Author's Note- Wow…an early update…for me at least…enjoy…

Ram Jas- hehe, yes, problems seem to come up a lot, eh? And alright, I shall talk to you on DBCA then.

Rinny Leonhart Rikku- Aye, they are.

Soon To Be Cold-Blooded-Angel- Hehe, good. I am not sure which it is supposed to be either…prolly more along the lines of sad some chapters while others are ment to be cute, but the story as a whole…I dunno…hehe…CHOCOLATE! YAY!

Erik- MY CHOCOLATE!

Authoress- MINE!

Erik- MINE!

Tallacus- Hehe, I like reading reviews and responses to them (in other stories) too, so, I know how you feel. And, Leroux is the author of the novel. And, it is alright, I can see how you thought the end might be coming, hehe…and yes, Edward kinda is my Raoul…only nicer and much less foppy…and perhaps she is? Or maybe twas a ploy? Hehe, we may never know…

ErikandChristine- hehe, good. They will become bigger later though. Thanks for reviewing.

Kirstin Rose- hehe, three times? Wow…that makes me feel loved. And I am glad you have gotten a good laugh out of it! And as for your question, yes, future Gabby also paid story-Gabby a visit.

Chapter 27

What Tomorrow Brings, We Cannot Know

The weeks between then and the premier of Don Juan were far to short for Jen's liking. She and Gabby had practiced rather hard on their music, though they were far from satisfied with it. They felt they could do better, yet, better wasn't happening.

Jen felt like her life was caving in around her at times. Even with Erik and her on friendly terms, there was a good amount of tension between them. They never felt entirely relaxed around one another, but neither knew why. Jen was also tense around Edward, though he seemed fairly relaxed around her. "You need to straighten out this problem." Gabby had told her. "And only you can do it."

"I know." Jen said, her voice a soft whisper. "But, I don't know which to give up."

Gabby's life, on the other hand, was rather stable. She and Joseph were rarely apart from one another, except when the cellist was with Jen in Erik's lair. She was quite happy with him, and Jen was happy for her, wishing her own life was like that. She wished Erik would actually care about her. Jen sensed that he did, but he was blinded by his love for Christine. It hurt Jen to know that he would never be fully hers.

XxXxXxXxX

"I will ask once more," Jen said, "Are you sure you want to do this Erik?"

"Quite." He replied softly. Jen nodded. "Be careful, Erik."

"I am always careful." He told her. "I know. But, things may be different this time."

"Don't worry Jen," Erik said, taking her hands in his, "We will be fine. The plans are set, you and Gabby are prepared for the worst."

"Yes. But, I do not want you to be arrested, or killed. Raoul has the police here, all searching for you."

"I am aware of that. I will be fine Jen, just make sure you are also safe." Jen could see the concern for her in his eyes. Not truly love, not yet, but it had the potential of becoming something more. He pulled her closer, into a friendly embrace, trying to calm her. "Don't worry so much about me. Just make sure you run if anything happens, you know the routes. And, do not follow me."

"I will be fine." Jen said, trying more to reassure herself than him. He smiled down at her and bent down as if to kiss her, when a sudden splash caused them to pull away. Gabby was standing at the edge of the lake, soaked. "Damn tunnels…they are slippery!" she cursed. Jen tried not to laugh, as did Erik, both failing miserably. "Whaaat?"

"You." Jen said, grinning. Erik smiled, and Jen realized that he still had an arm around her waist. She glanced up at him, and he seemed to notice for the first time as well, then quickly removed it. "So, I thought we might wanna go through some last minute plans, since you know, tomorrow is it…"

"Good idea." Erik agreed, and they all took a seat on the ground. It was easier than walking to the kitchen, and just as comfortable. Jen stretched out, getting comfy, and rested her chin in her hands while laying on her stomach, facing her companions. "All right. Tomorrow, when the show starts, we will be in the Orchestra pit, as always. Erik will come and, when his cue comes, he will gag the fat guy and take his place. Now, I don't know why this will work, but I think it will…"

"Why don't you think it will work?" Erik asked, raising an eyebrow. Jen grinned darkly, teasingly. "Well, if you haven't noticed, Piangi shorter than you, sings worse, and heavier by more than a few pounds." Jen pointed out. "Plus, he has a beard…I mean, you two really look like twins." Erik saw her sarcasm and smirked. "I see your point."

"Whatever guys, lets get on with it." Gabby said, breaking up the discussion they seemed to never tire of. "Fine, fine…" Jen sighed. "Well, we know that eventually someone will recognize Erik. Probably after he starts singing…if not sooner. You, " she looked at the Phantom while speaking, "Will do your best to get Christine to follow you, and if she does not…well…we'll see." Jen knew very well what would happen, but did not want Erik to know that she knew. "If nothing happens, we shall get through the performance as always. Right?"

"Right." Gabby said.

"Right." Erik smiled at her. "Well then, with that settled, shall we go out for some dinner?"

"Fine by me." Gabby said. "I don't want to cook again today…I don't have anything new to make!" The trio laughed, and Erik grabbed his cape while Jen and Gabby ran to get their coats.

XxXxXxXxX

"Tonight." Gabby said. Jen nodded. The word held so much meaning. It almost frightened her. "Tonight." She parroted, knowing very well what was going to happen. Jen sighed and stroked Waffle's soft grey fur. The kitten purred contently in her arms, and she smiled. Or tried to. "Tonight, you will have to return to the room to grab your things, as will I. Take care of yourself." Jen said. She was shaking inside, knowing what she must do. "What do you mean?" Gabby asked, confused. Jen sat up, and Waffle leapt from her side to cuddle with Gabby.

"You know that I am going down there." Jen said softly, deadly serious. "I am going to go down, and I am going to make sure Erik is alright. I am going to help him." She said.

"It will be risky, Jen. He doesn't want us down there. I know that much- I could see it in his eyes."

"I know. Exactly why I am going to stay hidden until the last moment. Before he leaves through the mirror, I will be there."

"I will too then." Gabby said. "No! You mustn't!" Jen said quickly. "You must stay with Joseph. Keep each other safe, alive. Only I can go to Erik. Please, you must let me."

"Alright, but only because I see your reasons behind it. Take care, Jen." The cellist smiled sadly. Jen felt next to tears, knowing that if something happened, they might not see each other again. "We will try to meet you…but, I don't know where yet…I will find you though." Jen said softly.

"I know." Gabby agreed. They smiled, then left. It was time to decide their fates.