Love of a Stranger
Ob1MegOb1

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The truth can either curing or destroying.

Chapter 4

(Jasmine)

The de Changey residence! my voice suddenly rose beyond my control. What the hell would he want with two innocent children. Erik muttered. I heard him slowly sit down and sigh deeply, This is all apart of a plot to get me. I should have known better than to believe he would stop pursuing me after I gave up. His voice suddenly became low and mournful, I gave him what he wanted...why can't he let me suffer in peace.

I could feel his suffering his pain for I had felt it many times. Why did the world always have to find ways to make us unhappy. How could they only allow us one moment of happiness before ripping it from our hands again.

But this time I was fed up with the world and I was going to find my family no matter what it took. I stood up shakily and clutching the arm of the chair I righted myself. Erik must have jump to his feet because I could feel the floor boards shutter beneath my feet.

What are you doing? Erik asked.

I'm going to find my family, I said defiantly.

You can hardly stand and it is almost nightfall outside. How far do you think you are going to get?I have suffered through worse injuries Erik and as for the darkness well I have dwelled in it all my life. I think I could survive one night.

(Erik)

The defiance in her eyes was bold and blinding. It was then I realized I could never fully understand what she was going through. Never had I had a family that needed me or took care of me. I didn't even have a mother or father to remember. All I had was a dark cellar, demonic faces, suffering, and cold wet darkness. And even though she could not see the happiness that she had she could feel it, every single day she lived.

I gripped her shoulders, I know you want to find Rebecca and William but now is not the time. Let us rest and heal for today and I promise you we will find them tomorrow.

Her eyes continued to glare daggers even though they were not pointed at me I could still feel their sting. The longer we wait the longer that bastard has to poison their minds. Make them wonder what the hell they've been doing living this life of shameful poverty when they could be living in a mansion with a boat load of money.

I understood her logic but I highly doubted a day in the lives of the rich would sway their minds. It is only a day Jasmine I don't think even the greatest could persuade them so quickly.

She sighed and I lifted her chin in my direction, Trust me.

How can anyone trust someone who is afraid of themselves, Binet suddenly piped up.

Shut up Binet, Jasmine said scornfully, Let us go Erik, before Binet figures out who you really are.

It was then I noticed my hood was still pulled over my face. So even if Binet tried she could not see my face. Jasmine grabbed my hand gently, Let us go.

(Jasmine)

I was so relieved to be home and off my feet. But unfortunately to move caused my legs great discomfort and I could not help but moan at the aching in my legs.

Are you alright? Erik asked from the other side of the room.

I'll live, I muttered.

Suddenly his prescence was at my side. I had not even heard his footsteps approach. Truly you are a phantom Erik, I said smiling, If even I can not hear your prescence.

He chuckled softly, Well when you are one for quite a few years you kind of become an expert.

My thoughts turned curious. I knew I should not be pestering him but my curiosity got the best of me.

Erik why did you haunt the opera house. I can not imagine you took pleasure out of it. Especially when you took the lives of others.Why? The world did not want me, therefore I did not want the world.

I sat there in disbelief, But surely there must have been someone who loved you, cared for you.

His hands began to inspect my legs for injury, To be honest madmoiselle you are the closest I have ever come.I don't believe that, I said softly, There must have been someone else before me. Like your mother? Father?

His hands dropped suddenly and he turned from me, I think, They were the first in this sea of hate and despise. I unfortunately have no family to love except myself.

I placed my hand on his shoulder and I felt his body once again relax at my touch, I would say I know what your going through but the truth is I don't. True I may be scarred and blind but I always had my family no matter how dysfunctional. And I guess if I do lose Rebecca and William maybe I will know what it is like. Because I will have lost them to the very thing you despise.

(Erik)

I turned towards her to see the uncertainty and pain I thought I had only seen in my own eyes. I put my hand forward gently brushing the scar that connected us. I do not think your children would be so quick to abandon you. I have seen the love in their eyes and in yours. We may not be different but we are definitely not the same.

She stared at me a glimmer of amusement in her eyes, You are the biggest paradox in the world. I think we are alike Erik because I know if I had nothing I would seclude myself just as you have.

I sighed, And I have often wondered if my life would have been different if I had just had someone in my life who loved me.

She smiled one of the most beautiful smiles I would ever come to remember. So you see we are not that different.

My hand was suddenly cupping her face and my face had become incredibly close to hers. She lifted her hand and touched the side I would never let anyone touch. My burning body now became cool and the fire around my heart extinguished along with all the pain in the last few days.

It was then my lips slowly met hers. Being blind sure did not keep her from being one of the most heavenly kissers I had known. I had thought I had experienced heaven just the day before. Now it was a whole different situation. This act of love was out of true love not out of using me to get what she wanted.

She separated from me her eyes filled with peace. she said softly. I placed my hand on her lips, but she smiled, too fast.

Even though my heart desired more I knew she was right. We needed to concentrate on her siblings. The brother and sister I now hoped now to make my own. Whether by marriage to their own sister or not. I shook my head thinking it rediculous to be thinking of marriage when I had only just come to love the woman.

I held her hand in my own. She gently gripped it, there will be time. This I promise you.

I nodded my head. she questioned.

I answered.

Your shaking, she said, Are you alright?

I smiled, I guess this is what its like to feel loved by someone. And I mean truly loved.

She smiled, Come we should rest. In opposite rooms mind you.

I rolled my eyes. Women and their intuition. Especially on that of men. Of course.

I led her to the stairs, Sleep well. Tomorrow I fear will be a difficult day.

She leaned forward and gently kissed me on the cheek, We will make it through it. I trust you.

I watched her thinking only one thing. Yes she loved me, but was it only because she was blind? What if she could see and she saw what I truly looked like? But I dismissed these thoughts she had felt my horrific side and she had not turned me away. That was almost worst than actually looking upon me. Wasn't it?

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