Thank you everyone for your reviews and continued interest in this story. This next chapter contains a song by John Lennon, "Beautiful Boy."

Regretfully, I own nothing.

Erik knocked at Christine's door and when she opened it, he saw how upset she looked.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry Erik, but it's Gustave. He isn't feeling well."

"What happened?" He came inside and looked longingly over to the hallway, where he knew the boy's room was only a few feet away. He knew better than to go charging in there, but he was still so tempted to do just that.

"It's my fault I'm afraid. You see after our day, we passed an ice cream shop and I couldn't say no to him, only I think I indulged him too much." She looked embarrassed. "Some mother I am, eh?"

"Christine, you had me worried to death. All children have upset stomachs. If it didn't happen today, it would have happened some time and Phantasma has all kinds of treats to tempt and delight."

She smiled at him. "How do you know so much about children?"

"Well, I don't really but I remember when you were ill as a little girl and…." He faced down to look at his shoes. "I recall that singing helped you sleep."

"Your singing did." She walked up to him and gently brought his face up to look at her. "You were always inside my mind."

He smiled. "Did you try singing to him?"

"I did but I'm afraid he needs something stronger. I was going to see if the hotel had something for…."

"I could help."

"Thank you, Erik. Where can we find a nearby pharmacy"?

He looked at her funny.

"Erik? Did I say something wrong?"

"No, it's just we don't have to purchase anything. I can help the boy, if you don't mind that is."

"What are you going to do?"

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Christine entered Gustave's room first.

"Darling, it's Mother. Are you feeling any better?"

Gustave sat up. "It still hurts, Mother."

She sat next to him on the bed. "I know, sweetheart. Mr. Y is here, and he wants to help. Are you okay, if he comes in?"

"Does him…. Does he have his mask on?"

Christine sighed. She was disappointed by his question, but she knew he was sick, so she nodded. "Yes, Gustave. He promised he would, didn't he?"

He nodded. "Ok."

"Erik, can you please come in here?"

Erik was inside in less than a second. "Gustave, your mother told me you weren't feeling well. I think I can help you feel better. Would you like that?"

"Please Mr. Y. It hurts so badly."

Erik sat on the opposite side of Christine. "This is something I learned when I was a boy myself. I promise I won't hurt you, but you'll have to let me touch your stomach. Is that alright, Gustave?"

The boy nodded, as he tried to suppress his ache.

Slowly, Erik brought his hands to Gustave's stomach and began rubbing it, he then closed his eyes and told Gustave to relax and lie back down.

"I want you to clear your thoughts and imagine a glorious day you had. Think of that day and what made it so wonderful. Who was with you? What were you doing? Answer each question with a picture in your mind as you think back to that day."

"I remember, Mr. Y…."

"Good, now hold that memory tightly in your mind and breathe in and out."

Erik then began to sing.

"Close your eyes
Have no fear
The monster's gone
He's on the run and your fears disappear

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy

Before you go to sleep
Say a little prayer
Every day in every way, it's getting better and better

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy."

Gustave was asleep, and Erik looked up at Christine. "He should be able to sleep for a little while and probably wake up hungry." He chuckled.

"You were so wonderful with him." She did her best to hold back her tears. She saw how hard he was trying, and it made her heart swell for him, despite her mind cautioning her to keep her guard up.

He shrugged. "Maybe he can still see some beauty underneath, after all?" He looked back at the boy and smiled.

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Christine and Erik went into the living room and he asked if she was hungry, but she patted her stomach.

"I indulged a bit too much myself." She giggled.

He went over to the bar and poured a drink into one of the glasses. Christine looked a bit surprised.

"I didn't know you drank much."

"I don't. Maybe some port or brandy every now and then but this is for you, my dear."

"For me?"

"I fear you will need it after I start answering your questions from earlier." He extended the glass out to her.

Christine was pleased that Erik didn't try to forget or make up an excuse to avoid her obvious curiosity about his past and why Madame and Meg left with him to America. She took the glass and placed it back on the bar. Instead she took his hand and walked him over to the couch.

"Let me be the judge of that." She sat facing him and gave his hand a tight squeeze. "I'm ready when you are."

He nodded. She isn't letting go of my hand. He then swallowed hard and started from the beginning.