Meanwhile, back inside the carriage, Christine was in awe of Erik's rescuing abilities, "Oh Erik," she gushed, "You saved me! How can I ever repay you?" and before Erik could say something stupid she said, "Oh! I know!"

And with that, she swiftly kissed him on the lips. As she pulled away, an amazing, but subtle transformation took place. The childlike glee present in his face faded into the scowling of a man, the brightness in his eyes turned not into darkness or anger, but into confusion.

"Where am I!" he said, looking around the carriage at Mary, Victoria and Christine, "...And why do I smell like strawberries?"

Mary and Victoria only giggled, happy to be heading away from Mr. Patrick and onto their new life as ballerinas at the famous Opera Populaire. But Christine looked into his eyes with sheer adoration, an unbroken gaze.

"Oh, Erik." she once again gushed over him, "You're back! Oh how happy I am to see you." She then hugged him

Erik was compelled to ask where he had gone, but didn't want to break Christine's hold upon him. He rather enjoyed it. Good thing Raoul wasn't watching, seeing how he was too busy driving.

And so the ride back to Paris went, Christine in Erik's arms, the whole time mind you. Mary and Victoria dreaming of their new careers and lives as ballerinas. And Raoul, driving the carriage, as fast as he could urge the horses to go.

--

They had just arrived at the Opera house, it was near 7 o clock at night. They went to find Madam Giry, to notify her of their safe return, and of her new students. After talking with her about their journey, she took Mary and Victoria into the dormitories to find them beds.

Christine, Erik, and Raoul on the other hand, walked to Christine's dressing room. Christine was unusually quiet. Both Erik and Raoul had unsuccessful attempts to make her talk. "Erik?" she said in a very small voice, her first word since arriving back in Paris, "stay here, I need to talk with Raoul."

Erik nodded slightly, motioning the two to go. He knew that this couldn't be good. They where probably talking of their wedding plans or something. "It's not fair." he thought to himself, "I love her more than him...she knows it too."

(short but good…)