Chapter 25

So I was finally 15 years old. I felt so proud, like it was an accomplishment or something. After I got back to good health, I finally went back to school and there I found a new exchange student from Switzerland, Meg Giry. Her mother was also the school's new dance instructor, so when schedules came around, I signed up to take her mother's class. There, Meg and I spent most of our time, laughing and having fun. We quickly became best friends.

"Christine, I have been meaning to ask you something." said Meg while I was washing up from after dance rehearsal.

"Yes Meg?"

"Well, we have been friends for months now, and I still haven't been to your house. I don't want to be forward, but in my country, we always have friends over for sleep overs. Don't they do that here?"

I stared blankly at her. Yes, it was true. She never had come over yet, but it was because I was afraid that she wouldn't understand about Erik and it might get back to my father. But I couldn't keep things from Meg. She told me everything.

"Meg, I want so much to have you over, it's just I have a secret at home that my father can't ever know. If you can agree never to utter a word to anyone, I will invite you over."

"Ooo! Secrets! I love, please do tell!"

"Well, when I was little, my father told me I would be a great singer one day. Then he gave me a music teacher who would live with us and teach me to sing. But along the way, we fell in love with each other."

"Oh, how romantic." said Meg.

"Christine, do you believe it is true love?"

"What else, Meg? What else?"

That night I invited Meg over and she met Erik for the first time. At first, she was a little scared because of his mask, but after she got to know him, she liked him very much.

"He's quite a man, Christine."

"Yes, I know." I replied with a smile.

"Are you going to marry him?"

"Oh, Meg! That is my dream! I want that more than anything!"

"I hope it all works out for you Christine. Truly I do."

As I rolled over to turn out the light, I saw a falling star through my window. I closed my eyes and wished again that Erik and I would be never be separated.

Meanwhile, while I was busy entertaining Meg that night, Erik had a mission of his own. It seems a doctor named Nadir was very helpful both times I was in the hospital, but had a problem Erik sympathized with, so he decided to help him out as a thank you. He stayed in his study most of the night, calling person after person, trying to track down a woman named Alice DeChagny. Finally, after 4 hours of no luck, he came upon her phone number. His hands shaking, he dialed the number slowly.

"Hello?"

"Mrs. Alice DeChagny?" Asked Erik.

"Yes?"

"I think I have someone you might want to see..."