Christopher went home surprisingly late that night. After his encounter with Fantôme, or should he say his Angel of Music, he had to walk around town to clear his mind. He had to figure out his next move: should he tell Rachel that he found Erika or should he lie about it? He has always been faithful to his wife, but he just found the woman he has been searching for ten years. All he was wanted from this trip was a job, but he got so much more than that. What was he going to do? He walked a few miles away from Phantasma and walked down an alleyway, but he saw Lilliana crying into her hands. Even though he has seen her only a couple of times, he had never seen her like this before. "Are you all right?"

She looked up suddenly, wiped her tears, and angrily said, "What are you doing here?"

"I'm just walking back to my motel room. Is something wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong! I just have something in my eye," she said, truly trying to believe the words she was saying.

"Well, where's Katia? I'm sure she can help cheer you up," he said, trying to make her smile, but it only made it worse.

"Katia," she repeated as she could feel tears running down her cheek again. "She's working right now. I should be getting to work too, but I just don't want to. Once my job is done, I'll have to go straight back to England, but I don't want to go. If I do, I'll be all alone."

"She can't come with you?"

"No, she has to work here. It's part of our job, but if I choose to stay here, my supervisors will hunt me down. I just can't bear the thought of being alone."

"What's so horrible about it?"

"Being alone is like living in total darkness. You can't see anyone and no one can see your tears fall to the floor. No matter how much you want to see light, there is nothing there for you. When I leave, I'll find this eternal loneliness."

"Well, I'm sure you won't be entirely alone in England. Do you have any family?"

"I had my brother, but he's dead now."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," he said regretfully.

"It's fine. I used to work for a young Earl and his devilish butler, but I screwed things up so much that I could never return. Katia visited England some time ago and I was attracted to her, so when I was assigned to come here, I instantly spent all my time with her."

"Well, what is your job?"

"I . . . I can't say. It's against the rules to tell hum-, I mean, people like you."

"Oh, well, is there any way you can delay your assignment?"

"I'm not in total control. If she doesn't fulfill her role, I could probably stay, but it's inevitable. The only way I can stop her is telling her not to go to that pier, but I can already see that she won't listen to me," she said. Christopher arched his eyebrow in confusion. Whatever her job was, it didn't make any sense to him. She sighed. "I don't expect someone like you to understand. You've never experienced something like that."

"Well, I have felt loneliness after my father died and when the love of my life totally detached herself from me for three months."

"That's different. Have you ever felt like no one ever loved you or everyone feared you? That's the kind of loneliness I'm thinking of."

He grew silent, but soon said, "I've never experienced anything like that myself, but I know someone who did. Her name is Erika and because of a deformity she had since birth, she had to hide from the world for so many years."

"See! That's the loneliness I'm talking about. My only problem is my lack of self-control, but it's like a deformity to everyone that knows me."

"There you are! I've been looking all over for you!" Theit eyes followed the voice and saw Katia coming down the alley toward Lilliana. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine," she lied as she put on a smile.

"Nice to see you again, Mr. Daaé."

"At this point, you can call me Christopher," he said.

"Well, Christopher, what were you two talking about?"

"Nothing," Lilliana said coldly, trying to escape the topic, but Katia shrugged her arm off.

"How rude of you! I don't care if you act like a demon, but you aren't one. If you're acting like this, you don't want me to know something."

"N-No I don't! It's just-," she stuttered.

"Christopher, what did she tell you?"

"Christopher, I swear that if you say anything, I'll kill you," Lilliana threatened under her breath.

"It's nothing serious. I was just saying that I met an old flame of mine and I want to take her to dinner," he lied, fearing for his life.

"Oh, that sounds wonderful . . . but aren't you married?"

"Well, yes, but I just want to have dinner with her. I didn't say I was going to try to woo her."

"You say that now, but it won't be like that. No matter how hard you try, you can't hide those feelings. Once you get the slightest bit of desire, you can't control yourself," Lilliana warned.

"Well, I did promise her that if we have dinner, we will leave immediately, so I won't be tempted."

"Wait, you've spent ten years searching for her, but you'll leave after just one dinner," Katia asked in confusion.

"It was what she wanted. She said that my life was in danger if I stayed here any longer. Apparently, Nadir is after her heart too."

"Oh I know. He's my next assignment," Katia said, but was soon kicked in the shin by Lilliana. "Ow, what was that for?"

"You can't say something like that in front of him. It's against regulations," she said.

"That's ironic coming from the person who doesn't like following the rules."

"Well, I've stayed away for ten years. I can do it again to make her happy," Christopher said.

"Things have changed, Chris. Before, you didn't know where she was and now you do. I'm telling you now, the temptation never goes away," Lilliana said.

"Stop being a pessimist, Lily," Katia said, "You're starting to bum me out."

"I'm not trying to be one. I'm just telling him the truth, but it seems whenever I do, people just can't accept it."

"Anyway, if you don't mind, I should be getting to my motel room. It was nice talking to you two again," he said as he awkwardly left their side.

"Bye," Lilliana said, but when he was out of earshot, she continued, "You're done?"

"Yep. She had quite a life, but a short one, nonetheless. I'm sad to see it end so fast because of tuberculosis. I'm curious to know how they'll react when they see her."

The next morning, Christopher headed toward the Fantôme Theater. After everything he discovered last night, he couldn't help but see her again. He did tell Rachel that he met Fantôme, but he did not say that he saw Erika. All he said was that he might have a chance to get a job, but she would like to discuss it over dinner tomorrow night. There, he planned to say that she had no slots available as of now for him to perform, but she'll send a letter if there are any in the future. Then, he would plan to leave Coney Island, but he did wish he could change her mind. However, he noticed something was off when he saw a familiar group of melancholy people outside the doors of the theater. "I thought she was getting better," Wendy said through tears.

"I didn't hear anything from Doc, but I reckon he was trying to spare us the misery," Jackson said.

"And this was better," Monte asked with anger.

"All we know now is that she is with Dios now," Bianca said.

Soon, Christopher approached them and asked, "What's going on here?"

They were all reluctant to answer, but Bianca finally said, "Samara is . . . dead."

"What," he asked with a regretful tone.

"She died last night. Apparently, she had a severe case of tuberculosis and it was too much for her to handle," Monte explained. "Poor girl. She just started her career. It's a shame it had to end so abruptly."

"I'm so sorry to hear that. Is she still in the infirmary room?"

"No, she's in the morgue. Fantôme and Doc took her there not too long ago," Jackson said.

"Would you mind taking me there so I can say goodbye," he said. They looked at each other, trying to get an answer from a facial expression, but they nodded.

The group took Christopher to the morgue on the other side of town. The area surrounding them seemed to reek of death, almost like they were at a graveyard minus the headstones. Once they finally arrived to the dark building, they escorted him inside the building. They were met by a receptionist who said in a kind voice, "Hello, may I help you?"

"We're here to see Ms. Samara Ether," Monte said.

"Ah, yes, the new arrival. She's in room 27B. If you'll just take the stairs down one flight and make a left, it should be the first door on the right," she said as she pointed to the staircase.

"Thank you," they all said as they proceeded down the stairs. Just as instructed, they turned left and approached the door on their right.

"I think it's best if we stayed out here. She needs her space and Nadir has comforted her through this troubling time," Wendy said.

"Wait, is Nadir with her right now," Christopher asked with a little jealousy in his voice.

"Not right now. Unfortunately, he had work to do and couldn't stay for long, but she wanted to be alone anyway. Maybe you can comfort her," Bianca suggested.

"I can try," he said as he opened the door. As he entered the room, he saw that Erika was in a chair, crying into her legs. She was faced away from the door toward what appeared to be compartment drawers for dead bodies.

"Why did she have to die," she said in between tears. "She was so young." Despite not seeing her face, he could tell she was a wreck. Why? Wasn't she the one who kidnapped Samara during the opening show of Don Juan Triumphant? What happened over these ten years that made her have a change of heart? Regardless, she needed to be comforted. He slowly approached her and gave her a gentle hug. She was frightened at first, but said, "Christopher, is that you?"

He was surprised as he asked, "How did you know it was me?"

"Only you would try to be quiet about giving me a hug. Nadir likes to make a big deal with the little things." She wiped her tears as she looked at him. She smiled as she said, "I'm happy it's you though."

"I'm glad to hear," he said as he returned the smile.

"She would have had a promising career. She had a certain talent that I haven't seen among the other performers I have seen, well, other than you. She just got most of the lead roles the last three years, but now, it's all over for her. If she lasted just a bit longer, I bet she would have been a star, like you, but I guess fate had a different plan. Oh, she didn't deserve this," she said as she continued to cry.

This time, he comforted her with these words, "It's all right, my love. You did all you could for her and now, I bet she's singing with the angels in heaven." He wiped her tears and looked deeply into her eyes. Her eyes; how he missed them. Even with the mask, her sapphire eyes were in clear view. Those eyes that were once filled with despair and loneliness were once again filled with those emotions. Oh, how he hated to see her upset.

"Thank you, Christopher," she said. She noticed how close his face was to hers and she turned away, blushing. Suddenly, they heard the door open and in came Lilliana. She had what appeared to be a large scythe in her hand, but she seemed surprise to see her there. "Oh, are you the undertaker," she asked in genuine curiosity and a little anger. After all, she was associated with the woman who told her that Samara was going to die.

"Um, sure," she said hesitantly as she set down the scythe. She clapped her hands and said, "All right, so who died?"

"Uh, Samara Ether," Christopher said, a little surprised by her blatant response.

"Ah, yes, her. Well, I'll make her beautiful for her funeral. When do you want it?"

"As soon as you can, please. Her whole theater family is already here and the sooner we put her to rest, the better," Erika said.

"Sure, Eri-, I mean, Fantôme. I'll have it, I mean, her prepared soon, but I need you two to leave now. I need to prepare the body."

"Oh, of course," they said as they left. As soon as they left the room, Lilliana sighed in relief as she grabbed her scythe.

"People can be so stupid when they're depressed. Now, back to work."

Surprisingly, everything was ready just before sunset. There was a slot available and the coffin was ordered at the morgue. The entire theater crew bought flowers and other items they would need for the funeral. Lilliana dressed Samara's body in a white dress and made sure she looked beautiful. The audience was small, just the theater crew, the Girys, Darius, Erika, and Christopher. Lilliana and Katia stayed away from the service, especially since Erika was still mad at Katia for saying that she would die. "For a fake undertaker, you play the part perfectly. I've never seen someone set up a funeral that quickly," Katia said with a smile.

"I had nothing better to do. Besides, they caught me and I had no other choice but to play along," Lilliana responded.

"Aw, how cute. I've never seen you help others," she said teasingly as she squished her cheeks, but Lilliana swatted her hand away.

"Shut up!" Katia laughed, but Lilliana continued, "And you know that I know someone who loves this job more than anything."

Meanwhile, at the ceremony, everyone, even the men, was in tears. No one expected to spend their day like this. "Samara Ether was loved by those she was close to. Although her life was short, she made a lasting impression to those she loved. She is now in God's undying love and she's at rest," a priest said. They set the coffin in the ground and some people threw dirt into the slot. While most of the theater crew left, Christopher and Erika stayed to pay their homage. Christopher was reluctant to do or say much in case his emotions took over his body.

"Are you going to be okay," Christopher asked.

"I hope so. I've survived far worse than this, like when you broke my-," she said before stopping herself. "Sorry, I've said too much."

"Well, you're not wrong, but I promise to change that," he said.

She looked at him with confusion. "What do you mean? Our arrangement was that I would have dinner with you and then you and Rachel would leave. What is this talk about changing yourself?"

He paused a bit, but said, "S-Sorry. I guess I always want to please you," he said. "I know that was our arrangement, but is there any possibility that you could change your mind."

"No. If Nadir and Annabel are working together, then I fear that your life is in danger. The sooner you leave the better. Besides, I can't understand why you would want to stay? You're married!"

"Yes, to her and you! I haven't seen you in ten years and I would like to see what you've been up to all these years."

She sighed as she said, "Still, my mind has been made up."

"I . . . I understand," he said before he hugged her. It was sudden, but being in his embrace again really felt nice. She couldn't help but accept it, despite every fiber in her body told her not to. However, someone was watching their little intimate show.

"So, you two really did meet," Nadir said as he walked up to them.

"Why would I lie about that," Erika said, still bitter about his decision to bring him here.

"I was reluctant to believe it since you said you didn't want to meet him if he ever showed his face here."

Erika was reluctant to say this in front of Christopher, but said, "Yes, I did, but destiny has a different plan, apparently."

"Well, I managed to distract Diana from all this. She's at your office right now, but when are you going to tell her about-," he tried to say, but she shushed her.

"I'll tell her, don't worry," she said aloud, but her eyes said, "You idiot! Don't mention my daughter around Christopher!"

"Oh, Diana! I haven't seen her in a while. Maybe I can stop by the theater and see her-," Christopher tried to say, but was interrupted.

"That won't be necessary," she said abruptly. "If you wouldn't mind, I would like to go home. It's been a long day for me."

"Of course. You should get some rest, love. I'll see you tomorrow and maybe, I can take you to dinner," Nadir said.

"I'm busy tomorrow night," she said as she kept looking at Christopher. "But I wouldn't mind seeing you anytime earlier than that, that is, if you are willing to come clean."

"Come clean? What do you mean by that? I've told you everything already," he said, but received a glare.

"Let's see about that. Goodbye gentlemen," she said as she left their side.

"Do you mind if either one of us accompanied you," Christopher said.

"No, I'm fine. Just go home to your wife," she said as she walked away from the cemetery. Christopher wanted to follow her to make sure she would be all right, but decided that she needed her space. He was about to go back to the motel room, but Nadir stopped him.

"So, what do you two have planned for tomorrow?"

"Just a dinner. Why?"

"A dinner? That's how you plan to win her heart? I've tried that for ten years, but she's never fallen for me."

"I'm not trying to win her heart. I just want a dinner so I can see how she's been for the past ten years. After that, I gave her my word that I would leave Coney Island."

Nadir arched a brow as he said, "I have trouble believing you."

"Look, she didn't want to meet me, right? In fact, it seems she's begging me to leave because she thinks my life is in danger if I stay," he said with a laugh. Nadir laughed too, but it was very uncomfortable that even Christopher noticed. "If that's what she wants, who am I to deny her wishes?"

"I hope that's it. I've made her happy all these years, but here you are; confusing her emotions and toying with her heart! If you hurt her anymore than you already have, I'll see that you'll never be able to do it again. I love her and I'll do anything to protect her, even lay down my life for her. I swear to Allah!"

"Woah, woah, woah; I just want a dinner? How am I going to hurt her with just a dinner? Like I said, once we have dinner, I'll leave and live happily with my wife, Rachel. I promise."

"Let's see about that," he said before leaving his side, almost furious by this exchange. Christopher was left alone to his thoughts. Nadir must truly love Erika if he would court her for this many years, but it must hurt him that she hasn't returned those feelings. He thought that must be how Erika felt when they didn't confess their love all those years ago. All that pain. All that suffering. All that misery. He couldn't imagine. Still, if Erika was right about him trying to do something to get rid of the rival, he and Rachel should leave immediately, but at the same time, he found the love of his life. He didn't want to leave her side no matter what, even at the face of death.

He looked at the headstone for Samara and said aloud, "I remember when you sang at the Palace Garnier and you sang lovely. Despite your appearance was short-lived, you managed to impress your future boss to the point she offered you a job at the Fantôme Theater." He couldn't believe that someone who was afraid to interact with society managed to set up such a famous theater, even if she had help along the way. One woman; Fantôme. Then the thought of that little girl, Diana, crossed his mind. She was so cute and Fantôme must be a proud mother to have such a musical child in her life. Yes, Diana, Fantôme's child . . . wait a minute.

Fantôme's daughter?! Diana?! No, that couldn't be! There's no way she could be her daughter . . . right? Erika had a child?! He couldn't believe it, but the first question that popped into his mind was, "If Diana is hers, then who is the father?"

Nadir stormed into Annabel's barbershop and immediately locked the door. Annabel was surprised to see him as she walked down the stairs in a fast pace. "Didn't I just see you yesterday? You can't possibly grow hair that fast?"

"I saw Christopher embracing my dear Erika! It was disgusting," he said with anger.

"What did he do exactly?"

"He was hugging her, which doesn't seem too bad, but I don't want another man, especially him, touching her at all and to make things worse, he's going to have dinner with her!"

"Really? When?"

"Tomorrow night! He said that after dinner, he would leave Coney Island, but I don't believe him. We have to prevent this dinner of theirs before he can take her!"

"He said he would leave after the dinner? Why would you try to stop him," she asked with deductive reasoning.

"Why would you say something like that?"

"If you try to prevent them from having their dinner, I would bet that he would try to reschedule the dinner until they eventually meet, making him stay longer, but if you allow him to have dinner, chances are that he'll keep to his word and leave Coney Island."

"Huh, I never thought of it that way," he said now with hope in his voice. "Then, I guess I'll let them have dinner and if he's the honest man she wants me to believe he is, he'll leave."