I've gotten a couple emails asking if that last chapter was the end...it wasn't! And neither is this one!

Nico

Rae stopped at the base of the steps of the Paris Opera House.

She crossed her arms over her chest, looking up at the immense building with fear and a tiny bit of loathing.

Gerard looked back from several steps up, suddenly aware that Rae was not at his side.

Looking down at her, he couldn't help but smile.

Her bright red and golden hair exploded in a torrent of curls, fashionably piled atop her head. Her large eyes were hidden by equally large sunglasses. Her tiny nose was wrinkled up in contemplation, and her rosebud lips were pursed.

Sleek black clothing covered her impossibly perfect form, large black boots completed the look. Peaking out from the high slit in her black skirt were red fishnets, a detail that never failed to excite Gerard.

"What's the matter?" He asked her, casually brushing his dark hair from his eyes.

"I don't know if this is a good idea," Rae replied.

Gerard laughed. "This was your idea," he reminded her.

"Yes, well," Rae cleared her throat. "Obviously, I have a problem with decision making."

Gerard walked back down to her, the chain of his wallet jingling in time with his steps. He moved close to her, taking both her hands in his. "It's a good idea," he said supportively. "What were they always talking about in therapy? Closure and all that?"

Rae stuck her tongue out at Gerard. "When were the doctors ever right," she muttered.

"Come on," Gerard said, ignoring her last statement and leading her by the hand.

Rae followed, but sighed heavily. "We don't even know if they're still here," she said, trying another tactic of escape. "It's been three months; they could be anywhere by now."

Gerard smiled. "Doubtful," he said. "From the response of the audiences of the new opera that opened two weeks ago, I'm nearly certain that the infamous phantom is still around and picking up right where he left off."

Rae scowled. She couldn't disagree with him. The new dark, terribly seductive opera had created quite a stir both locally and nationally…receiving critiques ranging from abundant praise to questions of morality.

It oozed the familiarity of the Phantom of the Opera.

Of course, only Rae and Gerard had memories to compare it to.

"Well even if they are here," Rae said, lowering her voice as they entered the main foyer of the Opera House, "it doesn't mean that they want to see us. After all, he did try to kill you and kidnapped me!"

"Rae," Gerard said calmly. "We have to do this."

Rae sighed. "All-right."

"Gerard!"

A familiar, irritatingly polished voice rang out against the marble of the foyer.

"Great," Rae mumbled as she caught sight of Bethany hurrying over to where she stood next to Gerard.

"Gerard," Bethany addressed him again as she got closer. Rae could not help but become annoyed by the warm way she spoke Gerard's name. "I thought that was you," she said, kissing Gerard's cheeks.

"Hello Bethany," Gerard said cordially. "You remember Rae."

Bethany looked down the length of her elegant nose, recollection suddenly passing over her face.

"Ah yes, your little friend," she said condescendingly. "Nice to see you again."

Rae rolled her eyes, hating the woman more with each passing moment.

Bethany's attentions, meanwhile, went right back to Gerard. "You must tell me everything that has been going on in your fabulous life, Gerard!" She gushed. "I heard you have been performing again."

Gerard looked over at Rae, his eyes pleading with her to ignore Bethany.

"Yes," he confirmed. "I have been."

"How wonderful!" Bethany clapped her hands together. "You must let me know when I can book you here," she said enthusiastically.

"I'm afraid that won't be for a while," Gerard said. "We are returning to America next week for a six month tour."

Bethany looked genuinely hurt. "Our little city was not enough for you?" She asked.

Gerard smiled. "At times it was too much," he replied.

"So tell me, Gerard," Bethany said, looping an arm through his, nearly causing Rae to commit murder. "Who is this new woman you've been seen with for the past few months," she asked. "The tabloids are calling her your fiancé…is it true?"

Rae's attention was grabbed. "Yes, Gerard…please do tell Bethany all about your new woman." She stared at Bethany, daggers shooting from her eyes.

"Oh," Bethany said, realizing. "It's you."

"Yes, it's me," Rae replied.

Bethany took her arm off of Gerard, who moved to clasp Rae's hand, squeezing to encourage her patience.

"And to what do I owe this visit?" Bethany asked. She had changed the subject, but Rae knew by the tone of her voice that the regal-looking woman was almost overcome with jealousy.

"We'd like to take one last look around…to say goodbye, if you will," Gerard said.

Bethany pursed her lips together. "Of course," she said with forced enthusiasm. "My opera is your opera. Now, if the two of you will excuse me, I have some pressing business matters to attend to."

Bethany made her hasty exit, much to the delight and satisfaction of Rae.

"I hate her," Rae informed Gerard under her breath.

Gerard chuckled, leaning over to kiss her cheek. "Jealous thing," he cooed into her ear. "She doesn't even come close to you."

Rae smiled inwardly, following Gerard as he once more led her back to the secret panel, and the world beneath the Paris Opera House.