Christine's POV

Over the next few days, Erik slowly made rounds around his park to make sure everyone was setting up their stations all right. Other than that, he stayed in the flat, resting himself. Early one morning, Erik and I were sitting at the table eating breakfast, Erik dressed in his robe. He was sitting there looking down at his French toast, playfully moving his fork around, not looking quite interested in eating.

"Erik?"

He didn't look at me, only answered me with a simple "Hmmm?"

"Are you all right? You don't seem yourself this morning."

Erik looked up, at me, and ran his fingers through his hair.

"I'm just a little tired."

"You seem more than tired, darling." I said. "You've hardly touched your breakfast and your complexion is deathly pale."

When Erik didn't answer me, I rose to my feet, and placed my hand over his forehead.

"You're feverish."

But before either of us could say another word, there was a knock at the door. Wondering who it could be, I answered it to find Raoul standing there. He smiled, and I did the same.

"Long time, no see, Lotte." he said. "May I come in?"

"Yes, of course."

I moved aside, and let Raoul enter, the first person he saw, being Erik sitting there at the table.

"Hello, Mister E." Raoul kindly greeted.

Erik just lifted his hand, almost as if meaning to wave to him, but he lowered his head.

"Darling," I closed the door, and rushed to Erik's side. I cupped both his cheeks, and helped him rise from his seat. "Come, let's get you to bed."

As I was helping Erik out of the kitchen, I motioned Raoul to the table.

"I'll be right back, Raoul. Make yourself at home."

"Do you need any help?"

"No, thank you, Raoul, I'll be back in a moment."

Once I was in our room, I laid Erik down in our bed and covered him up.

"Do you need anything? Tell me, darling."

"No-" he gasped in a groggily tone. "Just let me rest."

I pressed a kiss to his lips, my eyes filled with tears. I knew my worst fears were coming true. I knew Erik's time with me was growing short, but I didn't want it to be this way. After closing our door, I scooped Gustave up into my arms, and carried him back to the kitchen.

"Oh, you had your baby." Raoul said, eyeing Gustave.

I nodded, only to find Gustave placing his hands over his eyes like Erik had taught him to do.

"What is he doing?"

"Oh, nothing." I said. "He does that a lot."

"He's beautiful, Christine."

"Yes, thank you, Raoul."

"Is something wrong?" he asked upon seeing the tears in my eyes.

"No, nothing, it's just-"

"Just what?"

"It's Erik, he's been very ill lately, and it's only getting worse."

"Christine," Raoul placed his hand over my own. "I'm so sorry."

"Thank you."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Actually…..I do need your help."

"Tell me, Christine. I will do anything in my power to see it done. You are, after all, my best friend."

I was not worthy of Raoul's help, for he already helped me twice before. But if something was not done within a few days, Mr. Gumpertz was going to turn me over to the Paris authorities. I told Raoul everything. I told him about Mr. Gumpertz and what he planned to do. I told him about how he knew of Erik from over in Paris, and how he was going to split our family apart.

"…..Erik is dying." I managed to confess. "I don't know how much longer he is going to last, but I know his death will only come quicker if Gustave and I are taken out of his life. You know people in Paris, Raoul. Is there anything you could do?"

Raoul sat there, taking in the story I had just told him.

"Christine, that's…that's a very big favor. I don't know if there could be anything done about that."

"What? Raoul you are someone, you could talk to them. You could get the authorities off my back."

"Right, but what about Erik? What about the Phantom? Even if I do clear your name, Mr. Gumpertz can still hand him over. He would be thrown into Paris prison."

"He would never survive, Raoul. Please…" I grabbed his hands with my own, pleading him to help me. "Please, Raoul. Erik means everything to me."

"Christine, in order for me to help him, I would need to make everyone else in Coney Island believe that the Phantom has been caught. That could take months."

"I don't have months, Raoul. I have until Friday evening. If Mr. Gumpertz doesn't have his blueprints by then, Erik will be gone from my life."

"I can't promise you anything, Christine, but I will try to do something for you."

"Thank you, Raoul."

"I hear you're singing Friday evening at the opera house."

I nodded.

"I'm so worked up, that I'm not even sure I could possibly sing."

"You must, Christine. Perhaps it will make your husband feel better."

Raoul rose to his feet, and headed towards the door.

"I should be going. My mother is expecting me back at the jewelry shop. Don't worry, Lotte, I will think of something."

And with that, he left the flat. Friday was Phantasma's opening day, and what could likely be the end of my happy life. I spent the next day, pacing the floor, and wondering if Raoul had thought of anything. By Friday morning, I was laying in bed, watching Erik dressing early in the morning for his Phantasma debut. He still wasn't as strong as I had hoped him to be, but he was trying his hardest. What was even stranger was that he was wearing a flesh colored mask, just like the one that he had worn on our journey to Calais. With it on, he looked just like a normal human being.

He turned to me, adjusting his cravat, knowing that I wasn't asleep. I had not slept a wink the entire night, and did nothing but toss and turn as the horrible thoughts of being without Erik plagued my mind.

I sat up, and buttoned his vest for him, perhaps for the last time for the remainder of my life. We didn't say a word to one another, and I knew Erik was just as worried about today as I was.

"I will meet you tonight after your performance." Erik promised, breaking our awkward silence. "This I promise you."

"Erik, let's run away." I finally pleaded. "Run away from here."

I was in tears now, hysterically sobbing into his vest.

Erik scooped me up into his arms, and held me close to him, shushing me with soft coos.

"Christine, what will that do? What would running away from our problems possibly do?"

"I can't lose you, Erik. I won't lose you."

"And you won't. I will always be with you, no matter what, love. Tonight, like you promised, we will seal our bond forever more. I will be watching you tonight, watching as our music soars once again."

He lifted my head from his chest, and wiped away my tears.

"I love you, Christine, and that will never change."

He kissed me one last time, before rising and heading to the door.

"Wish me luck today, love."

"Good luck."

And with that, he disappeared from the flat. Would I ever see him again? Would I ever get to kiss him again? I wasn't sure, and the suspense killed me. Just before the sun rose, I wrapped my robe around my body, and walked out onto our balcony to gaze at Phantasma. From a distance, I saw the closed gates, surrounded by mobs and mobs of people. There was music playing, and a podium where my Erik was standing. There were photographers flashing pictures of him and everything they could.

When the Phantasma clock tower struck eight a.m, Erik took a large pair of scissors and cut the ribbon that held the gates closed. Balloons rose into the air, and people began pouring into his park. I smiled, and watched as Erik's success took off. There were freaks around every corner performing small tricks, the smells of Nathan's hotdogs were already surrounding me, and the sounds of excited cries coming from every ride were rising in the air. Erik was a genius, and his park would certainly soar to greatness.

My heart raced all day long, wondering when Mr. Gumpertz would show his face. For most of the day, I stood there watching the crowds of people carry on. When the late afternoon came, I decided to dress and get my way to the opera house. Trying to push past the crowds of people was extremely hard, and it was even harder with Gustave in my arms. But once I made it there, I walked back stage and peeked to find Meg dancing and singing in front of a very large crowd. I giggled as she pranced around on stage in a bathing suit, singing to the lyrics of "Bathing Beauty."

"Ah, Christine."

I turned around to see Mr. Squelch standing there.

"The master instructed me to show you to your dressing room."

"Have you seen him?" I asked, walking beside Mr. Squelch.

"Not since opening this morning. He's been around to every attraction making sure that it's running properly."

"Oh…." was all I said before Mr. Squelch showed me into my dressing room. It resembled my one from Paris, mirror and all. I placed Gustave down on the carpet, and turned as Mr. Squelch went around the corner and came back carrying a beautiful glittering gown.

"The master has instructed that you wear this tonight."

"Thank you, Mr. Squelch."

"You're very welcome. There are a few more acts before you, so relax and get ready."

Once he left, I plopped down at my vanity, only to find a single red rose laying there with a sealed note attached to it. I gasped, and picked up the note to read what ever it said. It smelled like Erik's cologne, and I wanted nothing more than for him to be standing here with me right now.

"My Dearest Wife,

I could not have dreamt up Phantasma without you. You mean everything to me, and even when I'm gone my love will still surround you. Do not ever feel alone, Christine. All you have to do is think about me, and I shall be there in an instant. My love shall surround you forevermore, and tonight I know you will do beautifully. I shall be here, love, just like I had promised I would. Just remember that no matter what happens tonight, that you have made me the happiest man on earth.

Always and Forever

Erik…"

I wasn't sure why he had written this letter, but placed it down the moment Meg came bouncing into my dressing room.

"Christine, my first performance went well! Can you believe it?"

She picked Gustave up into her arms, and the boy stuck out his tongue like Erik taught him to do.

"Christine, is something wrong?"

"Wha-No, I'm fine, Meg."

"Then get dressed. You're on after Miss Fleck."

While Meg entertained Gustave, I went behind my changing wall, and slipped the dress over my body. I wasn't sure how I looked, but came out from around it, only to have Meg's eyes grow wide with amazement.

"You look so beautiful, Christine."

I took a seat at my vanity, and looked at myself in the mirror. I did, but with Erik not here to tell me how beautiful I looked, I couldn't believe it.

After placing Gustave down on the floor again, Meg lovingly took my hair, and pinned it up into a bun with a shimmering butterfly pin that was laying there beside my rose.

"There, now you look absolutely stunning."

"I don't know if I can do this, Meg. I'm so worried that I'll get stage fright."

"Stage fright?" she questioned. "How could you get stage fright? Christine, you sang in front of a huge audience numerous times back in Paris. Don't be silly. You'll do great."

I hugged her, and at that exact moment, Dr. Gangle came through the door.

"Christine, you're on in five minutes."

When the door closed again, Meg helped me to my feet.

"Gustave and I will be watching from behind the stage. You'll do great."

My heart pounded as I walked towards the stage area. I only hoped once I was there that I would see Erik sitting there smiling down at me. Dr. Gangle introduced me, and as the crowd went wild, I approached center stage. There were millions of people clapping and waiting for me to sing, all but the one person I had wanted to be there. I searched every private box, every balcony and every seat I could see. I had hoped to find him, but as the music started, all hope was lost. But how could I sing if I couldn't spot him? How could I go on if he were laying hurt somewhere due to Mr. Gumpertz?

But then I remembered the note he had left me. I could do this, I had to do this….And so I did.

"Who knows when love begins. Who knows what makes it start. One day it's simply there alive inside your heart….."

My voice filled the auditorium, and the people's hearts. There I was for the first time since Paris singing again. How greatly that sensation made me feel at home. I sang, sang for all of Coney Island, sang for all of Phantasma, and for Erik.

"Life may be fleeting, love lives on!

Life may be fleeting…..Love lives on."

By the end of my song, the cheers and applause of my audience was so loud I was sure the windows would crack. Roses were thrown at my feet, and I bowed, still fearing for Erik….where ever he was. When the curtain closed, I turned to head off stage, a large crowd congratulating me as I tried to push past them. My whole world slowed down the moment I spotted Erik walking towards me. It was as if there was a special path made just for him. He was no longer wearing his flesh colored mask, no he looked like the old Phantom again. I smiled as he stepped closer and closer. But just as he was a few feet away, a cloaked figure stepped out in front of him, and for a moment it looked like he had punched Erik in the chest as he passed by. But when the figure was gone, Erik was left standing there clutching his chest that was gushing blood. No, no! This couldn't be happening. I rushed towards him, and grabbed hold of Erik just as he collapsed into my arms.

"Darling…."

Everyone around me was screaming and yelling for help as I held my husband's dying body in my arms. I removed his hand away from his chest to notice that he was gushing blood.

"No…."

"He….He stabbed me….." Erik managed to cringe.

He was gasping for breath, as I pressed my hand tightly against his wound.

"I…."

I was sobbing hysterically, not knowing what to do. This wasn't how the night was supposed to end. We were supposed to make love, we were supposed to be happy.

"Y…You sang beautifully, Christine." he smiled, and touched my cheek, his arm trembling.

"You saw me?"

"I…I…wouldn't have missed it for….the world."

"I love you…."

"I….I lo-love…."

And then I kissed him. My tears fell heavily onto his face as I continued crying. I never left his mouth, never letting our kiss end. But soon, his arms had fallen limp at my side, and his breathing had stopped. No…..No, I wouldn't allow this to be the end.

"Angel?" I called his name, not wanting to believe that he was dead. "Angel? Angel, answer me!"

But he didn't, and I was pulled away by Nadir.

"Christine, stop, come with me."

"No!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, watching strange men pull Erik's lifeless body away from me. "No! No!"

I fought him with all my might, but Nadir pulled me away from the stage as cameras flashed. I was hitting Nadir, trying to get back to Erik's body.

"Let me go!" I demanded. "Let me go!"

"Come, Christine." Nadir beckoned. "Get changed and we'll go to the infirmary to discuss the arrangements."

"Arrangements?" I sobbed. "Arrangements?"

"Yes, you must identify the body."

"Did I not just see my husband, the love of my life die? Did he not just die in my arms! And now you want me to relive that horror!"

"Christine, calm down."

"Calm down? He was your friend, Nadir! You're acting as if his death meant nothing!"

But Nadir wasn't listening. No, he through me into my dressing room and waited outside until I changed. I was a complete wreck, my body trembled and shook as I changed back into my dress, a dress Erik had bought me, a dress he enjoyed seeing me in. Afterwards, I came out, and Nadir interlocked his arm with my own as we descended toward the Coney Island infirmary. My heart was in my throat as I got closer and closer to a white privacy drape. I couldn't bear the thought of having to walk behind it and see my Erik laying there lifeless and pale. That wasn't how I wanted to remember him. When I was only a few feet away, I turned to Nadir and buried my head into his chest.

"Nadir, I….I can't do this."

"Yes, yes you can, Christine. We'll do it together."

And just like that, he and I went behind the drape. I could have died the moment I saw my angel laying there. He was on a table, his eyes closed and his clothes stained in blood, huge amounts of blood. I rushed to his broken body, and sobbed. Never had I ever sobbed so hard before.

"Erik…..please, please don't leave me. I love you, I love you with all my heart!"

And then, as if my prayers had been heard, I felt a boney hand place itself on my back. I gasped, and turned to see that it was Erik's! Confused, I gazed at Erik's face, to notice that his eyes were now open.

"Erik?"

Nadir instantly covered my mouth with his hand to shush me, and glanced back to make sure no body had heard me. What was going on?

"Christine, you must stay in character."

"Character?"

It was then, that a cloaked figure came around the corner of our drape, the same cloaked figure that I had seen stabbing Erik. How badly I wanted to scream, but I stayed quiet like Nadir told me to do. Once inside, the figure pulled back his hood, only to reveal Raoul as Erik's assailant.

"Raoul?"

At this point, Erik gently sat up, unbuttoning his shirt to reveal a masticated and torn balloon that was taped to the right side of his chest. Erik pulled it away, and cringed.

"You could have been a little easier on me, DeChagney." he growled. "It would have torn one way or another."

But I was so confused. Just moments ago, I had thought I lost the love of my life, and now it was turning out to be nothing more than some sort of paradox.

"What is going on!" I gasped.

Nadir sat me down beside Erik, and Raoul stepped forward.

"Christine, I'm sorry, we should have told you about this, but it was our only way to free the both of you."

"By faking Erik's death?"

Raoul nodded.

"I talked to some of the authorities over in Paris. All search parties have been called off for you. The Phantom on the other hand was still wanted. So, I knew the only way out was…."

"Through his death." I added.

"Right. The papers will have the word out tomorrow morning."

"But what about Erik's park? Surely they'll see him walking around."

It was then that Erik took over.

"Ah, I believe I can fill you in on that, love. No body knows what Mister E looks like. Besides a few of my loyal employees, no one knew who Mister E was. Until today at the opening ceremony, that is."

"You wore the flesh mask." I gasped.

"Yes, and will continue to do so from now on. Tonight, however when I was backstage, I wore-"

"The white one! The one the Phantom wears…."

"Exactly. It wasn't Mister E who died tonight, it was the Phantom of the opera. I'm terribly sorry, love, but Raoul swore to me not to tell anyone about this besides Nadir. It had to seem real."

Erik pulled me into his arms, and placed a kiss to my forehead.

"Raoul met up with me this afternoon with his plan. He made some fake blood and filled a balloon with it before attaching it to my chest. The only thing left to do now, is to dispose of the Phantom's body."

"How will you do that, Raoul?" I asked.

"I've decided to fill a casket with dirt and burn it. When the press asks why he wasn't buried, I'll add in that no body knew his name. The story will be out all over Coney Island by the morning and should hit Paris by next week."

"And Mr. Gumpertz?" I asked.

"We're going to hide your husband in a secret place for a while. Just until Mr. Gumpertz starts believing that the Phantom is dead. Afterwards you and him shall move elsewhere in Phantasma…That's when you will court Erik as if he is a completely new man."

I threw my arms around Raoul, and hugged him.

"Thank you, Raoul! Thank you!"

"Nothing you wouldn't have done for me, Lotte."

And then, Erik held out his hand to him, something I thought Erik would never do.

"Thank you, boy."

They shook hands like gentleman, before breaking away and getting back into character. I pressed my lips to Erik, never wanting to break away again.

"You owe me something…." I cooed.

"And you will get it, Erik promises."

"Erik has to stay here a while longer until the death certificate comes through. Then, later tonight I'll hold his cremation. From there, he'll be moved to our safe house. Nadir will take you there now to await his arrival."

I nodded, and kissed Erik one last time.

"Now don't ruin this." he said. "I'm dead, remember?"

Just thinking about him dying was enough to bring tears to my eyes. I was an actress after all, and as soon as I stepped foot out of the infirmary, I was met with the hungry press, all begging to know who the Phantom was…Cameras flashed, and journalists crowded me as Nadir pushed us through. I wasn't sure where he would take me, but I didn't care. We were free, finally free from Mr. Gumpertz's grasp, free from the thought of losing one another, and tonight, I would stay awake awaiting Erik's arrival, for when he did, we would spend the night fulfilling our needs for one another's body, making love for the first time in our entire lives, we would both feel what love really felt like.

Wow, what a twist...huh? Anyway, just to let everyone know this will be a 45-50 chapter story. Oh, and I guess you all know what the next chapter holds...Alot of you have been anticipating this for a while...Just be warned if there are any little kids reading this story or if you're not into that sort of thing. The whole chapter is mostly just that. Just giving you all a fair warning, I try not to be too discriptive, but I'm not under descriptive either. Thanks again everyone! please review!