Chapter 9

(2 days later)

The snow fell hard outside of my window. I stared at it and smiled. It reminded me of Erik. After my mother had found out that I was pregnant, I was sent to a slew of doctors. Some of which were 'baby doctors' and others, 'crazy doctors'. None of them were alike, but somehow, all had the same question. "Who is the father?" I couldn't answer them. No one would believe me.

Erik came to me everyday in my room to ease my pain. He would watch me as I cried in my pillow. "How am I supposed to tell them? They will not believe me!"

He would always smile at that question.

"The faith of adults is far less than the faith of children. Someone will believe you, I promise."

I never understood what he meant. By now, I was full of anger and fear. I didn't need children to believe me, I needed all the adults on my back to.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door.

"Samantha, there is someone here to see you."

My mother walked in silently. It was hard for her to see me like this. So 'insane' she would say.

"Your cousin is here sweetie."

I smiled. My cousin was my best friend. I sat up happily and insisted for her to come in.

No sooner had I done this, in danced my 15 year old cousin, Jennifer.

Jennifer and I had mutually bonded over Phantom when we were young.

She leapt to my side and hugged me.

"Love" she said to me, "You won't talk to anyone else, but you will talk to me. Tell me what has happened to you."

I looked her the eyes and replied softly, "Erik..."

Her eyes widened. "He is the father?"

I nodded and she smiled widely.

"I knew he was real." she whispered. "Tell me about him!"

"Do you really believe he is real? Do you really believe me?" I asked.

"Yes!" she exclaimed.

"Then maybe he can tell you about himself."

I looked to my mirror and called out his name. Suddenly, he appeared and stepped through his portal. Jennifer stood immediately and walked towards him.

"Is...it...really...you?" she asked.

"Yes, child, it is. I am Erik." he said with a smile.

Without further word, she wrapped her arms around him.

"Erik...oh, I knew you were real."

He held her and I smiled at them. Jennifer had a rough life. Phantom was her escape from reality, and during the process, she developed a love for him too.

As they let go of each other, Erik walked over to me and kissed my forehead.

"Someone did believe..."