"Erik, what about this one?" Christine held up a yellow newborn onesie.

"Absolutely not."

Exasperated, she had to stop from raising her voice, "And what's wrong with this one?"

Erik cocked his head to the side, "Do I really need to say?"

Christine clenched her teeth, "Yes, I'd love to hear what is wrong with the fourteenth outfit I've shown you."

Erik reached over, took the clothing from Christine's hands, examined it with disgust once more and placed it back on the shelf. "No daughter of mine will be paraded around with an absurd cartoon character on her clothing."

"Well, what about your son?"

Erik raised an eyebrow. "Let me make my self clear, neither of the children you are carrying will be ever be caught wearing anything that preposterous."

Christine rolled her eyes, "Well, I couldn't find any that said 'my father is a musical genius' so..."

Erik smirked at her sarcasm, "Now that would be much more appropriate."

"And not the least bit pretentious," Christine laughed.

"Not at all," Erik replied, "Merely accurate."

Christine sighed. So far Erik had vetoed everything she had picked out. She knew she should have asked Meg or Lana to come but as soon as Erik had heard her mention baby shopping, he had instantly invited himself. Not that she didn't love his company dearly, it was just ever since they had found out they were having twins, Erik had become even harder to please. Nothing was good enough for his little boy and girl. The cribs were too small, the wheels on the stroller turned too sharp, even the car seats she had bought was not comfortable enough! She looked over at him and couldn't help smiling. He was currently arguing with the store manager over which type of wood is best when purchasing a rocking chair. Alright, she admitted to herself, it was sort of enduring. He was going to make a wonderful father, if she survived the pregnancy. Every muscle in her body ached, her belly itched, she felt like she hadn't slept in months and she was tired of the room spinning unexpectedly.

"Erik," Christine walked over and put her hand gently on his arm. "I'm feeling a little faint, I think I need to get some lunch."

Immediately Erik's attention was on her. "Christine, of course. We'll leave this instant." He tucked her arm in his and looked back to the manager, "I will return another time to finish our...discussion." The manager looked terrified at the prospect but nodded silently as Erik escorted his wife out of the store.

"You should have said something sooner, are you sure you are able to walk?"

Christine chuckled, "If I say no are you planning on carrying me?"

The look on Erik's face told her that was exactly what he would do.

"Erik, I'm fine, just a little hungry," she assured him. She pointed to a stylish cafe on the corner. "Look, there is a place right here, let's go in."

She grabbed Erik's hand and pulled him into the restaurant. "Two please," she instructed the hostess. The young girl smiled shyly at Christine but cast her gaze downward as soon as she spotted Erik. At Christine's urging Erik had been coming out in public more often. He continued to get odd stares and glances every now and then but for the most part people left them alone. Christine knew Erik would be happy to stay away from the public forever, but he wanted to be there for her and their children. He exposed himself to public ridicule for his family. It made her love him even more and showed her once again how deeply he could love. The hostess brought them to a intimate table in the corner, handed them two menus, and promptly left.

"Uhgg," groaned Christine.

Erik leaned over, concerned. "What is it?"

"Oh, nothing. I just have to go to the bathroom...again."

Despite himself Erik laughed.

Christine glared and Erik put his hands in the air, "I'm sorry I"m sorry, go, I'll order for you."

"Don't forget to ask for extra dressing."

"I won't."

She started to walk away and quickly turned around, "Oh and relish...for my fries."

"Relish?" Erik asked.

"Yes, and barbecue sauce."

"For your fries as well?"

"No silly," she called back, "for my brownie!"

Erik, as well as the surrounding costumers, looked a little horrified. Still, he assured her he would not forget.

When Christine emerged from the bathroom she was feeling much better. She hurried down the bathroom hallway, turned the corner and ran sharply into someone walking from the opposite direction.

"Excuse me," she smiled apologetically, "I'm afraid I'm a little..." her smile faded.

"Raoul."

"Christine?!"

Christine's expression turned to stone as she nodded.

Raoul seemed to recover from his initial shock until his eyes traveled down to her rounded belly. They grew wide once more as he managed to choke out, "How..how are you?"

Christine put a hand protectively over her stomach. "Are we really going to do this? I'm fine, excuse me."

"Wait, Christine," Raoul grabbed her hand. "Now that I've run into you, I know I don't deserve it, but may I please speak with you?"

"You're right, you don't deserve it so, no. Besides, Erik is waiting so, for your own sake, I don't think that is a good idea."

Raoul let go, "Ah, so he is the father is he?"

Christine's eyes flashed, "Yes, he is my husband after all."

His head fell. "Forgive me, I hadn't heard," his voice sounded so sad, so broken, Christine couldn't help herself. "Alright, Mr. de Chagny, what do you want? Make it quick because if Erik finds you here," she crossed her arms, "let's just say I won't stop him this time."

"I just want to apologize."

Christine rolled her eyes, "Sure you do."

"No, really. Look, I was pretty messed up the last time I saw you. I did not handle things between us very well. You see, the very first moment I saw you, I fell in love with you,"

Christine shifted uncomfortably but let him continue.

"I remember you were wearing a blue dress and white sandals. You were frantically chasing a red scarf down the beach.."

"And you fetched it for me," she finished.

He smiled, "Yes, from that moment I was hooked. I know now you never felt the same, but at the time, I dared to believe I had a chance. When your masked friend came into the picture, well I'm afraid I went a bit mad. I was insane with jealously. I saw how you looked at him and felt you slowly slipping away. I would have done anything to keep you."

Christine sighed, "I'm afraid Raoul, you never had me. I was always his. I am sorry I hurt you. I never meant to toy with your emotions."

Raoul ran his hands through his hair, "I know Christine. Please believe me, I never meant things to get that out of hand. I was seduced by the promises from Erik's father. That man had a way with words."

Christine looked away in embarrassment, "Believe me, I do understand that part. What I can't understand is, why this sudden change of heart?"

Raoul perked up. "I've got a new life now. In fact, I'm here picking up food for my girlfriend."

Christine's eyes snapped back to his, "Your girlfriend?"

"Yes. I wish you could meet her. She is wonderful," he beamed, "I never thought I could feel like this again."

"Oh, Raoul, I'm so happy to hear that!" Christine couldn't help feel responsible for pushing Raoul into the clutches of Erik's father. She should have been honest with him from the beginning. The Raoul she had seen when Erik came back into her life was not the same man she had met on the beach those few years ago. She was genuinely happy to see him move on and find someone else.

Raoul closed the distance between them and took her hand once again in his, "I've got to get back to her, but please allow me to tell you once again how sorry I am for the way things turned out. I hope if we ever meet again we can at least be civil and maybe one day friends again. I wish you every happiness and the greatest joy as you become a mother."

With those final words he squeezed her hand and departed.

Christine stood there for a few moments, taking in all that had just happened. Raoul seemed truly repentant. She wondered at this new girlfriend he mentioned. She prayed he would find the same happiness with her, that she had found with Erik. Composing herself she took a deep breath. Now, time to tell Erik. He would be furious that she even spoke to him but hoped he would also understand. On second thought, she would eat first and then tell him. She wanted to give Raoul a head start before Erik tracked him down and murdered him. Erik had gotten even more protective since she had become pregnant. She doubted understanding was in the cards for this situation. She cringed inwardly, this was a conversation she was definitely not looking forward to having.

A few blocks away Raoul de Chagny climbed into a shiny red Corvette.

"Well, did you do it?!" a shrilly female voice demanded.

"What do you think?"

Carlotta settled back into her seat and grinned, "Excellent work, do you think she bought it?"

"Yes, of course," Raoul leaned forward, "Look, there's something I need to tell you. It's Christine, she's...pregnant."

Carlotta did not look impressed.

Raoul continued, "She looks...happy. I wasn't really expecting that. Things are different, we aren't just destroying two people's lives, we are messing with a whole family, with innocent children. It doesn't seem right."

"That changes nothing," she sneered, "Any offspring that deformed creature produces should be disposed of anyway."

Raoul looked shocked, but Carlotta ignored him.

"That little bitch and her monster of a husband took away the only man I've ever loved. They both destroyed my life. Now, I'm going to return the favor."

"But..."

Carlotta turned sharply and grasped his chin with her fingers, forcing him to meet her gaze, "Now you look here you little toad. I wasn't able to save Richard but I did you a favor, covering up your involvement with him. If you double cross me or back out of our deal, I'll expose you to the police and the only music you will ever make again will be from behind bars. Do I make myself clear?!"

Raoul pulled himself from her grip and nodded.

"Good. If anything, this pregnancy should make things much easier," she laughed wickedly, "Yes, they both will pay, just wait."