Sorry this chapter took so long to post, but I have been incredibly busy, especially since this is the last week of rehersals (aka hell week) for Aladdin! Can't wait till showtime! Anyway, I also wanted to let you guys know that it should only be about one or two more chapters until we get to the real romance, so bear with me. Also, a special thanks to my 50 reviewer, fictiongurl!

Review Replies

Moonjava: My ever faithful reviewer! I'm glad you liked the last chapter. It was actually pretty easy to write.

ThePhantomsShadow: Ya, I know, evil cliffie. I'm sorry. Here is the continuation for it.

fictiongurl: I know I was pretty evil with the cliffe, but don't worry. There is still much more to come.

I Love Gerry: Thanks for the review. Ya, I definitely felt like the last one was thebest I've done so far. Sorry that this one isn't as great. I'm glad you like my characterizations. I couldn't resist to put the part with the monkey in there, the opportunity was too good to miss. Besides, you would think that with Erik's very very delicate self esteem, he would probably have something to calm him down. Thanks for the wellwishing. I'm so nervous. Okay, I will admit that I am stretching it since it's a children's production and I'm like one of the oldest ones (16)and I've been doing this particular drama camp thing for seven years, but I guess I am okay. Hey, there is nothing wrong with being an alto. I have a friend just like you. Being able to hit low stuff is just as impressive as high stuff. Btw, PLEEEEZZZZ CONTINUE WITH YOU E/M STORY! omg, I loved it soooo much and you have to put some more e/m stuff out there for all of us crazy Erik/Meg shippers!

KitsuneRW: I'm so glad you like my story and thanks for the compliment! Here is your update.

sweet-little-girl: Ya, I'm glad I got to the action. There are actually some later chapters that will have some action like that too. Ya, I definitely agree that Meg isn't as shallow as Christine because Meg is just awesome! That's why we love her.

PhantomoftheBandroom: I'm glad you liked this chapter so much. I think it was my favorite too, well at least so far. There is going to be some more stuff like that, and well, some action of a different kind even sooner.

Emily Singing Reflection: I'm so happy you liked the last chapter! Ya, I hope this play goes well. I know how you feel though. Personally, I HATE The Little Mermaid. Ariel just makes me cringe! To be honest, I'm not sure why my mom was going through my stories either. She just doesn't really believe in privacy, well at least for me and my sister. She also thinks that I'm tooobsesed with POTO and she's kinda trying to restrain me, which really sucks.It's not like I would actually do that stuff, I do have a reason. I write that stuff because I want to show that Erik and whoever I pair him with have a relationship that is so passionate and deep that they express it like that, and also because I know there are people out there who like that stuff,if this is making any sense. Don't worry, I don't think I'll stop writing. They can't hold me back! Besides, I wouldn't keep one of my ever faithful reviews hanging. Btw, sorry if I miss a review for your story. I had you on stories alert list, but for some reason it doesn't want to alert me anymore, but I'm working on it.

LadyJade: I'm glad you like my story so much! Yes, Erik does save her, though I'm sorry if this stuff gets a little confusing. Don't worry, I'm gonna keep their relationship going cuz I really want to get to some hard core romance.

brittanypiercy: Ya, I liked writing the chase scene too, and it was fun to bang Meg's head into a wall twice. Don't worry, the action that you are talking about is definitely coming, and it will only be about three more chapters until I get to some lemons. And there will be a pretty big conflict later too, but that is MUCH later.

Nameless Waif: haha, your reviews always make my day. I know I was incredibly evil for me to leave a cliffie, but hey, at least it wasn't as bad as the one in Two Hearts. I'm sorry I made you freak out so much. I think Erik just kinda feltbad about what he did, cuz we all know that Erik is really just a big softie. I kinda got the whole idea for that scene from Beauty and the Beast, when Belle goes into the west wing. I so agree that they are meant for each other. About the monkey, don't worry about the creepy music box thing. This was the monkey from when young Erik escapes the gypsies. Hey, he needs something to cuddle when he gets nightmares. I could resist that part, it was too good to miss. You should sooooo go for the one shot! I hope the show goes well too, lol!

WanderingChild24: I'm so glad you like my story so much! It's been so much fun to write! There is stuff much more to come!

7. Try to Forgive

I opened my eyes, blinking a few times before everything came into focus. To my surprise, I was back in my old room in Erik's lair. I turned my head and instantly the pain of the impact with the wall came surging back. I held my head, trying to stop the throbbing, only to find that there were bandages everywhere. Had Erik really done this?

Someone pulled the curtain aside and Erik came in with a glass of water.

"Oh, you're awake," he said. His voice carried neither anger nor sarcasm, but was instead on the borderline of indifferance and kindness, yet his eyes betrayed his facade. I don't think that I had ever seen such eyes. They were not cold, but dull and cloudy, broken and betrayed. I would have rather seen him angry than like this; it made me want to die of guilt. I had not wanted to hurt him, at least not after he had started to warm up to me.

I wriggled out of the covers, trying to sit up but instantly the room began to spin and my head felt like it was slammed against the wall all over again.

"No, don't," he said quietly, moving over and gently laying me back down. "You need to rest. I will be back." With that, he turned around, ready to leave.

"Erik, wait!"

He turned back, with his sad eyes burning into me more than his rage, only adding to my guilt even more. I looked down at the blankets, unable to meet his gaze.

"I... I just wanted to thank you... for saving me. If it had not been for you I would have suffered a horrible death."

"You will never have to worry about him again," Erik replied, rather coldly. I knew all too well what he meant. My customer had met the Punjab lasso. "Who was that man anyway?"

"The last customer I had," I spat bitterly as images of that terrible night came back to haunt me. "Let's just say that it was not a pleasant meeting."

Erik looked at me for a moment, his eyes letting me know that he understood and it was almost reassuring, and I felt protected. "I will be back to check on you again shortly," he said before he swished his cloak and left.

I opened my mouth in protest, but decided against it. I let out a small sigh. I had never felt so guilty in my life. Sure Erik's anger had been frightening, but nothing unnerved me like his sadness. Yet he never ceased to amaze me. Even after I had exposed his biggest secret and infuriated him, Erik continued to care for me and not only that, but he saved me from probably the worst death possible. None of it made any sense. How had the raging beast I last recalled turned into this guardian angel?

For about a week I remained in bed. Erik took care of me very well. He brought me food, cleaned and bandaged my wounds daily, and helped me out of bed, assisting me with getting back on my feet. I couldn't help but stand back in a state of awe, still unable to understand how he could be so kind. It just wasn't like the Phantom I used to know. I was finding it harder and harder to hold onto the memory of the pain he could put me through. I knew I didn't exactly hate him anymore, it was impossible to after all he had done. I wasn't sure if I could really forgive and forget, but I could forgive him a little.

As many times as I thought it over, I still couldn't understand why Erik had saved me. I wanted to know exactly what it was that had made him put his life in the way for me, so I finally got the nerve to do it.

Erik was sitting at the organ, just looking at the instument, almost in a daze. With wobbly legs, I made my way over to him and quickly sat down before my legs gave out beneath me. He did not turn to look at me, but instead kept his eyes fixed on the wall, remaining in his trance. It was a sight that I did not want to see. I could see the pain in his eyes, threatening to release itself, but I watched with awe as he held it back. Erik seemed like he could always take more than any other human being, but it was far more than he deserved, far more than anyone deserved, yet he carried it.

"What do you want, Little Giry?" he asked, almost coldly. I hated it. I hated how there was suddenly this horrible divide between us and how he kept his interactions with me as limited as possible.

"I... I was just..." I wasn't entirely sure how to go about this. Erik was already distant enough as it is and obviously wasn't in the mood to be bothered, but I wanted to know, I needed some questions answered. "Erik, why did you save me?"

He remained silent for a moment and kept his eyes fixed on a spot on the wall. "I was repaying my debt. That is all."

"What debt?"

"I guess your mother never told you," he said, avoiding my gaze. "When I was younger, I lived in a gypsy camp, used as an attraction in a freak show. Your mother helped me escape and brought me here to live. She saved my life, I saved the life of her only daughter. The debt is repaid. When you have regained your strength, you will leave me."

Instantly an alarm bell went off in my mind when I heard those words. I couldn't leave! Who knows what would happen to me if I went out on those streets again? Hadn't he seen what had nearly happened to me last time I left! I nearly got killed! This was the only home I had left.

"Erik, no," I whispered.

"What did you say?"

"Erik, please, don't make me leave. This is the only place left for me to go."

"Oh, so you want to live here with a monster, don't you Meg!" he growled.

I was a bit surprised. He had not called me 'Little Giry" or 'Little Meg'. He actually called me by my name.

"What do you mean?"

"I would think that you would be a bit smarter than that. You know I'm a bloodthirsty murderer. You've seen my face. Most people would refer to me as the definition of monster!"

"Erik, please listen to me."

"No, there's nothing to talk about! Just leave me in peace!" he stormed off to his room, slamming the door behind him. I hated him when he was like this and I wasn't giving up without a fight.

"Erik, open this door right now!" I said, trying the doorknob but finding it was locked. I pounded on the door with my fists. "Come on, get out here! I'm not through with you!" The door did not open and the room gave no hints of a sound. I knew no matter how hard I banged on that door Erik would not come out and the very thought of it increased my temper.

"DAMN IT ERIK! Why do you always have to be such a selfish bastard! Always hiding instead of facing the world like a REAL MAN! You know what! I didn't even give a damn about your face! If you wouldn't have been so angry I WOULDN'T HAVE RUN AWAY! Don't you dare send me out on the streets! I'm staying whether you like it or not! AND THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!" In my fury, my mind quickly sought for words that would shoot through him like venom. I was mad and even if I couldn't beat him, words had more power than sticks and stones. "You know, its no wonder Christine ran away! YOU'RE A MONSTER ON THE OUTSIDE AND ON THE INSIDE!"

Those hateful words stung my throat like poison and only after they had left my lips did I realize exactly what I had said. Even through the door, I could hear a small gasp. I knew I had gone too far. I didn't even believe what I had just said. Erik wasn't really a monster, but I had been blinded by anger and didn't care what came out until it was too late. What had I done?

"Erik," I whispered, my voice softening greatly. "Erik, I didn't mean that. Please don't believe that I think of you that way." His silence was slicing through me like a knife. Tears of self loathing made their way down my face. There was no way to make up for what I had done. To my surprise, the door opened. I thought that there had been nothing worse than the betrayed look Erik had in his eyes, but this was a look that killed my soul. He fought to keep his face straight, with tears threatening to spill over his beaten and broken eyes. 'Oh Erik, I'm so sorry.'

"Well then Meg," he said,trying to stop hisvoice from wavering,"since I am a monster, I can assume that you will be happy to leave my company. You will leave." He shut the door and I heard a muffled sob thatshook me from theinside out. Oh my God, what had Idone!Erik didn't deserve this.I could have murdered someone and still it would not have amounted to the sin of breaking him thoughroughly. I ran back to my room and flopped onto the bed, pounding the pillows, trying to release the pure hatred I felt towards myself. How could I have been so cruel, so stupid! I had never meant any of those words, but the damage was done. I may have been horrible to Erik, but I was not going to make it worse and stay. I would find something to do, and if some terrible fate befell me, well, I would probably deserve it.

There were hours of torturing silence, where the only sound I could hear were my own cries and the water gently lapping at the shore. Yet as the minutes ticked away, the more sane I became. Perhaps there was a way to take a step towards making up for this mess. Besides, even if I still had to leave, I needed to try to make up for the damage I had done.

Nervously, I approached Erik's room, trying to think of something that even came close to the remorse I felt. I knocked on the door, praying that Erik would give me one last chance. To my surprise, the door opened.

"What do you want?" he said coldly. I studied his face for a moment, noticing that his eyes were slightly red and there were light tear tracks down his unmasked cheek, adding to my guilt even more, if possible.

I took a deep breath, a bit unsure about where to start. "Erik, I wanted to appologize."

"For what. You only restated what so many have already said."

His words pieced my soul. "Erik please, that's not true. I just... I was just so angry, and I wasn't paying attention to what I said. And I know that you probably don't want to listen to me right now, but please, just give me a few minutes. The truth is that I don't really think of you as a monster.A real monster wouldn't have put themself at risk to save me, nor would they have taken care of me half as well as you have. Besides, your defor-... what's behind you mask, it really isn't that bad. I mean, it's only a little bit of twisted skin. After what I've been through, there are things farworse than your face. And you know what, I wasn't even really scared of it. It's just that when you woke up and you were so angry, it really scared me, far more that your face.

"Erik, I know I don't deserve to stay here, but if you could find some forgiveness within you, I promise that I will be able to make this up to you. I really don't want to leave. You've been so kind, kinder than anyone has been to me in a long time, and there is no where for me to go. Please Erik, let us start over, let me make it up to you."

His face remained hardened and I held my breath. "I will see if you live up to your promise. You may remain here as long as you keep it."

I couldn't stop the small grin that escaped my lips. I would certainly live up to it. "So do you want to start over?" I said, holding out my hand.

"Deal," he said hesitantly, taking my hand. Something felt strange about it. They were warm and sticky. I looked down, finding that his hands were badly cut with bits of glass stuck in them. I felt horrible. Not only did I hurt him emotionally, but physically too. Could I possibly be any worse?

"Erik, what happened!"

"Oh, I just broke a few mirrors."

"Come on, I'll help you bandage these," I said, carefully taking his hands.

"You don't have to do this."

"No, I want to. Besides, I'll be keeping my promise. Do you have any bandages around?"

"Look in the cabinet near the organ."

I made Erik sit down before running off and easily finding a small box. I opened it, finding some bandages and what I assumed was an antiseptic. I returned and immediately started helping him. First, I took out a pair of tweezers and carefully removed the small shards of glass from his cuts, watching as Erik fought not to wince. I poured some antiseptic on them, feeling horrible that he had to go through this pain.

"I'm sorry this has to hurt so much."

Finally, I bandaged his hands tightly, making sure that they would not get infected.

"Thank you," he muttered.

"Think nothing of it. I was only living up to my word."

It had only been a simple act, but it was a start in making up for what I had done.

Sorry the ending was kinda blah, but I wrote it in a zombie like state. The next chapter probably won't be up until like next week because this is the last week of rehersals for Aladdin, so I have that in the evening and then in the morning I have to do community service stuff so I'm basically running on sugar. Please review.