All right I know everyone has yelled at me to not cause Erik anymore pain, but this is the last incident I promise, or at least for awhile, I think. (Sits and ponders for awhile) But since so many of you don't want the fun, which is this story to stop, don't worry for I will not disappoint you. Erik is behind me right now telling me I need to make everyone aware that Lotte makes a big impact on this chapter and does a little butt whooping.

Also there is more Jacqueline cuteness, because I think there needs to be more. You guys always seem so excited to read it, which in turn makes me more eager to write it. It's a give and take cycle.

I've got a lot of reading done in Susan Kay's "Phantom" and I love it. So many things in that book make me love Erik even more and sometimes I want to weep for him. Man, more fiction characters need to be real. But I would probably have to fight for him. (Eyes all the phangirls) Well darn, but in my dreams he's my Guardian of Music :p. I know I'm just wasting time. Maybe I should write now. (Erik chanting in the background: "Long Chapter! Long Chapter!")

The song "Baby Mine" is copyright to Disney's Dumbo

Chapter 49: The Truth be Told

Upon returning to the lair, Lotte and Pierre were informed that Jacqueline had gotten a bottle and was put to bed. They said their goodnights and went to their room leaving the door open a crack in case Jacqueline cried. Christine had insisted that Erik come to bed, but he instead sat at his desk and began scribbling on a piece of parchment. She went over to him and tried cooing in his ear, but was to no avail. What could have driven him to act this way?

"Christine I'm sorry, but I really need some time to think," he said not once looking up at her.

"I see. Well I'm going to bed then. I was hoping to have someone warm beside me tonight, but I guess an empty space will have to do," she said turning on her heels and heading for their bedroom.

Erik stood and grasped her hand. "You must understand my love that this is no musical piece, but the steps towards finally showing the Opera House, who we really are. I don't have much time. Please allow me this one night," he begged.

"But you have not been by my side for many nights. It almost feels as if you're pushing me away."

Erik was shocked at her comment and pulled her close to him. "I would never push you away from me. It's just that everything that has wanted to present itself have all chosen the exact same time to act on their demands and I want them done and dealt with. As soon as it's all over I will come to bed with you as your husband, not just your fiancé."

Christine clearly understood, but she wanted Erik with her now. With all that had happened to them she wanted to lie in his arms and have him besides her singing softly. Was that too much of a request? She leaned against his chest wanting nothing more than to feel his love for her. "Can't you do it in the morning?"

Erik sighed and looked back at the desk. His heart was being torn in half for the want to be with Christine and for wanting to get his idea down on paper. Turning back to her he slipped a finger under her chin and lifted her up, so he could gaze into her eyes. "Christine you win, I'll come to bed tonight."

She reached up and kissed him deeply, pleased that he had decided not to leave her alone. Wrapping an arm around her waist Erik led her to the bedroom. In the dim of the gas lamps Christine changed into her nightshift causing Erik to marvel at her. She looked up at him, but he turned away in embarrassment. She got into bed and pulled down one of the curtains. Taking these couple moments of privacy Erik got into some more comfortable clothing and rounding the corner of the bed pulling the curtain at the end. Once that was in place he rounded to his side and crawled over to her pulling the curtain cord with him.

"How am I to get any work done?" he asked.

"Not my problem," she mused reaching out and touching his face. He was so cold against the warmth of her fingers. "Mme. Giry had told me that if we are to wed than we can't keep secrets anymore and Erik I've been holding this back for awhile, because I was afraid of how you would react to it, but a part of me misses Raoul."

Those words were one of the worst tortures Erik had to endure and he moved away from her grasp. She had taken him away from his work to tell him she still had a feeling for Raoul. "You still love him?" he asked his voice growing harsh.

"No, but I do miss him in the sense that he was once my friend. I feel like I'm the one to blame for his death. I just wish I could go back and fix a lot of things, but I can't."

"Why do you continue to beat yourself up about this my angel? This was the fault of everyone, not just you alone."

In the darkness he could see her look up at him. She shook her head causing her brown curls to dance. "I don't know what I'm saying. Why would I think something like that in the first place?" she asked herself aloud. She took a moment to think and then shook her head again. "I must be going mad. The thought of you pushing me away has made me think of the one man that truly hurt me."

Erik quickly realized what was going through Christine's mind and he moved towards her. Thoughts of Raoul's abuse and acts of cruelty weren't going to be easily forgotten especially for Christine, who had been at the blunt end of the stick. As much as he had wanted to get work done he didn't want her to feel like she was being pushed aside; especially if it made her feel this way. He hated seeing her like this and wanted so badly to make all the hurt go away.

Lying down he pulled her close pulling the blanket over them and began humming to her. Running his fingers through her curls he felt her shudder and let out a quivering gasp before finally settling against him and falling asleep. He rested his head against hers and wondered how he was going to manage tomorrow without any preparation?

xxxxx

Lotte and Pierre managed a few hours of sleep before Jacqueline cried out making it known that she wanted attention. Pierre sat up, but Lotte had him lay back down. She had gained her motherly instinct and crawled out of bed, pulling her robe around her.

She went into the music room and came upon Jacqueline's bedroom. She turned up the gas lamp. "I see my attention is needed; isn't it my little one?" she asked crossing over to the crib. Jacqueline looked up at her, tear tracks visible below her eyes.

Lotte reached into the crib and picked her up feeling the wetness of her diaper. "Someone needs a change don't they? I know I would hate sleeping in a wet diaper." She laid Jacqueline on the changing table and got her into a clean diaper. "There now we feel better don't we?"

Jacqueline gave a quaint smile and then let out a big yawn. Lotte took her over to the armchair and sat down rocking Jacqueline in her arms while she sang a sweet lullaby her fatherhad once sung to her:

Baby mine, don't you cry.
Baby mine, dry your eyes.
Rest your head close to my heart,
never to part, baby of mine.

Little one, when you play,
pay no heed what they say.
Let your eyes sparkle and shine,
never a tear, baby of mine.

If they knew all about you,
they'd end up loving you, too.
All those same people who scold you,
what they'd give just for the right to hold you.

From your hair down to your toes,
you're not much, goodness knows.
But, you're so precious to me,
sweet as can be, baby of mine.

Lotte had asked her fatherwhere he had learned it and he had only told her that his mother had sung it to him once. Upon hearing that Lotte had written down the words and realized right away what they meant. Never again did she ask to hear that song afraid it would hurt his feelings. But right now the song came to mind and it sounded like such a sweet lullaby.

When she finished singing she looked down to see that Jacqueline had fallen asleep. The blue eyes that always got a smile on Lotte's face were now closed and as Lotte ran a hand across her daughter's head she saw a small tuff of blonde hair. There was no doubt that Pierre had shared a lot of his features with Jacqueline, but she wondered what gift she had bestowed upon her daughter? Her first guess was the ability to sing, but it would be awhile before they knew of her talents.

She stood and gently lowered Jacqueline into the crib. Once sure her baby was safe and content Lotte turned down the gas lamp and left closing the door, except for a crack, blocking out any unnecessary light.

When she climbed back into bed she was surprised to be engulfed by Pierre's arms. "Is she all right?" he asked.

"Just needed a change that was all. Well darling, the nighttime routine begins."

xxxxx

Jacqueline had only cried one other time that night wishing to be feed and Lotte wasn't about to deny her that. Her breasts were swollen with milk and at times were rather painful. Yet Lotte was grateful for the two hours she got after that beforeher mothercame to wake them.

Christine had also been grateful for Erik's comfort that night and felt much better this morning. Erik had told her to wake Lotte and Pierre, but he didn't say why. When she left the room he had closed the door and got dressed in his best suit, because he wanted to look good in front of his employees.

Today was the day they finally reveled themselves to the occupants of the Paris Opera House and Erik had no idea what to expect. Mme. Giry had arranged for all the employees to come together on the stage, so he could give his announcement along with his family's help, but the biggest problem was he hadn't told them about this yet.

Lotte sat up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. "What is it Mother? Why are you waking us?"

"You're Father told me to, but other than that I don't know."

Jacqueline let out a cry from the other room. Lotte went to the door in attempt to go take care of her, but Pierre brushed past her. "You get ready I'll go take care of Jacqueline. It won't take me as long to get ready."

"What are you implying?" Lotte teased kissing his cheek.

"I'm implying that all woman take a really long time getting ready for some of the simplest things."

"It's only because we have a lot of things to put on. It's the people that designed woman's clothing that should be to blame for such a stereotype," Lotte exclaimed.

Jacqueline gave another cry and Pierre hurried from the room. Christine had been busy taking a dress from the wardrobe and laying the pieces across the bed. She moved quickly, but Lotte noticed the care she took. "You're lucky to have found such a caring husband."

Lotte was startled by her Mother's comment and nodded. "Yes, I suppose I am, but aren't you happy with Father as your husband-to-be?"

"Of course I am. I was only mentioning how you managed to pick someone, who was a caring husband and father to your child. It's hard finding such good men these days."

If Lotte didn't know any better she could have sworn that her mother was talking about Raoul. He had manipulated her making her believe he was the greatest thing in the world only to have her run in fear from him every time she looked him in the eye. There was no rule saying you had to marry a childhood friend. The very thought made Lotte sick.

Christine came over and helped Lotte out of her nightdress and into the corset and bodice making sure the garments weren't too tight. Then lacing up the skirts and helping herinto her shoes Lotte was ready.

Pierre returned in the room with Jacqueline dressed in a white lace gown and a bonnet. She squealed happily at seeing her mother and Lotte scooped her up in her arms. Even though there were no words amongst the squeals Lotte felt as if Jacqueline was singing out, which made her heart soar.

Erik stepped into the room and urged them all to hurry. Before any of them could ask he disappeared from the doorway. Lotte and Christine allowed for Pierre to dress and they finally all stood within the music room giving each other blank stares.

xxxxx

When they were standing in the stage right wings Christine looked out to see every Opera House employee standing on stage waiting for something. She thought a moment and then glared at Erik, who only gave her one of those unique smirks of his.

"Apparently something's going on that you failed to tell us about," she murmured.

He reached up and scratched the back of his neck unable to come up with the right words to say. He would have told her last night, but with the state she was in it would have been a big mistake. Last night she had wanted comfort and he was willing to give her that, but right now he felt horribly guilty.

Suddenly a hand reached from the other side of the legs and latched onto Christine's arm making her jump with a small cry. Erik looked down and recognized the hand.

"Mademoiselle either you weren't in your room when I came to fetch you or you failed to read the notice I gave you, but it doesn't matter please join the rest of the employees for there is to be a very important meeting," Mme. Giry announced letting go of Christine's arm as she stepped into the wings.

Christine was breathing heavily with a hand on her chest. "Was that really necessary?" she asked.

"It worked didn't it?" Mme. Giry asked with a sly smile.

The look she received was one of anger and then she watched as the same one was placed in Erik's direction. Mme. Giry was in no mood to deal with this, so she grabbed hold of the woman's arm once more and dragged her onstage. Erik watched and then he realized this was going to be dangerous as his gaze fell on Carlotta.

"Oh this is going to be awful. Why did I ever consider rehiring Carlotta in the first place if I have so much hate towards her?" he asked himself out loud.

"Quote, who better to play an evil character with no talent than Carlotta, who is an evil character with no talent unquote," Pierre spoke up.

Erik turned to him a snarl clearly visible on his lips. "That was a rhetorical question. Yet, I'm surprised you remembered me even saying that in the first place."

Pierre wasn't sure how to take Erik's comment and looked to Lotte for help. Lotte was equally confused and shrugged her shoulders.

"So are we supposed to go out there too or wait here?" she asked.

"Wait here until I call for you. Who knows how these people will react to me going out there."

Mme. Giry was busy speaking to the employees and turned her gaze to the wings as if she was expecting someone to come out of them. Erik took a deep breath and walked out from the wings to receive a bunch of gasps, whispers, and murmurs from the employees. He flung his cape aside, which came to rest in Christine's arms when something threw him to the ground.

The long skinny fingers of Carlotta were like a vice gripon his throat and due to the fact that he was caught off guard he had no time to counter attack. He felt her nails pierce the skin and blood trickle down his neck. He also tasted blood in his mouth and he tried to fight off the woman as best he could with Christine and the employees shouting concerns in the background.

"This is for Piangi," she screeched tightening her grip on him.

In the wings Lotte and Pierre were watching the struggle and Lotte was in fear of her father's life. He wasn't as strong as he had once been and with so many violent attacks he was probably hurting by now. She handed Jacqueline to Pierre. "Watch over her."

"What are you planning on doing? You not going to interfere are you?"

She kissed him. "I have to help him. If he suffers anymore physical abuse he could die."

He could see she was shaking violently as she kissed Jacqueline's forhead. She placed her shoes aside and with a deep breath sprinted onto the stage. "Just be careful," he whispered.

Carlotta had no idea what hit her as Lotte plowed into her at full speed. The Spanish diva hit the floor, her fingers being ripped away from Erik's throat. He rolled over onto his hands and knees coughing violently. Christine ran to him and dabbed at the blood with a handkerchief.

Lotte however was busy giving Carlotta a taste of her own medicine. The two went at it clawing, punching, kicking, and biting one another. A few curse words escaped Carlotta's mouth as Lotte delivered a few painful blows with her fists. The employees were all just watching in amazement, because no one had ever taken on La Carlotta before.

Erik soon regained his composure and hurried over prying Lotte from Carlotta and holding her to him. Her whole body was shaking violently out of anger, but as he held her in his arms she began to calm and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Mme. Giry, take Carlotta to her dressing room and make sure she stays there till the end of the meeting. I don't want anymore trouble out of her."

Mme. Giry nodded and with the help of one of the stagehands they took Carlotta away. Erik looked down upon Lotte, who was now crying into his shirt. Christine came over and Erik allowed for her to take Lotte into her arms and turned toward the crowd.

Madeline stood up and came over to them. "Are the both of you all right?" When Erik nodded she smiled. "That was amazing. Never would any of us thought to see someone take on La Carlotta or show such authority over her. Most of us are afraid of her."

"Well none of you hold her job in your hand like I do," Erik said making all the employees mutter amongst themselves.

Lyle spoke up. "But you're the Phantom of the Opera, you do fit the description; dressed all in black and wearing half a mask on your face. How is it possible for you to have authority over any of us?"

"Ah, that is true. I am the acclaimed Phantom of the Opera, but due to a fortunate turn of events I came to buy the Opera House and restore it to its original beauty. I was the one to hire all of you, allowed you to perform, and stay within these walls each and every day. I am not Monsieur Armand as many of you suspect me to be, but I am instead Monsieur Erik, your Opera House manager."

The employees had no idea what to think, when Lyle stood before them waving his arms trying to get their attention. "Don't believe him. It's a trick. This man that was said to murder innocent employees of the Opera House is no manager." He turned to Erik. "Plus the suicide of Raoul De Chaney I'm sure was no suicide. You probably murdered him!"

The gasp heard had come from Christine. Even though she knew it to be true, the fact that someone had figured it out was a shock. Madeline, who was still standing besides them, gave Lyle a cold hard stare.

"How did you figure it out?" Erik asked rather surprised that someone had figured it out.

"It wasn't that hard. I knew the gun was one of the prop guns, because it was the one I used in "Love Concurs All" and I knew the blood was stage blood, because the body was ice cold under my fingertips. You're a cold hearted murderer and a filthy lying animal!"

In just a few steps Erik towered over the young man, anger burning in his eyes. He reached into his pocket and drew out Lyle's contract. "Do you see the piece of paper in my hand?" Lyle nodded, now afraid for his own life. "This here contract allows you to stay within this building and work at a job you enjoy. I have looked over your resume and saw that you have no family here in Paris."

"That's true sir. My father died when I was 5 and soon after my mother died from starvation and grief. I've been on the streets for so long. Please don't send me out there again. You've been so gracious to me Monsieur," Lyle exclaimed falling to his knees at Erik's feet.

Erik took out another piece of paper and showed everyone the deed to the property. "Would I be lying if I had this securely in hand?" Everyone shook their heads. "If any of you let this information you heard today slip outside the walls of the Opera House you'll lose your job. The people on the streets aren't as forgiving as I am, so I suggest you think long and hard before you say anything from now on."

There was an uncomfortable silence when there was an ear splitting cry from the wings. Jacqueline, who had been silent for the whole thing, had finally decided to make herself known to the entire theatre. Pierre came out from the wings cradling his daughter to him and went to Lotte, who took Jacqueline into her arms.

A few of the ballet girls hurried over anxious to see the precious baby and were all making comments on how cute she was. Lotte was surprised with the amount of girls flocking around her and asking questions about her daughter. The thing that made them all gasp was when Lotte explained that Erik was her father. They looked from one to the other and then looked at Erik theirmouths hanging open.

When a few of the girls gave Pierre flirty looks Lotte stomped her foot and made it quite clear that Pierre was her husband. Christine put a hand on Lotte's shoulder making it quite clear that it was okay.

"Monsieur I was curious," one of the ballet girls, named Katharine, addressed Erik. "But do you know who wrote "Love Concurs All" or was it anonymous like you said it was?"

"Actually my dear I wrote that piece."

"Really, because I had hoped to tell the author someday that I thought it to be one of the best operas ever to be done and I was so pleased to have been a part of it," Katharine said giving him a curtsy.

He took her hand and smiled upon her. "Thank you. I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed it so much."

A bunch of the other employees spoke with Erik that day and for the first time in his life Erik felt like he was finally appreciated. What a satisfying feeling it was. After so many years of hatred towards the human race he finally felt like he was apart of society. Christine came up next to him and rested her head against his shoulder. "So how does it feel being accepted into the light?"

"It feels like so much has been lifted off my shoulders and I may finally have the chance to live my life the way I wanted to."

"And how did you want to live it?" she asked as he wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Coming up to the office after a night with you by my side, getting all my work done for the day, and then coming back for supper and a chance to work on my music before going to bed. That's all I could ever want."

She spun on her heels so that she was now standing in front of him, and put her arms around his neck. "I think that can be arranged in time. Something tells me that the perfect time to be wed would be after the spring season."

"I would have to agree with you."

He reached down and kissed her and then spun her in his arms. Soon Christine would be his and the ropes between them would finally be tied making them a true family. When he had placed her back on the ground Lotte came over to them.

"Jacqueline wanted her grandfather for awhile," she said as Jacqueline reached her little arms towards Erik, who was only too eager to hold her for awhile.

"How do you feel?" he asked her as he rocked Jacqueline.

"Oh, I'm fine, but it felt so good teaching Carlotta a lesson like that."

"I knew I had it coming sooner or later. I killed her husband after all. But I guess now it doesn't matter seeing as we no longer need to hide away in the darkness. We're free to come and go as we please within this Opera House, except during performances. I'm pretty sure the police haven't given up there search for me."

Lotte nodded. Then she smiled as Jacqueline reached up towards her father's face. Erik bent down to allow her to touch the mask and his face with her tiny fingers and Christine let out a small laugh. Suddenly without warning Jacqueline had grasped Erik's nose in her fingers and squealed happily. Everyone, including Erik, let out a full hearted chuckle at the event.

Never again would any of them have to walk in fear through the Opera House. Lotte looked up at her Father and smiled at how he had changed before her very eyes; from being a creature of darkness to a man of the light. Things were finally looking up for them. God had answered their prayers and allowed them to live the way he had intended them too.

Oh my god! This is the longest chapter in a long time, which I'm sure makes all of you happy since all I've written were short chapters. I'm sorry about that. But hey this one had a lot of ground to cover.

I'm 388 pages into Susan Kay's Novel of Phantom and am so looking forward to finishing it, because I love it so much. All the sadness in Erik's and Christine's life is heart wrenching, but the fact that he has the feelings for her is so wonderful. And to know that Erik's mother didn't totally hate him was a relief. I recommend this book to any die hard Phantom fan if you can get your hand on it that is seeing as it's out of print.

Coming up Erik and Christine's Wedding and more Jacqueline cuteness. (Does a happy dance)