Love of a Stranger

Ob1MegOb1

Author's Note: Well ten-year time jump….and if you are familiar with Love Never Dies you will start to see similarities. And even if you didn't like Love Never Dies do not worry….my characterizations and storylines are not even going to be close to how some are portrayed in the actual musical. Raoul, Meg, Madame Giry, of course, Erik and Christine…okay basically everybody lol…oh and Gustave is most assuredly Christine and Raoul's kid here so no playing around with that. And how does our lovely Dinea family fit into that….well we will just have to see. Oh, and Alex is ten years old now! That has been fun to develop and write for sure…New OC in this chapter too in the form of Marius Thoreau. A new leading man at the Opera House/Opera House tour. This will also be a longer chapter. I had a hard time breaking it up and realized…nope, I am going to go at this in one chapter. So enjoy! Here is Chapter 40 and happy reading!

Chapter 40

(10 years later)

(Erik)

(Coney Island)

It was quiet…nothing but the cold, silent darkness all around me. My finger grazed the keys of the piano my mind emptying out. I was focused and yet not at the same time. Waiting for that melody to appear, pure and unearthly. That melody which haunted my waking dreams. Ever since that time…I shook my head shaking the memory away. Amazingly despite my discord, I was still creating music. Drivel though…nothing of substance. And I listened as the showgirls we had hired upstairs performed that drivel every single day. And I internally cringed every time. I couldn't bear to hear it. I wanted that melody…I wanted something of substance again.

But every time it echoed in my mind I would try to capture it only to get just a few notes in. I saw her warm brown eyes smiling at me as I sang that melody to her. It was a sad smile though…that sad smile knowing that was going to be one of our last moments together…before….before…I threw my pen down in disgust.

"Stop it," I muttered irritably, "that's not helping."

And even though she disappeared from my mind….that melody did not reappear. Lost and gone…lost and gone. For weeks at a time, I would lose that melody and only be able to add a few measures before I lost it again.

"Just one more time," I said softly, "just one more time that's all I want. And then I'm done…then I will make myself be at peace." The Phantom will finally slip back into the darkness once and for all. Just one more substantial piece. I gripped the chain around my neck…but first I needed a voice…the only voice I knew that could carry this piece. It meant opening old wounds…but it was the last time I was going to leave my imprint on this world. So it could only be her.

Christine Daae would sing once more for me. One last time.

(Jasmine)

(Paris)

"Alex!" I said rushing around trying to get everything together. "Alex! Gustave! We are going to be late." I heard William's footsteps and I turned towards him, "William please find the boys they are going to be making the announcement any minute."

"I don't understand why we all have to be there," William said irritably, "we already know what is happening."

"He's the Vicomte's son William and our sister is part of the dance corp," I answered back just as irritably, "we need to be there. Besides, I think this will help them accept that this is going to happen."

William laughed, "I don't think you need help convincing Alex. He is more excited then I have seen him in a long time. Gustave on the other hand," William said softly, "is not so enthusiastic." He let out a few short coughs and even after all this time I still tensed up about it. Even though his disease had gone into a remission of sorts it was still rearing its head…especially as of late. Which was unfortunate since we were getting ready for such a long journey.

"Mother!" Alex shouted rushing down the stairs, "We're coming." One set of footsteps became two and I soon heard their voices echoing together as well. It was still so hard to believe now that Alex was ten years old. Well…there were actually a lot of things that were hard to believe now.

Shortly after Raoul had found us he had provided us with lodging and possibilities. I became a caretaker for Alex and Gustave, William was being trained under Raoul as apart of the Opera House Management, and Rebecca was following in the steps of our mother and now a ballerina in the dance corp. It was a far cry from the family that had not been able to scrape together money for rent and food. Then again even without Raoul's aid, we were able to get by. Erik had left a substantial amount behind when he had been taken in. But we weren't dipping into that unless absolutely necessary. We had basically only used it to pay Raoul back for his assistance despite his protests. Now…my family had actually found some peace amongst all of the sadness and horror.

And it was nice to see my brother and sister slowly becoming their own people. Especially Becca in the dance corp…the one thing I so desperately wished I could see. William said she reminded him so much of our mother…I almost wished Madame Giry was here as well. I think she would have liked seeing somebody in our family became apart of the ballerina corp. She apparently had left Paris shortly after the fire at the prison. I sometimes forgot about her close connection with Erik…it made sense.

However….just thinking about the fire gave me pause. Even though those memories still hurt every now and then I didn't disregard them. I would no longer allow happy memories to torture me. He wouldn't have wanted that. I gently held his wedding band in my hand. I wore it on a chain around my neck now.

"Hey," somebody said behind me causing me to jump a mile high. William gently put his hand on my shoulder, "Are you okay?"

I took a deep breath smiling, "Yes I'm fine."

"Come on mother," Alex said taking my hand excitement ringing out in his voice. He was practically dragging me down the hallway to the main room where they were making the announcement.

"Alright alright," I said chuckling, "I would like my arm to still be connected to my body thank you."

"Sorry mother," he said softly. And so we finally arrived. The Paris Opera House was moving. We would embark on a tour across the Atlantic…off to see the brave new world…America and all its exciting glories to come.

(A few hours later)

"Mother?' Alex said excitedly, "What do you think this first venue is going to be like?"

"Well," I said folding some of our clothes away into suitcases, "I have heard a lot of things about this Coney Island. It doesn't remind me of a place that would endorse a higher end opera but then again…we are not being picky right now are we?" I said playfully. Alex giggled as I did and I smiled to hopefully get him away from the subject. This place…Phantasma…was rumored to be a sideshow. A sideshow that for some reason had a high-end concert hall that attracted a lot of customers. Apparently, the owner of this place had sought out Christine specifically to perform.

It had caused me to pause and it still did even now. Christine was always the big draw no matter where we performed but this…specifically and according to Raoul very determinedly asking for her. It just echoed so much of him. Of Erik.

"Mother, you alright?" Alex said jolting up and I realized a few tears had come down my face. Dammit…

"I'm sorry love I'm fine," I said quickly wiping them away.

"I made you think of father," he said his voice dropping.

"Oh sweetheart," I said sitting down in front of him and gently taking his hands, "there will always be things that make me think of your father. But it's not a bad thing. I am happy to have so many wonderful memories of him even though my body may not always show that."

"I wish I had more then just dreams of him," Alex said sadly.

"You are very lucky to have those," I said softly. He said that he had often had dreams of a man…singing or playing to him. And that just started to wind me up all over again. "Even though you barely remember him," I said gently reaching for him and finding his shoulder…there is so much of him in you. Even though I can't see it….I feel it and hear it every single day."

"Thanks, mother," he said embracing me. I held him close wondering he had gotten so grown up already. "Speaking of playing though," he said with a grin I could imagine all too well.

"Alexander we have so much to get ready for tomorrow."

"Please mother," he practically begged, "Just ten minutes. Let me get this melody out of my head." I sighed…couldn't resist that when his father did it… "Very well," I relented, "But ten minutes then you need to get stuff packed for tomorrow."

"I promise!" he said dashing out of the room. I sighed to myself…him getting older was harder. Because everything just seemed to echo his father….of Erik…I about jumped out of my skin as somebody knocked on my door. I let out a sigh opening the door.

"Still packing?" Marius Thoreau teased in front of me. Marius Thoreau was the new leading man at the Opera House. He had been a part of the Opera House's original restoration 3 years ago and slowly risen up the ranks when it was realized he could sing. He was young only a couple of years older than me and very untypical of a leading man. Tall and lean Rebecca said that many of the chorus girls found him to be very handsome. And he had come from a modest background although originally not from the elite. And despite knowing that I was previously married…he had become very attached to me. Much to my brother and sister's delight…and my annoyance.

"Ha, you try packing for a whole family sometime."

"Aren't Rebecca and William old enough to do that themselves?"

"Sometimes I wonder," I said smiling to myself, "however they are both very busy. And to be honest I am happy that they both have found their place within this organization. It's a far cry from where we came from."

"You all have much to be proud of," he said kindly. And then there was a long awkward pause because we both knew the elephant in the room. Or at least it was for me. I'm sure for him he wanted so much more. But couldn't do it. He cared for and respected our family too much. So broke the silence.

"Thank you," I said smiling, "if you see Alex out there tell him to head back up. We have an early day tomorrow."

"I know," Marius said groaning, "Bright side is once we are on the ship we'll have plenty of time to relax. Granted we all don't get seasick."

I laughed, "Yes lets hope."

He laughed softly, "Good night Jasmine."

"Good night," I said smiling. I fingered the wedding band one more time before finally preparing for bed.

(Erik)

"Christine? You invited Christine here?" Giry said disbelievingly.

"Not just her Madame…I invited the whole tour company."

"But I'm sure this mysterious song is for only her to perform," she said almost disgustedly. I wanted to say I understood her disgust but I had lost so much of myself these past years. I couldn't believe it myself I was going through with this plan. All of it.

"If Jasmine were alive-" Giry started to say and I raised my hand as if to strike her but I stopped myself.

She turned from me and another sigh escaped her body, "I know that I can never have that kinship with you and your music like—" and she stopped trying to find what she wanted to say. "I feel like we are not matched properly because I cannot truly help you with your calling on this Earth."

"She is nothing more then another diva to me," I said sternly. "And I only have the best perform my songs. And she is the best. For my last composition, I want the best."

"Your last composition?" Giry asked confused, "I don't understand."

But she must have seen that look in my eyes because immediately she became defensive. "No that will not solve anything. It won't let you see her again."

"But the pain will go away," I muttered softly, "and maybe just maybe I will see her again."

"And suddenly you believe in an afterlife," she said almost angrily now.

I leaned over getting in her face. "You overstep your bounds Madame."

"I am only saying what she would say to you if she were still alive. If you decide to end your life then it is your choice. I will have no part in it," she said angrily. "We will be leaving in that case. Just remember you told her to live on…don't give up on life. I guess the same does not apply to you. Although I have to wonder," she said snidely, "if you are so keen to die then why not do it now?" A great silence enveloped the room and she shook her head, "That's what I thought."

And then she stormed away leaving me seething and mostly because I knew it was true. I guess in a couple of weeks I wouldn't have to endure this any longer.

(3 weeks later – Jasmine)

I had to admit that one of my greatest dreams had been to see the ocean. Those blue waters that went out in every direction as far as the eye could see. And the sun sending scattering spots of light that glistened on the water. I had to admit I had felt a disappointment that I had not felt in a long time but as I stood out on deck now, the breeze blowing on my face and the refreshing smell of the salt air. Let's just say I got over it.

I heard the sound of laughing voices behind me and smiled turning as my son came bounding up Gustave right next to him. "Be careful you two," I said.

"We are mother," Alex said. "Between you and Nadir, and Uncle William, and Gustave's parents we have loads of people telling us to be careful." I smiled that annoyance sounding like somebody I knew all too well.

"I can't believe we are nearly there mother," Alex said, "it is right there." And then his little feet bounded away again. I wished I shared his excitement. The sideshow element of all this was still…hard for me.

"You look tense," the very diplomatic voice of Marius said next to me. "You should be taking this time to relax."

I raised my eyebrow and he laughed at that. "I know I know you haven't had it easy the last few years." His voice became serious, "Your family has been through so much. The death of your parents, cousin, aunt," he paused before saying, "your husband." Marius only knew that I had been married before…he didn't know Erik's identity or who he was. He just knew he had been a musician…and a talented one.

"You deserve some happiness Jasmine," he muttered softly.

"I am happy," I said quickly flashing a smile, "I have my son and family. And you all have been so kind to us…more then I ever expected."

He was silent for a few moments, "I know you are happy. But every now and then there is a sadness that crosses over your face. A sadness I can probably never truly understand," he said taking my hand. "But I want to try Jasmine. Let me try to help you."

I had feared that this day would come. Marius had been so kind to our family and I cared for him as a friend very much. But….

"I can't Marius," I muttered, "You are a true friend to me but…I don't think I can ever make you happy like you want." I felt reluctance in his fingertips but despite that, he placed a gentle kiss on top of my hand.

"I understand," he muttered softly, "and I am willing to be friends with you. And who knows maybe someday it will be more. But I won't push you either way," he said almost knowingly.

I smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Marius."

He rubbed my hand gently, "We are nearly there. America."

"Yes," I muttered, "I am starting to hear the buzz of the city now. Are we really that close?"

"Yes, they are beginning to prepare to dock now. We should go below and make sure everything is accounted for. Once we arrive we are going to be going full speed. Who knows when we might get a chance to stop."

And with having to watch two very excited boys I was all too aware how crazy things were about to get.

(Later)

And things really did go crazy. As soon as we stepped off the boat the American press swarmed around us like flies and never I had felt so overwhelmed by so much noise. William stayed close to me though, holding my hand and guiding me through everything. I held Alex's hand even though I could feel he wanted nothing but to rip his hand away and go explore. I wasn't entirely sure what to think about that. I heard no sounds of cruelty, no jeers….this didn't seem like your normal sideshow. Erik would have found a place like this fascinating and maybe even liberating.

We finally made our way to our hotel and I just collapsed in a seat. "There were so many people out there mother!" Alex said sitting down beside me. "And everything is dark and scary but beautiful as well."

I smiled thinking that sounded exactly like his father. I heard William's footsteps come in. "Rebecca is settled I guess they wanted the troupe to meet at the theater right away. Whoever the owner of this place is he is very impatient for this show to get underway. And the biggest coup of all is that supposedly this piece of music was only written for Christine."

I laughed at that imagining the rolling of eyes and groans of discontent. Especially coming from Marius who, even though he adored Christine's talents, found that she was given far too much attention sometimes. "Well, they all get to rest then. This owner must really be a fan of Christine's then."

"I guess so. Him and the rest of the world. I could not believe how much the press swarmed over her when we arrived. Raoul was having a fit over how they were harassing her."

"Yes the Americans are a little more," I paused searching for a polite word, "aggressive when it comes to their press."

"Oh and you missed it because you were ushered away so quickly," William said, "this carriage came up to escort Christine to the theater. It was a carriage but it wasn't pulled by horses."

"Then what pulled it?" I asked softly.

"Some kind of mechanism I guess," William pondered softly, "It was fascinating though. Raoul was not so thrilled about it but they got on anyway. I think he was more upset by the lack of decorum. But the money apparently makes it all worthwhile."

"Yes," I muttered softly, "of course." That's all anybody cared about right now and it drove me crazy. I would trade all the money in the world for just one chance to let Alex see his father again. Let alone me.

"Well Alex is begging to see the park with Gustave," he paused seeing me resting into the lounge, "And I will be the one to take them."

"No you shouldn't," I said sitting up, "you should be resting."

"Jasmine its fine," he said, "fresh air is good right?"

I raised an eyebrow, "You call the air out there fresh?"

"I thought Paris was bad," William said his footsteps heading towards the door. "I will bring them back in a couple of hours. I am curious as well to see what this park is like." I nodded my head as I heard his footsteps disappear. This was good I could have some time alone with my thoughts. And gently gripping the wedding band I knew all too well where my thoughts were going to wander.

(William)

I leaned against the door taking a deep breath. I hated leaving her alone. Every day I feared she would slip back into that depression she had suffered years ago. The emptiness in her eyes still haunted me. But she had also grown so much stronger over the past few years. She had learned how to remember him and those times without feeling like her soul was being ripped out in the process. Often like mine did anytime I thought about it.

I had been strong then…for everybody. I had kept most of how I felt on the inside. And that was angry and sad. I had lost a friend…a brother. And I hated how we had lost him. I was still angry to this day that I had allowed myself to hand him over. Now my nephew knew nothing of his father. Even Rebecca had a hard time remembering him now. And I knew during this time alone…Jasmine was doing everything in her power not to forget him either.

"Uncle Will!" Alex said rushing over with Gustave. "We're ready! Is mother not coming?"

"No she wanted some time to rest," I said putting on a smile. But like his mother and father Alex knew how to look through me.

"Alright," Alex said softly, "she didn't seem very excited to come here in the first place."

"It's not that Gustave it's just-" I said stopping myself. We had given Alex a basic background on his father but nothing more. He didn't know about Erik's family, his time in the gypsy camp, or that he was the Phantom of the Opera. So he wouldn't understand why it made Jasmine so disgusted to be in a place like this. Even though she had said by all accounts this place seemed different.

"Well let's get a move on," I said shoving them outside. "We need to be back before dinner and this is a big place."

(Erik)

She was here and all the final preparations were being made. The piece was almost ready and within a day my soul would finally be at rest. And I would see them again. I jolted as I heard something from the other room. It was the sound of the piano but nobody came into the office except for me and my help. If you could call Fleck, Squelch and Dangle that. And none of them knew how to handle a piano.

I marched over and just before I entered the room I heard a young boy's voice say. "We shouldn't be here! And you shouldn't be touching that it's not yours!"

"But look at it Gustave it's beautiful! The carvings and the clear sound it makes. The Opera House's piano never sounded this good!" another boy's voice answered.

"We should find your uncle," the other boy named Gustave answered, "he is going to be so mad when he realizes we wandered off. And your mother will be even worse."

"Never had I heard my song more clear," the other boy said awestruck. And then he began to play it again despite his friend's protests. Brave boy continuing to play. But as I listened to his song even though it was simple there was complexity and beautiful quality to it. This boy had a gift. Still didn't give him a right to be playing on my piano though.

"Did you compose that yourself," I said stepping out from behind the doorway.

The one boy I assumed to be Gustave stepped back his eyes widening in surprise. I double checked to make sure my mask was on although I am sure that didn't keep him from being any less frightened. The other boy jumped off of my piano and stepped away.

"I'm sorry Monsieur," he said surprising me as I realized they were both French. I wonder if they had come in with the Paris Opera House. "Your piano's beautiful," the other boy said a sense of amazement in his voice.

I walked over gently putting my hand on it. "I designed it myself. As well as this park and all its attractions."

The other boy's eyes widened with amazement, "You're—You're Mr. Y? That means this whole fantastic park is yours?" Gustave didn't look quite as amazed but I was used to that reaction. The other boy's reaction though was so enthusiastic it almost didn't seem real to me.

They both turned as they heard a man's voice outside. "There's your uncle," Gustave said hurriedly, "we should go."

"Please can I see you again?" the other boy said his eyes eager. "I would love to see more of the park and to play my whole song for you." I stared at him through narrow eyes. The man's voice got closer and for a moment I almost thought I recognized that voice.

Before I could answer Gustave was pulling him away and I never answered him. What was I doing playing around with boys? And the thought of boys brought too many painful memories to count. I had more important things to worry about.

And as I heard sounds from the stage in the other direction I rolled my eyes. Nobody was due on the stage right now. I stormed out of the study and headed toward the auditorium. What was I paying the guards for if people were moving in and out so easily?

I slowly turned the corner to see one person on the stage. A girl and my heart froze as I saw here. She couldn't be more than fifteen and yet she looked so much like her. She lightly turned on the stage almost floating through the air her dark raven hair flowing behind her. "Rebecca," I muttered to myself. She wasn't a little girl anymore…now it appeared she was a dancer with the Opera House. As the sound of more footsteps came down the hallway on the other side of the hall I made sure I was hidden in the shadows.

"Becca," an all too familiar voice suddenly said. Immediately Rebecca stopped in her tracks turning towards her brother. I couldn't believe it…they were both here. William was still alive and well above all else. I had thought his sickness would have taken him years ago. And there he stood…he would be twenty-seven now.

"Becca have you seen the boys?" he asked worriedly.

"You've lost them?" she said incredulously. It seemed so weird to hear the voice of a young woman come out of her mouth.

"There were there one moment and then they were gone." Becca rushed down to him and both preceded out of the auditorium.

"They are going to kill you," I heard Rebecca say as they both went out of the auditorium. I thought about following them. And I felt my heart happier then I had felt it in years to see them alive and well. And then I reminded myself that they only were because I wasn't there anymore. They were safer without me. And so I walked away and headed down to my dark abyss to finish what I had started. And they wouldn't have to worry about seeing me again.

(Jasmine)

I leaned back in my chair grateful for the few moments of silence. But that silence was also a dangerous thing as well. That's when my thoughts drifted off to other times. And I don't know what it was about this place but I found myself thinking about him a lot more than before. Something about this place seemed to echo his spirit so much. I just couldn't explain it.

I sat up as I heard the sound of rushing footsteps coming down the hall. I took a deep breath as Alex came barreling through the door. "Mother! Mother! You will never guess who we saw!"

"Who darling?" I said smiling.

"Mr. Y! The owner of the park. Oh, and he has this beautiful piano which he let me play even though Gustave thought we would get in so much trouble. Oh, and Uncle William lost us."

I twirled around as William's hesitant footsteps came in the room. "Hey they both are okay," he said meekly.

"William, how is it a blind woman can take care of two boys better than you?" I said exasperatedly. And then I turned back towards Alex, "Although I know its not entirely his fault."

"I'm sorry," Alex said softly, "I did run off as well."

I gripped his hands, "You can't do that darling. It scares me and it scares your uncle when you do that." There was a great silence that enveloped the room and I knew I had said enough. Alex was a smart boy and he knew what he had done was wrong.

"So you met Mr. Y?" I said confused.

"Yes," William said sarcastically, "him and Gustave are claiming that they met the elusive Mr. Y."

"We did Uncle Will!" Alex said a little defensively. "He told us he created everything in this park and he had the most beautiful piano which meant he knows music."

"Alex, not even the Vicomte has seen Mr. Y in person," William said simply.

"That doesn't mean I didn't see him!" Alex said his voice raising.

"Enough both of you!" I said not believing silly this argument had turned. "Alex you go prepare for dinner."

"You do believe me don't you mother?" he said almost pleadingly.

"We will talk about this later alright," I said kindly, "that way you can tell me exactly what happened." I felt his head nod beneath my fingertips and his footsteps slowly left the room. "Don't you think you're being a bit harsh?" I said a little annoyedly to William. "Even if it wasn't the actual man he wouldn't know that. And it's not important anyway."

"I got scared okay?" he said sighing. "And I might have taken my frustration out on him and I'm sorry. I'm still getting used to being a figure of authority I guess in this family."

I smiled, "Nothing tests you like losing somebody for the first time."

William shook his head, "I don't remember ever being lost."

"Never did lose you," I sighed, "but I did lose Becca. It's terrifying when you lose somebody and can see. But when you lose somebody and have no idea where to even begin looking. That's even more terrifying and I don't know how I managed to find her but I did. And I was just so happy that I smiled and thanked God she was alright."

He sighed, "I'm sorry Jay. I will apologize to him after dinner. At least I get the chance to say that…if his father was still alive he would have whipped me for talking to him like that." I just smiled at the comment wanting to say something but I just couldn't find the strength to. So we got up and headed to dinner hand in hand.

(Jasmine – a few hours later)

"Alright Alexander," I said sitting down in bed next to my son, "what happened today."

"Well after me and Gustave wandered away from Uncle Will we found our way downstairs and into a room. In the room was this beautiful piano mother. It was dark and there were carvings etched into it. There were dark and scary but beautiful. Actually, the whole room was. And I know I shouldn't have mother but I played my song on the piano. I don't know how to explain it, mother, it was almost like I couldn't resist it."

I found myself listening very intently to what he was saying. He sounded so much like Erik right now. I knew he had gotten Erik's musical capability…but that calling…that need to play he had never expressed before now. I shook my head, "Alex it wasn't yours to play on."

"But he wasn't mad at me that was the thing mother. He almost sounded like he was interested. He asked if I had composed the song myself." He was silent for a moment, "Even though he seemed interested he seemed sad at the same time. He wore a mask…I wonder if it was because he got hurt." Or maybe he was born that way I couldn't help but think. This was a park for people who were different…it made sense that the man in charge was just like them. Yes, Erik would have been interested in this place for sure.

"Mother," Alex said softly, "he looked like you."

"What?" I asked caught off guard.

"He looked sad like you do now." He was quiet before saying, "When I saw Mr. Y with his mask today I wondered if that was what father looked like."

I smiled sadly knowing I was thinking the same thing. But finally, I shook my head, "Alright darling I think we have had enough excitement for today. Tomorrow is a big day with the performance. And no more running off okay?"

"I know and I'm sorry," he said softly. I gently leaned forward kissing him gently on the forehead. "Can you sing it tonight mother?"

"Yes," I said softly. Whenever Alex asked I always sang to him one song. His one connection to his father. It was the song that Erik had sung to us on his last day with us. The song I had come to call, "Love Never Dies."

(Erik)

I found myself thinking about that boy all day despite seeing my ghosts from the past. There was something about that boy that had seemed so familiar but I knew he was probably just a tourist to the island. Here today and gone tomorrow. That determination…that need to play he had reminded me a lot of me. I wanted to see him again but with the reality of what was coming tomorrow that wasn't going to happen.

No, after tomorrow…very little would matter now. And then when I thought of that I thought of William and Rebecca. William had become a man in ten years…still responsible yet irresponsible at the same time. And Rebecca…I sighed to myself. Rebecca looked like Jasmine. And that, unfortunately, brought everything back to the forefront. The pain…the loss. All the more reason why after tomorrow my legend…my legacy…my infamy would finally come to an end. For good.

(Jasmine)

I made my way into the main room of the apartment knowing that William and Nadir were both sitting there right now. William was probably still beating himself up about losing them.

They both turned as I came in the room, "So what do we know about this Mr. Y?" I asked curiously.

"Jasmine, you don't honestly think he actually saw him?" William said disbelievingly.

"I just want to know just in case he did happen to meet this apparently reclusive Mr. Y. He's become quite entranced with whoever this man is and I want to make sure that he's not dangerous."

"He's a powerful man," Nadir said, "from everything I have heard. That he came from abroad but they are not sure where. He originally was apart of the sideshow and eventually through other means earned money so that he could buy and now own the park. And he completely renovated for the better. He built the music hall and brought reputable acts such as ourselves. Also, his creative projects such as that carriage along with everything else have more than tripled the number of people visiting the park each season."

"He sounds like quite a mogul," William muttered. "Maybe we can borrow him for the Opera House restoration."

"Do we have any idea what the other means were in which he acquired that money?" I asked simply.

"No," Nadir said, "from all I have heard he is an honest businessman. That is somewhat reassuring. I have heard he is scarred though, and I don't know if he was born with it or he received them."

"Yes, Alex mentioned he wore a mask," I muttered. I felt like I should be wary of this man and his unusual circumstances. Especially around Alex. And yet there was something deep down that was telling me if this man had intended to harm my son he would have done so already. And I hated it but…. every time I heard that he wears a mask…my heart couldn't help but race with hope. Despite the fact that I knew my husband was gone. That Erik was dead.

"Well," I muttered, "maybe I should have Alex take me there and I can ascertain what this man is like myself."

"I'll go with you," William said immediately.

"No, please. He didn't harm the boys he won't harm me."

"Jasmine," William protested.

"William I am more than capable of taking care of myself." He wanted to argue but finally, I heard nothing but silence which signified agreement for me. "Alright," I said softly, "I am going to turn in for tonight. I will see you both in the morning." Which I knew I was just going to hear more about it tomorrow.

(Jasmine – the next day)

"Here it is mother!" Alex said excitedly pulling me along. All morning he had done nothing but want to see this man again. Quite frankly I had never seen him this excited before and I found my curiosity getting the better of me. So after we had finished eating and William had left to go do some duties for the Opera House I allowed Alex to lead me to where he had gone yesterday.

I didn't feel so uncomfortable about it knowing Nadir was nearby. He didn't let me go anywhere by myself anymore…not since Erik had died. So he had become my shadow instead.

"This place," I muttered softly, "It feels odd."

"I think its beautiful," Alex said with awe, "I wish you could see it, mother."

I could…the ornate carvings beneath my fingertips. The craftsmanship that had gone into this place was incredible. And according to Alex, it was all designed by this Mr. Y.

"This must be his study," Alex said ahead of me.

"Now Alex," I started to say not wishing to barge in on the man but I couldn't even finish before Alex had knocked on the door.

"I'm afraid he's not here," a new voice said behind us. It sounded like a man…a bigger man because his voice was so deep. "I'm afraid the master is busy with all the preparations for the concert tonight."

"Of course," I said shaking my head feeling like an idiot. "Silly of us we should have known better. We shall call on him again some other time. I only wished to thank him for being so kind to my son yesterday and allowing him to play on his piano." I squeezed Alex's shoulder, "Even though he shouldn't have been in the first place."

"I shall make sure to pass on your thanks Madame," the man said. I started to walk away with Alex even though he was resisting leaving. When suddenly I felt the man's hand on my wrist. I jerked at the unfamiliar touch and immediately he released me. "I am sorry but Miss," he said almost curiously, "have you met the Master before?"

"No," I said confused, "Why do you ask?"

"Its nothing," the man said apologetically, "you just look like so much like a former acquaintance of his. I will make sure to pass your remarks on Madame."

"Thank you," I said walking away more than a little confused. Actually, this whole scenario felt weird. This man meets my son yesterday and catches his attention. And then when a worker of his sees me he thinks I am an acquaintance? If I didn't have two boys to look after today I would be more then a bit curious. But I couldn't think about it…not today.

(William)

I was pacing in the wings as people continued to fuss over the lights and Christine's costume. And oh how I wish that was what I was pacing about. If Erik were alive now he would have killed me and her. I told her to not go and I know I was the younger sibling but I just wish she would listen to me for once.

Nadir came up beside me, "She's fine Will. Apparently, this Mr. Y is not at his residence. To make up for not seeing him Jasmine is walking Alex around the park."

I shook my head, "Now she is willing to walk around the park?"

"She's been off while she has been here I will admit," Nadir said softly. "She came to this place with the mindset that it was a horrible place. She based it all off of Erik's experiences. And it turns out this place is nothing like that at all."

My eyes wandered over to Marius who was standing in the wings as well with the rest of the cast. Bored and annoyed that once again Christine was getting all of the attention. "Marius told me that Jasmine did not accept his proposal," I said softly.

"Did you really think she was going to Will?" Nadir said almost disbelievingly. "I knew the moment you started pushing him on her it wasn't a good idea."

"She can't wander this world alone and heartbroken forever. She needs somebody to protect this family once I am gone."

"From what I understood she was protecting this family long before Erik came around," Nadir said simply. That was, unfortunately, true I couldn't deny it. But I wanted my sister to be able to have a normal life for once. Where she didn't need to worry about protecting us, and just be happy.

"Maybe Jasmine has the right idea about settling down somewhere outside a big city," Nadir said thoughtfully. "Realistically you have enough money that you could buy any piece of land you wanted."

I sighed knowing that was true. Erik had left us a substantial amount of money. More than enough to be comfortable for the rest of our lives. "I don't know Nadir," I sighed, "I want her to be happy again."

"Then let her be," Nadir said simply. I smiled nodding my head…if she wanted a house in the middle of nowhere then fine. As long as we had each other we would be fine.

(Jasmine)

I was lost in my thoughts for most of the afternoon. The boys spent the time in our apartment going over their studies and then playing. In about an hour I would need to help them prepare for the concert. But I found my mind distracted. I kept thinking about this Mr. Y. It seemed my son's obsession with the man had spread to me.

"Mother," I heard Alex's voice say in front of me.

"Oh I am sorry," I said smiling, "have you been standing there for long darling?"

"No I just wanted to make sure you were alright," he said sighing. "You have been very quiet since we came here I thought…I thought that maybe you were unhappy."

"No darling," I said smiling, "not while you are here." He reached forward gently fingering Erik's ring in his hand.

"Would you have been happy if father was here?" he said a little too sad for my taste.

"I don't know Alex," I muttered softly. "I think this place would have been hard for him for many reasons. Your father used to work in a sideshow did I tell you that."

"No, you didn't," He said a tone of fascination in his voice.

"Unfortunately that sideshow was not nearly as nice as this one. The people seem like they are treated respectably here."

"Well, why wouldn't they be treated respectably?" Alex asked curiously. And I had to smile reminding myself he was only a child.

"Let's just say not everybody is kind to those who are different," I said my voice becoming sad again. I could still feel the pain in my side where I had been shot. The jeers from the mob at both me and Erik. The torment as we were torn apart.

"Mother," Alex said softly. I quickly wiped away tears I had just realized had formed. "I'm sorry mother," Alex said leaning forward and hugging me.

"It's not your fault darling," I said softly, "you have nothing to be sorry for."

He chuckled leaning his forehead against mine, "Stop being sorry all the time."

"Alex!" Gustave called running over to us, "my mom said we could go backstage with her while she gets ready. We can see what it looks like backstage."

"Can I go, mother?" Alex said excitedly. I could hear Christine coming into the room, goodness I hadn't even heard her knock.

"I promise-" Christine started to say but she paused. There was a moment of silence before she finally said, "Boys wait for me outside." I slowly heard the soft footsteps of Christine approach. She gently grabbed my hands in her own, "Are you alright?"

I shook my head not believing this was happening. I had gone ten years and not fallen apart like this. In fact, I hadn't fallen apart since that time right after Erik died. A few episodes of sadness but nothing more. "I knew this was going to be hard," I muttered softly, "but not like this."

"You've handled it so much better than I ever would. If something had happened to Raoul I don't know if I would have been nearly as strong as you."

I smiled, "Thank you, Christine." It was hard to believe that after all this time we had become something akin to friends.

"Let me take the boys," she said standing up, "I promise they won't be any trouble, and you take all the time you need. I'll send William over in a little while."

"No," I said shaking my head, "William has so much to do tonight as well he doesn't need to worry about me."

"Then I will send Marius," she said a coy smile on her face I was sure. Why was everybody trying to set me and him up? "He had mentioned wanting to walk you over to the theater anyway. Best I let him know when you are ready correct?"

I understood her thinking now. "Yes of course."

"Alright I will see you after the performance," she said walking away.

"Good luck tonight," I said softly. And as she walked away and the door slowly closed and I slunk down to the floor. I slowly extended my hand out into the open air and slowly like a phantom presence I felt his fingers on mine. The hand slowly making its way up my arm and gently cupping my face.

"What are you doing here?" he said softly in my ear.

I shook my head, "I've tried so hard…to be strong like you told me. But this place echoes you so much. If I didn't know better I would think it was all your doing."

He chuckled softly running his fingers through my hair, "Yes this place is a place of my own heart I will admit. And I will also admit I have missed you so much."

"As have I," I said softly.

"Alex has grown up beautifully so far," he said softly, "you have much to be proud of. And much to live for."

I shook my head, "Don't worry I'm never going back to that frame of mind again. I don't plan to forfeit my life like that ever again."

"But it's not you who I am worried about," he said softly, "it's me."

I jolted up at that, "What do you mean?" But his presence was already gone from the room. How could his life be forfeited if his life was already gone from this world? I shook my head trying to not let it run too deep. This was how I had lost control last time and I couldn't afford for that to happen again. I gently pushed myself up to my feet.

"I don't know what you meant by that," I muttered, "but I can't follow you, Erik…I can't." Slowly I made my way to the back room so that I could prepare for tonight. I took a deep breath and smiled. It was time to keep moving…for my sake and for my family's.

Next chapter coming soon! Oh, I can't wait!

TBC

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