A/N- I hope you all enjoyed Chapter 37!

Disclaimer: The Phantom of the Opera is not mine. All relations come from Mr. Gaston Leroux's novel The Phantom of the Opera. All characters that appear from this point and time in the story however are mine.

Chapter 38

Christine sat curled up in the corner of the organ room sobbing, her knees to her face. What happened if her Angel lost? What would become of her? Who would she turn to?

Erik opened the door quietly, his heart breaking seeing her cry. Stealthily he made his way over to her; he crouched, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

She looked up, relief filling her body throwing herself in his arms, "Thank God your alright! Thank God!" she sobbed onto his shoulder.

He embraced her, "Shh, It's alright my love, it's alright." Tears began to well up in his eyes as he buried his face in her soft blonde curls.

She began to tremble, "I…I was so scared."

"I know." He cooed, "I was too."

She looked up at his neck; the rope burn was swollen and crimson. This made her cry harder. She ran her tiny fingers over the menacing wound.

Erik took her hands in his, helping her stand.

There was a long pause between them before Erik spoke. "I'm so sorry, Christine."

"It's not…" she began.

"No, Christine. It is my fault." He took her in his strong arms, "You were right. I do shun myself away rejecting anyone who can get close to me. I've always done it, but that's how I was raised. I wasn't loved, I was cruelly mocked. I thought if I pushed people away, they wouldn't have a chance to hurt me, but in doing so, I hurt you."

She looked straight into his eyes and placed her tiny hands on his broad chest. At that moment, he thought, she'd never been more beautiful.

Christine had to look away, at that moment, all she could envision was Genevieve and her Angel together, "What about Genevieve Montague. I know what you've been doing for her."

"What are you talking about?" he inquired, he'd heard of Mademoiselle Montague; she was taking lessons from Monsieur Sifergue, the vocal instructor down the road.

"I…I over heard her talking, she said, 'Oh he'll be so happy. That man is angelic.'" Christine whispered, hurt overwhelming her.

"Mon cher," Erik caught her face in his hands, "I could never give lessons to anyone but you. Mademoiselle has been training with Monsieur Sifergue."

Christine smiled, "I love you."

"Mon amour," he whispered lowering his head, kissing her.

All of the feelings that Christine had bottled up inside her over the past nine months were released. She interlocked her fingers around her Angel's neck, answering his kiss.

They broke apart slowly, "You were wonderful tonight."

She blushed, looking down, "Will you continue teaching me? I need you my Angel of Music."

He smiled answering her with another kiss. It was filled with so much emotion, so much passion that Christine's knees gave way. His arms around her waist were the only things keeping her upright.

"Are you happy Christine? I mean truly happy? Is this what you want?" Erik asked, a little breathless.

"Oh, I'm so happy!" she exclaimed, tears of joy falling down her rosy cheeks.

He smiled.

As he held her, she knew. She knew that this was what was missing in her life for so long. Knew that this was whom she loved. Knew that this was where she finally belonged...

A/N- Wow, it's over…I'm about to cry.

To everyone who reviewed for my fanfic, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for sticking with me since September. I know I'm not the fastest updater, so thank you.

I still can't believe it. My first fic, and so many wonderful people who liked and reviewed for it. Here come the tears. Ha-ha, just kidding.

An epilogue will be posted shortly, please take a look.

You guys are great!

Yours truly,

eternal rose 45