Hi guys. Sorry this one's late. Now that we're getting close to the end I've been having a terrible case of writer's block. I'm hoping I can get the last chapters done but life is cruel on the creative mind. I an determined to finish this story no matter what! I won't give up! Enjoy.

Chapter 34

Aisling felt light. Somehow, everything felt lighter than it did the previous night; than in years. Her heart and her mind felt free of worries or cares. When she woke, she vaguely remembered where she was or what happened the previous night, but as the fog of sleep dissipated she became aware of the bed coverings and how close they felt. She took one look down at herself, wrapped in the dark sheets, and blushed. The events of the previous night came back to her. After reading the play and feeling Erik so close to her, she felt something she'd been missing for ten years. All it took was one touch and she was undone.

When they reunited a few weeks ago they never brought themselves this far, mostly for the fact that Rosetta was close by. Even though this wasn't something unknown to her she still felt embarrassed. She felt like it was the first to her all over again. Her heart aflutter, cheeks pink, and she felt complete for the first time in a long time. She stretched herself out on the bed relishing the sweet sensation of muscles waking from their long rest like a cat after a relaxing nap. She breathed a long sigh and felt perfectly at ease.

"You look comfortable." She heard Erik whisper in her ear. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him planting a kiss on her shoulder. "Did you sleep well?" Aisling gave a soft laugh.

"Best sleep in a long time." She said lazily. "We need more time like this." Erik chuckled.

"We'll have plenty of time when we're married." It was Aisling's turn to laugh.

"Again." She said.

"Yes, again." Aisling turned in his arms until he was facing him.

"There's so much lost time we need to make up for." She said. "And plenty of experiences you still need to have."

"What kind of experiences?" He asked.

"Well, being a father, for one." She said. He gave her a curious look. "You missed being a father for ten years. Once we're married we can give it another try."

"Are you sure?" He asked. Aisling smiled.

"Of course. Since we got married long ago I wanted us to have a family. Now, I'm not saying we need a bunch of children, but it'd be nice to have a few more."

"Do you think I'll be a good father?" He asked.

"I know you will." She said. "Erik, I've seen how you are with Rosetta. She adores you and I know you love her to pieces. You'll be perfect." She reached up and touched his ravaged cheek, tracing every contour from under his eye down to his chin then back again. "Although, with more little ones running around, we won't have much time to ourselves. Children are a handful."

"You said Rosetta was well behaved as a child."

"I did. However, most children tend to cause mischief in their younger years. Rosetta was no exception. You don't know how many times I'd wake up in the night and find her writing on the walls of her room or using my laptop. It still surprises me that she knew my password and she was only four. Eventually I was able to find ways to curb her energy. We'd take regular walks through the parks in DC, I'd signed her up for piano and violin lessons, I provided her with her own drawing paper and I'd read to her every night. From an early age I knew how like you she was and I wanted to nurture her talents as best I could. But I knew if her father were there, he'd go just as far with her education." Erik said nothing. He was listening most intently to her story and she could tell was absorbed in how she'd raised their daughter herself all these years.

"By the time she was five she could play the violin with such pristine skill that anyone who heard her thought she was playing to a recording or mistook her for a professional. She always loved the violin most but still have a soft spot for the piano. I even gave her singing lessons but, though she's a good singer, she preferred physical instruments. She once told me that she loved listening to the voices of her instruments as opposed to her own. However, she still loved listening to me sing whenever I obliged her."

"But you told me you didn't sing these ten years." Erik said.

"No, I didn't. Not for anyone else. Only her. Only when we were alone I'd sing for her. Sometimes she'd play while I sang because she thought music was magic. I told her music had a special magic because it can speak to so many people. A language everyone understood. She excelled in her music classes at school, although there have been times when I'd get calls from her principal saying she'd taken over the music class. I'd sound astonished to them but with Rosetta I'd just laugh. I'd scold her too but we'd still find it funny. She'd also throw tantrums every now and again whenever I had to pull her away from her instruments. If I'd call her to a meal or to go out she'd either sulk or scream saying she didn't want to. Sometimes I'd go to bed so frustrated with her I'd still be in a sour mood the following morning. But I knew I had to be patient with her. She's only a child after all.

"But one day, I found her looking through my book collection. She was in my room facing my bookshelf and she was holding a small black book in her hands and was completely enraptured by what was on the page. When I looked at the pages, I realized she was reading The Phantom of the Opera. She was about six when she discovered the book. From that time on, she always begged me to read it to her even when she knew most of the story by heart. When she was seven I began showing her some of the film versions of the story. I could tell she loved it just as much as I did. How little she knew then of the truth. I wanted to tell her who you really were, of who we were, and of her deceased father. But I couldn't. How could I tell her? I didn't want to ruin anything. So I allowed her to fall in love with this story just as I did."

"Like mother like daughter." Erik said. Aisling smiled.

"I wished you could watch her grow. See her pick up her violin for the first time or begin composing her own music. You would have been so proud." Erik pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.

"I am proud." He said. "You've raised our daughter so well. Thinking of everything you said, I can't help but feel envious. My mother did nurture my talents but I knew she feared them as well. By the time I was eight I understood music, architecture, I'd learned ventriloquism, magic, and so much more. If my mother were anything like you, I'm sure I would have turned out differently. I'm just glad my child received the love she deserved." Aisling knew full well how terrible Erik's childhood had been. There were times she wished she could go back in time to his youth and help him understand he can be loved. But all she truly has is that time when she fell through the trap door, entering his life and eventually showing him, after so many years, he had hope.

"You can give your children the love you never received." She said. "All parents are models for children. They're meant to teach us who we plan to be when we grow up. Some children aspire to be like their parents while others choose to go their own path. Me, I wanted to choose a path that made my parents happy, but it only made me miserable. Once I broke away from them, I began to thrive. After the childhood I had, I promised myself I wouldn't let my children live the way I did. There were times when I doubted myself; thinking I wasn't raising my child right, but everyone goes through that I think. We have those moments of doubt but that just means we're human enough to feel so."

Erik liked the idea of being a father. So far Rosetta has been a wonderful child and he's learned so much about her and wants to know more. And with Aisling determined to expand their family, he'll have that chance again to raise his own children. It also made him nervous too. Children with his personality or, most possibly, his features. But when he looked at Rosetta, how beautiful she is, he felt easier about this fact. He'd even have Aisling's support and she'd be able to help him with anything he didn't understand. He'll devote himself to his family once they're remarried. No de Chagnys to split them apart, no angry mobs to chase them from their homes, and no more stealing people's memories.

A perfect life. He thought.

"Rosetta will be excited to spend more time here." Aisling said. Erik broke from his musings by this comment. Yes, Rosetta. His first child. She will be allowed as much time here as possible. Her eagerness and curiosity at the workings of the theatre remind him so much of himself and he knows she will love it just as much as he does.

"Aisling, what if Rosetta performs with you for the concert?" He asked.

"Rosetta? Perform?" She repeated.

"Yes. She could accompany you on the violin. And I could play the piano." Aisling laughed.

"It appears this will become a family affair." She said.

"Is that a problem?" He asked teasingly.

"Now why would it be a problem?" She replied. He noticed the smirk on her face and knew the game she was playing. He turned her over onto her back while he hovered just above her.

"When did you become so coy." He asked.

"Only around you." She said. With one more laugh, he leaned down and kissed her.

Rosetta sat in one of the many practice rooms in the building. She rubbed her fingers against the ivory keys of the piano as she thought of her parents. She didn't know much about what they've been through but she had an idea they've been through a lot. But to see her mother happy after so long, it warmed her heart. Before now, her mother didn't like talking about her father because it hurt. All she ever said was that he was killed by bad people. He loved her very much and would have loved his little girl if he were there. She played both mother and father to her growing up and she knew she loved her so much to make up for it. When she discovered a new talent, her mother allowed her to explore it more. She bought her the materials she needed to expand her skills no matter what they were. Music was the greatest skill she had. When it came to music, she took great pride in her talent and knew her mother did too.

When she began playing violin, she felt some unknown closeness to someone. She didn't know to who or what but it felt right somehow. Her mother once told her that her father was a talented musician and he also enjoyed playing the violin. For a moment, she felt playing the violin would be too painful for her, but her mother told her she loved hearing her play. So play she did. She hoped that by playing she'd understand her father more. Little did she know that she'd learn more about her father than she'd understand. When she found the copy of Gaston Leroux's famous story, she learned everything she needed about him. From the time she first read the book cover to cover, she felt a kindred feeling toward this character.

She was surprised when her mother introduced her to more of the Phantom's world. At first, it was nice. Her mother began showing her movie versions of the story and even took her to see the show once when it played back in DC. It made her curious why her mother was so keen on immersing her in this story. She asked her one night just before going to sleep.

"Mom?" She asked. "Why do you let me see The Phantom of the Opera?"

She paused. She didn't know how to respond at first. But after a moment, she smiled and said…

"When I was younger, I fell in love with the story too. I'm not going to stop you from loving it. I know my parents couldn't stop me."

If Rosetta were any other girl, she'd have accepted this answer just fine. However, something about her mother that night made her feel there was something more to her answer. She'd noticed how sad her smile was and her hand had clenched when she mentioned her parents. There was more to her than she could understand. After that night, when they'd watch their movies together, she noticed her mother would cry. It worried her when her mother was sad. She felt like her mind was somewhere far away; somewhere dark and scary like a nightmare. Her eyes would glaze over and freeze. She had to be careful not to let her slip to far into the darkness otherwise she feared her mother'd be lost forever.

When they began their trip to New York, she prayed her mother would be happy. It hurt her to see her mother so sad all the time. She never saw her mother go on dates or bring back men to meet her. No man was good enough for her. She'd say she's happy with just Rosetta in her life, but Rosetta wasn't satisfied with that. She wanted her mother to smile a real smile. However, when they met her grandfather, she felt how tense her mother was around him. That night at the restaurant when he spoke of her father, she saw how angry her mother became. In return, she felt her grandfather wasn't a good man. She didn't know her father, but she knew her mother wouldn't defend him if she was bad. Rosetta believed her mother really loved her father and he loved her just as much. Rosetta knew that it would take a special man to win her mother's heart. She didn't know if another man like that existed for her.

Then she met Mister E. From the first moment they met, she felt something strong and powerful about him but also very intriguing. What pulled her to him more was the mask. Her thoughts went right to the Phantom. Why, she didn't yet know. When he invited them to tour his theatre, she knew her mother had to meet him. But first, she wanted to know more about this man who resembled the Phantom. To see his workshop, to play his piano, when he began showing the wonderful marvels of his world, she knew he was perfect for her. Then he took off his mask. She could have screamed in horror and run away, but she was more excited to meet a real life Erik than anything. But just as her mother appeared, he was gone. When she told her mother who Mister E was, she felt a change in her. Her face was pale but there was a spark in her eye. When she saw the mask left behind Rosetta knew there was something more to this man. The only one she could ever love. But she also saw the ghost in her eyes. She looked haunted and distressed. This was a curious reaction for her; seeing her mother afraid and hopeful at the same time.

What surprised her more was finding Mister E in their hotel that night. Before making her presence known to her mother, she noticed him with her. She saw how close they were. The look in his eyes as he gazed at her. Most of all, she saw her mother. Her eyes were sparkling and full of love for the man in front of her. She clung to him like a life preserver bringing her back to the surface after what felt like an eternity. She was alive. The darkness was gone. He brought her back to life. Never did she think he was the real Phantom or her father. But they had the same eyes. Now she understood how she felt connected to the Phantom; to Mister E. People only dream of situations like this. She was in a living dream. Then she thought of her mother. How did she feel when she met him? How did they meet? How did they fall in love? Rosetta wanted to know. There's so much she needed to know.

She heard a knock on the far end of the room and she turned to see her mother and father in the doorway. She turned on the piano stool to face them.

"How are you this fine day, my dear?" Erik said. Rosetta smiled shyly then jumped down from the stool.

"I'm okay." She said. They came closer to her, Erik holding a small case in one hand. He knelt down in front of her.

"Tell me, can I hear you play?" He asked. She tilted her head to one side.

"Play?" She asked. He held out the case to her and opened it. Inside was a violin.

'There's a song I'd like to play with you." He said. "Will you play with me?" Rosetta stared down at the instrument and felt afraid to touch it. She felt such a beautiful instrument would be sullied by human hands.

"Is it okay if I play on this?" She asked.

"Of course." She took a deep breath and gingerly picked it up out of the case then lifted the bow from its resting place. Aisling walked over to the far wall and picked up a music stand. She brought it over then lowered it until it was about Rosetta's height.

"This is the piece." She said placing the music in front of her. "Do you think you can play it?" Rosetta began scanning the piece. It didn't seem too complicated for her. She looked to her mother and nodded. Her mother smiled then looked to Erik.

"Now, why don't you play this and I'll accompany you on piano." Erik placed the case on the floor then went over to the piano. Erik began playing the key the piece was in. As he played, Rosetta began tuning the violin to the right key before placing it under her chin and holding the bow in place.

Erik began playing first. As Rosetta listened to him play, she felt something overtake her. A strange sensation came over her fingers as they clung to he own instrument. The music felt like a gust of wind, gently blowing through her mind and caressing the deepest parts of her soul. She lowered the bow onto the strings and began playing her own part. The sound of them playing was like nothing she'd ever heard before. A powerful and emotional song poured from them, controlling them as they willingly surrender to the magic spell. As She played, she looked in a far off mirror and saw her mother standing beside the piano watching the two of them. But, for just a moment, she saw her mother was much younger. Only a few years older than herself. A bright smile graced her features and her eyes full of youthful light. She looked over at her mother and saw she was still staring at Erik but she soon caught her staring and nodded to her. Rosetta nodded back and continued playing with as much energy as before.

In her mind she could see the younger Aisling standing beside the piano with Erik. He sat at the bench playing while she sang to him. She imagined the opera house; how she'd sing her heart out on the stage for him. She felt it all. As the last strains of music died away, she felt breathless. Now she truly understood the Phantom's power. What power his music creates. The feelings it unlocks. To some it seems inhuman. But both she and Aisling know that a true genius knows how to make people feel and learn more about themselves and others without saying a word.

"That was beautifully done." He said. Rosetta lowered the instrument and felt almost empty now the music was gone. He got up from the bench then knelt before her again. "Rosetta, your mother plans to sing this piece for the concert. We've been thinking it would be nice if the two of us played with her." Rosetta was astonished at this statement. The three of them would perform together.

"We want to perform as a family." Aisling said. "All three of us, together. What do you say?"

She liked the idea of playing with her parents. But she'd never performed for such a large crowd before. The most she'd ever done were school recitals but those were generally small affairs. She wasn't sure if she as ready. But when she thought about it, she knew her mother must have had the same feelings. To perform for so many people must be scary for her too. But they'd all be together. She smiled and stood tall.

"I'm ready." She said. Erik picked her up causing her to squeal with delight and Aisling laughed at the two. Yes, as long as they were together, they could do anything.