A/N: Dedicated to Snarky.Kitty.Dahlinz, the one who commented on the symbolism between Giry's ring and her love for Erik. Disclaimer: Do not own POTO. But Erik, who is currently residing in my closet, is my only consolation.
Erik fingered the ring that had often adorned Giry's pale finger. It was so dazzlingly beautiful, except for that one flaw that marred the surface.
"Antoinette." He said, "Please, come back." He buried his head in his hands and wept.
A noise stirred him, and he looked up with alarm.
"My Angel," said Christine. "What hurts you?"
"Go away." Said Erik firmly. "I do not want to look upon your face."
"Erik," Christine began. "I thought you loved me."
"I do not love you!" he shouted at her. "Leave. Now."
Tears began to brim in Christine's eyes.
"Erik, let me show you that you are beautiful." She kissed him firmly on the mouth.
"Oh you vile woman." Said Erik remorsefully. "You proclaim your love for me, but always recoil at this!" he tore off his mask and stared at Christine. She backed away with a frightened gasp.
"You see," continued Erik. "How can you, a most respectful woman, love a corpse?"
Christine, too frightened of his face, ran from his lair and up the hidden stairs. She continued to run, her breath coming out in short, sharp gasps.
"Christine," whispered a voice. "Kat, what is it?"
"Oh Meg." She said, "The story is too long, and you would not believe me."
Meg looked back at her and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Come with me," she said, "And I will listen. Tell me everything."
She led Christine to the dormitories and sat her down upon the bed.
"If you would, start from the beginning."
"It happened so long ago that I do not quite recall…" Christine's voice faltered.
"Kat, do not hesitate. Do not think I will not believe you." Said Meg complacently.
"Meg, it happened when I first arrived at the Opera House. I was alone in the corridors, when suddenly I heard this voice. It was neither harsh nor loving, and it gave me strict instructions. It said I was to meet at the same place every night at seven o'clock and tell no one of my business. What could I do? I obeyed. Father always said he would send me an Angel. I suppose he did that very night. I have been instructed for six years now, and the Angel, just a year ago, has shown his face."
Christine stopped in mid-narrative and took a solitary breath. Meg laid a hand on her shoulder.
"It is horrible Meg." She said. "His face, his left side, is horribly disfigured. The bones show through, the skin is waxen. His eye is like a demon's, and there is a tormenting curl to his lip. And then the man, for I am now supposing it is a man, asks me to love him! Love him! Him, such a beast that I dare not gaze upon. And he kisses me, and feels my waist, and these simple actions tempt me. He is so passionate and quite devoted to me that I feel as if I were finally loved. He told me his name, Erik." She stopped. "But I like the name of Raoul better." She continued. "Remember Raoul, Meg? The boy who saved my scarf. He was such a pretty boy. He promised one day he would find me and sweep me in his arms. Dear God, I hope he comes to find me soon, Meg, or I shall go mad!"
"Kat, I believe you." Said Meg, "Think not on it, everything will turn for the better. You rest, I had best go and see Mama."
She tiptoed out of the room and into Giry's bedroom. Giry was lying on the bed, stony-eyed.
"Mama?" said Meg, "Can I speak with you?"
"Of course Marguerite." Said Giry. "Come in and sit with me."
"Mama, Kat spoke of Father." She said. "And consequently I have changed my views on the man."
"Is this true?" asked Giry suspiciously.
"It is Mama. He is a lonely man who is tormented by what he desires." She explained. "He wants true beauty and happiness, and is at a loss without them."
"The tides have changed Meg." Said Giry. "First, you thought him an ignorant bastard, now your opinion seems to have come off on me. My own views have run their course to you."
"He is unfavorable to you?" asked Meg.
"He flirts with Christine and uses her as a harlot." Said Giry. "Because I am old, and my beauty is lost."
"Your beauty is not gone. Think of what you have. It was not beauty that seduced him, it was your character. Kat, although possessing many good qualities, is not as intelligent as you, and probably will never be."
"It is interesting." Said Giry, "That you speak of such things. I never thought a daughter could be a mentor on love."
"It seems they can." Said Meg. "When I was little I watched your relationship, and the ups and downs, and by doing so have learned much."
"Thank you for such advice." Replied Giry. "Although I must admit you pointed out the obvious."
Meg gave a good-natured laugh at this joke.
"The obvious may seem deeper soon enough." She said.
"Keep a vigilant eye on Christine." Instructed Giry. "She needs your counseling. Poor thing, she must be hurting. Erik's love never did flow easily."
"That I will do." Said Meg, "I must rest now. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Marguerite." Said Giry, and kissed her forehead. "Pleasant dreams."
A/N: Wow, an almost entirely Erik-free chapter. Quite odd, really. I will tend to call Christine 'Kat' because of habit, as Meg is the shortened form of Marguerite, so it fits quite nicely into the story. Also, it makes for faster typing. This chapter was more of a space-filler than anything, sorry if it was disinteresting. I just had to post something before going out of my mind.