Meanwhile…

Meg pounded on the door not caring how early it was.

"Uncle Erik, open the door." Knock, knock. "I'm not leaving, so if you want the pounding to stop, you'll open this door right now!"

A few moments later, she heard rumblings from behind the door. She was about to pound one more time, when the sudden appearance of his masked face before her, caused her to jump in surprise.

"Oh! I didn't….." She smiled. "Thank you. May I come in?"

Erik looked at her in bewilderment. "You disturb me and countless others and yet you still go through the formality of asking if you can come inside?"

She shrugged. "I didn't want to be rude." Meg walked by him and then turned around with her hands on her hips. "Can you please explain to me your actions last night?"

He pretended he had no idea what she was talking about. Instead he sat down and began pouring himself some tea. "I haven't the faintest idea of what you are referring to." He gestured to the tea. "Would you care for some?"

"Three sugars, please." She then sat across from him, so she could face him directly.

He grimaced at her request. "What is it with young girls and their never ending desire for sweets?"

Meg knew he was referring to someone else. To her….. But that wasn't the reason why she was here. "Says the man who just put a biscotti in his mouth?"

"Hmm."

"Are you going to answer my question?"

He sipped his tea and then crossed his legs as he sat back in his chair. "I thought I did."

"She was devastated last night. All she needed was one word. One word from you, so she knew what you thought of it."

He stared at her blankly. "I came. I heard her. She had a standing ovation. What did it matter that I left?"

"Uncle Erik, I know better than most what wanting praise from you is like. How someone can spend her whole life waiting for nothing more than a nod from you, to show approval. I sought it, Christine sought it... Why should Viviane be any different?"

"I'm her professor. I'll comment on the performance during our next lesson. She didn't need me. She had Aaron and Bets. I'll see them all later and…."

"All the more reason she needed to hear her Maestro's opinion. She is not so different than Christine was at her age. Her face was distance from all the applause last night. She was scanning the audience, hoping for a glimpse of you."

"And I was there!" He sat up and looked uncomfortable.

"And you left!"

"I had to….."

"Why, because she didn't sounds exactly like Christine? Uncle Erik, we can't all be like Christine. Viviane's her own person and you should have known how much she wanted you to say something, anything. Even disapproval would have been better than nothing. I know you are a perfectionist but…."

"Enough!" He stood up in a rage. "I didn't abruptly leave because I was disappointed, you shameless girl. I left because she was remarkable and yet…..I couldn't hear that song, without imagining Christine singing it. I knew I was being unfair to Viviane. Her voice in that moment was like no other. She made me so proud and happy. I wanted to jump onto that stage and shower her with praise but…."

"But?"

"It pained me too much to have to separate my imagination from reality. Christine didn't sing that song. It was Viviane's moment and I couldn't risk taking it away from her. So, I did what I thought was best for everyone, I left."

Meg shook her head. "Why is it that everyone in this mixed up family thinks that leaving is what is best for everyone? Next time, ask first!" She stood up and walked over to the piano. "You could still go to her. It's not too late."

"I know. I was planning on talking to her today. I feel terrible that I made such a glorious night, unpleasant for her. I will…."

"Not Viviane." Her voice was almost a whisper.

"If not Viviane, than who?" Despite the question, he knew who she meant. Christine.

"You two cause your own misery! She loves you and you love her. What are doing here without her?"

"Megan, it isn't so simple. That damn Vicomte could harm her or the baby. I can't risk their lives for my selfishness."

She couldn't understand him and she wasn't about to pretend she did. "Uncle Erik, long ago you burned down an entire opera house not thinking of consequences if it meant having Christine be your living wife. You risked hundreds of lives all for her then. On countless occasions you risked your own life for her happiness. Don't you love her enough to know that her happiness is all about being with you?"

Erik wanted to let his emotions take over and charge at Meg for daring to deny what he would do for his Christine but when he looked into her eyes, he didn't see a woman mocking him. He saw her eyes filled with compassion and pain, pain for all the time that had been wasted and the suffering that was endured. He went to her and kneeled down by her side.

"I regret hurting innocent people but I was not of sound mind in those days. However in regards to my miserable existence, I would risk it in a heartbeat for her safety and happiness. I have done so before and I would not hesitate to do so again. Yet what kind of life would she know if I were exposed? Raoul would see to it that she be labeled the Phantom's whore or Gustave would be the freak's bastard. I need to know I can protect them no matter what happens to me."

"But why are you thinking about getting caught? Just go and take them and never look back. You can keep yourself hidden. You've done it before, very successfully too."

He took her hand in his. "Oh, Megan. Why must my wife and child suffer because they are mine? Why must they have to give up a normal life, all because they love me?"

She tenderly caressed his unmasked cheek. "Because they love you, it isn't a sacrifice, Uncle Erik. When will you see that?"

He stood up and smiled lovingly at her. "You were never afraid of me, were you? Hence your never ending faith in your uncle."

"No, I was never really afraid of you. I love you but then again, why should I be any different than your other protégées? It must be the mask." She giggled.

He sat down next to her on the piano bench. "Can you keep a secret?"

Her eyes widened. "Yes! What is it?"

"I will see her, Megan. I just have to plan it perfectly."

"Wait? You're going? You have been planning this the whole time? When? How long have you been planning this?"

"I'm going to Salzburg for a private engagement Bianca arranged. I need to finish planning out the details but I will see my family again and this time, no one will get in my way. I haven't told anyone my exact plan because…..I realize that even though others may have the best of intentions, those intentions cost me my family for the last two years."

"You mean Nadir? Uncle Erik, don't hate him, please….."

He shook his head. "I don't hate him, child. The Daroga thinks it is his mission to save my life. Yet I can't have him involved this time. It's my life and it's not much without Christine or Gustave."

"You…. You'll be safe, right?"

"Hence the importance of planning."

"Oh Uncle Erik!" She went to hug him but he pulled away.

"Wait. You mustn't tell anyone."

"I won't, I swear it."

"Not even Darius."

Meg froze. "I can't tell my husband? I can't keep secrets from him. Uncle Erik!"

"It's not keeping a secret. You are simply not telling him something. Megan, you gave me your word. I can't leave anything to chance."

"I…."

"Megan!"

"I swore to you, Uncle Erik. I won't tell anyone, including Darius. But you have to promise me that I will see you again."

He kissed her brow. "I'll always be close at hand."

"I don't know what to say." She relaxed for the first time since last night. "It's so much better than I hoped. I wonder how other things would have gone differently, if people would have just stood up to you and not be so afraid?"

He chuckled. "Remember mums the word." Next he stood up and straighten his jacket. "Now if you will excuse me, I have a student to see."

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"Viviane, can you come out here please?"

"Bets, I'm still getting ready and I don't want to be late for Professor Erik's gathering." She fixed her hair, feeling the curls to make sure her hair took. It's just going to be Aaron, Bets, Tobias and me. I guess that's not much of an outing….

"I think he'll understand if you're late this time, my dear."

She sighed. "Seriously?!" She marched into the parlor and was about to speak when she heard Erik's voice greet her.

"I think I will make an exception, just this once. Hello, my dear."

"Professor Erik? What... What are you doing here? I thought we were meeting for tea in your compartment. Is it… Did you… I mean…."

He took her by the arm and she stopped blabbering. "Of course we are still meeting. What am I going to do with all those finger sandwiches Nadir insisted I buy? Megan and her husband will be there too and she is most interested in spending time with the boy and girl song team she heard last night."

Viviane lowered her head down. "I'm sorry if I didn't do well. I know it was meant to be in a higher key but…."

"Stop talking." He then positioned it so she would take his arm and they could sit down. "I want to apologize for leaving the way I did last night. While I didn't mean to cause a misunderstanding, I realize now that I did." He paused for a moment but then continued.

"I gave you that song because I knew you could sing it, not as a substitute for Christine but so you could make it your own. True, I did write it for her but that isn't very fair because everything I write, is in one way shape or form for her, about her or as an inspiration because of her. I can't change that, any more than I can change my real face." He looked at her pointedly. "Do you understand anything of what I am trying to say?"

"You had to leave because it remedied you too much of her to stay?"

"Yes." He said weakly. "See at the time, I thought I was doing the right thing. I didn't want to take anything away from your moment because it was magnificent. You have truly flourished and I am afraid you will outgrow my teachings soon enough."

"I'll never see that." She grinned.

Erik smiled coyly. "Perhaps I overstated it."

"Hey…"

He laughed and it made her heart swell.

"Professor, I was so worried I disappointed you. Tobias kept saying it was good and so did…"

"It was flawless. You made the piece your own and I would never have given it to you, if I wasn't sure you could do it. You made me very proud and if I led you to believe otherwise, I am truly sorry."

"Tobias said that too, about how you wouldn't have given it to me if you didn't think I was ready."

"A rather intelligent young man, all except when he said you were good."

"But I…"

"You were flawless." When he heard her giggle. He smiled. "Does that mean you have forgiven me?"

She responded with a big hug around his neck.

"Good, so let's get going. I will not be late to my own gathering, Viviane." He grinned as she stood up and nodded in obedience.

"Professor?" She turned back to address him.

"Yes?"

"I'm so happy you came to Italy. I will miss you when you go on tour but it's time the world discovered what Tobias and I have known for years. We hate to have to share you but it's time."

"Thank you, dear heart. Now hurry or we will be late. That pesky Persian will eat everything you put in front of him."

"And Professor Erik?"

Why do all girls try my patience so? He huffed but then smiled. "Yes?"

"Christine knows it too."

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After her talk with Madame Giry, Christine took her foster mother's advice to heart and began taking walks outside the grounds with Gustave and stepping into town to try and establish a pattern. One morning had been particularly beautiful and she just couldn't resist walking with Gustave before breakfast. They were walking about when Gustave began shouting and pointing off into the distance.

"Gustave, what is it?"

"Horses, Mama. Can we please see daddy's horses?"

She smiled. Ever since they had first walked by the stable, the boy had been mesmerized. She played with his hair and then agreed. "Of course we can. I think they have missed you as much as you have missed them." Truth be told, she wanted to encourage this fascination, as Erik always had a passion for horses and suddenly wondered what ever became of Caesar. Raoul only had the animals on the premises for show or sport. He never saw the need to ride himself.

"Maybe when you are a little older. Your father can give you lessons? Would you like that?"

Gustave's eyes lit up. "Oh yes! But... I am old now, Mama." Please!"

She giggled "Not yet, my love. Soon, though. Very soon." He'll be close soon enough….. It's been days since Nadir's letter and I still haven't managed to figure out how I can get to Salzburg. Maybe if Raoul goes away again….."

"Mama, too slow. Come on!"

Her son's voice brought her out of her thoughts and quickly picked up the pace. "Alright but you asked for it." She picked him up and started to tickle him as they laughed all the way to the stables.

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When Christine retuned with Gustave, they were greeted by Annie.

"Hello, Madame. Hello Gustave. Did you enjoy your walk?"

"Helga!" Gustave ran to her arms.

Annie laughed as she hugged the boy back. "I see that you did. I had the cook save breakfast for you both. But let me get this one all washed up first."

"Thank you, Helga." Christine smiled back at Annie and longed for the day, they didn't have to keep lying about everything to the boy. I hope you can forgive me one day, Gustave as I try to make things right again.

"Christine, are you back?"

She was surprised to hear Raoul's voice and gave a look of concern to Annie.

"He's been waiting for you. Remember, what we talked about?" Anne gave Christine a supportive smile. "Come, little man. Off we go."

Christine watched them leave as she braced herself to face her husband. She knocked on the dining room door before entering.

"I didn't realize you would be here this morning, Raoul."

"I came back three days ago, Christine. I have been meaning to come and speak to you but every time I did you were either fussing over the boy or out. I must say, it was a bit of a change from how you were before I left."

"Perhaps the weather has caused this change. It was too nice not to be out."

He nodded awkwardly. "Are you hungry?" He stood up and gestured for her to join him at the table.

"Just tea and toast."

Raoul snapped his fingers to instruct the servant to carry out Christine's wishes. "There now, that won't take long."

Christine deplored the way Raoul would treat the staff. They were people, not objects or things. They sat in silence as Raoul pondered over how he was going to convince Christine to attend the Salzburg gala and Christine wondered how she could break away to Salzburg.

"Christine…."

"Raoul….."

He laughed as they both began speaking at the same time. "You first."

"No, you. You obviously have something of great importance to speak to me about."

"Do I need a reason?"

She threw her napkin down. "Why must you do this? Why must you force me to pretend all the time, even when no one is watching? It's exhausting."

Raoul gulped his coffee in frustration. "Forgive me for trying to be civil. Damn it, Christine. I can't do this alone."

"Trying for what? Whatever feelings you and I could have salvaged, died that day at the hospital."

"Fine but we have to pretend, as you call it, in public. I have been more than patient and enough is enough. I demand that you accompany me to Salzburg for a private gathering."

"Salzburg?" She almost fell out of her chair in shock.

"Yes. Father will be there and he wants to show that the de Changes… All of them….. Support the arts."

"The arts you say? Is it a concert…?" Good God could his be the exact same event that Erik is performing at?

Raoul shrugged his shoulders as if he couldn't have cared less. "I don't know. I would, if you had been playing you part better for the outside world. As I said, I will not take no for an answer. You will come with me and so with the boy."

She had to stop herself from grinning. She could actually see Erik and have him see Gustave. They could run away that very night and never have to go back.

"Christine? Did you hear me? You will come with me to this gala, do I make myself clear?"

The servant brought Christine her toast and tea. Just before she took her first bit she replied, "Crystal clear, Raoul. Gustave and I will accompany you to Salzburg."

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The ride was in compete silence, other than Gustave asking questions about all of the things he could see from the carriage ride. Every time Raoul would try to speak to Christine, Gustave would ask a question or retain her attention. Finally, he just took to reading the afternoon paper.

When the carriage stopped, Raoul was thankful to get inside and enjoy a long overdue drink. He stepped out and the moment he offered his hand to Christine, Gustave began to cry.

"Must you always fuss over him? Just leave him be. A good cry will toughen him out. We can just hand him over to one of the servants and enjoy the evening."

"I will not just hand over my crying baby to some stranger. You wanted us to come together. Did that mean for Gustave to be alone in a room, while we show off for a bunch of strangers."

"It's what my father wanted. Christine, I need you to work with me."

"I'm here, aren't I? Now you go on inside, I'll join you once I know Gustave is settled."

He threw his hands in the air. "Perfect. That brat is just like his father. Always getting in my way!"

He stormed off and then mentally kicked himself for his behavior. Why must I always do what I swear I won't do? How am I ever going to win her back when I can't make any head way? He knocked on the door and then immediately decided he needed a good, tall drink.

When he entered the estate, he looked it over as if he was assessing the venue and started to proceed to where others were gathering about.

"Hello."

"Raoul, is that you? I can't believe we got you this far away from the city."

"Good to see you too, Andre'." He shook the man's hand.

"Where is your beautiful wife?"

"She'll be along shortly. We brought the boy and he was a bit fussy. You know, children at that age."

"Ah, well you did the right thing. Come in, let me get you a drink and introduce you to some people you will want to know."

Raoul followed along and was given a strong brandy. He took a sip and frankly, at that point he didn't care who he was meeting. Yet Andre' took him by the arm and brought him to a couple standing in the center of the room.

"Raoul, allow me to introduce Pablo and Bianca. They are not only representatives from one of Italy's finest musical conservatories, but both are responsible for the entertainment here this evening."

"A school choir?" Raoul made a face and took another sip of brandy.

Andre' laughed. "Bianca and Pablo, allow me to introduce to you the Vicomte de Chagny. He and his father, the Comte are longtime supporters of the arts. Raoul, Bianca and Pablo manage the illusive Erik Roux."

"Erik Roux… Is he famous?" Raoul looked at Bianca and couldn't keep from admiring her beauty.

"He will be." Bianca grinned. "A Vicomte. My goodness, Austria is full of titles. No wonder all Frenchmen seem to flock to it."

"A pleasure to greet you, Madame…."

"Bianca, will do just fine Monsieur Vicomte."

"Raoul, please."

Pablo interjected. "Already she is on a first name basis with a noble. I say Bianca, why don't you just ask him for accommodations?" He laughed.

"Keep quiet, Pablo. Ignore him, Raoul. Contrary to popular belief, not all Italians are charming."

"What's this about accommodations?"

"Well, we are set to begin the tour in Vienna, after our stay in Salzburg but there was a bit of a mix up and we are having difficulties obtaining accommodations."

"How many people are in your party?"

"I actually only need a room for the composter. See, there has been a bit of a… frenzy in the press lately and I would rather he keep a low profile and let the performance speak for itself. Thus, I am trying to arrange for something private."

Raoul nodded to show he understood but he was getting lost in Bianca's eyes more than her words. "I see. You know I think I know of a quite place that is near the city but has some lovely grounds and I can even guarantee his own wing."

Bianca looked at him in disbelief. "And do tell, where does such a place exist?"

He smiled at her boldly. "My villa."

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Christine walked into the foyer and was greeted by the butler.

"Madame, may I help you?"

"Yes, I….. That is….." Christine wasn't sure what to do. Should she look for Raoul or try and see if she could find Nadir or could Erik actually be in the next room?

"I don't believe it? Can it be? Christine, is that really you?"

"I'm sorry but do I know you?" She turned to face the woman on her left.

Melanie laughed. "I should hope you do. I admit, I invited my uncle and cousin here to gloat and catch them by surprise but I never thought you would be here. I had no idea where to reach you. How did you know about my little event?"

"Melanie? Goodness... I can't believe you're hosting the event."

"Guilty. My husband and I actually." Her eyes then went to the shy boy in Christine's arms. "I see a lot has changed for you. When did you remarry?"

"Mama….. I'm hungry."

Melanie laughed. "He's adorable. Why don't you come with me and we can put him with some of the other children? Then we'll catch up. I want to know how you left Raoul and all about your new life."

"Uh….. Left Raoul? Melanie, how do you know Erik Roux?"

"He's the latest sensation, no? So I told my husband we had to get him. Should be a real treat. Yet he is not at all like I imagined him to be. Nice enough though. Which is good, considering where they have hidden him until he makes his grand entrance. Now just follow me." She then turned to Gustave. "What beautiful eyes you have. Let's get you settled with a treat. Would you like that?" She had to have left Raoul, the boy couldn't be his. Those eyes…..

Christine desperately held Gustave as she tried to slow her mind down. Were all these people from her past a good thing or would it complicate her reunion with Erik all the more? Will he be wearing his flesh mask or something altogether different?

"Come with me, little fellow and I promise you will enjoy yourself." She took Gustave by the hand. "I'll be right back. Imagine, Christine Daae in Salzburg? What a big, small world."

Christine held her head as she thought the room was spinning. What would she possibly tell Melanie and how will she react once she knows she and Raoul are still married?

"What am I doing, waiting here? I need to get out there and find Erik. I can't spend my last chance hidden in this room. She then started to walk towards the direction she saw Melanie go. "I have to find my son and then find Erik. I can't wait one more minute."

Christine walked down the hallway and opened the first door she saw. "Excuse me but I must get my son. I…." Her jaw fell to the ground when she saw Erik standing before her.