A/N: Thought I might as well publish this chapter as well. As always, please read and review.

Chapter Thirty-six

Confession

Darcy broke the kiss off when she needed to breathe. They were both sightly out of breath. He pulled her close and stroked her back as their heart rates came back to normal. She suddenly pulled back slowly and took a deep breath. "Is there something wrong, my love?"

"I need to tell you something before we go through with this."

"You can tell me anything," he said with growing concern.

"I know. This is just hard for me. I have never told anyone before but I will not keep secrets from you."

"Is this about what happened on the street?" he asked gently.

"Yes. As you know, I ran out of money. I was desperate for a job and I found one for an employer that was less than desirable." She shivered at the memory and he took her hand and squeezed it. "At first I thought it was fine but then he started to drink. At first he only flirted but then he went a step farther. He backed me into a corner and told me he would pay me if I kiss him. I refused and he got very angry. He whipped my back with his belt several times before I managed to escape. I never wanted to see the horrible man again but after two weeks, I still didn't have a job and I was desparate. I went back."

She shuttered and he wrapped his free arm around her shoulders, trying to give support.

"He called me terrible names but he let me have the job back. He continued to make advances and I alwys refused. He would get angry and whip me with his belt a few times before allowing me to leave, saying that I would change my mind. One day, he had drunk more than usual. He tricked me into going into his room and said he wouldn't let me leave until I gave him what he wanted. Said I would enjoy it if I was a good girl."

She paused to take a deep breath and gather strength to continue. Erik wished she didnt have to relive this memory but knew that it needed to be done if she was to truly over come it. "Take your time." She nodded and took another breath before continuing.

"I tried to talk some sense into him but he wouldn't listen. I tried to fight back but I was too weak and he was much bigger than me. He tied me to the bed and." Her voice broke as she started to sob.

"Oh, Darcy. I am so sorry. Did he take advantage of you?" He hated to ask but had to know for sure. She nodded and continued to cry, turning into his chest. He held her close as she cried. Gradually the tears slowed and she shifted.

"It gets worse," she said softly. Erik felt the shock that she wasn't done but gently urged her to finsh. "He gave me money for... The deed. I wanted to throw it away but couldn't. It was enough to keep me alive for several weeks and I needed the time to find a new job. It wasn't good but at least I was safe. Then I found out I was carrying his child. I was horrified. About the same time time, I found a small job but once I started to have morning sickness, they found out I was with child and pushed me away. I still had a little bit of money but not enough to support me and the child.

"It started to rob me of whatever sources of nourishment was left in my body. I got so weak. I was afraid I was going to die. I got really ill and ended up losing the child. Strangely, I was heartbroken. Though I did not want a reminder of that man and what he did to me, I felt robbed. After the pain wore off, I knew it was best. I didn't want to raise a child the way I was living. I managed to find a few small jobs and thought I was going to be alright but then I came across that evil man.

"I ran but he followed. I quickly tired but kept going until i came to a deadend. I turned to leave but he was right brhind me. He didn't want to let me go. He was angry atme. I tried to get away but he threw me against th wall. Afterwards he punched me several timee, breaking a couple ribs. Once i was no longer able to fight back, he used a knife to cut off my dress and cut my arms in the process. He did as he pleased after that until he had his fill. He tossed a bag of money at me and left."

Erik felt his anger increase. Not only had the man hurt her several times, he had raped her twice. She sagged against him but continued to finish the story.

"I lost consciousness shortly after and when I woke, I knew I didnt want this to ever happen again. I managed to get a short sistance away to where there was a man's body I had tripped ovcer. I took his knife and clothes. I tore my skirt to wrap my chest and then cut my hair before putting on the horrible clothes. It took me a a day before I was able to be able to walk and go buy old but clean clothes. After several weeks of healing, I heard that the opera house was often hiring and took the chance."

She was silent after finishing and he was glad for the time to think and process what she had said. "I don't know what to say other than I'm so sorry it happened to you and humbled you told me. I know it was very hard for you. You are a very strong person. Most people would not have survived had they been your place."

"Do you still want to be with me? I'm not pure."

"Don't ever say that about yourself. Look at me. You did nothing wrong. That man was a very evil man ans he did horrible things to you but those things do not define you. You are a beautiful, strong, and brave woman. I could never want to be with someone else as much as I want to be with you. I love you and that will never change."

Tears fell from her eyes again ad she nodded before hugging him tight. "I believe you." He wrapped his arms around her and held on as she stopped crying and calmed down.

"I know exactly what we need," he said as he continued to stroke her hair and rub her back.

"Music?" she asked.

"Yes. We need some music and I know exacly the song." They stood and walked back to the organ. Erik let go of her hand to find the music while Darcy got the violin out of its case at his request. "Shall I play?" He said as he found the music. She nodded and he placed it on the stand before taking the instrument from her. She stood next to him as he started playing the intro to "All I Ask of You."