"Oh Erik, I missed you so much," I said gently stroking his mask. "I was so worried when I got that letter." but I couldn't say anymore. Erik had taken me in his arms and kissed me, almost violently. I kissed back. When the embrace ended, Erik almost looked embarrassed. "Christine." was all he could say. I smiled and kissed him on the cheek. Then I took his hands and led him over to his organ. Immediately he tuned in, and started playing. I was very familiar with the song. Erik knew it well also since he composed it. It was from his opera, Don Juan Triumphant. As I listened to myself singing "One Love", I realized I needed to have more instruction. My voice had begun to fade, since I neglected practice while I was Genevieve. After all, Genevieve was a marvelous dancer, not a marvelous singer. Erik and I had a very long voice lesson, but I'll admit we were enjoying each other's company too much to sing the whole time. When we were sitting in the drawing room later, Erik handed me a package. "Now that you're back here with me, I believe you'll need to send this package back to the Vicomte," he said with a mischievous grin. "What is it?" I asked, weighing the package in my hands. It wasn't very large, and it didn't weigh very much. "I'll tell you eventually, but there is a little surprise for you connected with it, and if you knew what was in there it would give it away." "All right, I think I'll run it up right now, seeing it's only five o' clock." I grabbed my cloak and went up through the secret passageway in the Rue Scribe. I walked to the Post Office and dropped it off. As I turned, I saw Raoul coming in. I quickly pulled my hood over my face so he would not recognize me, and walked back to the secret entrance. Erik was waiting for me, and I told him the package was on its way. I decided not to tell him about seeing Raoul, though it was good I was Christine rather than Genevieve, because Genevieve was supposed to be dead. "Christine, I think you should go talk to Monsieur Andre about reinstating your employ, after all, he'd be a fool not to hire you again, plus he's a lot more practical than Monsieur Firmin about the arts," Erik said suddenly. "You think I should go back and sing?" I wasn't planning on going back to the opera. "Yes. Why deny the world your talent?" "I hadn't really thought about singing again," I said honestly. "Do you enjoy it?" he asked. "Of course, after you it's my life." I immediately looked down and blushed. "Well then let me send the managers a note detailing an offer they cannot refuse without being insane." Erik said, grinning mysteriously. He quickly wrote it, and accompanied me to my dressing room. I was about to push the counterweight when Erik grabbed my shoulder and pulled me back. I looked back, and he pointed into the room. Raoul was walking around my room, searching through my dresser drawers. I became furious and was about to go through the mirror anyway when Erik pulled me away. We went through and alternate route, and came up underneath the trapdoor in the middle of the stage. Erik listened and came to the conclusion that no one was there. He very cautiously opened door. It was pitch black, so he quickly lifted me out. He shoved the note in my hands, and in a low voice told me to give the note to Madame Giry, who would come up with an explanation. He then closed the trapdoor and left. I quickly thought up a plan, then felt my way towards my dressing room. I could see a bar of light under the door, and I quietly opened it. Raoul was so intent on his search he didn't realize I was there until I shut the door. He turned quickly, and I heard a quick intake of breath. "Raoul, what are you doing here searching through the drawers? Has this become your dressing room since I left?" I said calmly, walking away from the door. "Christine! What are you doing here, where have you been? I've been so worried!" He walked toward me, holding out his arms. "Raoul, save it," I said, holding up my hand. "I read all those horrifying articles about you and the ballet girl." Raoul turned white. "Christine, it was nothing, nothing at all, I swear! She approached me!" "Stop lying, for there is no way for you to win. Miss Rouen just happens to be my cousin, and we were in constant correspondence." "Genevieve mentioned nothing of it at my estate," Raoul said. I smiled, for there was no way for him to get out of it now. "Really? Well you've just tightened the noose Raoul, for she is not my cousin, and I never spoke to her before," I smiled. Raoul looked rather uncomfortable, and I could tell he was trying to get himself out of it. "Also, it's a shame she died, for now you have no one to turn too." I quickly turned and left. Suddenly Raoul caught me by the arm and turned me. He raised my face up to his and kissed me. I hadn't kissed him since that night on the roof so long ago.and frankly, I didn't like it. With my one free hand I hit him hard on the head. He let go of me, and I fell onto the floor with a thud. With a smile Raoul extended his hand. "You may feel this now Christine, but wait until the masquerade. You will be mine, I assure you." With that he disappeared into the shadow. Madame Giry had heard the commotion and arrived on the scene only seconds too late. "Christine, what is wrong?" she asked. "Raoul," was my one word reply. I handed her the note. "Erik and I also need your help. He wishes me to begin singing again, and he seeks your assistance in delivering this note and helping explain my return, is what I'm guessing." "Have you thought of anything?" she asked. "Well Raoul said there was going to be a Masquerade and Erik will undoubtedly want to make an appearance. I have an uncle and a cousin, so I can say my uncle was very sick and I was tending to him, and the man I bring to the masquerade is my cousin." Madame Giry nodded. "I believe that will work. When we go to the managers, say nothing. Follow me." We walked in silence to the manager's office. I could hear yelling, and I assumed it was Monsieur Firmin. He yelled a lot. Madame Giry opened the door and we went in. I was right, it had been Monsieur Firmin yelling, and he was quite red in the face. "Madame Giry, what a surprise. Miss Daae, what an even greater surprise. As you can see we're terribly busy could you please." but he didn't finish. "I have a note," Madame Giry replied in a grim tone. Monsieur Firmin threw up his hands, and Monsieur Andre looked up curiously. "Read it please Madame," he said. "Gentle men, I assume you are both very busy, with the death of Miss Rouen and all, so I'll make this brief. I have heard Miss Daae is back, and if you agree to take her back as your Prima Donna you may count on no more trouble from me ever. If you choose not to believe me and do not hire Miss Daae, your troubles will increase considerably, and I do not want to do that.

Your Obedient,

O.G." Madame Giry put the note down on the table. "As you see," she continued. "Miss Daae has returned, and I have brought her hear in case you would like to interview her." She pushed me forward, and left the room.