Chapter 11 It was a few weeks before the contest and I had practiced non-stop. I had decided to take a break and rest on the stage. I got up from the Piano and sat doodling in my notebook when I saw my Grandmother enter. "I know what you have been doing Steph, and I forbid you from seeing Erik!" she had a serious tone to her voice that sent a chill to my spine. " But Erik is not bad!" I said quite defensively. "Not bad? He is dangerous, he thirsts for blood Stephanie!" Christine spoke in a stern voice. "Now, we are going home." Little did we know that someone had been watching and listening to our every word. A voice came from nowhere speaking as softly and gently. " She stays at the school. She has talent that is beyond words and shall become famous, as I had made you, perhaps more, Mlle. Daaé." Christine looked around for she knew exactly whom it was. "Erik, let her go she belongs to the Daaé family, not you." Christine said with hatred clearly in her voice. Erik stayed amongst the shadows quietly for a few moments before walking out and looking at Christine. "I will help Stephanie progress in her talents to be a famous pianist. She has clearly shown me that her talent cannot be hidden from the world. Christine she has showed me true love and compassion something I haven't seen since your departure with Raoul." He spoke to her quietly not wishing to remember that fateful night. Christine looked into his mismatched eyes as he told her this, she then turned to her Granddaughter her pride and joy, "Is this true Stephanie Chagny? Has he helped you? Do you love him and have you seen his face?" Christine questioned. I looked to her eyes knowing that I had dearly loved her but I knew telling her the truth had to be done. "Yes Ma'am I do love him, I have seen his face and he has helped me Christine." I had explained. Christine couldn't believe it, her Granddaughter; a frail timid girl had stood up to her. Christine sighed knowing her battle was lost, she knew Erik would die of heartbreak this time if she took Stephanie from him. "Stephanie, this is quite hard for me right now and how it brings back memories, but if you love him this much stay with him and have a wonderful life with him." Erik looked up in amazement he had expected Christine to take her from him leaving his heart broken. "Christine, why have you changed your mind?" he simply asked. Christine looked to him quietly speaking. "Because Erik, Stephanie has shown me by standing up that she loves you dearly and I couldn't possibly take that happiness away from her." She then left them quietly; a heavy burden she'd been carrying about Erik had been lifted. Weeks passed and I had performed at the contest, to my surprise I had won. Erik afterwards came to me with roses and a small box.