The next day was filled with anxiety. Christopher was anxious to see Erika, Erika felt uneasy to see him, and Nadir was nervous about them meeting. Still, they had a full day to prepare for the fateful meeting. In the Fantôme Theater, Erika stayed in her office, avoiding any contact with anyone. Most people believed she was still depressed by yesterday's events, but that's only part of it. So many emotions were tangled up inside her; she lost a dear friend, one of the only people that actually knew her personally has turned nasty all because of a petty rivalry, and the man she both loved and swore to stay away from was now going to meet her for dinner. There was so much stress on her that she didn't know what to do with it.

"Mother, are you okay," Diana asked. Erika looked up from her desk to see her daughter peeping through the door. "Everyone is worried about you."

"I'm fine, darling. I just want to be left alone today," Erika said softly.

"Why?"

"I just had a long day yesterday and have an even longer day today."

"I hope you feel better. Don't forget; I'm here for you whenever you need it," she said as she hugged her.

"Thank you Diana," she said as she kissed her daughter's cheek. She always knew how to cheer her mother up. Just a hug and some kind word always seemed to do the trick. "How is everybody feeling today?"

"Some people are still sad about yesterday, but they're okay for the most part. It's sad, but Samara is at a better place now."

"Yes, she is. How are you holding up?"

"I'm fine. I cried when I heard the news, but I'm better now."

"That's good to hear."

"Have you talked to Monsieur Daaé yet?"

Erika grew quiet, but she said, "Yes, I have and I'm going to see him again tonight over dinner."

"Oh, that's good. Is he going to work here?"

"I . . . I don't know. He is a very busy man, but I can try for you."

"I hope he can. It would be nice to have him around. I bet you would be super happy if he performed for us since you seem to love him."

Erika chuckled a bit as she said, "You have no idea how right you are, but yes, I would be happy."

"I wonder how Nadir would feel if he saw you looking at him with love in your eyes."

Erika looked at the floor as she said, "He would probably be very jealous."

"I bet he would be. Don't worry, I won't tell him about the dinner."

"He already . . . thanks," Erika said. It wouldn't be wise for her to give Diana any reason to question her or she would never drop the topic.

"Well, I'll watch the rehearsals for you while you work. See you later," Diana said as she left the room almost in a hurry. Erika couldn't help, but smile. She was lucky to have her daughter around . . . wait a minute. Doesn't Christopher know she has a daughter? He has met Diana, much to her dismay, and she has told him that she is Fantôme's daughter. Dammit, he must have made the connection! Oh no, this is really bad for her! What was she suppose to do? Would he ask about it? What would happen if he found out? Damn! This dinner was already stressful on her, but now, it has become worse!

"How come I can't come to dinner with you tonight," Rachel asked as she and Christopher were eating lunch at a bar by their motel room.

"I've told you before: she wanted to see me and only me. She'll think you're my manager and she doesn't like managers interfering with performance negotiations," he explained.

"Can't I just say that I'm your wife and I want to support you?"

"She'll still think that you'll try to negotiate terms."

"Oh, I guess you're right," she said with a pouty face. She found it a little suspicious that Fantôme wanted to meet him alone for dinner, especially after everything she heard about her. "I guess I'll just go shopping while I wait for you."

"If that's what suits you, but I don't want you to go out at night by yourself. Can Nadir or Darius come with you," he asked. Even though he wasn't on good terms with them, or at least Nadir, he thought that they were probably the best people to watch her.

"They're too busy with their spice shop. Do you think Annabel Lee would come?"

"I don't want you to hang around with her especially after she kidnapped you at Phantasma."

"But she didn't . . . well, I guess you're right. She could have at least asked before taking me away, but I have no one else to go with." Suddenly, Katia walked into the bar and sat down at a table near them, but didn't seem to notice them. She seemed uneasy, or at least, impatient, as she kept staring at the door.

"How about Katia?"

"Katia?"

"Oh, she's a friend I met at the Fantôme Theater. She reminds me of you in a way. You're both sweet and dedicated to the people you love. I'm sure you two can get along."

"If you think so, then maybe I can," she said hesitantly. Christopher turned in his chair and waved his arm to get her attention. After a while, she finally saw him, but didn't get up from her chair. Even though he gestured her to come to them, she didn't. In a bit of annoyance, he got up and walked up to her.

"Hello, Katia," he said as he sat in the chair in front of her.

"Oh, would you mind not sitting in that seat. I'm waiting for Lilliana to show up," she said nervously.

"Oh, I'm sorry," he said as he got up.

"It's all right, but why did you want me?"

"I was wondering if you could go shopping with my wife tonight. I'm going to be away for dinner with a potential employer and I don't want her to go alone at night."

"I . . . I'm not sure I can. I've got work to do . . . but I think Lilliana could. She shouldn't be working tonight."

"Either way, I would be happy if either of you two could accompany Rachel tonight."

"All right. Tell her she can meet us by Annabel Lee's barbershop at five o'clock. I'm sure that will be enough time."

"Yes, thank you," he said with appreciation.

"Well, this is a surprise," Lilliana said just before sitting in her chair. "What were you two discussing before I came here."

"Christopher asked us to take his wife, Rachel, shopping this evening. Is that all right with you?"

"Tonight? Don't you have work tonight?"

"Well, yes, but I thought that you would escort her while I'm gone."

"Do I have to? I mean, I'm sure she's a nice woman, but I don't want to be a babysitter."

"Please Lily. I promise you that I'll stay with you as long as I can before I have to go to work. I know you're not a big fan of shopping, but just for this once. Please," Katia said with puppy dog eyes.

Lilliana sighed as she said, "Fine, but you owe me one, both of you."

"Thank you," Christopher said as he hugged her, making both her and Katia very uncomfortable. He then left their side and sat back in his seat. "They said they would accompany you."

"Oh good, but who's the other woman?"

"That's Lilliana."

"I hope she's going to accompany us because I have to buy her a dress. Who is she trying to fool by wearing pants?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, but I'm glad someone can take you."

"I'm glad you still care for me after all these years. Most men would grow weary of their wives after ten years, especially if they can't bear children, but you've stayed. Why?"

"Why would you ask me a question like that? I love you, Rachel. After everything that happened in Paris, you were my rock and I was your rock when you needed support."

"Do you still think about Erika?" At the sound of her name, he grew quiet. "How could you not? I mean, she is different from any woman you have ever met. You've told me that many times before. . . She was never found dead. Do you believe she could still be alive?"

"It has crossed my mind."

"What would you do if you ever found her?"

He was silent, but said, "I would ask her to dinner to see how she has been living since then."

"Would you leave me?"

"Of course not," he said. "I wouldn't want to disgrace our marriage since I love you with all my heart."

She smiled as she said, "Thank you. I really need to hear those words from you." After a while, Rachel and Christopher finished their lunch, paid the bill, and left the bar, not realizing that Annabel Lee was watching them in the distance. She was contemplating on how to expose Christopher's dinner to Rachel, but things have become complicated now that Lilliana was going to watch her. Dammit, she thought to herself.

5:45 finally arrived and Christopher waited anxiously outside the Fantôme Theater. Erika told him to not make any reservations at any restaurant since she already had plans for them. He was wearing a tuxedo, but he didn't stand out since everyone else around him was wearing elegant attire. A show was going to start at six, but some people recognized him and stopped to talk to him, saying positive things, like they loved his work and hoped he performs in America some time soon. However, as six o'clock drew closer and more people looked for their seats, Christopher felt more and more nervous, that is, until he felt a hand grab his. "Sorry for making you wait. I had to make sure there weren't that many people around," Erika said, hiding herself behind him.

"You're still as shy as ever," he joked as he turned around to face her. She was wearing a slightly puffy black dress with long black gloves. Her mask was white and her lips were as red as roses. "You look beautiful."

She smiled as she said, "Thank you. You look handsome too. Come, I've got dinner all planned out. Follow me."

"Wait, where are we going?"

"Box 5."

Lilliana, Katia, and Rachel went around shopping, despite Lilliana's protests. She wasn't the type of girl that liked to go shopping, which shocked Rachel. She believed that every girl had that inner desire to shop, but not this one. "How do you two think this dress looks," Rachel said as she showed the two women a gold dress.

"It looks beautiful! I'm sure you'll look amazing," Katia said with excitement. "Don't you agree, Lily?"

"Yeah, sure. You'll look . . . smashing," she said with little enthusiasm. This lasted for a couple hours until Katia looked at her pocket watch with a worried face.

"Oh my goodness! I'm running late for my assignment. I promise to be back as soon as I can," Katia said quickly before kissing Lilliana and leaving the store. Lilliana smiled as she watched her leave while Rachel was left in almost shock.

She turned around and noticed her expression. "What?"

"Are you two . . . ," Rachel tried to ask, but couldn't think of the right words to say.

"A couple? I guess you could say that. We have been for over a year," she said nonchalantly, but Rachel's face showed disapproval. She had to admit, she wasn't the biggest supporter of same-sex couples. She thought they were weird and unnatural, but didn't think that they were going to hurt anybody. They were just . . . different. "Oh, I forgot, your kind thinks same-sex couples are weird."

"What do you mean 'your' kind'?"

"What, you don't like that label? Humans like you like to label anyone that is attracted to the same gender that, along with many other names. What did you call them? Queer?"

"I mean, I'm not comfortable with it, but I'm not totally against it."

"What's wrong with it? It's just two people in love. I mean, there has been so much shame throughout the years for homosexuals. Discrimination, murder, rape. You name it, they've done it. Even after everything, discrimination still exists, but I can bet that even if humanity matures, things will never change." Rachel stared in silence. Why did she have to be stuck with this woman? At least Katia wouldn't bring up such a topic. "Sorry, I had to get it off my chest. It's just that I notice these looks whenever Katia and I want to show affection. We've even been threatened for our attraction. Where I come from, there is no discrimination. Anyone can love whoever they want and not be judged. Heck, I know a man who believes he is a woman and loves a bunch of guys, but we never judge him because of his gender. We judge him by how promiscuous he acts."

"And where is this place, exactly?"

"You wouldn't be able to find it on a map, but I can assure you that it's in England." After a moment of silence, Rachel proceeded to buy the gold dress she showed them earlier and Lilliana suggested, "Want to get something to eat? I'm a little peckish."

"Sure, but will Katia be able to find us?"

"Oh, don't worry, she will. She's an excellent tracker," Lilliana said with a smile. The two women walked to a bakery across the street from the shop and they ordered two fruit-filled crepes. Lilliana ate her apple-filled crepe rather fast while Rachel ate her strawberry one slowly.

"So, how long will Katia be gone," Rachel said in between bites.

"Not too long, I hope," she said as she looked at her broken pocket watch. It was a gift from an old flame of hers, but it has been broken since the day she had to leave him. "She should be here soon." After a while of waiting, they noticed a familiar face looking through a window of restaurant, looking for someone. "Oh, hi Annabel Lee," Lilliana yelled at the top of her lungs. Everyone in the bakery looked at her with angry faces and Rachel couldn't help, but blush in embarrassment. Annabel looked in their direction and she expressed an angry glare. She tried to walk away like she didn't notice them, but it was too late. "Don't act like you didn't notice me."

Annabel let out an angry sigh as she started walking in their direction. She got to their table and she angrily said, "You have a lot of nerve trying to talk to me after everything you've been telling me!"

"What, the truth?"

"You keep telling me I'm going to die if I help Nadir."

"Well, you will," she said nonchalantly, but Annabel pulled her collar and pulled out a razor from her purse. "Oh, so intimidating! I almost died of fright," Lilliana mocked.

"I could kill you right now if I wanted to, but I wouldn't want the employees to clean up the blood after I slit your throat."

"Annabel, stop it," Rachel yelled. She never seen this dark side of Annabel Lee and was afraid that something bad could happen. After a while, she let go of Lilliana, who was still unaffected by the threat.

"You think I'm the bad guy, don't you?"

"No, I don't. I just don't want to see anybody get hurt," Rachel said in a worried tone.

"Everyone thinks I'm this evil person who just kills at random! Ever since I was accused of cannibalism as a young child, people think I'm the bad guy, but I was actually the victim! In fact, I still am! Even though I try to help Nadir win Erika's heart for ten freaking years now, I'm still labeled as the assassin!"

"Wait, Erika's heart," Rachel asked.

"You screwed up, Annabel," Lilliana said. Even she knew to keep her mouth shut about all this.

"Shut up," she threatened her, but soon had a realization. "You know what? I'm tired of lying to you! Nadir doesn't want you to know this and neither does Christopher. Fantôme is Erika. Yes, the same Erika that burned down the Palais Garnier and kidnapped your husband ten years ago. She's here in America and she is meeting with your husband right now."

Rachel just stared in utter shock. It couldn't be. Why would she say such a thing? She knew she was a good liar, but why would she lie at a time like this? There was no rhyme or reason. "You . . . you lie," she said trying desperately to not believe her.

"What would I have to gain by telling you this? My job is to make sure that the two of them are separated without making it too . . . messy. I know what it's like to be the second love and it's painful. I don't want anyone else to feel that way."

"And here comes the dark side of 'love'," Lilliana said with air quotes. "People don't understand that love is more painful than it is 'magical'. Whether you are the second love or the harmful lover, someone always gets hurt. It never lasts and even when you think that death won't end it, it does. I can't stand that word!"

Rachel was now in tears. After all this time, it wasn't just a job he was looking for here. He was still looking for his Erika! It hurt her so much to know that the man she loved was still in love with another woman after all these years. He has grown weary of her after all and to add salt to the wounds, Annabel added, "She also has a daughter."

As Christopher and Erika arrived to Box 5, he felt uneasy. How is she going to react to all of this? How would he react to all of this? He had so many questions to ask her, but he didn't want to bombard her with them just yet. When they finally arrived, she opened the door with a gold key and inside was a little dinner prepared for them. It wasn't really anything fancy; it was just some sandwiches and wine. "I would have prepared some filet mignon or something like that, but I wouldn't want to make my audience hungry during the show with the delicious smell," Erika said as she guided him in.

"No, it's fine. I understand, but you do realize I want to ask you about your life here. Won't that disrupt the audience?"

"Oh, the mezzanine floor isn't open to the public for this performance. We will be able to talk without disrupting anyone," she said as she took a seat. "This is the first time you've been in my Box 5, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is. Even in Paris you didn't invite me since I was always on stage." She smiled, but grabbed a sandwich and slowly took a bite from it. Soon, the show started and Bianca came on stage to sing the show's opening number. "I'm curious what going on in that woman's head. She always wanted the spotlight, but I hope she never intended to get it like this. She was Samara's understudy."

"Nobody could have predicted it," he said comfortingly, but she used every inch of her strength to blurt out that Katia did. "So, how did you manage all this?"

"I had a lot of support. I met Nadir on my way to America and the Girys came here some months after that. Everyone has been so supportive, even after everything."

"How did you manage all this," he said as he gestured with his arms the theater.

"I had some money, but Nadir helped fund the Fantôme Theater when I needed the money. After a while, Erik helped finish it."

"It's amazing what you've been able to accomplish over these past years! You're an amazing woman," he said with a smile.

She smiled as she said, "Thank you."

"I'm curious, though, is he your . . . um, lover," he asked, afraid to hear what she was going to say.

"He wants to believe we are, but we aren't. He has tried to win my heart since I left, but no matter how hard he tries, it never seems to work. After all, I did promise that my heart would always belong to you," she said in a slightly unhappy tone.

"But are you happy? I mean, I don't want your promise to prevent your happiness."

"Oh, don't worry, I am. I do allow him to court him, but we've never kissed. Besides, I'm too busy for a relationship," she said before sighing. "But enough about me; I want to see what you've been able to accomplish all these years."

"Well, I did become an opera star in Europe, but I'll be honest, work has been scarce lately. Some people still believe I'm a bad luck charm after . . .," he said before pausing himself. Her smile soon vanished and she didn't say anything. "But I don't blame you. In fact, you're the only reason I have a career in the first place."

"I'm glad to hear," she said before finishing her sandwich. They continued watching the show and it was the same show that Christopher saw before: the devil vs. husband story. Watching this particular show with Erika brought up new connections in his head. The devil . . . was he supposed to be Erika? He didn't want to make that connection, but it kind of made sense in his mind. After all, she remembered the cruel name she called herself.

"The Devil's Child," he whispered under his breath, but she still heard it.

"Hm?"

"Oh, nothing; I'm just thinking to myself," he said, embarrassed that she heard him say such a hurtful name. "Even after losing everything, she still stays with him. She must truly love him."

There was silence between them. She didn't talk much and really didn't watch the show. It seemed to him like she had a lot on her mind, but he expected that. "So, how did you manage to gather these talented people?"

"Well, most of these people came to America in hopes of a fruitful life and at the time, I was building the theater with Nadir. They saw the project and said they would like to work there when it was finished and that was it. They all have been so kind and loyal throughout these years that they have become like family," she said with happiness in her voice, but her tone changed as she continued, "Samara was different though. When I finished building the theater, the Opera Populaire just celebrated their first successful show. Samara was only a chorus girl at the show and I was sad to hear it. Nadir suggested that I should offer her a job since he saw the show and I agreed since I saw her perform during Don Juan Triumphant. Not only that, but I felt guilty for what I did to her that night and thought that this would clear my conscience."

"Still, I'm very impressed that you were able to accomplish all this. I mean, I haven't done much."

"What are you talking about? You have performed all over the country and I'm sure you've been a loving husband to Rachel."

"Y-Yes, I have. Even after everything she has been through with her brother's death, I was her rock."

"I'm so sorry to hear. How did he die, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Some man obsessed with my cousin killed him."

"Your cousin?"

"Yes, her name is Christine Daaé," he said. Her eyes widened in surprise, but she was angry by his earlier statement.

"So, this man killed her brother? Did you or anyone else even bother to ask what happened? For a while, they thought I killed Samara until they found her in an abandoned dressing room. People can say the worst of things about people. I would think that out of all people, you would know that."

Christopher was embarrassed, but it was clear that she might know the man that kidnapped his cousin some time ago, but didn't want to bring it up. "I'm sorry. You're right; I should have known better." They continued watching the show and they were at the final scene; the devil has challenged the man to a duel for the love of his life. "So, who are you in this story?"

"I beg your pardon," Erika asked in shock. She wasn't expecting a question like that.

"Who are you in this story: the devil or the husband?"

She was silent, trying to contemplate the answer, but she finally said, "In a way, both. In the beginning, I felt as I were the husband when I felt that your love would save me from everything that life had given me, even if it was a little too late. I think you know when I turned into the devil."

He looked uneasy at that statement. "You weren't a devil to me. You were still the same person, but with heartbreak in your eyes."

She smiled faintly. "You really think that?"

"Of course I do," he said lovingly. Finally, the last scene was shown. The couple, now with a child, sang about their undying love for each other and even the child, who Christopher recognized as Diana, sings along. "That's Diana, right?"

"Yes, it is. I'm sure you have a cute little one after all these years."

"Actually, I don't," Christopher said almost regretfully. Erika looked at him with shock in her eyes. "We can't have children. She's . . . infertile."

"Oh . . . I didn't know. I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I mean, Rachel had a hard time accepting the fact when she found out, but we've learned to cope."

"D-Do you want children?"

"I mean, of course I would, but I guess fate has a different plan." He noticed that she was especially quiet and decided to ask, "What about you? Would you want your very own children?"

"I don't know. I'm already a busy woman as it is. If I don't have time for a relationship, how could I find time to care for a child," she lied. She couldn't just flat out admit that she had a child, but after everything he told her, she didn't want him to live a child-less life. She was right; she was a busy woman, but she still found time for her dear Diana. In a world of darkness, anxiety, and depression, she was always her little light.

They were quiet for a while as the curtain call approached. There was a loud cheer for every character, but as soon as Diana approached the stage, Erika clapped loudly for her, more than everyone else. "I wonder who her mother is. I mean, everyone keeps telling me that Fantôme is her mother, but that can't be since you are her." Erika was quiet, which made Christopher more suspicious. "Who is Diana's mother?"

"I'm sorry, Christopher, but I have to go," she said suddenly as she tried to leave the room, but he held onto her arm. She knew this was going to happen.

"Wait, at least answer my question. Who's her mother," he said, almost convinced that she was hiding something.

"Now is not a good time. I have to go," she said as she shook off his hand and ran out.

"Wait," Christopher yelled as he chased after her. He didn't know why, but this reminded him of the first time they met when he was chasing his mystery girl. Some things never changed, do, they.