Greetings everyone! Wow, what a spa weekend. All I can say is that it surpassed all my expectations and I can't wait to return. Yet it's time to get back to our story and see the aftermath caused by Raoul's wicked ways. Please forgive the length but these characters needed their due.

Who's with me?

Dearest Christine,

My angel, you have no idea how happy I am as I write this. I used to think that happiness was something I didn't deserve nor would ever experience but all those thoughts have vanished when you appeared into my life. You changed me more than once since we met and each and every time, I find myself achieving a greater state of euphoria.

He smiled at me, Christine! Our son actually acknowledged me as having a rightful place by his side. He wasn't scared. He, dare I say….Loves me. Is that insane? Yet when I looked into his eyes….. (My eyes looking back at me,) there was no trace of fear. No apprehension or distrust. He looked at me, the same way you do my dear. Therefore, I have no choice but to call it love. Our son loves me for myself. After all this time, I finally have all I ever wanted.

Thank you, my angel.

I will be with you soon. Until then, remember how much I love you both.

Your Erik.

Every night and every morning for almost two years, Christine would read Erik's letter and cry. She was filled with such pain and regret. Had she only noticed the new journal sooner…. If she had just waited a few more minutes….Yet what good would regret do her? The fact is, she didn't. She foolishly believed Raoul when he tricked her into speaking with the press and announcing the birth of a new heir to the de Chagny family. She stood there and faked a smile, while placing a heavy hand around her legal husband's back, all the while longing for the husband that held her heart.

Three nights later, when her things had finally been brought to her room, she discovered the new journal and Erik's letter hidden inside. Christine wasn't able to forgive herself for falling for Raoul's lies and seemed determine to punish herself for his sins. For even though Raoul had lied once, she knew he could easily make good on his threat any time he wanted. She wrote in the journal but it was mainly full of her regret and even desires of ending her existence. She might have gone through with it too, if it had not been for Gustave.

Yes, Gustave was the light of her life. He was her anchor and the only person to get her to take an interest in living. Annie had tried but Christine had felt guilty about taking her away from Nadir and Meg. So she found it easier to remain distant, even though Annie assured her from the start that it was her choice to stay.

"As if I would leave you now. Nadir and Meg understand. Besides, Raoul still suspects nothing and we will keep it that way. You need to build your strength so we can plan our escape. Erik knows it was all a trick. He still loves you as much as you love him."

Christine smiled weakly. "How many times must he see me betray him? Every time that man has a taste of joy, I manage to rip it away from him. I find it hard not to think that maybe it is better that he forgets me."

"Christine, this is Erik we are talking about. He can no sooner forget you, than he could stop breathing. Unless, that's what you want? Do you want him to stop loving you? If you do, then you should ask him to stop living. It will bring about the same outcome."

Gustave's cries prevented Christine's reply, as she hurried to check on her boy. Alone with just him, she took him in her arms and tended to his morning needs.

"You look so like your father."

The boy smiled at his mother's words. Although he wasn't nearly two he was very tall for his age and he seemed to understand what was going on around him. He especially could tell when his mother was upset. As he was Erik's child, his intelligence was no surprise to Christine.

"Mama… Don't be sad…. I miss Daddy too."

"Forgive me, Gustave but know that I am never truly sad when I am with you." She kissed his fingers. His words broke her heart. For she knew the child thought Raoul was his real father and that perhaps was her greatest betrayal to Erik of all. Forgive me too, angel….

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Raoul had kept his distance for the first year, only coming to the villa when he needed to but after one too many solo appearances, the Comte was sick of having to hear his son come up with more excuses.

"Enough is enough already! Get your lazy, disrespectful wife out of that bed and demand that she bring your son with her!"

"I told you that the birth was very difficult for her. Give her time, I am sure she will…"

"Damn it boy, you are no Phillip! Now you listen to me and listen good, I want to see my grandson and I expect him and my daughter-in law dressed to the nines and in tow at the next gala. It is going to be the biggest event in Salzburg and we are expected to attend."

"Salzburg? Why on earth would we even want to go all the way out there?" Raoul looked skeptical.

"It's simple, Raoul. The de Chagny family has always been fond supporters of the arts. This event will generate a lot of money and publicity for the town. We need to show our support and take credit where it is due."

"But we had nothing to do with it. I don't even know who is performing….."

"If you had married a more suitable wife, you wouldn't have to look on as a fool. She should be keeping up appearances and informing all of us."

"Father…."

"Raoul, I don't know how you bed your wife or control your household but I know what I would do and therefore, you are to listen to me in this matter. I don't care how it is done but get her there or I will!"

"Yes, sir."

The Vicomte put on his hat and proceeded to leave his father's house and walk to the train station.

Raoul was loath to admit it but he had an unsettling ache in his stomach ever since he tricked Christine in his attempt to take revenge on the Phantom. He expected silence and discontent but she had changed so much before his very eyes. She barely left her room and unless he threatened the baby, she would never even leave her wing of the house. He had hoped that in time, they could find a way back to what they had once before. For Melanie's disappearance had made it obvious to him that she never wanted to see him again. Every lead he had chased had turned up empty. Thus he had to make good on what he did have. A living, breathing wife. A wife who was still beautiful and at one point, he had wanted to have a future with.

He had spent the next year trying to get back into Christine's good graces and talked of his desire for friendship but she refused him. He then thought he could win her over if he was kind to the child but Gustave was too much like his father for Raoul to ever feel completely comfortable alone with him. Besides, after all the threats he had made, Christine never allowed him within two feet of the child unless Annie or she were present.

Raoul told himself he didn't need any reminders of a circus freak but truthfully he felt guilty for robbing the child from his true family. And so even with Annie as a chaperon, the father and son bonding was short lived and not satisfying for either of them.

The train whistle brought Raoul's thoughts to the present and when he boarded the train to Vienna, he shuddered as he thought of how he was going to get Christine to listen to him and attend this event as a happy, social Vicomtesse.

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Annie and Nadir had to endure a long separation as well but thankfully their love letters never experienced much of a delay, even though they both went to great lengths to ensure that Nadir always address her by the name of Helga Von Pratt. Nadir kept her up to date on Meg and assured her that she was happy. Annie hated that she had missed so much of her daughter's life but it was too risky for all if Raoul or the Comte had discovered her true identity.

Annie would tell Christine of Erik's success in Italy and how happy Meg and Darius were as newlyweds. Christine would listen in silence, as she stared out the window. Hearing of Erik's long overdue success made her heart soar and she was happy that between all the pain in their family, Meg had managed to rise above it. Yet she couldn't bring herself to comment out loud.

"Christine, how long will this go on?"

She turned away from the window and looked at Annie in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Child, you are wasting away. In the beginning, I let you be because I knew how heartbroken you were but your life is not over and you need to stop this disruptive behavior and start living!"

"My life? What life is there to live? I am in constant fear for my son's life and I am forced to keep the man I love safe, by staying away from him in this prison cell. My God, Antoinette, you act as if I have a choice in all this!"

"My dear, you do. You want out of this life? Then stop being so scared and do something about it! Raoul does not keep you bound up in chains. At first you were weak from the birth but nothing is stopping you now. Yet you remain paralyzed from fear or guilt or who knows what but Raoul is only powerful because you let him be."

"You think I want to be here with him? Has wearing that wig and make up made you senile?"

"You're afraid to go to Italy because you foolishly think that Erik will not understand or forgive you, despite what I tell you from Nadir's letters. He is waiting for you, Christine."

She closed her eyes in frustration. "Don't you think I know that? Don't you think I wish I could fly to his arms? But the fact is that even though Raoul lied last time, it doesn't mean he won't inform the authorities and ruin Erik's life at any time. He is still a wanted man and now that he is finally getting the acclaim he deserves, could you imagine what would happen to him if the truth came out? If Raoul knew he was the famous Erik Roux, then I wouldn't even have the comfort to know he is still out there, making music and alive."

"But can't you hear all of his songs are of you and for you?" Annie waved her arms up in defeat. "No, how could you? You won't even allow me to bring his music in the house. Why have you deliberately shut yourself off?"

"Do you think it is because I want to? My God, it is tearing me apart. I long to hear his music… His voice…. To have Gustave know his real father but if Raoul knew…..Annie, I can't rob him of that. Not after all the pain I have already caused him. No, I refuse to have him live his life on the run."

The former ballet mistress took the girl by the shoulders. "Christine, listen to me. You mean more to him then praise from strangers. Erik would gladly take you and Gustave and make a new life. The three of you can start over. You've both done it before."

"And every time, I am the one to spoil it." She tenderly took Annie's hands in hers. "The truth is, I can't bear to have him back in my arms only to know that one day, he could easily be taken from me again. This way, he is safe."

"Safe yes…. But he is not living. None of us are."

"I told you, you could go at any time…"

"And I told you, I could never be happy if both my children are not."

Christine began to tear up at Annie's words. "Oh Antoinette, what do I do? I wouldn't even know how to try."

The woman squeezed Christine's hand. "I do! Start accepting invitations, go shopping, take Gustave outside and to the theatre and to concerts. Find time to have him hear his father's music. Encourage him to play with instruments and see…."

Christine began to giggle. "He's two….."

Annie gave her a blank stare and then said, "He's Erik's child. I bet he already has the skills of his father in him and the curiosity of his mother. He just needs to get inspired."

"But…"

"Sing to him! Erik would want you to keep singing, Christine. Especially to Gustave."

"But Raoul…"

"Call the bastard's bluff. He was always a fool and only a brave one for show."

"But what good does all this do? I'm still trapped."

"Christine, you start establishing a pattern and pretty soon he won't notice or become alarmed if you were to stay out longer. You ran into a friend, or you stopped for tea or you caught a train…. To Italy." She then smiled widely at her. She noticed the young woman smiling back at her. "Now, look at what we have here. Not only is the lady smiling but she seems to have finally caught on to my plan."

Next Annie opened up her arms as Christine came running towards her to tightly embrace her foster mother.

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"How in the world are we ever going to find them? This place is enormous!"

"Keep your voice down, Aaron. I am sure if Tobias and Viviane can find their way, so can we. They said to meet them in the Music Hall. It seems simple enough."

"Simple?" Aaron squinted as he looked for the name of the room in front of him and then sighed. "If it was so simple, we would have found it by now. How many Music Halls could there be? The headmaster said it was in this building."

Bets giggled and took her husband by the arm. "Come on, let's go down the next hallway and…."

He stopped abruptly. "Why did you stop talking in mid-sentence? Are you ill?"

"No. Shh."

"Shh? Why?"

"I heard music. I think we are on the right track. Let's go."

As Aaron and Bets made their way to the room, Tobias continued to play an extended introduction before Viviane began to sing.

"Alright, Viviane, your cue is coming up. Watch the tempo this time." He then smiled when he heard her first note.

"There were nights when the wind was so cold
That my body froze in bed
If I just listened to it
Right outside the window

There were days when the sun was so cruel
That all the tears turned to dust
And I just knew my eyes were
Drying up forever

I finished crying in the instant that you left
And I can't remember where or when or how
And I banished every memory you and I had ever made

But when you touch me like this
And you hold me like that
I just have to admit
That it's all coming back to me
When I touch you like this
And I hold you like that
It's so hard to believe but
It's all coming back to me
(It's all coming back, it's all coming back to me now)

There were moments of gold
And there were flashes of light
There were things I'd never do again
But then they'd always seemed right
There were nights of endless pleasure
It was more than any laws allow

If I kiss you like this
And if you whisper like that
It was lost long ago
But it's all coming back to me
If you want me like this
And if you need me like that
It was dead long ago
But it's all coming back to me
It's so hard to resist
And it's all coming back to me
I can barely recall
But it's all coming back to me now
But it's all coming back

There were those empty threats and hollow lies
And whenever you tried to hurt me
I just hurt you even worse
And so much deeper

There were hours that just went on for days
When alone at last we'd count up all the chances
That were lost to us forever

But you were history with the slamming of the door
And I made myself so strong again somehow
And I never wasted any of my time on you since then

But if I touch you like this
And if you kiss me like that
It was so long ago
But it's all coming back to me
If you touch me like this
And if I kiss you like that
It was gone with the wind
But it's all coming back to me
(It's all coming back, it's all coming back to me now)

There were moments of gold
And there were flashes of light
There were things we'd never do again
But then they'd always seemed right
There were nights of endless pleasure
It was more than all your laws allow

When you touch me like this
And when you hold me like that
It was gone with the wind
But it's all coming back to me
When you see me like this
And when I see you like that
Then we see what we want to see
All coming back to me
The flesh and the fantasies
All coming back to me
I can barely recall
But it's all coming back to me now

If you forgive me all this
If I forgive you all that
We forgive and forget
And it's all coming back to me
When you see me like this
And when I see you like that
We see just what we want to see
All coming back to me
The flesh and the fantasies
All coming back to me
I can barely recall but it's all coming back to me now."

After the last note was sung and the final cord played, both Aaron and Bets began cheering and applauding loudly.

"I can't believe that…. It was amazing. Sensational. Unbelievable!"

"I'm going to cry. Viviane you were like an angel and Tobias…. I can't believe all the passion in your playing. My God that song… The music… The singing….."

"Bets!" Viviane was so excited she started running off the stage.

"Wait, honey. Be careful. We'll come to you." Bets hurried over to her.

Aaron just watched Tobias and then placed his hands on his hips. "Well, I'm too old to chase after you. Come on down and give me a big hug!"

Tobias laughed and came down to greet him.

"We are so happy you both finally got here but we weren't expecting you until tonight." Tobias said. "Don't tell me, we have been in here that long?"

Bets hugged him and then kissed the top of his head. "We couldn't wait and after hearing that performance, I'm glad we came early. It was so beautiful."

Tobias turned red. "Viviane makes that song beautiful. She excels each and every time we practice it."

"Practice?" Aaron shook his head. "If you ask me, you are ready for the real thing and I bet the Professor would say the same thing. Speaking of the Maestro, where is he? He'll be upset that he missed this, I'm sure."

Hearing Aaron bring up Erik caused both Tobias and Viviane's faces to frown.

"Maybe we should go to the dorm rooms and then….."

"Children, what's going on? I just mentioned Professor Erik and you two look as if I told you the sun isn't going to shine anymore."

Viviane clung to Tobias' hand. "He wrote the song but….."

"But what?" Bets asked.

"He wanted me to sing it but he couldn't bring himself to listen to it. It reminds him too much of….. Her." Viviane then placed her hand on Tobias' chest. "Can I please tell them? It isn't gossip. Aaron and Bets are family and they love Professor Erik as much as we do."

"I know, Viviane but…."

"Please, Tobias."

He sighed. "You know I can't say no to you." He then took both Aaron and Bets by the arm. "Maybe we should sit down first."

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Bets couldn't help but smile at the loving way Tobias would place his hand on Viviane's knee, as she began to speak about their beloved professor.

"I'm not sure how to begin. It makes me so sad to think about all he went through…"

"Dear heart, if you would rather not…" Bets replied with softness in her voice.

"No, you both need to understand what happened and what it has been like for him. If it were me….." She then tried to feel for Tobias' hand but he had already found hers and gripped it tightly in support.

"She's right. How much can one person stand?"

Aaron was getting anxious. "Alright you two, stop with all the starts and stops. Just tell us. What happened to Erik?"

"He….He found Christine again and was there for the birth of their child."

Aaron's eyes widen. "Child?"

Bets tapped his shoulder. "Let her finish."

Viviane took a deep breath and continued. "Monsieur Khan said they were going to leave the hospital but the Vicomte had brought a reporter with him and Monsieur Khan had to get Erik to leave at once. You have no idea how guilt-ridden Monsieur Khan has been with this knowledge. You see, apparently during the Vicomet's visit he forced Christine into staying and announcing the happy news to all that she had given birth to his son."

Bets gasped. "Oh no! But Erik couldn't have believed it."

Tobias squeezed Viviane's hand and took over. "No but by that point in time the damage was done. You see, Professor Erik had to stay hidden, otherwise the Vicomte would have turned him in."

"Turned him in?" Aaron looked confused.

Tobias sighed. "We know, Aaron. We know about the Professor's past. Monsieur Khan told us and it doesn't matter one bit. We still think he is the greatest teacher possible and we still love him."

Aaron was still confused but remained silent, exchanging only looks with Bets. They didn't know too much about Erik's past but frankly it changed nothing of the man they had come to trust and respect.

Viviane found her voice and spoke again. "The only reason Monsieur Khan confided in us is because Professor Erik has been different since they returned from Vienna. Don't get me wrong, he is still very active with us and his work but his spirit… It's like he left that in Vienna with Christine."

"I'm afraid so." Tobias replied. "Yet Professor Erik hasn't said that he blames him for anything. It's just…"

"He hasn't said he didn't blame him either, correct?" Bets sadly answered.

"Yes, Bets. Since then it's been all work and preparation but gone is the laughter. Even two blind students can see he is lost and living a life by only the merest of definitions."

"But isn't he going on tour soon? Surely the music brings him joy?"

Viviane wanted to cry. "The music, no matter how beautiful or inspiring or soothing, reminds him of her. He will never be free."

"And do Nadir and Erik talk?"

Tobias didn't reply and wasn't expecting to hear Viviane comment.

"Yes, they do…. But….He seems to be only going through the motions and Monsieur Khan is too afraid to confront him for fear that the Professor will lash out at him. Professor Erik has still been a very good teacher. I…. I only wish my singing could make him happy as when Christine would sing for him."

"Viviane, you were perfect. He never would have given you one of his songs if he didn't think you could do it flawlessly. You know that." Tobias moved to find her chin and tilted it up. "Please, don't worry so. We wanted today to be a happy occasion."

Bets agreed. "Yes, there will be no more tears of sadness today. While, my heart goes out to Erik and Christine, tonight belongs to you both. Now, I expect a tour and then a splendid supper and then first row seats to your little concert tonight."

Aaron nodded. "Indeed. Let's enjoy tonight. Erik told me he will be there and in his letter he asked us all for tea tomorrow afternoon in his compartment. So, let's just try to be here for one another and make the most of this visit."

Viviane smiled and wiped her tears. "Goodness, we haven't much time. I still have to pick out my outfit."

Tobias lagged but knew better than to speak up on the matter. Instead he got up and offered his arm to Bets "Shall we take you all on the tour?"

Viviane giggled "Tobias can practically walk it blindfolded."

Aaron slapped the boy on the back. "Fortunately, he doesn't need a blindfold. You two give us a 10 minute head start."

"Why?" They both asked.

Aaron took Bets by the arm. "I want to kiss my wife in a romantic hallway. Now don't waste your youth."

Tobias laughed and then called out to Viviane. "You alright?"

"Yes, I guess I didn't want them to be upset if he seemed different."

"He's not your responsibility, Viviane. Besides, he's just sad, not mean."

"I wish there was something we could do."

"There is!" He said with confidence.

"What?"

"Make him proud tonight."

"He's actually going to come after all." She grinned. "It would be an honor to make my two best men proud tonight."

"You mean Erik and…. Me?" He asked hopefully.

"Especially you."

The youngsters decided that kissing in a romantic, music hallway should be shared by people of all ages."

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Bianca kept going on about the event in Salzburg and how Erik needed to show a vested interest in the town and its patrons.

"This is a very important event, Erik. If things go well there, we can launch the tour in Vienna. Wouldn't that be marvelous? I know you were cross with my wanting to wait on touring but the public is absolutely wild for you now. I was right about waiting, for absence makes the heart grow fonder. Now will you join me in greeting the press this time?"

Erik hardly listened to her. The thought of being so close to where Christine and Gustave were made him dare hope. Do I risk it and see them? Do I send her a note? No, how will….That's what I will do. No one can stop me. This time, I will tell no one but….. He then paused in fear. What if she doesn't come? No matter what the reason, can I risk more rejection? Worse, what if she puts herself in danger because of me? I can't be so selfish to have her risk herself.

"Erik? Erik, where are you? It's like you haven't heard a word I said." She then touched his shoulders and tried to place her arms around his neck but he moved before she had the chance.

"I'm sorry, Bianca. I'm sure all your arrangements will be fine." He then looked at her. "What?"

"You have been doing that a lot lately."

"Doing what?"

"Getting lost inside your head. I'm here you know, if you ever wish to talk about….What happened that day."

Erik stood up and poured himself some water. "I told you nothing happened and I am fine."

She ignored the pain that came from his pushing her away. "Are you hungry?"

"Pardon me?"

She laughed. "Food. I'll buy you dinner. It's such a beautiful night and we could take a walk afterwards. It would do you good, in case you are nervous about the event."

"Nervous? Why should I be?" He played with his wedding ring. "I'm fine and I thank you for your concern but I'm going to the children's concert tonight." He looked at his pocket watch. "I best be getting ready. You enjoy your evening. Good night, Bianca."

She watched him leave without so much as one look back at her. She sighed in frustration. "That man is either incredibly dense or….."

Knock, Knock

"Come in?"

Nadir entered and was surprised to see Bianca answering for Erik. "Where is he? We have the children's concert to attend."

"We were just finishing up some last minutes business items for the upcoming event."

Nadir nodded. He didn't trust the woman and had wanted to tell Erik of his suspicions but couldn't seem to get past his own fears of bringing up the last time they were in Vienna. Meanwhile, he had no intention of letting Bianca in on any of his thoughts. "Tell me, where is this event? Erik hasn't told me."

"That's because I only got the invitation confirmed this morning. He will be the main attraction at a very prestigious gathering in Salzburg. It's invitation only and only the crème della crème are invited."

Nadir's mouth dropped. "Salzburg?"

Grinning with pride, she said it again. "That's right, Salzburg. And this is only the beginning. If things go well, which I am sure they will, we will then tour Vienna and then head to France. Does that please you, Nadir?"

He tried to stay composed but his heart was racing inside. I could see Annie and maybe we could arrange for Erik to see Christine! "I'm sorry?"

"Sure you are. Well, I better get to it. Erik has left the statement to the press in my very capable hands. I better get to it. Are you going to stay?"

"I'll wait for him out here. We are going together."

"In that case, I hope you have more luck getting him out than I did. Good night."

Nadir shook his head as he watched her leave. Allah, can this be true? Could this be our second chance?

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Annie went to gather up the mail and her heart stopped when she saw a letter address to Helga Von Pratt. She looked around and when no one was near, she ripped it opened to read the latest news from Nadir.

"Salzburg?" God above, I must tell Christine!

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Three days before Erik planned to travel to Salzburg, Bianca held a press conference to announce his appearance and of course to promote ticket sales for his concert tour. The press was eager for a glimpse of the new musical genius that was taking the classical romantic music industry by storm.

"Where is the composer?"

"Where is Erik Roux?"

"Why hasn't anyone seen him?"

"Gentlemen, please one at a time. One at a time." Bianca looked at ease amongst the crowd. "Professor Roux is very excited to visit Salzburg and share his music up close and personal with all who buy a ticket." She grinned as the press laughed.

"Are you his assistant?"

"I'm his manager. Any questions you wish to ask him, you can go through me."

One reporter raised his hand and then shouted out above the crowd. "I'll ask one for the ladies. Is he single or married? There seems to be a lost love theme to most of his pieces."

"He….."

"I saw him once wearing a wedding ring!"

The crowd looked around at the one man standing in the back with a small notebook. "Well, I did. He was walking back from one of his lessons." He then loosened his collar. "I was hoping I'd get an exclusive but no luck."

Bianca became enraged. "How dare you spy on my client! If you had contacted me as a professional, maybe you would have gotten what you wanted but now….."

"Wedding ring?" Another reported asked. "Seems very miserable if he is married to his so called true love." He laughed. "Okay, so who is the lady? Is it true or is it all an act?"

"So that's why all the ladies are going for him. A wounded heart victim? Come on, what's the real story?"

"Erik Roux is nothing if not honest and truthful about every piece of music he has shared. He is shy and love was something he hadn't experienced until now….." If they think he is hiding something, they might turn against him and we have come too far to lose the success now.

"Until now?" The same reporter looked intrigued. "Okay, so will she be accompanying him to Salzburg? Who is she?"

"She…. She….." Before she could think otherwise it came right out of her mouth and once they did, she couldn't put them back inside. "It's me. Erik and I were married a few weeks ago after a long, cruel separation."

A/N: Yikes, that's a game changer…. The song in this chapter was Celine Dion's "It's All Coming Back to Me Now."