A/N: Hi everyone! Tomorrow is Pirates! Can't wait! Squee! This chapter is kind of a filler with more information about Erik and Christine's life. And some moments with Stephanie and Etienne! Hee hee. Thanks to my beta Halley for a great job and please don't forget to review!

Chapter 10: Mixed Feelings

The next several days Stephanie acquainted herself with the Destler manor while the family was at the Populaire. It gave her plenty of time to explore their home and the servants only bothered her for meals. She didn't mind the loneliness, though once accustomed it's easy to fall back on.

The estate was extravagant-- not only outdoors but indoors as well. It was two floors and each section had its own significance. The first—the West Wing—contained all of the quarters for the servants, kitchen, and a hall-like dining room. Down the hall was the drawing room that connected to the parlor and in the back was the sun room, which the large window panes viewed the rose garden. The foyer was impressive with an Austrian crystal chandelier hung above and the main staircase that led to rooms upstairs of the Destlers and guests.

The East Wing on the first floor featured a massive library containing every kind of genre in literature and professional study. Chairs and tables were set in the center for comfort so a reader can not only simply enjoy a book, but get a feel of the importance of knowledge with the busts of the goddess Athena and Socrates on displayed. Further down was Erik's music room. Etienne had a music room of his own upstairs, above the library, which before was a nursery for the Destler children.

Stephanie learned of this from the maid, Claudette, who had been in the service of the Destlers' since the house was built. Erik designed the dream home for his bride and future children before he proposed. Secretly throughout the engagement, he hired workers to begin construction and the house was half-way done by the time they were wedded. Erik and Christine moved in a few months later with a couple gardens planted and the stable big enough for a few horses. Over the years, Erik added onto the stables and to his property with gardens and designing the rooms to fit their needs.

Money never was scarce for the Destlers'. Christine became the diva of the Populaire since Hannibal and she took on the role of the Countess in Il Muto despite Carlotta's threats. By then, Erik emerged from his dark world to openly court his angel and took care once and for all the Italian prima donna. He right away bought the Populaire and fired Carlotta with little objections from the former managers (a large sum was enough compensation).

Under Erik's thumb, the Populaire flourished with his genius and Christine's angelic voice. And his Don Juan Triumphant became an overnight success and the profits went to building his home.

Fate was good for him and granted him a second chance in life. When Erik introduced himself as new owner and manager, he discarded the mask to let the world know he was no longer the Phantom but a man. Initially, people weren't sure what to make of this man and were stunned by his brazen act of uncovering his face. Eventually, Erik proved he was needed for the theatre and in time was accepted as Erik Destler, renowned composer and owner of the Opera Populaire.

He couldn't have asked for more…

After hearing this, Stephanie wasn't able to tell the truth about Dan to Erik. With his achievements she felt she would let him down. The nights he was home, she wanted so badly to break down and confess that she and Dan were no longer together and she was at a loss of what to do. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to do it. She continued to hide behind the façade of a young woman in love as they discussed her reasons for being here.

Erik was destined to meet her, to learn to love properly to win Christine. It was his unfinished business that once accomplished he could return to his World. The logical explanation for Stephanie would be the same, but both didn't know what her "reason" was.

He had asked her what happened that might have led her to this World and she could offer no idea as to why. Losing Dan couldn't have led her to Erik, she rationalized. It had to be something else. What she did not know and neither did Erik.

On the other hand, Etienne had made good on his promise to his father about avoiding her. The times they seen each other was for dinner, if Etienne was even back from the theatre. Afterwards he retreated to his music room 'til late at night. Stephanie never heard anything coming from the room as she sat in the library or passing through and was curious to hear what a Destler prodigy sounded like. And to her dismay, there was only silence.

Why would there be silence? He had music in his blood! Stephanie wanted to question this to Erik or Christine, but decided it was probably none of her business or they didn't know. There was Etienne, himself, but the odds of him answering civilly were a million to one. Then again, she might have some fun flustering the proud Etienne Destler, even if she was ruining her chances of gaining some favor in him. At the moment it wouldn't have mattered, seeing how he already disliked her.

xxXXxx

Etienne sat, staring at the composition before him, his mind blank and deaf. It was an opera he started months ago, but somehow he managed to lose the inspiration for the piece. Not one single note called to him, not one sensual tone from the piano's key tempted him to create. He was a barren instrument, no longer tuned properly.

For a week straight he was in this hallow mood. And nothing seemed to give him the push he needed to finish his work.

A low creak caused him to lift his head as Stephanie Larson strolled in. Her eyes widened and then a curled upwards of her lips in a teasing grin, she exclaimed, "I didn't know you were still here! I thought you left this morning with your parents to the theatre."

"I wasn't needed and I wanted to do some work," Etienne replied flatly, his fists clenching in his lap as the auburn-curled woman stood by the entryway. Her cerulean dress fitted her well, enhancing her fair complexion that Etienne swallowed heavily. No. No. No.

"Oh and what kind of work are you doing?" she inquired, her lashes batted innocently.

"An opera now if you don't mind—"

"An opera? Cool. What is it about?"

He sighed. "I don't disclose information regarding my work unless it's to my father or mother and by then it's complete."

"Okay, well, how far do you have to go?"

"Pretty far," he answered, his jaw set. "Mlle Larson—"

"Is this your first one or have you written others?" she interrupted again.

"My fifth," was the stern response. She nodded and approached the piano, her hand gently placed on the instrument. Her hazel and green eyes flicked over to his face and prettily smiled. "Let me guess you're blocked aren't you?"

Etienne furrowed his brow, irritated for the unwanted distraction and her comment. She continued on. "I hate when that happens. Whenever I'm doing an article or for fun, a short story, I'll be going full speed ahead with ideas and the next thing I know I run out of fuel and I'm stuck in Writer's Block Land."

"That's different from what I'm doing," Etienne said, straightening his broad shoulders. "But I would like to be alone."

Stephanie clicked her tongue. "C'mon, maybe I might be of some help. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes or ears could do the trick."

"I'll keep that in mind for future's reference," he retorted. "And why are you even in here? Hasn't Claudette or any of the servants tell you this is a private room for my usage?"

"Yes," Stephanie affirmed. "But I was bored. I wasn't going to touch your piano or music, I swear, Lord knows I can't play for the life of me."

"Yet you assumed it was acceptable for you to enter into someone's chamber for your own personal pleasure?" Etienne snapped, rising from the bench.

She dropped her hand to her side and stared hard at him. "I'm sorry and I wasn't 'assuming' anything."

"Sure you didn't," he growled, coming over to stand in front of her. Damn inferno woman! "What is your real reason for being in here? You knew I stayed home."

Stephanie stuck her chin out defiantly, not allowing his height to intimidate her, which was his intent. "If you want to know, I figured you might need some help. For a week now I've passed this room and never heard you playing anything at all. I thought that was strange, considering you're Erik's son and music is your bread of life."

He took a step back and chuckled within his chest. "And what sort of help could I have possibly received from you? If I'm not mistaken you're a writer, not a composer or singer."

Her features flinched before she could hide it from him. Taking a deep breath, she gazed at him. "I was… just trying to be nice. I can understand if any of my suggestions would be inferior to your better judgment, seeing this is your life's work, but what do I know? I'm a woman with no musical background."

The sarcastic condescending tone didn't go unnoticed as Etienne's sea-green eyes bore right into her. "You in—"

"Insufferable? Infuriating? Inapt?" she spat at once. Stephanie took a step forward, jabbing her finger into his chest. His chiseled, hard chest, she noted but that didn't stray her from her anger. "I'm so sorry if my company is so unbearable to you. I wouldn't want my brazen ways to corrupt your sainthood M. Destler!"

His mouth fell agape, completely stunned. Father and I… the whole household probably heard our argument too, he thought with conviction. "Mlle Larson—"

"Don't 'Mlle Larson' me! I'm trying to be friendly here for the sake of my friend and you treat me like dirt! I didn't come here to pick a brawl with you, but if I have to get some teeny tiny ounce of respect from you I will. Believe me I would despite my sex." Stephanie spun on her heels, briskly moving to the door. Tossing another look at him, she sneered, "In case you're wondering, I find your company to be completely intolerable."

With that she was gone.

Etienne shuffled back and collapsed on the bench. Blinking, he ran a hand through his hair. The truthfulness in her words struck him painfully, not his pride no… but another place he didn't want to be affected, a place he was fighting against to justify avoiding her.

His heart…

xxXXxx

Stephanie ran past a couple servants as she blindly fled to one of the gardens. Of all the… argh! Why am I doing this!

She slowed down to a brisk pace as she stalked through the cobblestone path that led to an iron-curved bench surrounded by purple lilacs and dahlias. A fountain stood behind with several birds perched on the stone rim. Stephanie couldn't admire the beauty of it, not when she was so furious with Etienne. She knew from the moment she first walked in that an argument of some kind might transpire, but reality of it was shocking.

She sat on the bench, her hands in her lap wringing the folds of her gown. He thinks I can't be of any help, hmmm. Sorry Erik but your son is a first class fop. I'm sure his uncle is proud of him. Pathetic idiotic selfish jack! Oh I would love to go tae-bo on his…

Stephanie took a deep breath and released the material in her hand. No. What good would that come from it? But he does need a good kick where the sun doesn't shine. I don't know why I try to make peace when it's clearly obvious he's going to be stubborn about it. Why should I care? Erik and Christine are good on their own. Then there's Dan. Dan. Dan. Dan. Are you thinking of me? Do you miss me? Do you know much I'm suffering without you?

Of course, he must know. He must know that a day doesn't goes by when I'm thinking about him. He must know this separation is killing me and that I'm waiting. Waiting until he realizes that he needs me more than anything.

She stood up in her seat, an idea coming to mind. Maybe my purpose for being here is to past the time so when I return Dan will already be there! When he sees that I'm missing he'll go nuts and that's what will send me back! He's the one who needs the lesson! Not me! I can go back in the past because of Erik. Dan wouldn't know what to do but I do. That's it!

A hopeful smile grew on her façade as Stephanie contemplated the matter. To Hell trying to make nice with Etienne Destler; she has a man back home who needs her more than anything. And if she has to put up with his haughty mannerisms just to be with Dan, she'll do it.

TBC…