Now, my dear Reader, I suppose you are wondering what I did in the three days before Christine's return. I could very easily lie and say I was being as cool and calculated as ever, and you would believe me, since you are either ignorant of my character and have believed everything I've said, or you know me, and trust what I say. Don't worry, I shall not abuse that trust. In all honesty, I don't know how I earned it. But after all, I am telling you this so you know the truth.

I was an absolute wreck. I spent all three days in the House Beyond the Lake, composing for my opera. I don't really know what I was feeling. For some reason I was not happy, though it had been three and one half weeks since seeing my dear Christine. The months had gone by rapidly. It had been July when I had dropped the chandelier. Now it was early October, and the leaves outside had begun to fall. Even if I did not go outside, I could always tell the changing of seasons by the subtle changes in temperature down on the lake.

I had not slept or ate any of the three days. It had been work, work, work, and I did not even know three whole days had gone by when I heard a knock at my door. Looking around, I noticed the state of things. The drawing room was an absolute mess, and I as well. I had not bothered to change the three days as well. My clothes were crumpled to say the least. I shoved some things under sofa cushions before straightening myself up as best I could, and answering the door.

It was her of course. She faintly smiled at me as I invited her inside, and apologized for the mess. I was extremely curious as to how she had gotten here, and was just as surprised when I saw the boat.

She was just standing in the drawing room when I went in. I asked her to sit, and went and made some tea. She poured it for both of us, and we sat in silence, occasionally looking at each other when the other wasn't looking. This dragged on for quite some time.

"Erik, I am sorry I left so suddenly without telling you. I just needed to get away," she finally said, setting down her empty cup.

"Do not apologize," I replied. "For I know it was my fault. I was extremely rude to you the day before, and there is no excuse for that behavior." I do believe I was as surprised at my gentle response as she was. It was as though a whole new side of me had been let out, a side of me I was not aware existed. (A/N: Yet a side we all know and love, right?) Christine just smiled and bowed her head. We sat in silence once again. I was getting tired of sitting, so I stood up and walked around. When I got near the organ, Christine jumped up.

"I know this is short notice, and you are probably very tired, may I have a lesson? I have not sung these three weeks, and I fear I am a bit rusty. I cannot be a Prima Donna with an imperfect voice." I looked over at her in surprise.

"Have you not spoken to the managers yet?"

"No," she replied. "I came straight here. It was troubling me that we were not on good terms the whole time I was gone." I sighed. I would rather not have been the one to give her the news about Carlotta, but it appears I would have to be the bearer of bad news.

"Christine, I know this may sound harsh, but did you honestly think you could pull a stunt like this and still be the Prima Donna when you were already on thin ice? Carlotta has taken over your role, and her understudy has taken over hers. I assume if you went to see the managers immediately they would let you have Carlotta's old part." Throughout this, her face had changed from a smile to a blank face. It was as though she did not understand.

"But didn't you say anything for me?" "Christine," I replied, looking straight at her. "Though I normally would do that, I cannot do anything for you if you are not here."

"Of course," she said shrinking back into the sofa. "I should have realized that. I know you would've tried if you could. Forgive me, I do not feel well. Perhaps I can come by tomorrow?" I nodded.

"Have you seen the Vicomte yet?" Christine was surprised at my question, and shook her head. She rose, and I offered to take her back. She gracefully accepted, and we left the House Beyond the Lake.