A/N: Sorry about the confusion with the last chapter/ chapters. My uncle's computer is so slow that it won't upload big documents, so I have to put the chapters in parts. Sorry about that. Anyway this chapters longer, for those who have been requesting bigger chapters, so it will be in three parts. Here are the review answers!
InuLvr7: I know! I love Gone with Wind, and Raoul does remind me of Ashley. Of course Erik reminds me of Rhett. They both have a problem expressing their feelings and have the same sarcastic air to them. Christine doesn't really remind me of Scarlett though. The only similarity I see is that they don't really see who they love until its too late. That's weird about my name. I just made it up!
All That Remains: I'm sorry!
Lady Skywalker: Don't worry! –hands you a Kleenex- Just in case. LOL.
Starfire: Trust me, it won't last long. I hate keeping them apart!
TheaterAngel: I know! Every time I watch that part, I'm like why couldn't he have just died in there? Maybe after I'm finished with this fic, I'll write one where he does! LOL.
Glitter Queen of The Ice show: WOW are you psychic or something? LOL.
Layla Wendel: Ya it was basically a filler chapter, but it was important.
phantomofleopera: I'm sorry! I'm been to tired/ haven't had time to write. The chapter (I hope) will be longer. This one is.
satinzevi89: I'm sorry for the title change, but the last title didn't really fit. I promise I won't change it again. LOL. And I'm sorry, but Raoul doesn't look cute ever! LOL.
angel of mystery: Yup. Maybe hitting them with a stick will help.
pinkichigomewmew: I know! But don't worry things will work out.
LitlingBanshee: Yes, give them time to think, and change their minds –coughcoughERIKcoughcough-
bejou: LOL. Thanks!
Silinde: OK. I have been trying! This one is longer.
RachErikaSam01: Sorry to change the title. They just need time! About the reviews, like I said before you guys take the time to talk and read my story, the least I can do is answer you. Also I like talking to my reviewers and getting to know them better!
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Erik sat at the piano bench thinking. Nadir had left an hour ago, and the reality of Christine's leaving had sunk in. How could he have let her leave again? How many times will she reappear in his life, only to leave again? The silence in the house was choking him. He needed to escape. All he had were his thoughts, which were driving him crazy. There were too many questions.
Did Christine really love him? If so why did she leave? Why did he let her? He could have stopped her if he wanted. Did she love him? She couldn't love him. Nobody could love him. If she loved him she wouldn't have left. But he had let her.
His thoughts kept going in circles. He couldn't stand it! He stood up, grabbed his cloak, and headed out the door. He had to think, and get away. Walking briskly, he headed to the one place he ever felt at home. The opera house.
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Erik arrived at the opera house, and the first place he went was his "home". It was deserted and covered in a thick layer of dust. It brought so many memories back of Christine, and once again he felt trapped. He quickly retreated, and headed to box five, coming out of the pillar to hide in the shadows.
Maybe I need to get my mind of Christine, he mused. And I might as well see what awful singers and dancers they have hired to replace the ones who refused to come back.
He glanced at the stage, and was shocked to see Christine standing there. She seemed to follow him everywhere.
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Christine stood on stage, taking deep breaths. Madame Giry had talked to Firman and Andre and they were happy to take her back as a singer, but insisted she audition as a formality. She was incredibly nervous. She was not as good as a singer as she had been three years ago, having not practiced much the last few months. She needed this job though, singing was the only thing she could do. She prayed silently to sing well.
Subconsciously she glanced at box five, and thought she saw a white mask. Doing a double take she was disappointed to see she was mistaken.
"When ever you are ready, Madame," Monsieur Reyer said.
Christine glanced at Madame Giry, who smiled reassuringly. It was almost as if she was 17 again singing in front of the new managers for the first time. The only difference was Erik wasn't there to watch her. She felt a lump rise in her throat, but shook herself mentally. She shouldn't think about him. He was out of her life.
Silently she nodded cueing the music. The music started, and she began to sing.
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Erik winced, as Christine began to sing. It was awful. She was worse than Carlotta. It was the worst he had ever heard her sing. She wasn't concentrating! Her notes were off key, her rhythm was wrong, and most importantly she put no emotion into the song. He wished he could do something to help her, but knew he couldn't.
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By the time the song was finished, Christine had tears in her eyes. She was awful, and she knew it.
The managers glanced at each other surprised. "I don't think you are what we are looking for," Firman said finally.
Christine nodded, unable to speak. Without speaking she left the opera house, refusing to look back. If she did she might have noticed a shadow following her.
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Erik trailed Christine all the way to Madame Giry's apartment. He wasn't sure what he was doing, but he had to be with Christine. To comfort her, to protect her.
He saw Christine enter the apartment building, and went to stand at the door not entirely sure what he wanted to do.
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Christine was greeted by Meg. Seeing Christine's tear streaked face she was immediately by her side.
"Oh Christine, what happened?" Meg said gently.
"I was awful," Christine said tonelessly.
"It couldn't have been that bad," Meg said trying to comfort her.
"Yes it was. I was off tune, I wasn't in beat, I was awful," Christine replied, taking a seat in a chair, and burying her face in her hands. Meg took a seat next to her.
"What happened?" Meg asked softly.
"He wasn't there," Christine said quietly.
"Who?" Meg asked.
"Him." Christine replied even quieter. "He used to be always there when I sang. He wasn't there this time. Why doesn't he believe I love him? Why?" She was near tears again.
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Madame Giry walked up the stairs to her apartment as fast as she could. She had dismissed the ballet dancers early so she could get home to Christine. She knew she had been crushed, and hoped Meg had cheered her up a bit. She reached the top step and was not surprised to see Erik standing there. She had seen him in box five, and figured that he would follow Christine; she was right.
"Would you like to come in Erik?" She asked.
Erik turned around quickly surprised. "Is she alright?" He said worriedly.
"Why don't you come and see?" Madame Giry replied.
"I don't think she wants me with her," he said coldly.
"Don't be a fool Erik," Madame Giry said just as coldly. "Of course she wants you with her. She loves you."
"Don't say things that aren't true," Erik hissed.
"Of course it's true, and you know it," Madame Giry said harshly, but then softened her tone. "You still love her too. What are you afraid of?"
"I don't have to discuss this with you," Erik growled dangerously.
As always Madame Giry ignored his tone. "Your right," she said, "You need to discuss this with Christine. Now come in and talk to her."
Erik angrily turned and brushed past her, striding through the hall and down the stairs.
Madame Giry sighed and shook her head. She knew he would be back. Rummaging through her purse, she pulled out her key and opened the door.
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