To my good readers,

I can not deny that you were wrong but if I write a story is it not my reward of a review. I would like to say though that I have gotten more reviews when I closed the fic, which I believe is odd but I am grateful that you all enjoy it. That is all I ask of you, that and a review once in a while and if you succeed my wish I will write more chapters and post them quicker. Merci!

Your Faithful Servant,

L.V.

Chapter 4

For hours Erik sat by Lisette's side, holding her hand. The feel of her small, smooth, silky hand against his large and calloused one sent a sensation up and down his spine. He soon became inspired to write. Ever since Christine had left him, tearing his heart in two he hadn't written a single lyric. But suddenly it came to him and he left her side, reluctantly, to begin writing. The lyrics would be about love, love for another of whom you did not entirely know and the music would be soft and whimsical, taking you to a faraway place, where everything was better.

Lisette awoke, slowly and she could feel the weight of the many blankets on top of her. She struggled to push them off and within a few minutes she had. She felt weak, very weak and it was a wonder she could even get the covers off of her, she slowly sat up and put her feet to the floor. Once she was standing she took very small, shaky steps out of the little room she was in. She could feel her knees buckling beneath her and when she made it just outside of the room, she collapsed with a loud thud.

Erik turned, surprised and saw her, struggling to lift herself from the stone floor. He ran to her rescue and scooped her up like a sack of potatoes. The look on her face showed exactly how she felt, pathetic. It was obvious that days in bed had weakened her and she needed to regain the muscle she lost. Erik laid her on the bed and she began to speak.

"I am sorry if I have been a burden," She began with her voice raspy.

"Not at all, mademoiselle, you have not been a burden here and I hope you will no longer think that you are." He said, sympathizing.

"Please, do not call me mademoiselle, call me Lisette." She softly demanded.

She smiled faintly and settled to a more comfortable position. He stood above her, watching. He was utterly fascinated by someone who was so innocent. It seemed as though she hardly noticed his mask and truth be told, she really didn't. Some may call her unreal but Lisette had grown up to see the person behind the mask (ahem) or book, or whatever you would call it. A person's character has more worth than their appearance.

"I hope that you shall no longer make any attempts to walk again, your fever just broke and you need to rest." Erik said with his eyes twinkling.

"But how shall I regain the strength that I have lost?" Lisette questioned.

Erik smiled and slightly nodded his head. "Perhaps in a day or two you can attempt to walk." He answered.

There was only one problem, underneath the opera house you could not tell light from day, the nighttime lasted forever. Lisette contemplated the fact inside her mind, as did Erik but neither of them pointed it out.

"I don't want to sleep though, I have so much energy. How could I waste it sleeping?" Lisette asked.

Erik paused and then answered, "I do not know, Lisette." He was growing tired of her questions but he would not show her his loss of patience. He did not want to frighten her.

Lisette rolled over, showing her back to him. He would not let her escape rest so she resided to the only thing she could do, sleep. Erik wanted her to be with him, giving him company but she had to rest. A person could not recover an illness without the proper rest afterwards.

Erik turned to where his music box sat on the side table. He twisted the back and it soon began to play, Masquerade. Lisette turned over, her eyes twinkling as she heard the little monkey play the beautiful song.

"Oh Erik, he plays a wonderful song." Lisette said in awe.

Erik smiled and nodded, something so simple could make her happy but something soon caught his mind. She was given the gift of music! No, not the singing, nor playing gift but a simple song had made her joyful. Inside Erik was jumping with joy, perhaps this was a good sign? But then he remembered Christine, she was given the gift of music and she could not love him, but of course Raoul did come into place and there was no one else vying for Lisette's affection. Erik shook his head, he should have not been thinking about that kind of thing, Lisette could never love him, he was a monster!

"Erik, do you play music?' Lisette asked, breaking his thoughts.

"Yes," he said nodding.

"I would like to hear you play sometime." Lisette said, as she slowly drifted off to sleep, letting the sound of the music box overcome her.

Erik smiled as he looked down on her, just moments ago she had complained that she was not tired and now she was fast asleep. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, "I will send you the angel of music." And then ever so lightly, he kissed her forehead. It was not something he had expected to do but his impulses had overcome him.

As he straightened his posture he pulled the tassel, letting the black lace circle the bed and he left her to sleep, still remembering her sweet scent.

REVIEWS! REVIEWS! REVIEWS! Oh, I mean reviews, please. They would mean a lot to me. Merci!

Your Faithful Servant,

L.V.