Hello everyone! It makes me smile to see your reviews! :)

Silronsemwin: It means so much to me that you are excited about my updates! Thank you, I was worried I didn't portray Erik well. You need to join the phan-wagon in Songbird of the Night's story More Tales of Phantom Hysterics! :)

Songbird of the Night: Haha, Narnie, Silronsemwin beat you with the first review on chapter two! XD Aw thanks! I LOVE YOU, TOO!

Heywhatup: Thank you! It was fun to write. :)

RoseTheHorrorLover: Hehehe Thank you, Erik...Uh, I mean, thanks Tia! :) And I wish to hear more from you, too Erik hehehe...XD

Kat: Thanks! I hope you like this chapter.

Vanessa Osbourne: Thanks, my Sarah Brightman look-alike/sound-alike friend!

The Weight of Words: Chapter Three

Antoinette felt horrible about waking Erik. He had slept peacefully for the remainder of the night, but it was almost six and she needed to get to practice. She had wanted to let him sleep a little longer, so she finished getting ready before gently shaking him awake.

"Erik," she said softly.

~o~

Erik slowly opened his eyes. For a second he forgot where he was and let out a small cry. But the events of the night before flooded back into his mind. He looked towards the girl, wait, no, Annie.

She smiled at him. "Did you sleep well?"

Erik hadn't really thought about it, but this was the first peaceful sleep he had in years. He smiled slightly, then nodded.

Annie reached over and brushed a few strands of hair from his face. Wait-his face?

~o~

Antoinette saw the panic fly into Erik's emerald eyes. His hands went to cover his deformity, but Antoinette was too quick, and caught them before them reached his face. He didn't fight back; he just turned his face away. This confused her.

"Erik," she said in her confused tone, "Why didn't you..." She trailed off at the end.

"I c-can't stop y-you," Erik whispered cautiously, as if he was afraid she'd hurt him for speaking.

Antoinette didn't need to ask why. She had seen herself that Erik's fighting back must have been useless when he was in the traveling circus. But apart from that there were so many things she didn't understand about the boy.

Antoinette released his hand. "Erik, tell-" Shut up Antoinette! She mentally scolded herself.

She looked at Erik, who was, now, covering his face with his hands, looking through his fingers at her with confused eyes.

"It's nothing, Erik."

~o~

Erik knew it was more than just nothing, but he decided it was best to leave it be. Suddenly he heard Annie gasp.

"Shit!"

Erik snickered at her outburst. Those weren't the words he thought would come out of her mouth. He knew it wasn't right to laugh, but it was pretty funny. Annie blushed slightly.

"Um, I'm sorry Erik; I'm just really, really late."

Panic flooded his mind. Late? Late for where?

"You're leaving?"

~o~

Antoinette heard the fear in his voice. "Erik," she said taking both of his hands into her own, mentally smiling since he didn't try to cover his face again, "I won't be gone long, I have ballet for a few hours, then free time before we run through our dances again."

"Will you be back here soon?"

Antoinette knew Erik was scared being left alone, but she had to be at practice soon-sorry, twelve minutes ago.

"I must go Erik. I'll see you soon." With that she pressed a kiss to his forehead. "I can't wait to see you later."

Antoinette left quickly; she didn't see Erik's tears. Or see him smile.

I'm sorry this update is so short, but I have an idea that would be better put in different chapters. Please review; you know how much I love your reviews! :)