A/N: (Squeals) I've been waiting to write this chapter FOR SUCH A LONG TIME! I also saw the Phantom movie again (Grins) on Dec. 31 :-)

Christine's POV

When the detective had graciously permitted me to return home, I discovered that my mother had called numerous people, informing them of the splendid news and planning a party for that evening. We baked a batch of cookies, and then talked for hours over the delicious food. She was ecstatic to have me home again, and I couldn't even begin to imagine the relief that she must've felt when she saw me standing outside the front door. Of course, I was thrilled to see her again; I loved her! And considering the horrid news about Daddy… well, we both desperately needed one another right now. But I couldn't help but continuously think about the house I had previously been occupying. Strangely enough, I had gradually begun to refer to it as "home".

But my thoughts were not solely focused on the house, but rather the man who owned it. It seemed as if Erik had stolen a piece of me, but had yet to return it…

After insisting that my mom should take a nap, for she had obviously lost sleep over the time I had been missing, I scurried to my bedroom. The room was very welcoming, and I breathed in the familiar aroma of it. My eyes rested on my bed, which my mother had evidently made in order to ease the pain by busying herself.

Lifting my eyebrows, I threw a glance at the clock. I had been instructed to make sure my mom's nap did not turn into a long slumber, for she undoubtedly didn't wish to miss this evening's celebration. I frowned; I didn't have much time to get ready.

I shuffled to my closet, and my eyes began to roam its content. Something nice… My hands rummaged through it, pulling out a different piece of clothing each time. Finally, my eyes widened, as they settled on one particular outfit that seemed to stand out. I slowly removed the dress from my closet, permitting the smooth material to run through my fingers. Suddenly, I caught my breath. For some inexplicable reason, this outfit reminded me so much of him…

Slipping the dress over my petite body, I examined myself in the full-length mirror that hung on my white wall. I twirled a curl around my finger, shivering at the girl staring back at me. The dress was crimson – as crimson as the ribbon that had been tied around that rose he had given me – and fell only to my knees. It was sleeveless, two thin strings holding the dress up. I inhaled deeply, catching the scent of the perfume Erik had bought and placed in my room in his home the day of my… kidnapping.

I grimaced. I loathed using that word. It made him sound so wicked. And he wasn't wicked at all – merely lonely. Lingering on this thought for a moment, I fixed my hair in a way that permitted half of my ringlets to rest freely against my back. Fumbling through my dresser drawer, I retrieved a bottle of gloss and applied it to my already red lips. Leaving a shimmering shine, the lip-gloss resumed its position in my dresser.

Peering at myself once more in the looking glass, I emerged from my room and went to wake my mother.

As soon as we reached the party, I had to physically force myself to smile. Of course, I had missed all of these people greatly, but I was much too distracted to be deep into conversation with anyone at the moment.

My gazed wandered around the area. We were in a region behind this French restaurant, and light pink and scarlet streamers had been strung over trees and across the back of the building. Various lights had been strategically set in specific places, as a large stereo played light music, while three police officers lurked around the party, Agent Cliff included. I suppressed a grimace; they had done that in order to make me feel safe, but it was useless. I watched, as everyone mingled. I had received copious hugs and sobs of relief from friends and family.

"Christine!" Meg squealed with a cup of punch in her hand, scampering up towards me and embracing me tightly again. "Seriously, you have no idea how good it is to have you back!" She smiled warmly, squeezing my hand. "I'm so glad you're all right - I don't know what I would do without you."

I returned the smile, but my eyes lifted to stare at the night sky. There were many stars out tonight, but only a few could be seen as a result of the lights that had been set up outside for the party. Knitting my brows together, I swallowed, and memories of that night in the rain with Erik came rushing back to me…

"Christine?" A concerned voice interrupted my thoughts. "Are you all right?"

"Oh, yes – I'm fine!" I assured her with a faint smile. "I'm just glad to be home… that's all."

Meg tilted her head, as her black pigtails brushed against her shoulders. "Christine…" She began, gently placing the cup down upon a nearby table. "If you don't mind me asking, what happened to you during this past month and a half?" She asked, perplexity glowing in her jade eyes. "I mean, when you told us that your… kidnapper let you go, you almost seemed…" Meg hesitated, biting her lip, as if she was not sure whether she should say it or not. "Sad." She ultimately finished her sentence quietly. Her eyes widened, and she grasped my hand protectively. "Did he hurt you?"

"No!" I answered rapidly, blushing. "Erik would never have harmed me, Meg. Never."

"Erik?"

My breathing slowed, while I realized his name had slipped off of my tongue. "Yes, Erik." I echoed her question. "That was his name."

Her lips parted, but all sound that was meant to flee from it was interrupted when someone took a firm hold of my hand. Jumping, I whirled around and gave a sigh of relief.

It was only Raoul.

"Excuse me for interrupting." He grinned politely. "But may I have this dance?"

My cheeks grew warm, and I began to protest, but the look in Raoul's eyes made me quickly change my mind. I stole a glance at Meg; in her green eyes, it was as if a realization had just dawned on her. But I didn't receive the chance As he led me to the area where everyone was dancing, he placed his warm hands on my hips; wrapping my arms around his neck, I drew in a deep breath and listened to the notes of the slow music that dangled in the air.

"Christine, I'm so glad you're safe." He told me, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

Flashing a smile, I nodded.

"You don't have to worry though because I'm sure the officers will find him soon!" Raoul suddenly exclaimed with determination ringing in his voice.

"Christine…"

I lifted my eyes from the floor that they had been locked on and looked at Raoul patiently. "Yes?"

Furrowing his brow, he merely stared at me. "What?"

"Didn't you say my name?"

"No." He paused before chuckling. "You must be hearing things."

I weakly smiled, scanning around me.

Nothing. Raoul was right. I must have been hearing things.

"Christine, about last night..." He began hesitantly.

Suddenly, the music unexpectedly transformed into a different tune. The abrupt change caused me to rapidly stop my movement. That music… it was slow at first, but began to pick up its pace. I practically stopped breathing, as I listened intently to the seductive melody.

"Excuse me, Sir." A luring voice that was being directed to Raoul shattered through my concentration. "May I cut in?"

My eyes grew large, as I slowly turned on my heel to gaze at the owner of the voice. Those haunting, yellow eyes stared back at me, the fire in them feverishly blazing. I felt him gently take my hand, pulling my body towards his. As soon as we began to move, I realized what was transpiring.

The tango.

In the corner of my eye, I saw Raoul moving towards us, but my best friend hastily grabbed his arm in a way of protest.

We seemingly glided, as all eyes remained locked on us; but I didn't care. His hand enticingly slid across my stomach when he twirled me around, and I shivered, leaning back against him. Our feet moved effortlessly across the ground, and I couldn't help but close my eyes when his fingers tantalizingly brushed against the skin above my chest. It was as if the music was distant, as the sound of my heartbeat over powered it. He spun me around again, this time to face him, while we continued to dance. My eyes were drawn to his and unable to blink or move in any way.

Although the music already maintained a slow tempo, it gradually began to slow even more, hinting to the dancers and watchers that the song was unfortunately coming to an end. I held my breath, as he lowered me back, my hair brushing against the floor. I wrapped my leg around his waist, remembering never actually practicing this part of the tango, but I felt as if I were in a dream… floating high on a cloud… My dress had slid down a bit, leaving my thigh bare. His slender hand rested on my thigh, as his other one supported my back. I found my arms wrapped around his neck, while he leaned his head closer to mine.

"I love you, Christine." He whispered so I could only hear, his lips brushing against my neck and causing me to shiver.

He finally lifted me up, but before I could say anything, I was violently ripped down off of the cloud I was floating upon. Police officers were surrounding him and forcing handcuffs around his wrists. Shockingly, he didn't even attempt to retaliate and break free – which I am positive he could have. Clamping my hand over my mouth, I stared down in horror, as I watched this. I felt a comforting hand rub my arm, and I turned to see Meg. Her eyes seemed to understand my emotions, and I couldn't suppress a tear from rolling down my cheek.

Raoul merely stared harshly at Erik, when his gaze soon transformed into a questioning, as he turned to look at me. My mother rushed up to me, swiftly wrapping an arm around my shoulder and pulling me close to her. The members of this party, of course, quickly began to disperse, as my mom took me home.

But I couldn't keep myself from constantly thinking about him… the way he touched me… the way he stared at me… how he had murmured "I love you."

The entire incident continued to play repeatedly in my mind, even as I drifted off to sleep that night.

A/N: I have been dying to write that chappy for ages! And I have been also impatiently waiting to write the next one, as well! R&R! Remember, I am an E/C shipper – just remember that, dearies! :-D