Christine stared for a moment. Nadir…He hasn't forgotten Erik after all. She then remembered her manners.

"I apologize, won't you please come in?"

"Thank you, Madame."

"You may call me Christine. May I offer you some tea?"

"No need to trouble yourself."

"Not at all, I was making some for Erik and myself. Please make yourself at home and I'll tell Erik you are here."

Nadir nodded as he looked around the room.

"Has Erik lived here long?"

"No, we just recently moved into the house."

He smiled. "Forgive me but I can't quite get used to such domestication where Erik is concerned."

"I am sure you will find him quite changed."

Nadir smiled. "Or perhaps he has finally become the person I always knew he could be."

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Christine went into the bedroom, to find Erik dressing in a white poet shirt and black vest with black trousers.

"Is everything alright?"

"We have company." She smiled.

"Who?" He looked at his pocket watch.

"A surprise visitor."

Erik looked at her blankly.

"Nadir Khan." She replied and took his arm.

"Nadir? Here…."

"Angel, he didn't forget you. He came in response to your letter."

"I don't know what to say. I did want him to come but I expected a letter first, I didn't think…."

"Come downstairs, the man looks so anxious to see you."

"He is?"

"Come see for yourself."

"Wait, my mask." He went to retrieve it.

"Oh Erik, do you really think it's necessary?"

"He's only seen me without it once. He wouldn't be prepared to see me without it."

"Well, that will need to change, if he decides to come here again."

"Angel…."

"Wear it if you wish, but I have a feeling it is for no one else's comfort but your own."

She placed it on his face, but not before kissing him tenderly.

"Now let's not keep the man waiting."

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Erik came down the stairs arm in arm with Christine and the sight moved Nadir to tears.

"Allah, I hoped to one day see you like this."

Christine gave Erik a little push and then told them she would go make some tea.

Erik cautiously moved towards Nadir. "Daroga."

Nadir smiled. "No one has addressed me by that title in a very long time, Erik. You look well."

"I can't say the same for you, old man. Don't tell me you are still blaming me for poor health?"

Nadir chuckled. "Same old, Erik. I admit, I'm a bit relieved. To come here and see what you have done for yourself and your new house and dare I say, family."

"You read my letter." His expression changed.

"Forgive me for my tardiness but I was traveling. I only returned days ago to find your letter. I came at once."

"So, you will help me?"

Christine came in with tea. "I hope you are hungry, Mr. Khan. I insist that you stay for supper."

"Supper?" Erik did a double take.

"I am a bit hungry. For in my eagerness to see this man, I did not stop to think of food."

"You mean you didn't stop to think of food you would have to pay for!"

"Erik! Christine scolded him. "He is our guest."

"It is fine, Christine. I am used to Erik's charm and grace."

Erik grimaced. "First, answer my question. Can you help us?"

Nadir was about to when Christine interjected.

"Mr. Khan, I have already started divorce proceedings. Yet if there is some advice or counsel you could offer to perhaps expedite things." She placed her hand on her belly and the action did not go unnoticed by Nadir.

"Allah…." He then smiled widely. "Erik, you are to be a father?"

"I'm actually already a father, old man. Christine and I have a son. His name is Gustave."

"My, you have been busy since Persia." He laughed. "I am not sure how I can help but I will gladly review any documentation on the matter and see how we can move you both towards the alter, sooner rather than later."

"Thank you, Mr. Khan. Just your willingness to help makes us both so happy, doesn't it, Erik."

"Indeed. Thank you, Daroga. I know I shouldn't ask anything more of you."

"I am so happy to hear from you again, Erik and to see you like this. Prayers do come true."

The men shook hands but then Erik looked firmly at Nadir. "The main goal is Christine's reputation. I don't want her or Gustave to go through any further embarrassment."

"I will begin my review at once. However, I may need to ask a few rather personal questions of you, Christine. Are you agreeable?"

"Whatever is necessary, Mr. Khan."

"Please call me, Nadir." He then looked at Erik. "So, when do I get to meet this boy of yours?"

Erik looked at his pocket watch. "He should be home soon. You know what? I'll go and get him with a carriage."

"No, Erik, don't."

"Why not?"

Christine played with his collar. "He is getting older and knows what time supper is. We should let him come home on his own."

"What's this? Are you sure? But it's a special occasion."

"It is but we can spend some adult time getting reacquainted and when Gustave comes home, we'll have dinner as a family."

He cupped her chin. "He doesn't have to grow up this minute, love."

She smiled. "I know but I need to stop hovering so much. He's safe and he will be here soon anyhow."

"You are such an amazing parent."

"Hardly, but I'm learning."

"As am I."

"My partner, in all things."

She was about to kiss him, when Erik remembered Nadir was there. He then looked at the Drago and said, "Close your eyes, old man." She then kissed him with no apologies.

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Gustave knocked on Meg's door promptly at 6pm. He had saved some money and bought her flowers as a going away present.

"Hi Meg! I got these for you."

"Gustave… Thank you, they are lovely." She hadn't expected him to bring her anything. She was starting to feel a knot inside her stomach.

"Are you all packed?"

"Hmm? Oh yes. I'm ready. I don't have much to take with me." She looked at him. "You look so grown up."

"I do?" Gustave instantly felt proud.

"You'll be the best-looking man there."

Gustave looked at her in awe. "A man? Me?"

"Of course. It's not size that makes a man, Gustave, it's courage and spirit. You taught me that."

He was starting to blush. "We should get going, eh?"

She hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Yes, it's time."

When they got to the park grounds, Gustave was surprised when no one was there yet.

"Are we early? I thought you said it started at 6pm?" He turned around but didn't see Meg. "Meg? Meg, where are you?"

He turned back around to see Tom in front of him. "Who are you? Where is the party? Where is Meg?"

"Oh, don't worry, Gustave. You'll see Meg real soon. We decided to move the party."

"Move the party?"

"Yeah. We just moved it over towards the rides."

"But then why did Meg…."

"You ask way too many questions. Just come along with me and I'll take you there."

"No… No, I think I want to go back."

"Go back?" He moved towards Gustave. "And miss the party? Leave Meg without a goodbye? You know that wouldn't be right. She would be awfully upset about that. You wouldn't want that, would you?"

Gustave started to run, and Tom was right behind him.

"Spoiled brat! Get back here! As soon as I catch you, you are going to wish you never ran away from me, kid."

Gustave ran and ran but he seemed to be lost. He had never been this far into the woods before. And it was so dark. He turned and saw a light before him. He walked slowly towards it and saw an old woman's face.

"Can… Can you help me? I'm lost."

"Don't worry, child. Madame Giry can help you. Come with me."

"No, I just need to know how to get back to the entrance of the park."

"I'll get you safe and sound back to Phantasma, my boy. Just come with me."

He started to take her hand but then he yanked her away and started to run back, only this time, Tom was waiting and smacked him over the head.

"Stupid brat. I told you I'd catch you." Tom picked Gustave up and carried him back to where Antoinette stood waiting for them both.