The Science of Love: REWRITTEN

by MJ MOD

Erik is a scientist on the road to Paradise with Christine, an architecture student. But they both will find that there are bumps, and even potholes, on the road. My very first fic, so if have suggestions to improve it, send them to me.

11. Chapter 11

SORRY IT'S LATE! The Holidays and then computer problems slowed us down.

I don't own any of the characters from The Phantom of the Opera, but I'm quite happy to own the plot. At the end of the chapter, I've written the recipes used by Christine. They aren't mine; they come from words will be written differently than American EnglishBeing Canadian, I'll use Canadian English.

Authoress: MJ MOD
Betas: operacynic
thatvegangirl

Ladies, I don't know what I'd do without you. Thanks to operacynic for helping me with the plot and to thatvegangirl for helping me with the grammar!

Thanks also to all my reviewers and remember; I love reviews, accept even anonymous ones and answer to all.

A/N I'm still compiling a list of possible Betas for when my primaries aren't available, so if you're interested, drop me a word. This story is rated Teen and it won't go up. I'll need adult Betas for when this story is finished I'll begin an M rated one.

– Rant On – Thank you to those who complained to Tory about my version of this story and never wrote me about it or offered any suggestions, really; it was also a pleasure to learn she needed to be protected from me. However, this Rewritten version is MINE! – Rant Over –

CASTING:

Marie Giry – Leslie Caron

Meg Giry – Connie Nielsen (about 25 years old)

Erik Korvin – David Bowie (with black hair)

James Nkrumah – Christopher Judge

Christine Daae – Britt Ekland (about 5 foot high, and in her middle 20's)

Summary: In this chapter we will learn a little more about Erik's past, his parents and his scars. They'll also be celebrating Christmas!

The Science of Love

Chapter 11

Erik was holding Christine's hand, marvelling about its softness and small size.

Christine was lost in thought, admiring Erik's long fingers and having very naughty thoughts about them.

"What are you thinking about?" Erik asked.

She blushed scarlet and didn't answer, which made Erik wonder about what she had been thinking about.

While the roads had been cleared, there was still snow and ice on them and most drivers were acting accordingly. James was maintaining a prudent distance between their car and the others when he suddenly applied the brakes! There was a pile in front of them. James got out and called the police before going to check on the other drivers. No injuries but lots of fright. The police were there soon and took notes of everyone's declaration. When they finally continued on their way almost an hour later than originally planned, Erik called home to warn them.

Erik remembered James' friend. "Say, James, did you meet anyone interesting at the inn?"

"Well," James drawled, "I met a countrywoman who is also a cousin. Her name is Yaa. I invited her to my apartment for the New Year with some friends."

Erik smiled at the memories it evoked. He turned to Christine, "When we were together at high school, James managed to meet many interesting people wherever we went. He always had a lot of success with the women too."

"It's true I met interesting people, the proof being I met you!" James laughed.

"Will we meet her, James?" Christine enquired.

"If you wish, it'll be my pleasure," James answered.

"Did you know that James is a celebrity in Ghana and he's becoming one here too?" Erik informed Christine.

"Really? Please tell me more, Erik," Christine requested.

"When we were in school, James was already an amazing drummer. He was in the school orchestra and asked to play at all sorts of dances all over the area. He plays hiplife." Erik explained what it was.

"Well, Mr. Korvin, if it wasn't for you, I'd never have had the courage to follow my dream, and I would have gone into politics as my parents wanted. I'll always be indebted to you for my music," James elaborated.

"James, I told you many times you don't owe me anything! You were my only friend in high school. You're the one who made those years bearable. Please stop calling me sir and telling me you're in my debt! I encouraged you to follow your dream out of friendship. That's all there is to it!" Erik was exasperated by James' stubbornness.

"You're right, Erik. We're best friends, and best friends stand by for each other. Still, allow me to be more formal when I'm working. I feel more comfortable this way, and even though you feel I don't owe you anything, I like working for you," James stated.

Erik sighed, resigned and amused. It wasn't the first time or the last time James and he had this discussion.

"Oh, James, I hope you're going to play some of your music for me, please!" Christine exclaimed.

"If you wish, Miss Christine, it would be my pleasure to play some of my country's music for you."

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At last, they were home where Marie and Meg were impatiently waiting for them. They were surprised to see the trio in clothes other than the ones they had when they went to their evening. Once she had taken off her coat, Christine told them about the inn lending clothes to guests in need and Erik buying theirs.

Marie and Meg weren't really surprised at Erik's gesture. It was exactly the kind of thing he did for others.

While in the kitchen drinking coffee, Christine told them about Erik's kisses and her reaction to them. "Do you know if I have a rival for Erik?" she queried.

Meg and her mother both smiled happily at Christine.

"No one. Erik's heart is free for the taking, Christine," Meg winked and reassured her.

It made Christine's heart feel lighter. She then related Chancy flirting with Erik and Erik being oblivious to it. The others laughed, recognizing Erik's behaviour. On a sombre note she recalled the girl's reaction to Erik's scars. "I cornered her and told her off. I was so angry, I wanted to swat her across the face!" Christine growled.

Marie was happy about Christine's reaction, but at the same time, she was sad for Erik.

"Chancy is very lucky I wasn't there. I would have knocked her teeth out!" Meg said angrily.

"Does it happen often? Is Erik usually confronted with such cruel people?" Christine almost cried at the idea.

Marie looked at her sadly, "Yes, I can say that in the ten years we've known him, it often happened. People see his scars and think of him as a monster, and he's such a kind and gentle man. He never treated any of us as employees; we're his family, his friends. He's very generous with his time too. He helped Meg with mathematics and science for all of her school years. The way people reacted to him makes him nervous to meet new people. Sometimes we worry he'll become a lonely recluse."

"What do you know about his childhood, Marie? How did he come about his scars?"

"Hmm, it was a car accident, but we don't know how it happened. He's very discrete about his parents. From what we learned from James, they are still alive. They never accepted him. They couldn't stand not to have the perfect son anymore. It's sad, isn't it? He's a good man, a genius! Unfortunately, they wanted a flawless face, and because of it they stopped loving him. I have never met them, and as far as I know, Erik hasn't had any contact with them in years."

Christine felt like crying. How could Erik's parents reject him only because of his face? She shook her head incredulously and sighed. Then she recovered, and on a brighter note, she told the two women about the treats Erik had had prepared at the Theater and the dinner at the restaurant.

Meg was awed and she grinned knowingly at her mother behind Christine's back. All those details meant Erik might have a romantic interest in Christine, much to his family's delight.

They went in the living room and began decorating the gigantic Christmas tree

Erik had bought. It was a real tree, measuring over seven feet high, and all the decorations on it were real antiques. It was very beautiful. Each year they added new decorations. Erik was always the one putting the angel on top. Meg had made it in Art class while in grade school during the first Christmas they had been in his house and had given it to Erik as a gift. He had kept it all those years; it was the first Christmas gift he had received from his new family. It was made of golden foil and a little topsy-turvy, but it was Erik's favourite decoration.

Christine was moved at hearing the story of Erik's angel.

They heard noises and saw Erik and James come in with their arms full of packages. They offered to help but Erik refused. Marie and Meg looked at Christine and she laughed, "I had forgotten. At the theater Erik bought all sorts of souvenirs from the ballet. He didn't tell me what he wanted to do with it."

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Meg had a feeling Erik would do something grandiose to dazzle Christine. She went to his room and knocked on the door, "Erik, may I come in please?" She heard some papers rustling and Erik opened his door while blocking her view with his body.

"Yes, Meg? What can I do for you?"

"What are you hiding in there?" She tried to sneak a glance around Erik but he kept putting himself in the way.

"You'll have to wait till Christmas Eve, dear sister," he smirked.

Meg pouted. "Look what I've bought. Maybe you'll find it useful," she dangled a branch of mistletoe in front of him.

He looked at it surprised. "What am I supposed to do with it?"

Meg was exasperated. Really, her big brother was sometimes beyond hope! "You put it in an entrance and when the person you're interested into walks under it, you have one more reason to kiss him or her."

Erik brightened at the idea and kissed Meg, "Thanks, little sister, I knew I could count on you!"

"Now, may I look at what you've bought?" Meg tried.

"Nope," Erik replied.

She went away sulking.

Erik got back to wrapping the presents with James' help. It took them over two hours; once they had finished they went down the stairs and put some of the packages under the tree.

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"What are you doing with all those other packages, Erik?" Meg wondered.

"I'm going to the Church. They're asking people to bring gifts for poor children. I've labeled them all so the volunteers will know who to give them to."

"Oh, Erik, how kind of you to do that!" Christine exclaimed.

Erik puffed out his chest; his girl was proud of his actions! It made him even happier to do a good deed.

"May I accompany you?" she offered.

"Of course you may."

They decided everyone would go, and at the same time, they'd help the volunteers so they could finish preparing Christmas in time.

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Two hours later when they finally came back home, everyone was tired but happy. They were also hungry, so Christine decided to cook something light, fast and nourishing. She prepared Avgolemono Soup and Chocolate Covered Strawberries for dessert. Thank God that while coming back from Church, she had thought about grocery shopping. She had been worried about what gifts to give her new friends since she didn't have much money. She thought about it and decided to cook Christmas dinner! She asked Erik and Marie's permission, and although they demurred about her owing them anything, they accepted her offer of cooking. She quickly composed the menu and wrote down the list of necessary ingredients.

It was soon time for everyone to come to the table and they degusted their meal with noises of appreciation. They realized they were hungrier than they had thought.

Erik offered to help clean up the table, which earned him a raised eyebrow from Marie and a smirk from Nadir. He acted as if there was nothing out of the ordinary about his offer.

After dinner, it was time for Erik to install his angel at the top of the Christmas tree. He had written Christine's name on it.

When Meg saw what Erik had written on the angel, she cooed at Erik who ignored her teasing.

He showed it to Christine, who was flattered by his gesture. When he had finished putting it, they turned on the lights and everyone was astonished! It was a very beautiful sight.

He went back into the kitchen and called Christine. She wondered what it was Erik wanted her to see. When she was in the kitchen's entrance, Erik stopped her. He went to her side and showed her the mistletoe that was hanging from the ceiling; he then proceeded to kiss her senseless.

Cheers and applause from the others who had gone to encourage Erik interrupted their kiss. Everyone in the house was praying and hoping Erik and Christine would fall in love, and they'd do everything in their power to make it happen. They smiled and separated.

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Erik went back to his laboratory; he had earlier asked Meg to bring him a small sample of the perfume Christine's mother had used for he wanted to surprise her. He had finished recreating it. It had been a very simple task, and Meg had assured him Christine would love his gift. Erik then put the perfume into a beautifully cut crystal bottle he had bought for this purpose, glued on the label, put on the stopper and wrapped it up. There, his Angel would be happy to have more of her mother's perfume.

He put it under the tree with all the other gifts. Knowing Meg, Erik had had Nadir install a state of the art security system to catch her before she managed to know what was in the boxes.

Everything was ready for the next day, Christmas Eve. It was late and they all retired to their separate rooms.

Around three in morning, a loud voice was heard in the living room, "Put your hands up! You're under arrest for trespassing!" They all went to see what was happening, and the sight that welcomed them was very funny. Meg was there, cowering under the bright lights with her hands in the air. She saw the family looking at her with amused yet annoyed expressions, and she finally realized it was a trap.

Erik laughed. "Busted, little sister!"

She lowered her hands sheepishly and said, "Sorry to have woken everyone up."

Marie sent her back to bed with a warning look, "Meg Giry, every year it's the same thing. You could just wait till Christmas Eve to see your gifts!"

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It was Christmas Eve's morning. The house was in an uproar; they had to be ready for the night.

After breakfast, Christine began preparing the ingredients for supper. Once again, Erik offered his help, which Christine gratefully accepted. The day passed quickly; soon it was time for lunch: they had ham sandwiches.

She marinated the chicken, and while it was in the fridge, she began to bake the pie.

She left Erik in charge of watching the meal while she went into her bedroom to change. She put on her red dress and the jewellery Erik had given her. She also used a little of her mother's perfume, which, she noticed sadly, was diminishing very fast.

It was time to serve the meal. Everyone sat at the table, already drooling.

Nadir almost fell from his chair when he noticed Erik was serving the food. Erik glared at him, daring his friend to say anything. Nadir kept silent although he was laughing inside.

They had some Avgolemono Soup as entrée, followed by Grilled Chicken with Mango Mint Salsa with a Fennel Salad. For drinks, they had the appropriate aperitifs and wines. Erik served a digestive for after the meal. They felt they were in Heaven.

Everyone pitched in to clear the table up, and they went in the living room with coffee and a slice of Fresh Peach and Ginger Pie.

Soon after it was midnight, Meg was the first to rush to distribute the gifts, which had James chuckling.

They had all already thanked Christine for her wonderful Christmas dinner, which was her gift to everyone.

Erik had given a Nutcracker to everyone. They all thought it very funny; he then gave Christine the special gift he had made just for her.

"Erik, really, you've given me so much already. There's no need for anything more," Christine protested.

"Please, my Angel, it's a special gift for a very special woman."

While she was very happy about Erik's gifts, she was overwhelmed and felt a little smothered by so many attentions. She had been alone for so long now that she wasn't used to being spoiled anymore. She was scared of not being able to return Erik's feelings for her. She liked him very much, maybe even was falling in love with him, but she wasn't sure if it was for real. She didn't want to hurt him, but she felt he was doing too much for her. She resolved to talk to him about her fears after Christmas.

She opened the package and gasped, "Oh my Goodness, Erik! Where did you find another bottle of 'Somewhere,' I was told by Evans they don't make it anymore."

"They don't. I took a small sample of your perfume and managed to recreate it rather easily."

Christine began to cry much to Erik's horror. "Meg," he exclaimed angrily, "you told me she'd be happy to have another bottle of her favourite perfume!"

Christine jumped in Erik's arms and proceeded to drown him in kisses. "Oh, thank you, Erik! Thank you!"

Meg winked at him and they settled to celebrate Christmas.

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I wish ALL MY REVIEWERS a Merry, Merry Christmas and A HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH LOTS OF LOVE!

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RECIPES FROM

Soup

The Greek version of good health in a bowl. Six servings. (For two servings, follow the measurements in parentheses and adjust the method).

6 cups chicken broth (2 cups) (see Some Notes on Broth)

2/3 cup rice (3 tablespoons)

3 egg yolks (1 yolk)

Juice of one large lemon (1 tablespoon)

Combine rice and broth in a heavy, medium sized saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. In a bowl, beat egg yolks well with a wire whip. Slowly add lemon juice to the eggs. Beat until frothy. When the rice is cooked, slowly beat one cup of broth into the egg and lemon mixture, and then pour this mixture back into the soup. Do not allow the soup to boil after this point. Keep it hot, stirring frequently for a few minutes or until soup thickens slightly. Serve with freshly ground black pepper.

Main Dish:

Michael's Grilled Chicken with Mango Mint Salsa
Chef Michael Andrews' "piece de resistance!" (Well, that and his Tres Leches (with 2 secret ingredients!) served at Havana Harry's, Coral Gables, Florida.) Serves 4 - 6.

To marinate the chicken:

olive oil

balsamic vinegar

crushed clove of garlic

bay leaf

ground thyme

marjoram

salt and pepper

4 to 6 skinless chicken breasts

In a shallow pan, blend the oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper to taste. Let stand in the refrigerator for at least one hour, flipping occasionally.

For the sauce:

3 mangoes, peeled and diced

1 cup of chopped mint

1 tablespoon minced or grated fresh ginger

2 cloves minced garlic

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

Toss all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. May stand at room temperature for up to 30 minutes before serving. Otherwise, refrigerate.

Grill (or broil) the marinated chicken. Serve topped with the salsa. Delicious alongside basmati rice.

Veggies:

Fennel Salad
An unusual and exquisitely simple salad with an Italian heritage. Fennel might be called anise or finocchio in your produce section.

fennel bulb

extra virgin olive oil

sea salt

a generous pinch of sugar

lemon juice

a splash of balsamic vinegar

freshly ground black pepper

Cut away the fennel bulb's tough base, leaves and the stringy part of the stalk. Leave the tender part of the bulb and lower, whiter part of the stalks. With a long, thin, serrated knife, slice the remaining fennel as thinly as possible to form rounds and half moons. Set aside.

In a bowl, use a wire whisk to beat the olive oil followed by each of the remaining ingredients. Toss in the sliced fennel. Taste carefully for seasonings and serve at once.

Desserts:

Fresh Peach & Ginger Pie
Double pie crust dough for an 8"or 9" pie.

6-8 sweet, ripe peaches

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

The juice of a walnut-sized chunk of fresh ginger (use a garlic press)

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup sugar (or 1/3 cup if your peaches aren't the best or you like a very sweet pie)

Pinch of salt

3 pats of butter

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and slice peaches 1/8" thick and toss with lemon and ginger juice. Sift the cornstarch, sugar and pinch of salt into the peaches and mix well. Line a pie plate with pastry and fill with the peach mixture. Dot with butter. Seal with top crust. Using a sharp knife, cut 4 steam holes in pastry. (Bake on a cookie sheet if you fear spills). Bake 30 - 40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling. After 25 minutes, if the pie appears to be browning too quickly, cover edge of crust with a wreath of tin foil. Allow to cool to lukewarm before serving.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Recipe courtesy of Helena Echlin.

The secret to this is DRY strawberries – a single drop of water can seize (coagulate) the melted chocolate. Point to our Tips page for Chocolate Advice.

8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

1 pint strawberries

Melt chocolate. Twirl the strawberries in it as gracefully as you can, and put them on a plate, stem side down. Leave them in the refrigerator for an hour or so, to let the chocolate set.