I try to swallow my fears along with my pride as I walk into the living area of Erik's home, but I was of no avail. Sadly, I still quaked at the thought of hurting him another time, so I decided to stay silent rather than make matters worse.

Smiling inwardly, I knew my senses were no deceiving me and breakfast would be another ornate affair, but it would probably be a solitary one.

Erik, why is it that you never share breakfast, or any other meal with me? I carefully inquired, You know that it worries –

No time to chat, my dear, I have some things to attend to. With a small acknowledgement, he departed promptly. I thought that it was a bit too prompt for Erik's elegant ways, and I will admit that my curiosity was piqued, but I knew better than to let such judgments run away from me. Therefore, I decided to finish breakfast and then do some investigating.

Down the darkened hallway and through the crack in the door I attempted to listen to the conversation that was just beyond my reach. I strained painfully, but I could only make out to male voices and I could not even distinguish which one was Erik's melodious voice. I was discouraged, but reaffirmed in my conviction to be stronger and not to hurt Erik. I cannot bear to harm my reason for living and my inspiration for growth, so I will return to where I was left behind.

Sitting calmly in front of an emptied plate and cup, I glance at him as he walks in the room. I am sure he saw right through me; for I can see his eyebrows rise under his black half-mask. I take a deep breath and take a chance.

So, Erik, why did you leave breakfast in such a hurry? I hope it was not anything too bad.

Nothing I couldn't handle, why do you ask?

Oh, no reason really, I just was wondering who you would be talking to at this time in the morning. Since when do you get visitors other than me?

Well, you think rather highly of yourself, don't you now?

I don't think that I do, but this isn't about me. I breathe deeply before I continue, What are you hiding from me Erik?

His temper flared beyond anything I had seen before and this made my stupidity in unmasking him look like a minor altercation. I could see the veins in his reflective yellowy eyes bulging in rage. I am not hiding anything, Christine but what are you hiding? You are not acting like yourself.

No, I guess I'm not, but I've made a decision, I said weakly.

Well, my child, what have you made a decision about? You look like you are going to pass out if you get much paler, and we can't have that.

I, I want to tell you that I won't leave you anymore.

Please forgive me if I do not believe you, but you do not sound particularly sure of yourself. If I might ask, what brought on this admission?

I really am not sure. I just woke up this morning and knew why I came back this time.

Pacing across the room Erik stopped and walked toward me slowly saying, Why did you return, Christine?

Because I wanted to. Because I wanted to get to know you better. The real you, but I seem no closer to that then when I began.

What is your game? Are you collecting information to sell me out when this arrangement no longer suits you? So you can rejoin your little Vicomte.

My brow knitted in my own defense to Erik's onslaught of inquiries and I thought carefully about her answer. Wringing my hands anxiously, I look up at him and tried to answer, Please do not bring Raoul into this, for he has nothing to do with me choice to stay here. I realized that no matter how much you scare me at times that you are a man of integrity and complexity with which I have never been presented with before. I am a simple woman, but you see something more in me than I deserve and I am honored. I have hurt you repeatedly and for that I am so very sorry.

Spare me your platitudes! I wish I could believe you, but I just cannot.

I gently reached my arm out to him, to let him know that I am sincere, but that was a mistake. He snapped back in my direction and snatched my hand away from him.

Don't you dare touch me! Erik roared in protest.

In a split-second decision, I knew that something needed to be done or this would not end pleasantly for both of us, so I took care it, I think.

I tipped over slightly and started to fall, and Erik in fear for my safety reached down to grab me. It was not the outcome that I intended, but in retrospect, it was one of the few good decisions I made