Authors Notes - A really short chapted I'm sorry to say. I promise I'll update during the week with a longer chapter. Life has been hectic, my mobile phone and laptop "died" within a few days of each other. Had to get a new phone and the laptop had a virus. Anyway enough personal stuff, on with the story.

Enjoy

Chapter Twelve

Charlotte lay in bed that night, staring out into the darkness. It had been a long day with their rehearsals and performance and she should have been exhausted.

Instead however, she was wide-awake and she realised that she missed the voice that had sung her to sleep. She felt silly, for it must have been a joke the other dancers had played on her. However she wished the voice would speak to her again.

As she lay there, she felt a presence and she sat up, turning the lamp on. 'Hello?' she called into the dark room, only lit by the tiny lantern. 'Is anyone there?'

Of course no one was there, it was simply wishful thinking and with a soft sigh, she turned off the lantern and tried to get some sleep.

Erik watched her silently as she looked around the room. He opened his mouth to respond to her calls but remained silent.

He again wasn't sure what had called him here tonight. To mentally say goodbye or to approach her. He wanted to believe Madame Girys words but how could he possibly after what had happened with Christine? He couldn't allow himself to be hurt like that again.

He had realised that since Charlotte had come to his Opera House, he had thought of Christine less. Perhaps he was truly moving on? He had no choice in the end. He would never stop loving her, not until the day he left this earth.

He knew in his heart no one would ever see behind his face. How could they? His own mother had never wanted him and had sold him to a band of gypsy's who had thrown him into a cage and turned him into an attraction. How could a beautiful young woman even consider...

He shook his head. No, it would be best if he left this girl alone and returned to the one thing that could never reject him. His music.

With one final glance to the woman asleep in the bed, he turned and retreated to the depths of the Opera House.

Personals - A big thank you to all my reviewers and readers. You all make my day!

Southerncrossgirl - Thanks for reviewing, I'm glad you're enjoying this story.

surf with music - Yep angry and stubborn Erik is fun to write, although Erik is a great character to write all the time because he is so incredibly complex. This was a really short chapter Im afraid but the next few will make up for it, I promise.

Princess Ariana - Thanks for reading, I'm glad you're enjoying. I have plans for Erik and Charlotte and they'll meet soon. Thanks for the ideas

Fern Hill - Thank you for taking the time to review. I appreciate all constructive critisim, and while your review didn't give me much to work on, I do appreciate your views. However I don't think Charlotte is a Mary Sue, I think she has depth to her and isn't simply another Christine or anyone really except the character herself. Thanks for reviewing and I hope you continue to read

fluffy-bubbles - I hope you had a great time away. Thank you for the review. Charlotte and Erik will meet.. eventually :P

Thanks for reading everyone!