Chapter 139 Bittersweet

Meg had made her way back to her room, closing the door behind her. She leaned against the door, letting out a breath she'd not even realized she'd been holding. She laughed at her own folly…to think not breathing would make her presence any less detected. She and Nadir would have to find a way to be more careful….something beyond the special knock they thought they'd so cleverly devised.

She walked toward the divan in front of the fire, coming to rest on the tufted cushion. She leaned, putting her head into her hands. Why on earth would Raoul be in Nadir's room…in his water closet? She shook her head, it simply made no sense.

There was a knock on her door. "Do come in," she called out, hoping that it would be Raoul. Her heart fluttered.

The door opened and her mother came in, greeting her. "Bonjour mon chéri." She smiled coming to join Meg on the divan opposite hers. "Did you sleep well?"

Meg nodded. "Indeed I did."

Her mother smiled at her. "Have you any idea what activity Raoul is planning my dear? He's invited me to accompany the two of you…something out of doors he's said."

Meg looked at her mother. "I've no idea, but I must confess that I overheard he and Madeline talking this morning when I'd just been waking. They mentioned a number of outer garments, about needing to be warm, so I shan't think it will be a brief outing, for there would be no need to prepare to this extent."

Madame Giry nodded. "I see." The two women stared into the fire, silent for moments.

Meg inhaled, "I've got to see to applying my cream." She stood walking over to her vanity. She sat down examining her cheek.

"It's healed well." Her mother said over her shoulder. "I should think that as soon as the doctor is able to travel here, he'd very much like to remove those stitches."

Meg ran her hand over them. The thread was light in color, but it still seemed so foreign under her skin. They had done a fine job of repairing the damage caused by that most violent act. She closed her eyes. There had been so much happiness in the last days, she'd rather pushed that most unpleasant memory from her consciousness.

"Raoul said that very same thing this morning." A fleeting smile crossing her face. Meg looked down at the surface of the vanity, staring at it hollowly. "He's a wonderful man mother. Kind and generous, as sincere a soul as I've ever known." Meg paused.

Madame Giry turned to face her daughter, then rose and pulled a stool next to Meg. "Is everything alright my dear?" She took Meg's hand into her own, caressing her knuckles.

Meg inhaled. "Last night, as we talked into the early hours of the morning…." Meg exhaled slowly.

"It's alright child, I am here." Her mother said, patting her hand reassuringly.

"We decided mother….when the time comes that the Opera House is readied, you shall certainly have want to return there…this is true yes?" Meg glanced up at her mother for affirmation.

Madame Giry looked down, swallowing and then back up thoughtfully, "that is my intention yes." Inside her heart was breaking to have stated it out loud.

"When you return mother, I shan't be going with you." Meg glanced at her mother for reaction, then looked away out of shame.

Madame Giry let go of Meg's hand, nervously tugging at the folds of her dress. "I see." There was a long silence. "And is it your intentions to stay here with Raoul?" Madame Giry looked at Meg trying to find a compassion for her daughter that would allow her to understand.

"No. Surely you can understand that would be most awkward for all concerned." Meg smiled nervously at her mother. "I'll be returning to Chauesser…staying with…Elizabeth and Stephan, for a time." Meg glanced once more at her mother.

"I see. And they know of your plans my dear?" Madame Giry looked inquisitively at Meg.

"It was decided just last night, though I doubt they would mind at all." Meg rose strolling over to the window. "I need to be certain mother. Certain that I can manage the weight of it. Certain that I can overcome what needs to be done. Certain that I can leave that old life behind before plunging head-long into a new one."

She pushed the curtain aside glancing out at the sunlight that danced across the snow peaks, glistening with such brilliance it was nearly blinding. "I've no doubt of Raoul's love for me mother…he has felt this way for a long while now." Meg closed her eyes, releasing the curtain from her hand.

"What I do not know, perhaps I shall never know…can he put Christine out of his mind…out of our life." A tear ran down Meg's cheek. "To marry Raoul is to make a choice. A choice between lives, nay, between worlds that will never be reconciled. I need to be certain that this is not too great a sacrifice to make." Meg turned, looking at her mother. "You understand."

Madame Giry nodded her head. No matter what Meg chose, she would be at the mercy of it, and in pity of her pain.

"I know that this decision is difficult, and am staggeringly aware that it affects both you and I. If I choose one world, it cuts you off from the possibilities of another. Nadir will no doubt remain most loyal to…Stephan…making a future impossible for the two of you, should I choose to stay with Raoul."

Madame Giry rose, starting to pace back and forth in front of the fireplace, a stern look growing on her face. She was about to do, what loving parents had done for generations before her. She could hear those ancient words… "deny thyself for their happiness."

"Child, that is of little consequence. It is not, nor should it be a factor in the decision that you make. You are to choose your own happiness, and your's alone….that is a mother's greatest wish, for her child to be happy. I had my life, your father….that was my happiness, and I've not come to regret even a minute of it. You my dear, need to choose your own happiness."

Meg slowly walked toward her mother. "I knew you'd feel this way. You also then should understand the love of a daughter….I too want you to be happy."

In the back of Meg's mind was this nagging thought…oh if it proved to be true that Erik and Raoul were brothers, and one day could at least be on amenable terms with one another, how very much different all of their lives could be.

"Mother, I shall return to Chauesser for a time. I do not know how long it might be. Raoul insists that I take as long as I need to be certain. It will go under the auspices of caring for Stephan and Elizabeth, and of recovering further myself. After that time, I shall return to Paris with a decision to join you at the Opera House, or to return to Raoul's."

Meg looked down at the ground as she came to rest next to her mother. "He's said upon my return, should I decide that there is a future for he and I, that a most special item will be waiting for me." Meg smiled at her mother who in turn grabbed her hand, pulling her into an embrace. "Oh Meg. You poor dear…what a decision you have yet to make." They stood holding one another until a knock came at the door.

Madeline made her way in, hands tucked neatly behind her back. "Please join, early lunch ready, Comte waits." Madeline smiled at them and retreated closing the door behind her.

Madame Giry turned to Meg once more, saying words that Meg would long remember. Whenever her mother had something most serious to tell her, she often quoted Latin, and this case was no different. "Quos amor verus tenuit, tenebit." Madame Giry smiled at Meg . "True love will hold on to those whom it has held." "If it was meant to be Meg, then, it shall be."

The two women joined arms, Meg leaning her head on her mother's shoulder as they walked toward the door leading to the hall. They would join Raoul, and let the future take care of itself.

XXXXX

DeChagny found himself face down on his feather bed, pillows tucked here and there for comfort. He'd not even bothered disrobing. He was snoring so loudly that the maid had come in to be certain that he was alright. She'd managed to put a blanket over him and tend the fire without so much as a notice.

As he drifted off, he'd lost himself in a series of disjointed dreams. Traveling long distances in time and space, some subjects of imagination, some of memories long forgotten. He smiled in his sleep as he nestled into a pillow, this was most pleasant one. One he longed for. But dreams being dreams, none had control to solicit them, they simply visited at will.

He and Claire were walking hand and hand along the towpath by the river in Chauesser. They'd just finished a picnic, and traveled now with the last of their bottle of wine in their glasses. The bottoms of his trousers were rolled to mid-calf, and she held in her hand the layered ruffles of the hem of her dress. Stockings and shoes removed, they'd been pleasantly dipping their toes in the water on the warm summer afternoon. The gardens of Chauesser were in full bloom and so was their love; a day in late June. She'd put her head on his shoulder, and he kissed her forehead.

"My dearest Claire, I can only imagine our life together in Paris!" DeChagny had begun, as he held her hand tightly, strolling ever slower. "The galas, the soirées, all the finery…." Claire nestled her head on his shoulder.

"Do tell me, what is it that we are wearing?" He laughed, "I suppose, let me see, yes, a lovely cream dress, full of pearls and lace." She smiled, he kissed her once more on the forehead. "It is a full skirt. You've a lovely pearl necklace about your neck." He smirked at her.

She said, "yes, the one of my mother's that I'm constantly admiring."

He laughed, "yes, that's the one, and a parasol."

She smiled at him, squeezing his hand a bit tighter, "it must be an exceptional occasion."

He smiled at her, a darker twinkle rising in his eye. "Yes, it is the social event of the season!" She began to laugh extending his arm in hers, trying to dip her toe in the water as the path came to a low spot.

He laughed, "you'll fall in if your not careful, and take me with you."

She laughed at him, "then we'd be all wet, whatever would we do?"

He laughed, growling just a bit, pulling on her arm bringing her into an embrace. "I don't know, whatever would we do." He leaned down kissing her tenderly. She slipped her arm about his neck, laying the other on his chest. He pulled away looking into her eyes. "Claire, Claire….how I love you."

She patted him on the chest leaning into his arms. She squeezed him tightly about the middle, putting her fingers to his sides, tickling him deeply. He began to laugh and writhe about like a schoolboy with a bag of bugs in his britches. She laughed tauntingly and let go, running as quickly as she could, her skirt pulled up in both hands, wine glass left on the bank of the river.

DeChagny gave chase, cornering her beneath the large awning of a weeping willow. She'd hidden in the deepest part of the tree, in a tangle of old and new branches. "Claire?" He heard her giggle. "You've gone into a cave like a bear, now you've no way out my dear, and whence I find you, you shall pay in spades my dear!"

She laughed once more. He quickly spun on his heels towards where her voice had come. She tried to get passed him, darting left and then right, but in the end, he'd grabbed her about the middle and pulled her into a passionate embrace. It wasn't long before their youthful passions gave way to the forbidden.

As they lay in dark shaded recesses of the tree, DeChagny lay next to Claire looking down at her swirling blue eyes. She was trembling, as much from excitement as from the chill of not being fully clothed. She gazed up at him. He was as handsome a man as she had ever known, and just now coming into his own. His chest wide and proud, a chiseled jaw, and noble brow….oh how they enchanted her. He reached over putting his jacket over her. Leaning down he placed a tender kiss on her temple.

She looked up at him, "so what was it?"

He furrowed his brow slightly, pushing the hair from her forehead, placing a kiss on it. "What was what my dear?" He laughed propping himself up on one elbow.

She laughed, running her index finger along his collarbone, causing him to shudder. "We were all dressed up, I in that lovely ivory dress, and you, what were you wearing? Where was it you said we were going, the social event of the season?"

He looked down, suddenly feeling a bit more serious. "It would be the social event of the season….whenever a DeChagny marries, it is the social event of the season."

She blinked, suddenly losing the playful glint in her eye. "That is not something we should tease about, it does nothing but bring heartache to us both." DeChagny felt Claire pulling away. She sat up, reaffixing her garments.

He looked at her confusion and hurt in his voice. "Why is it that you think I jest of such things?"

Claire was shaking her head. "You know neither your father nor mine would approve. Truly, they'd have us drawn and quartered if they knew of our relations." She huffed a bit as she pulled her sleeves on. He rose helping her with her corset.

"Why……why would it be such a horrid thing to see your two children happy?"

Claire, turned to him, helping him with his jacket. "Your father is stubborn, my father is proud and stubborn…they both have intentions for us. You know we've but this summer to revel in the joy of one another's company."

DeChagny hated her words, they were bitter bullets to his ears, though he knew she spoke the truth. When they were both finished, they stood holding one another in the cool dampness of the shade. They had but those few months and then they would be parted. Reality was far too cruel a thing for either of their young hearts to endure.

DeChagny sat up, his brow full of sweat, his heart racing. There he was in his room at Raoul's house, utterly alone. The dream was bittersweet, but oh how he loved it so. It was one of the most rebellious, most risqué things he'd done in the entirety of his life, and he'd never felt more alive than he did those months. His spirit was soaring, to see her again….if only in a dream. To see himself when he'd still had a beating heart…one that bled…wasn't as cold as stone. He'd been a much younger man then, and to him the world still held promise. Oh how the realities of this world had settled upon him over the decades of living he'd done since those tender innocent days spent in that tiny far-away hamlet.

He laid back down. He was wide awake. He'd lay there for another two hours just recanting that summer…his summer of love, before he'd drift once again to sleep.

XXXXX

Erik carried Christine in his arms as he closed the front door behind them. The sensation of the warmth of the house was entreating, but not nearly so much as the warmth of the woman that now clung to him with an iron grip. Her sobbing had begun to subside, though he could hear her whimpering as she rubbed her tear stained cheek against his chest.

Erik glanced around the foyer, it was as if the house was deserted, and they were the only two there though he knew it to not be true. He paused at the library door but Christine shook her head.

"No, Erik, you are in need of warmth, of rest. I can hear the rattle in your lungs." She tenderly touched his cheek, the sheer compassion in her eyes seeping into Erik's soul.

Erik looked into her eyes. How could he refuse her anything she asked? He gently set Christine down on her feet. Slipping his cloak around her as they stood in the hall just holding one another, running their hands up and down one another's backs in a gesture of reassurance that all was well. She was back in her favorite place in all the world…his arms.

Misty peeked her head out of the kitchen, catching Christine's eye. Misty nodded. She was holding the strudel in her hand, the steam rising from the apple filling that piped through the openings in the perfectly baked flaky crust. Christine smiled at her. Misty nodded, pointing toward the upper floor. Christine nodded just slightly. Misty would finish the preparation and then bring it to Christine once she'd taken Erik upstairs.

Christine slid her hand into Erik's. "My dear, dear, Erik." She reached up kissing him. He could do nothing more than look down at her with such awe and love. She had been what had kept him from succumbing to a fate he would have only several years ago welcomed.

"Come, let us go upstairs, warm you, change you into something more suitable, then we can see to some breakfast." Erik let Christine lead him by the hand toward the stairs. He'd already had his breakfast, but he'd not insult her intentions by saying as much.

Misty smiled as she saw Elizabeth and Stephan disappear up the stairs. She'd already gone on up ahead of them as soon as she knew he'd arrived. She'd put a few logs in the fire, and begun running the bath, leaving the door open so that it would be discovered. She'd check on it when she delivered the strudel and tea. It was good to have him home again….good to see Elizabeth happy, and relieved.

XXXXX

Christine barely arrived with Erik in the room and closed the door before Erik dropped to his knees, putting his arms around her waist, resting his head against her abdomen. "Forgive me," he whispered as he held her close.

The tears that had subsided returned without hesitation. She ran her fingers through Erik's hair. It was stiff and sticky in parts, causing Christine to look more closely. Was that dried blood? "Erik, what happened in Chauesser?" She drew her hand up to her face, yes, it was decidedly blood.

Erik shook his head. "I shall not speak of it just now Christine," he said as he nestled his face even closer to her, pressing his lips on the waist of her dress.

Christine wanted to ask more, to inquire, why this delay? What horrors had he found in Chauesser? She sighed, knowing that if he needed time, she would provide this one luxury for him. "Very well, when you are ready then?"

Erik nodded. He needed more time to sort this out for himself before he could explain it to her. All he wanted now was to be near her, listen to her breath, be in her presence. To love her.

Christine took Erik's hand, pulling on it until he rose to stand above her. He looked down sweetly placing one hand on either side of her face, caressing it tenderly. "My dear I've missed you…it has been a long day….and the night away from you….I shan't want to be away from you again." He smiled at her as he leaned down taking her lips into his. He slid his arms down around her shoulders, letting them linger there until she slid her arms around his own waist, pulling him ever closer. His arms found themselves gliding down her back until they too rested about her waist. The kiss that followed was long and passionate, a blending of spirits being reunited. There was always something bittersweet about reuniting, a sad pause in a placid state of being that two had to be separated in the first place. But, oh, how sweet was the reunion!

There was a gentle rap on the door. Their lips parted, though they'd not let go of one another. Erik called out, "enter."

Misty carried in the tray with strudel and a pot of tea, two plates, knives, and forks. She'd a small vase of flowers on the tray, a remnant of the ones that had been harvested the night before the storm. All its companion flowers now lay frozen beneath the layers of snow just outside. Christine nodded at Misty as she set the tray on the table at the end of the bed and then went into the water closet to check on the bath.

Erik glanced down at the tray. The frosting was just beginning to melt over the still hot pastry. He smiled. "It looks as though our household has been busy whilst I've been away."

Christine smiled deeply, lowering her eyes, running her hand up his torso, until it rested in the middle of his chest. He looked down at her, smiling at the embarrassed grin she had on her face.

Misty walked out of the water closet, looking over at the pair of them in each other's arms. Oh how sweet a sight, to see the master and his wife happily reunited. "All is ready mum, monsieur." She nodded and left the room.

Erik looked down at Christine. "All is ready?"

Christine smiled, leading Erik to the divan in front of the fire. As she let go of his hand to retrieve the tray, Erik watched her every movement as she went to it, carrying it back to the table next to them.

He watched with eager eyes as she overturned the cups, putting them in their saucer. Carefully tilting the tea pot, holding the lid, gracefully pouring a cup for each of them without spilling a drop. It wasn't what she was doing that Erik watched with such intensity, it was how she was doing it. Her methods, her motions, her hands, her arms, the way she pursed her lips whenever she poured tea…..how she smiled sweetly before she handed him his cup…her every movement entranced him.

He was taking his first sip from the cup as she reached down carefully slicing into the strudel, steam rising as she pierced the crust. The frosting all but melted now lay in heavy pools on the platter. Christine carefully took the tip of the knife retrieving some to drizzle over the exposed apples on the slices she'd put on each plate.

She took a napkin from the tray, laying it across Erik's lap. He watched speechlessly. She smiled at him coyly, glancing out of the corner of her eye as she reached down lifting one plate into her palm. She glanced up at him as she held the plate out in front of him. She took notice that he was already swallowing, no doubt an unconscious salivary response to the heavenly scent that rose from the pastry.

She sunk the fork into the pastry, moving it back and forth until she'd dislodged a piece. She smiled once more at Erik as she slid the fork beneath it lifting it to his lips. He smiled at her, his eyes fully ablaze now as he watched with what eager anticipation she presented this to him. He opened his lips as Christine gently slid the fork in between them, letting his tongue slide along the instrument until he'd removed every morel.

Christine smiled, her eyes glowing as she watched him enjoy the heady pleasure.

Erik's tongue tossed the apples and pastry about in his mouth, each taste bud alive with sensation as he took it in. Apples were by far his favorite, and when prepared properly, they were as delectable a thing as he'd ever had. Christine watched with wanton eyes.

Erik swallowed. "That is delicious my dear." Christine smiled, blushing slightly. Erik turned to set his cup of tea down on the table, reaching out taking the plate from Christine's hands. "I should say they've certainly outdone themselves." Erik pushed the fork about on the plate, cutting a piece for Christine, as she watched. He lifted the fork sliding it in between her lips. He smiled, taking another bite for himself. They'd share this pleasure together.

He waited until she'd swallowed, watching as she enjoyed her first taste. "Yes…yes…it is rather lovely isn't it." Christine could feel the weight of the frosting on her lower lip but before she could raise her napkin to remove it, Erik had swooped in, gently running the tip of his tongue over it. Christine shuddered. "Erik.." Her smile changing into something else…a look that Erik recognized.

Christine was reaching our for her tea cup when Erik slid across the divan, slowly sliding his hand around Christine's back, resting it between her shoulder blades, pulling her to him. He smiled at her, looking with such tenderness into her eyes. He leaned down kissing her lightly on the lips, and then her left cheek, and then her right.

Christine's skin began to tingle. How was it possible that he made her feel this way still…as though she'd never known love or the gentle touch of a husband? Yet each time they were apart and reunited, it was a spontaneous emotion that filled her.

Erik smiled at her, whispering in her ear as he placed a gentle kiss behind it. "My love grows for you each day my dear…" She shivered. Erik leaned back looking into her eyes once more. "You are far sweeter than even this…indeed…you are far sweeter than anything I've ever known in this life." He blinked once as he saw a tear begin to form in Christine's eye.

He leaned down claiming her lips once more, this time without hesitation or want to deny either of them that which they yearned for.

Author's Notes:

Dear Faithfuls: Bon Nuit! A bit longer chapter than usual, I hope no one minded. I am already having withdrawal knowing that I shall only be able to update twice next week. Though I will have my handy notebook with me, it will require some time to type in the chapters after I return. I shudder to think what anyone would think if I'd inadvertently left my notebook behind…yikes…it could be so misconstrued unless one knew the premise! I hope everyone has a wonderful fall weekend, full of apple cider and pumpkins, and a leaf-crunching walk in the park….I'm suddenly wishing our story line matched the season…for autumn is a particularly romantic season…

PhantomsRogue: Yes, it is a rather spiritual experience to do that. If I could have the perfect life it would be to hole up in my house, play Opera Music, read great literature, and bake delicacies from every different country around the world. The only company I'd require would be the occasional visitor to challenge me to a game of chess! (hmmmm chess…that may come out in the story somewhere!) I think so much of those passions have spilled into this story…perhaps it is more a labor of love than I'd ever first envisioned when I wrote that first precarious paragraph…little did I know what sort of journey I'd be on five months later! I truly feel so blessed, so fortunate to have been able to do this. Feeling a bit philosophical today…. Perhaps it is the new beans I've ground for coffee….oh the decadence…chocolate brownie truffle….it has a heady fragrance, and just as delicious a flavor…though today it came out of a pot and not the customary French press that I'm so in love with!

So, are you going to write the letter to Gerard or am I? I think he should record a few songs just for his faithful fans don't you? Can you imagine that voice singing Avia Maria….no, no, I've one better….how's this for a Phantomesque Christmas song…. "Silent Night!" oh my, now I've gotten myself all flustered…. I think you've distracted me again with your comment about your 'own' Erik and a wolverine…Did you say you saw Dracula 2000? If not, you have to see it for the one scene where he is chasing Mary in her house…he switches back and forth between a man and a wolf…it might be right up your alley! LOL

I look forward to hearing from you! Bon Nuit mon amie!

Hopelesslyobsessed: The more reviews I receive from you, the more fitting your tag name has become! Oh, do not think I do not share in your obsession my dear! I am very pleased that the two are home together at last. Could you just feel the relief…..ahhhh… This couple has electricity between them….something that so few couples ever truly have….it takes deep longing souls to have this sort of relationship…perhaps it is the hardships they've endured that has given them such a solid union…whatever it is…I wish I had it myself! LOL! Hope you enjoy this chapter….it gives us a little more perspective in the old term…like father like son……. Have a great weekend!

WriterMuseoftheNight: Your last review played right into what happened with Raoul's father in this chapter! Hypocrite indeed! You are right, father and son would benefit from therapy, too bad there wasn't such a thing then. Most tormented souls became poets…that was there form of therapy! I suppose it was because of things like this happening for centuries that psychotherapy was born, don't you? LOL! Oh, and can you imagine if Erik does end up being his son also? Can we say valium anyone? Perhaps it would send the poor old man over the edge. Raoul might have given him a small piece of his mind to get him to back off…but I think he'd finally meet his match with our dear, sweet, even-tempered (chuckle) Erik! LOL!

I am so sad to hear you do not own the POTO DVD, it is such a lovely thing to have…I am happy that you were able to listen to the song "no one would listen", it is even better if you could possibly see the DVD and watch as Gerard sings it. If you think he was handsome before, you'll flip over this one. I do not care what any of the critics say…he was the PERFECT person to play Phantom. He is handsome and mysterious and intense…all the things that LeRoux would have imagined his Phantom to be if he could have! It is never so evident as it is in this video version of the song. You might have to treat yourself to an early holiday present and order one from e-bay or Amazon…. It is worth every, every, penny! I am so tempted to buy a copy of the movie for everyone on my shopping list this year…perhaps I could get a volume discount!

Yes, this story still has much to tell…and irony…I think it has become a favorite theme!

And yes, one kindred spirit to another….we all share this one big swirling sphere, but a few of us share something more…kindred spirits indeed.

Poetzproblem: "I shouldn't have worried…" sounds like a quote from our dearest Erik! I empathize with you regarding the daily grind. This story, and our little Phamily, has become a haven of sorts for me from the every-day cares you speak of.

Yes, a Meg and Christine reunion…I think we would all like to see this happen…though the timing and circumstances are a bit tricky right now…I cannot say more I'm afraid…I have a "one cat out of the bag" limit for each week:-D By the way, I loved your description of the little kittens being crammed in there. Our story does have its diverging plot lines doesn't it? I simply couldn't help myself! Have a great weekend…wherever in the world or in your life that this story finds you!

Phantomlover05: Yes, reunited indeed. I hope this chapter finds you with a smile on your face, and a warm fuzzy surrounding you as you sigh with a bit of relief! Have a great weekend!

Batterchild: My goodness that is what I call dedication! Refreshing that many times takes perseverance and a good deal of patience! My hats off to you for going to such lengths! You must tell your little sister that you will send Erik after her if she continues to download so much, as it is interfering with your mission as you so aptly put it! And do remind her that he is skilled in the use of both sword and lasso, and can appear without detection! Hmmmm…. No doubt unless she's seen the movie it won't make a bit of sense to her, but you'll likely get a good chuckle out of the disturbed look on her face!

Have a great weekend….and may the power of the broadband be with you! LOL!