Happy Holidays! Can you believe that the year is almost over? Where does the time go? As you know this time of year is full of family commitments, events and travel, thus this will be my last update until the New Year. My next update will be on Saturday, January 3rd! Stick with me. I promise, fluff, drama and the remaining three thorns in 2015.

Until then, have a wonderful holiday season and remember, I own nothing. ;)

Annie was walking through the grounds, hoping the crisp, night air would help clear her mind. Things between her and Nadir were still on edge and quite complex. Yet why was that so? She seemed to be doing all she could to put up barriers between them and for the first time in years, she was wrestling with herself as to why.

I am a grown woman and Julies has been dead for over a decade. He has no claim over me anymore. Yet I still shy away. Nadir is a good man and I do care for him deeply… She sighed. Care for him deeply? You old, fool! You love him! I have loved him for a long time.

She stopped and remembered where her mind and heart were ten years ago. Her body instantly felt weak. "I loved him even before Julies died." She admitted to herself shamefully. "Nadir didn't cause the wedge between my husband and me. It was there long before he came into my life. Maybe it started when Julies caused Erik to leave? All I know is that what Julies and I had, had started to fade before I even met Nadir Khan. I never pulled away from his friendship when Julies was alive. It was only after he died that I started to feel guilty over my thoughts of indiscretion."

She sat overlooking the fields. "I feel all the remorse but never committed any of the sin…. Maybe that is why when Nadir and I could have grown closer after Julies' death, I convinced myself it was far too soon. After all, what kind of an example would I have set for Meg? I have no regrets… I was a mother first." She closed her eyes. "I'll always be a mother first."

Annie had never regretted the decisions she had made on Meg's behalf. However Meg was now a grown woman and her husband was still as dead as he ever was.

"So much time has passed and yet he still wants me. What kind of man holds on that long?"

"The kind you should take a second look at and embrace for dear life."

"Erik! What is wrong with you?! How dare you just… Just…."

"I'm sorry but if you didn't want the question to be answered, you shouldn't have asked. I have been out most of the night thinking and planning something special for Christine. I have just come from arguing with that pesky Persian of ours. He thinks it is too dangerous but it may be the last time we can ever go back."

She stood up in a furry, still embarrassed that Erik had overheard her thoughts about Nadir out loud. "I came here to think and to process and to…."

"Ask yourself when you will get another chance at love with your heart's desire?" Erik looked at her plainly. "Don't lie, it is insulting, my dear."

She huffed but couldn't stay stoic. "All the time I wasted…."

"Didn't you tell Christine that the only thing that mattered is that she recognized her feelings now and acted on them? What's important is that she knows now, correct?"

"How did you know that? You weren't even near us, you were with Tobias and Viviane."

"Yes but my hearing is flawless, as you well know." He winked. "Annie, you have done nothing wrong. You never betrayed your marriage and no one is expecting you to remain alone."

"My thoughts were not pure…."

"If thoughts condemned our fate, I would not be here today and you know it. If this God of yours is willing to give me a new start with Christine, then why shouldn't you merit the same chance to be with Nadir?"

"It's complicated."

"Only because you are making it as such." He laughed. "After all these years in the theater, you have finally succeeded in becoming a prima donna." He sat down by her and took her hand.

"I…."

"I am not Nadir but I do know my own heart and my love for Christine is eternal. Therefore, it isn't odd or confusing to me as to why Nadir's feelings for you have remained so strong for all these years. The heart knows what it wants and no substitute shall ever satisfy."

"Erik, I will not abandon Meg."

"Who said you need to abandon Megan? Are you thinking she would not approve of Nadir? He is a good man. A pest but a good man none the less."

"She still needs me."

"Anne, she will always need you but don't blame your fears on Megan. If I know her, she would be the one who would want you to go after your happiness and never look back."

She smiled. "You always knew her."

"She isn't afraid of anything, including me. She was always more curious than afraid and her chanting calls of the 'Phantom of the Opera', were really to give her more of a voice at the Opera House. I can't really blame her, everyone needs to find a way to be noticed. We can't all be like Christine was."

"And how is Christine?" She arched her brow.

"Innocent, compassionate, trusting, talented, beautiful with a pure heart."

"And what was Meg?"

"I….. Er…."

Annie laughed. "Relax, your eyes are blind, as mine are for my child."

"Megan was always something special, though. I couldn't have been more pleased to know she and Christine became friends."

"Even though it meant you had to share her?" Annie recalled with a smirk.

"I didn't even know what was happening to me back then. When I think about how I ranted over her wanting to spend time with other people and not our lessons..." He shook his head. "Did you know I was in love back then?"

"I suspected but I am ashamed to admit, I hoped I was wrong. I didn't think she would return your love and you needed a strong woman to be able to understand you."

He nodded weakly but Anne squeezed his hand. "And you got one. She is your match in every way. I am so happy for you both. It is clear she is happy and the happiness is because of you. You both deserve it."

"Then wouldn't the same hold true for you? My Christine knows everything now. She knows the entire truth about me and she still loves me. She still wants to start a new life with me. If a monster can be happy, why can't a loving woman like you?"

She caressed his cheek. "You are not a monster. Maybe long ago, you lost your way but you found it. You found your way back to all of us." She then began to tear up. "I am so sorry for…."

"Hush, Annie. I don't blame you for anything. It made me stronger and want to be a better person. You were right, I had lost my way. But no more. Not when there is so much to lose."

"Does Christine know you have returned? She hasn't been herself since the two of you parted."

"Not yet. I needed Nadir's help and wanted to see you before I left."

She panicked. "Are you both leaving France so soon?"

"No, Annie not yet. Christine and I have a final stop to make but I need to prepare it for our stay. Once we have given France a proper goodbye, we will leave the past behind together."

"And this final stop is dangerous, no? That is why Nadir and you argued?"

"It's home."

She gasped. "Erik, no! Not the Opera House. What if you are discovered? The Comte….."

"Let him try to get to my lair!"

"But it was ruined….."

"It's been renovated." He grinned.

"What have you and Nadir done?"

"Nothing yet but wait until I get my hands on it. I just need a day or two to secure things. Many of my rooms were never touched due to those fools not knowing of their existence. I simply need to make a few preparations and ensure Christine is safely escorted."

"You stupid, romantic fool!"

He grinned. "A fool for love, yes. A fool without a plan? Never."

"Erik, she is still the Vicomte's wife. If she is discovered…."

"She is not his wife!" His voice was harsher than he intended it to be. "You cannot force someone into marrying you and call that a bond. I know better than anyone."

"Erik, her marriage license…"

"Means nothing to me. In my heart, I am her husband and I intend to prove that to her. A piece of paper will not stop me."

"You will need false names and identification as such. How can your obtain all that if you are in the heart of Paris where you are still a wanted man? You should take this time to prepare for your new life."

"Arrangements for those are being made, it's another reason why I need to return to the lair. It may make things easier, providing Christine agrees with our ultimate destination."

"And then?"

"Then I fully intend to devote my life to her."

Annie smiled out of defeat. "There is no convincing you otherwise, is there?"

"I promise you, if there was even a doubt in my mind to her safety, I would never indulge it but the more I play it over and over again in my mind, the more the house on the lake seems perfect."

"I can see you are determined and I know better than to tangle with a determined Phantom. Yet, your timing is perfect."

"What do you mean?"

"Meg wanted to be here but with rehearsals…. Any way, we both knew that you would be leaving France, shortly after this visit. She wanted you to have this back."

"I don't understand."

"Come with me and I will show you."

She led him to her room and closed the door. She then took out a small, cloth bag and placed it in his hand. "Open it."

Erik shook the item out of the bag and it fell into his palm. "The ring?! But how? Where?"

"Meg and Darius were able retrieved it. She wanted me to give this to you so you could make an honest woman out of her foster sister. Despite law or protocol, Christine was meant to be your wife."

He stared at the ring for a long time. Finally when he did speak, his voice cracked. "I will never be worthy of her but I will never stop trying to be." He then kissed Annie's cheek. "This ring became a symbol of mine and Christine's love. It found its way back to us."

Annie nodded. "I suppose a wedding license means nothing but a ring, a ring is eternal. I wish you well, my dear brother."

Erik nodded but as he placed the ring inside the pocket of his jacket, his eyes looked worried.

"Erik?"

"She knows all about me and yet she still doesn't know the truth about herself. Annie, I implore you to tell her. Tell Christine about her mother."

She shook her head, knowing Erik was not aware of Sofia's full history. "If you feel so strongly about it, why don't you do it?"

"Because I could only fill in a small gap of her life. I wouldn't feel right telling her only a fraction of the story and then having to have her go to you. You know our time with you is limited. She deserves to know everything, including why you feel so adamant about hiding it from everyone. My being away will give you the time you need with her."

"You said it yourself that her mother's condition did not affect her. Why not let it rest?"

"Because she has a right to know what happened to her." He saw he was getting nowhere. "Alright, fine. Tell me. Tell me all that you know and I will tell Christine the truth. She deserves that."

"Erik, you are causing unnecessary trouble. The past can remain exactly where it has been. It changes nothing and besides, it will not help her nor harm her."

"And you are certain of this because?"

"The only people that could have helped Christine shed more answers about her mother are either dead or not in a positon to do her harm."

"What if those positions would change?" Erik was starting to become impatient.

"Nadir and I would never hurt her. Erik, trust me. It is best to let the past just die."

"But….."

"Erik, both her parents loved her. We should all hope for such a past."

Erik was about to question her again, only a knock interrupted them.

"Come in."

"Annie, have you seen Erik? Ah, there you are. You have some explaining to do, old friend. Christine has been worried sick and I have done all I can to try to keep her occupied. What am I supposed to do when she finds out you won't see her for two days? She will be in constant worry over you during our trip back to the …" He paused for fear he would say too much.

"Daroga, relax, I told Annie. Don't tell me you lost your sense of romance too? I knew I should have relied on Aaron for this task." He shook his head. "Either way, Annie gave me the only thing needed to make the surprise perfect but since nothing is too good for my Christine, I shall continue with my original plan."

"And that shall begin when?"

"As soon as I kiss the lady and leave her breathless. Then I will tell her that we shall see each other in two days' time." He spoke the next part to himself. "Yes, two days will suffice. I don't think I could go without her for longer than that." He looked at Nadir. "See, I will save you the trouble of having to appease her. Besides, she'll know where I went." He then eyed Annie but she came up to him and gave him a hug before he could say anything else.

"Be safe."

He clutched the ring in his pocket and nodded as he hurried out the door.

Meanwhile, Nadir scratched his head. "Should I even ask?"

"He wanted me to tell Christine of Sofie."

"Did you?"

She shook her head.

"And you still wish to keep it that way?"

"You said it yourself, no one alive that knows the full story wishes to harm her. Besides, they will have other troubles to contend with once they flee France. Let them enjoy some happiness for now."

"I did tell him the trip back to Paris was dangerous."

"All the more reason for him to defy you."

Nadir looked frustrated. "Allah, I should have agreed with him and said it was perfect. Maybe then he would have thought of something else."

"You two, honestly. You behave like children."

He shrugged his shoulders. "What he said about the rooms does make sense and no one would dare to venture back into the catacombs. He is used to sneaking about. It is Christine that I worry about."

"Then you will need to be her shadow."

He nodded and headed to the door. "I'll keep her safe."

"Nadir?"

"Yes?"

"Please keep yourself safe too. I owe you a nice long talk when these children are settled."

Nadir couldn't believe she was requesting alone time with him. He was careful not to read too much into it. He had been disappointed before. "If you so desire."

She walked towards him and placed her hands on his chest. "I do desire it, Nadir. I have desired it for a long, long time and I don't want to deny it any longer."

He kept himself steady but couldn't help but feel his heart swell. "Are you sure because I will not keep clinging to misguided hope. I have to be certain of what it is you want and what you ask of me."

"I ask that you be patient and we take things slow but yes, I am very sure what I want this time, Nadir. What I want is you. "

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Christine was trying to focus on her journal entry but her eyes kept shifting back and forth to the clock on the mantle. She cursed her foolishness, knowing full well that staring at a clock would not bring Erik to her any faster. She began to write again, when the slightest breath upon her skin caused her to jump.

"Erik?"

"Who else dares to get this close?" He looked into her chocolate orbs and hoped that she was not too angry with him.

She tossed the journal to the floor, so she could wrap both her arms around his neck.

"Thank heavens! I missed you so much."

He held her tighter and breathed in the scent of her hair. "My Christine…" He then position himself so they could look at one another without breaking their embrace. "Forgive me for staying away. I was lost deep in thought for a while and then, then I came up with a wonderful idea, only I needed time to put my plan into action."

She stared at him for a moment giving him a suspicious look. "What are you plotting, my angel?"

He grinned mischievously. "It's a surprise and although I will need to leave you for a couple days, it will be well worth it."

"Leave me, again? No, Erik! Whatever it is, you can do it with me beside you. I do not see the need to separate."

He kissed her hand and then held it carefully. "Angel, I promise you, it is the very last time. I want us to go away for a few days and say good bye to Paris properly before we leave for good. I realized while I was out last night that there is a place that although caused us much sorrow, it also brought us great joy, at different parts of our relationship. Wouldn't it be wonderful to make some happy memories together at the same place and at the same time?"

She looked at him in disbelief. "The Opera House?" She said it in a whisper.

"I knew you would know exactly where I was going." He smiled proudly.

"Precious, it is too dangerous."

"Christine, do not fear over that boy. I have instructed Nadir to personally escort you back. You won't be found, as long as he follows my specific instructions."

"Erik, I am not worried about me. It is you, I fear for. You are still a wanted man. I will not risk your life."

He looked at her dumbfounded. "I don't know why I keep getting surprised every time you pledge your love for me but I do. You are worried about me being caught?" He kneeled at her feet. "I vow to you that I will not be caught." He then gripped her hand tighter. "I also vow that you will be completely safe."

"Then why can't we go together?"

"Because there are a few preparations I must do before you arrive. Two days will allow me the time to do so. I also need to stop and see a man about obtaining our identification papers for once we leave France."

"All the more reasons for me to be with you, no?"

"Definitely not! I don't want anyone seeing you before we get the documents. It is best I seek him out alone."

"Are you sure that is all it is? Your need to secure documents and plan my surprise?"

"How do you mean?"

"Are you somehow trying to avoid me after telling me about Persia? Are you still afraid that I will leave you or do not accept you? Erik…."

He silenced her with a long, lingering kiss. "You were saying?"

"I….."

He smiled smugly, feeling elated that he could make her forget her thoughts with a single kiss.

"I love you and I have no doubts about you or us. All I ask of you is that you allow me to show you my devotion and let us honor the place where we fell in love, even if we weren't aware of it back then."

She pressed herself to his chest. "I am very aware of it now, my love."

"As am I, Christine." He kissed the top of her head. "Two days." He then cupped her chin to look up at him. "That will be the last time, you and I are ever parted."

"But how can we go back, Erik? Your home was destroyed. I saw it."

He sighed. "There were rooms that were untouched due to the fact that no one knew where they were. I just need to air them out a bit." He winked.

Despite the danger, Christine couldn't help but be excited about the prospect of returning to Paris again and even more excited about being alone with her angel in his lair.

"The last time we were there, we kissed and I knew I loved you beyond all logical thought or reason."

"Then if you will meet me there again our declaration of love will not end in rejection or dismissal this time."

"You mean…"

He exhaled a deep breath. "It is time we became one in every way."

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Tobias and Viviane were sad that Erik had left so soon but when Bets explained the situation, they not only understood but were in awe as well.

"He is so romantic." Viviane sighed.

Tobias wished he had asked Erik how one gets to be romantic. He knew for now he had to improvise. "When we return to school, we could go to the square and eat gelato."

Viviane blushed and was thankful Tobias couldn't see her reaction. "I'd like that."

"You would? How about Saturday?"

"I…." Her face fell. "That's the night of the dance."

"Oh... I forgot. Of course." He wanted to turn and run but forced himself to stay. "What about the next day?"

"How about you arrive at my door on Saturday an hour before the dance starts?"

"I don't understand."

"We could go to the square and then just arrive at the dance fashionably late."

"What about Giulio?" His voice shook.

"I'll talk to him."

"But…."

"Tobias, just accept the fact that I would rather be with you."

He was about to speak until her words dawned on him. Instead he reached for her hand and squeezed it, smiling to himself.

Meanwhile Christine couldn't wait to get the journey started. The time away from Erik had been maddening and all she wanted to do was get on the road. Her mind was full of fears and she knew she wouldn't be able to calm herself until she saw him again.

Nadir's patience had been tested more often in that period then he cared to count. He too was anxious to get on the road so Christine could stop her nerve-racking questions. He thought she would settle down a bit on the train but it only made her more anxious.

"Do you know the man Erik spoke of regarding our documents? What if he is harmed or someone saw him? Do you think he will remember the location of his traps?"

"Christine, please! I know you are nervous but this is Erik we are taking about. His traps are the least of his concerns."

She realized her foolishness and put her head down. "I'm sorry, Nadir. I know I sounds as if I were five years old."

He instantly felt guilty for his comment. "No, don't apologize. I shouldn't have said that. Try and relax, though. You need to not cause any attention to yourself and once the train stops in the next town, you shouldn't talk. We don't want anyone to recognize your voice."

"Yes, Nadir." She then thought of Erik. "Do you know how to sign?"

Nadir shook his head. "Alas, Erik is the one with all the talent." He smiled when he saw her giggle. "Erik, also wanted you to put this on." He grabbed the bag underneath his seat.

She opened it up and looked at him. "Where did he get this?"

"He said he made it the night he stayed out until morning. Just be sure to allow it to cover your profile and get all your hair inside it. Don't let vanity cloud your judgment. I will guide you where you need to go and once we are at the Opera House….."

"I know the way." Her hand felt the material of the hat.

He then recalled how he almost hit her when she came down to find Erik after he had convinced him to leave for the conservatory.

"I never apologized for lying to you that day."

"Nair, please. You were protecting him. There is no need. If the circumstance were reversed, I would have lied to you too."

He nodded. "He is very lucky to have you."

"I'm the lucky one. Second chances don't happen every day."

"You are quite right, my dear."

"Are you speaking about Erik and me or you and Madame?"

Nadir was caught off guard but covered well. "Christine my past occupation required me to take on many assignments. Some would be long term while others were completed in a matter of hours. I was always successful and do you know why?"

She shook her head.

"I have an enormous amount of patience. How else would Erik and I still be friends?"

She laughed as the train stopped.

Nadir looked out the window. "We are at the next town. You better start putting that on."

She nodded but said one more thing before she would have to endure the rest of the ride in silence.

"Thank you for always being there for him."

"It is a responsibility I recommend highly but I don't have to tell you that."

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Nadir secured a carriage for most of the ride from the station but instead of directing the driver to the Opera House, he asked that they go to a church that was across the street.

"Erik would be amused that the church is a mere decoy." Christine whispered.

"What an influence he has. I dare say he is with us even now." He then looked ahead. "I will escort you down below."

The carriage stopped and Nadir was taken aback when once they exited the carriage, she turned to him and said, "No."

"Christine?"

"I want to go to him alone. I know you only mean well but my heart has been pounding since we left the station. My only goal is to be reunited with him and if you thought I was insufferable before, I will be simply unbearable once we get inside. I know my way, and I will not listen to one word you say."

"But Christine, you don't know the rooms that he speaks of. He…."

"I will sense his presence as he will sense mine. Nadir, I do thank you but this is a private matter between my angel and me."

He handed her the bag. "You are both so stubborn!"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe that is why we are soul mates."

"Be safe. If either of you need anything, do not hesitate to be in contact."

"We won't." She kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

Nadir nodded, keeping a sharp eye on her. He then use his police skills once more to follow her until he saw her enter through the Rue Scribe.

"Allah, watch over them both."

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The moment she entered through the door, she discarded the hat and freed her hair. She felt as if she were home. She wondered if Erik had felt the same way when he returned. She went further down and when she saw the boat docked by the lake, she looked around.

"I can feel you, angel. I'm coming home to you."

As she steered the boat and approached the house on the lake she wondered if he would be there to greet her. He wasn't. She almost cried out in alarm but took comfort in the fact that she could still sense him.

Nadir was right, the rooms she did remember were still in shambles. She carefully made her way through and remembered Erik's instructions from long ago about his traps. She soon came upon a door she hadn't recognized and wondered if she should go through it, when all of a sudden she heard him.

"You have come here
In pursuit of your deepest urge
In pursuit of that wish which till now
Has been silent
Silent.

I have brought you
That our passions may fuse and merge
In your mind you've already succumbed to me, dropped all defenses
Completely succumbed to me
Now you are here with me
No second thoughts
You've decided
Decided."

Christine could almost cry from happiness. He is here and he is finally mine. He has turned back time and not only given us a second chance but a new one. She didn't wish to make him wait any longer. She opened the door and sang their duet once more.

"You have brought me
To that moment when words run dry
To that moment when speech disappears
Into silence
Silence.

I have come here,
Hardly knowing the reason why
In my mind I've already imagined
Our bodies entwining
Defenseless and silent,
Now I am here with you
No second thoughts
I've decided
Decided."

Erik stood before her dressed in the same costume as the night of Don Juan, only this time he was without his mask and stood in front of a raging fire. They came towards one another in both bodies and in song.

"Past the point of no return
No going back now
Our passion-play has now at last begun.

Past all thought of right or wrong
One final question
How long should we two wait before we're one?

When will the blood begin to race
The sleeping bud burst into bloom
When will the flames at last CONSUME us?

Past the point of no return
The final threshold
The bridge is crossed
So stand and watch it burn
We've passed the point of no return."

They were about to kiss passionately until Erik dropped to his knees.

"Say you'll share with me
One love, one lifetime
Lead me, save me from my solitude

Say you want me
With you here
Beside you
Anywhere you go
Let me go too
Christine, that's all I ask of…"

He was interrupted by her burning lips on his.

"I love you, I …"

He held her for support, as her kiss had left him lightheaded. However he was determined to do this right. He kept one hand on her arm, as the other reached in and grabbed the ring from his inside pocket. "Then will you marry me here tonight?"

A/N: Do I need to even mention this song and where it comes from? Until the New Year!