Flare: Hey all! Well despite lack of reviews, I have decided to continue!

S. Holdcroft: Thanx 4 the review! Glad to see 'm on yer list!

Blondie; HI ANGEL!!!!!!!!! Glad u liked it!

Jessy; More for you!

Neonn; Wow... lol, u and I have so much in common! LOL!

And a special thanx 2 Dan (Falagad), 4 without his pushing, this chappie wouldn't be here.

Erik awoke in the dinginess of his coffin bed with a start, a child's face dancing in his mind.

Was it all a dream? He asked himself it must have been. He closed his eyes and relaxed back into his bed.

No child would dare stay with me... He began to fall back to sleep when a soft touch pulled him into wakefulness.

"Father." Éowess whispered shyly. "It's scary down here."

Erik blinked, still not believing she was real. Had he truly "adopted" the small child? She shivered slightly and whispered,

"May I sleep with you?"

Erik blinked again and nodded as Éowess clamored in beside him smiling.

"Do you not like your room my beauty?" he asked, recalling how Christine had hated it.

"No father, "the child yawned, but I was lonely without you when I woke up. I missed you..."

"M...missed...me...?" Erik asked amazed.

"Yes..." the child murmured, dozing once more, a smile dancing upon her lips. Erik glanced at the tattered, ragged form asleep upon his breast and smiled, stroking her, now clean, golden locks.

"Father..." she murmured again.

"Yes my dear?"

"Will you sing to me?" Erik held back tears as he gathered her closer.

"Of course my lovely."

"Innocent child,

So kind, so loving,

Yearning for my shelter,

Beautiful girl,

My darling daughter,

Nothing shall be denied you."

As the girl slept Erik noted her clothes again.

Can't do much with those. She'll need new ones, or at least a new dress. He observed silently. But I am no tailor, and I can't very well go out and buy her a new one. Erik sighed inwardly so as not to upset the sleeping child. Suddenly and idea popped into his head.

Madame Giry he thought, perhaps she has some of Meg's old clothing, or at least something for Éowess to entertain herself with.

He peered once more at Éowess, his child. I'll take her tomorrow. He decided, Madame Giry will assist me.

Éowess shuffled lightly, now awake, to peer into his face.

"Father, "she paused, "You've stopped singing."

"So I have." He murmured, toying with her hair, causing the child to smile. An idea occurred to him suddenly.

"Éowess, would you like to go to the opera tomorrow evening?" Éowess' eyes brightened.

"Really? Oh, can we father? Please Father, can we go?!" Erik laughed gently.

"Yes my little one, I need to see a friend about you anyway."

"Really? Who?" the child questioned. "Will I like them?"

"Madame Giry, and yes, I believe you will like her."

"Will she like me?" the child asked fearfully. The phantom laughed.

"How could anyone not like you my curious little kitten?" The child smiled at him.

"I would love to see the opera."

"Good, then it's settled. Now get some rest, you have a big day ahead of you tomorrow my pet."

Éowess dozed off smiling against Erik's chest, and for the first time in so long, Erik smiled too, excited to what the next morn's events would bring.

KK ppl! Review or I'll sick Carlotta on you! Lolololol!

Flare