Disclaimer:I shouldn't have to tell any of you this, but just for the heck of it--I own no rights to the Bible. chuckles It most certainly was not written by me, and I would never presume to take credit for its genius. That belongs to the sole Author. smiles Oh, and I have no rights to Phantom, either. But you already knew that!

Chapter Fifteen

Upon arriving back at the estate, Erik collapsed on the settee in the guest house. His mind was still attempting to process all that Father Michel had told him about his past pain and God's possible plan for his life. Am I now a changed man? He wondered. How can I know this? How am I to see this change? He felt slightly confused, but hopeful. In the span of a week's time, Erik had been given another chance—a new chance to live life in a somewhat normal way…as long as no one discovered his true identity. Perhaps Christine had already put him at risk. She wouldn't say anything, would she? Not after I made her leave with that boy! She should be kneeling at my feet in gratitude for what I did for her! I spared her an eternity of this. He slowly reached up and pulled off his mask.

Erik closed his eyes and let his fingers travel over his malformed flesh. Why would someone do this to her child? Am I truly an unwanted mistake? He had never felt wanted in his whole life…not until Christine. Christine had been afraid of him, but Erik had also perceived that she was powerfully drawn to him. Magician's tricks, he thought. Combined with the workings of a naïve imagination. She never really even knew who I was…I am certainly no angel.

"You are Mine," Erik heard again.

"What does that mean?" he cried, slightly frustrated.

Silence. Erik strained to listen, and he felt foolish for doing so. This voice is in my head and comes and goes of its own will! He sighed and sat up. His eyes felt so weary that all he wanted to do was sleep…but he knew that he had received answers before from the old worn Bible on the shelf, so he reluctantly picked it up again and opened it at random. His eyes fell upon the page and what he read made him shiver.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

He wanted me. Erik dropped the Bible to the floor. She tried to end my life…they all tried to end my life…but He did not allow it. Why? He thought back to the words he had just read. Because He has hope…and a future, and plans…for me! Even with this face…even with all that I have done. Erik closed his eyes and lay back on the settee. For me, he thought, as he fell into a deep and peaceful slumber.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Christine sat in front of the dressing table, daydreaming as she brushed her long waves. Since she had come to the Laurent house, she had not felt the agonizing, gut wrenching grief that was causing her to vomit before. She was glad—her stomach muscles ached from all the dreadful wretching. She grimaced as she set the brush on the table and stood. I deserve more pain than this for what I've done, she thought. She looked down at her left hand. There was no ring there…Raoul had not purchased another one since they had left the Populaire on that awful night. He had not asked her about what happened to it, and she was relieved. She sat down on the bed and closed her eyes. "Angel," she whispered. "Can you ever forgive me?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Erik woke up from his nap and found that it was growing dark outside. He looked at the clock on the windowsill. Nearly seven o'clock. I've missed dinner. He was relieved, knowing that any social attempt involving he and Christine could result in disaster. He sat up and peered out the window. The sun was setting, painting the sky with streaks of fuchsia and orange. Still enough light to go for a ride, he thought. He left his fedora on the table and strode out the door, rolling up his shirtsleeves and humming to himself. He was looking forward to riding the beautiful black mare again, and hoped that no one would mind if he were to take her out without permission.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Christine, darling, you look positively ill," Suzette cast a concerned glance at her as she entered the sitting parlor.

"No, Madame, I am fine. It's just…" she paused. "It's just that I don't know what to do with myself now that I am here."

Suzette raised her eyebrows. "Oh?"

Christine could see that Madame Suzette was slightly insulted. "I…I'm sorry, Madame…I didn't mean anything by it…I just…suppose I am missing Raoul," she finished quickly, hoping that Suzette would not hear the lie in her voice.

Suzette smiled, relaxing. "Well, that is understandable, ma cherie," she laughed softly. "A man as charming and handsome as Raoul de Chagny must be a delight to be around, yes?"

Christine felt awkward. She nodded, trying to smile and look convincing. Raoul is wonderful, she thought. Only…there is something missing. She frowned, disturbed by her own thoughts. Suzette took note of it.

"Darling, you look unhappy. Is there anything I can do?" Suzette said sincerely.

"Oh, no, Madame! I am not…unhappy…I am just—I was just wondering—would it be alright if I went for a short walk outside…by myself?" Christine stammered.

"Of course, ma cherie! But I would hate for you to get lost on the property. Please try to remain close to the house, will you?" She smiled at Christine.

"Y-yes, Madame. I will. Thank you." She stood up slowly, forcing herself to step gracefully from the parlor. When she was fully out of the other woman's view, she quickened her pace into a brisk walk, throwing open the door to the screened porch. She exhaled, trying to ease the tension from her neck and shoulders. All these questions! She thought, slightly unnerved. Why can't she just leave me be? No…I am being ridiculous. She wasn't trying to pry…these people have been nothing but kind to me. I should be grateful…so why aren't I?

Christine made her way outside, glad to be out of the house. It was beginning to feel as though it were suffocating her. I have to spend five more days here, she thought. How in the world am I going to bear it? She walked out away from the house, gazing up at the sky, still painted with sunset and half covered with stars. The breeze was cool and she felt a slight chill on her arms. Before she realized it, she had traveled a few hundred yards from the house, and it was growing quite dark. How long have I been out here? She turned around, relieved to be able to see tiny, dim lights in the house windows. She took a few steps toward the house, and then she heard the sound. Hoofbeats. A horse? At this time of night? She crossed her arms in front of her, rubbing them with her hands and began to walk more briskly as the hoofbeats drew nearer. After several minutes, she could bear it no longer, and she turned around to look behind her.

Nothing. Complete darkness and silence. I know I heard a horse, she thought. She stood still, straining her eyes to see in the darkness. She took a half-step forward and jumped when the heard the unmistakable sound of a whinny. "Wh-who's there?" she stuttered. She waited…no answer. "Who is there?" she spoke, a mixture of fear and frustration.

A long silence…slowly she turned back toward the house, a chill creeping up her spine.

"Christine…"

A/N: Eeeheehee! Cliffie! Sorry...couldn't resist. Don't worry, I'll update tomorrow! -hugs-

To Mlle. Fox: Well, I'm flattered, I must say! To be the first person to interest you in a possible E/C fic is a great honor, indeed. curtsies Thanks for reviewing again, and don't worry...I won't rush anything! -wink-

To Stephanie: Thank you for reading and reviewing. I'm so glad that you -heart- the story! I hope that you enjoy the rest of it!