Erik was not in a position to trust his senses. All he could see around him was that there wasn't a trace of Christine anywhere. When his eyes recovered from the reality that she was not there, his mind circled back to what Meg's presence meant and the words she had just spoken.

I know where she is.

He stared at her for several seconds unsure as to whether he should hug or strangle her. This wasn't a time to tease him. Didn't she know that he was slowly losing his grip on reality? He let out a breath and forced himself to stop shaking on the inside. He could feel his heart race and could only image what direction his body took from such a thunderous pulse rate.

"Uncle Erik? Did you not hear me? I know Christine isn't here but she isn't far and I know where you can find her."

There it was again. He heard Meg's voice again and this time he only focused on a few choice words.

Christine…Not far….Find her.

He closed his eyes for a few seconds and when he opened them, he saw himself coming towards his niece and grabbing her by the shoulders. "You listen here, child. This is no time to fool me! If you know where she is then tell me. Does my folly cause you such amusement you wish to prolong my agony?"

Meg's playful smirk had vanished. She looked at him wide eyed and before she knew it, she began shedding light tears. "Please, Uncle Erik do not grieve so. I didn't mean to cause you harm." She placed her hands over both sides of his face. "She is not far and she misses you, as you do her."

The touch of her hands on his cheeks calmed him instantly. He then realized his grip was far too tight. He let go in a panic. "Dearest Megan, I am sorry. I…" He then shook his head. "Maybe there is no need to continue? Look at me. Look at how I frightened you. I…."

"No, Uncle Erik. It was my fault. I should have realized that this topic was one not to tease. It was my fault."

He pulled her into his arms. "I don't understand how you can love me so."

She smiled, and pulled away to see him. "Because I know amazing men when I see them. So does Mama, and so does Christine."

He then stopped his remorse and his frustration and instead pointed his finger at her. "Megan, if you do not tell me where she is this very moment, I will be forced to Punjab lasso you and although it will pain me, you had it coming." He saw her try to suppress a giggle. "What? I mean it! Doesn't this face and my words scare you?"

She stood calmly and shook her head. "Sorry, but you're going to have to better than that."

This time he took her in his arms and shook her playfully. "Megan, do not tempt me, for I will throw you into one of my traps and where will you be then?"

"But then, you won't know where she is. Face it, you are stuck with me."

He laughed in exasperation. "What do I have to do to get her whereabouts out of you?"

She stood in triumph. "You could just say please."

He went towards her but she laughed and hid behind his couch. "Okay, Okay!"

He chuckled as he looked at her standing up. "Where would any of us be without you?"

She paused for a moment. "That's an awfully good question. Luckily, none of you will ever have to find out. Here is the address." She pulled out a piece of note paper from her pocket.

Erik took the address and read it, committing it to memory. "What type of place is this?"

"It's a…..Place I heard about. It's secluded and near a church. Why don't you change and take some provisions. I can saddle up Cesar for you."

He scratched his head. "How would you know of such a secluded place?"

She began pushing him towards his room, eager to change the subject. "Hurry, Uncle Erik. You and Christine have wasted far too much time already."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Christine was thankful for the time alone. Meg had gone out to gather some supplies to last a few days. Part of Christine was grateful; she would have a sort of sanctuary for a few more days. An escape from her reality. However when she really thought about it, the only thing she was escaping was the opportunity to set things right with her Angel. Her demons still followed her; in fact they seemed to be present with her now more than ever. For there were no distractions in the cottage. No music to infiltrate her soul. No lines to rehearse. No Erik to soothe her.

She decided to take a walk outside the cottage to get some fresh air and feel the sunlight on her face. Christine loved the feeling of sunshine wash over her. Strange, but all during her stay with Erik, she had gone without such a simple, yet treasured pleasure. She wondered why it never bothered her before. She then saw his face. Not his masked face, but her Angel's true face. A blessing she had been entrusted with. The thought of his smile or his teasing or smirk brought a sense of peace and happiness to her face that no amount of sunlight could ever hope to bring.

"Erik." She said his name almost as if she were saying a prayer. She missed him. She missed everything about him. She even found herself blushing profusely when she thought about his tender touches and kisses. Her eyes became glassy and she thought it best to try and focus on something else at least for the time being.

Her next thoughts were of Meg. How she was in awe of her. She had grown up so much, matured when she wasn't looking. It made her laugh to think that at one point in time Meg had envied her. She shook her head. There was nothing to envy now. Meg was able to make choices and live her life against her own set of principles, while causing no harm to anyone. She had been able to stop Raoul from taking her life away. She fought for her existence. What did Christine do? Christine felt as if every act she made to move forward caused her to retreat back. Her horrors seem to be leaving a path of woe, and not just for her but for the one person whom she has loved ever since she could remember.

Love, what a tiny word for so much meaning. She did love Erik, but was she ready to embark on all sides of love with him? Wasn't it cruel to him to lead him on, to pretend that eventually all would be made right? What if she could never get over her past? Worse, what if Erik couldn't bring himself to want her in such a way anymore? She couldn't even begin to pass off her fears or feelings on the fact that she wasn't married.

While Meg's actions surprised her, she did not condemn her friend. She would prefer to be married, but given her circumstances, how could she ever hope to have that, when she couldn't see herself accepting physical love as it should be. Pretending that marriage would suddenly make it right would be the greatest delusion of all. How could she even think of putting Erik through that?

She looked at the ring that was still on her thumb since Erik had placed it there with his fingers and secured it with his kiss. A beautiful ring it was. A symbol of hope and future blessings. A life with her Angel, a marriage of love and devotion…..Children. All things that seemed much too far from her grasp. She then placed her hand over her dress which covered her scar. The pain and loss of that day came flooding back.

"How can I except Erik to forgive me when I can't even forgive myself?" She sighed. "It's better this way. He deserves so much more and I can't even promise I will ever be ready to give him what he needs and deserves and should have. I must go away." She felt dizzy at the prospect of leaving him all over again, but what choice did she have? He thought she was repulsed by him, but really she was the repulsive one. Even if she did find the courage to tell him, what would it serve? They both would be in a prison and she loved him too much to condemn him to that.

She felt a sudden chill in the air and regretted not bringing her shawl, yet there wasn't much time to pack. She headed back towards the house, but paused when she got to the back door. She heard noises from inside and wanted to compose herself before she saw Meg. She would need to look assured and confident when she told her of her plans to leave. Meg would never support her, but she hoped she would understand. She took a few deep breaths and took her sleeve to dry her eyes. When she opened the door she froze at the sight before her.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Erik had been calling her name and looking about the small cabin. When he first laid eyes on the interior he became angry that Meg would bring his Christine to such a place. However he dismissed it as he called hopefully out to her.

When he heard the back door open, he turned around so quickly; he almost thought it was his mind playing tricks on him. When he heard her gasp, he dropped to his knees and called her name.

"Angel, you really are here. I thought that maybe…..Oh Christine, I beg you to forgive me."

The sight of her Angel before her made her forget all she had concluded outside and flung her arms around his neck. She then ripped off his black mask and began peppering his face with kisses. When she finally came up for air, she spoke softly.

"My Angel…..I…..No you have nothing to be sorry for. I am the one who….There is so much to say."

Erik shook his head. "No, It is I who must beg your I said before…..I was wrong and selfish and I didn't mean it, Christine." He moved away to look at her face. "I need you and whatever that brings or doesn't bring it doesn't matter to me. You are my world, that's all I know and I can't….." He pulled her to him again, savoring their embrace. "Dear God, I haven't been able to inhale a deep breath until now."

"Angel…."

He placed a finger to her lips. "I made everything about me again, and I hurt you. I never even stopped to realize all the signs that were in front of me. I said I desired physical love, and what is that really?"

She looked at him puzzled. He intern stood them both up and walked her over to the couch near the fireplace. He titled her head up, as he gently sat her down. He kneeled at her feet, and she was about to protest, when he started to speak.

He grasped her hands. "This is physical. The moment before when we were in each other's arms is physical. Sharing my life with you, my music, our voices, Christine that is the greater physical power than anyone could ever hope to achieve. I love you and I would rather have you in my life with these intimacies than be without you."

She stood up slowly. "You know." She couldn't face him. She just began to move frantically around the couch. "How could you know?" She then thought of Justin and Meg. "Who? I can't. I…."

He was on his feet in seconds and took her by the arm. "Please, don't run. I have so much more to say."

"Erik, I can't face you right now. I just want to ….."

"Run and hide and pretend as if it was a long nightmare. In any moment you will be back safe in your own bed, before any of it ever happened." He eyed her lovingly.

She didn't return his gaze, but she nodded.

"Darling, I know what you are feeling. I curse myself that I didn't realize it before. I was the same way. I was bothered by touch, I had nightmares, I thought as if the only thing I would ever feel is dirt and shame."

Acknowledgement made its way into her eyes. The gypsies. He had been rapped when he was only a child. She owed him recognition, and so much more. "Erik, I didn't tell you because…"

"Christine, it was you who made me see that I didn't have to feel empty inside or broken. I know you feel ill-used and the pain you must have endured was probably ten times the suffering I went through….."

"Erik, I can't let you diminish your agony to compensate for mine. You were able to move on but I stay trapped. Worse I keep pulling people in to this nightmare. Why you probably are reminded of your demons because of me."

He gently took her by the shoulders. "You make me rise above it all, and not just my time with the gypsies, but my entire life. You give me a purpose, Angel. You cleanse my soul."

She started to tear up at his loving words. "Erik, I am unable to allow myself to move on. I know you did and I tried, but each time I think I can…I'm weak. How can I ask you to deprive yourself of all the wonders and blessings you deserve."

"Who said you are depriving me? Who says you are not all my wonders and blessings?"

She looked away. "I am so ashamed. I don't even know what you know, but Erik there are things that only I know and ….."

"Christine, if you wish to tell me, I am here, ready to listen to anything and everything you have to say. But there isn't a timeline. We have forever."

She fell limp into his arms and he placed them both on the couch. "You still don't believe me that you are worthy of love do you? That despite your tragedy you are a survivor and can rage against the horrors, face them and be triumphant as you take charge of your life again."

In between soft tears she cried, "I'm not Meg."

"Is that what is causing you doubt as well? You feel that because Megan was able to fight off that maggot, that you are to blame? My dear, no one should go through what we did. Yet neither you nor I are to blame for the circumstances. Am I weak? Do you see me as less of a man?"

She caressed his marred cheek and softly told him never.

"Then why are you condemning yourself of being less than a woman? Megan knew she was in danger. It allowed her mind to think and remember what I had taught her. You were with someone you trusted, and loved. You are such a loving person that I think it is impossible for you to see evil in others. You want to see the good."

"I'm foolish."

"No! Good God, what a wonderful way to be. To have such hope and confidence in mankind. Despite everything, you have gone on. You came back to Paris. You trusted me again. You worked so hard to get your voice back. You are now the leading soprano. You see the beauty in me. Do you have any idea how strong you are?"

She was moved by his words, but still silent.

He held her in his arms and once again cursed this dwelling as there was no piano at close range. He knew what she needed. He had been working on a new song, and although it wasn't completely perfect, it would have to do.

"Angel, I've been composing again. You, as always are my inspiration. I think we do very well expressing our feelings in song and since I haven't been able to convince you with my words, maybe my heart and voice can help you see, what I see?"

She didn't make a move in his arms and he decided that being silent was as good as consenting for him to continue.

"Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
When your heart's heavy
I...I will lift it for you

Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you
I...I will break it for you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved"

He hoped she could hear his vow to her, his promise of eternal love and support. He really didn't have a choice. She was his destiny ever since he heard her sing for the first time. He let her remain in his arms as he continued, hoping she would eventually look up at him.

"Don't give up
It's just the hurt that you hide
When you're lost inside
I...I will be there to find you

Don't give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you
I...I will shine to guide you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved"

He sighed. That's all I have my Angel.

She stirred in his arms. She was now a complete mess of sobs; she had been trying to cover up since his first few notes. Her Angel's voice was home; her safe haven and she had been starving for his protection and love.

"My Angel…. My precious. I do not deserve you."

He kissed her forehead. "I am the one who doesn't deserve you, my dear. I meant every word of that song. You are my destiny and as frightening as it sounds, one cannot snuff off one's destiny. I am here for as long as you need me and wish me to be here. If we are to part, it would kill me, make no mistake. However, you will have to leave me. There isn't anything you could do or have done to make me breakaway."

She was speechless. All she could do was hold him tighter as a response. For Erik it was more than enough.

"You have had a distressing day. Why don't I help you to the bed and you can get some needed rest?"

Christine suddenly remembered how the bed may not be such a comfortable idea, considering who may have occupied it last. Ah…. Angel."

Erik realized his mistake. "Christine, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply anything. Please, you take the bed and I…."

"No, love it isn't anything like that. I just….I would prefer to stay here, next to you by the fire. Would that be alright?"

He smiled."That would be perfect. Holding you all night is one of my greatest passions."

"Erik….I know I need to tell you everything from my own lips. You have a right to know. I know I'm being foolish but I am frightened. I am frightened that once I say the words out loud, there is no going back. You will know, but then I will too. I will have to accept…."

He caressed her face. "Angel, what is your greatest fear?"

She bit her lip to suppress her cry. "That you will be disgusted as others would."

"Others? I am not an expert on others and what they expect or how they will react, but I'm not like those others you speak of. I'm the man who has been in love with you a million different ways since you were eight years old. I care nothing of what others have to say."

She kissed his lips tenderly. He smiled again at the simple pleasures of what physical love truly means.

"Rest in my arms." She cuddled up closer to him and breathed him in. After a moment, Erik's back started to ache. Blast this couch. "Christine, from now on, I will make all the necessary holiday accommodations, alright?"

She couldn't help but giggle. She knew this place was far from her Angel's taste. She then looked up at him. His comment was most endearing to her. She then spoke in his ear.

"Angel?"

"Yes, love?"

"I….I wish to tell you what happened." She then moved her head up so she could look at him in the eye and placed her hand over his heart. "I want to tell you what happened."

A/N: The song used in this chapter is by the amazing Josh Groban. The title is "You Are Loved."