Hey guys here is the long awaited chapter for this story :D Just to let you know there are links on my profile of what Charlene is wearing to the Masquerade (dress and mask). Also I am going to give you guys a little quiz and winner gets a hug from Erik :D

Erik: I am not hugging anyone

Me: Oh you will otherwise I will make you hear Carlotta singing for hours and you don't want that do you? ;)

Erik: Ok you win. Whoever gets the question right gets a hug from me

Me: That's much better :) Anyway the quiz is pretty simple :D The chapter names are all from songs :D Who can tell me which song the chapter name below comes from? :D As you know I don't own any songs mentioned as well as any of the characters from Phantom although I think Erik kind of owns me :/ Anyway on with the show guys!

Heartache and Pain

Chapter Eighteen: I'm frozen by the fear in me...

Erik's POV

When Charlene entered the office I proceeded to drive off but I heard something that shook me to the core.

"Let me go! When Erik hears what you have done he will be after you like a predator to prey!" Why didn't I see it before? I should have known something was wrong when my boss called saying her relatives were there to collect her. I thought all of her relatives were dead. I had to go and find her before it was too late. But where do I start looking? I hadn't actually followed them so I don't know where they went. I decided first of all to get hold of Nadir so I had backup and then I will next think about where to start looking. After getting Nadir we drove around the local area and asking people if they have seen her anywhere.

After several hours there was no sign of her and as I sat in the sitting room I felt a sense of loss and emptiness without her there beside me. That night I was plagued by images of Charlene causing me to have a restless sleep.

Charlene's POV

I had spent the entire journey as far into the corner as I could go with tears streaming down my cheeks. Why would Erik let me go like that? I thought he loved me and cared about me but I guess he is like every man in this world who is out there to just use me.

"Awww why the tears? The boss won't be happy unless you give him a smile when he meets you. Now come on give us a smile girly." But I refused and continued to stare out of the window instead hoping once the car stopped for a moment I could make my escape. But suddenly I was grabbed by the neck and I was looking into the angry eyes of Joseph.

"I know what you're thinking and there's no point thinking about escape!" And I whimpered and tried to back away from him.

"Now stay there and behave or you will severely punished when we get there! And we won't go easy on you either!" He yelled angrily and with that I nodded in assent. I felt him loosen the grip on my neck a moment later and I stayed in the corner of the vehicle cowering in fear of his anger once again. Oh where was Erik now?! We reached our destination and before I could comprehend my situation I was forcefully pulled out of the car and no matter how much I tugged and pulled and struggled I was overwhelmed and dragged into the building. I was thrown into a room a moment later and the door was locked behind me. I tried to attract their attention to get them to release me but I just fell to the floor in floods of tears knowing the situation was hopeless and I will never escape. I looked around the room to try and find a way to escape but there were bars on the windows and there was only one door into the room. But before I could comprehend my situation any further I heard an almighty bang and I turned around in shock to see someone I never thought I'd see again.

Erik's POV

It was morning and I immediately renewed my search for Charlene. Yet again after several hours of asking questions all we did was keep hitting dead ends and the trail remained cold. But one person said they witnessed three men dragging what looked to be like a young girl into a big warehouse that had previously been disused for a while and it was near to where we were. Could that be where Charlene was being held captive? After telling Nadir my theory we went towards the warehouse without a second thought. We parked the car nearby but out of sight and surveyed the situation from a hedge around the building.

"Well we only have to take care of a few guards round the front but we have to do it quietly in case there are any round the back." I said matter of factly. After dispatching the guards by rendering them unconscious we immediately went through an open window to begin our search for her.

"You look on the ground floor; I'll look on the first. Whatever happens don't go upstairs and if you don't see me in half an hour get help." I instructed gravely. All Nadir did was nod as he knew he wouldn't be able to argue with me. After surveying every room I reached the last one and I swear for a moment I could hear crying coming from inside. Without a second thought I kicked down the door just because I had a feeling she was behind this door. My eyes fell upon the figure huddled in the corner of the room.

"Charlene. I'm here to save you." I said gently.

"Erik is that you?" She asked with childlike innocence.

"Yes it's me, I'm here to save you Angel. Come, it's time to go home." And I held out my hand for her to take. However for a moment she hesitated almost like she wasn't sure if she was dreaming or not. I then smiled a little when she took my hand and I led her to the door. I took a look up and down the corridor and saw no-one in sight so I led her towards the exit so I could get to the car as quickly as possible. But we didn't even reach the end of the corridor as I heard the cocking of a pistol from behind us.

"You're not taking her! Our boss will be most displeased if you were to take his...'gift' away." The man with the pistol demanded angrily. I pulled Charlene behind me protectively and slipped my lasso out from beneath my jacket.

"Let us go or I will be forced to use this!" I commanded icily.

"But you wouldn't be able to use that in front of her would you? After all she is such an angel her innocent mind might not be able to comprehend your actions at all." The other two men taunted. I gripped the lasso tightly in my hand as the red haze took over my vision again. But something shook me out of my reverie which was a gentle touch on my shoulder.

"Please Erik don't stoop to their level. If you kill them you will be like them and I know you to be a better man than them." She pleaded and the red haze almost immediately disappeared.

"Enough of the sappy stuff! Now hand her over or I will be forced to hurt you!" The man with the gun demanded again and I swore for a moment I heard a slight whimper escape Charlene's lips as well as felt a tight grip on my shoulder.

"Please Erik don't let him take me away. We'll be parted forever, he won't let me go." And to show her my reassurance I took hold of her hand and squeezed it gently. Suddenly the door burst open and I saw Nadir running in with a gun poised in the air towards the three men.

"There are police officers outside! Now release them immediately or I will use this!" He demanded coldly and with that we went towards the door without taking our eyes off of them for a moment. We then saw the officers run in and I hugged Charlene so she didn't have to look at them for a second longer.

"Come let's go. We still have a masquerade to plan for and we only have two days to do so." Little did she know I had made a costume for both of us which I won't reveal until the night of the masquerade. The other thing she didn't know about was the ring I purchased from a jewellery store the day she went missing. Even though I spent many hours searching for her when I saw this ring in the window I just had to purchase it knowing it was perfect for my Angel. But when was the right moment to pop the question? I mean we have been dating for I think about six months or so but it is hard to keep track when so much has been going on since we started our relationship. But there was something missing from our costumes and that was masks; about a week or so ago I ordered two custom-made masks from a shop nearby and I was informed they were now ready to be collected. I hoped Charlene will love them as I spent hours meticulously designing the masks to match our costumes as well as our personalities of both ourselves and the characters we will be playing. We got to the store and Charlene immediately looked at every mask in the store like a child in a sweet shop. I stood back and smiled as she looked in awe at all the masks surrounding her.

"Ah Mr Destler so pleased to see you again. Here are the masks as you ordered. Would you like to look at them before you pay to check if they are to your satisfaction?" The sales assistant asked and for a moment I shook my head as I caught myself daydreaming for a moment.

"Yes I would like to see them please. But everything you have ever done for me is to my satisfaction." I replied humbly. She opened the box containing the two masks; I smiled when I saw an exact replica of the Red Death mask from the musical which included the moving jaw bone part that made the mask so iconic. I then smiled even more when I saw Charlene's mask as it looked more beautiful than I could ever imagine. It was exactly as I had envisaged and I knew it would look absolutely beautiful on my Angel. I thanked the sales assistant and she placed them carefully back into the box then I paid her the right money in cash. I turned around and saw Charlene still looking around the shop.

"We're ready to go now. We've got everything we need for the Masquerade now." I said matter of factly.

"Even the costumes and masks?"

"I have the masks right here." I explained whilst holding the bag up.

"Oooooh please let me see!" She pleaded happily.

"You'll have to wait till the night of the Masquerade. I've decided to surprise you." I explained teasingly whilst taking her hand gently. She gave a small pout and folded her arms over her chest which caused me to giggle a little.

"You know you look so beautiful even when you pout like that." I said gently whilst gently placing my hand under her chin and lifting her eyes to face mine. After bidding goodbye to the sales assistant I led Charlene out of the door towards the car. I looked at the time and realised it was nearing dinner time; I decided though I didn't want to cook so stopped off at my favourite Indian takeaway to pick up some dinner. I pulled up in front of the restaurant and was about to get out of the car when a hand grabbed my wrist firmly.

"Where are you going?" She asked with childlike innocence whilst her eyes looked at me widely.

"I'm just getting dinner. I'll lock the car behind me and I'll be back momentarily." Once Charlene nodded in assent I closed the door behind me and once I heard the doors lock I went into the building to order the food we wanted.

"The food will be ready in ten minutes sir." The man behind the counter said and I decided to check in on Charlene whilst waiting for the food to cook. I smiled when I saw her peacefully asleep in the car so I went back inside to check if the food was ready.

"Here you are sir; lamb korma and beef rogan josh with rice and a side order of poppadoms with dips and naan bread."

"Thanks again sir. Have a nice day." I replied and with that I left out of the door. I clambered into the car and looked across to see Charlene still peacefully asleep in her seat. I smiled a little and after placing the food behind my seat I proceeded to drive back to the flat. We got back and I looked across to see Charlene still sleeping in her seat and so I decided to carry her inside along with the food. After locking the car I carried her into the flat bridal style only to nearly bump into Nadir.

"Oh hello could you take the food whilst I lie her down on the sofa. I'll collect our bags from the car."

"Ok whilst you do that I'll dish dinner out." Nadir explained and we went about our tasks. I got back inside and saw Nadir had set out all of the plates as well as drinks for the three of us.

"I'll go wake Charlene and let her know dinner is ready." I explained matter of factly and I went in the direction of the sitting room. I touched her gently on the shoulder and shook her gently awake.

"Charlene. It's time to wake up. Dinner's on the table." I said gently. I saw her eyelashes flutter a little and I smiled when I saw her hazel brown eyes looking up at me.

"I can't believe I fell asleep and made you carry me inside. I hope I wasn't a burden or anything." She said gently whilst she blushed a little.

"You should never be so harsh on yourself. You should never call yourself a burden at all. I would carry you all around the world and back if I could." I laughed deeply a little when she blushed at my comment. I led her into the dining room and we sat down to eat our dinner together.

After dinner I decided to sit down and watch movies on the sofa with Charlene and just relax together for a change. As Charlene leant her head against my shoulder I stroked her hair gently and rhythmically. As the finishing credits sounded I looked down and saw Charlene sleeping peacefully on my shoulder. I placed my hands gently under her legs and carried her to her bedroom. After placing the covers over her body I kissed her gently on the forehead and left out of the room.

Charlene's POV

I found myself in a quaint little cottage sitting in front of a fireplace and the fire was glowing brightly. I then heard a cry of what sounded like an infant and I looked around the room. I then heard a voice call my name and I turned around to see Erik coming into the room with a bundle in his arms.

"Christina is hungry. I brought her in so you could feed her." He explained gently. I went towards Erik but before I could reach him he started backing away with my daughter in his arms.

"Why should my daughter have a disabled freak like you for a mother!? She deserves a better mother than you; like Meg over here." But all I could see in front of me was the shadow of a figure next to Erik as he continued to back away. As I screamed her name in anguish they just continued to back away whilst laughing maniacally...

I woke up screaming Christina's name and I looked around wondering whether or not Erik would come and see why I screamed. Who was this Meg he was with in my dream? I shook my head to clear my thoughts and gathered my clothes before heading into the bathroom. After having a shower I went downstairs to prepare breakfast and when I got there I saw a note on the dining table. I picked it up and read it quickly. I dropped it in tears; yet again Erik was called in to help the girl who was assigned to him recently. I wonder if this was the same girl from a few weeks ago. I know Erik said he loved me but after the dream I had maybe she might fall for him too. Then what will happen to our relationship? Will I lose him to that girl now or will she try to steal him away later on in our relationship? Before I could do anything to stop them the tears started to fall down my cheeks and I felt a sense of hopelessness wash over me. I decided I had to get to his office to confront him immediately. But where was his office and how would I find it? I guess I could take a taxi but I didn't have any money so wouldn't be able to afford the fare up there. But what I didn't notice next to the note until now was a small purse and when I opened it some money fell out. I looked at the note in more detail this time as last time I just sort of skimmed through it and he says the money is enough for the taxi fare into town. I wonder if the taxi driver would be able to take me to Erik's office. After getting my coat and bag I picked up the purse and went out of the door; luckily Erik gave me a key so if I ever wanted to leave I could as I was able to lock the door behind me. I got out of the flat and hailed the first taxi that came near the flat. After clambering into the vehicle I asked the driver if he could take me to Erik's office on the amount of money I had and he confirmed I could so asked him to take me there. I got to the office and after paying the driver I went into the building. I guess the next step would be to find out where Erik is. I decided to go to the reception desk and ask the lady there where I could find him; but when I got there she said he was busy in a meeting and so wouldn't tell me where he was. At that moment I decided to take matters into my own hands and went into the rest of the building. I ignored the shouts from the receptionist to come back but instead went to the first floor hoping he would be up there. I got there and spent about five minutes or so I think looking in every door hoping to find him; but each time I looked in he wasn't in the room and so proceeded to the next floor. I then finally found what I presumed to be his office as his name was printed on a gold sign on the door. I was about to go and knock when I was stopped by someone.

"Please Miss Mr Destler is very busy having a meeting with a rape victim at the moment. He should be out soon though." She said gently and so I decided to wait to see who he was with. Hopefully he won't be too long in there with her. I then heard the door open and I looked up to see Erik come out of the room first followed by a girl with long blonde hair and blue eyes.

"We will meet again next week at...Charlene what are you doing here? I left the money for you to visit town. Why did you come here for? I am working today. But I am finished and was going to try and organise us meeting up for lunch." Erik explained gently. But I didn't reply but instead kept staring at the girl behind him.

"You stay away from him! Are you going to try to steal him from me because he has already admitted his love for me!" I yelled angrily and I strode angrily towards the girl with single minded determination.

Erik's POV

Without a second thought I stepped in front of Meg as I wasn't sure what Charlene was going to do to her exactly after her outburst. But what has gotten into her all of a sudden? Why is she so angry at Meg for?

"Charlene I want you to take several deep breaths for me and calm yourself down before you do something you'll regret. You know I love only you and the relationship between Meg and myself is of a strictly professional nature. Now calm down and explain to me what is wrong with you all of a sudden." I said soothingly. She stopped what she was doing for a moment and looked at me with a sort of child-like innocence in her features. But instead of replying to my request she instead burst into tears and so I sort of ran towards her and enveloped her in a hug. I awaited her reply but before she could say a word my secretary burst into the room.

"I'm so sorry sir I tried to stop her but she wouldn't listen. I am glad she didn't burst in though. But I just heard from the receptionist she isn't supposed to be here." She explained quickly.

"Don't worry I'll handle things from here. I haven't got any more meetings do I? If I don't I'll take her home now." I said firmly. I watched as my secretary looked at my schedule before replying quickly.

"Nope sir you don't have any more meetings for today."

"Come Charlene I'll take you home. See you next week at the same time Meg." I said matter of factly and after picking up my jacket and belongings I led Charlene out of the door. After clambering into the car and turning on some music I started to drive back to the flat and I asked gently.

"Why were you so mad at Meg today and why did you come to my office?"

"I kind of wanted to see you." She replied meekly probably hoping I would drop the subject. But I wasn't going to give up that easily and so I broached the first subject again.

"Why were you so mad at Meg today? She hasn't done anything wrong. She is a victim of rape and I am there to help her; like my job entails. Like I helped you when you were raped; now I am doing the same for her. You just sort of stole my heart along the way."

"I had a dream that we were spending time with my daughter when you told me she deserves a better mother who isn't a disabled freak and this woman was with you who you said was called Meg. As I screamed out my daughter's name you went away with her and my daughter." She replied quietly. I guess that's why she was so angry at Meg; she must have thought she was there to steal my affections.

"No matter what happens I will always be there for you. No girl could steal my heart apart from you and remember this; love never dies." I caught her smiling a little out of the corner of my eye as we pulled up into my usual parking space in the car park and after stopping the car I kissed her gently on the lips to seal my promise to her. As we clambered out of the car and locked it behind me I heard her say quietly.

"I'm sorry about barging into your office like that. I should have known better than to accuse you of hurting me like that. I guess I felt a little insecure or something." As I led her back into the flat I said to her reassuringly.

"You don't need to apologise. I forgave you when you stopped yourself from hurting Meg and explained the reasoning behind being mad at her. Dreams can make you feel unexplained emotions sometimes especially when they feel so real." Suddenly I felt her arms around me and I heard her mumble quietly.

"Thank you." I looked down at her and asked curiously.

"For what?"

"I just want to thank you for everything you've done for me." She replied whilst looking up at me with her eyes sparkling happily.

"Well I'm glad you're happy and I am thankful for you being there for me too." I said passionately.

"Why don't you freshen yourself up and we'll go out for lunch together." I continued. She nodded in agreement and went in the direction of her room.

Charlene's POV

When I got into my room I decided to brush my teeth quickly and change into a smart casual outfit as I was currently in my lazing around clothes which consist of jogging bottoms and a t-shirt. I honestly can't believe I burst into Erik's office looking like that; I guess I didn't realise what I picked up until now. I quickly chose a pair of jeans and a simple white blouse then put on a leather jacket. I went downstairs to see Erik waiting for me with his characteristic dark jeans and white shirt with a black blazer over the top. I gently took his outstretched hand and he led me out of the door towards a quaint restaurant that is just down the road from our flat. I smiled to myself when I thought about the flat being ours and it was like I finally knew where I belonged.

"Why are you smiling? I haven't seen you truly smile like that in a while. I want you to promise me to smile more often as you look so beautiful when you smile." I heard a voice say gently and I blushed a little as I realised I was daydreaming again.

"I was just thinking about us and the fact that I think the flat is ours now. I think I finally know where I belong now."

"I am glad you feel that way about us. We have arrived." He replied and I looked in the direction he was looking to see a small quaint restaurant in front of us. After ordering our meals which was homemade soup with bread then dessert of an ice cream sundae we just sat and enjoyed our meal in quiet contemplation. Once we finished lunch we looked around the shops and as usual Erik bought me things that caught my eye; it was funny really how well Erik truly knew my tastes in fashion.

That night after a simple dinner consisting of chicken wraps and sitting in front of the television watching a movie I fell asleep that night with dreams swirling around my head of the Masquerade tomorrow night.

The next morning I got up and yet again Erik was at work. However he said work will finish early as he will be helping with the decorations for the Masquerade that evening. I guess the good side was I won't be away from him for long as I still miss him sometimes when he is gone for long periods. I decided to get my things ready for the Masquerade so when I get changed everything is already laid out for me to use. After setting out my make-up, which I got on a recent shopping trip with Erik and my accessories, which we got when we visited the mask shop I decided to type out some more of the stories I started on the first time I really missed Erik. I didn't realise how much time had passed until I heard the key turn in the lock and I looked up to see Erik enter the flat followed by Nadir and Christine.

"Hi Christine. I'm surprised to see you here." I said happily.

"I'm here to help you get ready for the Masquerade tonight. But first let's eat dinner; I bet you're hungry." She replied whilst holding up a carrier bag filled with a takeaway of some sort; or I presume so anyway. After finishing my last mouthful I dragged Christine excitedly up the stairs whilst giggling a little. I got upstairs and gasped when I saw my dress and mask laid out for me. But how did it get in there? When was Erik able to get into my room without noticing?

"Well instead of standing there gawping let's get you into your dress!" Christine said teasingly and so after stripping down she helped me into the traditional undergarments including a corset before putting on the dress over the top. The dress looked almost exactly like the dress Christine wore during Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again in the musical but it was red instead of blue.

"Now close your eyes and I will do your hair and make-up for you." Christine said gently and after sitting myself down in front of my dressing table I waited for the transformation to begin.

"You can open them now." I heard a voice say and when I opened my eyes I gasped when I saw the transformation in front of me. I had never looked so mature and beautiful before. She had made my eyes pop behind the glasses I normally wear with smoky eye make-up and striking black mascara. I also noticed I was wearing bright red lipstick on my lips and red nail polish on my nails. Christine then helped me put the mask on which I realised was tailored specially to fit over my glasses.

"Thank you Christine so much I never expected such a big change in my appearance." I said with gratitude lacing my tone. Yet again I had a closer look at the mask and saw it was red and gold like my dress with a damask pattern on it. It also had a lace trim and in the right hand side there was a lot of fabric flowers and lace as well as a large red feather. As I finished looking at myself in the mirror I heard a knock on the door and Christine went to answer it.

"Charlene there is a tall, dark handsome stranger who wants to see you." She said teasingly and I turned around to see Erik dressed in a black suit with a white shirt and red waistcoat as well as a black cravat. He also had his trademark white mask on so he looked exactly like the Phantom himself.

"Would this Mademoiselle care to join me?" And with that he held out his elbow for me to take. Without a moment's hesitation I took his elbow and I was led out of the door.

"Will Christine be coming?" I asked curiously.

"Yes she will be joining us later as she needs to get ready herself. Raoul will be picking her up soon once he has got himself ready." He replied matter of factly. I nodded in agreement and I gasped when I saw a limo in front of us.

"How on earth did you get a limo?!" I questioned excitedly as I dragged him towards it like an excited child.

"It is how we are getting our workers to the Masquerade tonight." He replied. He then opened the door for me to allow me to clamber into my seat before he followed close behind. I had been excited all week about Masquerade but for some reason I couldn't shake this feeling that something was going to go wrong tonight. The one thing I had hidden from Erik was the dreams I had been having which always end the same way; they always end with Erik being close to death and me being dragged away into the shadows. But tonight I wouldn't let my feelings of foreboding bother me as this will be the greatest night of my life and I wanted to enjoy every moment of it with the man I love. We arrived and I saw Erik gracefully climb out of the limo before holding out his hand to help me out of the limo.

"We are here my dear. Come I will introduce you to some of the workers here." He said gently and with that he led me towards the entrance. For some reason I felt nervous. I have never been surrounded by so many strangers before and it nerved me thinking of the prospect of meeting them. What will they do, what will they say? What will they expect of me?

"Charlene I would like you to meet my boss, Gaston. Gaston this is Charlene." Erik suddenly explained gently and I gingerly shook his hand. He then introduced me to some of his other colleagues as well; I shook each of their hands gingerly in turn. Surprisingly there were very few other colleagues I didn't know before until Erik introduced them to me. The two other colleagues I met were called Sophia and Christian and I found them pleasant to talk to as well.

As the night progressed it was soon nearing midnight and the time when everyone is unmasked by their date. But I had a feeling something big was going to happen when the clock strikes twelve but I wasn't too sure what was going to happen exactly. As Erik and I waltzed across the floor to Music of the Night I just forgot the world for a moment and when the song finished we kissed as the clock began to strike midnight. But before we could remove each other's masks all of the lights suddenly went out and I screamed as darkness descended the hall.

"Erik! Are you there?!" I called out pleadingly and when he didn't answer I panicked. But before I could call out his name again I heard a laugh echo the halls that I knew all too well and it caused me to be frozen by the fear that was in me...