Thank you for the favorites, follows, and reviews.

This is it, the big moment. "No, Gustave, I am your father!" LOL Don't worry, I did not use that line in the story. I'm just quoting the iconic Star Wars line.

Most of this chapter is from Christine's perspective. I've been wanting to do more with her. There will be more Christine in the next chapter too.

"Once exposed, a secret loses all its power." ~ Ann Aguirre

"Parents don't make mistakes because they don't care, but because they care so deeply." ~ T. Berry Brazelton

Chapter Ten

Into the Light

The next morning...

Knock! Knock!

Christine looked up and over at the master bedroom door.

Ms. Frances peaked in behind the door. The thin Englishwoman was wearing her usual black dress. "Good morning, Ma'am." She quietly swung the door open and shut upon seeing that Gustave was still asleep. The grey cat, Pepper was purring next to him in bed.

"Good morning," Christine greeted her from the large bed. She was sitting up against her pillows, her blue dressing robe slightly open while nursing Isabel.

"How is he?" Frances asked cautiously as she drew back the blue and white curtains.

The morning sunlight was most welcome. It looked like it was going to be a beautiful day. So Christine hoped, she certainly hoped it would be better than yesterday.

Christine glanced over at Gustave and nodded, "He's okay, we're okay." Everything was going to be just fine. Christine breathed in and out. She kept telling herself that.

Frances walked over to the bed with her head lowered, looking ashamed.

Christine knew what she was thinking. "What happened yesterday, it was not your fault." She said reassuringly. She should have gotten up sooner. Also, Christine was not even certain how the boy had gotten past Charlie or any of the other men outside, but nevermind that now.

She and Erik were at fault.

Christine looked over at her son. Yes, Gustave was like his father. If he was determined enough to do something, he was going to figure out how to do it. For a moment, Christine pressed her lips together. She did not know what she was going to do if he continued to act this way as he grew older. Oh, she prayed not.

"Thank you, Ma'am." Frances raised her head, looking better.

Christine nodded.

Frances then got down to business, "Madame Giry's secretary rescheduled tonight's concert. I have also spoken with Ms. Giry and her assistant about today's other appointment."

"Oh yes, thank you," Christine brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. She had forgotten about today's charity event. She and Meg Giry were trying to raise money for various musical programs for underprivileged youth. Christine also hated missing her concert. She had already missed one show a few weeks ago, but she had much bigger priorities today.

Frances and Christine briefly chatted about some neighborhood gossip and a little social gathering taking place next week. Some ladies were throwing a little fall brunch together. Christine was planning to go and needed to figure out what dish to bring.

Christine partly suspected Ms. Frances was just trying to take her mind off the recent events and for that she was grateful. She gave her best smile and nodded in approval at her member of staff, friend, and confident.

The two women then discussed the typical morning chores, laundry, the day's meals, the mail, groceries, and other little errands.

"Ms. Everett is off today," Frances said in a friendly, reminder sort of way.

"Oh, that's right." Christine had forgotten.

Ms. Everett was off today for a family reunion. Then Frances was off tomorrow and Monday.

Frances frowned, "José said there's nothing they can do for the old elm tree." Meaning it would have to be chopped down. Which was a shame, because it was so magnificent and beautiful. It had probably been there since at least the American Revolution.

Christine nodded sadly. She suspected as much. "I want another planted in its place." Maybe two.

Frances nodded, "Miss Bailey has turned in her notice." One of the longtime maids. "She is getting married next month and they will be moving," She explained.

"Oh, that's wonderful," Christine would have to congratulate the young woman and send the couple a card later wishing them the best of luck and how much she would be missed.

Frances mentioned that she would place an ad in the paper for a new maid. Then she held out a beautiful envelope. "This arrived after you left yesterday."

Christine quirked a brow. "Oh?" She reached for the mysterious envelope with her free hand.

Interesting.

The two women exchanged looks. Both Christine and Frances recognized the red and blue seal on the envelope, Oscar Hammerstein himself.

Christine could not help but smile. She thought the divorce and gossip might keep Hammerstein and other noteworthy composers and Opera Houses away, but apparently not. She supposed "gossip was worth its weight in gold," as her former managers used to say. Also rumors said the man had his own family drama. Hammerstein had even approached her last spring, but she had not felt up to it at the time.

This time...she was tempted.

"Word has it he is opening a new Opera House in Philadelphia sometime next year," Frances replied with a hint of intrigue.

"Hm," Christine turned and studied the envelope. She had never been to Philadelphia, assuming that's what this was about. Christine had only traveled throughout the New York area and parts of New Jersey. She knew there were some beautiful historical sites in the City of Brotherly Love. There was the Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Orchestra, or even the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Though such a trip would take her away from the children or at least Gustave for a few days. Maybe if it was during the summer and she could bring both of them. Gustave would love seeing the sites and Christine would probably stop nursing Isabel by that time.

Yes, she would think on it. Christine placed the envelope on the bedside table. She would look at it later tonight or tomorrow.

Christine nodded and thanked Frances as Isabel unlatched and she patted her on the back to burp her.

She wondered, "Is he up?" He had slept in one of the guest rooms.

Erik was never much on sleep, but after yesterday, she was hoping he might break his routine. Rest would help him heal.

"Yes, ma'am," Frances nodded.

Christine frowned.

Figures.

Erik was probably drinking his second or third cup of coffee.

"Thank you, Anna," Christine said quietly. "Would you take her downstairs?" He longed to see them. He wanted to hold her last night, but dared not wake either of the children.

"I'd be happy to," A smiling Frances scooped up Isabel and rubbed the baby's back. "Hello, little Princess," She greeted the baby.

Isabel cooed up at the woman.

Christine smiled and waved at the baby as she watched the pair leave. After adjusting her gown and blue robe, she turned her attention back to Gustave. He was still laying on his side, eyes closed. He and Erik even shared similar sleeping formations. Christine shook her head and smiled.

Yes, their similarities were becoming more and more prevalent as Gustave grew older.

Christine gently patted his arm. "I know you're awake." She saw him flutter his eyes open earlier and scratch Pepper's ears.

Gustave briefly smiled, "Hmm," Then he opened his eyes.

"Good morning," Christine kissed the top of his head. "How are you feeling?"

Gustave rubbed his eyes and yawned, "Good." He looked up at her with those big brown eyes. Her father's eyes.

He petted Pepper, the young grey tom cat who decided to turn and hop down from the bed.

Gustave made a face in annoyance at the cat.

Christine leaned on her side as she chuckled. "He probably wants breakfast."

They watched as Pepper left the room.

"Turd," Gustave mumbled under his breath.

Christine's eyes widened. "Hey, language," She said as she sat up straighter. She was not going to have that kind of language in the house or out of his mouth. Especially with Isabel learning how to speak.

"Sorry," He said making a timid face.

Christine gave him a sharp look. "I better not hear it again," She said in warning. Her expression softened as she brushed a few hairs off his face. "You look better."

Gustave cracked a smile as he sat up, leaning back against all the plushy pillows.

Christine also leaned back as she studied him, "No bad dreams?" She did not believe so. He seemed to have slept peacefully.

"No," Gustave shook his head.

Christine breathed in relief as she kissed his forehead. She pulled him in close, "Oh, my baby boy."

Gustave tried to pull away. He hated when she called him that. "Mom..." He groaned.

Christine gave a brief chuckle.

Gustave tried not to smile, "I am not a baby. I'm almost twelve," He pointed out.

Christine decided he must be feeling like his old self. It had been several days since he had reminded her. She wondered if he had finally decided what he wanted for his birthday. "I know, my darling, but for a long time, you were my only baby." Until last March, she thought he would be her only child.

Gustave giggled a little.

Christine held him close, "Oh, I love you." She ran her fingers through his thick, brown hair and kissed him. She silently thanked the Lord once more for his wellbeing.

Gustave clung to her as he whispered back, "Love you too."

Christine continued to hold him, "Don't ever scare me like that again." Running away from the house like that, twice.

"I won't, I promise," Gustave said quietly.

Indeed, he would not. Christine still planned to discuss and discipline him for his escapades, but not today. That could wait until tomorrow or another day.

They loosened their grip on one another, though he continued to lean against her side with one of her arms wrapped around him. They stayed like that for a little while.

Christine kissed the side of his head, "Do you feel like eating breakfast?"

Gustave smiled and nodded eagerly, "Yes."

Christine smiled, happy to hear his appetite was returning to normal. "Ms. Karen's making waffles." Those were his favorite.

"Oh," Gustave sat up straighter. He smiled up at her, then frowned. Probably noticing her serious expression.

They sat there for another moment in silence.

Christine was considering how best to proceed.

Gustave could probably sense something was on her mind. "What is it?" He finally asked.

Christine opened her mouth, but stopped. "After breakfast, if you're feeling up to it..." She stopped again. Christine wanted to be sure. She still felt a bit uneasy, should they do this today? Especially after yesterday. However, how much longer should they wait? He already had his guesses and suspicions. They needed to bring all of this out and into the light.

"Yes?" Gustave asked hesitantly.

Christine gave him a warming and reassuring look. She could guess what he might be thinking. "I'm not going to punish you though we will discuss your escapades later." She wore a gentle, but serious expression.

Gustave groaned.

Christine sat up straighter, "Maybe tomorrow." It depended on how today's impending events shaped. "But this morning, we need to talk."

Gustave gave an unsteady, "Okay...about what?"

Christine considered her answer. "It's a very important conversation," She began. "One I wanted to have yesterday..."

Taken aback, Gustave gave a reluctant but unyielding, "Alright." He nodded in understanding. He could probably sense where this was headed.

"Only if you feel like it." Christine insisted, she was not going to pressure him.

"No," Gustave insisted with a nod. "I mean yes, I want to...what is it?" He had the same curious and determined look he had the past week or more.

Christine exhaled, "It's a conversation we ought to have had a long time ago." She said a bit vaguely.

Gustave opened his mouth, but did not speak. He seemed to understand as he nodded again.

Shortly...

After getting dressed, Gustave's nose led him straight down to the kitchen and dining room. Oh, the house smelled so good.

Ms. Karen and Ms. Frances greeted him warmly with hugs and kisses.

His mother, Christine had already beaten him in getting dressed and coming downstairs.

Gustave did not realize how hungry he was until he began cutting up his breakfast. The golden waffles, the fruit, everything tasted so good.

Christine did not eat. Instead, she silently watched him eat and stared at her steaming tea cup.

He chewed and continued cutting up his syrupy waffles.

As he ate, Gustave looked over at his mother. He was trying to figure out what they were going to talk about. He had his guesses. Was she going to answer his questions? Had he been right or entirely wrong? Gustave had not really thought much more about what he saw the other night. Yet he was having doubts. That Mother and Mr. Y were involved, of that he had no doubt, but the rest? He did not know what to believe.

Gustave wondered if they really were going to discuss Mr. Y. Was he alright? Was this about what he had seen? Was this really about yesterday or some other matter entirely?

Ms. Karen then asked Mother for the second or perhaps third time. "Can I get you anything Ma'am?" She was wiping her wet hands on a towel.

"No," Mother smiled and gestured at her tea cup. "Just tea, thank you." She seemed a bit nerved up. Was it yesterday or was it their impending conversation? For a time, she seemed to consider something, then got up from her chair. Mother reached and kissed the top of his head. "I'll be back." She brushed the back of his head.

"Uh, okay," Gustave answered. He was confused.

Where was she going? Weren't they going to talk?

As he continued chewing his food thinking. He took a few more bites and gulped down the rest of his milk. He wiped his hands on a napkin and looked over his shoulder, Ms. Karen was busy in the kitchen. He could hear her whistling.

Gustave's eyes narrowed as he looked back. Where had Mother gone? He rose from his chair.

The house was big, but not that big.

Gustave looked around and checked the entrance and foyer. He looked up the grand wooden staircase. Maybe she had gone back up to the second floor.

Maybe.

He returned to the dining room. She was not in there nor were the dirty breakfast dishes. Ms. Karen must have already collected them. He could hear the water running in the kitchen so she was probably washing them.

Gustave looked around. There were still plenty of places she could be downstairs. No one was in the family room. He decided to try the little area with the telephone. No one was there. Though he did hear voices.

Brow raised, Gustave could not make any of them out, but it was coming from the little sitting room that served as the playroom. He supposed Isabel might be in there with Ms. Frances.

Was Mother in there? Did she need to get Isabel or merely check on her? Was that all?

That might be it.

Just in case, Gustave's head peaked around the doorway to look in the playroom. A few toys were scattered on the furniture and floor. Most of the toys were Isabel's, but Gustave kept a few things in there for when he sometimes played with her.

Then Gustave's eyes found him.

In the middle of the room, Mr. Y sat on the large sofa. He was wearing black trousers and a slightly wrinkled white dress shirt. His left arm was in a white sling. Under his dress shirt, one could vaguely see the outline of cloth bandages on his shoulder.

Isabel was sitting on his lap. She was sucking on one of her colorful wooden blocks. They appeared to be making a block tower on the nearby sofa cushion.

Ms. Frances stood nearby, she was speaking, but he could not make any of it out.

Mr. Y looked up and nodded at the woman. He lowered his head and kissed the top of Isabel's head. Mr. Y whispered something in the baby's ear or maybe he was singing. Gustave could not tell, but it seemed to be very soft and peaceful.

Isabel babbled up at him as she held the block.

Mr. Y accepted the red block, but then it suddenly disappeared. He moved his hand closer to the tower, flexed his wrist, and the block reappeared. He placed it on top of the little tower.

Isabel squealed in delight.

Mr. Y grinned back at her.

If one looked past the deformed side of his lips, it was the exact same smile as Isabel's. And yes...they had the same cool grey-blue eyes. How had Gustave never noticed before? He wondered about the nose too, but couldn't tell with Mr. Y's mask. Gustave even wondered if his hair was blonde underneath the wig.

Ms. Frances scooped the baby up into her arms.

Mr. Y brushed Isabel's head before Ms. Frances pulled away.

And steps away from Mr. Y, there was Mother. She waved and smiled at Isabel.

Mr. Y rose, slowly and stiffly to stand in front of her.

Mother nodded as she said something to him. Her fingers were clasped together.

Mr. Y nodded as he replied.

Together they took a few steps forward in his direction.

Gustave took a step back. He should probably head towards the dining room.

"...if you're sure." Mr. Y seemed uncertain. "He's already been through enough."

"I know, I've been debating this all morning." His Mother said with worry. "All things considered he seems okay and...Erik, it's time." She put an arm behind him.

Erik?

Mr. Y heavily nodded.

That...that was his name?

Eyes widened, Gustave felt his heart race.

Erik...

But that was...

What?

Mouth slightly opened, Gustave leaned against the wall outside the room.

Upon crossing the threshold, Mr. Y's eyes found him, "Gustave."

Mother turned her head and saw Gustave.

Mouth slightly opened, Gustave felt as if he was really seeing the man for the first time.

Then his eyes silently shifted to his mother who gave a small frown and sighed, "Gustave..." She was not angry. She seemed more...concerned.

A silent Gustave watched as his mother reached for his own hand then watched as Mr. Y—Erik reached and took Mother's other hand.

Moments later...

The trio went to the sun room. It was at the far end of the house, very quiet and they would not be disturbed out here. Christine did not want them to be interrupted or overheard. The maids typically started out here early in the morning when cleaning so they should be undisturbed.

This was sometimes where Gustave did his homework and kept a few of his musical instruments. He and his music tutor enjoyed the quiet and peaceful views of the garden.

Christine sometimes even enjoyed reading or practicing singing in here.

Christine removed the sheet music, books, a small drum, and the pair of drummer's sticks off the small sofa. She placed them on the small end table. Then Christine sat down on the end, Gustave sat in the middle next to her, and Erik sat on the other end.

"Alright, darling," Christine began. "We need to talk," She wanted to say more, but decided against it. She wanted the two of them to speak.

Gustave silently nodded, eagerness and uncertainty filled his face. He looked back and forth at both of them.

Erik twisted the ring on his finger. He knew what they had to do, but was still nervous and dreading this conversation.

Christine felt her own worries and a little dread tingle at the back of her mind. Wondering how this conversation would shape and culminate.

"Hello."

"Hi," Erik and Gustave said simultaneously.

Christine briefly smiled as she watched them.

This was it.

Erik kept studying the boy. He looked somewhat relieved and yet more nervous. "How are you?"

"I think I should be asking you that," Gustave said unsteadily.

"I'm all right," Erik said quietly. "I told you we'd speak again." He tried to smile, "I promised, didn't I?"

Christine warmly smiled.

Gustave gave a small nod, "Yeah." He opened his mouth, but before he could say anything Erik opened his lips.

"I'm sorry about what happened yesterday, I never should have left you alone." He wore the guilt over the unmasked half of his face.

Christine did not blame Erik for what happened. Nor did Gustave, but she believed and understood Erik felt the need to say this. She knew he blamed himself.

Gustave fidgeted with his fingers, "It's okay."

"No, it's not," Erik murmured.

Gustave swallowed as he considered his next words. He lowered his head. "My teachers and parents always told me if you see something bad, you say something or you..."

Christine knew what he was trying to say, but feared Erik was taking it the wrong way.

Erik cleared his throat, "Yes, they are right."

Gustave continued to knot his fingers as he looked down. "I did not yesterday. I just froze. I..."

Christine held one of his hands. "Gustave, you couldn't do anything. You were stuck in a very bad situation." Remaining calm was probably the best thing he could do at the time. "You are a very brave boy."

"Very brave," Erik added calmly. He looked a little more at ease.

Christine tried to smile at both of them.

Gustave looked down at his fingers, "I did not feel brave." He probably felt helpless, that was perfectly understandable.

"What do you mean?" Christine asked. "Oh darling, you went through something incredibly terrifying and you overcame that situation." He was very courageous and resilient. "You are very brave," She repeated. The best thing they could do was reassure him.

Gustave looked up at them, "Thanks," He whispered. He did not sound convinced.

"Look," Erik began. "One of the reasons we need to talk is that so you know...that..." He grew very tense.

Christine wondered if Erik wanted to say, I love you or that he was his father. Possibly both.

Christine looked at Erik, who nodded at her.

Then she looked down at her son, "Gustave, you are loved and you are safe." Christine told him this several times when they came home yesterday. Those were some of the most important things he or any child needed to hear.

Gustave remained motionless.

Erik nodded, "Your mother is right. That man, he is gone," He almost paused. "He is not coming back." Erik said very confidently and reassuringly. "He can never hurt you, me, or anyone else ever again." He looked Gustave in the eyes. "You are safe, you are all safe." He said reassuringly as he looked at Gustave then up at Christine.

Christine smiled and nodded at Erik. Letting him once again know she did not blame him. That she knew they would always be safe.

Both Christine and Erik looked at their son.

While Gustave nodded as he looked down again.

Christine suspected he was still feeling upset and a little guilty. "Shhh, it's okay," She whispered. "Everything's fine." She rubbed his back and arm. "Do you need a break?" This was all very overwhelming. "We can talk more later. There's no rush. It's okay if you do," She said reassuringly.

"No," Gustave quickly insisted. "I'm okay." A moment later, he responded, "I'm sorry about your arm."

Is that what he was feeling guilty about? Maybe he was thinking that could have been him.

Christine supposed that made sense. She briefly had those thoughts last night when Erik arrived at the house.

A quick smile flashed across Erik's lips. "It's not so bad." He gestured at his arm and shoulder. "The doctor said I will be as good as new in a matter of weeks." For a moment, she heard him use that same confident Mr. Y tone of voice he sometimes used when speaking to certain individuals at Phantasma.

Christine silently hoped he would follow the doctor's orders to rest and take it easy. Though in typical Erik fashion, he would not listen. He would probably work harder than ever before.

"That was...a lot of money," Gustave said a bit uncomfortably.

Yes, it had been.

"Thank you for...helping me," Gustave said quietly. He seemed a little more at ease.

"I would do far worse for you." Erik's words had a hint of darkness behind them, but at the moment, Christine found them comforting.

Gustave looked away, he seemed to consider something. "So...your name is Erik?" He asked almost desperately.

Christine pursed her lips together, she supposed he had overheard them. She had not thought anything of it earlier, but she had called him Erik. Something she had typically done in private and certainly never in front of Gustave. There was a reason behind that and now Gustave knew where one of his middle names originated from. Of course, he was about to find out anyway. Though that was not the way Christine had intended for him to find out.

Erik considered the question with a mysterious expression.

Christine had long ago guessed that was not his birth name, but one he had been given or picked up somewhere. She sometimes wondered if she had been right in giving Gustave that second middle name, but she wanted another way to remember him. At the time, Christine figured it would be one of the only connections baby Gustave would ever share with his natural father.

Erik looked straight ahead, "A select group of people including your mother call me by that name." His eyes drifted back to Gustave. "You may call me Erik...if you wish."

Christine supposed Mr. Y would be too formal now. She someday hoped and prayed Gustave might call him by another word. Though she understood that was a long way's off.

Gustave seemed to consider something. "My second middle name is Erik." Then he looked back up at both of them.

Christine tucked a loose strand of hair behind her son's ear. "Yes, darling," Her voice was filled with so many different emotions. "That's right."

"Yes," Erik answered softly as he looked back at Gustave. "Your mother told me...after you and I met." He swallowed.

That she had, it was a few days afterward if she recalled correctly.

Gustave looked down at his hands. "...I see." He seemed to understand there was no Great-Uncle Erik, that was the story Christine had given at Gustave's birth.

Erik bit his lower lip.

"Gustave," Christine reached for his hand. "Darling, there's something we need to tell you."

"I know," Gustave said quickly and quietly.

Yes, he had put together several of the puzzle pieces.

"Sometimes when two people..." When Christine had rehearsed this moment, it sounded much better in her head.

"I know..." Emotion spilled into his voice.

Before Christine could respond and much to her astonishment, Erik opened his lips. "You are my masterpiece, son—you and your sister."

Christine fought back her tears. She had not expected that from him. That was more beautiful than any of the ways she had ever imagined saying it. "Our masterpieces," She concluded.

Gustave gave a watery smile and nodded as he looked down at his hands in his lap. There were tears welling in his eyes. He was not shocked at all.

Christine could see the relief in his profile and posture.

Gustave had known or at least had some inkling since the other night. Possibly longer.

"Gustave..." Christine said softly. She held a hand to her mouth, fighting back her own tears.

Moments passed, he did not move.

Time seemed to stand still.

No one seemed to move.

Erik looked both relieved and uncomfortable, like he was ready to flee.

Gustave still had not moved. Though he sniffled.

Lips trembling, Christine could no longer stand the silence. "Darling, you are overwhelmed and I don't blame you." She could only imagine what was going through his mind.

She briefly glanced at Erik, who wore an unreadable expression.

Gustave remained still and silent for several long moments though he seemed to be growing more rigid. It felt like an eternity.

"Gustave..." Christine touched his hand and arm. "Gustave, look at me. Please, please look at me." She could not hide the emotion in her voice.

Gustave sniffled as he turned up to face her. "Why?" He asked in confusion with a hint of bitterness. "Why didn't you tell me?" He quickly demanded.

Erik frowned uncomfortably. He hated seeing both of the children upset.

After the other night, Christine had expected this and again, she did not blame him. "Darling, there are..." Where did she even begin? "I'm so sorry, we should have told you sooner."

"Then why?" Gustave cried. "Why didn't you tell me?" He stared at her in disbelief. "Is it...is it because of what happened..." He pointed a shaking finger at Erik. "What happened two years ago when he showed me..."

Clenching his jaw, Erik turned away.

Christine pressed her lips together.

That was part of it.

Erik's fears, doubts, the countless people who had rejected him throughout his life, and his own inability to accept himself.

Coupled with Christine's promise to Erik. She also felt her son had experienced enough change the last few years. She originally planned to tell him when he was older. Though the more time passed and after Isabel's birth, the more she saw how wrong she—they were in keeping the secret.

"No, Gustave," Christine insisted, reaching for his hands. Trying to reassure him. "No, none of this is your fault. We were in the wrong," She said with emphasis.

"I was wrong," Erik added in.

Gustave whirled around to look at him.

Erik reluctantly opened his mouth, "Your mother...your mother wanted to tell you. I kept insisting otherwise." He continued twisting that mysterious black ring on his finger. "I thought I was giving you a better father." Erik looked over at Christine and back to Gustave. "As I once thought I was giving your mother a better husband." He frowned sadly.

Gustave's eyes went from side to side as he processed these words.

Christine ran her fingers through her hair as her shoulders slumped. Yes, there were obvious parallels.

Erik gave a small sigh, "And maybe I was wrong." Though he did not sound entirely convinced.

"Wrong?" Gustave shot to his feet in disbelief. "By ignoring me the last two years?" He frowned in confusion and bitterness. "No." Gustave took a few steps forward, shaking his head as he turned away. "No, you are not my father." He crossed his arms.

Again, Christine both had and had not expected some denial. Before she had the chance to respond, Erik had already opened his lips.

He had already risen to his full height, frowning in irritation. "If I wasn't your father—"

"Erik..." Christine also stood. She did not like his tone. "Don't say anything you'll regret."

Erik briefly looked at her and back to Gustave. He took a few steps forward to stand at Gustave's side. He pointed his good index finger at him. "You came to me yesterday, you obviously suspected." His voice softened and he pulled his hand away. "Why do you think I've been so generous to you? Why did I save your life?" He briefly gestured at his face. "Do you really believe I'm such a kind and chivalrous creature?"

"Erik..." Christine hated when he referred to himself as anything other than a man. How many times must they go through this?

Scowling, Gustave remained still.

"Gustave..." How could Christine help him see? As she approached him, she thought back to another night when he was upset. Christine gently touched his shoulder and began to sing.

"Look with your heart and not with your eyes

The heart understands, the heart never lies

Believe what it feels and trust what it shows

Look with your heart, the heart always knows..."

Christine caught Erik's longing gaze.

"Love is not always beautiful."

She warmly smiled at him.

She looked back at Gustave.

"Not at the start..."

Christine's voice trailed off.

Gustave nodded in remembrance and understanding. A new tear streamed down his face.

"I stayed away," Erik stated quietly. "I thought it was for the best."

Gustave wiped away the tear. He seemed to consider this and shook his head. "You haven't stayed away from Mother...or Isabel, or do you just like her better?" He asked accusingly, looking at both his parents.

"No," Erik said firmly.

"Never," Christine added in protest. She supposed she could understand where he got that notion after seeing Erik with his little sister. Perhaps she should have had Erik come to them instead. Maybe she should have had Frances or Ms. Karen ask him. Christine figured with the nanny away, Frances was busy with Isabel, and Ms. Karen cleaning up breakfast, she did not want to interrupt their work. Also she figured it would be easier on Erik if she went to him, she knew he still had doubts and worries about telling their son. She should have known detective Gustave would not wait. She should have known better.

Erik held up a hand. He wanted to explain.

Christine nodded.

"No, never." Erik insisted, looking Gustave in the eyes. "That...that is not it at all." He searched for words.

A confused Gustave spat, "Then what is it?"

Erik stared at him squarely. "What do you want from me?" Frustration seethed out of his voice.

"Erik," Christine said in warning.

Erik frowned, looking a bit ashamed.

While Gustave did not break eye contact. "I want to understand."

Erik seemed just as confused. "I wanted to—I just..." He sighed sadly. "I did not think you would want me in your life. You've seen..." He held a hand in front of the masked side of his face then waved in the air in frustration. "You know what I am," He said darkly. "I did not want to poison your perfect world."

"Perfect?" A wide eyed Gustave said in disbelief. "You think my life is perfect?"

Erik bit back whatever he was tempted to say.

Christine supposed Erik felt Gustave had everything. A good home and people who cared about him. Comparing Gustave's life to what she knew about Erik's past, the boy's life almost certainly seemed perfect in Erik's eyes.

"What you needed, I could not give to you." At least Erik used to believe this. After Isabel's birth, Christine believed he was slowly coming to see that he could be a parent, but figured Gustave would not want him. That he was protecting him. Maybe he even felt that it was too late.

"You already had a father. Someone you could..." Erik gestured at the masked side of his face. "One you would not shudder in revulsion to look upon," He murmured.

Christine looked down at her feet. Trying to hold back her tears.

"I don't..." Gustave lower lip trembled, "I'm not scared of you anymore."

No, he was not. If he still was, he never would have gone and confronted Erik yesterday. He had not been scared of Erik since he brought him home two nights ago. Maybe it was seeing Erik up close again and not from a distance. Maybe it was the conversation that took place between them the other night. Along with the fact that Gustave was a bit older now.

Erik continued gesturing at his face as he paced around a little. "Someone that you could love and respect."

Gustave stared in disbelief, "And I couldn't... I..." His mouth remained open as he struggled for words. "How could I?" He ran his hand over his hair. "When I didn't know? How could you?" His eyes shifted from Erik to Christine.

Christine saw that exact same look of betrayal she had seen the other night.

"How could you Mom? How could you lie?"

"I know how betrayed you must feel," Christine began.

"Then why did you do it?" Gustave said in confusion.

"I am so sorry." Christine would say it as many times as she must. "Please let me explain to you—"

Gustave shook his head as he turned away. "I don't want to hear excuses," He said bitterly.

Christine crossed her arms. "No, but I think there are some very important things you need to hear. Darling, I know this is all very confusing." She could only imagine what was going through his mind. How she would feel in his shoes. "This...this all began long ago. It was a different time and...when you were born, I had to protect you." From the secret her marriage forbid.

Christine was not certain whose child she carried until the doctor placed Gustave in her arms. Then she could not deny it anymore. Though she was eternally grateful to have a final gift from Erik, who she believed to be dead. She struggled for a time, considering whether or not to confess everything to Raoul. Christine never found the words, nor could she hurt him like that and uncertain what he would do upon learning of such a betrayal. After a time, she figured if she stayed quiet, no one would be the wiser.

Gustave's face went from enraged to confused. "From what?" He said angrily and defensively. "From the truth?" He raised his voice. Using the exact same tone he used the other night when confronting her.

Erik glared at Gustave, "Don't speak to your mother that way." He gestured with his good hand at the boy. "She gave you everything from the moment you were born."

Christine put a calming hand on Erik's good shoulder, asking him for silence. It was her turn to speak. She needed to do this.

Gustave needed to speak and express his emotions too.

Gustave scowled at Erik. "Except the truth," He turned back to Christine. "I asked you about him and those rumors and you lied." Straight to his face. "You never told me. You...you've been lying this whole time." Gustave's eyes briefly flashed at Erik, but mostly remained on Christine. "Pretending that my real father was in France when he was right here the whole time. Pretending Raoul de Chagny was my real father my whole life. Why did you keep the truth from me?" Gustave ran a hand over his hair as he headed for the doorway.

"Gustave," Christine calmly called out.

"I need a break." He shouted as he marched out of the sun room.

"Gustave..." Erik called out. He ran his fingers over his wig.

They heard his footsteps as he paced away. Christine guessed he was probably heading upstairs to his bedroom.

The pair of them stood there in silence for awhile.

Christine sat down on the sofa, rubbing her temple. Oh, what had they done?

Finally, Erik sat down after pacing. He was so upset and frustrated. "He has no right to speak to you that way." Maybe Erik had expected that anger directed more at him. Maybe it was also the fact that Erik never had much of a mother to be angry at. Granted, to this day he was still angry at the woman though for very different reasons.

Christine briefly glanced in his direction. "He has every right." He had a right to be angry. She had broken his trust.

"He has...he has no idea." Erik could not stand it anymore and slowly rose from his seat once more. "He has no idea how fortunate he is." He exhaled as he paced around. Erik spoke again a few moments later and said, "I don't favor Isabel. I just... I..." He looked so tired, physically and emotionally.

Maybe they should have done this another day. Maybe they should have waited after all.

"I know you don't," Christine answered.

Erik paced around, "I don't know," He said weakly. "It's just...it's easier with her."

"I know," Christine said softly. She had watched them together the past year. He and Isabel had known each other since the beginning while Gustave had not. Isabel was the one person who could not judge Erik. She knew nothing of the world's standards on looks or beauty. She only saw her father.

"Maybe you were right," Erik conceded as he sat down beside her.

Christine snorted, right about what? She had no idea anymore. She placed her face in her hands. Christine hardly felt victorious. She thought back to their conversation the other night.

What was it Erik had said?

"All he will see is your betrayal to his father, all the lies, and my monstrosity."

Christine lifted her head. "You were not entirely wrong either." She had expected Gustave to naturally be upset and angry, but she had never imagined that look of betrayal in his eyes. Still, Erik was wrong about one thing, Gustave did not view him as a monster anymore. For that, she was thankful.

Maybe there was some hope. Gustave just needed a little time.

With his head still hung low, "What do we do?" Erik sighed weakly.

Christine reached for his leg and squeezed his fingers. "For now, we'll leave him alone." It would give him a little time to process some of this. "Then I will talk to him. Alone," She added with emphasis. She sensed it would be much easier if it was just the two of them.

Erik nodded in agreement as he squeezed her fingers.

What do you think? I'm so nervous. I wanted to get the emotions and dialogue right. How are they? I wanted everyone's reactions, especially Gustave's to seem realistic. I see him being angry with his mother, the one person he is closest to and trusts the most in the world.

Trivia: Oscar Hammerstein I opened the Philadelphia Opera House in 1908.

Erik is not the Phantom's real name as alluded to in this chapter. It was said he found it by accident in the original POTO novel.

Now we know where the title of the story comes from. That was a quote I had in mind for quite awhile. I hope people like it. I wanted Erik to tell Gustave for a change. I struggled with the first part of the chapter, the conversation between Frances and Christine, and the section from Gustave's perspective. I also had a hard time naming this chapter. It was nearly called The Truth or Son.

Once again, I also split this chapter up. There will be another important conversation between Christine and Gustave next chapter, from Christine's perspective.

Updated 9/1/21

How did I do? I'm so nervous. Please leave a review.