Dear Readers,

Voici the fifth chapter of my story! I hope you are all enjoying it and also pleased that I have continued. As you can tell I have decided to make some changes with Erik, he is less of a serial killer and more of a romantic. I hope you like everything and enjoy! And might I request some reviews?

Your Faithful Servant,

L.V.

Chapter 5

Erik had changed so much. Lisette had walked in on his life so suddenly, taking him away from his pain of loosing Christine and giving him hope that somebody could love him, the monster that he was. In her eyes she did not see him as a monster, she only saw a man, hidden behind a mask and hidden behind a mask for reasons of her to not ask of. If he did not leave out in the open, it was not meant for her ears.

Erik sat at his organ, overlooking the keys and carefully gliding his fingers over them. She had asked him to play for her. But what would he play? So many songs flooded his mind, but none were right for her to hear. He imagined her, watching him as he performed and he felt the slightest touch of embarrassment. What would she think of him afterwards? But then he remembered how she never pointed out his mask.

He smiled, she was sweet and polite. Christine was too curious for her own good, something not suitable for an environment of which Erik lived. He kept things hidden and if Christine would have stayed he would have done something terrible. Perhaps it was good she had chosen Raoul and maybe there was a God! He had sent Lisette to him, bringing great joy and promise. His heart was no longer full of depression and his mind no longer consumed of the thoughts of suicide.

For a moment he loathed Christine and pitied her. She would live a life of wealth, but no music. If Lisette would stay with him she would find a life of music, happiness but no wealth. That was something Lisette was accustomed to, she was the daughter of a whore! But her mother obviously loved her; she had given Lisette the chance to a better life. If Lisette had stayed in the Casino she would have surely become a whore herself.

It had been hours since Lisette had broken her fever and Erik had not thought of giving her any nourishment. He thought that tea would be suitable and he got up, went to the cupboard and pulled out the tin of tea. With the tin in hand, he went to one of the mirrors and carefully pulled it open. This passage led to the kitchen. Madame Giry brought food from the market to him every week. She knew he could never leave and ever since he was 12, she had supplied him.

Erik grabbed the kettle from the pantry and a cup and saucer. His supply of food was running low. All that was left was half a baguette, four carrots and two apples. He knew that any day Madame Giry would come with more food, but he was more worried what she would say about Lisette. She had become very protective over Erik since Christine.

Once he was finished heating the water he poured the hot tea into the cup, carefully trying not to spill. Deciding that food was most likely a good idea, Erik cut the baguette and fetched some Blackberry jelly from the pantry. Feeling quite successful and accomplished, Erik escaped back down the passageway that led to his lair.

Erik made his way to where Lisette was still sleeping and he laid the tea and bread on the side table and then lightly petted Lisette's forehead. Slowly coming to, Lisette woke with a smile.

"Good morning," Lisette frowned, "Good Evening?" She asked feeling very confused.

Erik smiled and chuckled. "Whatever you prefer," He assured.

Lisette smiled and there was a smile silence in between them.

"Oh, ugh I almost forgot," said Erik, "I brought you some tea and some bread and jelly."

He held out the plate and cup to her and she welcomed it gratefully. She had almost forgotten that she was hungry. She had not eaten since she first came to l'Opéra Populaire. Within moderation, Lisette sipped her cup of tea and nibbled at the bread. She did not want to appear as a heathen, no matter how hungry she was.

"Did you rest well?" Erik asked, sitting at the edge of the bed.

Lisette nodded and swallowed, "I can feel my strength coming back."

Her voice was filled with hope and Erik smiled, he knew exactly what she was doing.

"How can you feel your strength coming back when it has been only a couple of hours?" He asked, teasing.

Lisette smiled sheepishly, "Easily, I rested."

Lisette's eyes held the same mischievous, teasing look that Erik's held.

"Oh please Erik, let me get up just for a little bit! I promise that if my knees buckle, even once, I shall lie back down and rest more. But just let me walk a few steps, even with your help…" Lisette had broken her sly way of tricking him and now she was almost completely on her knees, begging him.

Erik paused for a moment, contemplating the proposition in his mind. He did not want Lisette to hurt herself but surely if he was helping her, she could do no harm.

"Very well then, you may get up but just for a little bit," Said Erik as he held his hand out to her.

Lisette pushed the covers off of her and set her feet on the cold stone floor. With one hand holding Erik's hand and the other propping herself up on the bed, Lisette pushed up and stood. Erik put his free hand securely on her waist, careful not to intrude where it was not his place and she walked forward. Her first steps were as shaky as a newborn calf but within a few steps she gradually became more stable.

"See Erik, I told you I was stronger." Lisette pointed out, smiling.

Erik nodded and across his face was a wide smile, "You proved me wrong."

Dreadfully sorry, but I must leave you there. I hoped you enjoyed everything thus far and to an individual who commented about me stealing her idea, well I am sure the two can come up with the same idea but I assure you that there are others out there just like mine. Well, keep those reviews coming in!

Your Faithful Servant,

L.V.