To think that I, someone so great with words, have nothing to say at the start of this chapter is crazy. Now that I got that little bit of nonsense off my chest I'll be quiet and type.

Disclaimer: I don't own Phantom of the Opera, but everyone from MSU is copyrighted to themselves. Who those individuals are however doesn't matter.

Chapter 11: Adjusting

As they promised Erik and Brittney's family were back the next morning to come see her off and get her back to school. Brittney however, though she was doing a good job of hiding it, was scared to go back to school and face everyone. She knew Christine was angry with her, and that Raoul still felt responsible for the injuries. Erik had brought some clothes for her and as her mom helped her into them she gave herself a good look over.

Her left arm was done up in a cast and gauze was wrapped around her chest and around her right shoulder. Gauze also trailed down her left leg where there was some slight bruising from hitting the bumper and the pavement. The other night she had thought she heard a car in her room and when she opened her eyes she had seen the headlights. Needless to say she didn't sleep the rest of the night.

When she was finally dressed in her dragon jeans and her Les Mis tech shirt Erik and her grandfather were allowed back in. Erik could only look in her direction and she wondered what he was thinking. "He's probably grateful that I'm just like him now. That I have things to hide and beneath the bandage is something so awful and frightening that no one would want to see it."

That however wasn't what Erik was thinking at all. He was thinking about how much pain she had been in and hated that she looked like him now; had to hide injuries caused by miscommunication. Filled with sympathy he came over to her and touched her cheek; the one area that had been left untouched.

"Well Brittney I can see you have someone to take care of you when you get back to school, so come give me a hug goodbye and we'll be on our way. I have work tomorrow, so we have to be back by tonight, or I could just sleep in the car," Tana said opening her arms wide, so Brittney could give her a hug without hurting herself.

"Bye mom, and thanks for coming to check on me. We'll be coming in for Thanksgiving okay?"

"I'll make up the guest room and all that, because…" she lowered her voice, so Erik couldn't hear her. "…he is not sleeping in your room."

"Yes mom," Brittney said not really caring that much, because she knew quite well that Erik was probably going to let her spend the night in his room anyway. Besides she trusted him. He would never push her to do anything like that. He had clearly explained that he wasn't looking for that kind of interaction until marriage like she was.

Tana smiled and hugged Brittney gently. Her grandparents gave her one also and then the five of them walked down to the parking lot, Brittney resting against Erik's shoulder.

Goodbyes were exchanged and Tana waved one last time before getting into the car. Erik and Brittney watched as it disappeared before Erik reached over and gave her a deep passionate kiss.

She pulled back surprised and with her right arm reached up and traced the curves of the mask with her finger tips. "I missed your kisses," she said softly as her fingers came closer to his eyes.

"I missed you. But do tell me what your mother said earlier."

"She's making up the guest room for you, because you're not allowed to sleep in my room over the breaks. Do you know how hard it will be to abide by that rule over Christmas when we get a month off?"

"We'll figure out something, but let's get you back to school shall we? I'm sure you have classes today."

"I don't want to go today. I'd rather just lie down and take a break."

"I'll tell you what," Erik said as he walked her down towards the car seeing as the rain had let up. "I'll let you lie on my bed while I go to class and that way the door is locked so no one can bother you."

"You'd let me do that?"

"I'd be a pretty mean boyfriend if I didn't," he said with a smirk.

"Oh, Erik you're so sweet. Thank you, but there is one thing I'll have to grab from my room if that's okay?" she asked as he helped her into the car and adjusted her seatbelt, so it wouldn't brush up against her injuries.

"Of course you can. I don't mind at all."

The car ride back was silent and as they got closer to campus Brittney had butterflies in her stomach. She wondered if he had told anyone about her coming back today and if they would be waiting to see her?

Erik had her wait at the complex doors while he parked the car and then he came over and helped her through the lobby and up to the third floor via elevator. When he opened the door there was no one in the hallway and Brittney allowed herself to relax.

She moved over to her door and unlocked it. Going inside she placed her purse on the bed and picked up what looked to Erik like a small baby blanket. She pulled it close and stood there resting the fabric against her cheek. Her grandmother had made her the blanket when her old one had fallen apart from being loved too much. It was a security blanket for most of her life and it gave her comfort even at her age. Since Erik came into her life she hadn't needed it, but right now she needed the comfort.

Erik came and stood next to her bringing her out of her comfort. She sighed and looked rather embarrassed. He lifted her chin and smiled at her. "It's all right if you have this. I understand that all children need something to comfort them. You have that blanket and I have my mask. It's all right."

He ushered her out and she locked the door. As they traveled down the hall they found Meg and Christine's door to be open. Christine wasn't there much to Brittney's relief, but Meg looked up and smiled at her before standing and coming to the door.

"Brittney it's so good to see you up and about again. How are you feeling?"

"I'm still a bit sore, but I feel so much better. How are you doing?"

"Fine, but sick and tired of hearing Christine complain. Ever since this happened she's been either apologizing to no one in particular or complaining that she has made a total fool of herself. I'm about ready to let your boyfriend her take care of her…permanently."

Brittney gave her a confused glance then turned back to look at Erik, who only gave a strange glare at Meg. He looked down at her and smiled. "Come along let's get you to bed." He turned back to Meg. "Nice chatting with you, but I have to get her in bed and allow her a chance to rest. I'm sure you understand."

"Oh, of course; it's nice to see that she's okay and I'll see you in music," Meg said as she went back into her room and closed the door.

For a second Brittney stared at the door and wondered what had made Meg so upset, but Erik tugged at her hand. She frowned at him, but he smiled and finished leading to his bedroom. Opening the door he ushered her in and turned on the light. She looked the room over as he stride over to the bed and began placing the piano in its place.

The shattered plaster around the door caught her attention and she questioned him about it. Erik only shook his head as he set up the bed for her. "Erik was your temper coming to the surface again?" she asked softly as she came over to him and rested her hand on his arm.

He ignored her and continued his task. She gave a sharp tug on his arm making him turn so fast that she stepped back in fear and clutched the blanket tighter. He reached his full height and towered over her making her feel so small and insignificant. "Don't question me Brittney. It would be unwise to do so," he hissed.

Her eyes glazed over and she went to the door almost intent on leaving, but she knew that wasn't the answer to the problem. She stood there, her hand resting on the door knob, but as she gazed at the cracks her hand reached up and ran along the length. "I don't fear you Erik," she muttered.

"What was that? I didn't hear you," he hissed again.

"I don't fear you," she repeated her voice rising slightly. "I left you once before and I almost ruined the greatest thing that happened to me. I won't run this time and nothing you do can frighten me away." She turned to face him, her eyes filled with tears. "I love you. Yet you always act with anger. I hate seeing you so angry. You…you…remind me of my father," she finally shouted falling to her knees and sobbing into the blanket.

Erik realized what he had done and cursed inside for his actions. Before he had met Christine he was classified as just a misunderstood boy, who was friendly and for awhile accepted by those around him as long as conversations about the mask weren't brought up. Christine was what had brought out his real anger; because it frustrated him that he would never have her. Now because of the accident Erik's anger with Christine had resurfaced with a new vengeance and he was lashing out at the one person, who truly cared for him.

She had told him that her father had yelled at her breaking her self-esteem and self-confidence for quite some time now. Whenever someone yelled at her even for a slight mistake she would shrink away and remain silent until someone asked her if she was all right. She had told him that she didn't want a boyfriend, who would be like her father. He had to be someone, who loved her and made her feel wanted.

Erik went over to her and kneeled down near her. "Brittney I'm so sorry. I don't want to remind you of your father. Come on now don't cry and don't you dare leave me again, please," he begged. Erik never turned to begging unless he was desperate and nothing else seemed to work.

"It just seems like you're attacking me and I didn't do anything, but love you. Why are you so angry?" she asked looking up at him with new tear trails under her eyes. "Was it something I did?"

"No, it wasn't you. I'm in no way angry with you. I'm angry with Christine and usually when I got angry no one else was around to hear me. I keep forgetting you're here when I go into one of my rages and things get said. From what you've told me about your father he's the last person I want to become to you. From this moment on I promise to work at controlling my temper. We both have a lot of adjusting to do."

Brittney sniffed and gazed into his eyes, her heart flooding with new emotions for him. Erik gently wiped away the tears, but left his hand there stroking her cheek with his thumb making her feel as weak as J-ELLO. She closed her eyes and felt, so comforted that she was beginning to forget why she had been so upset. "Erik," she whispered softly.

"Come let's get you settled. I have choir and shop today, so I won't be back till later okay?" he asked her as he helped her up and to lay comfortable on the bed. After he rested the comforter under her chin he closed the blinds and opened the window to let some air in.

Grabbing his backpack he went for the door, but a small voice made him turn. "Erik?"

"Yes?"

"I love you," Brittney said as her eyes closed.

"I love you too."

xxxxx

Erik had lowered the curtain in front of the bed for her and turned out the light. Once she looked comfortable he left the room and locked it behind him. He headed down the hallway and stopped at Nadir's door where he knocked at it.

Nadir stepped out and gave Erik a confused glance. "You feeling all right, buddy? Either you don't want to go to class or the music teacher didn't like that piece you composed again."

"Shut up!" Erik snapped. "I'm trying to control my temper and your sarcasm isn't helping."

"Sorry, dude you need to lighten up. You were doing so well back in middle school."

"Yeah, then high school and Christine; let's just say those were the worst 4 years of my life. Why did you have to go to Persia anyway? You're probably the only human being alive besides my girlfriend that can keep me sane right now."

"I had an internship remember? I was there for four years learning foreign cultures and customs."

"Well hurry up will ya. We'll both be late for class if you don't."

"Fine, keep your mask on will ya!" Nadir teased as he went into the room and pulled on his tennis shoes. Raoul was in his bed trying to take a nap before his next class and rolled towards the wall in frustration.

Nadir finally grabbed his backpack, came out into the hall, and locked the door behind him. "So is Brittney back now or is she still at the hospital?"

"She's in my room taking a nap. I figured no one would bother her there."

"Ah, well that's nice of you," Nadir commented as they made their way down the stairs and headed outside.

"It's the least I can do. She is my girlfriend after all. You'd probably do the same for Meg if she was your girlfriend," Erik smirked.

"Hey, shut up. Meg is not my girlfriend."

"You sure seem to be hanging out with her a lot. I saw you guys in the cafeteria eating lunch together last week."

Nadir's cheeks were turning a bright shade of pink and he was beginning to stutter. "I…I told…you…she's…not…my girlfriend," he said with a flustered snort.

"You are so lying. You like her admit it," Erik said as the two of them crossed the street and heading towards the Performing Arts building.

"I won't."

"Aw, come on. You're just afraid I'll laugh. I promise you I won't laugh."

"You promise?"

"Yes."

"Fine, yes I like Meg Giry are you happy now?"

Erik couldn't reply, because he was doubled over in laughter clutching his sides in attempt to keep him balanced. "I knew it. I knew you liked her," he said in between deep chuckles.

"You lied to me. You said you wouldn't laugh," Nadir said turning away in annoyance.

"I'm so sorry, but that is the funniest thing I've ever heard. Thank you Nadir I needed that."

"Shut up! I so hate you right now," Nadir growled.

Erik was wiping away tears as Nadir left for his class at Trafton. He had never laughed that much before and his sides were in pain. Hurrying down the stairs into the backstage area he went into the choir room to see Meg and Christine standing on the risers. Catching sight of Meg made Erik remember the talk with Nadir and burst out laughing again.

"Erik, calm down please and take your place on the risers," the professor said coming into the room.

Erik put his backpack in a chair and took his place on the back riser. Meg turned around and looked at him. "What's so funny?"

Erik but his hand over his mouth as his cheeks bulged from the urge to laugh, but he only shook his head. The last thing he needed was the professor to yell at him again for disturbing class. "I'll tell you later," he managed.

Meg turned back around and looked rather scared. Christine turned to look at him and his face went from one trying to laugh to one of anger. She turned back around and poked Meg. "He doesn't seem to be very happy about something. I turned around and he glared at me."

"He doesn't like you right now, duh," Meg said.

"Everyone quiet and let's practice our scales," the professor announced tapping his conductor stick against the music stand.

The class warmed up and then worked on their music for the day. Erik felt so much better now that he had a chance to sing. Why he didn't do it more often was a mystery, but here in class he did his absolute best to blend his voice in with the other students, except there was times when he tried to out shine everyone and today was one of those days.

"Erik! Erik, stop!" the professor shouted.

Erik looked up and noticed everyone else had stopped singing and was staring at him. "I was singing over everyone again wasn't I?"

The professor nodded. "I've warned you that you need to work along with the other students. This is not the place to shine in the spotlight."

Everybody chuckled and Erik's face turned bright red as he looked around the room.

"All right everyone let's try that again."

After some vigorous attempts at the song the professor finally let them go for the day. Erik picked up his backpack and headed for the door. Some of the boys walking past him bumped him roughly in the shoulder. Erik ignored them, but suddenly one of them shoved him so hard he fell into a small grouping of desks slamming his chin into one of the chairs.

"Oops sorry Erik didn't mean to bump into you," the boy jeered as the other students started to laugh.

Erik's back was turned to them and he was grateful, for when he reached up his hand to his face the mask was gone. Frantically he looked for it and when he turned the good side of his face in order to look over his shoulder he saw that the boy had picked it up. Erik hung his head in shame as blood flowed from his chin and landed in a puddle below him.

"So this mask hides your face huh? Well why don't you show us what you actually look like?"

A lump caught in Erik's throat and he tried to swallow it, but it was no use. He stayed where he was hoping they would just leave the mask and go away. "I promised I wouldn't get angry. I promised Brittney I wouldn't get angry!" he thought to himself as the other kids joined into the boy's request.

"Yeah come on it can't be that bad or you wouldn't need this."

"Show us or we'll cause you more pain, you monster."

"Yeah freak," the boy holding the mask laughed kicking Erik's foot.

Erik was terrified. Why wasn't anyone helping him? He wanted badly to just cover his face with one of his hands and run for it, but one hand wasn't enough to cover the mark. He wanted Brittney to come and stop the torture, but she was in no condition to stand up to these people. Suddenly there was a rush of pain on Erik's right side as the toe of a student's shoe dug into his side making him cry out in anguish.

"Look he actually responded to that one. Do it again!"

There was another shot of pain, but Erik kept the cry inside not wanting to provoke them any farther. "I'll probably just die here and never see Brittney or Nadir again."

"Hey you kids get out of here!" a kind voice shouted. The sound of something dropping behind him caught Erik's attention and a gentle hand grabbed onto his arm. He sat up on his knees and through blurry eyes tried to see his rescuer. He rubbed the glaze out of his eyes and saw the Tech Director, Randy kneeling before him, not at all disturbed by the deformity on Erik's face.

"Erik, are you all right?" Randy asked picking up the mask and handed it to him.

"I split my chin a bit and they kicked me pretty hard. How did you know I was in here?" Erik said as he hasted to put the mask back on.

"I could hear the shouts as I was making my way to the shop. Here come into the green room. There's some first aid stuff in there and we can patch up your chin and get an ice pack for your side there."

Randy helped Erik into the green room and sat him down in a chair. He got out a first aid kit and cleaned off Erik's chin before putting a bandage over it. "Do you still want to do shop today?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Where are we working today?"

"We're in the Andreas Theatre today. We have to finish setting up for Volponoe. Is Brittney helping out today?"

"No, she's back in my room taking a nap. She didn't want to go anywhere today and I didn't want to push her. She'll be here tomorrow though."

"Good, because I can give her some painting jobs if she wants. We still have to paint the gold decals on the bed and the framing around the room needs to be painted gold. But today we have to finish constructing the houses."

"All right; I'll help out with that."

"Excellent let's go get some work done."

I'm sorry it took so long for Erik to come up with a conflict amongst him and his peers. Brittney will be back on her feet soon and yes Nadir has a crush on Meg; believe it or not. But hey this was a pretty long chapter, so I hope that makes everyone happy seeing as I had such short chapters before. Read and Review please.