It was nearly a week after Christine's belongings had been brought to Erik's house that Elizabeth called. Christine walked down to Erik's office, trying to figure out her exact words. She was praying that for once Erik would not be so controlling.

Christine knocked softly on Erik's door. She hoped that Nadir had gone home for the day, leaving Erik by himself.

"Enter." Erik heard the door creak open but didn't bother to look up. He knew it was Christine by the way her feet hit the floor as she walked. Quite frankly, he was still upset with her for this morning's behavior and did not wish to speak to her at the moment. Why couldn't she simply understand that everything he did was simply in her best interest?

"Erik." Christine approached the desk, hoping he would respond. She placed her hands on the edge. "I am sorry. I know you meant well. We have both behaved childishly, and I don't want to fight anymore."

Erik held his breath, dreading the words that could come out of her mouth. He didn't want to keep her here by force, but he would have to if she wanted out of their agreement. No court would up hold the papers she had signed, especially considering the fact that there was no record of her crime or Emily Blanchard for that matter.

"I'll take the vitamins." Christine sat down, letting out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

"Good. So no more arguing?" Erik looked up to see Christine nodding her head in agreement. He went back to the design in front of him.

"Erik?"

"Yes, Christine."

"There is a concert downtown on Friday that Elizabeth and I were planning on going to. Before. You see the plan was we were going to meet at her new place and walk downtown Instead of me having to walk all the way back, I was just going to stay the night at her place. So, I guess what I am trying to say is I really want to go. So may I?"

"No." Erik kept his eyes locked on his desk.

"Why not?"

"She may spend the night here, but you may not spend the night there. If you want to go, David will drive you but there will be no walking in that awful neighborhood of hers."

"You mean I can go?"

"If you agree to stay close to Raphael and not to be screaming."

"Thank you, Erik." Christine sounded like a kid on Christmas morning. She tried not to walk out of the room too fast.

Erik watched her leave before standing up and pulling a lever on the wall, revealing his music room. He shut the passage behind him and let his inspiration take hold of him as played the organ, composing a new a new piece for Christine.

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

David pulled the car up in front of Elizabeth's apartment at seven-thirty. Christine figured that would give her and Elizabeth thirty minutes to go through Elizabeth's wardrobe to find Christine something more concert worthy than the clothes that Erik allowed her to leave the house in. Christine grabbed the door handle and started to open it when Raphael grabbed her hand. "Miss Christine, master Erik gave me strict instructions that you are not to leave the car in this neighborhood. You may use the car phone to call your friend or I can go retrieve her if you wish."

"Raphael, you can see her door from here. It will be perfectly fine."

"No. You have not seen the worst of Master Erik's temper. You don't know how he can get. Please, it is a simple request." Raphael was practically begging at this point. Christine did not see the big deal. However, if Raphael was this scared, she knew there was cause to be concerned.

"Alright, if it means that much, I will just call." Raphael thanked God that she had not felt the need to argue anymore. He handed her the phone and watched as she punched in Elizabeth's number. Elizabeth picked up on the second ring.

"Hello."

"Hey, go to your window. See the black car running at your curb? Come get your butt in it." Christine hung up the phone before Elizabeth could say another word. Elizabeth rushed down and climbed into the car.

"Wow. And to think we were going to walk." She looked over and noticed Raphael sitting in the corner. She leaned over and whispered into Christine's ear. "Whose the hottie?"

"Oh, sorry. Elizabeth is this Raphael. Erik thought that we needed our own bodyguard. David could we go, now?" David took off without saying a word.

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

The concert was amazing. Christine had forgotten what Erik had told her and shouted at the band a few times, only to be given a glare from Raphael each time, reminding her of her promise to Erik. The concert ended, and Raphael directed the girls to the back of the stage. He had been given specific instructions from Erik.

While they were waiting, Christine was spotted by an old friend.

"Christine, where have you been hiding?" The young man approached her.

"Ryan, how are you?"

"I am doing much better now that I have seen you."He reached into his back pocket, taking out his wallet. He took out a business card. "I have to run. Here's my card. Call me and we'll get together for coffee."

"Alright. Thanks." Christine smiled and watched as Ryan turned to leave. Raphael saw what was going on and knew he had to distract her now. Master Erik's gift should help right about now.

"Miss Christine, come. There is a present back stage waiting for you."

"What are you talking about? From who?" Christine was puzzled. She didn't understand what he was talking about.

"Master Erik."

ECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECECEC

Christine ran through the house and up the stairs to Erik's office. She knocked once before entering. Erik was standing at his bookcase, holding a book. She wrapped her arms around him in a hug. Erik was shocked but returned the embrace. "Thank you, Erik. I don't know how you managed that on such short notice but thank you."

Aw, Erik knew what the hug was for now. He softly chuckled he took one hand and with a cupped finger, lifted Christine chin up to meet her eyes. "You are most welcome. Anytime, I am able to give you what you desire, I will. Never be afraid to ask me for something. Now I believe it is quite late, and someone has lessons in the morning. Come. I'll walk you to your room."

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

"Come in." Raphael walked in to notice the master was working on something and not paying any attention to him.

"Sir?" He watched Erik stand and head to the liquor cabinet, taking out his keys.

"Come sit. I am sure you must be tired after being around that nonsense for so long." Erik took out two glasses and a bottle of Brandy. "Thank you for going. I would have taken her myself, but I can not put up with that noise. Tell me how was it."

Raphael took the glass that was being offered and took a drink before answering. "Miss Christine is a good girl. She didn't quite understand why you didn't want her getting out in Elizabeth's neighborhood, but she followed your wish. There was a little bit of a problem after the concert before I took them backstage."

"What kind of problem?" Erik set his glass down and stared hard at Raphael.

"A young man gave her his business card and asked her to coffee with him sometime. Apparently, she knew him."

"Very well. Goodnight." Erik tried to control his emotions. He watched Raphael go out before he went to his wall, pulling another lever that allowed him into his bedroom. He took out a length of rope and fashioned himself a new lasso. No one was going to take his Christine away from him. She loved him, and he would do whatever was necessary to protect that love. One day, she would see how everything he did was in her best interest. Then, she would confess her love for him. He would even enter a church when she was ready to be his bride. She was a good girl indeed.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

A/N: Quit holding out on the reviews. Let me know if I am getting anywhere close to where this story should be heading.