Thank you all for your reviews, it's not the end yet don't worry, I should have about five or six more chapters left. You are all so sweet and are making me really enjoy writing this story; sorry it's not so crazily exciting or dramatic. We do have a wedding on its way within the up and coming chapters (:

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ErikChristine Ohh bless you, you're just the sweetest thing. Please don't cry, it's not the end yet, and I'm hoping to write another story after this so I hope you can read that one (:

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Chapter 55-Madame Giry

Rehearsals were going badly. The score was proving difficult on every scale, the dancing the dancer's were having to do to keep up and in time with the music, where so complicated many of the girls had complained and refused to even try. The music itself was breath taking; the orchestra had to work their hardest, after some of the songs the musicians would be out of breath, slightly sweating and looking as if they never wanted to play again. But the music they created was so intense, almost suffocating; the passion that was in every note was evident. They each told story, a story of desperation. They all told the story and the struggle of Erik. This was his Opera. This was the story of his love for Christine. It was truly heart breaking, that he had felt the emotions that were now floating around as notes, the pain that he had felt and endured. I stood in the wing looking at the stage, the ballet girls were rubbing their feet and grumbling, the rest of the large cast were trying to make head or tail of the lyrics and of their meanings, the chorus were in an uproar. I rubbed my head, then felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned and smiled at seeing Christine, she seemed to be the only one who could sing the songs without moaning or complaining. But that was because she was taught by the composure, she knew the man better than any of us. I noticed Christine was smiling, so widely that I thought her mouth may split up the sides.

'Now you seem very happy indeed.' I raised an eyebrow; she giggled and took my hands, making sure no one would hear.

'Madame, me and Erik we have a house! We are going to be living in it together!' She squeezed my hands as she smiled.

'A-A house? Where? How?' I asked quickly, when had Erik brought a house, I had presumed he would of stayed at the lair. But now it was destroyed. This was good news; this meant Erik had followed my advice to get Christine a home, and had realised he wouldn't be able to hide in his lair once he was a married man.

'It's about half an hour away Madame, and oh it's just perfect. Philippe left it for me; he wanted me and Erik to have it. He left it to me.' Christine said quickly, her chest going up and down as if she had been running. The Vicomtes brother had left it for her? I didn't understand. I embraced Christine anyway; I knew the house would be beautiful. I felt her put something in my hand, then bounced off to the stage where she was greeted by the cast who smiled at her arrival.

I unfolded the letter and began to read. By the time I had finished, there was lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. The man had been destroyed by grief, he was a murderer, but he was haunted by it. You could tell unlike his younger brother he held so much regret so much hatred for what he did, that he had been desperate to try and do some good before he took the bullet to escape. He had helped Erik and Christine in such a great way, he had given them a home, a chance to start again, to leave the cellars of the Opera house and let the Phantom now rest. Erik could live his life as a semi normal person. I knew in my heart he never would want to be, or would be accepted, the damage to his sanity was too deep; his hatred for people and fear of rejection was too great. But now he had Christine, perhaps things would change. Perhaps he would try and leave some of the past behind and she would free him from their ghastly chains.

I watched from the wing as the music started again, I froze. This song was like no other. The passion in it was chocking me. Taking me wholly. My eyes closed as the hot notes filled the room. They were like none I had ever heard before. It was like a giant presence in the room, a being rather than a source of music. Then Christine's voice joined in, its sweetness meeting the notes and dancing with them, it was electrifying, I watched as every jaw dropped, as they watched her amazed. By the time she finished, ending with glorious notes, I realised I was panting. Christine stood and blushed as the cast surrounded her, mesmerised by her voice. I walked forward to her, almost in a trance; I needed to hear her sing again.

'Miss Daae, you are excelling beyond our imaginations!' The conductor said looking amazed, Christine giggled nervously and said thank you a least a dozen times.

'We are still looking for a male lead; I don't suppose you know anyone Miss Daae?' The manager Andre looked desperate. I walked forward and looked at the score. This song had meant to be a duet. It looked terribly complex; no wonder we didn't have a male lead! But this would add even more problems to an already very troubled cast. The show was meant to open on the Friday afternoon, and the seats had already sold out. This was going to be nothing short of a disaster. I was about to run to the managers and explain the havoc that was going to happen, but then I heard Christine's sweet little voice.

'I know someone Monsieur, he's a genius musically, he would easily be able to sing this song.' My heart stopped. Oh god. What was she doing! I knew she meant Erik, the foolish girl! This would enrage him I knew it. He was barely able to stand, let alone sing this passionate song! I went to grab her, to tell her to not be so ridiculous, but the manager had already begun spurring her on through the muttering crowd.

'Miss Daae, I trust your opinion entirely. When can this man start?'

'Well...you see monsieur, he is a very special man, he won't-well he wouldn't be able to make the rehearsal, he-he is very busy, but I promise he would make this piece sound glorious. Trust me, please. I will have him here on Friday and he will be perfect.' Christine was almost begging now, my mouth dropped open, why was she doing this? The silly girl, she would get herself divorced even before she was married! Erik would surely say no, then the performance would be male leadless.

'Okay, but Miss Daae if this is not true, or if this man does not turn up, you realise you will not be able to sing. We are counting on you.' Christine nodded biting her lip, looking slightly worried, as the manager walked away, and the cast began to practise again. I grabbed Christine's arm and dragged her into the corridor, she stumbled behind me. I was so angry, how could she be so foolish?

'You foolish girl!' I said nearly shouting, her eyes were wide and scared looking, as her mouth opened and closed. 'You realise Erik will be beyond enraged don't you?'

'But I thought-' she began weakly, playing with her dress and looking at the floor.

'No Christine, you didn't think. You will have to go and explain to the managers right away what you have done. Because I know that Erik will not sing. For goodness sake Christine, he will be so angry. Why did you do this? Why?' Christine, looked so incredibly young as I told her off the beautiful engagement ring sparkling at me from her neck making me envious.

'I only want to sing with him. I want everyone to realise how great he is.' Christine had tears rolling down her white cheeks making her look about twelve years old. My anger left me at her innocence.

'Oh Christine, you silly girl. You must understand, Erik has had many horrors which-well they prevent him from being around people. He is scared Christine, you must respect him for that. He is your fiancé now, and I can tell you love him, but do not pressure Erik, loving him is harder then loving others.' I sighed; I was so disappointed in her for this truly was such a foolish thing to do.

'I'm sorry Madame.' She sighed, wiping away her tears. 'I didn't mean to make you angry.'

'You must put this right Christine.' I looked her in the eye as she said this and she quickly dropped hers nodding. 'You should go and see what your future husband is doing; you must start making plans soon.' I smiled at her, as she giggled and skipped away.

I prayed she would be able to sort this out, I knew Erik wouldn't be best pleased if he knew.

XXX

Erik POV

I sat in my high backed chair and looked at my lair, it was nearly empty now. All that remained was the organ, the beds in the bedrooms and the bathroom. Everything else Nadir had taken away to the manor house. I had to sit now, my head was spinning, it was all happening so fast. This lair had been my home years, since I first came to Paris after fleeing Persia, after I had finally realised I would never need society, I would never need anyone. I remembered my fist day here, when I had finally realised, when my world had come crashing in.

The blood had poured off me, and the stitches in my hands and wrists were on fire, I had travelled for a week at a flat out gallop from Persia until I had finally reached Paris. My wounds had not been treated and my body reeked of decay, the pain almost too much to bear. My mind was a spinning mess, darkness constantly taking me and leaving me. The horrors had filled my mind. Somehow I had been drawn to the decaying Opera House, it was deserted and nothing but a giant work yard, where men were trying to make something beautiful out of ugly material, through hazy painful eyes I had noticed on the side wall a gap leading into pitch black, the gap was so small, so awkwardly placed, that it was almost unnoticeable. I had dragged my body through it, feeling calmed and welcomed by the darkness it seemed to never end. I collapsed but will my body further I could hear water, the darkness seemed to expand a soft light seemed to fill it; I felt water fill my shoes then fell to drink it, allowing it to fill my burning body. As I had lain in the dark the water washing my bloody body, I stared up into the darkness and realised it was silent, no one was here. The tortures filled my mind, my body spasming. I then and there the darkness was my only friend; I decided this was to be my home.

I shook my head of these thoughts that was the past I tried to remind myself, I tried to forget, to put these images to the back of my head. I was going to live with Christine! The house was beautiful, I had to admit who ever had crafted it was well taught. The gardens were stunning, and every room was large and spacious and all furnished with the finest pieces. There were changes I would wish to make, for example the bed room that would be mine would need to be darkened, I would want the window covered, and the walls a dark colour, I had lived underground for many years and sleeping in a room of light, even low light would do nothing but aggravate me. Then Christine's room, the one next door to mine would need nicer furnishings, the room was large, spacious and beautiful, but I wanted it to be even more special. It needed to be stunning before I even thought of letting Christine see it. I trembled with fear, excitement and disbelief at the fact I was going to marry her. It was like a dream, one I never wanted to wake up from. Nadir sat on one of the lone chairs and then produced a piece of parchment he sighed and passed it to me. 'The doctor left me this Erik, before he left, he wanted you to have it, he said you will need it.' Nadir passed me something from behind him, it was a thin black cane, on the top it had a silver horse head. I took it in my hands, and stood with it, allowing it to take my weight. I could stand and sort of drag my leg for brief periods, but I knew the cane would allow me to move more without worrying about falling. Nadir also passed me a letter. I began to read the loopy scrawl quickly.

'Erik.

Let me apologise for what I did those years ago. I can't apologise enough, I know you hate me. I was the start of the pain you had to endure. Please understand your mother never loved me. Never, she perhaps had lust for me, but there never was love. Shortly after you left she decided to kick me out, she blamed your disappearing on me. I know your childhood Erik, I know the horrors you had, and I can't explain the pain that is inside of me. I played a part in that. Your mother did love you Erik, inside she did. I know she would be proud of you. Though to you she was a monster I knew she loved you really, I knew she would always no matter what secretly love you. That is why I tried to get rid off you, I suppose I was jealous. Foolish I know, a grown man jealous of a young boy. But you always were special Erik, even as a child, it scared me how clever and how magical you were, but you are a genius not a monster which I stupidly first thought.

You have captured the heart of a very beautiful young lady, who seems to adore you through and through. I'm glad Erik. Truly. I always prayed you would find love. Now it seems you have. Make sure you look after her Erik, love her and look after her like your mother never did to you. Let her love you back, you deserve it.

The part I have played in your life Erik has been small, but both times has been painful. The first I will never forget, the night you ran and the pain you have no doubt suffered through your life. But this time Erik, I hope my saving you will be some sort of way to show you how sorry I' am. Look after yourself Erik and your sweet Christine, you will make a fine pair.

Good bye for now

Doctor Beckett.

PS: Take care on your leg, please use the cane.'

My heart stopped as I read. It was strange reading about my mother. She had been mentally erased from my life long ago, after sobbing for heart the bars of my cage for three days when I first met the gyspsy's I knew she would never come for me, I knew then even at the age of eight that my mother was gone for good, she had left me and from then on I was alone. The doctor's letter was strange to read, because I did remember him as a young man courting my mother. I remember the hatred I had for him, the jealous, the plots I used to make, and all this time he had been jealous of me? He was wrong about my mother, she never did love me, and if she did, she had a funny way of showing it. Several lashing a day and a bag over on your head were not your usual token of love. No, the woman hated me. My heart was squirming. But as I read on I smiled, I had Christine, I didn't need to dwell on the past anymore, I could look for the future. In a way I forgave the doctor, not fully. But a little. He had both saved and destroyed me. It was strange. In a way I wished to hurt him, make him suffer the pains I had to for his lust for my mother. But then I realised if he hadn't of saved me, I would be dead, and wouldn't be marrying Christine. I sighed, I didn't want to think of the past, or my mother. I folded the letter. Closing my eyes and sighing. Christine's beauty filling my mind, making me smile at the thought of her being my fiancé.

'Nadir, I have something to show you.' I needed to show him, to see what he would think. He followed me as I went to my bedroom using the cane, the darkness welcoming me, as I took the parcel from beneath my bed. I winced as I stood back up. I opened the lip to it slowly, my heart racing, oh god what would Nadir think? I heard him gasp as he took the white material in his hand and lifted it up.

'A wedding dress?' he whispered, his eyes taking it in. I nodded slowly. I had made it when I had first heard Christine sing, when I had first felt those painful shoots of love come through me, and begin to take me wholly. I had sat up through the nights and made the dress, and I was rather proud of it. The fabric was pure white, the front went into the desired V neck line, which I had sown a tiny bit of lace around, down the front from the V was a row of tiny buttons onto the fine cotton I had chosen. The arms were half way; the fabric ended at the elbow the fine lace that was around the neck line, it flowed out slightly. The waist line was drawn in tightly, then the fabric beneath it went out the front was lace, then at the sides it was a silky cotton which went behind and tied around with a white bow. I knew it would be slightly too long for Christine's petite body but I had wanted to get the trail effect. I looked at Nadir.

'This is beautiful. Erik, where did you get it?' he held it up slightly, I watched it shimmer.

'I made it.' I mumbled, as I waited for Nadir's looks of disgust, but then never came, just a small sigh and then he turned to me.

'Well it's a good job you did. She will love it.' I thought of Christine in the dress, and my stomach did a flip, she would look stunning in it, she would look stunning in rags, but I knew this dress would highlight her beauty even more.

'Have you decided on a date, you need to leave here soon Erik. I think this weekend would be plausible. Perhaps this Monday?' I sat down quickly on the bed.

'This Monday?' My head spun, this was happening so fast. Sunday was so soon, not even a week away. I felt so unprepared, so rushed, but it all felt so right.

'It's okay Erik, just take your time.' Nadir said, putting the dress back in its box still looking at it amazed.

'It's all happening so fast.' I said quietly, looking at my long hands which were running over the cane.

'I know Erik, I know. But you have the love of your life now. You're going to be together forever.' Nadir smiled, my stomach leapt at the thought. Then I heard Christine's voice calling me, I scrambled up, using my cane to get to her quickly.

'Christine, my angel.' I would never get used to her beauty, it was just so perfect, she smiled at me sweetly. I just wanted to hold her, but she came and embraced me instead, smiling up at me, but her eyes were slightly sad and she chewed her lip, I knew she had something on her mind.

'Christine are you okay?' She nodded, and looked at her feet, still chewing on her lip, I shook slightly then used one of my skeletal fingers to raise her chin so she was looking at me fully. I watched her blush. 'You can tell me anything.' I noticed in horror that tears began to work its way down her cheek, I caught it quickly. What was wrong? She was silent still, her eyes clamped shut now.

'Darling?' I asked her again as she made me twitch by putting her head onto my sore chest.

'Please can we go and see Papa, Erik?' I checked my pocket watch, it would be dusk outside. I didn't want to go outside, but the look on my angels face told me she needed this. I nodded, receiving a kiss on the cheek from Christine before she ran and got a cloak from her room, where only a few outfits remained for her. I pulled on my cloak and hat making sure it would cast a shadow over my face, then waited for my angel to return, whilst I waited my head spun oh god was she crying because she didn't want me? Was she crying because she realised the horror she agreed too? I didn't know. I felt my heart begin to go into panic and it banged quickly. I nearly jumped out my skin when I felt Christine's hand on my arm.

'Does the cane help Erik?' she asked as we began to venture outside, I hated the pace I had to walk at, but Nadir told me I was lucky to walk at all and eventually I would walk normally just with a slight limp.

'Yes it does, quite a lot actually.' I breathed in the dusky air, it felt fresh and spring like, but still the night was closing in, and I was thankful for that. Christine smiled at me, but her eyes were still sad, making my heart drop, her fingers looped with mine, making me twitch, but I couldn't help but smile as I felt the ring back on her finger. We walked in silence the whole way to the grave yard, Christine just looked ahead her fingers clutching to mine as if scared to let go. I wondered what on earth had got into her.

The grave yard was silent, not a soul moved, not even a shadow. The spring smell even appeared to be missing from here, and the concrete angels and graves lost their cold beauty that winter seemed to bring them, now they were grey, almost smudge like in the heavy darkness. Christine's grip on my fingers grew stronger, making me wince as she crunched the recently fixed bones. I was about to ask on whether she intended on breaking my fingers or not, but I noticed the tears brimmed in her eyes set on her pale and frightened looking face. It broke my heart seeing her face that way, once by the grave I sat on the bench and beckoned her to sit, she all but fell beside me.

'Now my darling, please tell me what's wrong.' I said firmly but fairly, I had to know, I couldn't bear to see her like this. I took her hands in my shaking ones, she looked at them smiling slightly. Then with a huge swallow and the tears now falling down her cheeks she began

'Oh Erik, I've been so foolish.' She cried, shaking her head. I was filled confusion, but wanted to just hold her close, she wasn't a fool, but I could see this was bothering her greatly.

'Now, now Christine, I'm sure you are just over reacting, you're not a fool, no you are more of an angel.' I smiled slightly from behind the mask, but she didn't return it.

'Erik I-I-I said you'd sing at the performance on Friday...' she said it so quickly I almost missed it. Almost, but not quite. My heart stopped. No, she hadn't been that foolish, surely not. I dropped her hands, looking at her eyes in disbelief. 'I'm so sorry.' She whispered feebly.

'Why?'I asked confused, my chest was was rising and falling quickly, the skin on it bursting and bubbling again.

'They were looking for a lead and Oh Erik, I just want to sing with you in front of everyone, I just want to show you off, I love you.' She was crying now, but I was trying to control my breathing, I was angry, but more disappointed, why had she done this?

'To show me off?' I whispered the wind in the trees appeared to stop moving, the song birds sing their good nights now were silenced; all that could be heard was my ragged breathing and Christine's small sobs.

'I want people to hear you that is what I meant.' Christine tried feebly. 'You sing for me Erik, it would be no different, we would sing together, you wouldn't need to be scared Erik, the crowd wouldn't hurt you.' She was whispering desperately. Something in me snapped, some inner fear made me move away from her, my chest slamming itself up and down. My eye twitching slightly.

'Do you know what happened to me Christine the last time I was in front of a crowd?' I watched her shake her tear stained face, her big eyes full of sorrow. 'I was raped. Again, and again. The pinned me down and took me for their own pleasure.' I heard myself say this, oh god! It was all out now! She would be repulsed. I closed my eyes remembering the night. The cruel cold hands shoving me down as I screamed and cried. I was stripped bare, then as they surrounded me, throwing money, rotten fruit, beer anything they could, the first man came behind me and the pain began. I felt Christine's hand on me and I jumped. She was sobbing now.

'Oh Erik I'm so sorry. I didn't know.' She choked and sobbed, trying to reach for me. I scooted away.

'Now you do! Now you know I'm a stained monster! A beast whose innocence was taking by gypsy men!' I was disgusted by myself, oh god, now she knew, she knew how I was an impure bastard, a beast that belonged in a cage. Why hadn't she run?

'Erik please let me help you.' She began trying to clutch to my hand, I was standing now, wobbling, but the anger made me stand tall, my emotions were flying.

'Christine, enough. I will not be shown off, not now, not ever.' I turned and walked with my cane back down the path I came. I had only walked four steps when I began to sob, I didn't know who I was angry at me or her. I was angry with Christine why had she done this? Why hadn't she thought? Why had she just decided. She must have known. Oh god, I had been too hard on her. My heart was racing, she knew about the rape now, she knew about it. I knew she would be repulsed. But what was I doing? It was getting late and I had nearly reached the graveyard gates, how could I leave Christine there alone? I turned back around, my heart racing, why had I left her? Yes, she had made me angry but I should have got her safe first.

I reached the bench and my heart went cold. Christine was no longer there.

XXX

Christine POV

I ran through the darkness sobbing. What had I done? I had ruined everything! I was such a fool! Erik was so angry I could tell, I knew he would be and I had panicked and said stupid things. Why hadn't I respected him more? I knew he was scared of crowds and now I knew why. I nearly choked on my tears as I thought of what he had said. 'I was raped. Again, and again. The pinned me down and took me for their own pleasure.' I shuddered, my poor Maestro, my poor darling Erik! How cruel! How evil those people must of been. It made me feel sick, the look of disgust and fear in his eyes as he had said it was so heart breaking, I felt so awful. Why had I done this? Oh, because I was a silly little girl, that's why! I continued running till I reached the Opera Populiare doors and ran till I collapsed on the bed in mine and Meg's dormitory. I lay there sobbing, looking at my ring, oh would this mean Erik wouldn't want me? I felt my lip tremble at the thought. I loved him so much, I couldn't lose him. My head spun, then dreams took me.

I awoke quickly I had never had a dream like it before. It was so real. So horrifically real. I lay in the small bed shaking the images burning in my head. A child like Erik on his hands and knees being brutally taken, beaten and abused. It made my stomach go cold. I rose quickly, and dragged myself off to rehearsals. I wondered if Erik was still as angry at me as he was yesterday. It was only one more day until the performance and I felt awful. My head wasn't in the music at all. I sung my best, and everyone was pleased but to me it felt bland. I was so angry at myself. I had been such a foolish girl. The rest of the cast seemed to be working a lot happier now they were in costume. The dress I was to wear was stunning, it was a pale peach colour, with a lot of black lace, it was very tight and swishy, but even thought usually I would of been delighted with such a dress I just gave the dress fitter a smile and a thank you. Then sighed, as I watched from the wing, I noticed how much everyone had progressed, the dancer's were now completely at one with the music, like musical notes themselves and the chorus members were breath taking, they were the real talent. Not me. I wish the audience would give them credit; all I did was hurt Erik.

The managers walked forward smiling as we all gathered around him.

'It's a full house tomorrow for the opening, so we want extra hard rehearsals today. You all look and sound fantastic, and I know Miss Daae will be producing a male lead for us.' Oh no, my heart stopped. I would have to tell them, oh gosh! When would I? How could I? My heart began racing, Erik wouldn't sing, of course he wouldn't and why should he? I should have never suggested it! I gulped, dread filling me. I wouldn't be able to sing, the managers had told me that! Oh no, I had ruined everything. 'Also on the Sunday we will be having a celebration of the new Opera, I think another Masquerade don't you Firmin? Masks to celebrate the Phantom's Opera!' The cast laughed, excited at the thought of another celebration, though I didn't share their excitement. I just filled with dread, my mind spinning, what was I going to do?

Meg bounced over to me as the mangers were now talking to the conductor, her usual white leotard had been swapped for a black one, the opera was so sinister, so passionate...so Erik. I felt Meg's hands take mine.

'Oh Christine, you look heavenly!' She laughed looking at my dress. Then I watched her eyes go wide as she felt something. 'Christine! You're engaged?' She gasped loudly. That was the point where the cast had gone quiet, now every head was looking at me in wonder. I closed my eyes. This couldn't be happening.

Hmmm, what do you lovely people think...I'm not too sure. I apologise this chapter was a bit messy :/

But thank you for reading, as always your opinions are worshipped.

You are all so sweet and kind, I can't thank you enough.

I would love to know what you think is going to happen, it's always great reading your predictions.

Thanks again *Erik roses to you all*

*Cuddles with Erik for reviewers*