AN: Thanks for all the reviews! It really helps to know that you like my story:D just to clear some things up, Elena IS Erik's daughter. I've been getting a lot of questions about that. Well here's the next chapter! Enjoy! BTW, thank you montaquecat for your continuous reviews!

Forever Love

Part 7

They both agreed to surprise Elena and go horseback riding later that afternoon. Once Erik told Elena, he headed down to the stables to ready the horses. He chose his own horse, Cesar, and Christine's chestnut mare. When the horses were ready, Erik led them to the front of the house and waited for Christine and Elena.

When she emerged, the very sight of her took his breath away. Christine was wearing tight riding trousers that hugged her every curve with one of his poet shirts hanging loosely to her petite form.

"I take it you approve?" She said as she walked by him swinging her hips as she went. Erik growled deep in his throat to were only she could hear.

"Yes, very much so. Now as for you….." He said picking Elena up and throwing her over his shoulder, "You're riding with me."

Once everyone was ready Christine told Erik where to go and they headed into the woods. Elena perked up immediately as they began to trot. She looked at Erik, curious as to why he wore a mask. She had to know.

"Papa?"

"Yes bel ange?"

"Why do you wear a mask? Your face it too beautiful to cover up."

Erik slowed Cesar to a light canter before he spoke. Christine noticed his slowing of pace and did the same.

"Elena, the reason I wear a mask is because I…well….. I'm deformed. I don't look like everyone else." She hugged him as she spoke.

"Papa that's silly. I love you no matter what you look like." Erik felt tears start to stream down his face. Never in his life had anyone besides Christine said those words to him.

"Are you sure you won't scream?" Elena nodded. He slowly removed the mask and waited for her screams, yet none came. She looked at him with wonder and amazement.

"That's all?" Erik was shocked speechless. He opened his eyes to see Elena's smiling face staring back at him.

"You are not scared of frightened?"

"No. Papa please don't hide your face around us anymore. Mama and I love you for who you are, not what you look like."

"Oh, my sweet Elena, thank you!" He hugged her with all the love and strength he had, until she wiggled away. Elena's stomach gave an unladylike growl, which caused her to giggle profusely.

"Well now, we better head back to the house before I am eaten." He said, laughing to himself.

AN: hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please review! It's very much appreciated!

Your loving authoress,

Fallen Mask