Chapter Two

Madame Giry feels a firm hand grasp her arm. Alarmed, she tries to pull away, only making Erik tighten his grip. Madame Giry is hastily whisked through a catacomb hidden within her bedroom. She feels her head start to spin as she is led through the damp passageway. Erik pulls her along one step at a time. They descend flights of stairs and dodge trap doors.

Almost in a trance, Madame Giry climbs into the small boat while Erik directs the boat through the waters. Antoinette looks around practically dumbfounded. "What is going on? What does Erik want with me now; I thought he never wanted to see me again." She wonders as the bottom of the boat crunches on the sand.

Madame Giry rises from the boat, Erik taking her hand. At this, Antoinette comes out of her daze. "Why have you brought me here? I must return. Their eyes will find me here, those eyes that burn." The words slipped from her mouth practically in song.

Erik turned to face Antoinette laying a hand on her shoulder. A tear stained his unmasked face. Madame Giry looks away, trying to clear that lonely image from her mind. She closes her eyes and continues…"I am not safe with you, why can't you see? The Phantom of the Opera has taken over me."

Madame Giry felt her eyes fill with tears. Erik caressed her temple and bestowed a light kiss on her forehead. Antoinette pulls away in disbelief. "Would you not rather have Christine?" she whispers, hurt from the day's events.

Erik's eyes turn fierce with anger, but Madame Giry stands still. "Well, wouldn't you rather have Pierre?" The words pierced Madame Giry's heart, and stung her greatly.

"Erik, you're the only man I've ever loved, and you know that."

"Yet you betrayed me, and left me for that despicable man after you were carrying his child. That's the only reason you married him, isn't it?" Erik continued.

"Pierre loved me, and if you even knew him you would not have such harsh thoughts about him." Antoinette turned her gaze to the floor. She could feel his stare upon her, nearly burning through.

Erik took a step toward her, but Madame Giry look a step back. Erik reached out and grabbed Antoinette by the forearm and pulled her near. "Tell me the truth. Why did you marry Pierre?"

Madame Giry let out a sigh. "You wouldn't understand Erik, and you never have."

With that Erik drew her closer and deepened his voice. "Tell me." His voice bellowed.

"He provided me with a home, and gave me support and love. He cared for me and Meg…" she continued

Erik shook her. "Tell me the truth Antoinette." His eyes were fierce with anger, yearning for the truth.

Madame Giry forced herself to look away. "I wasn't safe…"

"What are you talking about?" Confusion overpowering Erik's voice.

Antoinette gazed into his eyes with a stern look on her face. "I certainly could not let the truth be known."

"And what would that be Madame?" He said tightening the grip on her arm.

A few stray tears stained her pale cheeks. "How was I to tell people that I was carrying the child of the Phantom of the Opera?"