A/N: Hey guys! So I regret to say that sadly my updates won't be as regular as they are at the moment (revision and exams will be once again getting in the way) but because it is the holiday I plan to have at least two more chapters up within the next week. I'm really happy with the odd bits of feedback and so flattered as this was a first attempt, again any and all comments are welcomed and thank you so much for reading you little darlings. Please enjoy this longer (hopefully better) chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own phantom of the opera...although it does own me

Chapter Three

There was a time when I was younger were I walked through the market town with my closest friend Meg bouncing at my side, the shy brunette and the bubbling blonde. She rambled and laughed about the latest scandals and gossip, about boys and clothes and hair. Ordinary young chatter that flowed from her pretty mouth like a stream. We wandered in and out of the small stalls and owners selling their wares to the wealth of Paris. I always loved the smell of the freshly baked goods that were brought to market particularly the bread, my mouth watered as I gazed at the stand of pastries and bread spoiled for choice. Suddenly I turned and at the side of the road huddled up in the corner was a tiny little boy. He would've only been about 7 or 8 really, he was obviously a street urchin his tattered clothes clung to his tiny skeletal frame, he held out his filthy hand weakly begging for change although of course none of the rich Parisians gave the poor soul a moment's notice. Meg seemed oblivious to the small, continuing her idle chatter as she paid for some pastries to take home. The child however my heart broke as I thought about the tiny Christine who lost her father how desperate she was then, like he was now. I quickly brought the largest loaf of bread on the stall and walked over to the little boy who's head was bent over his dark hair hiding his tiny face.

"Hello" I said softly, crouching down and placing the bread in his little hands

The boy lifted his head to gaze up in wonder and surprise at my action. His eyes met mine. They always say the eyes are the windows to the soul. When I seen the absence of any childhood joy or mischief in those eyes my heart dropped. They were dark and sad, haunted eyes that would remain with me forever.

0o0

Now years later I was reminded of the same look as the phantoms eyes met mine. Once golden and striking filled with ferocity, passion and wonder were now gone, and in their place lay these dull eyes that did not shine. Tired and desolate.

It seems like years passed as we stood eyes interlocked anticipating the others reaction or move. Until slowly a tear slid down my cheek. It only just occurred to me that throughout the whole journey I had repressed my deepest fear, that perhaps the phantom may have passed or worse ended his own life. The tear was of relief and somewhat happiness as I was in his presence once more.

"Angel" I breathed out. Suddenly the world around me went black.

0o0

I floated through storm clouds so high above the sky I could see birds beneath me. Glorious wings adorned my back; black as night and spread far across the bleak sky around me. Higher and higher I flew searching in desperation for something, but what? Suddenly my body jolted as I was yanked back down through the sky as I plummeted to the ground below in and endless horrific spiral.

My eyes snapped open. Slowly my hazy vision began to clear. I was laid upon a silk bed it was pristine and a very deep red colour, which was both romantic yet reminded me of flames that licked around me. My hand traced the fabric in circular motions as I glanced around the bedroom, presumably his room although I couldn't imagine him sleeping. He still seemed un-worldly to me. A huge golden framed artwork hung upon the wall opposite the bed. It was grand and featured beautiful women and cherubs fluttering around like butterflies.

As the situation clicked into face the realisation I would have to speak to…him came into my thoughts, but what would I say?

Mentally preparing a speech I sat up gently, my head reeled slightly the room coming to a gradual stop and made my way to the brass doorknob. I edged open the door slowly and walked hesitantly into the room I had first encountered before fainting and falling into my nightmare. My footsteps were light and I noticed the shoes I had worn earlier must have been removed. My heart fluttered as I saw his back bent over the desk that was littered with pens and ink. Although he was not writing his hands ran frustratingly though his hair and he muttered to himself too quiet for me to hear but it sounded like a low growl. I began to tremble afraid what his reaction would be.

Tiptoeing slowly towards him my foot encountered a chair leg tripping me up momentarily, alerting him to my presence. He whipped around swiftly his glare meeting my frightened eyes. He stood abruptly;

"I believe you fainted, most likely from shock or exertion...are you well now?" He asked his tone blunt and emotionless

His sudden conversation startled me. I gaped stupidly at him before stuttering out a feeble reply

"Um...yes I... I am fine"

He nodded. His stance tall and domineering, waiting for my excuse? My apology? just anything.

"Can we...can we talk?"

I asked searching his face desperately for emotion just anything even anger or rage but still nothing betrayed him. His face did not need a mask to hide how he felt.

"Yes. Please sit"

He gestured to the empty grand armchairs I had just tripped over. They placed directly in front of a roaring fire that radiated a glorious heat. I clumsily plopped into my seat whilst he seemed to float gracefully into his whilst remaining still to me terrifying.

I rung my hands trying to find my words whilst he gazed into the flames licking at the logs in front of us. Suddenly the only question that could come to my mind blurted out

"What is your name?"

He still gazed into the fire although a small smile tugged at the side of his lip.

"Eric"

He replied his voice resonating through the room like a musical note carried through octaves.

I nodded and looked down at the floor, avoiding eye contact as I wanted to get my words out.

"Six years ago you gave me a choice. Although the circumstances at the time where cruel as I could not allow Raoul to be...harmed, these events I believe would not have happened had...had I recognised"

Come on Christine say it

"...love for what it was. You lied to me but you were still my angel...you still are my angel. Being naive and blind I left you, I was scared and selfish. Eric you loved me"

I didn't realise the tears until they fell upon my lap I looked up quickly to see his eyes on me the side of his face contorted in sadness, the white mask hiding the rest.

"For a long time I didn't realise that those feelings I felt around you, when you sung, when you let me soar. I...I loved you. The phantom whose face terrified the world was still beautiful to me. Being young I wanted protection and security which I believed Raoul provided...I was wrong"

"From the deepest depths of my heart I am sorry Eric, I ask, no beg for forgiveness! Leaving you as I did… No one deserves what I did to you Eric. And...and if you would ever take me back. I promise and vow to never leave you again"

I finished my heart feeling as though it was about to burst out from my chest all the while I watched Eric as he processed my apology and my promise.

His face fell into the palms of his hands.

"Christine" he whispered.

A pang shot through my heart hearing him say my name with such woe.

"Christine you ask for forgiveness. When you have nothing to be forgiven for" he looked up his eyes meeting mine

"These years...alone. I had time to reflect and to realise that the initial anger and betrayal I felt..." His teeth gritted together before releasing in almost defeat.

"Were a creation of my own. I wanted to possess you, you were like a drug to me Christine. I wanted to be loved... A monster who had never known true love until you left and were gone."

He sighed

"Christine if this is guilt you feel, you have nothing to be sorry for. You may return to your life and I would harbour no resentment towards you. Just please...make sure that wherever you go that you will know and remember, that you made a lonely angel happy" he smiled sadly "for a period of time. And those memories are burned deeply into my heart along with your voice. For that my dear I am eternally grateful for…and forever yours"

My eyes welled as his words surrounded me lifting me from the armchair and pulling me towards him with undeniable force.

"Eric" he looked up as I went to his side shaking like a leaf

Slowly I removed his mask placing it gently to the side, cupping his gnarled yet still beautiful face I lent in and kissed those lips once more.