This is it loved ones. The end. Thank you all for the reviews, it really meant alot. Without you all I wouldn't have continued. And to all the lurkers, you are great too! Just for reading, some if not all of my phic. Thank you so much again. You have no idea how much it means to me that some people out there like reading my work. I know I am not the best, but I am happy you all found it entertaining. "You like me you really like me!"Thank you, thank you thank you.


Epilogue

Anne awoke from a peaceful sleep to the smells of breakfast being prepared in the kitchen. A smile played on her face as she imagined the bacon and eggs, warm and waiting. She jumped out of bed and put on her robe, walking out of her room, which used to be her mother's. A few servants passed her on her way down stairs, always with a smile and a bright, "Good Moring!"

When she walked past Nicole's old room, she paused. She hadn't changed it all, and always kept it clean, just in case she was to return.

How life for Anne had changed since that fateful day three years ago. When Nicole had walked out of her life, to be with the man she loved. Anne at first didn't know what to do with herself. Nicole and her had always been together, doing everything as one. The very next day, Marie had started to threaten Anne with being made into a personal slave.

Anne had gone to the please that same afternoon. She had brought all the evidence she could find against her mother, and pleaded with the police for help.
The very next day, Marie was taken away. Anne didn't care to find out where too. That just left Anne with one large problem. How was she to provide for herself? She looked into getting jobs as a seamstress, but to no avail. Then one day walking by a small theater, she noticed a sign hiring chorus singers. She had told Marie that she didn't want to sing for a living, which was only partly true. She wanted nothing more than to act for a living, and she knew that singing would help her get there.

Three years, and quite a few promotions to lead actress later, she was living comfortably. Now she stood looking into her sister's old room and couldn't help but wonder, like she did every day, where was Nicole? She sighed, and moved on, the smells of breakfast to intoxicating to ignore any longer. She entered the dining room and found it all laid out for her, and a servant just pouring her drink.

"Good Moring!" said the servant, cheerfully.

"Good morning,"

The servant was just about to leave when she reached into the pocket of her apron and retrieved a letter.

"This is for you Mademoiselle, it arrived with the other mail, but it looked more important than the others."

With a smile, she handed the letter to Anne, and left the room. Without looking at the letter, which she assumed was fan mail, she sat down to begin her breakfast.

She was thinking about all the appointments she had later that day, when she registered the weight of the letter she was holding. It was to heavy to be a simple letter from a fan.

Her eyes feel upon the address, which was hers. She flipped it over. There was no return address. Her curiosity piqued, she unfolded the letter and began to read. Her heart stopped when she realized it was from Nicole.

Dearest Anne,

I know this letter is far, far over due, and I beg your forgiveness. Where do I begin? It's been three long years, and so much has happened. Let me start with the root of everything. Jacques DeChagny. You remember, no doubt, the blood I was covered with the night I left. It was Jacques'. He had died that night. He had challenged Erik to a duel for my love, and lost. Do not think ill of Erik, for it was a tragic accident. Jacques was unwell, and his madness killed him. We decided that Jacques' family needed to know. After I said farewell to you, we went to London.

There was little trouble finding the DeChagny's, the problem was how to break to Jacques' brother that he was dead? You know the history that Erik had with Raoul DeChagny, so you must know he would not want to see Erik.

It was left to me, to deliver the body and the bad news. I approached the home of Raoul and Christine, about to bring awful news, and you know what I was thinking, Anne? I was thinking if Christine would be more pretty than me. Erik was hiding out of sight, but he would still see us. Would he still want to go to her? Anne, does this make me a horrible person? I hope that you will not think so.
My fears of her being pretty were founded. She was beautiful. I had little time to think on my other fear, for I had to tell them that Jacques was dead. I told them my name, and Raoul knew me. He never really talked to Jacques, they had a falling out, but he did know of me. I told them everything, aside from the fact that my fiancé, Erik, was the Phantom of the Opera. Raoul took it well, after I told him the story. He confessed he knew his brother was unwell, but he never thought it was as bad as I described. He apologized, and I accepted, even though none of us could have known, Jacques hid his madness so well. Christine comforted her husband, but since she did not know his brother, was more composed to speak. She politely asked me about my family, which I informed her consisted of you, and only you, my dear sister. She inquired as to my future husband, and his health. I told her he was well, and a entrepreneur, since I had no idea what Erik's profession would be. He always hinted at having money, but at that time I had no idea how much.

Then she asked about Paris, and if there was anything new going on there. I could see right through that, and I think so could Raoul. She wanted to know if there had been any news of the Phantom. I told her nothing more and the news that wasn't reported in the paper. She nodded, and lapsed into silence.

I left shortly after that. As I walked out of their home I could feel the burden of guilt I had for Jacques lift. He was no longer in my life, and no longer should I think of him. As I approached Erik ready to tell him all that transpired in the DeChagny home, my fear that he would want to go to Christine came back. He stood at the end of the street, waiting for me. I walked up to him, and remained silent, wanting him to ask the first question.

He kissed me, and never once asked about Christine. I never told him about what happened, and I realize now it isn't necessary.

What happened next? We got married. Not two days later. It was a small ceremony, with a blind old priest. After that, we had to find a place to live. A real home, to start our new lives together. I wasn't sure how we were going to buy a home, because I still wasn't sure on Erik's amount of fortune. Anne, let me just say you will never have to worry about us becoming destitute.

We had to find a place in the country, away from prying eyes, yet close enough to civilization. We have found the most perfect place. We live in the country side of Scotland. Our closest neighbors herd sheep, and it is safe to assume never heard of the Phantom of the Opera. We have a manservant, he comes and tends to things like errands, and purchasing clothing and food. We also have a maid, her name is Moira, and she is mute. She is a great help around the house and we have become close friends. You would like her, I am sure.

I will be sending you another letter soon, with our address inside, because I want you to visit us dear sister! You may not have known what has been happening in my life, but whenever I can I get as much news about you as I can. I know you are quite the actress now, and I must have you here with me to know more!

How is Belle doing? Does she remember me? I often think of her, but I know she must have moved on by now. I miss you every day, so much. Do not worry for me. I am fine, and happy with the man I love. Erik strives everyday to show his love for me. There isn't a day that goes by where we don't tell each 'I love you' at least twenty times! I know I will never love anyone more. Just think, Anne, that over five years ago, I snuck into the Opera House, and feel in love. Who knew it could have ended like this?

And so I must end my letter to you, Anne, on a very happy note. It may entice you further to come and visit us.

I am pregnant.

Love,
Nicole