A/N: There is a lot of mystery behind what's going on, but I think it's time to go back to the past once more with Christine and her Erik. Hope you all like it! And since I am unable to respond to some guest reviews…

Guest (chapter 9): Thank you so much for the kind words! Lotte certainly feels she needs to be the calm, rational one and she wants to help her Daddy. Even if it's not the man she knows. We will learn more about Raoul's name coming up. As for Cara… Well, more to come.

Guest (chapter 4): I purposely haven't revealed the baby's name. It's all part of my creative madness here. Hee hee. Thank you for reading!

Lucy: It is definitely a bad habit Erik has. He doesn't use all the time, but the intense emotions and heartbreak was enough to drive him to extreme lengths. Thank you for reading!

Chapter 10

Twelve Years Ago…

Christine stared at the double line result from the pregnancy test. This was the fourth one she took and glancing at the pile on the bathroom counter… they all showed the same double line.

Pregnant.

She knew darn well how it happened. But they had used protection… she was on the pill… And while they were not 100% guarantee, she thought the chances would be greatly reduced.

Until…

Her eyes widened when she remembered their tryst in his office at work. That time Erik forgot to put on a condom, and being hazy and overcome with desire, Christine didn't remember to remind him either.

Well, there you go.

She set the latest test next to the rest and wove her hands into her hair as her mind raced with the images of the next nine months: her belly growing, food cravings, rehearsals, would she be able to perform in the last trimester; then images of the future: a newborn in her arms, the show, Erik holding the baby, the baby's first steps, traveling and singing, the baby's first words…

I'm going to be a mother, she thought slowly. Erik's going to be a father.

Any doubts or worries faded away as joy and happiness spread through her. Placing her hands over her belly, Christine smiled softly as she envisioned the little girl or boy now within her. Would she know as time went by? Already she was overwhelmed with love and anticipation to meet this little one.

Then the tiny nagging voice whispered… What about the opera? What would Erik say?

So far, she was only imagining all the good things that she forgot what this would mean for the production. They were well underway with rehearsals and the opening night was still several weeks away. She figured she would still be able to sing as the Countess, but for the next performance after that… Christine would have to step down until the baby was born.

And Erik…

They have been a couple for a couple of months, and while they haven't discussed too much about the future, they had spoken about what they hoped to have one day. Both had wanted to get married at some point. It had been subtly pointed out that marriage wasn't in the cards right now or necessarily with each other… but it was something they both wanted. At least they knew their relationship would have the potential for a future if they so wished.

As for children…

"I always saw myself with a girl and a boy," Christine said, snuggling against Erik's side as they finished watching a romantic comedy where the main character found herself burdened with an unwanted pregnancy, but over time and a lot of pie baking, she found herself loving the baby after all and finding the courage to walk away from her unhappy marriage. Andy Griffith was the best supporting character with his randy and surly comments that both Christine and Erik couldn't stop laughing. As for the topic of children… it was something she just wanted to share after the movie. "What about you?"

Erik curled his hand around her waist, pulling her closer, but as soon as she uttered those words, he stiffened.

She felt him go rigid and Christine tilted her face upwards to peer into his eyes. "Erik? What's wrong?"

"You want… kids?"

She frowned. "Not now but one day, yes. Why? Do you not want kids?"

He was taking too long to answer, and she could tell he was thinking how to tell her that wouldn't come out wrong. Her brows furrowed deeper as she said, "Just spit it out Erik. If it's no, then say it."

"No." There. He said it.

Christine couldn't deny that it stung a little, but they were dating. They wanted a future, and this came with the territory. "How come?"

"Christine," he groaned.

"Hey. It's a perfect, legitimate question."

"And there's a perfect, legitimate answer."

"Okay. What?"

He exhaled. "It's pretty obvious."

"Ah." She nodded. "Slow swimmers?"

Erik balked as he gaped at her. "N-no!" he stuttered. "W-Why would…?" Seeing her teasing grin, he saw she was defusing the situation with her uncanny blunt sense of humor. "I don't know how you do that. Take something serious and then turn me completely inside out."

"It's a gift," she said, grinning broadly. "And sometimes you need to lighten up a little too. I'm here to remind you."

"Thank you," he said earnestly. Truth was… he needed that reminder. It was one of the many things that he…

"It's about your face, isn't it?" she asked quietly.

"That and I didn't have a greatest childhood either."

"Who does? My parents divorced, remember? And my Dad moved out of state."

"Yeah but at least the decision was mutual," Erik pointed out. "My parents… You know couples who shouldn't be together, but against the odds, still remain together?"

She did. She also couldn't believe he was finally bringing his parents up. He had hinted now and then that he didn't get along with them, but he never went into specifics. Like showing her his face… this was a big step for him. Another ultimate sign of trust. Christine sat up cross-legged and faced him, so he had her undivided attention.

Erik had to chuckle, but it only served to remind him that Christine was indeed a rare woman. No judgment. Only acceptance and patience. Most women would rather pick a fight on the topic of children, but not his Christine. Taking a deep breath, he started his story.

Christine closed her eyes as she thought back to what he shared that evening.

Maddy and Xavier Campbell were teens when Erik was conceived. For the lack of the better term… he was a "oopsie." They both came from strict, conservative households and sneaking out on dates and engaging in premarital sex was them rebelling. Naturally, their families were outrage about the pregnancy, but the solution was simple.

Marriage.

Xavier was seventeen and Maddy was sixteen and with both parents consenting… they were wed in front of the justice of the peace. A church wedding was out of the question. Once the ceremony was done, the parents pushed them out into the world to be on their own. Xavier was close to graduating so he stayed in school while working night shifts at a local bowling lane. Maddy dropped out and flitted between part-time positions until she could no longer be on her feet.

The pregnancy had started off normal. Everything looked good. But Maddy was young and it didn't take long for her to decide the doctor's orders was merely advice. Erik said it was a miracle he didn't wind up with other serious health issues. His father tried to be the mature one and convince Maddy to listen to the doctor, but she was a married woman and an adult in the sense, so she knew better. It was that selfishness and disregard that had her go into labor prematurely and for Erik's face to be what it was.

He could only imagine the horror on his parents' faces and the doctors and nurses at the hospital when Erik was delivered. But he shared that as soon as he was cleared healthy… the surgeries started.

His maternal and paternal grandparents wanted nothing to do with him, but it was their Christian duty to try and repair the damage the best they could. They paid for the surgeries in those early years, but when little could be done to give him a normal face, they stopped altogether. Even when Erik was older, he tried to reach out to his grandparents, but his attempts were ignored. So, he gave up on trying to forge a relationship with them.

When Maddy and Xavier were on their own to pay for Erik's surgeries, they couldn't afford it on minimum wage and so the alternative solution was a mask. That was his earliest memories… his masks. They varied from all different types of materials from what was around the house to whatever was cheap at the store. Some were tight, some were scratchy, some were too loose, and some were painful. The painful ones involved using a gel or paste to secure it to his face. Eventually they used wire to fit over his head and that was way more comfortable compared to the rest.

"Now I use this material that is very thin and transparent, so it is easily hidden in my hair. No one can see it and gives my mask the illusion that it is staying on my face on its own," he explained.

But the Campbells' immaturity hadn't changed since Erik came around. His father did try, but he would become resentful when Maddy wouldn't. They both wanted to hang out with their friends and stay out late and party and do normal teenager stuff. As a compromise, Erik would be dragged along, and he wind up being an accessory since no babysitter would stay out past midnight. If he fussed at all, then he was handed off to someone else. He learned quickly that being silent was his best option.

Even at home it was better for him not to make too much noise. If he cried, then his parents would argue over whose turn it was to see what he needed. They would spend more time yelling at one another and wanting to avoid the responsibility, then just go ahead and be a parent. They were never abusive towards him or to each other. They loved to fight and shout, but that was the extent. On occasion, one would storm out of the house and be gone for the night, but Erik was never left alone. But he would have to listen to the other spouse grumble and complain about the other.

As Erik grew older, his parents depended on him to be independent. This gave them more time and opportunities to pursue their interests. They would remember to have birthdays for him and celebrate holidays, but he always felt that they expected him to feel grateful for whatever they could give him. They could complain all they want about their lives, but Erik had no right to complain.

When Erik went to school, he knew right away how different he was compared to the other children. The mask was the biggest clue and he hardly had any friends since the only thing people cared about was what beneath it. He was bullied a lot until Erik snapped one day and fought back. He admitted it was the best day ever since the bullying stopped and his parents were pleasantly proud of him despite the suspension he received.

"That was one of the rarest emotional responses I got from them. It was like they took noticed finally. But it didn't take long for them to pat themselves on the back, congratulating themselves on how wonderful parents they were that I stood up for myself. They seriously took credit even though they were not involved. Then that became the pattern…"

His teachers recognized that Erik was a gifted student and surpassed his peers in testing and grades. When the recommendation was made for him to skip a grade, guess who said they made it possible? His parents. It was always Maddy and Xavier Campbell… never Erik. His successes and accomplishments were eclipsed by his parents' need to be the center of attention. Then when they would throw in how they were teen parents… of course, the doting parents facing adversity and overcame it all to raise an intelligent boy.

When Erik discovered the joys of music, he felt he had to be greedy and keep it to himself. He begged and pleaded with his teachers that he would be excused from concerts and other performances. He didn't want his parents to find a way to twist his love around. He took the incompletes and zeroes for not performing and his parents had assumed his low grades in music was due to shyness. They didn't push the issue, and neither would he reveal why he would rather fail despite the fact he could succeed.

"Music was mine. Everything else I did was tarnished by their constant hunger for attention. I had one teacher in high school who understood. He wanted to meet with them and talk about it, but I talked him out of it. It would have done more harm than good. All I had to do was bade my time before I could let it be known that music was truly mine and they could lay no claim on it."

He had researched various colleges and universities and their music programs. He wanted distance from his parents and Juilliard was the farthest. He started filling out applications and applying for scholarships. Since he skipped a grade, Erik graduated early from high school. He got his acceptance letter from Juilliard (along with several others) and along with it… a full ride scholarship.

It was much to his satisfaction that he announced to his parents his plans for school and that he was leaving as soon as possible. He had plenty of money saved up from composing music and selling it and had taken great lengths to hide his earnings. He even found an apartment where he could move into with the help from his teacher.

"Mr. Garnier was one of the few people I had a connection with. He encouraged me, motivated me, pushed me. It always bothered him that my parents took credit for everything I've done. Mind you, it could have been worse. They were awful people but not bad people, you know? Anything I needed help with for college or selling my music… Mr. Garnier lent a hand. He even helped me into researching for emancipation."

While everything was falling into place for him, he assumed… no expected his parents to react negatively to his request for legal emancipation. It was the final piece he needed to declare himself completely independent. Bitterly, he recalled:

"I should have known how they would take the news. My whole life they were emotionally distant. The only inclinations of affection they ever expressed was when I did something that benefitted them. But I think the only thing they heard was that I was leaving the house and it meant they were no longer beholden to me. They were ecstatic I had a full ride. They wouldn't have to pay a thing. But that was the only emotional response I got. As for my legal emancipation… they couldn't have gotten me sooner to the courthouse to make it all official."

From that moment on, Erik was on his own to pursue his love for music and his dreams. Mr. Garnier, his high school teacher, had kept in touch until he became ill and passed away. At least he lived long enough to see Erik's first original opera performed. Despite being sick at the time, Mr. Garnier had been in high spirits and couldn't stop smiling at his former pupil's success.

"He had been more of a father to me than my old man. Cornell Street was dedicated to him and I had a character based on him for everything he had done for me. I was just grateful he could see it before he died. Afterwards, when I started getting all these offers and money, I wanted to do something more to show my appreciation for him. So, I created a scholarship in his name and honor at my alma mater and I helped his widow pay off all the medical bills. I also knew I wanted to come to Michigan since he was from there. It was a way to still be close to him and honor his memory."

As for Maddy and Xavier Campbell, Erik hadn't heard much from them apart from the occasional phone call on birthdays and well wishes for holidays. Until they showed up at his penthouse in New York out of the blue to visit him. Of course, the purpose for the visit was made clear almost immediately.

"They wanted money. They had been following my career and as soon as I made it big… they wanted a piece of it. They were kind enough not to ask for an exorbitant amount from me, but just enough to say thank you for bringing me into the world and giving me the best life, they could make despite all the hardships and sacrifices along the way. As much as I wanted to despise them for the audacity, they were my parents. And I supposed in their own warped versions of good parenting, they did love me. I still had Mr. Garnier on my mind, and I figured the right thing to do was to give it to them."

He figured once the Campbells had what they wanted; they would be on their merry way. However, they surprised him and stayed for the next few days. They even went to his opera even though it wasn't their cup of tea. They did it for him. But a few good days couldn't heal the emotional scars they left on him.

Ever since then, Erik and his parents maintained a distant relationship of phone calls and emails exchanged. Physical visits would occur when they needed something, and it wasn't very often.

Yet, his relationship with his parents left him in a state where he didn't know what it was to be a good father. He didn't want to somehow turn into them if he had a child. In addition to take his face into account… he wouldn't wish it upon anyone.

No… children were not something he wanted.

Of course, he had been quick (too quick) to assure Christine it wasn't a dealbreaker or he was permanently resolved to the notion. It was only here and now at the present that he didn't want children.

I guess we were jinxed in that moment, she thought. While Erik's feelings were not presently favorable, Christine was still pregnant, and he was the father. That was the reality.

Now she had to figure out how to tell him.

xXx

First, Christine had to have no doubts about her test results before she said anything. She immediately gone to the doctor the next day for a blood test. A few hours later it was confirmed that she was very much 100% pregnant.

Her Mom was the first to learn of it. Catherine was shocked to say the least, but her shock was overridden by the news that she was going to be a grandmother. She didn't care that it was an accident. Her daughter was giving her first grandbaby. Christine did, however, had to stop her from calling any of their friends and family about the news.

"Erik needs to be the next person to know," she explained. "The only reason I told you Mom is that we live together, and I know you were going to find out eventually."

"Very well. You tell him soon, you got it? Because there is so much to plan and to get ready for when this little one arrives. Now, let me see if I can take a guess…"

"Mom!" Christine exclaimed, her cheeks blushing. "I'm hardly showing!"

"Doesn't matter. Women have a sense about these things." Catherine placed her hands around Christine's mid-section as she stared in concentration. After being silent for a few minutes, she replied, "Boy. It's definitely going to be a boy."

"Uh-huh. Okay Mom."

"Hey now," Catherine mock-scolded with a finger wave. "I was right about that blue dress. And I know I am right about this too."

"You had a lucky guess," Christine retorted, rolling her eyes. "I have to go. I told Erik I would meet him for dinner."

"All right. Have fun and don't forget to tell him!"

"Mom!"

Catherine waved good-bye and was startled when her phone rang. Noting the name on the screen, she lifted her brows in surprise. "Hello! Why, yes. This is a surprise. How are you? Good. When did you get back? Christine is going to be so thrilled to see you!"

xXx

She didn't get a chance to tell him at dinner. Christine couldn't seem to find the right way to bring it up, and it didn't help that in the middle of their meal that Erik received a phone call from Richard about a delay in getting the wigs and some of the costumes shipped. That put him in a foul mood and he contritely had to end their date early so he could find out what was going on.

She decided she was going to tell him at work when she showed up. But that morning, Erik wasn't in early like he usually was. Instead, there was an emergency that involved more than just the costumes that Erik needed to take care of. He left his notes with Toni to lead the rehearsals in his place.

Since there wasn't anything she could do in the meantime, Christine threw herself into the music. But try as she might, her mind became easily distracted with how she was going break the news to Erik that she messed up a couple notes and she almost tripped another performer. It also didn't help that her morning sickness decided to rear its ugly head.

Christine managed to keep it together to inform Toni she needed to take a quick break and fled to the bathroom. She rinsed her mouth with water from the sink and closed her eyes, willing the nausea to fade. Christine ended up making one more trip to the bathroom stall before she rejoined the others on stage.

Emily asked her if she was all right.

"Yeah. Just something I ate didn't agree," Christine made up as an excuse, and was relieved her friend didn't follow up with another question. Not that she could when Toni was ordering everyone to return to their places at once.

Christine hoped Erik would show up at some point during the day, but he didn't. She checked her phone messages and he had sent her a text while she was rehearsing that he wouldn't be back until tomorrow. She typed him back a reply saying she missed him, and rehearsals was not the same with his guidance. Not that Toni did a bad job. She was capable of following Erik's vision on the stage, but she couldn't flirt with Toni.

He had sent her a smiley face with a response: I hope not. But if you need to flirt with someone… The next text was a picture of his celebrity crush Amy Adams. Cheekily, he typed: I would not be opposed to this match.

For you, I will do it if you do the same for me. She sent him a picture of Christian Bale. She laughed to herself as he took a picture of himself with a dejected look. Aww, did I just ruin a fantasy for you?

No…

I so did!

But… he's Batman! And British.

I do love a man with an accent.

Exactly! I don't stand a chance with him in the same room. Another pouty picture.

Very well. If you start talking with an accent, then you go first. Unless he's wearing the Batman suit. Then all bets are off.

Minx.

She so loved teasing him. Before she knew it, Christine had sent I have other news for you.

Good, I hope. I have been dealing with disaster after disaster.

She froze. Was she really going to tell him about her pregnancy through a text message? The flirtatious banter meant he was in a good mood despite the other issues occurring. Christine bit her lip and knew she owed it to him to tell him in person. It was only fair.

Christian Bale is going be in another Batman movie this year.

It was a lame substitute, but it was the best she could think of on the spot considering she was about to spill the beans in such an informal manner.

Does that mean if I take you to see your boyfriend in this movie, then I can be rewarded?

She smirked. If Amy Adams is ever in town, I will kiss her for you.

Flipping her phone shut, Christine vowed that tomorrow… Tomorrow she will tell him.

xXx

The next morning Christine was relieved to see Erik had returned. She recognized his car in the parking lot and checked the time. He should be in his office still so they will have some privacy before having to be on stage.

"You can do this," she told herself. Getting out of her car, she strode into the building and headed straight to Erik's office.

She saw the light on in the office, and as she drew closer, he was on the phone. He hadn't looked up yet, but she straightened her posture as she was about to open the door…

…And the baby had other ideas.

Christine cursed the inopportune morning sickness. Why was this proving to be so difficult for her to tell him? She wondered if any other mother-to-be's went through this same frustration. When she finished, Erik was not in his office and she groaned that she missed another chance.

Perhaps, she could tell him before rehearsal starts…

But they were not alone, and Erik had his director's face on so she knew personal matters will have to wait until later. He did smile in her direction to let her know he was happy to see her, but that was the only personal attention he would allow in that moment.

Before she started singing, Christine did send a quick prayer that she could keep it together until she and Erik were alone. Maybe their baby understood how important it was not to play around with Mommy when Daddy didn't know yet. At least she had no incidents, and she didn't make any mistakes.

Thank God for small blessings.

Lunch was finally called. Christine was already practicing what she was going to tell Erik when a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Ah, the rumors are true. Little Lotte is now a leading lady."

Her eyes lit up as she turned around and threw her arms around her best friend in the world. "Raoul!"

TBC…