A/N: Sorry this chapter took so long to get up. I wanted to perfect it, because it's such an important chapter (and a long one! My longest yet!). I'm still not happy with it. LOL. But I know you want it, and I don't know what else to add or change so… Anyway I tried not to make it too cheesy, but I'm afraid I might have a little. Well tell me how I did.
InuLvr7: I agree. Christine is too nice, though both Christine and Scarlett are child-like, but in different ways. BTW Have you ever read Scarlett? Because Rhett does not get over her. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.
bexxy: Thanks!
Glitter Queen of The Ice show: Yup!
RachErikaSam01: Yea, but he might go back and talk to her. Don't worry they have to talk, and sort out their problems. That's this chapter. That's cool about Broadway. I'm trying to get my mom to take me to see it in August for an early 16th birthday present too. I'm not sure she'll take me though. She's like what if you're not into it by August! LOL. Parent! –rolls eyes-
satinzevi89: Yea. That's my favorite part too! I love it how Erik keeps pulling the noose around Raoul's neck tighter and tighter. –insert evil laugh- LOL.
TheaterAngel: Thanks! Who knows? He might turn around.
LiltingBanshee: Yup!
All That Remains: Thanks!
Carolinus the Opera Ghostess: Don't worry. They will be. Eventually!
Starfire: That's a good idea. LOL. Your right about removing weapons, but I'm more likely to make Christine throw things at Erik's head. I don't know why, but I like girls throwing things at guy's heads. LOL
angel of mystery: I totally agree. But what guy/man isn't stupid when it comes to feelings and love?
Layla Wendel: Christine can sing. She just always sings for Erik, and with out him there she was, well, bad.
Silinde: I will. I think I'm a little more than half way done.
grace: Thanks!
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Erik walked as fast as he could away from the apartment and Christine. The nerve of that woman telling he was afraid. He wasn't afraid of anything, or maybe he was. He was afraid of what Christine would say if he came back, he was afraid she really loved him. He couldn't run from her forever. Despite that he was half way home, he turned around and headed back towards the apartment. He had to talk to her; he had to know the truth.
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Madame Giry entered the apartment to see Christine and Meg sitting next to each other. Christine had tear stained cheeks, but she was relieved to see that there were no tears falling at the currant time. "Are you alright Christine?" She asked.
Christine nodded, and whipped her cheeks. "Where is Madeline?" She asked Meg.
"She's taking a nap," Meg answered. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine," Christine said, attempting to smile. "I think I'll take a nap too."
"Alright," Madame Giry said. "I'll wake you for dinner."
Christine nodded and headed to Meg's bedroom. Not even bothering to change, she lay and bed, and fell into a restless sleep.
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About two and a half hours later there was a knock on the door. Madame Giry had returned to work, so Meg answered it. She was shocked to see Erik standing there.
"Is Christine here?" Erik asked quietly.
"Yes," Meg stuttered. "Would you like to come in?"
Erik nodded curtly.
"Have a seat," Meg said leading him to the sitting room. "Would you like some tea?"
"No thank you," Erik replied smoothly, as he took a seat on the couch.
They sat in awkward silence, until it was broken by Madeline's cries.
"I'll go get her," Meg said quickly getting up, thankful to escape his presence. She returned a few minutes later with Madeline in her arms. Madeline instantly perked up when she saw Erik.
"Eriwk!" She squealed happily, reaching out her chubby arms for him.
Erik stood up, and took her from Meg's arms.
"Hello, Madeline," he whispered, sitting back down.
"I'm going to see if Christine's awake. I'm sure Madeline's crying woke her up," Meg said exiting the room. She went down the hall and entered her room to see Christine sitting one her bed.
"Where's Madeline?" Christine asked groggily.
"Christine, there's someone here to see you," Meg replied apprehensively.
"Who?" Christine asked, immediately awake.
Meg heisted. "Erik," she whispered quietly.
Christine looked up shocked. "He's here? What? Why?" She stuttered.
Meg shrugged. "I have no idea. He's waiting in the sitting room with Madeline."
"I'll be there in a minute," Christine said. Meg left the room, and Christine looked in Meg's mirror. She looked a mess. Her hair was tangled, her dress was wrinkled, and her eyes were blood shot. She went to her suitcase and grabbed a dress to put on then. Then she quickly ran a brush through her hair. Finally she splashed some water on her face. Taking one last look in the mirror, she exited the room.
She entered to find Meg sitting in a chair opposite Erik who had Madeline in his lap. He stood the moment she walked into the room.
Madeline was the first to speak. "Mama, Eriwk," she said happily.
"Yes darling I know," Christine replied smiling weakly.
"I'll be in the other room with Madeline," Meg said standing and taking Madeline from Erik.
Once Meg was out of the room Erik spoke. "We need to talk," he said quietly.
Christine nodded and gestured for him to be seated again, as she sat down. "Yes," she said calmly, though she was a nervous wreak inside. What did Erik want?
"I need to know the truth," he said in a guarded tone, as though he thought she had changed her mind.
Christine sighed, not looking at him. "I told you before. I love you Erik," she said looking him in the eyes.
Erik had never seen her look at him that way before. There was longing, and pain, and something else he couldn't place. Love. He had often looked at her the same way, when he thought she wasn't looking. He didn't doubt what she said anymore. He knew she loved him, but instead of it filling him with joy, it filled him with fear. Madame Giry was right. He was scared. He had always wanted this, and dreamed about this, but now that it was here he didn't know what to do. He reacted the only way he knew how.
"What about the Viscount?" He spat out.
Christine kept holding his gaze as she spoke. "I've always loved Raoul, and always will," Erik opened his mouth to speak angrily, but she silenced him with her hand. "But not the way I love you. I was overwhelmed. I didn't know what to do. I was so confused. Raoul was from my child hood and a time when my father was with me. He was familiar. I thought you were an angel, and suddenly you're a man and… It was too much. I choose him. He was a safer option. Raoul will always have a place in my heart. We were married for two years. You have to accept that."
"If you loved me, why did you leave me?" Erik's voice was quiet, and he turned away from her so she couldn't see his face.
"Erik," Christine said leaning over to take his hand, but he pulled away. She sat back up. "We went over this. What could I have done?" When he didn't answer she continued. "The mob was coming. I didn't know how I was feeling. That kiss I gave you was like no kiss I had ever received from Raoul. He was usually tentative with anything concerning our love, but you… You needed me. You wanted me. And I… I wanted you. I didn't know it then, as inexperienced with love that I was, but now I know what I was feeling. I left you. I regretted it so much. I left you when you needed me most. You were always there for me, and never asked a thing in return except my love, and I was too scared to give it. I never forgave myself. I'm sure Raoul saw it, though I tried to hide it. Erik, you wanted my love then, why don't you want it now?" She was silently crying by the time she had finished.
Erik wanted to break down and cry, or take her in his arms and tell her he still loved her, but he had said he wanted to talk, and there was much still left unsaid. "I still love you," he said barley audible, just loud enough for her to hear. "I can't stop, no matter how hard I try." Though he tried to hold back his tears, a few leaked out of the corners of his eyes and down his mask. Christine was openly sobbing by now, and Erik didn't try to hold back his tears any longer.
Silently Christine moved from her chair, to sit next to Erik on the couch. She knew they had problems to work out, and that Erik still didn't trust her, but there was hope. He loved her! Without hesitation she threw her arms around his neck, and cried. Hesitantly Erik put his arms around her, and they clung to each other and cried.
Finally they drew apart. Christine looked up at Erik expectantly, not sure what to do. When he didn't speak, she spoke. "What now?" She asked, wiping the remaining tears from her eyes.
"My dear, I wouldn't know," Erik replied dryly, back to his normal self.
Christine was silent a moment. "Could you give me voice lessons again?" She asked. "I want to rejoin the Opera House. I've missed it so much these past few years. And after today…"
Erik studied her a minute, then nodded.
Christine leaned against Erik's shoulder, and he hesitantly wrapped an arm around her shoulder. After a few minutes Christine spoke quietly. "What about us Erik? What are we going to do?"
Erik did not speak right away. Finally he spoke truthfully. "I don't know. Let's focus on getting you back as a singer in the Opera House."
Christine nodded, and they lapsed into silence once again. After about ten minutes they heard the scrap of a key in the front door, and they sprang apart.
A few seconds later Madame Giry entered the room. "Will you be staying for dinner?" She asked Erik, not at all surprised he was here.
Erik glanced at Christine, and much to her disappointment answered, "No."
Madame Giry nodded, and exited the room.
He turned to Christine. "I should be going. Be at my house after lunch to start your lessons."
"Alright," Christine said standing up, and walking with him to the front door.
Erik opened the door, but didn't leave. He just stood there facing Christine, a war raging in his head. Finally he turned and left.
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A/N: BTW Over 150 reviews! Thanks everyone!