A/N: I am so glad everyone loved that last chapter! I really enjoyed writing about this modern couple getting together and what that relationship looks like. But before we return to that… must return to the plot first. *winks* Don't forget to hit that little review button to leave a comment!

Chapter 9

Present Time

"Look at the time. We should be heading back," Christine told Erik as he shook his head from his reverie. It felt that the more he heard Christine's story about she and her Erik, he could almost see it playing out in his mind. But the feeling was fleeting, and he was left with nothing but cruel memories of handsome Vicomtes and summertime promises.

"Before we do… did I—I mean—did he really show you his face?"

Christine nodded. "He was born with it. He told me that it looked a lot worse when he was a child but tried to correct it with plastic surgery. He has a nose now and his lips had been really bloated so they reduced the size so he could have somewhat normal lips. But due to the sensitivity of his cheek and around his eye… doctors didn't want to try anything else in fear they could cause more harm than good. Erik was resigned to it but after he and I were dating… it didn't matter anymore. He has come a long way by not wearing his mask as often. He will out in public and here in the theatre, but he told me that I was able to help him find the sense of humor in it."

"What do you mean?"

"We didn't our first year together, but we eventually dressed up as Two-Face and Catwoman for Halloween. Then another year we were a zombie couple. He was so lucky not to use that much make-up."

"I see." He wanted to be happy for them, for him to find such acceptance and love. Instead, he had terror, tears, and screams.

Christine tilted her head as she looked at his downcast expression. "She really did a number on you, huh? The me from your memories?"

"It's something you don't really forget."

"I supposed not." She bit her lower lip thoughtfully. "I know you already told me but tell me again exactly what happened. Let's see if maybe it might be displaced or something."

He gave a sardonic scoff. "There was no other perspective."

"Humor me," she said while giving him a pointed look.

"What about rehearsals?" he rejoined. "I'm sure the Don Juan imposter is eager to dive back into the role."

He was right. They should return to the stage. "Very well. Raincheck for now."

It didn't take long for his mindset to return to the music. They ran through scenes four and five for Act I and was pleased that Blaine was on his best behavior. Then when Cara took the stage for Lucia's lament, an icy chill ran through him. He had almost forgotten about his interaction with her, which was easily done with Christine at his side for most of the morning. But now there she was… center stage and Erik had to watch the performance.

None of this seemed right. Everything Christine had told him seemed to tell the story of a couple happily in love. Indeed, their initial meeting was not love at first sight, but they became friends. Then friends to lovers. She had accepted his face. There were no rejections. Campbell had won in every sense of the word. So why would he throw it away? Or even risk it?

As far as he could tell, Cara had not been hired yet when Erik and Christine met. So at least she wasn't a former fling. Or was she?

That wouldn't be impossible. Campbell had traveled quite a bit before he settled in this city and got married. Cara could have performed in another production of his before she wound up at the Opera Populaire. Maybe she tried rekindling whatever romance they once shared? Or maybe he did?

The thought did leave a sour taste in his mouth. No… It must have been her. She had been pretty forward in his office.

God, he wanted to ask Christine about how Cara was hired but knew that would be a bad idea. If there was some sordid affair going on, would he ruin Christine's marriage by telling her his suspicions? What if there wasn't a modicum of truth to it? What if there was? Could he really destroy her and her family?

He knew Christine wanted her husband back. The children wanted their father. Could he really be that heartless, that cruel to take it away? In another life, he was a monster. He didn't think twice about manipulating an innocent with songs as an Angel. He even snatched away the illusion to reveal he was a man with desires and dreams. But now he hesitated since being in this life.

Truth was important. But was the truth the right path in this situation?

Or… could this be an opportunity for atonement?

Erik glanced from Cara to Christine and back. The explanation for coming here was still a mystery, but what if there was an ulterior purpose after all? Was he sent here to make things right before something terrible happens?

Erik had committed many sins in his lifetime. Blood was on his hands. Perhaps a sinner like him could be saved. Perhaps salvation wasn't impossible.

One thing for sure, Erik knew he would have to learn more to see if his suspicions had any credence. And if Campbell had been unfaithful, then maybe Erik could be the one to put the pieces back together.

Four o'clock rolled around and rehearsals were over for the day. Erik and Christine had gone back to his office to collect their things.

As soon as they stepped out and Erik locked the door, Christine's cell phone began ringing. She glanced at the screen for the incoming ringer and her eyes widened. "I need to get this before we leave," she told him. "Hello? Yes, this is Mrs. Campbell."

She had moved away from him to continue her conversation. Erik stood there awkwardly, not sure what to do than wait for her. Christine's back was to him, but he did catch Cara walking past her. The two women exchanged a brief wave before Christine's attention was back to the call.

As much as he wanted to uncover the situation with Cara, Erik wanted to do this on his terms and when he was prepared with a plan of attack. Also, he didn't want to do this when Christine was within earshot and risk arousing her suspicions of a possible infidelity.

He figured he could get by with a curt nod of a farewell. Very platonic, very unassuming.

Cara was now approaching him, and he was ready to follow through with his gesture when she had to stop in front of him. She darted a quick look in Christine's direction to make sure she was still distracted before she gave him a salacious grin.

"I didn't get a chance to ask this yesterday, but how is your head? You had hit it awfully hard. Not that I could blame you. It was terribly intense," Cara purred. "I hope we can finish that 'conversation' soon."

Before Erik could formulate a reply, Cara gave him a lingering wink before sauntering off. Well, if that didn't confirm what he had feared… But she had mentioned about finishing it. Whatever "it" was, they were interrupted when Campbell had injured his head.

Wait…

Could that be the connection?

Erik ran his hand through his hair, and he let out a soft gasp when he felt a bump near the center of his head. It was a tiny knot, and he felt no pain when his fingers grazed it. It was too much of a coincidence that the same night this Erik hurt himself was the same night he wanted to escape his pain. Could that be what happened to allow this switch? Did that mean that Christine's husband was living his life in Paris?

"That was the school," Christine told him as she returned, sadness in her eyes. "Raoul didn't make the team and he didn't take it well… Is something wrong?"

"Huh? No. I'm fine." He removed his hand from his head. "I don't understand why the school will inform us about the boy not being accepted. Most children are not chosen for a lot of things."

Impatience washed over her. "Okay, first, 'the boy' has a name. Raoul. And he's our son. As far as I'm concerned, you're here and that makes you a father," she told him before he could object. "Getting on the team meant a lot to him. He has been practicing so much for this opportunity. Secondly, the school called because he apparently punched the wall and he hurt himself. Luckily, he didn't break any bones."

Erik wisely decided not to say anything else as Christine made a beeline to the car. As she drove to the school, he could tell her thoughts were on the boy. He longed to tell her that Raoul was too sensitive, and she shouldn't coddle him. Life was full of disappointments and it was a hard lesson that Erik learned well as a child. In fact, he was much younger than Raoul when he learned to fend for himself. Somehow, he doubted Christine would be in the mood to hear that, and he didn't want to get into an argument with her.

He sighed.

Big mistake.

"What is that supposed to mean?" she demanded.

"What?"

She mimicked his sigh. "Look, I really don't understand this issue you have with Raoul. Actually, I would say the both of you. You and my Erik. But especially you since you hardly know him. He is a twelve-year-old boy. I hardly doubt you have a grievance with him, and if you do, then you should grow up. Be the adult."

He bristled at the statement. "I know he is a boy. His age has nothing to do with it."

"Then what is it? Why are you so determined to be an asshole when it comes to him?"

"I wouldn't expect you to understand."

Christine growled. "Try me."

"Because God has a morbid sense of humor when it comes at my expense," Erik said.

"What does that even mean?" She gave him a look.

"Why Raoul? Out of all the names you could name a child… why that one?"

She slammed on the brakes. "Are you seriously telling me your issue has to do with his name?"

"When you say it like that it sounds ludicrous."

"Damn straight it is. It's a name. And a special one at that. If you have had your memories, you would know that."

"Well, I don't," he retorted. "So, forgive me if I don't see what is so special about it."

A car-horn blared behind them. Christine saw the green light and muttered something unintelligible, but Erik could surmise she was cursing him. She continued driving and when she spoke, her voice was softer now.

"That name means a lot to this family. Even if my Erik doesn't see eye-to-eye with Raoul… he knows how important it is to us." Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Please be nice when we get him. Set aside your ego and whatever personal issues you have. He is a child and deserves that respect. Got it?"

He knew an underlying threat when he heard one, and this Christine certainly had the claws to back it up. It was both titillating and frightening since she was speaking as a mother bear protecting its cub. And it was different since Erik wasn't the one to have the last word or have his will obeyed.

"I got it," he capitulated.

That pleased her. The rest of the ride to the school was quiet. When she parked the car, she handed him her cell phone.

"I have it all set to go. You just have to press the green button to call my mother. Let her know that Raoul didn't make the team and to tell the twins, so they don't bring it up. Can you do that for me when I go inside to get Raoul?"

Calling her mother?!

Christine rolled her eyes. "It's a phone call Erik. She's not going to bite your head off. She won't do that if it's about the kids. It would help me if you can do this. Please."

While he wasn't keen about speaking with Catherine so soon, he couldn't deny Christine either.

"Thank you," she breathed. The car was left running to keep the heat going as she exited the vehicle and walked inside the school building.

Looking down at the small object in his hand, Erik knew he better get it over with.

xxXXxx

Christine was gone for ten minutes. His phone conversation with Catherine was only a minute. She assured him she would tell the twins, but Erik didn't know the details on what went wrong so the call didn't last long. Then he was left to his thoughts, which the solitude (normally welcomed) only prolonged the tedium until Christine returned. He saw her emerge with Raoul next to her and he was cradling his right arm. Erik could tell his hand had been wrapped in a bandage.

The driver side door opened, and Raoul climbed inside, closing it firmly next to him. Christine resumed her spot at the driver's seat. She half-turned to Erik and he handed her back her cell phone.

"It's done," he whispered, and she gratefully smiled back at him.

"Thank you," she mouthed. Christine started the engine and backed out of the spot so they could head to her mother's house to pick up the rest of the brood.

From his peripheral, Erik studied the boy. He was staring out the car window, but Erik could see the patches of red tracks from tears on the boy's face. His bandaged hand laid in his lap where his knuckles bore the brunt of the injuries. Whoever wrapped him up at the school did a decent job. Then he wondered… should he say something?

He looked to Christine for guidance and she could see the question in his eyes. She slightly shook her head. What needed to be said was said back in the school. There was no point in dragging it out and adding salt to the proverbial wound.

Picking up the baby and twins was slightly noisy, but it provided enough distraction to ease the heavy silence in the air. The baby amused herself with her infantile antics while Lotte and Gus took turns sharing about their day at school and with their grandmother. Then they asked about the opera, which Christine responded minus the incident with her temporary co-star.

"Good. So, he was able to blend in? No one noticed?" Lotte asked.

The girl was certainly beyond her years; Erik had to give her that. "It wasn't a disaster, and no one noticed. Thankfully, my opera has still remained the same."

A caustic sound suddenly echoed in the van. There was only one culprit who would make that noise as Erik twisted his face to glare at Raoul. The boy still was looking out the window and he didn't seem to notice the scowling mask. But the baby burst into giggles as another different distraction permeated the air.

That was one way to kill the foul tension and just in time as Christine pulled into the driveway. She grabbed Erik's hand before he could release his seatbelt and waggled her eyebrows.

"It's your turn with the baby. I got the other kids."

His blood chilled.

xxXXxx

Did he really think he had somehow gone to Heaven in this world? No… this was Hell in disguise. God couldn't have chosen a more fitting punishment for the vilest of sinners. This was truly Dante's ninth circle of Hell complete with fire and brimstone.

The baby cooed as she smiled brightly up at the Phantom who was struggling to maintain his composure as he removed the offensive object from her person. He frantically looked about the room to where it could be disposed since he was running out of air from holding his breath during this process.

"You put it in the diaper pail to your right."

Erik would not have taken the object to be a "pail" based on the odd shape by his foot, but he supposed it would make sense. Now, how to open it?

"Lift the lid," Lotte explained as she stood behind him.

Erik did and slammed the lid as quickly as he could so he could breathe in the sweet, fresh air.

Lotte giggled. "Daddy reacts the same way too. Diaper duty is not his favorite, but he knows it makes Mommy happy when he helps."

"I'm glad to be of service," he muttered as he now was left to clean the baby up and put on a new diaper.

Lotte guided him along the way, even correcting him when he had put the diaper under upside down. But at least the baby was now clean as she gurgled happily.

"I can take her if you want," Lotte offered as she held up her arms. "You survived the experience. That deserves a reward."

Erik handed the baby over to her and watched in awe over how lovingly Lotte doted on her sister. He felt this sudden urge to ruffle the hair on top of Lotte's head. He kneeled to her level but caught his arm midway as he stared at the girl with confusion. Why would he want to do that? What purpose was there in that sort of touch? His hand retreated before Lotte could notice as she lifted her violet eyes to him.

"I know this is difficult, but I'm glad you're trying," she said. "The only lucky one here is her since she doesn't know what's going on. To her… you're still Daddy. Gus doesn't show it, but he's scared. I know he seemed brave this morning, but that's because I was there at his side. He doesn't like things that he doesn't understand, or he doesn't have control over. He's afraid Daddy will never come back. And Raoul… You know already how well Raoul and Daddy get along. Just please understand that Raoul is also scared too. He may not say it or show it, but I know my brother. This really shaken him. All of us to be honest. I wanted you to know."

Her speech floored Erik. He really hadn't taken the time to consider how his presence was affecting the children. And this girl… she was so astute, so perceptive. It was evident she cared very much about her brothers' feelings and she cared that Erik knew what was going on. Even her helping him spoke volumes.

"You should also know you don't have to wear your mask around us," she added, her eyes fixated on the porcelain. "There is nothing to be ashamed about."

Her small hand rested upon the cool surface, quietly waiting for his permission. Erik knew from what Christine told him that Campbell wore the mask when the kids had friends over and when they went out in public. He could see in Lotte's expression that she wanted to see him in the familiar setting and while Erik was still astonished that his face held no abhorrence to this family… He couldn't find the courage within himself to permit the exposure.

Maybe it was self-preservation, maybe a little selfish, but Erik jerked away from her. The move clearly hurt her as Lotte took a step back and hugged her sister tightly to her chest. The feeling of his rejection should not have affected him, but Erik felt a slight pang in his chest as Lotte gave him a small, watery smile.

Softly and keeping the tremor out of her voice, she said, "If there's anything you need to know… just ask away. I wasn't kidding when I said I would help you and I mean to keep my word." She began to turn on her heel but looked back shyly. "I know my Daddy is with you and it's going to take time… But I know you and he will find yourselves again."

She left the room.

He never thought a child could affect him as much as Lotte had in that moment. Indeed, she was much wiser than her years intended, and it did put him to shame that he could not grant her one request about his mask. It was difficult considering he had a dealt a lifetime where the mask was a necessity… a tool for survival. Without it… He wasn't the Phantom. He was vulnerable.

He was Erik… a man.

Releasing a shaky breath, Erik stood on trembling knees. Lotte… she softened him in minutes. He had to get a grip on his emotions.

And… for what? Here he wasn't the imposing Opera Ghost. What should it matter if he were to let that part of him disappear for now?

"I cannot lose myself," he murmured to the empty room. "You know who you are."

Finding his resilience, Erik dusted off the slip of emotional weakness to rejoin the rest of the family downstairs. As he walked past the boys' bedroom, he heard the tell-tale sniffling and weeping behind the door.

Raoul.

Then he heard the soft murmur of a feminine voice and recognized Christine. He had no desire to eavesdrop; however, he silently stood at the door as he made out words of comfort.

This basketball team thing really was important to him. Erik had no concept of what basketball was, but once again, the sudden urge to go inside… an instinct gnawing to escape flared in his breast. It wanted to be at Christine's side, including the boy. To speak reassuring words and to stop those tears.

He, unknowingly, had his hand on the doorknob as he twisted it. Then reason penetrated him… the feeling gone. He moved away from the door as if it scorched his flesh.

He couldn't… He can't.

So, he fled.

Little did Erik know; Christine had heard the doorknob rattle and she hopefully waited for her husband to enter. When he didn't and the heavy footsteps moving away told her he wasn't going to come, she lowered her gaze in dismay. Even Raoul thought his father would come and the disappointment was too much to stomach.

His mother regrettably had to offer apologies on his father's behalf. "I'm not condoning it, but these circumstances are strange as they are. Give him time. Your father will come back."

Raoul looked away.

xxXXxx

A few minutes later Christine came down to start making dinner. She passed Erik with the twins and the baby, and he was entertaining them with some magic tricks. Christine paused to observe them and was quite impressed with this talent she hadn't known her husband had.

As quickly as it came, the sooner it deflated when she remembered her Erik didn't know tricks. But this Erik apparently did.

At least the children were in awe and it put smiles on their faces. Now, if only there was a smile from one more child…

Christine glanced over her shoulder as Raoul hung back at the foot of the stairs and watched the show. The bandage was gone from his hand since the bleeding stopped. There were several marks left on his knuckles from where he hit it, but at least he only hit the wall hard enough to draw blood, and nothing more.

She gave him an encouraging tilt of her head to join his siblings. He hesitated but then quietly moved to sit beside Gus.

The sight warmed her heart. Baby steps, she told herself.

Retreating to the kitchen, Christine went about in making dinner. A quick, simple meal was in order. She peeled and diced some sweet potatoes and got them boiling in water for mashed potatoes. Then she grabbed a package of skinless chicken breasts, fresh green beans, honey mustard, Monterey cheese, and crispy fried onions. The fried onions she crushed up finely and added the cheese to mix in for the crust for the chicken. Then she placed the chicken on the baking sheet, coating them with the honey mustard, and added the crust on top of it. Once that was good to go, she put the sheet in the oven and began to prep the green beans.

The vegetables were cleaned and dried. She took out another baking sheet and spread them out evenly. She drizzled olive oil over them and then sprinkled salt and pepper. Once that was done, she added it to the oven so they could cook.

The potatoes were tender and ready to be drained. Christine was adding the potatoes back into the pot so she could finish them when Raoul wandered in.

"Hi honey," she said with a smile. "Did you like those tricks?"

He shrugged. "They were okay. Not my style."

She saw through the I'm-too-old-for-magic-tricks act, but at least this was typical growing up behavior. "Do you want to help me mash the potatoes?"

His eyes lit up at the idea as he nodded.

"Great. Go get the masher and I just have to add the sour cream and butter to them."

Raoul grabbed the masher from the utensil drawer while Christine added in the remaining ingredients. She stepped to the side so Raoul could start the mashing process. Once he had the potatoes flatten, she added a little of the potato water she had saved earlier, then added a pinch of salt. Raoul continued his mashing, mixing everything together. When it looked creamy, Christine got a couple of spoons so they could taste.

"Needs some pepper," he commented.

Christine agreed and added a pinch of pepper along with another pinch of salt to finish it off. The mashed potatoes were much better. She placed the lid over the pot to keep them warm.

Raoul checked the green beans and chicken. The green beans were brown, and Christine confirmed they were tender. She checked the temperature on the chicken. They still had a couple of minutes to go, but she pulled out the sheet with the green beans and set it on top of the stove.

"Could you set the table for me?" she asked Raoul.

"Okay." As Raoul busied himself with his next task, Christine took out a couple bowls to put the potatoes and green beans in. The chicken was done, and she took out a plate to set them on there.

Raoul went the extra mile and poured milk for all three children. Then he helped his mother bring the plates of food to the table. She asked him to let them know that dinner was ready. He left and Christine went back to the kitchen to get the baby's dinner. She settled on sweet potato turkey. It was close to what they were having. She poured the grain and carrot mix into the sweet potato and stirred it up.

Everyone was sitting at the table when Christine returned with the last meal for the youngest family member. They said grace… Well, it was Christine and the children who did. Erik looked a little uncomfortable and she made a mental note to ask him about it later. He had the same uneasy look the other day too when they had dinner. The food was dispersed, and everyone began eating.

Except for Erik.

He was again pushing his food around on his plate, but the mask would not come off. Christine had hoped that their conversation earlier at the opera house would loosen him up about the mask. She had told him that his face never bothered her. Did he not realize that he didn't need it around the kids? She knew breakfast had been sprung on him without wearing it, but why was he insisting on it?

Christine cleared her throat to get his attention. She mimed taking off the mask to him and there was that same reluctance in his expression from this morning. What felt like too long of a minute, Erik finally removed his mask and set it beside his plate. In that moment, a sense of normalcy returned, and the children began talking amongst each other.

Somehow the conversation led to Disney movies after Lotte said her music teacher reminded her of Belle from the way she was dressed today. This prompted Erik to ask who Belle is, which earned loud gasps from the twins.

"From Beauty and the Beast!" Gus and Lotte said in unison. "Tell us you have heard of it."

"La Belle et al Bête," Erik replied in French. "I am familiar with the fairy tale, but I don't see the fascination in it."

The twins exchanged looks and both blurted, "Mom! Can we watch Beauty and the Beast after dinner?"

Christine laughed. "Sure. You know I can never turn down that one."

"You will love it," Lotte gushed. "There's Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumiere, and Cogsworth…"

"Not to mention Gaston who has the best song ever," Gus declared.

He arched his brow. Evidently, this was a different version of the story he was accustomed to. And he didn't recall singing in the story either.

Christine gave him a devilish grin.

xxXXxx

After the kitchen table was cleared off, they all gathered around on the couch as Lotte inserted the DVD into the player.

The last thing Erik had expected was the colorful animation and the music that went along with it. It seemed they all got into the singing mood. Even Raoul was feeling better to join his brother in the rendition of no one does this like Gaston, including pantomiming what it was that this Gaston can do.

When the movie concluded, the twins turned hopeful gazes towards Erik to hear his verdict.

"It was certainly lively than the written story. Although, I do have some questions about the loopholes…"

"Yeah, yeah," Gus waved at him, interrupting. "Besides that, did you love it?"

Love was too strong a word, but he managed a smile. "I did enjoy it."

The twins high-fived each other. "Tomorrow night we have to watch The Hunchback of Notre Dame."

"Is it like this one was? With the singing?" he questioned.

They nodded.

He couldn't decide if that would be tortuous or not. But it did make the twins happy so why should he grumble and complain?

"All right everyone," Christine chirped. "Bed-time."

This time there was no wheedling to stay up longer. All three children got ready and Erik had baby duty once more. Lotte got done first so she could help him. Christine didn't comment but she did look pleased that Erik was interacting with the children.

Good-nights and good-night kisses were given (Erik didn't feel it was appropriate for him to do so), and soon it was he and Christine alone in the bedroom.

She sat on top of the comforter, tucking her knees under her chin, as Erik took the initiative to remove his mask without her telling him. It was progress as she hid her smile.

"I have to say that today wasn't too bad," she remarked. "Despite the unexpected drama, I call it a win-win."

"Indeed."

"You know… you could have joined me when I spoke to Raoul." Her tone wasn't accusatory, just pointing out the fact.

"And to say what? No… it was best I was not present."

She sighed. Perhaps he was right. But she wasn't going to press it. "Well, you should know that Raoul understands he had overreacted. The coach was in the office when I got him, and he told me that he does believe Raoul has good chances joining the team next year at the junior high. He does need to practice some more. In fact, he offered the other boys who didn't make it either to come to the practices if they wanted to work on their skills. They just cannot go to the games."

"That's considerate," Erik said carefully. "Why did he get upset at all?"

She gave him a "really" look. "Raoul has your passionate temper. Emotions first, logic second."

The comparison annoyed him. He and the little Vicomte double were nothing alike.

"You had asked why we named him Raoul. Before I tell you why, you should know that I found out I was pregnant not long after we began sleeping with each other…"

TBC…