hello, hello, hello!i know the updates have been few and far between so i just wanted to thank all my loyal readers, without you all reading and reviewing i would have given up on this a long time ago!i also wanted to give you a heads up that there will only be like 2 more chapters. i know i know i cant believe its almost over!well now that i alerted you of that, i will let you read on!thank again!you guys are awesome!(and for those that lurk and dont review, you are awesome as well!)

Chapter 32

Nicole has many attributes. Kindness, caring, and loyalty. Also, stubbornness, curiosity, and impatience.
She had gone back into her room after she has kissed Erik on the stairs, thinking to occupy her time by packing the few things she had.
All she did was stare at the door knob.
She bit her lower lip and reached for the knob. She retracted her hand instantly.

Erik told me to wait. I must stay here!

As she thought that, her hand went to the door knob and turned it. She was down the stairs before she knew it. She started searching for Erik and Jacques, having an inward struggle with herself. She knew she wanted to be with Erik, to see the outcome of the confrontation. She also knew that Erik could become distracted by her presence.

I will just make sure that he does not see or hear me!

She smiled wickedly at her plan, and headed down a hallway under that stairs. Almost instantly she heard raised voices. A door was cracked open with light and sound streaming from it. She crept quietly to the door, and stopped just outside the rim of light.

"Do even know what happened that night?"

Erik's voice was stern as it reached her ears.

"The papers said…"

Erik interrupted Jacques, "Oh yes the papers. They know all don't they? No one really know what happened that night but Christine, Raoul and myself. Did your brother tell you what happened?"

"No, I haven't talked to him in years."

"None of this concerns you at all. All you need to know is that was a mistake I made in blind jealousy. I never loved her, just her voice. I realized my mistake, and let Raoul and Christine go, without harming them."

"Lies."

A slight pause filled the room with tension, broken by Erik.

"None of that matters now. I am here for Nicole, the woman that I truly do love! I am taking her away from you."

Even as he said this her heart fluttered.

"You cannot have her!"

"How are you going to stop me?"

Silence followed this question, and Nicole concerned that something had happened. She heard feet shuffling, and she dared to peak into the room. Jacques was a few feet from Erik, sweating profusely with worry.

Jacques stood upright and looked Erik in face, "I challenge you to a duel."

"What!"

Nicole clapped her hands over her mouth and rolled her eyes to the ceiling.

I am such a fool.

She tried to run as footsteps approached the door but tripped on the rug lining the floor and fell flat on her face. She heard the door being swung open and then felt strong arms raise her to her feet.

"Nicole, are you all right?"

Her face was flushed with embarrassment as she muttered, "I am fine."

"I asked you to stay in your room."

Erik's voice was not annoyed, or angry, just disapproving.

I would much rather have him angry, then disappointed in me.

"I had to know what was happening."

Erik smiled down at her and shook his head. He laid a small kiss upon her forehead, both of them forgetting Jacques. He did not let them forget him for long.

"I am still waiting for an answer, Phantom."

Erik looked down at Nicole and said, "He wants to challenge me to a duel."

"I know."

"I will refuse if you wish me too."

Nicole looked over at her once friend, Jacques. Even know his eyes were filled with hatred and anger. Seeing him this way, she knew that all the times with him before where all lies. He had been waiting to show his true self. It was always there, underneath his façade of caring, and love. She had seen it, lurking below the entire time she knew him. It is what made her unable to love him. She knew he was hiding something the whole time. He was a liar, and a dangerous man. If Erik refused, and they left, Jacques would never stop hunting them. She could see it in his eyes. They had to stop this madness. She just wished there was another way, besides death.

She turned back to Erik and sighed, "You may fight."

Erik nodded and looked at Jacques, "I accept your challenge."

"Very well," said Jacques, "We are losing daylight. This must happen tonight. Will you need a sword?"

Erik shook his head, "I have one."

"Where is it?"

"With my horse that I have hidden behind your home."

"Go and get it then."

Erik made to leave, and Nicole was going to follow but Jacques grabbed her arm.

"I think not," he said, "You will stay with me, so you two don't run off together. Besides I want a word with you Nicole."

Erik's eyes flamed red, but Nicole said, "Do not worry Erik, my love. I will be fine."

He smiled lightly at her, but grimaced at Jacques.

"Do nothing to her, or else."

Jacques released her arm, and said, "I shall not even touch her."

This seem to displace some of Erik's anger and he turned to retrieve his sword.

"Well Jacques?"

Jacques looked at her, and for the first time since she had come here, his eyes shone with real sadness.

"Why him? Of all men to love, why couldn't you love me? Why do you love him?"

Nicole stepped back, surprised.

"What?"

"Why him and not me? It's a simple question."

Nicole bit her lip in thought.

It is a simple question, but where and how do I begin?

She looked up at him, "Why him, and not you?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure you want to know?"

"Yes! Tell me!"

Again anger shone in his eyes, and Nicole herself got angry.

"I don't have to tell you anything, especially after the way you have been treating me!"

"Tell me!" he yelled.

"Fine! Why do I love him and not you! I will tell you why! Where should I start? Your physical differences? Erik is the first man that I ever saw. I had of course saw other men, but never noticed them. In my childhood I had silly school crushes on boys, but nothing more. When I saw Erik, my whole body reacted. And when he began to sing, his voice entranced me, I would never forget it. It was like I was filled with a thirst I could not quench. Not until he kissed me."

Here she paused reminiscing, and Jacques cleared his throat.

"Want me to continue?" she snapped.

A slight nod was her only answer.

"When I met you, I noticed a boy. Nothing more. You where no different from all the others. For at that time, my heart was given to a man."

"You love him for his body?" he asked, incredulously.

"No, there is more, much more."

Jacques snorted, "Enlighten me."

Her anger brimmed to the surface as she began again.

"Erik cares for me as a person, not an object as you do. He respects me, loves me, and cherishes me! You do not respect me! You lust after me! I've seen it in your eyes. You do not cherish me, but want to place me on a shelf and show me off! Erik wants me to be his, because he genuinely needs me. He told me of his past, and I forgave him, because he earnestly sought it. I have seen his face, and…"

Here Jacques interrupted her, "You have see his face? And do you still want him after seeing what was under his mask?"

His voice was filled with disbelief, and Nicole shook her head at him.

"I have seen beneath the mask he wore, and the one you wore."

"What?"

"You think I never notice, Jacques? I knew you wore a mask of being a gentleman, I was just never sure what was under it. Until now. There is nothing but hatred, obsession, and lies!"

"What was beneath his mask then!"

"LOVE!"

She screamed that word at Jacques so loudly, that he flinched and stepped back.

It was then that she saw Erik standing a few feet away.

Erik had heard every word. He had run out to obtain his sword at lightning fast speed and arrived right when Nicole started her speech. He had listened the whole time, curious to hear what she would say. His heart swelled with love and admiration for Nicole more then he thought possible.
Now she stood flushed with anger, and slight embarrassment, and he wanted her more than he had ever before.

"How much did you hear?" she asked meekly, her voice raspy from her yelling.

He walked up to her and without caring, kissed her passionately on the mouth.

As he pulled away he said "All of it."

He turned to Jacques, and presented his sword.

"I am ready, are you?"

Without a word Jacques stepped back into his study, and emerged minutes later with his own sword strapped to his belt.

"We are losing daylight rapidly, come we must hurry."

"Where are we dueling?"

"In the garden. Come."

Jacques started down the hallway not looking back.

Erik turned to Nicole, "Do you want to see this?"

"Yes."

Again he kissed her, and when he pulled away he took hold of her hand. She squeezed his for reassurance, and support.