Author's Note: Oh, the Long, long, longlonglonglong awaited Chapter Eight is here... I'm horribly sorry for not updating sooner, but I'm sure you'll understand once you read my profile thing-er. If you don't, then I hope you come to understand in time. -bows- Forgive me for my absence.

I have to warn you all that you will hate me horribly for this chapter, and if you won't, then you have very, very kind hearts. If you haven't already noticed, the name of this chapter is The Suspense Chapter; it is meant to reel everyone back into the feel of the story (and not get too far if you need to refresh your memories. :D).

I send thanks to everyone who reviewed, more specifically:

weasleygurl4: Yes, I agree that the Chapter hit the romantic spot very well... but envy? Envy? It took me nearly six months to write up anything worth uploading... there shall be no more envy here. Enjoy the Chapter, and don't hate me for it.

Grace (E.L.): Sneak-Peaker! - I know you can't wait for the next Chapter, so I promise not to take another six months writing it. (With so many ideas in my head, I doubt I could do that). I'm glad Chapter Seven is your favorite, it is mine as well - since it was one of the best ideas I had from the start. I'm sure your Phantom will turn up soon enouugh! Or maybe he's lurking in the shadows, waiting to be found? -sweatdrops-

TheAngel'sMaggie: -hug- I'm glad you liked the Chapter so much. I'm just really sorry that it took me so long to update. -bows head- Writer's block stinks, you know.

PleadingEyes: I'm sorry that it took me so long - I doubt that I have battled such a horrible case of writer's block yet. I know that this Chapter will also end on an interesting note (a rather big cliffy it is, I must say), but I'm sure the next chapter won't take six months to write. I have returned, and to write is my goal... to put these two together, and to have everyone read it - to write a great story that people will love, that is the whole point. And since we all love our Erik so much... XD

oMAo: I'm glad, I'm so glad, that you were satisfied. -laughs slightly- Hope this Chapter won't be a disappointment, but rather a kick back into the story... it needs this suspense.

carrie: Never in the history of my writing have I left someone so speechless... I feel honored... Enjoy:D

Forensic Photographer711: Chapte Seven seems to be everyone's favorite. Sorry for taking so long to update!

WriterofWill: Oh, FGOSM. How I've missed you three. Writer, THANK YOU for getting me back in the spirit of writing this story... it all goes to you -hands you trophies, medals, roses, and champaigne.-! I've changed it a tad since you read the draft... hope it doesn't disappoint... although I am sorry it's short... But I have to get the Chapter up, you know. Maybe we'll write that story together soon? -hopes- Enjoy the chapter!

Theresa: Never until now did I think I was this good at cliffhangers. Haven't you fallen off your seat yet? With all these cliffies, I'm surprised you haven't.

atheshar: You know, I didn't realize the reasoning of Chapter Seven being lucky until you mentioned it. :) I smiled when you mentioned that you noticed the connection between the angel and the mask - I was wondering if anyone would... About the song, it is actually a real chorus of a song (from a Polish band), except for the fact that I tweaked it so it would fit more into something the Phantom would sing. The actual words are, translated, "You'll be happier with him, much happier you'll be with him... what am I, but a wandering, anxious soul? With me you can only go into flowered fields (or some sort of nature-thing...) and forget everything." It's actually one of my most favorite songs from the band, and it fit so well... the lead singer/songwriter himself has very soulful lyrics like that... I can't say I'm glad you almost cried but, it fills me with an honor I don't understand. That is one of the most powerful things you can do as a writer, touch someone, you know? ...Yes, the point of the unmasking was for him to not be angry with her, I think our Erik is working on that.. And about Madame Giry, I doubt she will go that far, but I suppose we will see? It's true that she's not very happy with the way things are turning out ..Sorry for the long await and the short chapter, but enjoy nonetheless! -hands six white roses, for the almost-six months of not updating- XD

Countess Alana: Hello, new reader? Sorry for not updating sooner... enjoy!

deb: Hi there, new reader! I must say, you had to wait a little less than everyone, but nonetheless, I hope you enjoy!

-breathes heavily- And now... -cough- I present to you, the Chapter of Suspense. -pulls rope to pull up the curtain with difficulty-

NEARLY SIX MONTHS...

had passed since the night she had fallen into the Masked Man, and Katherine had not seen Erik even once. She began to often wander the corridors at night, hoping to see him again, but she never bumped into anyone, except perhaps Madame Giry, who often scolded her for being out of bed so late. When Katherine didn't get caught, she always seemed to find her way back to her bedroom, which she found awfully disturbing.

Despite his eminent disappearance, the Phantom began to invade Katherine's dreams. His voice sang out with so much feeling that Katherine often woke up with her face stained with tears. She wondered whether or not his voice was just something that existed in her dreams, or if he was really singing to her. Whatever the case, the voice was gone once she awoke.

After so long of not seeing the Man in the mask, Katherine started to question his very existence. And yet, every time she thought of that kiss, and that face she had touched, she knew it had all been real.

Katherine's scene-painting talents had flourished since her "graceful" fall from the ladder so many months ago. Despite the absence of the Opera Ghost, the fire within Katherine began to burn stronger than ever. She was careful with each stroke of paint; so much that, despite the fact it took her longer to do, each scene came out more and more beautiful.

On an early evening sometime near the end of August, Katherine was sitting in her beloved window seat, surveying the world from above. She hummed a reminiscent melody of a song she could barely remember, and yet it brought her comfort.

For just an instant, Katherine could have sworn someone was whispering something from the other side of her bedroom door. She quieted herself instantly, and strained her ears as much as she could. And, although it was faint, she could still hear the whisper, but for some reason, it was moving down the hall.

Katherine raised her eyebrows slightly, thinking, "I can hear a voice, but no footsteps." She bit her lip slightly, "Is that even possible?"

Curious, she swung her legs down from the window seat and quietly slipped her feet into a pair of ballet-esque slippers that Madame Giry had given her some time ago, for no reason at all. Katherine moved towards her door, and opened it noiselessly. She could still faintly hear the whisper, at the edge of the hall. It was as if the voice was waiting for her, calling to her.

She closed the door without a snap, and decided to go down the other side of the hall, opposite from the side the voice was coming from.

"We shall meet again, Monsieur," she whispered with a smile.

Second Author's Note: -is still breathing heavily from writing so many reviews- Like I said, please don't kill me for the Chapter's shortness. It's really a to-fill-you-guys-in sort of Chapter... I'm sure Chapter Eight pt 2 (aka Chapter Nine) will be up within the next day or two. :) Please review, I love it when you do! I need to know that you guys are still alive and reading, because I'm alive and writing the next chapter as we speak. Cheers.