A/N: Sorry a short Chapter, but I'll have another one up within the week!
bejou: I know! I was squealing when I wrote it. LOL.
RachErikaSam01: Thanks! Tell me what you think of the book when you're finished!
xavilyn: Thanks! Babies are the best! I get to see my baby cousins (3 of them) within a week, that's probably why I did that scene. I miss them so much I haven't seen them in a year! They're four years old.
Clayphan16: -looks innocent, and whistles-
LaylaWendel: Your welcome. Thanks! I have to make them distant, but close. I mean Christine broke Erik's heart. It's not like he'd welcome her with open arms. Half of him wants to let Christine in, but half is afraid to. This will be more obvious in the next few chapters, as their relationship develops.
TheaterAngel: Your welcome!
pinkichigomewmew: I know! I really want it!
Sally: -again looks innocent, and whistles-
All That Remains: Thanks! I really like Evanescence too!
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Nadir entered Erik's room a two weeks later, and shocked to see him out of bed. He was leaning against a bedpost attempting to walk. Nadir was immediately at his side supporting him, so he wouldn't fall. "You shouldn't be out of bed yet," he said gruffly.
Erik pushed Nadir away. "I am perfectly capable of walking my self, Daroga."
Nadir ignored Erik and helped him into a chair. "Your not strong enough yet," he warned. "It might bring on another attack."
"Christine, and Madame Giry do enough fussing over me, without you joining in too," Erik said coldly.
"I'm not fussing, I'm helping," Nadir said indigently. "I know for a fact that you are not strong enough to walk yet. You should rest some more. If not for your self, then for Christine."
"And why should I do anything for Christine. Right before I had my attack she said that she was leaving. She caused my attack," Erik replied bitterly.
"Don't tell her that," Nadir said in a hushed voice. "She was worried sick about you. Don't make her blame herself."
"And why would I want to make her do that!" Erik said sarcastically.
"Erik you didn't see her when you had your attack. She never left your side, she didn't sleep at all, and the only thing she had to eat or drink was a sip of tea. If you had died I don't know how she would have taken it." Nadir paused, contemplating his next words. "She loves you," he finished quietly.
"Do not joke about such things, Daroga. You will find it is not good for your health," Erik said dangerously quiet.
"Are you so blind not to see what is in front of your face? I she might not have said it out loud, and I doubt she realizes it herself, but you can tell by watching her," Nadir said exasperatedly.
"I suggest you leave," Erik replied coldly.
Nadir sighed, but left, knowing it was useless to argue.
They had both been to busy talking to see a shadow of a lone figure in the hall.
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Christine hurried to her room, limping a little from her bad leg, still holding the tray of tea she had been planning to give to Erik. Reaching her room she shut the door behind her, wondering if they had seen her. She placed the tray on her nightstand, and began to pace.
Did she love Erik? She didn't know. Feeling claustrophobic, she grabbed her cloak and cane, and rushed outside. It was a fairly warm day, with a nice breeze, but she quickly headed to the woods where she and Erik had walked. She was no longer afraid of wolves, after all wolves only came out at night. She really needed to get away from the house and think.
She wandered aimlessly for a bit, before reaching a stream. Finding a clean rock on the edge, she quickly sat down. Making sure she was alone, though why wouldn't she be in the middle of a forest, she took off her shoes and striped off her stockings. Gently she placed her feet in the cool water. Immediately she felt better.
She was so confused. Everything that concerned Erik confused her. During the whole "affair" at the Opera House she had been confused. Raoul was the only thing that made sense, so she had run to him for comfort. She had wanted him to tell her what to do, and he had. She had been so much of a child then, always wanting someone to tell her what to do. She had come so far from then. She sighed wistfully thinking about her more carefree days. Now she had no one to, to tell her what to do, and frankly she wasn't sure she wanted to run.
Suddenly she remembered that she was indeed leaving. Madame Giry had told her to move in with her and she had accepted. It turns out she was still that child she had thought of wistfully only a moment ago. She realized she was running towards the comfort again. Now though she didn't want to. She didn't want to leave. She wanted to stay here with Erik. But if she stayed she might never be able to leave. She needed to be in the city where she could get a job. She didn't want to be dependent on somebody else her whole life. I'll save that for another time, she thought. Right now I'm here to think about Erik.
Did she love him, she asked herself once again? No, she said immediately. But then she thought about it.
If she didn't love him, then why did just his touch send shivers up her spine?
If she didn't love him, then why was it so hard to leave?
If she didn't love him, then why did she feel like if he died she would too?
There were so many questions running through her mind. Maybe I'm thinking too much, she thought.
Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath.
Do I love him? She asked herself again.
I don't know. Her mind said truthfully. Nadir certainly thinks I do.
She opened her eyes, and was shocked to see it growing dark. They would be worried about her. She had been so caught up in her thoughts that she completely lost track of time. Quickly pulling her stockings and shoes on, she picked up her cane, and walked as fast as she could out of the forest. She would have to sneak back out to think again soon.
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A/N: Oh one other thing. About Susan Kay's Phantom, my friend found a petition online to get it back in print. Anyone who loves it should go sign it at