Disclaimer: -Pouts- I do not own Erik! Bah Humbug!

A/N: Sorry for the long wait! I've been stuck with homework and other things that I didn't have the time to edit and post. Thank you for being patient with me!

I'm sad to say this but the next chapter is the last. I know some of you have been asking me if I was going to do a sequel and I' m sorry to say there isn't going to be one. I didn't plan on doing one when I first wrote this and I still don't. Reasons why is that I know if I didn't think of it beforehand then doing one out of blue will cause writer's block and then I have to stop it. I've done it before and I hate to start one and not finish. But I have other good stories that are coming up so I hope you'll plan on sticking around for them.

Chapter 27- You're Ready

The night went by quickly and Erik was solely upset it had to come to an end. But just as Stephanie promised, she showed up and took Erik home. His excuse to Christa for having a chauffeur was that his car was totaled. He mentally shrugged to himself at the ludicrous reason, but he seen it on the television and seemed right to use to explain his mask.

During the ride back Erik told Stephanie about his date. She had to admit, she was a bit surprise when he came out and told the girl the whole truth, well, partial truth that is. But since she was so understanding, Stephanie assumed it was probably for the best. She would hate to see what would have happened if there wasn't another guy involved.

But, she did think it was odd how similar Christa's story was to Erik's real life. Could it be a coincidence? Or something beyond? She shrugged to herself. Whatever it is, I hope she finds happiness with this Eliot.

Erik couldn't believe he did this. He actually went out like any other normal man would do to court a lady. He didn't feel bad as before and Stephanie was right when she told him it would be good practice. He now felt more confident in his abilities to woo Christine. There was no doubt in his mind.

Stephanie got Erik into the house, unnoticed, and when they got to her room she was practically squealing for joy.

"Erik I'm so proud of you! See? See? Didn't I tell you? Now you're ready to go and kick Raoul's pathetic little wimpy butt in the love game! I think I might cry."

"Please, Miss Larson, don't shed any tears for me, but I thank you for your happiness. I'll tell you this is the next best thing to happen in my life, but it doesn't beat meeting you."

"C'mon Erik. You had it in you all along. You just needed a push in the right direction that's all," she said flattered. "But you coming here was the best thing to happen to me. At least I got to know that Dan might like me thanks to you."

Erik went over and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. "I think you underestimated him and his feelings for you. No matter what happens he likes you. Or could it be you forgotten that despite what the hero does in your movies, there's the chance he might be shy in going to you to ask you for your hand and will accept any distractions that keeps him from doing so."

He let her go and bowed his head. "Good night Miss Larson. I wish you pleasant dreams."

And later that night, Erik fell into a deep slumber and dreamt once more about Christine:

Erik found himself in the little sanctuary looking down at a single candle alit. Christine was here, that he knew, but where was she now?

"Erik," she called.

He whirled around and gaped at his Angel. She wore a thin pink gown that clung to her body, outlining her curves. Her hair was a wild mess and those observant orbs were glazed over with love and adoration.

"Erik," she repeated and smiled at his attention. "It's time."

"Yes," he said, knowing that everything has finally clicked. "I know it now. Oh Christine, I missed you! Please, forgive me, for being with another-"

"Shh," she whispered. She went towards him and cupped his face removing the mask, and gently stroking his marred cheek. "I forgive you because you love me and that's all I need to know."

With that she sealed the distance between them and kissed him fully on the lips. Erik gasped at the amazing sensation of her lips upon his own and almost wept from the loss of contact as she moved away.

"I'll be waiting," Christine promised and pulled him into another passionate kiss.

TBC…

Hopefully tomorrow I'll get the last chapter posted, until then… don't forget to review!