A/N: I have the most awesome Beta Buddy! I got my freshly edited chapter back so soon, and voila! Here it is! Take note there is a discussion about sex in this chapter, I did not get too detailed, but if your uncomfortable I marked where it begins and where it ends. So, please, leave a review. Tell me your thoughts, likes, dislikes or even what you would like to see more of in the up coming chapters!

Chapter 52

I pulled the blanket and tucked it under my chin; I gazed up at Erik who then kissed my forehead.

"Sweet dreams, my angel."

I smiled and whispered, "I'm far from being an angel, Erik."

Erik's deep chuckle was like music to my ears. His silver eyes sparkled from my lone candle by the window sill.

"Oh, but you are… You're my Angel of Light; you brighten my life that was once filled with darkness…"

I reached and caressed his exposed cheek; Erik closed his eyes and placed his hand over mine. While his eyes were closed, I observed his white mask; the white porcelain gleaned brightly. I found it odd, for it seemed like a second skin instead of a mask… Erik pulled my hand in front of his mouth and kissed the inside of my palm.

"I must leave you now…"

I pouted; it was, after all, past midnight. "All right."

"I love you, Josephine."

"I love you more, Erik…"

Erik rose and melted into the shadows like a true ghost; I sighed softly and turned onto my side facing the window. Minutes melted into hours while I tossed and turned on my small bed; I could not sleep - my mind was buzzing like a swarm of bees! I turned onto my back for the hundredth time and played back the day's events starting when Monsieur Reyer posted the roll sheet…

"Josephine, will you please stop pacing! You're running a hole in the marble," Olive hissed in a whisper. Biting my lip, I looked down at my feet. I then felt stupid; one can't make a hole in marble with their feet. I eyed every one that had gathered in the grand foyer, counting 17. Altogether, our lives were about to change any moment - some for the better and others for worst. I twisted a lock of my hair around my finger. Why can't they hurry! My eyes then fell upon Veronique Bonnett. The little viper! Asking daddy to bribe the managers for the lead role! I glared, throwing daggers. Margot, who was beside her, saw my narrow eyes and whispered something to Veronique, who then sought me out to return the same icy glare I was giving her. Then suddenly, the door to the mangers office opened…

"Attention, tout le monde!" Monsieur Reyer called walking out of the manager's office. Marraine, Andre, and Firmin filed out of the open door, as well. The grand foyer became deathly quiet.

"I have in my hands the roll sheet, and on behalf of everyone I must say that each and every one of you are all talented and will go far." Reyer smiled. "Now without further ado, I will place the roll sheet here." "Here" was a music sheet stand.

Once it was down, everyone ran to the sheet of parchment, all except one: me. I found that I could not move, and my legs were locked into place. I swallowed hard as I saw the expressions on everyone's faces. I saw happy, excited faces, and I saw sad and disappointed faces… Olive, on the other hand, was beyond excited for she suddenly began hopping in place before the parchment.

"I'm one of the three boys! Josephine, I'm one of the three boys!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing over there?"

I jerked myself from the roots that I planted and embraced Olive.

"And you'll never guess what else, Josephine? Look!"

Olive led me before the roll sheet, and there in black ink read: The roll of Pamina, Josephine DeBeaux.

"You're the second lead, Josephine! You're Pamina!" Olive squealed taking my hands and hopping in place.

My mouth dropped into an 'O'. I couldn't believe it! For days I've wondered how it would feel to see my name alongside of Pamina. Would I laugh, cry, or even scream and cry with joy? Now I was standing here like a mute idiot not knowing what to do! A bubbling giggle rose up my throat and passed my lips, followed by another, and before I knew it, I was hopping along with Olive!

"Mon dieu! I must be dreaming, Olive!"

"Would you like me to pinch you?" Olive giggled.

"Oh, no I- ouch! Olive!" I hissed rubbing where her little fingers pinched the flesh of my arm.

"Sorry…"

"I can't believe it, Olive, this-this seems so surreal!" I ran my fingers through my hair, looking up toward the ceiling. I silently thanked Erik for all of his teachings; if it wasn't for him, I would have been lucky if I were an extra on stage.

Jacqueline shuffled towards the front of the crowd and with her index finger she scanned the parchment for her name. About half way down, her finger stopped. I watched as the smile crept onto her lips; obviously she got the roll she was hoping for.

"How did you do?" I asked approaching her side. "Did you get the roll you wanted?"

Jacqueline looked at me with glazed eyes and wordlessly pointed to her name: The roll of Papagena, Jacqueline De Lyes.

I smiled broadly. "Congratulations, Papagena."

"Ahem, excusez-moi, but other people would like to see what roll they got, too," hissed a voice behind us. Both Jacqueline and I turned at the same time to see Veronique and Margot standing with scows on their pinched faces. We moved aside so they could look; all the while, Veronique threw daggers at me with her eyes. She could stare at me all she wanted; I was too happy to care!

"Yay! I'm one of the three boys! I'm in the Opera!" Margot squealed in delight.

"Move, it's my turn!" Veronique physically pushed Margot out of her way, causing her to stumble into a few girls that were also waiting.

Veronique scanned the parchment and stopped at the very bottom. Her finger dropped from the parchment. I saw all the blood drain from her face. She hissed, stepping back as though the parchment burned her.

"This must be a mistake." She shook her head frantically. Her voice cracked with emotion. "No, I am not playing the beastly dragon! No, Monsieur Andre! Monsieur Firmin, you've made a mistake!" Veronique screeched. Everyone crowded beside her to read it for themselves, and in black ink it read: The roll of the beastly dragon, Veronique Bonnett.

Before I could cover my mouth, I burst out laughing, and those around me let their laughter follow.

"It's not funny; I am not playing that part!" Veronique cried stomping her foot.

Marraine approached the whining Veronique and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Now, Veronique, we can't always be picky when it comes to being in an opera. You should be proud that-"

"PROUD?" Veronique spat as she brushed off Marraine's hand from her shoulder. "I wanted Pamina! It's not fair! I am perfect for the roll, who got to play her?" she hissed turning and searching the roll sheet.

I swallowed hard.

Veronique's body became ridged as she found my name. She then slowly turned around and pointed a finger. "You, how could you Josephine? You knew I wanted that roll more than anything! You cheating rat!"

"ENOUGH!"

Every one flinched as Marraine raised her voice, and it echoed off the foyer walls. "Hold your tongue, Miss Bonnett. My word, I've never seen a grown women act so childish. Now listen to me, you will not go stomping your feet like a spoiled child that isn't getting her way," Marraine snapped, she then lean forwards to whisper into Veronique's ear.

Everyone, along with myself, strained to hear what Marraine had to say.

"And if I were you, Veronique Bonnett, I wouldn't be pointing fingers as to who cheated for a part. I know what you tried to do, and know this: there is one higher who runs this opera house beside these managers. You are very fortunate to be in this production."

I blinked shocked that Marraine was referring to Erik. Veronique was first flushed red but now was pale. Marraine then stood to her full height and continued.

"Now, accept the fact that you didn't get the roll you wanted and get over it. Either be in the opera or don't-"

"Fine, I don't want it," Veronique snapped.

"Fine, another will be happy to replace you and have the paid wages for the part. Now I think you should excuse yourself this instant or you will be doing drills with me for the next three hours."

Veronique crossed her arms over her chest and raised her chin challenging Marraine and testing her patience; Marraine's eyes became stone as she looked down her nose at Veronique.

"I will not repeat myself, Veronique," Marraine growled.

My heart beat in my throat. Finally, Veronique turned on her heel and left the foyer. Marraine took a deep breath, calming her nerves, and then addressed us.

"Now, for all of you. Congratulations and to those who weren't fortunate, there will always be more opera's to audition for…"

Finally exhausted, my eyes closed…

"Josephine, Josephine, wake up!"

I groaned rolling over.

"Honestly Josephine, you're such a lazy head! Get up, it's a beautiful morning!" Olive sang tugging the blankets from me.

"Obil, go 'ay…" I mumbled into my pillow.

"What?"

I turned onto my back and was blinded by the sunlight that was shining through the window. I groaned, covering my eyes.

"I said, Olive, go away… oh, my head… it hurts." I winced rubbing my temples. Finally, I sat up.

Olive clicked her tongue. "What time did you return last night, Josephine?"

Taken aback at how openly Olive spoke, I took a glance around the room; it was empty save for me and Olive.

"A little past midnight, but I couldn't sleep last night. What time is it Olive?"

"8:30."

I groaned loudly and fell back onto my pillow covering my face.

"Oh, come now Josephine, you must hurry. Mme Giry will be here any moment."

With my eyes closed, I heard Olive pull out the chair to the vanity table and sit down.

I sat up and pulled the blankets off, swinging my legs over the bed so my toes touch the cold floor. I winced. "Why must I hurry, Olive?"

"Because, we are going to breakfast..." Olive smiled at me in the mirror as she tied a ribbon around her golden braid.

"Oh, well that's-"

"With Madame De Chagny and Meg Giry."

I jerked to a halt. "Excuse me?"

"Mmhmm, Mme Giry caught me in the hallway and asked me to wake you because we are invited to breakfast with Christine and Meg."

I felt my stomach clench. I was suddenly not hungry. "What is she doing here?" I said under my breath. Everything was going so well. Why must Christine ruin it for me?

"Oh, Mme Giry also said that you are to be fitted for you gown."

"Gown, what gown?"

"Why, your gown for Meg's wedding' of course!" Olive giggled. "You are in her wedding. Now hurry, I'm sure they are already down in the grand foyer waiting for us."

I hurriedly washed my face and brushed my teeth. Picking a simple dress, I was done in no time at all. Grabbing my cloak and clasping its hook around my throat, Olive and I quickly ran down the corridor and down the spiral stairs heading towards the grand foyer. Finally we were at the landing of the second stair case facing the double doors, and just as Olive said, Christine and Meg were waiting along with Marraine.

I swallowed hard, taking in Christine's form as I went down the rest of the stairs. The Countess was dressed in the latest fashion. The gown she wore was of a pale gold, and the bodice was a rose petal pink. Her neck was adorned with the finest of jewels and from her ear lobes dangled the most beautiful earrings that I've seen.

"Oh, Josephine! I just heard the great news; you're the second lead in Magic Flute!" Meg squealed pulling me into a tight hug. "Let me look at you. My, you're practically glowing, oh, you must be so excited."

I blush and tucked my hair behind my ear. "Yes, Meg, I am very excited and nervous."

"Don't be! With everything maman has told us, you'll do just fine."

"Congratulations, Josephine." Christine smiled embracing me. As her arms wrapped around my shoulders, I went stark still. I awkwardly patted Christine's back, and with a nervous giggle, I shimmied out of her embrace. She thought nothing of my odd behavior and greeted Olive with a friendly 'hello'. I had no idea how I was going to be able to be around her for a full morning…

As we gave our menus to the waiter, I sipped my glass of orange juice. Placing a hand over my stomach, I willed it to be silent. I was famished! I ordered eggs, bacon, and sausages for breakfast. Christine and Meg ordered grapefruit and toast. I made a face (I despise grapefruit). Olive ordered porridge with sliced cinnamon apples.

"So, maman, I can't take it anymore or I fear I may burst…" Meg whispers to Marraine, who was to my right. "What has become of… you know… Him?"

I almost choked on my orange juice. Pretending to be absorbed in the story Olive was telling; I noticed Marraine's eyes settle on Christine who was far too entertained by Olive. My heart pounded in my chest. Would Marraine tell Meg that the Opera Ghost still lives? That my Erik is healthy and very much alive?

Marraine swallowed hard and coolly whispered, "Now is not the time, Meg."

"Come now, mother, I am not a little girl anymore and neither is Christine. We are grown women. I find it very hard to believe that he is dead, no matter what Christine says."

My heart rate increased, and I felt my hands begin to tremble.

"Why is that, Meg?" Marraine whispered.

"Because there was no body found. All I found was his mask that night, only his mask."

"Meg, he is gone…" Marraine did not make eye contact with Meg as she said this. "If it assures you, I went down below myself, and there was nothing and no one down there."

"You mean he really is dead, maman?" Meg asked, her tone childlike.

This got Christine's attention. "Did someone we know pass away, Mme Giry?"

Marraine flinched and was at a loss for words. She looked from Christine to Meg who suddenly became interested in her napkin.

Grown women indeed, I mused.

"Who was the poor soul, Madame?"

Olive and I exchanged looks as the table became deathly quiet. Marraine opened her mouth but no sound came out.

I spot our waiter holding a tray of our food and blurt out, "Oh, look! Our food has arrived!" Marraine was glad for the distraction.

I quickly changed the subject. "So, Meg, how is the wedding planning coming along?"

"Dear, it's so stressful! There's so much to do and so many things to get done. I'm so glad Christine is here to help me. I'm afraid I'll go mad if it wasn't for her help."

Christine smiled. "You're welcome, Meg."

Meg continued filling in details about her wedding: the colors, the flowers, the dresses, and the guests. I smiled and stuffed a fork full of eggs into my mouth, not caring how hot it was; it was delicious. By the time everyone was finished with their meal, I felt like I was going to burst, I was so full. Perhaps I should have gotten something light to eat like the rest…

"I have an idea. How about we walk to the dress shop? It's such a beautiful morning and it's only a few blocks away?" Christine suggested.

I smiled and was grateful for the suggestion. A walk was definitely in need.

It's hideous, I thought to myself as I saw the gown Meg wanted me to wear for her wedding. The seamstress helped me out of my dress and into the rich peach gown; it was trimmed with white lace. Of all colors, why must my dress be peach? I stepped out and Meg squealed in excitement.

"Oh, it's perfect! What do you think, Josephine, do you like it?" Meg asked fixing the train of my gown.

I raised an eye brow. "Well, its-"

"Oh, Josephine, you look wonderful!" Christine exclaimed stepping from behind a changing screen.

I take in the gown she's wearing and my stomach sinks. Her gown was a bright pink; the laced trim was of a darker pink. I suddenly didn't feel so bad wearing peach.

"Thank you, and Meg, I love the color." Now. I say the last word in my head.

"I knew you would!"

I searched for Marraine and Olive, who were nowhere to be seen, and my brows knitted together; perhaps Olive was helping Marraine with her gown. Meg sat at Christine's feet helping the other seamstress with lining.

A/N: **Mature discussion starting.**

"So, Meg, are you nervous?" Christine asked looking down.

"Hold your arms up for me, dear," the seamstress said pulling a pen from her pen cushion and sticks them into the loose material if the gown.

"Of the wedding night, Christine?"

Christine blushes.

"I'm terrified," Meg whispered getting to her feet.

"Don't be. I mean it is a little nerve-racking, but when you're in his arms and he kisses you, everything disappears. And in that moment, the two of you become one…" Christine whispered.

"Does it hurt?"

"Turn from me, dear."

I did as the seamstress asked of me and turn, therefore my back was to Christine and Meg.

"It does hurt a little the first time, but it fades. You may bleed some, too, but it all depends on how gentle he is with you. Raoul was very gentle with me; I've heard stories from other wives say their husbands weren't so considerate."

I found myself blushing awkwardly. Was making love supposed to hurt?

"Were you nervous on your wedding night?"

I heard Christine sigh softly. "I was. After the opera house burned down, Raoul and I quickly wed… I think I was more nervous of him undressing me than anything!" Christine giggled to herself. "But once he laid me down and I stared into his eyes… everything, melted away….And we made love."

"When will… I start to… enjoy it?" Meg hesitated.

Christine giggled then. "That depends."

"On what?"

"Well, on how-"

"Oh mother, look at you!" Meg suddenly squeals.

With Meg's excitement, I turn quickly towards the door and earn a prick of a needle in my thigh.

"Ouch!"

"I'm sorry, deary, but you must keep still."

My eyes run over Marraine's dove grey gown. The fabric shimmers as the light hit it, and it seems as though the gown was made to fit her body.

"Isn't she beautiful?" Olive asked stepping around to take in full view.

Olive finally notices Christine's pink gown and makes a face. Olive then looks to me with a raised eye brow. I shrug my shoulders and try my best not to move...

"My, don't you look pretty." Olive smiled.

"Thank you, you came just in time," I mumbled.

"Just in time for what?"

I glanced around the room; Marraine was out of hearing range.

"Christine was talking to Meg about her wedding night."

Olive made a face not understanding, "Oh…OH!" Olive covers her mouth to keep from giggling. "That must have been interesting to bear witness."

I made a face. "Very."

Through the entire fitting, I found myself thinking about what Christine had said. 'It does hurt a little the first time, but it fades. You may bleed some too.' I had no idea that those occur during intercourse. I've heard stories from the older ballerinas, their bad experiences and good, but no one ever spoke about it hurting… Perhaps because they're experienced. I've heard some say, "If it's done right, the pleasure will wrack your body." But how was one to know what is the right way and what was the wrong way…? It was all very confusing and it caused me to have a head ache.

A/N: **Mature discussion ending.**

The carriage ride back to the opera house was made in silence, and when the five story building came into view, I felt myself sigh in relief. I was almost home.

"Thank you for inviting us to breakfast, Countess."

"Josephine, please call me Christine, and you're welcome. I thought it would be a good idea to get to know one another."

I smiled and thought to myself, we barely spoke two words to one another...

As though reading my mind, Christine said, "Although, we didn't have any time to talk to one another, did we?" Christine giggled.

I forced a smile. "Yes, well, there is always next time."

Christine took both my hands and kissed the sides of my cheek. "You're right, muah! Muah! It's always a pleasure Josephine."

I waited until both Meg and Christine were in the carriage to wipe my face; I sighed heavily and made my way up the stairs and towards the foyer.

"Josephine, dear, are you all right?"

"I'm fine, Marraine, I'm just a little tired. I couldn't sleep last night."

Marraine nodded. "Go take a nap, ma petite. I'll send Olive to wake you in a few hours."

"Maybe I will, Marraine," I mumbled as I stifled a yawn. Marraine brushed my bangs out of my eyes before she walked away with Olive at her side.

I made my way up the staircase, my feet leading me and my mind numb with exhaustion. I was mindlessly walking, and with each yawn my eyes tear and burn. Oh, bother, why does my bed have to be so far?

I rubbed my sore eyes and blinked the sleep away. Taking in my surroundings, I was standing in a darkened corridor. A very famous corridor that led to a very infamous box; it led to box five. With a smile curving my lips, I ran down the corridor towards Erik's box and knocked on the door. I stood there for a minute feeling rather foolish. I knew better then to assume Erik would just open the door. Looking over my shoulder, I opened the door to box five and closed it behind me. My eyes scanned the box, and it was empty. I bit my lip, walking closer toward Erik's throne like chair, placing a hand on the cushion where his back would rest; I could still feel the warmth that was there, as if he just stood from it. A wicked smile curved my lips.

"Caught you," I whispered to myself.

"Indeed, you have," purred a voice in my ear.

I stood beside the chair and waited for Erik to come to me. I felt his gloved hands rest on my shoulders then slide down to my hands. I then felt cool lips press against the back of my neck; I shivered and felt goose bumps rise from my skin. I leaned my back against his chest, a submissive move. I even brushed my hair away from my neck so Erik had access to it. He must have known what I wanted for he placed butterfly kisses down the length of my neck and shoulder. I giggled from the stubble on his chin as it tickled my skin.

Finally, I turned and embraced Erik. I inhaled his sent: cologne and sandalwood.

"Take me home, Erik," I whispered into his cravat.

"Take you home?" he inquired. The tone of his voice seem a little surprised.

"Yes."

Erik was still for a moment until he finally took me into his arms. We turned towards the wall and I feel a rush of cold air hit me. I shivered in his arms and nestled into the crook of his neck.

"I didn't see you in the breakfast hall this morning," Erik commented.

My stomach sank. "I was invited to breakfast," I mumbled against his neck.

"I see. By whom, if you don't mind me asking?"

"By Meg."

"Ah, I didn't know she was back in town. Was she alone?"

I bit my lip. "No, the Countess joined her."

I felt Erik's grip on me slacken. He quickly recovered and went on as though nothing fazed him.

"I see," was all he said.

The silence became too thick, and it made me uncomfortable, so I began to ramble.

"We went to breakfast at the little café, and from there we walked to the dress shop where Meg had selected a peach color gown for me to wear."

"Peach?"

"Yes, and do you want to hear the funny part?"

When I heard Erik's deep chuckle I began to relax.

"What is that?"

"You know that color of the wall paper in the prima donna's room?"

"Oui."

"Well… That is the color of the Countess's gown."

What Erik does next shocked me; he stopped and barked a laugh. His laughter echoed around us, and I found it contagious and joined him. His laughter wracked his body; I could even feel the vibration in his chest! That moment I will never forget how he laughed so hard.

"That's not even the worst; while I was getting fitted Christine was asking Meg about her…" I bit my tongue, perhaps I shouldn't tell Erik what was spoken between them. The topic was rather…intimate.

"Go on…" Erik prompted.

"Umm…"

We arrived at the gondola, and Erik put inside and draped his cloak around my shoulders; he swiftly took the oar and pushed us off.

"Have you changed your mind on telling me, Josephine?"

I twisted the material of his cloak between my fingers. "Well, it is a little personal now that I think of it…"

I chanced a glace up at Erik, who was looking at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Personal?"

I nodded looking through long lashes. Something passed over Erik's eyes; he straightened his shoulders and cast his eyes upon the black lake. Was it hurt that I saw?

"That is fine, if you don't wish to tell me I'm not forcing you, Josephine," Erik said in a matter-of-fact tone.

Oh, yes, he's hurt. My shoulders sagged, oh, bother. Fine, I think to myself, I'll tell him. Perhaps he'll be able to explain what I don't understand.

"All right, I'll tell you-"

Erik then cut me off, "-You don't have to Josephine."

"But I want to."

Erik looked down and saw that I was sincere, and with a curt nod of his head I began. If I would have known the outcome of what I told Erik, I wouldn't have said a thing…

A/N: Dun dun dun dun dunnnnn! I know, I know, I kinda left you all hanging, but you all love me! Plus, I had to see if you were still with me on this. What do you think will happen ? And how do you think Erik will react when he hears about Christine's experience? Please leave a review and tell me your thoughts!