A/N: Ah, update time already! :) Well…it's been two weeks, so that's not that short… But compared to the last chapter… This chapter was very easy to write because unfortunately, not much happens… I just wanted to stick this in here while I have the chance. This chapter is completely and utterly devoid of Christine, which is odd, but that's what happened. Next chapter I'm sure will just culminate in much E/Cness and angst…so this is the calm before the storm I suppose you could say, lol.

lafantome574: You know, I don't think I have ever left you a personal message here, and you always leave me such wonderful reviews! And always one of the first reviewers too. I appreciate it! :)

Ilandra: Thank you for your kind review. You are a wonderful writer and I do value your opinion! I'm glad you enjoy.

SKYwalker-BLUE: Don't worry about, better late than never :P Thanks a lot!

Claire Starling: Yes, there will be a LOTR musical…but not on Broadway. It's set to open in London in 2005. Don't worry, lol. And I thank you for your kind words!

Eric: Smile, mister. Have some more story :)

jo: Thank you for your suggestion

Big thank you to all of my awesome reviewers: Opera Ghost Kid, Jstarz927, Fantome, Midasgirl, Angelic Lawyer, AyeshaKitten, Miranda7911, jo132000, and Mystic Darkness :)

More notes… Parts of Chapter 18 have been rewritten so go check that out if you want! :)

Hope all Americans had a nice Thanksgiving.

And now, it is story time, hope you enjoy!

Madame Giry was waiting for Erik when he emerged from the room, closing the door silently behind him. She sat in an armchair, facing him, her eyes soft.

"Is she asleep?" she asked.

Erik nodded. He stayed where he was, feeling extremely awkward. It had certainly not been his intention to intrude in Madame Giry's house as he had. He cleared his throat slightly and said, "I thank you for your kindness and your help today, Madame."

Madame Giry bowed her head slightly, feeling the stiffness in his voice and posture. But after what happened today, she didn't know if he would ever relax again. "Why don't you sit down, monsieur?" she said gently, gesturing towards a chair.

He hesitated, then moved towards it and sat down, feeling uncomfortable sitting there as if he were an average guest.

"Well, monsieur, as you have seen, she is all right for the time being. The real question is, are you all right?" Madame Giry waited, the last time she had inquired as to his feelings he had become angry, but she was willing to take the chance out of concern.

Erik sat back in the chair. He was not angry that she had asked him that, but it made him feel even more uncomfortable than he already did. He sighed. "I don't understand why you ask me questions when you already know the answers."

Madame Giry nodded at this. "Yes, I do know the answer. Perhaps I wished that I was incorrect." She paused. "If you are blaming any of this on yourself, monsieur, I would suggest you stop at once. Christine doesn't need that right now. Do it for her, if not for yourself. This is not your fault."

"I know that," he snapped.

She shrugged, "That won't stop you from feeling guilty, saying that you know. I know you, monsieur. You cannot hold yourself responsible for everything that happens to that girl. Some things are beyond your control."

Erik's eyes narrowed. "And I can't stand that…"

Madame Giry smiled softly, "I know."

Erik turned his attention to her fully. "You are too good to do all this for us, madame."

"I have always helped you gladly," she stated matter-of-factly.

Madame Giry paused. "You do realize Erik…that she will have to stay here."

He started. "What are you talking about?" he demanded.

Madame Giry sighed; she had hoped this would not be difficult. "She is ill. She needs to be here in bed, where a doctor can be at hand quickly. You must understand that…"

Erik stared at her. "She cannot stay here, madame," he said, almost blankly. He couldn't understand why Madame Giry was saying such things. She would not take Christine away from him…not now… It was too soon!

"Listen to me Erik," Madame Giry said, trying her best not to be condescending. "It could be dangerous for her to leave. I know she told you that she is not well… What happened today…it could be the real thing any day now. She can't go back."

Erik shook his head. He knew that it was for Christine's health and safety that she remain here, but… It wasn't fair! They thought they would have two more months together, and now she was being wrenched away from him! This was happening too fast…

Erik nodded slowly. "Of course…"

Madame Giry looked at him sadly. "Of course, "she repeated him, continuing on, "you are more than welcome to stay here with her monsieur."

It took a lot of control to mask his absolute shock at this invitation. It took him a moment to even understand. How could she possibly find it in her heart to be so kind as to invite a monster into her home?

Erik looked away from her in a definite move. "After this day madame, I will surely remain in your debt for quite a long time."

Before Madame Giry could respond, Meg made a hasty entrance into the room, keeping her eyes on the floor.

"Excuse me, Mother. I do not mean to interrupt, but I must return to the opera for my things." She chanced a glance upward and looked at her mother. "Is that all right?"

Madame Giry nodded. "Yes Meg, but be quick about it. You should be back here before it gets dark."

Meg nodded and nearly ran out the door.

Madame Giry shook her head and turned back to Erik. "Don't mind her, monsieur. She's…shaken from today."

Erik shrugged. "She has every right to be afraid of me, madame. And you see…perhaps I shouldn't stay here. I don't wish to cause her any distress."

"Nonsense," Madame Giry said. "You will stay. And Meg is not afraid of you…but you are an enigma to her, monsieur. She is a child, and no matter how often Christine speaks of you, she is not used to your company."

Erik didn't answer, but stood up and went towards the door. "Well…I will have to return to the opera as well… Christine will need her things…"

He hurriedly opened the door and was soon out of the building. Much more conscious of the daylight now than he had been earlier, he arranged for a carriage to bring him to the opera.

He slumped against the seat with a sigh. No doubt this whole situation was one of the most awkward he had ever felt… He sincerely doubted that even now he would accept Madame Giry's kind offer. It would not be right for him to invade their privacy. He would bring Christine her things, apologize, and leave again… He would be back the next day… Christine would be fine there… Although, he admitted to himself that he might not be fine without her…

Oh such weakness! He hated to think that he could no longer go a few days without her presence… If something did happen to her, he knew it would be the end for him as well. He could not physically survive such a blow.

Annette entered the Opera Garnier with confidence, as if she went there every day of her life. She could hardly believe the incredible grandeur of the interior. She was dazzled by all of the statues, marble, gold, and painted ceilings. Her fingers itched to draw it. She would have to return with her sketchpad…

Christine had said, if she ever wished to see her, then she should find a Madame or Meg Giry at the Paris Opera. Well that shouldn't be too difficult…

She looked around and saw a man coming down the grand marble staircase. He seemed to know his way around…

When he reached the bottom, she went directly up to him and said, "Excuse me, do you know where I can find a Madame or Meg Giry?"

The man examined her for a moment, then said, "I was looking for Mademoiselle Giry myself…"

Annette smiled, "Oh good, you know her then! Where might she be?"

He shrugged, "She should be here, but she doesn't appear to be…"

Annette sighed, "Well that doesn't help me much does it?"

The man raised an eyebrow at this comment. She certainly was rather rude…

"I'm Annette, by the way," she said, as if as an after thought. "And who are you?"

"My name is…Vincent," he said, rather reluctant to give this girl his first name. He definitely wasn't thrilled by her forward way of speaking. "How is it that you know Mademoiselle Giry?" he asked, knowing he should not be unkind to any friend of Meg's.

"Oh I don't know her at all!" Annette said. "You see, Christine Daae told me that if I was to find her I was to ask Meg Giry. That's why I need to see her."

"I see…" Vincent said.

Annette nearly rolled her eyes. He was being no help at all and he didn't seem particularly talkative either… She couldn't take that, when people thought things and didn't just say them. She always did.

"Well, if you have nothing more to say, then I should just look elsewhere," she said, smirking at him.

Vincent's eyes widened. She was being sarcastic! He couldn't believe it. He couldn't think of anything he had done to offend her… She must just be a disagreeable person…

He watched as Annette began to wander up the stairs, looking all around at every detail. He shrugged and looked towards the entrance. Meg had just walked in.

"Meg!" he said, in greeting.

Annette stopped and turned when she heard this and watched them.

Meg raised her hand in greeting and smiled weakly. She stopped walking and Vincent met her there. He kissed her hand tenderly and said, "Good day, Dove."

Meg sighed. "Oh I do wish it were…"

Vincent frowned. "What's wrong, Meg?"

Taking both his hands, she looked up at him, hoping she wouldn't cry. "Christine is ill… She is staying with us now… I just came back to get my things."

"Oh Meg…I'm sorry," he said. He took her into his arms and Meg instantly felt better. Vincent could always make her feel better… That's why she loved him, because he cared.

Annette chose this moment to add herself into their conversation. "Did you say that Christine was ill?"

Meg broke away from Vincent and stared at the girl, trying to figure out of she knew her from somewhere. "Yes…I did. I'm sorry, I don't recognize you at all…" she said.

"Oh you wouldn't," Annette said. "This is the first time I've ever seen you either! I'm Annette, I'm a friend of Christine's you see… I came here to see her and she told me that you could direct me."

Meg cocked her head thoughtfully. Christine had never mentioned this girl before. "Well, I'm sorry Annette…but Christine is unwell and it would be impossible for you to see her now."

"Well, I understand that of course! The poor dear… I hope that she's all right! You will tell her I said that? And that I was here? Won't you?"

Meg could do nothing but nod. Annette smiled. "Thank you very much, Meg. I should be going then! Poor Christine…how very tragic to fall ill now! Anyway, thank you, and it was nice to meet you…" She looked up at Vincent. "And to meet you, monsieur." She smirked again and was gone.

Vincent glared after her. "She is not very polite, that one…"

Meg shrugged. "Oh stop Vincent. She was here for only five minutes. I don't think that, she's just…outgoing, that's all. And she did seem concerned about Christine."

"And has Christine has ever mentioned her?"

"No…but that doesn't mean anything," Meg said.

Vincent shrugged. "Maybe she can't stand her either."

"Vincent!" Meg cried. "Oh you are terrible… Oh, I'm sorry, I really can't be standing here all day, I need to get my things… Come with me?" she asked.

"Of course," he said, smiling softly at her. He took her hand. "And are you all right?"

Meg nodded. "Just stay with me now."

Meg didn't intend it, but she did end up spending much more time with Vincent than she had originally thought to. When she finally looked at the clock, she realized that it most likely would be dark out. And what had her mother told her….

She hastened out of the dressing room with Vincent at her side. Once outside, he immediately offered to escort her home.

"You don't have to Vincent, it isn't far," she began.

"Nonsense Meg, as if I would allow you to walk alone in the dark."

"Mademoiselle Giry," an imperious voice sounded behind them.

Meg jumped and spun around. She nearly fell against Vincent as Erik stepped out of the shadows.

She opened and closed her mouth a few times before any words would come out. Why did he surprise her like that! "Good evening, monsieur," she said at last.

Erik walked towards them and Vincent instinctively moved slightly in front of Meg. "I was sent here to escort you home," Erik said emotionlessly. "If that agrees with you…"

Vincent now stepped forward in front of Meg. "I assure you, monsieur, that will not be necessary. I had just offered to take her home myself."

Vincent did his best to stand his ground as the man, who was even taller than he was, advanced toward him. Dressed completely in black, he seemed to be a part of the night. He was obviously a threat and he couldn't imagine how Meg could possibly know such a figure. Well, Vincent would not let him harm her… He would fight! The man came closer and the fact that he was wearing a mask became quite clear in the dim light of the moon.

Meg saw that Vincent was ready for a confrontation and grabbed his arm quickly. "It's all right Vincent. This is…Monsieur Erik. He is a friend of my family."

Vincent narrowed his eyes at the forbidding figure before him, who remained silent. This man was a friend?

"Meg," he said, his back to her as he didn't dare turn away from the man in the mask, "I….are you certain?"  He had wanted to say, 'Meg, I won't allow you to go anywhere with him,' but he ended up stumbling. Something about that figure just filled him with a sense of danger.

Meg pulled on his arm and brought him back to stand beside her. "It's all right Vincent. I know this man well, he is a good friend of my mother's." Meg saw the look of suspicion upon Vincent's face. "I promise," she added quickly.

Vincent frowned and looked back at Monsieur Erik, who still said nothing. He fought with himself for a moment, knowing he should trust Meg, but still worried that he was doing the wrong thing by not bringing her home himself.

He looked at Meg again, who was staring at him, her eyes wide and pleading with him to just let her go. Meg took his hand and squeezed it. "I will see you tomorrow, Vincent."

He sighed, defeated. "All right Meg…if you are certain…"

"I am," she said. "My mother would be displeased if I didn't go."

Vincent nodded. "Then go, dove."

Meg bit her lip, then looked up at Erik. "I'm sorry, monsieur. Let's go…"

Erik simply nodded as if the entire conversation had been below his attention. "Good evening," he said to Vincent with a slight bow of his head and he began to walk to the street leaving Meg to hurry behind him. Vincent watched them both climb into a waiting carriage, wondering where on earth anyone would meet such a man.

Meg could not imagine a more awkward situation. She was all alone in an enclosed space…with Erik. She fidgeted, smoothing her dress, pretending to look for something in her bag, staring out the window… Anything so it would look like she had an excuse for not talking. Erik however did not seem to expect or want her to say anything. He also looked completely at ease, while Meg remained tense. However, she was pleased to find that she wasn't afraid of being alone with him. Just…uncomfortable…

She chanced a glance at him every few seconds, amazed at how real he was. To her, he had always been surrounded by some incredible aura of mystery. Not just when he was the infamous Phantom, but when Christine spoke him… He sounded too perfect to be real… But he was, and he was just a foot or two away from her. It was a very odd experience.

Meg was never so grateful that she lived so close to the opera. The trip was soon over. They both climbed out of the cab, and after Erik paid the driver, they went inside and climbed the stairs together. At the door of their flat, Erik stopped and turned to face her.

"Does your mother know about him?" he asked, frankly.

Meg was taken aback by such a question and her eyes met the floor immediately. She shrugged. "I may have mentioned him," she said softly.

He nodded and they went inside without another word.

As Erik promised himself earlier, he did not stay with the Giry's, despite Madame Giry's kind offer. It wouldn't be right… So he had left, as much as he did not want to leave Christine. He went back to the opera and did not sleep at all that night.

The entire house seemed to change without her presence. With her, it could actually be considered a home, but without her…it became a prison once again… But, he thought, better a prison than a tomb… No, it was not a grave, but he was chained there and could not be with his Christine. While he lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling, he wondered if he should have stayed.

A/N: Don't be disappointed! Next chapter will be more…exciting…I'm sure. Hm…is this chapter as fast paced as I think it is? Gah…

Thank you so much for reading guys.

Please review! :)