March 1867

"My name is Erik," he informed me after we had had a chance to sit down amid the various props that had been carelessly left and forgotten here in this dark, lonely grotto. He bent to pick up a white leather mask, flipping it over in his hands for a moment. Then he turned, casting his sack to the floor, putting on the disguise. He proceeded to pick up scattered bits of male costumes and then was gone behind a thick velvet curtain

I smiled warmly and called out, "My name is Christine Daae." Erik stuck his head out from behind the curtain for an instant, one half of his face shielded; the other normal, even handsome, side revealed.

"Oh, I know," he said impulsively, a faint blush creeping up on his cheek. He met my gaze with his clever, emerald eyes, then disappeared once more. "They talked about you- the people who came to see...me, they called you the 'potential prima donna... the talented chorus girl, who would surely be the leading soprano, certain to grace the stage of the opera populaire as the leading soprano'..." He trailed off.

As for me, I was a bit shocked. I had no idea that i was thought of in this way by anyone... and Erik, he seemed to think the same. Even though he had never heard me sing. Flattered, I replied, "Well, I thank you, monsieur, for your kind words. Now, we will have to set up a way for you to live here, undiscovered, at least until the fair leaves and the search for you dies down. I'll talk to Madame giry, and see what can be done. I can bring food and supplies everyday for the present while we figure a better method, and you can take as many props and costumes and things as you wish from above- you can probably live up there if you want-"

Erik appeared once more, dressed in a white linen shirt, black breeches and boots, as well as a black overcoat ang gloves. He replied quietly. "I actually rather like it here. It's away from people, it has the potential to fit what I enjoy to do and- oh, Handel!" He cried suddenly, picking up a piece of discarded music. He faced me, eyes burning with excitement and pleasure. "I particularly enjoy music."

I was a bit surprised, and walked to his side. "You can play?"

He nodded. "I learned at a very early age how to play piano. And my singing is satisfactory."

I smiled encouragingly. "Well, perform for me then, Eric," I said, gesturing to an old organ that sat, unused and dusty, on a rocky ledge.

Erik hesitated, but I firmly grasped his long fingers and led him to the seat. I snatched the music from his hand and propped it open. 'Play!" I instructed, pointing at the popular aria. He heaved a sigh, but then surveyed the music. After a few moments he began to play.

A sound impossibly resounding and luxurious filled the thick atmosphere immediately. It was as if the whole orchestra was in the room with us as he gracefully glided over the familar music that I realized that I had never truly listened to before . Each note was so perfect, so truly astounding, that I was open-mouthed with sheer wonder and incredulity.

And then he began to sing. A cherub in heaven could not have matched his unforgettable voice. Oh, the feeling and passion Eric put into every chord, every word! His voice made my heart swell and my mind forget, my body weaken and my soul belong to him. He was an angel, the Angel of Music, and I was his for forever.

As the piece drew to a close and the last note hung poignantly in the air, I collasped. Erik whirled and caught me right before I hit the ground. "Christine?" He said my name worriedly, cradling my limp body to his chest. My heade spun as I tried to sit up.

Finally I was able to open my eyes and look into his relieved, green ones. "Erik..." I murmured softly.

"Shhh," he crooned, carefully standing and walking to a large couch about ten feet away. Suddenly I could think clearly, and it came to my attention that we were moving away from the organ. "No, go back, I'm fine."

Erik shook his masked head. "Christine, you're so pale, you should lie down-"

'No- NO!" I insisted, fighting against him. "Go back! Go back to the organ! Play more of that song- you are incredible- your voice! It's like nothing I've heard before! Play more!" I commanded.

He stopped and sighed. "As you wish, ma petite moineau."

And with that, I was carried back into heaven.