I got a lot of positive feedback on the last chapter. Thanks to all who reviewed! I did have one question on one of my reviews though. Why would Erik offer free lessons to Christine if he had never heard her sing before? I did leave a small hole there, but it will be answered in a later chapter. I do hope that you guys like this chapter.

Summary: See Chapter One

Disclaimer: Okay, if you guys haven't figured it out already, I don't own POTO! If I did, then my laptop would actually work (the hard drive is fried. I use the ship's computers to write and publish these chapters) and I wouldn't be worrying about having enough money for rent and food and bills. I'm just a poor sailor with the love of POTO in my heart…along with the deep love that I have for my own angel, my fiancé.

From Chapter Four:

"Chrissy? What's going on?" Meg asked, coming out of Christine's room.

"He's giving me voice lessons…for free Meg! I can't believe it!"

Chapter Five: Lessons

The school day couldn't end fast enough for Christine. English drug on and on as her teacher rambled on about Romeo and Juliet, and then when she got to History class, she thought that her teacher wouldn't stop talking about World War Two. Finally, the torture was over and the bell rang to signal the end of the day. She practically flew out of her last class and over to her locker to gather her books. As she stood at her locker putting her books into her bag, Raoul came up to her.

"So you're still going?"

Christine looked at him quizzically. "What do you mean 'you're still going'?"

"Oh come on Christine! You know exactly what I mean! How much do you know about this guy? He just showed up on your doorstep yesterday offering you free voice lessons? He could be trouble. I think that I should go with you."

She shook her head. "No Raoul. You're not going. It's sweet that you're worried about me and I appreciate it, but there's no need to worry about me. I'll be fine. I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself."

With that, she shut her locker door and made her way for the main entrance to the school, leaving a flabbergasted Raoul behind.

As she exited the building, she saw a tall, skinny man with big ears dressed in a suit standing off to one side. "Excuse me sir? Are you Louis?"

"That all depends. Are you Miss Daae?" he asked.

She nodded. "I am."

"Then, yes I am Louis. Mister Destler instructed me to meet you out here at this time. Can I show you the way to the car?"

"Yes, please."

He led her over to a red car and opened the passenger side door for her. She got in and buckled her seat belt, putting her book bag in her lap. "Can we stop and get something to drink before we leave?" she asked as Louis got in the car.

"I'm afraid not miss. Mister Destler has instructed me that I'm supposed to take you directly to his home. But don't fret. He has drinks there."

"Oh, okay."

He started the car and they made their way out of the parking lot and on to the main road that ran by the school. As they drove, Christine watched the scenery go by as she frequently did on many car trips. Soon, she felt the car pull to a stop. Turning her attention forward, she saw that they had stopped at a massive wrought iron gate. Louis leaned out and entered a code into a keypad that was mounted on a stand outside and the gate swung open. She leaned forward to try and get a view of the home, but trees blocked it. The car progressed forward and the home came into view. It was massive, two, maybe three stories she guessed. A beautiful fountain stood in the center of the circular driveway and fragrant rose bushes were planted around the entrance to the home. The car pulled to a stop outside the front door and Christine got out of the car and looked around at the huge property that the home stood on. There were flowers all around upon the grounds and the grass was a beautiful shade of green.

The front door opened Erik walked out to greet her. "Welcome to my home Christine. It's a pleasure to see you again."

"Your home is so beautiful Erik. I just can't believe it!"

He smiled and then looked at Louis. "Thank you for bringing her here Louis. That will be all."

"Of course Mister Destler. You know where I will be should you need me again."

"Come Christine. Come inside and let me show you my home."

Together, they entered the massive entryway. Intricate paintings were hung on the wall. A beautiful sculpture of an angel stood in one corner and a crystal vase full of red roses sat upon the table that was set off in one corner.

"May I take your coat?"

She nodded and shrugged out of her jacket, handing it to him. He hung it in a closet and turned back to her. "Is there anything that I can get you before we get started?"

"Well, I am a little thirsty. Can I get something to drink? Maybe some juice or something?"

"Of course. Come, let's go into the kitchen."

As he led her into the kitchen, Christine couldn't help but marvel at the beautiful artwork that hung on the walls of the home. The furnishings were just as beautiful. As they passed through the living room, Christine noticed that there was a particularly comfortable looking couch sitting in the middle of the room along with a few chairs.

They entered the kitchen, which was just as beautiful as the rest of the home, and Erik moved over to the massive refrigerator that stood off in one corner. "What would you like to drink Christine?"

"Water's just fine thank you."

"Sure. Give me just a minute."

He reached into a cupboard and retretived a glass and then filled it with some ice from the freezer and filled the glass with water from a crystal pitcher in the refrigerator.

"Here you go," Erik said, handing her the glass.

"Thank you."

She took a sip and smiled. "Shall we go to the music room?" he asked.

"Sure, that sounds good."

They walked down to a nearby room and Erik opened the door. Inside, there was a beautiful grand piano. A violin sat on display in a corner. Pages upon pages of music littered a desk off in one corner. He took a seat at the piano and looked at her. "Shall we begin with scales then?"

She nodded and set her glass down upon a nearby table. Standing up straight and tall, she looked down and nodded at him to let him know that she was ready. He struck a note on the piano. "Match that note."

Christine knew this note and matched it perfectly.

"Very good. Now, let's try something a little higher." He struck another note and looked up at her.

She also knew this note and also matched it perfectly. They continued with scales until Erik was satisfied that she knew the notes to perfection. "Very good Miss Daae. Now, let's continue on with a song shall we?"

Standing up from the piano, he walked over to the desk and retrieved some sheets of music. He walked back over and handed them to her. "This is a relatively simple song Christine. Let's begin shall we?"

He began to play the introduction to the song and a few moments later, Christine began to sing.

Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am home again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am whole again

Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am young again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am fun again

However far away, I will always love you
However long I stay, I will always love you
Whatever words I say, I will always love you
I will always love you

Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am free again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am clean again

However far away, I will always love you
However long I stay, I will always love you
Whatever words I say, I will always love you
I will always love you

She finished the song and looked at Erik who smiled back at her. "That was wonderful Christine," he said. "Would you like to try another song, maybe a little bit harder this time?"

Christine nodded, eager at the opportunity. "Alright. Give me a minute please."

He stood up once more and retrieved yet another few sheets of music and handed it to her. Sitting back down, he began the introduction to the song. Counting the beats in her head, Christine began to sing.

I can take the rain on the roof of this empty house
That don't bother me
I can take a few tears now and then and just let them out
I'm not afraid to cry every once in a while
Even though going on with you gone still upsets me
There are days every now and again I pretend I'm ok
But that's not what gets me

What hurts the most
Was being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was tryin' to do

Erik watched her as she sang. He watched her face, looking at the emotion that she put into the song.

It's hard to deal with the pain of losing you everywhere I go
But I'm doin' It
It's hard to force that smile when I see our old friends and I'm alone
Still Harder
Getting up, getting dressed, livin' with this regret
But I know if I could do it over
I would trade give away all the words that I saved in my heart
That I left unspoken

What hurts the most
Is being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was trying to do

She looked down at Erik during the break in the song and watched him play the piano. He had a fire, a passion about him when he played. She could tell that he loved music. Looking back at the music, she continued the song.

What hurts the most
Is being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was trying to do

Not seeing that loving you
That's what I was trying to do
Ooohhh...

Erik finished playing and stood up. "That was beautiful Christine. Just beautiful."

She smiled and blushed slightly. "Thank you Erik."

"That's all for today. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Same time, same place."

He escorted her outside to the waiting car. "Have a good evening Christine. I'll see you tomorrow."

The first song was Love Song by 311. The second song was What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts. Check both songs out because they are really good!

Please do not forget to submit me a review and let me know what you think. I also want to give a special thanks to MONTAQUECAT for the beautiful and heartfelt personal message that she sent to me. Thank you very much. You don't know how much that means to me. Thanks to all my reviewers! Without you, this story would not be possible.

I remain your obedient authoress,

Phantomfan1911