I thought about this chapter bring a little longer, but I wanted the last scene to linger a bit on its own. I promise that the next update will be a long one. :) Until then, let's visit our friends and check in on someone who is gone but not forgotten.

Erik smiled but his eyes were sad, as he playfully played with the boy's hair.

"Not at all, my boy. Why don't we all go into the park for a late supper?"

Christine wanted to wrap her arms around both of her men. One to comfort and the other to tell him that his real father won't ever leave again, instead she simply changed the subject.

"I should probably change." Christine suggested.

"Why?"

"Erik, I think the dress is a bit much for Nathan's." She grinned.

"We aren't going to Nathan's. I have another surprise." He winked. "Do you both trust me?"

Gustave nodded, and Christine took his hand.

"Lead on, Maestro."

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Erik took them both to a small café, that wasn't very crowded. He told them that it was still new and not many people knew about it yet.

"I took the liberty of ordering for us already, so it would be ready." He motioned for the server to bring over the food and in less than a minute a tray of bread, cheese, cold meats, fruits and deserts arrived. Needless to say, he wasn't at all surprised when both Christine and Gustave eyed the desserts first.

Like mother, like son. He chuckled.

Just then soft music began to play, and a light hit the center of the vacant dance floor.

"Christine?"

"Yes, Erik?"

He stood up and extended his hand. "Will you dance with me?"

Her heart felt as if it would overflow. "Angel…"

Gustave just sat back and smiled as he watched them go off to the dance floor.

Erik whispered into her ear. "I have always wanted to do this, but you will need to be patient with me."

She felt a lump in her through. "Could I possibly love you more than I do in this moment?"

"Well, you haven't seen me dance." He winked, before placing his arm around her waist. "Ready, Maestro?" He smiled.

"Just feel the music, my love."

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On the other side of the ocean, Raoul slept soundly while Meg was at the window, looking at the rain falling. She had gone to bed early, as opposed to joining Raoul downstairs in the casino. She did hear him come in but pretended to be asleep. It was easier than having to tell him no or smell the alcohol on his breath. She also wasn't in the mood to hear whether he won or lost. She knew the answer already. It seemed that assuming he already lost was a safe assumption, especially when he just plopped down on the bed. It didn't take him long to fall asleep.

She retrieved the letter Erik had sent from her dresser drawer. She read it again and then clung to it as she sat by the window.

"I think I may have made another mistake after all." She wiped her eyes and looked at Raoul asleep on the bed. "What am I going to do now?"