A/N: Well, what can I say? Here comes my apology… The only thing I can say in my defense is that I had no inspiration for this story for the longest time… I was completely blocked, and I still don't know if this turned out entirely the way I wanted it to…
The good news? During the time that I could just not finish this chapter, I completed several scenes for upcoming chapters so hopefully the wait will not be so long again!
To my reviewers, your comments continue to thrill me to no end! I thank you so much for reading and appreciating your story! It is the most wonderful thing in the world to imagine that your writing is so loved... I can not thank you enough:
lafantome574, Jstarz927, Erin, Angelic Lawyer, LeLeMusicAngel, musicallover6, Jenn, Miranda7911, Midasgirl, Fantome, Mystic Darkness, Opera Ghost Kid, Diva Mamma, Narsil, and Siren's Chant
Diva Mamma: And yes, I was actually thinking the same thing about Erik, and believe me I am working on it. You will see him more in future chapters I am hoping! Thank you for your comment and your idea :)
And of course, to those people who supported and helped me during that plagiarizing incident… Riene, Midasgirl, The Phantom Parisienne, Narsil, and Paperface. Thank you for being so supportive and keeping me sane. I do so appreciate it. I still do not fully know what was going on, but it is my understanding that the incident will not be repeated.
I believe I am just about finished talking now… This chapter is longer than most and hopefully will be tolerable for the most part. Not sure if I am completely comfortable with it. The plot and direction changed completely about 50,000 times… Hopefully it turned out decently in the end. Be sure to tell me so if it did! And definitely tell me if it didn't… Yikes…
Anyway, I do hope you enjoy!
When Christine awoke the next morning, Erik had gone. She stood slowly, as it made her dizzy to stand up too quickly. She stretched slightly and went into the kitchen where she proceeded to make herself breakfast. She was just standing to clear her plate, when Erik entered the room, his cloak still on from being out of the house.
Christine looked at him for a moment and asked as lightly as possible, "Is everything all right?"
Erik paused for a moment, which caused Christine to frown. "Erik…what is it?"
"I want you to see a doctor," he said, as if expecting a strong argument from her.
She kept her face impassive and calmly picked up her plate from the small table. Setting it down beside the basin, she said, "All right."
Erik was taken by surprise; he had felt sure that her first thought would be refusal. "What?"
She turned to him. "You're right, I should see a doctor," she said casually. "When?"
"Today if you are willing to go on such short notice," he said.
"Yes, all right," she agreed.
Suddenly Erik felt highly uncomfortable for a reason he couldn't quite name. Their conversation seemed rather unnatural. Christine had noticed this too so she went to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I would have liked to have woken in your arms this morning," she murmured.
Erik closed his eyes as he held her, as if to savor her words slowly. He said nothing and Christine understood and had nearly expected his silence. They stood in each others arms for a few moments, until Christine spoke.
"I must get dressed," she said softly, although she did not really wish to break their embrace.
Erik let her go immediately and nodded. She smiled gently up at him, then stepped around him and left the kitchen to go to her room. While she changed out of the wrinkled dress she had fallen asleep in and put on a fresh one, she promised herself that when she returned from the doctor's that day; she would tear that mask off herself, if Erik didn't…
Hastily throwing her hair into a bun to keep it off of her neck while out in the heat, she left her room and found Erik coming in through the front door.
As she closed the door behind her he said, "I…thought it best that Madame Giry escort you."
Christine nodded. "Are we to leave now?"
"Yes, I will escort you to the street," Erik said.
Christine just nodded again, slightly unnerved with Erik's formality. But, she realized, he was most likely concerned about what the doctor would have to say… He was worried about her, she knew.
She held his hand as they made their way to the Rue Scribe, sometimes squeezing his hand reassuringly. She wished he would relax. He was beginning to make her nervous about it…
When they reached the door that would lead her to the street, he released her hand and said, "Madame Giry will be waiting for you."
Christine looked up at him. She met his gaze steadily and suddenly wanted him to kiss her… Something to tell her that she was going to be all right, that he cared… And as she thought this and stared into his eyes, she was greatly shocked and pleased when he quickly placed a kiss on her cheek. He was well rewarded for his daring when she smiled warmly, a true smile that lit up her eyes. She hugged him quickly and whispered, "I love you," in his ear before going out the door into the sunlight.
It was only after she disappeared that Erik remembered to breath.
Erik spent a very restless day in the house by the lake. He had no desire to leave in case Christine should return earlier than expected, but had no desire to stay either as he was very anxious and found that nothing seemed to interest him. In the end, he decided to go through his massive collection of sheet music to find something simple to play. Christine had become more and more interested in learning to play the piano, and searching through his collection of music occupied his mind very satisfactorily.
Later that afternoon, Erik sat reading a book that did not really interest him at the moment, when he heard the door open. He stood calmly, not wanting to appear as anxious as he was. He replaced his book back in its proper place on the shelf. He hesitated a moment, then removed his mask and placed it on top of the piano. Taking another breath to calm himself, he went into the sitting room.
Christine sat on the divan, her head leaned back and her eyes closed. Erik closed the door a little louder than he would have done to alert her of his presence.
She opened her eyes slowly, and managed to smile at him.
"Would you like anything?" he asked, restraining from 'What did the doctor say?'
She nodded, closing her eyes again. "Tea, if you don't mind…" she requested.
Erik left the room, knowing that the second he walked back in the room she would have to tell him what had happened. A few minutes later, he emerged from the kitchen with two cups of tea, although his would remain untouched. He sat down beside her and waited patiently while she sipped her tea. But she couldn't stand him just staring at her, so she set her cup down and began to speak.
"Erik…what I'm going to tell you is going to worry you. But, please," she said, looking into his eyes, "don't get upset."
"Don't get upset?" Erik repeated. He stood up quickly, preferring to pace rather than have to sit still. "Christine, what happened?"
"Well…" she began slowly, following him carefully with her eyes. "I'm not in any immediate danger. The baby is all right… But…" she paused. "He said that…he's seen symptoms like mine before…"
She stopped, but Erik wouldn't have it. "What did he say Christine?"
"Erik will you stop moving around so!" she demanded.
He stopped. "If you will tell me any faster, mademoiselle."
Christine glared at him. "You are impossible. Just sit down…please."
Erik locked his gaze with hers and at last he gave in and sat down in his chair beside the divan.
"It isn't so uncommon," she continued after a moment, trying to regain her thoughts. "But…he does know of…" She stopped, closing her eyes briefly and swallowing hard. "Women have died, Erik…" she finished quietly.
Her words did not seem to process correctly. Erik heard them, understood what she had said, but… He must have misunderstood her. Horror gripped him at the thought of Christine's life being in danger. In danger because of a man who had forced himself on her… No, she was his now, she could not die. Oh forgive him! He had just snapped at her and now this announcement!
"Erik," Christine said. He stared at her and realized by her tone that she must have said his name at least once before.
"Perhaps I shouldn't have said that…" she said quietly. She took a deep breath to calm herself. "Listen," she began, seriously, "I'm not going to die Erik. I won't." She paused, knowing what she had said was stupid, but wanting to reassure herself. "The doctor said that it was usually worse than this. That there were normally other severe symptoms, that occurred much more often and that I wasn't in any immediate danger. And…that the women who died were usually very ill all the time or malnourished or…" she stopped. "All right, say something Erik. I can't stand repeating these things any longer."
Erik shook his head slightly. "You should have gone before…" he said.
Christine grabbed at his hand. "Erik, I knew you would do this!" her voice rising. "You will not find a way to blame this on yourself! This has nothing to do with you and you know it," she finished.
He didn't respond. He did feel responsible that she was sick. He knew full well that it was ridiculous, but he had told Christine that had would protect her, and he couldn't.
"Are you all right?" he asked finally, not in reference to her health.
Christine shrugged and looked away from him. "The chance is so small, Erik. I don't want to be afraid."
Erik nodded slowly. His distress put tears in Christine's eyes. The sudden silence between them was oppressive. Desperate to stop it, she stood and pulled him up with her.
"Here," she said, leading him to the door of the library and opening it. "Why don't you play something for me and I'll make us something to eat."
He smiled down at her softly, marveling at her behavior. She was strong. She would live.
"Now where is he?" Christine muttered under her breath.
Christine stood outside the opera house, watching a stream of people flow past her. The opera for the evening had let out and people were beginning to make their way home. It was a very clear night and pleasantly warm, a nice change from the oppressive heat. She stood beside the large entrance doors, for the most part unnoticed. She searched the crowd for the young man Meg had taken to pointing out over and over again. He seemed to be around the opera a great deal.
At last she saw him. He went out the door, unaccompanied as he always was when she saw him. She followed him, her cloak drawn tight around her and her hood up. She caught up to him when he reached the street.
"Excuse me," she said, touching his shoulder.
Vincent turned when she tapped him.
Christine lowered her eyes. "Pardon me, sir, but are you Monsieur Bennet?"
"I am…" he said slowly, wondering how this woman knew him. "And who are you, Mademoiselle?"
"Forgive me, monsieur," she said, hoping he wouldn't be offended at being approached in such a manner. She pushed back her hood, realizing she looked rather suspicious with her face partially hidden. "My name is Christine Daaé."
Christine was relieved to see recognition of her name cross his face. He relaxed a great deal and said, "Yes…you used to sing here. You are Meg's friend."
Christine nodded, and took note of the informal way he addressed Meg. He obviously still cared for her for. "Monsieur…I just came to tell you that, Mademoiselle Giry has been quite miserable since you walked away from her that night and it is most certainly my fault that you are not together at this very moment."
Vincent stared at the young woman before him. She had come up to him to discuss his private affairs? But before he could answer Christine continued.
"Please, I beg your pardon sir. I know you are thinking that it is none of my business. But…Meg is my friend and I hate to see her so upset over something like this."
Christine waited then. She knew it was not her place to get involved and she knew she was being very bold, but she couldn't bear to see Meg needlessly depressed for another day.
He frowned and repeated, "She's upset…"
Christine saw that she had affected him and jumped at her chance. "Very much so. She wishes to see you, but is afraid that you have left her for good."
Vincent's frown deepened and he shook his head. "No…not for good," he said, more to himself than to Christine.
"You should go to her, monsieur," she encouraged him.
He seemed to consider this for a moment before nodding. "Yes…I will do that."
Christine did not try to hide her grin. Vincent moved past her and back towards the building, avoiding the crowd that still pushed through the doors. He stopped suddenly and turned back towards her. "Thank you, mademoiselle," he called and fought his way back through the crowd.
Christine watched him go, glowing with her success. It had been so simple. She couldn't believe Meg had been too stubborn, too afraid to talk to him herself! Christine sincerely hoped that Vincent would not mention that he had spoken with her. Meg would be furious… But she would forgive her fairly quickly, of that Christine was certain.
Meg sat at her vanity in her dressing room after the performance. Her chin rested in her hands as she simply stared at her reflection in the small, oval mirror. She was still in costume, too exhausted to remove it. Although her exhaustion did not really come from the performance, more from thinking too much. Thinking about Vincent, worrying about Christine… She was lost in thought, her mind jumping around at random. She almost missed the soft knock at her door. She sat up straight in her chair and listened carefully, wondering if there had actually been a knock or if she had simply imagined it. Deciding that it would be best to make sure she wasn't leaving someone standing out in the hallway, especially if it was her mother, she stood and opened the door.
She did nothing to mask her shock when she saw Vincent standing in the doorway. His hat was in his hands and he gripped it nervously. Meg was aware that she looked rather stupid with her eyes wide and her mouth slightly open, so she did her best to straighten herself. She stammered for a moment before actual words came from her mouth. "What do you want?" she said at last. Oh she could have kicked herself for that! How could she have voiced something so rude?
Vincent seemed not to be affected by this terribly blunt remark though and continued as if she had greeted him pleasantly. "I came to apologize… May I come in?" he asked carefully.
Meg nodded and stepped aside so he could enter. After she had shut the door she turned to him. "You wish to apologize? But Vincent…"
"No, I do need to apologize. Please do not tell me that you are the one at fault. I am sorry, Meg. Frankly I have been quite miserable since that night and I knew that you must feel the same. I am so sorry I left you like that, Meg. You are the most wonderful woman that I have ever known and I never wished to make you unhappy. Please say that you will forgive me." He sighed then, after saying all of this rather quickly, as if he had been practicing and was relieved he had gotten everything right.
Meg was at a complete loss of what to say. Never, in her entire life, had she had such a thing spoken to her. She was completely certain that it was the sweetest thing anyone had said to her. She stared at Vincent who cared for her so much… She wondered how it could be possible that such an amazing man had chosen her as the object of his affection. Forcing words out of her mouth she said quietly, "Of course you are forgiven, Vincent."
He sighed again; obviously relieved she had accepted him instead of sending him away. Common sense had told him that she wouldn't have, but he had worried nonetheless. He grinned broadly. "Well then, I would like to accompany you to dinner if you have no other plans."
"No!" Meg said immediately. "I mean…no, I have no other plans. I would love to." She blushed then, something she did not often do. She was petrified that she was making a complete fool of herself and that Vincent would notice that.
Vincent smiled again. "Excellent," he remarked. Then he moved closer to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Relax, dove. It's just me, no need to be nervous."
Meg laughed. "I am acting like a fool. I'm sorry… But I just can't believe you have taken me back," she admitted.
He laughed softly. "I would never wish to live without you in my life, Meg."
She ducked her head as he said this and felt on the verge of tears. It was unimaginable that he cared so much. She hated that she was crying in front of someone else yet again…
Vincent frowned at her then. "What's the matter?"
"Nothing," Meg said, hurriedly wiping her eyes, and doing her best to prevent anymore tears. "Nothing could be the matter. Just…let me get dressed and then we will go."
He smiled. "Of course," he said and moved towards the door.
"Vincent?"
He turned back. The two stared at each other for a moment, then Meg burst out laughing and ran into his arms.
"You are wonderful…" she said, still giggling helplessly.
"Oh, Christine, it was wonderful!" Meg exclaimed, her grip tightening on her friends hand. "It was so romantic. He took me to dinner and then for a ride through the park… Oh I cannot remember feeling so good!"
Christine grinned, thrilled that her young friend was so happy. "The two of you are quite adorable Meg, I hope you know that."
Meg giggled. "Ah, you should have seen me last night! I kept saying such stupid things to him… And yet he didn't seem to care! You should have told me it was this wonderful!"
"What is so wonderful?"
"Being in love of course!" Meg said, then quickly clapped her hand over her mouth, another peal of giggles emitting from behind it.
Christine's eyes widened and she nearly laughed for joy herself. "Meg Giry, did you just say that you were in love?"
Meg stood up then, her excitement too much for sitting. "Oh, I don't know. If I knew what real love was, then I would say yes. Well, how should I know? But I imagine it would feel like this!" She laughed again. "You must think me so silly, talking this way."
"Of course I don't think it's silly!" Christine said. "Meg, I think it's marvelous."
"You do?" Meg asked excitedly, sinking to the floor at Christine's feet, her hand on her knee.
Christine smiled down at her, "Yes, I do. I do not believe I have ever seen you this happy Meg."
Again, Meg found she could not keep still and stood up, spontaneously twirling about the room. "Ah, well I am happy. This is the way it was when we first met…only much more so now. Oh, I'm not even making sense anymore, but what does it matter?"
"And you know what, Christine?" Meg said, stopping in front of her and leaning in as if she had a secret of great importance to tell. She paused dramatically. "He kissed me," she said, and within a moment she was back to laughing and twirling.
Christine couldn't help but laugh as well. Her darling little Meg… She sighed. She loved to see Meg this way, but wished that she could be so blissfully happy, without a care in the world…
Meg stopped her dance about the room and looked at Christine, whose expression had become slightly saddened. All at once Meg felt guilty for being so happy. She was about to say something to her when Christine's face suddenly distorted into an expression of pain and surprise. Her hand flew to her abdomen as she gasped.
Meg ran to her, "Christine what's the matter?"
"I…" Christine began, but her words were cut off by a short cry of pain.
Meg's eyes widened suddenly. "Oh no, Christine… No, no! The baby isn't due for two months yet!" she said frantically.
Christine grabbed Meg's hand and Meg nearly cried out herself from the strength of Christine's grip. "Meg…fetch your mother. Bring her here," she said, her teeth clenched.
"But, I shouldn't leave you!" Meg's voice rose in panic, she had no idea how to react to this.
"Please, Meg! Go!"
With that, Meg stood up, squeezed Christine's hand again and said, "I'll be back!" Then she ran from the room as fast as she could to find her mother.
Madame Giry looked up from her desk with a start at the sound of loud knocking on the door.
"Mama!"
She stood quickly when she heard Meg's voice and hurriedly opened the door. She found Meg outside shaking, with tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Meg, what's happened to you?" she asked, allowing emotion into her tone.
Meg grabbed her mother's hand. "Mama, it's Christine! I think she's going to have her baby, but it's too soon and I don't know what to do…" With that Meg burst into tears again.
Madame Giry took her daughter's face in her hands. "Calm down, Meg. It's all right. Stop crying."
With a shuddering breath, Meg attempted to calm herself on her mother's instruction.
"Now," Madame Giry continued. "Go outside and see if you can get us a cab to bring us home. I will take care of Christine, it will be all right."
Meg nodded and sprinted off, disappearing around a corner in an instant. Madame Giry hurried towards Meg's dressing room, worried about Christine, but more worried that Erik was unaware of the situation.
The next hour or so flew by in a flurry of activity. Christine was taken to the Girys' home and made comfortable, the doctor was sent for, and the ballet rats were stymied as to what could have happened to cancel their rehearsals. Rumors flew about Meg Giry who had been seen running down through the halls crying, but nothing really came of them.
During this time, Christine managed well. Unlike Meg, she stayed calm for the most part. Until she realized that Erik would not know what happened to her. She begged Madame Giry to go to him, to tell him what was happening, to tell him where she was! But Madame Giry refused to leave her. After much discussion and many tears, it was decided that Meg would go. The thought of meeting the Phantom of the Opera terrified Meg, no matter how Christine spoke of him. But she would go; Christine needed her to do it.
Meg shortly afterward found herself climbing through the mirror of Christine's old dressing room and descending further and further below the ground. It grew colder, but this time she was dressed for the journey. She realized she had been running when she reached the lake in a shorter amount of time than she would have thought it to take.
Her mind was spinning as she stood on the edge of the bank, peering through the darkness, towards the other side. This was happening too fast! It just didn't make sense… But she was here, no matter how unreal it seemed and she needed to get Erik's attention. She cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, "Monsieur le Fantome!"
Her voice echoed back at her, and her fear suddenly came back tenfold. She would be all alone with him… Oh why had she volunteered for this? But she couldn't give up now. She hesitated, then called out, "Monsieur Erik!"
Still, the only sound that met her ears was her own voice reverberating off the walls and the water. She began to panic. What if he couldn't hear her? What if he wasn't here?
"Please, monsieur!" she shouted, desperation creeping into her voice.
When the echo stopped she listened. After a moment, she detected a small sound. The splash of water…like a boat being rowed! Meg was unsure whether to be relieved or even more terrified now that she heard him coming. She squinted through the mist and darkness, but could see nothing. She waited, her stomach twisting in knots as the sound grew louder. Then she saw a faint light, gradually drawing closer to her. The light grew until she could decipher the lantern it originated from and the boat which supported it. And finally, the figure of the Phantom emerged from the shadows.
Meg stood upon the bank silently as he approached. She remained silent still as the boat came to rest and he stepped out. She backed away slightly. He was so very tall…and that mask! Oh she couldn't do this… She had always imagined meeting Erik someday…but Christine had always been with her then!
"Well, Meg Giry, I assume you have some explanation as to why you are down here shouting for me," Erik said casually.
For a moment, Meg could not speak; his voice caught her by surprise. She desperately tried to control her breathing and hated herself for being so frightened. He was just a man! Her best friend was in love with him for heaven's sake! She swallowed hard and said, "I beg your pardon, monsieur. But…I had to come, I was sent here. It's Christine."
She saw his whole body tense and he took a few steps toward her. "What is it?" he asked, his voice losing the intoxicating beauty Meg had experienced just a moment ago.
Meg could have cried then, both from fear and from the way she could tell how much he loved her friend just from hearing him say those three words. He was just a man… "You must come with me, monsieur. She's…she's going to have her child," Meg said at last, ducking her head in embarrassment.
Erik said nothing, but instantly took off down the passage Meg had come from. She could do nothing but run behind him and try to keep up.
Erik arrived at the Giry's home only a few steps ahead of Meg. He had walked the entire way and if anyone had stared at his mask, he had not noticed at all. His only thought was Christine. When they walked in the front door, he allowed Meg to pass him so she could lead the way up the stairs and to the door of their flat.
Madame Giry was waiting for them just inside the door.
"Meg, go to your room," she said when they entered.
Meg nodded, and left the room quickly without protest.
Madame Giry then gestured for Erik to follow her into a small parlor, furnished well despite it not being elaborate or expensive. Erik took no notice of anything. Every fiber of his being was tense and he was so worried about Christine he did not know what he would do if Madame Giry to not tell him what was happening.
Luckily, she did speak just then. "Everything is quite all right Erik. You needn't look so upset."
"Madame, your daughter informed me…" He stumbled. "What exactly do you mean by all right?"
"She did not deliver, Erik," Madame Giry said. "I sent for the doctor who said it had been a…false alarm of sorts."
Erik took in this information. Christine was all right. Well Madame Giry had said that. "Where is she?" he asked automatically.
Madame Giry pointed to a door behind her, "She's there, in my bedroom. She may be asleep…"
But Erik didn't have the patience to listen to anymore, or suffer through an attempt to make him calm.
Erik knocked softly on the door of the bedroom and it swung open as he did so. Entering carefully, he observed Christine, awake, propped up on several pillows. She turned her head to him as he entered and offered a small smile, to reassure him that he needn't be worried about her.
"Come sit down," she said, indicating the edge of her bed.
Erik hesitated a moment, then seated himself beside her, after closing the door.
She reached for his hand. "Erik, I am sorry you had to worry about me so. What Meg must have told you… She was upset," Christine said.
"Don't apologize, Christine," he said automatically, feeling as if he had to constantly say it to her. Would she never accept that these things were beyond her control? He needed to say something else now. She was staring down at their hands. She looked so very tired… Perhaps it would have been better if it had all ended today.
He sighed and continued his examination of her delicate fingers. "You nearly had to do this alone," he commented. "I left so abruptly, and you were fine this morning…weren't you?" Erik asked, looking up at her in concern. "You felt all right this morning?" he repeated.
Christine nodded. "For the most part, yes."
"For the most part?" he repeated. "Christine, that is ridiculous. If you were feeling poorly you should have stayed in the house. You shouldn't have been climbing all of those stairs…"
"Stop," Christine interrupted him, a hand to his lips. "Erik, it is you who is being ridiculous, carrying on so! I'm fine."
Erik stood up then and glared at her. "It might not have turned out so well!" he admonished. "You could have been hurt! Oh yes, how I would have adored coming home to see the only woman I have ever loved collapsed at the bottom of the stairs."
He stopped, realizing where his nervous rant had brought him. Christine had been right about his carrying on… He just did not know when to stop! He exhaled sharply to reign his emotions back in and chanced a look at Christine. She was silent, staring down at her hands… Oh no, she was going to start crying…
Erik, deciding he had all ready let his speech run away with him, allowed himself to kneel beside the bed and take her hand. "My dear…I'm sorry. Please don't cry, I just… I shouldn't have left you today. Seeing you here, safe, has driven me mad with relief. You know what the doctor said." He stopped, swallowing to force the lump out of his throat, noting the tears that stained her cheeks. "Oh Christine…"
She looked up at him at last as his hand touched her face gently, her eyes brimming with tears that she was trying to hold back. She covered her hand with his, still pressed against her cheek.
"What would I do without you?" she said softly. "I'm sorry I'm crying again…but how can I help it when you say such things to me? …I do love you so," she finished.
Erik closed his eyes, relishing her words. But she had not finished, she brought his hand down and grasped it tightly between both of hers.
"I know that sometimes you do not believe me when I tell you that I love you. I know I haven't done a very good job of showing it…" She paused, awkwardly trying to find the right thing to say. "You know how…difficult this is, Erik. This has been so hard on both of us." She looked at him pleadingly, searching his eyes for acceptance of these words. He had to believe that she loved him; someday she would be able to prove it to him completely… Carefully she slipped off his mask and kissed his forehead gently. "I love you, Erik, I do… Tell me you do believe it is so. Don't tell me you want to believe it! I have no desire to hear that. Are you certain?" she demanded.
Erik stared at her, her face set firm. He wondered briefly how she managed to be so beautiful all of the time… In one fluid motion he was on the bed beside her and embraced her, her chestnut curls brushing against his unmasked face. His lips were close to ear and he said, "I believe it is so Christine..." He pulled away from her, wishing to see her eyes as confirmation for his words. "You could not lie to me in this way…" He knew what he was going to say next, but was afraid. He was flattering himself too much, and he feared it would all be thrown back at him in horrible repercussions. "Even if you did not love me…you would not despise me that much." He stared straight into her eyes, and she met his gaze steadily, affirming that he should continue on. "You will not hurt me again."
Christine then did something Erik did not expect. She smiled, a huge grin that lit up her eyes. "Erik, for once you do yourself justice!" She wrapped her arms around him again. "I love you…maybe someday you will love yourself."
He smiled softly. "Love is a strong word, Christine."
"I know."
A/N: And there it is, at long last… Next chapter won't take so long! (I hope as much as you do!) Thank you so much for reading and now I humbly request a review :)
I'm scared…lol
Oh and just one more thing! Shameless plug for my dear, dear friend Cujo Queen of the Desert. If you like humor, bashing Andrew Lloyd Webber, and/or Lord of the Rings, please do check out her story, Guys and Balrogs, based on the fact that the musical version of Lord of the Rings will be with us in just a few years… What if Andrew Lloyd Webber had control? Uh oh…. :) Thanks guys!
Hopefully you can see the link…having trouble with it for some reason…