Okay, my sincerest apologies for not updating sooner. The marching season and IB took up all of my free time; not to mention the fact that my dad's comp decided to die. Hope you enjoy!

p.s. this will jump between Erik and Christine's POV like a mad rabbit, so pay attention.

Christine's POV

After mother arrived, I couldn't think. I couldn't breathe. After I had screamed myself hoarse at mother, I couldn't keep my tears in any longer, and I fled. When I fell, I almost didn't notice it; I just picked myself up and kept going.

I heard Erik behind me (No one else would have, there is something to having hearing like a cat), and as soon as he walked into the room, I flung myself at him. I didn't even know what I was saying, just screaming. Only one thing permeated my distress-shock. Mother's voice after I apparently said something I didn't mean to…

Erik's POV

"…. I HATE HER! DON'T LET THAT BITCH COME BETWEEN US! I LOVE YOU, PLEASE DON'T LET HER STAY!" I might have been able to get her under control, had not her mother walked in. I had started murmuring to Chris, though knowing she probably couldn't hear me through her screaming, when her mother decided to intrude. She had apparently heard the last words that Chris had spoken, because she was sobbing… and screaming. I took about half a moment to wonder why women had to scream so much when Nadir entered the scene. I looked at him helplessly, absolutely lost for an explanation.

Nadir moved in immediately, taking the Countess, and leading her out, while murmuring platitudes to her. Thank god for that man I thought, while I picked Chris up and deposited her on my bed. She had reduced herself to hiccups and coughs by this time, and I had no trouble with her. I just hoped that she would be able to understand what I was about to tell her…

Christine's POV

When I was calm enough to register what I had said, my mind started screaming at me. It took Erik three times to get my attention, and at least three more to keep it. When my mind finally quieted, he told me something that shook me to my marrow.

"WHAT? She's staying? What, are you going to allow Raoul to stay too?" I had long since stopped calling Raoul my father. That arrogant pig did not deserve to be called a father.

"I have no intention of allowing Raoul to stay, however, you need to think of your brother and sisters. I have absolutely no intention of kicking them out, and do you want to have to deal with them on your own? I am keeping the Countess here on practical reasons, not emotional ones. Please try to understand." His face told me exactly what he was thinking. Please let her understand, please don't let her reject me for this decision. I was almost shamed of myself. I would not have ever left him, but I would have refused to even look at him had it not been for that one glance I stole in his direction.

Erik's POV

"Alright, but she earns her keep. I had to, and have more than made up for my board. She is treated in the same way. She is using our home as a shelter, a place to hide from her own choice, so she can earn her hiding place, agreed?" I was amazed. This woman who had just been almost literally screaming at the top of her lungs, was now calmly negotiating her mother's board and treatment. "Agreed" I replied, gently kissing her.

"Now mon amour, we need to clean you up. Some women are able to cry without looking like a hazard site… you can't. Go bathe, and then get dressed."

"Only if you come with me" she shot back archly, looking at me seductively. I loved how she could change tones at the drop of a hat. She was a good actress, and great singer, and was very good with a violin and organ. I began to see a plan for her.

"What?" she asked, looking at me with a face so innocent that I felt guilty about having taken her as mine. I had turned her into something that neither of us thought was right.

My property. I loved her more than life itself, however, I might have to let her go.

Christine's POV

I saw the look on his face and knew he was debating leaving me. Knowing that my 'innocent face'- as people liked to call it- had struck up guilt in him. I decided that it was time for my love to see the not-so-innocent side of me.

"Follow me" I said, slipping behind him. I knew he would be curious as all hell. He is just like a little boy I thought, glancing back to make sure he was still following me. He was; with a look on his face that was desire, curiosity, and… fear? I didn't know, and I didn't want to find out at this moment.

I led him into a little grotto I had discovered. Judging from his expression, Erik evidently didn't know about my little sanctuary, or else hadn't seen it in years. The grotto was framed on one end by a small waterfall into a small pool that I discovered had fish in it. The other end was covered in some crystal that reflected what little light was in the room. It was breathtaking, and Erik's breath was taken… although he had only a moment before I was against him, then he was taken up with me. I hurled myself into his arms, and looked up. His surprise made me smirk up at him, and I started tracing his face with one finger, while he looked like he wanted to bolt. He actually would have bolted had I not been holing him so tightly.

"Don't push me away, don't shut me out" I whispered, my hand trailing down to his well-toned torso. He now seemed to understand what I wanted… At least, he kissed me quick enough as soon as the shock faded away…

Sorry, have lunch coming, Hopefully will have next chapter up before I leave my g-ma's office. Thanks to my reviewers, and I will be introducing my new characters in more detail soon. Plz be patient!