Disclaimer: I have no rights to Erik. All the stores used do not belong to me. I'm borrowing the use of them because I'm too lazy to make up my own plus they rock.

A/N: Thanks to all my reviewers! I'm glad you like this. I'm having so much fun writing it! And thank you for the reference of the Samson and Delilah story. In the beginning I never made the connection until now. Hits head And I'm a Catholic too! Also, I know some want Erik and Stephanie get together but this is not an EOC. I'm an E/C shipper all the way and Stephanie is helping Erik with his girl troubles. But they will have some tender moments together, but nothing leading into a serious relationship. Sorry to those who do want them together. But please continue reading! This story has a promising ending that I think you all will enjoy. Enough of my babbling and here's the next chapter!

Chapter 6- Trip to the Mall

The ride took longer than what Stephanie had expected. Normally she could get to the mall in 10 minutes, but with Erik it was a half hour.

"Miss Larson, could you please stop?" Erik moaned as his hand flew to his mouth.

"Christ," she hissed. "Let me park first. Can you hold it?"

She got a muffled answer so Stephanie took it as a "yes". Ever since they stepped into the vehicle Erik was experiencing carsickness. And she was driving slowly too! She could understand if the car was jerky or she was going too fast, but 25 mph was apparently too much for the Opera Ghost. She quickly pulled into the nearest spot just in time as Erik jumped out and more of his breakfast came out.

"Never… have… I… been-sick!" he paused and then went on. "It's your fault!"

"Hold on. Rule number 1: Don't blame others on your misfortunes. You got sick on your own. I was taking the precautions so you won't be by driving slow!" she shouted.

"That… that thing should burn in Hell!" he spat.

"Erik, telling my car to go to Hell isn't going to make it happen. I tried it before. Let's go inside and please try not to bring attention to yourself," Stephanie pleaded.

Famous last words. As soon as they stepped into the Royal Oak Mall, all the shops and people astounded Erik. He walked behind Stephanie in awe, his mouth hanging open, his blue eyes lighting up. He went off on a tangent of the architecture that twice she had to tell him to keep his voice down. A few people stopped and stared at the masked man who couldn't get over the mall.

"Erik!" Stephanie exclaimed. "Shut up! People are looking at us!"

"I can't help it," he said. "I always thought my Opera house was the building of perfection and yet this mall has some potential to it."

"Glad to know that. Let's grab something to eat at the food court and then we'll go shopping."

They quickly headed over to the court. Many different smells greeted the hungry Phantom's nostrils. There was so much to choose from! Sandwiches, salads, Chinese food, and something called a pizza. Stephanie ordered a slice of pepperoni and Erik decided to give it a try. Once he took a bite, Erik went to pizza Heaven. Stephanie ended up buying three more slices for him as he gobble all them done. When they finished lunch, Stephanie gave Erik a little tour through the mall.

One store that attracted him was a strange name, Hot Topic. Mostly because of the black shirts you could find in there. Smiling, Stephanie led him inside and they both bought a shirt. Stephanie got a Napoleon Dynamite one that says, "Flippin Sweet!" and Erik selected a Family Guy shirt with Stewie that read, "I like you. When I rule the world, I'll make sure your death is quick and painless". They left the store to look for more clothes for the Opera Ghost, first stop: JC Penny.

2 Hours Later-

Shopping with Erik was like shopping with your little brother. He had a fit over almost everything Stephanie picked out for him. It was too tight, too light, too short, too long, the list went on. Amazing, they found a few outfits to Erik's liking- a couple of black vests and black pants with three cotton white shirts, a dark green long-sleeved shirt with a pair of brown pants, and a black muscle shirt and gray sweats. Stephanie didn't bother to fight with him over the majority of black clothes. The workers seemed to be amused with Erik and his pickiness on clothes. She couldn't help but crack a smile.

When they finished, they ventured over to FYE. Stephanie thought perhaps Erik would enjoy the music section. She found him staring at the numerous Phantom soundtracks. He was going through each one reading the names of the stars that played him and Christine.

"There's a lot of these," he commented. "Am I that popular?"

She chuckled lightly. "You are. It's one of the most famous stories of all. Andrew Lloyd Webber did the story justice. In fact, you also have phans."

"Phans?" he repeated. "Yup," she answered. "A bunch of them. They all think you're wonderful and hot. With that kind of loyalty do you still think bad about yourself?"

"That's difficult to explain Miss Larson," Erik said. "My life hasn't been the normal one I desired. I grew up abused and neglected and exposed to all forms of hatred and violence over my face. One can't help but find the root of the problem within themselves and therefore loathe oneself. The world can be a cruel place, I know, but there are times in the deepest depths of darkness where light may shine through. Christine is my light and I never want to let her go." He lightly traced the outline of Emmy Rossum and looked at it sadly.

"That's what I'm trying to do." She smiled warmly and Erik returned it fully. "And I appreciate it even if I don't sound it."

She playfully punched his arm and smirked. "Good. It's going to get brutal soon. Do you want me to buy your own copy?"

"That would be nice but I'm afraid I don't have the equipment to listen to it as you do."

"Consider it as a gift," she continued. "Come on. You know you want it."

Erik let out a booming laugh. "Thank you for the offer Miss Larson but I have no need for it."

"Final offer."

"I'm fine thank you."

"Okay." She glanced down at her watch and gasped. "It's getting late. We should go."

Erik nodded and together they left the store. They were going down the escalator when Stephanie felt her heart stopped. Coming up on the opposite side was Dan. Quickly, she turned to stare off at nothing and prayed he wouldn't notice her.

Erik watched with interest at Stephanie's sudden change in behavior. What could be bothering her? he wondered. He stole a quick look at what caused the girl to hide. A boy, around her age, was coming up with a couple of friends. He had short spike jet-black hair like Erik's and a strong built and muscle from years of playing in soccer. His eyes were an intense gray that showed wisdom and kindness, which Erik quickly noted like his good friend Mme. Giry. He seemed like a good-natured fellow and a great match for Stephanie.

They hit the bottom and Stephanie practically flew out of the mall. Erik ran to catch up to her and when he did he stopped her. "Miss Larson, care to explain what happened in there?"

"What are you talking about? It's late we have to leave-"

Erik cut her off. "It was that boy wasn't it? Don't lie my dear I could easily tell he has an impact on you. Who is he?"

"His name is Dan Shaw," Stephanie sighed. "If you want me to admit I like him I do. I really do."

"If you like him then why not talk to him?"

"It's not as simple as it looks Erik," she said softly and gently ran her hand over her left eye.

"Why?" he persisted. "Surely you're not shy!"

"It's complicated, okay? Just let it be."

"No Miss Larson I would like to know why! If you don't think you're not good enough for him then you're crazy," he cried.

"Erik, you're not my mother or father so let it be! It's none of your business!" she shouted. Stephanie went into her car and slammed the door. Erik went in without another word.

The ride back was silent. Stephanie felt bad for yelling at Erik and realized how bad the impression came off as. If he doesn't think I'm not capable in having a relationship then he won't want these lessons anymore! Good going Steph, now your favorite couple might not ever get together!

Erik was debating with himself but not about the lessons. He couldn't seem to figure this girl out. She's intelligent and has sharp-wits and yet unsure of herself, he thought. And I know it has to deal with that damn eye! I wonder if it's lazy that's why she's hiding it?

Stephanie pulled in the driveway and glanced around. Her parents weren't home… yet. That gave her some time to talk to Erik alone.

"Erik, I want to apologize for yelling at you," she said, not meeting his eyes. "I shouldn't have bitten your head off like that. It's just… my situation is different than yours. You're a guy so handling this isn't much of a problem, but for a girl it's a different story. Do you see where I'm getting at?"

"A little but Miss Larson you're quite a charming girl. I'm sure that Dan lad will court you."

She let out an unsettling laugh. "When pigs fly, but it was a sweet thought. I understand if you don't want me to help anymore…"

"No! I do need your help! Without learning the ways of the female mind how can I get Christine to love me? You're my only hope!" he interrupted.

"Really? Well if you put it that way then all right. Let's go and I'll grab you some dinner."

While they were entering the house Erik vowed to himself he would help her get the intentions of Dan.

TBC…

And there's the mall. Hmm, does Dan remind you of someone? Erik dolls for all my lovely reviewers! Don't forget to review!