From Angel's Eyes

Chapter Nineteen

Erik checked his watch. 6:30 already. He picked up his coat and headed for the theatre exit. A singer called goodbye and he nodded.

He walked down the steps of the Opera House and began the ten block walk to his penthouse. The managers had certainly spared no expense when it came to his needs and wants. A luxury accommodation close to the Opera House, a generous salary and as much freedom as he desired when it come to the production of the opera.

He spoke to Nadir regularly and his employee would be flying out that day to join him. There was more than enough room for the two of them. The penthouse was big enough for at least four people to live in. And yet he almost wished Nadir were staying England. He was Erik's only tie to her.

He hadn't gone after her that night. He should have done. He knew that. But her words had struck home and Erik had already made up his mind to leave. So he had.

God, he missed her. Erik would never have admitted it to anyone, but he could admit it to himself. He missed her more than he could have thought possible. It was unbearable, waking up every morning to an empty bed. Knowing that he could have had her. Knowing that she could have been his forever, that she would willingly have stayed with him… and he had dismissed her for the sake of music. His most faithful mistress and truest companion of all now seemed insignificant. It could not fill the aching gap that Christine had left in his life.

And he knew he had no one to blame for that except himself. Because he hadn't gone after her whilst he had the chance.

Erik arrived at his building and stepped inside. He went to the elevator and pressed a button, waiting as the machine carried him up to the top floor. He stepped out and went to his door, unlocking it. Stepping into the luxurious apartment, he hung his coat up. The weather was warm and humid. He would have welcomed rain to clear the air. Instead he opted for a shower. The hot water cascaded over him. He bent his head, allowing the water to drip from his hair, down his face. He stood still for some time before turning the tap to halt the flow of water.

He dressed in loose, comfortable clothes and went to pour himself a drink. The phone rang and he answered it.

"Erik Destler speaking."

"It's Nadir. I'm off the plane and I'm just getting a taxi. I should be with you in an hour."

"Of course. How was the flight?"

"Terrible film on and the food was nauseating." Nadir said cheerfully. "See you soon."

Erik hung up the phone and considered food. He should eat something, although since his arrival in New York, he found he was rarely hungry. But Nadir would want food after his flight. He ordered food and was assured that it would be there within half an hour.

To fill the time he sat at the table, spreading his opera notes over it, running through already made plans, jotting down fresh ideas and sketching costume designs. The food arrived and he put it in the oven to keep it warm whilst he waited for Nadir, returning to his work. It was such a cliché, he thought wryly. A heartbroken man burying himself in his work, just so he wouldn't have to think about the woman who brought him to this pathetic state.

There was a knock on the door at just past eight. Erik answered it and smiled to see his friend on the doorstep, carrying several suitcases.

"Nadir."

"Hello Erik." Nadir grinned and they sort of half-hugged, that awkward display of affection men show even when there's no one watching.

"Come in. There's food in the oven." Erik said, holding the door open.

"Excellent, I'm starving!" Nadir said happily, dumping his suitcases to one side. Erik pulled the food out of the oven and started to pile it onto two plates.

When they were sat down with food, Erik looked at him, opened his mouth to speak, closed it again and continued to pick at his food. Nadir lifted an eyebrow.

"You can ask about her, you know."

"I know." Erik said, but he didn't say anything further. Nadir sighed.

"I saw her briefly at the dance for the cast."

"How was she?" Erik asked quietly. Nadir considered.

"She looked… well, she looked amazing. But only because of the dress she was wearing. I suspect one of her friends had helped make her up. But she wasn't happy."

Erik put down his fork. He wasn't hungry. Nadir watched him for a moment and then stood up.

"I think I'll go to bed. Long flight."

"Second door on the left."

"Thank you." Nadir smiled and disappeared, picking up one of his suitcases.

Erik took his plate to the sink and rinsed it, cleaning the surface slowly. His eyes fell on the abandoned notes and pieces of paper. He pushed them messily into a folder and left them for the night.


Christine sat, wondering what the hell she was doing. Two weeks, she had spent, trying to convince herself that she didn't care for him. Wasted time, it would appear. The first chance to see him and she had jumped on a plane and flown thousands of miles just to sit in a New York hotel room and regret her decision before even seeing him. Nadir had told her that he would call her that evening and organise a way of letting Erik know that she was here.

She reached for the phone and called Meg.

"Hey Christine. How was the flight?"

"It was OK. How's Trister?"

"Oh, he's great. We've been playing with his squeaky toys." Meg said cheerfully. Christine smiled faintly.

"Thanks for taking him, Meg."

"No problem. Are you OK? I'm still not so sure that it was a good idea you going."

"I'm not sure either. But I'm a little stuck now." Christine pointed out. Meg laughed.

"Good point. Well, if things get bad, just come home, OK? I'll make sure Max and Tom know where you are. Otherwise they'll start panicking and ring the police."

"They do overreact a lot." Christine agreed. "I'll call you later."

"OK. Enjoy New York!"

Christine put the phone down and ran a hand through her hair.

"What am I doing here?" She said to herself. This was stupid. When had she become so spontaneous? And what was Erik going to think when she showed up on his doorstep? What would she even say to him?

This was pure ridiculousness. But Christine couldn't bring herself to ring the airport and book a flight home.


Nadir rang Christine the next morning, when he knew Erik was in the shower and wouldn't overhear.

"Hello?" She answered sleepily.

"It's me. We're going to the theatre in about an hour. I'll send a taxi to pick you up."

"OK."

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"I don't know. We'll see soon enough." She said dryly.

Christine dressed quickly, looking through her hastily packed suitcase for an outfit. She wanted to look good. The weather was warm and bright. She went downstairs to the hotel restaurant. Christine was too nervous to eat, her stomach jumping about. The waitress smiled at her.

"Would you like to order?"

"Some tea, please."

"Anything to eat?"

"No, thank you." Christine said, twisting her napkin. The waitress hesitated and then asked,

"Are you OK?"

"Oh… yes. Thank you." Christine smiled briefly and the waitress went to fetch her tea.

After sipping her tea anxiously for a while, Christine wandered out of the restaurant. A hotel worker approached her.

"Miss Danes? There's a taxi waiting for you."

"Thanks." Christine said and hurried outside, climbing into the car. The driver a cheerful man smiled at her.

"The New York Opera House, right ma'am?"

"Yes please." Christine said.

"You're a fan?"

"I'm sorry?" She said, puzzled. He looked at her in his mirror.

"Of the opera."

Christine blinked and then said,

"Oh, I… I haven't been to the Opera House before."

"You're not from around here, I'm guessing by the accent."

"No. I flew out yesterday." Christine said.

"Sightseeing?"

"Sort of. I'm… visiting a friend."

"At the Opera House?"

"He works there."

"Ah." The driver fell silent and then began to whistle to himself, allowing Christine some relieved time to herself.

The car pulled to a stop outside a magnificent building. Christine paid the driver and climbed up, staring at the building. It was one of the biggest she had ever seen, exquisitely decorated and architecturally enchanting.

And Erik was inside.

Christine felt a tight fist of ice and fear grip her heart and for a moment she considered running back to the car. But she forced herself to climb the steps towards the doors and go in. Once she was there, she found she had no idea where she was going. A man of about thirty was passing with a newspaper and she stopped him.

"Excuse me… do you work here?"

"I do, ma'am." He said, smiling. "Can I help you?"

"I'm looking for someone who works here."

"Have they got a name?" He asked.

"…Erik Destler."

He grinned.

"Oh, Mr Destler! Of course, he'll be in the main theatre. I'll take you there." He began to lead her through luxurious corridors. He glanced at her sideways.

"From England, right?"

"Yes."

"You knew Mr Destler there? I know he's British as well."

"Yes, I… I knew him." Christine said quietly.

"I'm Mike Brickson."

"Christine Danes." She replied.

"How long you in town for?"

"I have no idea. I only flew out yesterday on the spur of the moment."

He grinned.

"Why'd you do that?"

"Seemed like a good idea at the time." She admitted. Mike laughed and pushed open a door.

"He'll be in there. Looks like they're having a break from rehearsals."

Christine went into the room and her jaw dropped. She had thought the local Opera House had been extravagant. She stood corrected. It seemed pathetic compared to this room. Hundreds of seats swept towards a magnificent stage, dancers and singers strolling around, chatting, musicians sat with their instruments, drinking coffee.

Christine felt sick. She walked very slowly towards the stage, clutching her bag to her tightly, staring around her for a familiar face. A woman smiled at her.

"You OK, honey? You've gone a little pale." Christine nodded nervously and the woman said, "You looking for someone?"

"Erik… Erik Destler." Christine stammered. The woman smiled and whistled piercingly.

"Hey, Mr Destler! You've got a visitor!"

Christine turned sharply. Standing on a corner of the stage, talking earnestly with a male performer was the tall figure of Erik Destler, his black hair gleaming in the stage lights and his white mask scowling at the room. He turned when the woman called and his eyes rested on Christine. His eyes promptly widened and he dropped the scorebook he was holding. It clattered to the stage, earning several glances.

"Christine?" He said in amazement. Christine felt the air rush from her lungs. She couldn't… she had to leave. She turned and began to run up the aisle. But Erik jumped off the stage, pushing through performers who all turned to watch. Christine was a couple of metres from the door when Erik caught her arm and pulled her around. She stared up at him, her eyes wide, tears threatening.

Erik stared down at her. God, had she always been this beautiful? His memories of her, his constant attempts to summon a picture of her to his mind had never managed to capture that beauty.

"Christine, you're here… what are you…? How…?" He couldn't go on. Christine licked her lips and then burst out,

"I don't know. I don't… I just… Oh God…" A tear escaped her eye. Erik compulsively lifted a hand to wipe it away, his hand cupping her cheek. She pressed her face into his palm without meaning to.

Erik couldn't help it. He didn't mean to do it, but he just couldn't not do it. He kissed her. Christine couldn't move at first but then her hands slid up into his hair and he pulled her against him and all the anger and love she felt for him poured out through their kiss.

When he eventually pulled away, she stared at him. And then she took a step back. Erik didn't know what to say. After a moment Christine said chokingly,

"I shouldn't have come here."

"What?" He said in disbelief. She shook her head.

"What am I doing? I shouldn't have come."

"Christine…"

"For God's sake, Erik! The last time I saw you, you were practically jumping onto the plane! I was so pissed off and I was trying to just forget about you and then as soon as Nadir suggested I come, I agree straight away!"

"Nadir brought you?"

"Yes, he… I've got to go."

She turned quickly but Erik caught her again, turning her back.

"Wait a damn minute, Christine. You can't just show up like this, kiss me like that and then run off back to England!"

"Why not, Erik? You showed up in my life, made me fall in love with you and ran off to America at the first chance!" Christine shot back. Erik closed his eyes.

"And you don't think that I've been regretting that ever since?"

"But you didn't call or write or anything." Christine pointed out.

"Because I thought you hated me!" Erik said angrily. Christine glared at him.

"Well, then, you're an idiot, aren't you?"

"How am I an idiot?" He demanded. Christine ground her teeth.

"Because if you had the slightest bit of common sense you'd realise that I'm completely in love with you!"

"You told me that you didn't care!"

"I was lying!" Christine shouted, as thought it had been obvious.

"Well, who's fault is that?" Erik roared.

They glared at each other and then Christine said furiously,

"If you'd just bloody told me that you were coming to America, I wouldn't have been so angry!"

"You didn't exactly give me a chance to explain myself, Christine!"

"Well, you didn't have to wait until two hours before you were leaving the country before letting me know! I don't suppose you're going to tell me why you didn't tell me?"

"If you must know, I was afraid!" Erik spat.

"Afraid of what?"

"Afraid that you'd hate me!"

"I don't hate you, Erik, I love you! Now shut the hell up!"

And with that she seized him and kissed him again. Erik couldn't move, simply through shock. Then Christine fell back and glared at him.

"I've had enough shit from you, Erik. So just tell me – do you want to be with me?"

"Of course I do."

"Good. Because we're going to sit down and find a way to make this work, with me finishing university and you being here working on the show and we're damn well going to do it right. With both of us knowing what the other one is planning for the next nine months."

"We'd better, because I'm tired of shouting." Erik said. Christine looked at him, a solemn expression on her face. And then she glanced at the open-mouthed members of the Opera House and waved.

"Hi. Christine Danes. Nice to meet you."

Erik could have laughed. But Christine looked up at him.

"When do you finish?"

"I'll cancel rehearsal and be with you in ten minutes."

"In which case, I'm going to wait outside." She said and turned towards the doors. But then she paused and turned back to the crowd, looking awkward.

"Sorry for interrupting." And then she vanished.

Erik scratched the back of his head, wondering what the hell had just happened and if he'd fallen asleep again. One of the singers said,

"She seems… nice."

"Rehearsal is cancelled. Get out of here." Erik said, almost bewildered.


Christine sat in the lobby, chewing her fingernail. The strength that had supported her through the confrontation with Erik had long since departed. A shadow appeared over her and she looked up at Erik. He considered her for a moment and then said,

"Come on."

He headed for the door and Christine followed him, half-running to keep up with his swift pace.

"Where are we going?" She asked breathlessly.

"My apartment. Nadir is there. He has a few things to explain." He said shortly. They walked the rest of the way in silence. Christine barely had time to marvel at the sights of New York and by the time they stood in the elevator, she was panting. Erik still didn't speak as he hit the button for the top floor. Christine watched the lights flash, signalling their ascent to the upper levels of the building.

She felt like she should say something. But she didn't know what so she stayed silent. The doors opened and she followed Erik to a door. He unlocked it and stepped inside, holding it open for her. Christine barely had time to take in the splendour of the apartment before Erik had shouted angrily for Nadir.

The dark skinned man appeared, dressed in comfortable clothes and smiling cheerfully.

"You're back early. Hello Christine. How was the hotel?" He said casually, moving into the room. Erik glared at him.

"Explain yourself, Nadir. What the hell were you thinking?"

"I don't know what you mean, Erik. Coffee?"

"No, I don't want coffee." Erik said, befuddled.

Nadir poured himself some and looked at Christine.

"Would you like some?"

"Uh… OK." She said, also confused at both of their behaviours. Erik looked at Nadir.

"Is an explanation too much to ask?"

"There's really very little to explain. I asked Christine if she wanted to come, she said yes, I brought her and organised for a taxi to take her to the Opera House this morning. By the way, I can't quite figure out how to work the television. Is there any chance of getting BBC?"

Erik stared at him. He had brought the woman Erik loved to the country without telling him and his main priority was getting a television channel. Nadir simply smiled serenely, passing coffee to Christine. She accepted it silently and Nadir rubbed his hands in a businesslike manner.

"Well, I think I'll take a walk. Back soon." He vanished. Erik stared after him and then shook his head in disbelief.

"That was… odd." He said slowly. Christine nodded, staring at her coffee. All the doubts were back, and they'd brought friends.

Erik watched her for a moment and then asked quietly,

"Why did you agree to come? I'd have thought that you'd refuse without question."

"Because I wanted to see you." She said quietly. She lifted her eyes to meet his. "Erik, I was angry with you. Not so much for leaving, but not thinking to tell me first."

"I wanted to tell you. For days, I just kept telling myself 'you've got to tell her before its too late' but every time I saw you I just… I couldn't do it." He admitted.

She considered him for a moment and then put her coffee cup down on a nearby surface, turning and walking slowly around the large living space, stopping by the windows, offering an incredible view of the bustling city. She looked out and then turned to look at Erik again, from across the room. For some reason, putting this space between them made things easier. Almost as if it were a barrier, protecting her from anything he might say that could hurt her.

Erik noticed the suddenly guarded expression on her face and wasn't entirely unsure that he didn't have a similar look on his own features. Christine seemed at a loss of what to say. Eventually she settled for,

"How is the Opera going?"

"It's going well. We haven't been doing much yet. Running though the score, some basic choreography. We've got several months of practise yet." Erik said slowly. Christine nodded and began to pick at her fingernail, a nervous habit.

After some time they both began to speak, stopping when they realised the other was talking. Christine smiled faintly.

"You go first." She said.

"Very well. Christine, I… I meant what I said. I do want to be with you. And you clearly think that there is a way of making this work. I'll do anything. Whatever I may have led you to believe, you mean far more to me than a career in an Opera House." Erik said solemnly. He breathed deeply and said, "I want to make you happy, Christine. Whatever it takes."

Christine gazed at him and then smiled slightly. She tucked her hair behind her ears and began to think things through sensibly.

"OK… obviously you need to be here. And I need to be in England, to finish my course. Unless I take a gap year, which is always an option. But then there's the house and my friends and Trister and Trisha, Jack and the girls…" She fell silent, thinking. Erik considered too and then said,

"Or you stay in England and fly out during holidays and even some weekends."

"That could work too." Christine agreed. She looked at him and said quietly, "But if this show goes well, which it will because you couldn't produce anything less than perfection, they'll want you to do more shows, won't they?"

Erik hadn't thought of that.

"It's a possibility." He admitted.

"And if that happened…" She couldn't finish. The idea of moving out here wasn't so terrible. She hadn't seen much of New York, but she had always wanted to visit and see the sights. It would be a wonderful experience to live here. The problem was what she was leaving behind. Her family, her friends, her home. Her parents.

Erik saw the doubt in her face and crossed the room, not moving close enough to touch her. Not yet. But he said,

"I could go back to England after the show. Turn them down, if they ask me to do more work."

"Don't be an idiot. You'd love to do more work here. This isn't about me, Erik, it's about us. That means the two of us." Christine said sharply. She breathed heavily. "You know what? Let's just get through this show. See how that works out. What are we going to do for now?"

Neither of them spoke, both contemplating. Eventually Erik said,

"You decide. This is going to affect you most, with your course."

"If all else fails I could pick it up here. I'm sure there's a university or an evening course doing a similar course." Christine said. She looked up at him and bit her lip. "Erik… you have to understand – I didn't mean what I said that night. I was just angry and stupid."

He looked at her, a slight frown on his brow. Christine looked down.

"I'm sorry." She said quietly, her voice breaking. Erik lifted her chin with a hand, so her face looked up at his.

"Don't be." He said hoarsely, pulling her into his arms.


Nadir returned to the apartment an hour later. He supposed that that would be enough time for Christine and Erik to at least talk a few things out. Unless it turned out that they'd had a huge argument and Christine had stormed off back to the hotel, leaving Erik to sulk.

Well, that was the worst case scenario. He could hope for better, he decided as he opened the door to the penthouse. What he saw made him smile slightly. Christine and Erik were sat on the sofa, not kissing or even hugging, but both with smiles on their faces, talking in a way that suggested blood was not about to be spilt.

"Is it safe for me to come in?" He asked. Christine smiled at him.

"Yes. Come on in."

"Although I'm still not sure whether I should fire you or give you a raise." Erik said, quirking an eyebrow. Nadir smiled.

"I'd prefer the second, if that helps influence your decision." He said, taking a seat in a nearby chair. He looked from one to the other. "So… had a chance to talk?"

"Yes. We're just sorting out a few details." Erik said, settling back in his chair.

"Oh?"

"I'm going to move out here for the school year. I'll bring Trister and everything I need. I can rent the house out to students; they're always looking for accommodation. And then, when I've finished university, we'll go back to England, at least for the summer. If Erik gets more work here, we'll take it as it comes." Christine explained.

Nadir smiled.

"That's a big decision." He commented.

"Tell me about it. It won't be easy. I mean, leaving Meg, Max, Tom, not to mention my family…" Her voice trailed away and Erik reached across and squeezed her hand. She smiled at him. "But I think it'll be worth it. As long as Erik isn't offered a job in Australia and neglects to tell me."

"I wouldn't dare. Not after this." Erik said solemnly. Nadir laughed but was interrupted by Christine's stomach rumbling. She flushed.

"Sorry. I was too nervous to eat breakfast."

"Food it is." Erik said and went into the kitchen. Christine knelt up and looked over the back of the sofa to stare as he dug around in the fridge, pulling out food.

"Erik, you can't cook." She said. He smirked.

"I learnt."

"In two weeks?"

"I learnt fast."

Christine turned and looked at Nadir who shrugged and turned on the television, searching for a BBC channel.


After a delicious meal and some general catching up of the past two weeks, Erik turned to Christine.

"You should call your aunt."

"I know… except I really don't want to." She admitted. Erik lifted his eyebrows and she groaned. "Oh, fine. But I'll wait until I get back to England."

"When are you going back?"

"In a couple of days. I've got a lot to sort out." Christine said. Erik looked at Nadir.

"Could you look into local music courses? Find out which is the best."

"Of course. I'll get on it first thing tomorrow." Nadir promised. He stood up. "But I'm going to bed now. I'm still rather jetlagged."

He disappeared into his bedroom and Erik looked at Christine.

"You're sure about this?"

"Yes. I know it's all ridiculously fast and completely illogical and no doubt everyone will think I'm being an idiot… but I want to do this." Christine said seriously. Then she smiled. "Besides… just because you can cook, doesn't mean you're capable of doing your own laundry. Bet you didn't learn that, did you?"

The look on his face was more than enough to get her laughing. Eventually she calmed down and said,

"I missed you."

"I missed you too."

"Can we just sort of… forget the whole thing? I don't want that hanging over us. Can't we just go back to the way we were?" Christine asked. Erik smiled.

"I think we'll manage. Now, get your shoes on."

"What? Why?" Christine asked, reaching for her shoes. Erik stood up and gave her a sly smile.

"You're in one of the most amazing cities in the world. I'm not letting you leave before you've seen it


Christine chose to go back to the hotel that night. She told Erik,

"I know we've got everything sorted now but I don't want to rush things right away."

"It's understandable." He said as they stood outside the hotel doors. She turned to face him and smiled slightly.

"I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Come to the theatre and watch the rehearsal." He told her and she nodded.

"Goodnight Erik."

"Goodnight." He said and kissed her softly before turning and walking away.

Christine couldn't help smiling. He still managed to send shivers up and down her spine. Quite a talent, that.


Christine flew back to England two days later, on Tuesday. Erik didn't go with her to the airport. He had to go to the theatre and for a man who was rather self-conscious and wore a mask, a crowded airport terminal wasn't the most inviting place for him to visit. Nadir went with her instead and when they reached her gate, he turned to her.

"Make sure you call Erik as soon as you get home, or he'll have my head."

"I promise." Christine laughed and hugged him, to his surprise. "Thanks for persuading me to come, Nadir."

He smiled.

"You're welcome. But the next time you have an argument, try to stay on the same continent. It makes life that much easier."

"OK, it's a deal. Goodbye, Nadir."

"Have a safe flight." He said and stepped back.

Christine turned and handed her passport and ticket to the attendant before moving through the corridor to the plane.


She dumped her things in the hallway when she got home and went to the telephone. There were two messages, both from Trisha.

It's only me, Christine. Just checking in to see how you are. All me back.

It's Trisha again. Is everything OK or did you just not get my other message? Call me soon, Christine.

Christine dialled her number as she went to the kitchen.

"Hello?"

"Hi Jack, it's Christine."

"Hey Christine. Where've you been? Trisha left a couple of messages for you."

"I know, I just got them. I've been… away."

"Why do I sense that there's more to this then you're letting on?" He asked shrewdly. Christine lifted her eyebrows.

"Because you're a very intuitive man."

"Hmm. Here's Trisha."

A moment later Trisha's voice sounded.

"Christine?"

"Hi Trisha."

"Is everything OK?" Her aunt asked worriedly. Christine smiled.

"It's fine. I had spur of the moment trip."

"Trip to where?"

"Uh… New York." There was stunned silence. Christine waited nervously for a reaction.

"You went to see him?"

"Yeah. I don't know why I did it. But Nadir showed up on my doorstep with a ticket and asked if I wanted to come and I just said yes before I even thought about it." Christine said, pouring herself some water.

"What happened?"

"Well… we've talked things through and… I'm moving out to New York. Just for the school year. I'm going to finish my course there and then Erik and I are going to come back to England, at least for a while."

"Christine, are you sure about this? It's a huge commitment."

"I know. And yes, I am sure. I need him, Trisha. I know that sounds stupid, but I'll do anything to be with him." Christine said quietly.

For a while, her aunt didn't speak. And then she said,

"It's your choice, Christine. But God help me, if you don't stay in contact, I'll come to New York myself and kick your backside from there to France!"


When Christine got to Meg's house, her friend was in the back garden with Trister, Tom and Max. Christine heard them talking and walked around the side of the house, leaning over the fence.

"Hey guys." She said. They all looked up and Meg jumped.

"Oh my god, Christine!"

"When did you get back?"

"What's going on?"

Christine opened the gate and went through. She was instantly knocked over by Trister launching himself at her. She laughed and hugged the wriggling dog, getting to her feet.

"OK, I missed you too." She sat down on the grass beside her friends and Meg grinned at her.

"OK, what happened with Erik? Please let it be good news!"

"Partly good, partly bad." Christine said. Tom lifted an eyebrow.

"OK, what's the good news?"

"The good news is that Erik and I made up. We sorted everything out and… well, I love him, so it worked out quite well really."

"And the bad news?" Max asked.

Christine hesitated and then said,

"The bad news is… I'm leaving."

"Leaving? Leaving where?" Tom said.

"I'm leaving here. I'm going to America." Christine said quietly. They all stared at her and she pressed on. "I'm going to sort things out here. Nadir's finding me a course in New York, so I can finish my music. This is only until the summer, then we're coming back. And I'll probably be coming back for Christmas as well. I'm going to rent the house out to students. Or you three could take it, if you wanted. I'd rather have someone I know living there than a load of strangers and it'd be really good if one of you would say something."

She looked worriedly from one face to another. Eventually Meg said,

"I can't believe you're leaving… I mean, that's unbelievably cool, but… oh, Christine." She reached over and pulled Christine into a hug. Christine closed her eyes, feeling tears threatening. Eventually Meg straightened and smiled tearfully.

"When do you leave?"

"As soon as I've wrapped everything up here. A couple of weeks, maybe?"

"I can't believe this." Max said.

They all looked at him. He was staring at Christine.

"Christine, don't you remember what he did to you? For god's sake, grow a brain!"

"Max-"

But he had gotten up and was storming away towards the gate. Christine jumped up and ran after him, catching up with him just in front of the house.

"Max, wait!"

He stopped and turned to her. Christine stared at him.

"Why are you so angry?"

"There about a billion different answers to that question. The most obvious being that I don't want you to go. Christine, you're one of my best friends. And, whether I like it or not, I'm still very much in love with you. And don't look all shocked, because you know it as well as I do."

He took a deep breath and the anger in his face changed to one of resignation and silence.

"But you love him. Obviously you do. I doubt there are any other guys you'd fly half way around the world to see on the spur of the moment. So I think it'd be better if I just left you alone for a while."

"Max, no." Christine said, tears rising again. He looked at her sadly.

"What do you want me to say, Christine?"

"Say you'll be my friend. Don't… God, Max, do you have any idea what you mean to me? No, I don't feel the same way about you that I do about him, but you were the one who was there to help me when he left. You helped me all the way through The Phantom of the Opera, you're one of the kindest and most wonderful people I've ever met. And I'm not going to let you go just like that, because you're too important." She said furiously.

Max stared at her and he couldn't help giving a very tiny grin.

"Dear God, you can be scary, woman."

"Don't cross me again or I'll have to go full force on you." She said jokingly. "I mean it, Max. I'm not letting you go without a fight."

"No fighting." Max agreed. Christine nodded.

"OK. Good. Do I get a hug now?"

He grinned and held out his arms. She hugged him tightly.

"And, if it helps, I brought souvenirs."

"It helps a little." He admitted, an arm around her shoulder as they moved back towards the garden, where Meg and Tom were waiting.


The hardest part was sorting through her parent's things. Meg, Max, and Tom had agreed to housesit for her (not that Christine suspected that it would be much of a burden for them, they were there most of the time anyway) and were helping her to sort through her things.

"We can leave the music room alone. That's not a problem." Meg said.

But Christine had decided that it was time to say goodbye to a few things. So, a few days later, she went up to her parents room with Meg and several boxes. Christine put the boxes she was carrying down and looked around. Meg waited in the doorway, watching sadly.

Christine moved slowly over to her mother's wardrobe. The clothes still hung inside, a lingering scent of perfume about them. Christine stood still for a moment and then reached inside and pulled out a dress. It was a simple summer one, with a delicate flower pattern on it. Christine didn't stop to look at it or do anything. She simply turned, folded the dress and placed it in the box before turning back to fetch the next piece of clothing. Meg went to the bookcase and began to put books into a box. They worked in silence until they had finished and have moved all of the boxes out to the landing.

"You can have this room, if you want. Or one of the guys." Christine said quietly. Meg frowned.

"Are you sure?"

Christine glanced back into the room.

"Yes. It's just a room now." She had overcome her fear. She didn't need to be afraid of this room anymore. So she turned off the light and closed the door.


Max and Tom were in the kitchen when they came down.

"You OK, Christine?" Tom asked. She nodded and smiled.

"Yeah, I am. I think I'm pretty much finished. My stuff is all packed. I'll just drop a couple of boxes off at the charity shop tomorrow and then we're done."

"Wow, that's so weird! You'd better email and write and call or you'll have hell to pay." Meg warned. Christine smiled.

"I know."

The phone rang and Tom picked it up.

"Hello. Oh, hi! Yeah, she's right here." He held out the phone to Christine. "It's Erik."

Christine grinned and took the phone.

"Hi Erik."

"Hello Christine." He said, his voice warm. "How is everything going?"

"I'm pretty much finished. A few final details to sort out and then I'm America-bound."

"Good. I miss you." He said gently. Christine smiled in spite of the fact that the others were watching.

"I miss you too."

"Aw!" Meg sighed and Christine aimed a sly kick at her.

"I've got all the paperwork to bring Trister with me. How's Nadir?"

"He's fine. He's signed you up to your course and he's enjoying working at the Opera House almost as much as I am." Erik said wryly. Christine laughed.

"That's great. I'd better go, it must be really late there."

"It is." Erik admitted.

"Go to bed, Erik. Staying up until all hours isn't going to help you in the least."

He laughed slightly.

"Very well. Goodnight."

"I love you."

"And I love you." He said softly before hanging up. Christine smiled and put the phone back.

"What do you guys want for dinner? I feel like Chinese." She said. They all agreed and Christine ordered whilst the others piled boxes by the front doors in two piles. One lot heading for America, the other to charity shops.

Christine had kept several boxes of her parent's possessions, things she just couldn't bear the part with. But the rest, she decided, could go. She didn't need to cling to memories anymore.


Three days later, Christine was taken to the airport by Max, Meg and Tom. As they stood by the gate, saying their goodbyes, Christine felt incredibly sad.

"This is silly, I'll be seeing you again at Christmas!"

"That's a long way away." Tom said, hugging her for the fourth time.

"You'd better bring me some fabulous presents." Meg told her. Christine laughed and then turned to Max. He smiled.

"You'd better get going, you know. Or you'll miss your flight."

"I love you guys so much." Christine said, looking around at them. A final hug and she picked up her bag. Trister had already been taken onboard and she had been assured by the attendants that he would be taken care of.

"Call me when you get there." Meg told her and she nodded.

"OK… I'll see you at Christmas."

She turned and went through the gate, pausing to wave back at the three figures before continuing on her way, leaving behind her best friends, her worst memories and going forward to what she hoped would be a bright future.

A/N: Hey, I got it finished! I believe there will only be one more chapter. But, as I did in 'Cold, Cold Heart', I expect it will be of an insanely long length. And considering the average length of these chapters is about twelve pages, you an expect plenty of reading. There's a lot to wrap up. I seemed to cover an awful lot just in this chapter. Thank you for all the bribery, it worked wonders, as you can see! And I'm going to need them – I just discovered that I DO need braces. I'll have a plate for six months and then traintracks. (Cries) Anyway, you'll have to wait a little while for the next chapter, if you want a long one and since I've currently got one paragraph written, there's little or no chance it'll be ready by tomorrow.

Lotsa luv 'n' huggles

Katie