Hi guys here is another chapter :D Sorry about the long wait :/ Anyway any lyrics mentioned in the story I do not own and I also don't own any of the characters from Phantom either...only Charlene :)

Erik: I however own you so you better obey my instructions if you value your life!

Me: Well sorry but life has been busy and you can't rule me forever!

Erik: We'll see about that. *Gets out lasso from cloak*

Me: Ok on with the show guys! *Promptly runs off and hides... Oh yes maybe some reviews will calm him down for a bit...thanks to everyone who is reviewing, favouriting and following my story it means a lot to me :D

Heartache and Pain

Chapter Twenty: I'm scared of change, and the days stay the same...

Charlene's POV

I found myself surrounded by beautiful flowers and laughter. I looked around and my eyes fell upon two children; one was a boy and the other was a girl.

"Christina May! Christian Eriksson! Dinner's ready!" I heard a voice yell and I turned around to see Erik in the doorway of a quaint little cottage...

But before the dream could progress any further I woke up to see Erik was not in bed at the moment. I then realised it was still early and so I presume Erik must have gone to lock the car after putting me to bed. I looked around and wondered why I had a dream about having two children again. I wish I had someone to explain to me what these dreams mean; I mean I have never thought about having children before so why am I dreaming about that sort of thing now?

"Erik? Are you there?" I asked quietly and I listened intently waiting for a reply. When I didn't hear a reply I got worried and went over to grab a robe from the nightstand before proceeding to walk out of the door to look for Erik. But before I could leave my room I saw a figure in the shadows of the hallway and I thought for a moment it was Erik.

"Oh Erik it's just you. I am so glad you're here. I was worried something happened to you." I said with relief lacing my tone. But before I could approach him to envelop him in my embrace he came out of the shadows and I screamed as I recognised the figure in front of me.

Erik's POV

Without thinking twice I ran as fast as I could hoping Charlene wasn't in any danger and if she was I would be able to save her in time. But when I got there I saw the back of a figure standing over a frightened Charlene who was on her back on the floor. She was in such a state of shock she didn't even register my presence which worried me greatly. It then made me realise how much I truly cared about her and so without even thinking about the consequences I grabbed the guy around the throat and threw him out into the street. I turned my attention back towards Charlene and saw the tears begin to fall down. I went up to her and enveloped her within my embrace. Then a thought hit me; I realised now we have been together for precisely six months or half a year. It's funny really how quickly the time has flown by and so I decided we would spend the day together to celebrate our half-aversary.

"Charlene. How about we spend the day together? Do you like the sound of that?" I asked gently as I looked her in the eye. I smiled a little when her eyes sort of lit up and I saw her get up off the floor and go towards her wardrobe. But I had to stifle a giggle when I saw her go through her entire wardrobe before promptly pouting and folding her arms over her chest.

"My dear whatever is the matter?" I asked teasingly.

"I have nothing to wear!" She replied exasperatedly as she threw her arms up in the air. I smiled and went over to her wardrobe and pulled out the white blouse that she wore before. Her eyes then lit up and she went down to the drawers underneath the wardrobe and started to rummage through it. She then gave a triumphant shout when she obviously found the item she was looking for.

"What did you find my dear?" But she didn't answer but instead went into the bathroom to change.

"It's a surprise." Was her only reply and it reminded me of a previous date where I said the same cryptic thing to her. I wonder what she found in her fashion arsenal but I say no matter what she wears she still looks beautiful to me. A few minutes later she came out in the white blouse with the bell sleeves as I liked how she looked in it but on her bottom half she wore a pair of really high waisted shorts that were black with a slight sparkle to them. She also had a wide belt with lacing on it as well as elastic that was black. To finish off the outfit she had a pair of black tights and black oxfords on.

"Do I look ok?" She asked suddenly and I mentally shook my head to clear my thoughts.

"You look beautiful as always. When I look at you I think of Phantom of the Opera as it looks very Phantom-ish." I replied as she smiled and blushed a little. I looked down and decided to change into something a little smart casual as I was still wearing my black suit trousers from last night.

"I'm just going to go and change." I explained and after Charlene nodded I went into my room to change into a pair of black jeans that still looked quite smart as they were a skinny style jean and changed into a new white shirt and black blazer jacket. I came out of my room and saw her in the hallway by the front door.

"You look so handsome. Like a modern day Phantom." She said gently before promptly kissing me gently on the lips.

"Come a wonderful day out awaits us." I said and I took her hand to lead her out of the door. We took the car and decided to take Charlene to a place that holds a special place in my heart that I know she will love the moment she sets eyes on it; it was going to be a long drive but when she sees it it will be worthwhile.

"Oh please Erik tell me where you are taking me? Why all the secrecy?!" She pleaded excitedly.

"Nope it's a surprise." And with that we kept driving towards our destination. Eventually we arrived at our destination and after parking the car I led Charlene to the place where we were going to spend the day together.

"Is this Kew Gardens? I love this place it is so beautiful here. I went here as a kid with my parents before they..." I could then see the tears begin to fall and I enveloped her within my embrace again.

"It's ok. We can go somewhere else if it brings back too many memories." I said gently as I stroked her arms.

"It's ok. I can handle it. It's just this place holds a special place on my heart."

"And in mine too." I said gently.

"Did your family use to take you here as a child?" She asked and I had to suppress a laugh; little did she know that my family truly detested me the moment I was born.

"My adoptive family did; they were the best years of my life. But that all changed when...let's not talk about unhappy times now. Today is meant to be a happy day full of joy and laughter." I replied before suddenly changing the subject which I think Charlene noticed but didn't say anything about. After paying the entry fee we walked around the gardens and we even did the treetop walk where we had a wonderful view of Kew Gardens from the treetops. We stopped off at a cafe in Covent Garden and when I told Charlene to look for a spot to sit down at whilst I ordered lunch. As I waited for lunch to be prepared I went over to a flower stand and bought her a big bunch of red roses. Soon enough lunch was ready and I went to look for Charlene nearby. I found her and hid the roses behind my back before sneaking up behind her and enveloping her in my arm.

"Guess who?" I teased gently.

"Oh I don't know...is it someone who is tall, dark and handsome?" She asked teasingly and I let her turn around to see me grinning at her broadly. I then produced the bunch of roses from behind my back and said gently.

"Happy half-aversary mon ange."

"Has it really been that long? That is so romantic of you to remember." She said happily as she sniffed the roses gently.

"But I never got you anything!" She whined and I laughed a little when she gave a pout and I said in reply.

"You being with me here today is the greatest gift I could ever wish for." I saw the tears forming and then she kissed me on the lips with all of the passion she could muster.

"Come let's enjoy lunch in the shade." And with that we sat down together and ate our lunch together. As I ate my sandwich I watched Charlene look around the gardens with an almost wistful look in her eyes and I wandered what was going through her mind right now.

"Are you ok? You haven't touched your sandwich; isn't it to your liking? I can change it if you want me to." I asked quickly.

"Oh no it's fine. I was just thinking about us that's all." She replied quietly.

"In what way exactly?" I asked curiously as I took her hand gently in mine.

"I am happy to find someone like you but there are times when I think to myself that I don't deserve someone like you."

"Now whatever gave you that idea my dear. A beautiful girl such as yourself deserves all the happiness in the world; whether you have a disability or not." As I kissed her on the lips and before I knew it I could taste the saltiness of her tears as the kiss progressed.

"My dear you are crying." And with that I wiped her tears away as she smiled a little.

"Sorry, I guess I am a little emotional after what you said. No-one has been that kind to me before." She replied as she wiped away the last remnants of her tears; after she calmed herself down she then went back to eating her sandwich.
"So what would you like to do once you've finished lunch?" I asked after finishing my last mouthful of sandwich.

"I'm not sure; the only thing I can think of is visiting Camden Market. My brother loved to go there when we were younger. He was really into juggling and I liked looking at all of the different shops there; especially the clothes stores."

"Then Camden Market is where we shall visit next my dear." And with that I helped her up and we walked arm in arm towards the tube station to get to the marketplace.

Soon enough we got to our destination and we proceeded to look at all of the different market stalls on offer. At one point we encountered a stall with lots of different types of hat and I saw Charlene break away from my grasp to get a closer look at all of the hats on the stand. She even started trying on the hats including a grey top hat which she seemed to take an instant liking to; I had to admit she looked good in it so I went up to the stall owner and bought it off him straight away. She then went to put it back but I said gently.

"No keep it on; it looks nice on you and it's yours." And she gave the biggest smile ever and then elegantly put it back on her head. As we went around all of the different stalls I bought whatever item caught her fancy and before I knew it we had a lot of bags to carry.

"Why don't we get back to the car and think about going somewhere nice for dinner?" I asked gently and after she nodded in agreement we went towards the tube station to get a train back to Kew Gardens where we parked the car. We got there and after putting our purchases in the boot we went back to the flat to get changed into something more suitable for the restaurant we will be eating in. We then clambered back into the car after changing into a suit for me and a floor-length red gown for Charlene to go in the direction of the restaurant we went to on our first date. We soon arrived and I smiled a little as something akin to recognition could be seen in her eyes.

"I take it my choice in restaurant pleases you?" As I took her hand gently in mine.

"This is where you took us on our first date; that is so romantic." We got to our table which was in its own private alcove and sat down in our respective seats.

"Shall I order you something to drink?" I asked as she perused the menu. She nodded in agreement and so I ordered her usual non-alcoholic beverage as well as a glass of red wine for myself before looking back at the menu.

"Have you picked something to order?" I heard a gentle voice ask and I looked up to see Charlene looking up at me with an expectant look in her eyes. I looked down at the menu for a moment and nodded in agreement just as the waiter came over to our table with our drinks. We ordered our meals and then waited for them to arrive.

"Charlene, may I ask you something?"

"Yes what is it?" She asked gently as she stroked my knuckles gently.

"I was wondering if you would like to move into my flat with me." I asked and I looked at her with trepidation.

"But I thought the flat we were currently living in was yours." She replied as she furrowed her brows in confusion.

"Well technically I still live with Nadir but he bought me a flat of my own a while back to let me know I can move into it when I am ready to do so." I replied matter of factly.

"I don't know what to say; I mean I am so scared of change that I don't know if I will be able to handle it. I mean I want to help with the bills and everything but I haven't even got a job yet." She replied in a panicked tone and I wish I never said anything as she began to shake almost violently.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't have been so insensitive and brought up such a subject." And so I tried my best to calm her down. Soon enough just as I calmed her down the food came to our table and so we sat and enjoyed our meal in quiet contemplation. I looked up at Charlene as I ate my dinner and saw her just looking down at her plate as she ate her dinner slowly; throughout the entire meal she didn't say a word and I grew worried as to whether or not I upset her in some way. I just hope she doesn't hate me for saying such a callous comment towards her. After we finished the meal I just decided to ask for the bill as she seemed distant and was looking around which usually meant she wanted to leave as quickly as possible. Maybe when we get back to the flat I will try to talk to her and just hope she will forgive me for my callous comment. However when we got back to the flat she just went straight into her room and closed the door behind her without saying a word to anyone. All I could do was look at the space where she was moments before.

"Erik what did you do?" I heard Nadir ask teasingly but with a hint of seriousness in his tone and I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes at him.

"I don't know what you are talking about. Now if you excuse me I have some important business to attend to." And I tried to walk out of the room towards my office where my piano resided hoping to vent my frustrations out on it in the form of unearthly melodies. But I was stopped by an arm on my shoulder and I turned around angrily at the person who dared stop me.

"I know what you were celebrating today and I care about Charlene like she is my own daughter but why is it you came home in silence and her going to her room looking so forlorn and upset?" He asked gently and I sighed a little knowing what was to occur next but also knowing the inevitable had to occur at some point.

"I talked about moving out of the flat into the one you bought me all those years ago; she didn't take to it that well."

"Oh Erik I guess you don't know how to deal with an Autistic person at all." He sighed slightly.

"I'm sorry but how long have we been together for?"

"Well I know you have been together for six months but how much do you know about her exactly?" Nadir asked and it made me stop and think for a moment; how much did I really know about Charlene's Autism?

"People with Autism do not like change to their routine so you have to take things slow with her; don't just suddenly say about moving into the flat because that is going to be a very big change for her. All I can say to you is take things slow with her. If you have thought about asking for her hand just wait a while longer because that will be another big change for her too." He explained matter of factly. All the while he was explaining things I just stood there listening intently. I then decided to go straight to bed and I will prepare a surprise for Charlene in the morning.

The next morning I got up extra early and went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast. I then decided to purchase a single red rose as I know she loves them so much. After about ten minutes I got back to the flat and tied a black ribbon around the stem after removing the thorns first. After placing everything on a tray I took it to her room to let her have breakfast in bed. I got to her door and knock on it lightly three times and waited for a response; however I didn't hear anything in response and so I opened the door slowly to see her still sleeping peacefully in her bed. I placed the tray on her bedside and opened the curtains to see the sunlight streaming through brightly. I looked towards Charlene to see her give a little moan before hiding her head under the bed sheets; probably hoping to catch a few more minutes of sleep or something. I laughed and pulled the pillow off of her head then kissed her gently on the forehead. I smiled a little as her eyes fluttered open. But instead of being happy to see me she looked at me with anger in her eyes.

"Why are you here? Want to turn my life upside down again?" She asked angrily.

"Please Charlene hear me out. I didn't mean to upset you with plans to move out; I should have known better to ask that of you. Nadir gave me a big lecture after you went to your room and told me how to handle your disability better as well." And I could tell she was thinking about what to say next but instead she burst into tears and I sat down beside her before promptly enveloping her within my embrace.

"It's ok I will not ask you to do anything you don't want to do until you are 100% ready to do so." I said gently as I stroked her gently up and down her back. I kissed her gently on the head and turned myself around to pick up the tray that was still on her bedside table.

"I brought you breakfast my dear. I thought you would appreciate the gesture and enjoy having your breakfast in bed." I placed the tray on her lap and went to get up and leave the room. But I didn't get very far as I felt a hand wrap itself around my wrist and I saw Charlene looking at me with a pleading look in her eyes.

"Are you sure you want me to stay?" I asked gently and after a nod of assent I sat down beside her and a moment later she started eating her breakfast. Soon enough she finished and she lifted the rose from the tray and lifted it up to her nose to sniff its aroma gently.

"I'm glad you liked my gift. Did you enjoy your breakfast?" I then saw her look up at me and smile a little before promptly replying happily but with her tone becoming suddenly serious at the end.

"I enjoyed it greatly thank you. But I am so sorry about what happened yesterday. I didn't mean to worry you yesterday and I didn't mean to freak out either. It's just change scares me and I would like to move in with you at some point but not just yet."

"I am glad you enjoyed your breakfast. But now let's organise our day together shall we? I'll take your tray and allow you to get yourself washed and changed." And with that I picked up the tray and left out of the room.

Charlene's POV

After Erik left the room I could be able to think about us and the fact that one day we could move into a flat or house together. Could I handle such a big change? I mean I am living with two people who were two complete strangers when I first met them but now they are the closest friends I have ever known. After changing into jeans and t-shirt I decided to seek out Erik to plan what we were going to do today. But when I got into the kitchen I saw Erik running around the flat madly and it brought back memories of that day when I felt insecure about our relationship and worried Meg would steal Erik from me.

"What's going on? Why are you in such a hurry?" I asked quickly.

"Sorry but I have been called into work again. I have an appointment with Meg. We are about to go through the next stage of her rehabilitation and I need to be there to supervise things." He explained quickly and I looked at the floor sadly. I felt a hand under my chin and I felt him tip my head up so I could look him directly in the eye; in his eyes I could see so much adoration and sincerity in them and he explained gently.

"Don't worry I won't be gone long and we can spend the day together in whatever way pleases you most." And I smiled a little as he gave me a quick kiss on the lips.

"Oh and here's some money for you to spend some time in town. Spend it on your heart's desire and if you want we can meet up at our usual cafe at lunchtime if you want."

"I'd like that." I replied and I felt him place something in my hand and I looked down to see a small purse in my hand; I turned it upside down and almost fainted at the amount of money that dropped out.

"Oh Erik you do spoil me; I just hope I don't get mugged for my money." I replied teasingly.

"Well some of that money is for the taxi fare and then the rest is to spend on whatever you want." He explained matter of factly as he closed my fingers gently around the purse. After kissing him on the cheek I watched as he left out of the door and so I decided to grab a jacket and my bag and went out of the door to hail a taxi to take me into town. I then proceeded to look around some of the clothes shops hoping I might find something that 'speaks to me' as I like to say in this kind of situation; however so far I hadn't found a single item in the mainstream shops that I would like to wear on a daily basis. I then decided to go to the shops that sell either second hand or vintage items hoping I would find something pleasing that Erik would like to see me in. Every so often I would check the time and it shocked me how quickly the time had gone since I went into town; what sort of upset me was the fact I still hadn't found anything yet and I know Erik would comment on the fact I haven't spent any of the money he gave me. Just as I headed in the direction of the main road to hail a taxi to our usual cafe something in a window display caught my eye and so I decided to take a closer look. There on the mannequin was a beautiful red dress that had a sweetheart neckline and a full skirt with a petticoat underneath so I decided to go inside the shop to try it on. I got it on and twirled around in front of the mirror and knew I had to purchase it and after getting back into my clothes I took it up to the counter and paid for it with some of the money in my purse. I then hailed a taxi and told the driver to take me to the cafe we normally go to for lunch. I got there and looked around to see if I could see Erik in sight but strangely enough I couldn't see him in sight. This was definitely uncharacteristic of him as he is the kind of person not to turn up late to anything so why isn't he here yet? I looked at the time and saw that it was 1 o'clock so decided to wait around a little as he might have been held up by his boss or something. But as time went by there was still no sign of Erik yet and it worried me slightly; I just wished I had a mobile phone or something so I could contact him so maybe I could find out where he was. Just as I was about to catch a taxi to get to his office to see where he was, he came rushing into the cafe breathing heavily and sweating a little.

"Erik you're here. What happened? I was about to come to your office to see where you had got to since I don't have a mobile phone to call you." I asked quickly so Erik had some time to breathe as he was still breathing a little heavily.

"Remind me after lunch to take you to a phone shop so we can purchase a mobile phone for you. But sorry I was so late; the meeting with Meg took longer than expected. Luckily since she has been so successful with her treatment we will have fewer meetings so it means we can spend more time with each other."

"I like the sound of that; but you don't have to spoil me so." I said gently as Erik led me to our usual table.

"But I like to spoil you my angel; especially if it makes you happy." And that caused me to smile a little as we perused the menu to select what we want to eat. After picking what we wanted to eat I could see Erik's gaze move towards the bag by my feet.

"What's in the bag my dear?" He asked whilst pointing towards the only bag by my feet. I picked it up and pulled out the dress from within the bag.

"I can't wait to see you wearing this one; it looks beautiful. This red will look simply lovely on you. But why only the one bag; I gave you the money to spend on whatever you wanted."

"It was the only dress I found that I liked the look of." I replied quietly as I put the dress neatly back into the bag.

"Well we'll have to remedy that as soon as we finish our lunch." Erik said as the waiter placed our plates down in front of us. I then ate my lunch in quiet contemplation which caused Erik to furrow his eyebrows a little.

"My dear you've gone quiet and you've got that look on your face when you are thinking about something."

"Sorry my mind was just wondering; nothing to worry about my dear." I replied as I smiled a little and went back to eating my lunch. We soon finished and after Erik paid the bill we went outside towards the nearest phone shop.

"Now I promised I will get you a mobile phone and I will. What colour phone would you like?"

"Red of course. But what kind of phone are you getting me?"

"You'll see." Was his only reply and with that he went to the counter so I decided to look around the store at the rest of the phones whilst waiting for him to come back with his purchase. I saw him coming towards me with a small bag in his hand and so I ran up to him excitedly whilst trying to grab the bag off him.

"No my dear it's a surprise. You'll have to wait until we get back to the flat so I can help you set it up for you." He said and with that we went in the direction of the high street where there are more shops to explore. But my thoughts kept going back to the phone Erik purchased for me; why would he want to surprise me so badly? Was he trying to hide something from me? Why am I so paranoid about him hiding secrets from me all of a sudden? I mean he would never ever hide anything from me...right? I then shook my head a little when I realised we had actually stopped and that Erik was calling my name.

"I've been trying to get your attention for the past five minutes; what was distracting you my dear?"

"Sorry my mind was wandering again. I seem to be doing a lot of that lately." I replied quietly as I felt my face heat up a little.

"Don't worry about it. But right now let's get you to try on that skirt that is in the window." I looked in the direction of where he was looking and saw an unusual skirt in the window that consisted of lots and lots of strips of fabric. How did I miss that one when I went around the first time round? We went inside the store and I asked the sakes assistant for the skirt in the window that was my size and five minutes later she came out with the skirt on her hands. I then went into the changing room and quickly put it on; I came out and saw Erik with a huge smile on his face and so I asked him happily.

"I take it you like the skirt then by the look on your face?"

"It looks good on you. Give us a twirl." I did as he asked and his smile grew even wider so I knew I had to buy it. I quickly changed back into my clothes and then took the skirt to the counter. But before I even had the chance to get my purse out Erik had already paid for it and it was wrapped up nicely in a bag which the sales assistant gave to me gently. I thanked her and left the shop with my hand enlaced in Erik's hand.

"How about we get some dinner then get back to the flat and I'll help you set up your new phone?" I heard Erik ask and for a moment I was confused as to why we were having dinner so early but then my stomach gave an almighty growl so I nodded readily in agreement. We reached a small quaint restaurant and we were immediately led to our table the moment we entered through the door. I perused the menu quickly and soon made my decision on what I wanted to eat.

"Do you know what you want to eat Erik?" I asked quietly and he hesitated for a moment before nodding in assent. After ordering our meal we just sat in silence and I swear you could cut the tension with a knife.

"Are you ok? You've gone all quiet again." I shook my head a little as I found myself wandering off again and replied quietly.

"Yeah I'm fine. My mind sometimes tends to wander and I also sometimes find it difficult to start a conversation. Part of my Autism really." I then felt Erik's hand envelope mine gently and he tilted my chin up a little before giving me a gentle kiss on the lips.

"It's ok you don't need to apologise at all. And you know what; I still learn something new about your Autism everyday and it makes me love you all the more when I keep finding out about the little quirks you possess." He replied passionately as he stroked my knuckles gently which caused me to smile a little. I looked up and saw the waiter coming towards us with our food so I moved my hands out of the way so he could put the plates down. Once the plates were places down in front of us we immediately tucked into our dinner.

"So how's your food my dear?"

"It's good thanks." I replied as I continued to eat the food in front of me. Soon enough I placed my cutlery down on my plate side by side and wiped my mouth with the napkin. But Erik was still going until his entire plate was finished.

"Where did you fit it all?" I asked shocked.

"I guess I have hollow legs." He replied teasingly. After we paid for the bill we left out of the restaurant; but before we could even make our way to the car I heard a phone ringing and Erik stopped for a moment to answer it. Yet again just like last time he became more and more agitated as the conversation progressed. Was it work calling him in again or something else? I thought to myself. He finally finished the conversation and put his phone back in his pocket.

"I'm sorry but I have to go back to work; something urgent has cropped up at work and I am needed right now to deal with it as it can't wait until morning." He explained gently as he took my hands in his.

"What's wrong? Why can't it wait until morning?" I asked quietly with a hint of sadness lacing my tone.

"It's Meg...something's wrong and she needs my help. I'll escort you home then I'll go to work from there." And with that we got to the car and clambered into it before driving back towards the flat. I then watched forlornly as the car drove away and all I could bring myself to do was walk inside and walk straight in the direction of my room without saying a word to anyone. I didn't even respond to Nadir when he called my name and with that I just collapsed on my bed without even changing my clothes as I cried myself to sleep that night...