France."

Bets looked upset. "It's a shame. All they did was fall in love. Why are so many people wanting to hurt the Professor and Christine like that?"

Nadir chose his words cautiously. "I'm afraid that some people are determined to live in the past. While others, seek to move ahead to the future. It appears that our young couple and the de Chagnys do not have the same philosophy."

"Nadir, did you see my….. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize this way lead to the kitchen."

"Perfectly alright, Antoinette. Please, join us. We were just talking about how good it will be to see the Professor and Christine again."

Antoinette's smile beamed. "Yes, it will. I have missed them both so much. Thank you for allowing us to come here. We know it must have been a great imposition."

Aaron shook his head, "Nonsense! I owe that man, my business. He is a genius. Besides, if Viviane and Tobias knew that Erik and Christine were here and we never told them…." He made a face. "There would be hell to pay."

"Aaron, your mouth!"

"Do I lie?"

Bets shook her head smiling. "No, but still watch your mouth." She then turned to Nadir and Antoinette. "Would either of you like something before dinner?"

"I'm fine. Annie, do you need anything?"

"No, thank you Bets." She then turned to Nadir, "I can answer for myself."

He rolled his eyes, looking defeated. "As you wish." He then looked at his pocket watch.

"Are you sure we shouldn't head out to the station?" Antoinette asked.

"Erik said he would make the arrangement, something about not wanting to spoil the surprise."

Just then they all heard a knock at the door.

Aaron looked up. "The man is nothing if not punctual."

"I'll say." Nadir nodded in agreement.

Aaron opened the door but to his surprise it wasn't Erik and Christine waiting for him. Instead he was greeted by the familiar sounds of two arguing children.

"It is not a silly dance. Just because you couldn't find anyone to go with you, do not make it sound silly."

"Please, just some dumb excuse to get dressed up in uncomfortable clothes and waste money. I also wouldn't be bragging about my escort if I were you. You can dance with Gigolo anytime."

"His name is Giulio! Tobias, I swear you mispronounce his name every time!"

"That's because I do not care to say it correctly. Anyway, stop harping about the dance. It's a week away."

"Well I just….."

"Will you two hush up, get in the house and give Bets and me a hug?"

"Uh….Aaron? We didn't hear he door open." Tobias turned red.

Viviane felt embarrassed. "I…. We…. Thought we could find our own way from the station in a carriage and then we… Er… I….." She then felt in front of her and when she touched the lapel of his jacket, she hugged Aaron tightly.

"Now that's more like it!" He released her and then told both children to come inside and hurry.

Once they greeted Bets, she informed them that they had company. The children greeted Nadir and Antoinette warmly but when they asked to be excuse to retire upstairs, both Bets and Aaron said no.

"But why?" Viviane inquired.

"Because you both might as well be here to greet our other guests."

"Other guests? Who else is coming?" Tobias asked.

Knock, Knock

This time Bets went over to the door. "We shall soon find out."

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Meg was freshening up after her rehearsal. She had been very disappointed when the managers told her that if she missed any rehearsal time, she would be pulled from the production. Even thought she was desperate to see Erik and Christine again, she also knew that both of them would be fit to be tied if they were to find out that she missed out on an opportunity to perform. So after much deliberation with her mother and Darius, she chose to stay behind. The one bright spot was that she had the entire house to herself, so she was going to take advantage and cook dinner for her and Darius.

As Meg grabbed her jacket, she proceeded to walk home, only to be stopped by the sound of her name.

"Meg!"

She turned around but was puzzled as she didn't seem to recognize anyone. She was about to continue on, when she heard the voice again.

"Please, wait! It's me, Isabella."

Meg turned around again and this time she noticed the woman standing off to her left with a large hat tipped over one side of her face. Meg found it to be slightly alarming, as the only other time she had seen someone wear a hat in such a way was her uncle and that was to conceal the right side of his face.

"Isabella, what are you doing here? Are you…. Are you alright?" She looked around quickly. "Is Phillip here?"

Isabella walked closer to her. "No, please calm yourself. I did it, Meg. I left Phillip. I am leaving France tonight." She then moved her hat up to reveal a very swollen black eye.

"You're leaving?" Meg noticed her eye and brought her hand over to her mouth. After a moment she looked at the woman with concern. "Oh, Isabella, I am so relieved. Where will you go? Is there anything that I can do?"

"Nothing. The rest is up to me. I only came to say goodbye and to thank you."

"Thank me?" She then noticed the eye again. "Do you need anything for your eye? We are only a few minutes back to the Opera House, I can get you some concealer for the eye to help disguise it?"

"No, it's alight. This was the final act I needed to realize that Phillip will never change."

"Isabella, I am so sorry."

Meg had no idea what to say or do next. Unfortunately, Isabella knew exactly what to say and do.

"I must confess there is one more reason why I wanted to come and find you. Again, I am so sorry for all the pain I caused. It's just I felt trapped for so long and now I am going to have to get used to being alone for a while. Although, I know it is the right thing to do, I can't help but be scared. I take small comfort in the fact that if others were able to be brave and be happy, then so can I."

"I know you will be happy one day. You are very brave. You remind me of Christine." The instant it came out of the mouth, she regretted it, however there was no taking it back.

I knew the simpleton would fall soon enough. "As I told you once before, she is my inspiration and my deepest regret. I don't want to put you in an awkward situation and I understand the need for secrecy, believe me, but do you think…. Would it be possible….."

"Isabella, I do not know where she is."

"I only hope I can have your loyalty, in the event you are ever questioned about me."

"You have my word!"

Isabella was about to turn and leave when she stopped and looked up at Meg again. "I am trusting you with my life, Meg. The de Chagnys will never stop until I am hunted down like an animal. If I can trust you, why can't you trust me? All I wish to do is plead my forgiveness and hopefully gain some insight as to how she has managed."

"I….."

Isabella wanted to force herself to cry, as it was a very simple task she had used to manipulate Phillip over the years yet she didn't want to ruin the makeup she had done on her supposed injured eye.

"Meg, I am begging you. I would never ask this of you but I am desperate and scared. I need some hope that this is not only the right thing to do but I will be happy one day. If there is any way… Any piece of information you can give me to find her….Please!"

Meg was torn. How she could not help Isabella in her current circumstance? However, how could she betray Christine? She then realized the answer was simple. Christine and Erik were not home, they were at the conservatory. Nadir had told her that this was the last visit before they left France. Surely, they had no intention of returning to the cottage. She could give Isabella the address but her uncle and best friend would be long gone from there and not be returning.

Yes, it is a perfect solution. "Isabella, I see you want to do good and I want you to be happy, just as I want that for Christine."

"Does that mean you will help me?"

"Come with me. I would rather give you this information in private."

"Meg! Thank you!" She went to hug her quickly.

"Let's go. We don't want anyone to notice us."

Isabella placed her hat back on and followed along. Lead on, simpleton, lead on.

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The conservatory was all in merriment. Christine was elated to not only see Bets again but to have her foster mother so close beside her. She had missed her terribly during their separation. However, the biggest and best surprise was seeing the children again. This time was so much better than before, for now she was truly able to converse with them and get up to date on their latest adventures in school. The hours flew by and before she knew it, it was late into the morning but she was doing all she could to fight off sleep. She had been sitting down with Antoinette and didn't want to waste a moment of her visit.

"You look happy, my dear. Tired too but mostly happy. Am I right to think that?"

She smiled at her foster mother, as her eyes went to Erik, who had been playing and conversing with the children. They were begging for music and lessons and advice as Erik did all he could to appease them but reminded them that they had more than just one night together. She heard him tell them it was long past their bed time.

What an incredible father he will make some day…..

"Christine?"

"I'm sorry, Madame. I was just…"

"Lost in thought." She looked over at her brother. "He looks well. I have never seen him so happy. Do my eyes deceive me or has he put on a little weight and is less pale. Granted, I know he is till wearing his flesh mask but…."

"We spend a lot of time in the rose garden and he is eating more but that is largely due to his cooking. I can't compare."

"I have a feeling you are responsible for a lot of positive changes, my dear."

"I love him so much. I only wish I had known my own heart back at the Opera House. Then none of this would have happened and we would be together without fear."

Antoinette took her hand. "The important thing is that you did realize it and it is not too late." She smiled and shook her head. "I am so relieved that your voice came back. I know Dr. Ronzert was worried but…."

"Dr. Ronzert? Madame, No! He is not to be trusted."

"What do you mean?"

"The tea he had given me…. It was all part of a plan to keep me without my voice. Erik made the discovery several weeks ago."

"Dear God!"

Erik came over and placed his hands on his sister's shoulders. "Calm yourself, Annie. We are fine and we know we need to leave France. We just don't want to talk about such unpleasant things right now. We have so much to be thankful for."

"Who are you and what have you done with Erik Dexter?" Antoinette got up and marveled at the change in him. "I am going to find Nadir and then we all should turn in."

Erik watched her leave. "Do you think she may finally give in to that pesky Persian?"

Christine reached for his hand and pulled him closer to her. "I hope so. Angel, I do hope I didn't ruin anything by mentioning Dr. Ronzert. It's just when she brought his name up, I didn't want her to be tricked by him as we were."

"Hush, my dear. You did nothing wrong. And as much as I am enjoying this, we should get some sleep. We have a full day planned with the children and then I have arranged for both of us to go riding, alone."

"Alone, Monsieur Dexter?" She grinned.

"Yes, for I believe I owe you a story and it is one that is only meant for your ears."

Christine shot up to her feet in seconds. "Persia?"

He nodded. "It's time you knew all about me."

"Angel, you have made me so very happy. Tonight was magnificent but knowing that you trust me… That is the most precious gift you could ever give me."

I hope you still feel that way once you know, my dear. "Come, it is time for bed. Bets has allowed me to walk you to your room."

"My room? Erik, no. I can't sleep without you beside me anymore, you know that."

He kissed her knuckles. "It will be difficult for me too but it is only right."

"Bets said that?!" Christine seemed surprised that Bets would be so conservative.

"I think it is for Antoinette's sake and the children."

Christine pouted. "Next time, we will stay at an inn or a hotel."

He chuckled as he cupped her chin. "Next time, there will be no reason for anyone to put us in separate rooms."