Chapter Eight

"It's a gift."

Everyone watched in silence as Paige kneeled down beside Erik. Christine moved over slightly to give her room. Paige placed her hands on his chest and closed her eyes, concentrating on her task at hand. In seconds the wounds began to heal and fade until they were gone. Then she did the same to the unmasked side of his face. When she was done she smiled at him tearfully. "I'm sorry I can't heal this," she told him as she touched his mask lightly.

Erik smiled at her sadly, "It's okay, I guess I'm just not meant for happiness." He said it so quietly, no one but Paige heard it.

Christine looked at Paige in amazement, as did everyone else from the past. "You… You just healed him! How did you do that?"

Paige gave her a reassuring smile, "It's a gift," she answered simply.

Heather cleared her throat. "Christine, may I talk to you for a moment out here," she indicated the bigger main room. Christine nodded in agreement, still amazed. She followed Heather out of the small cramped room.

The two girls sat down on the floor against the wall. "Do you love Erik?" Heather asked bluntly.

Christine looked surprised at the question. "I…guess…" she sputtered, "I don't know." Heather motioned for her to continue. "Part of me does because he has taught me everything about singing, and he loves me. But, another part of me says he his a monster and that I am better off with Raoul." Christine answered honestly.

Heather sighed. "Let me tell you something. My boyfriend Clay and I like each other a lot. I will even say we love each other. But, because of this, Joe was rejected. Just like Erik. Joe has spent a year building up the hatred and pain. Erik has had even longer. I learned from my mistakes. I know now that I can't let him wallow in his pain and anger. And neither should you let Erik do the same. If you do choose Raoul, sit down and have a talk with Erik about it." Heather paused a second.

"You may think he's a monster, but you have to look deeper than the surface. He loves you. Anyone can plainly see that. Even Carlotta can, if she would look past her own nose." At this the girls giggled. "And you know you love him back." Christine tried to protest this statement, but Heather shook her head. "I can see you do. Just as everyone else did in that room when you helped him."

"Raoul is an easily angered and jealous person. He's not the kind of person you deserve. Raoul is destined for another, I know it." Heather finished.

Clay was proud of Heather. She had bounced back from her ordeal so easily. He could tell she was still scared, but she hid it well as she put on a brave face for everyone else to see.

Christine was silent as she mulled over everything Heather had just told her. Just as Heather was about to leave the room, Christine stopped her with a question. "Who are you?"

Heather smiled and sat back down. "Excuse my rudeness. I'm Heather Turner, and I'm from the future." She giggled at Christine's expression. "All of my friends are, including Joe."

"How did you get here? And how did Paige do that thing to Erik?" Christine wanted to know.

"Joe is a warlock. He pulled us into a movie about the Phantom of the Opera, as Erik is known. He is a legend. He wanted to get to me. Paige, Alyssa, and I are witches. That is how she healed him; it's one of her powers." Heather answered.

"So, where are you from? I can tell you're not French." Christine observed.

"No, we're not. We're from America. Ohio, specifically. The year there is 2005, and it's just turning spring." Heather explained. She smiled, "I hope this is over soon."

This time when Heather got up, Christine didn't stop her. Then Heather turned around, "Could you please not tell anyone. Please?" Christine nodded. "Thanks." Then Heather walked away, straight into Clay's arms.

Clay opened his arms to her and she walked right into them, grateful for their warmth and their comfort. Christine and Alyssa watched in silence. They were the only ones to notice them leave. Christine smiled, in the few minutes that she had known this new friend and her boyfriend; she knew that they were right for each other. As well as the other couple in the other room. They were all friends, true and loyal to each other. She noted their happiness when they were together. If one was sad or happy, they were all sad or happy. Right then Christine vowed that she and Meg would always be best friends forever.