So this is the final chapter. I want to thank you all personally from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support you have shown me as I have written this story. You have been so angelic and lovely to me, it's been such a lot of fun. So thank you all, every one of you for making this so special to me. I so hope you have enjoyed it, boy have I learnt a lot since I started this.

I hope you can join me on my new story which I posted yesterday its called 'Diamonds in Persia' I would love for you to join the story, its Phantom based again and of course based around our lovely Erik and Christine :') it would be lovely to hear your thoughts on it.

I will get round to PM'ing you all, and if I could I would personally deliver you all a red Erik rose.

So this is it...the final threshold.

Thank you all once again.

Chapter62-Christine's POV-ONE YEAR LATER

I lay in bed, and felt the spring warmth all around me. My tummy felt light and full of butterflies, though as I lay with my eyes closed I wondered why. I rolled over slightly, then with sudden jolt of my mind I remember how had I forgotten? It was my birthday! I sat up quickly, expecting to see Erik beside me, but the large bed was empty. I frowned, and jumped from the bed. I was eighteen! I couldn't believe it! I felt so grown up, I pulled my nightgown tighter around me, I realised the house was totally silent. I stopped at the door way, trying to listen for any noise, but there was none, which in this home was strange, there was always something, Gustave was always playing the piano, Erik always correcting him or teaching me to sing or playing one of his many instruments, the house was always filed with beautiful notes. But now it was quiet. Utter silence. I called for Erik from the landing, but no answer. I felt a pang of coldness hit my stomach, had he forgot my birthday? No, surely not! Erik remembered everything about me, and I mean everything, to a point where I thought he knew more about me then I did.

I began to walk down the stairs, feeling completely confused and a little hurt, I hadn't expected much, but even a little morning kiss from Erik and a cuddle from my son would have been nice. As I hit the bottom step, my nose was hit with a familiar smell, it was sweet, so prettily sweet, it was the smell of roses. A smile crept onto my lips as I went to quickly race down the corridor following the smell, but before I took another step I noticed the trail of rose petals before me, they were all in a pinkie colour, and trailed out towards outside door, I giggled as I followed them skipping, this meant Erik had remembered, I knew he would off! I reached the back door where the roses stopped; I was outside now, standing on the perfect dewy lawn, looking out onto the lovely green garden before me, spring was all around me, the little birds flew through the morning sky and the trees swayed lazily in the breeze. It was going to be a beautiful day, but I sighed, I still hadn't found my husband or my son. Then from behind me I heard the soft notes of a violin. I turned quickly, and raced back down the corridor through the rose petals to where the lovely noise was coming from I reached the living room, and pushed open the large oak door, the beautiful notes taking me wholly as I entered, it was such a gorgeous sound, so pretty and comforting. I smiled at the sight, Gustave was standing in the middle of the cream carpet, in his hands he held the little violin that Erik had given him for his birthday, he beamed up at me his navy eyes twinkling, he was so grown up now, he had put on weight making him look healthy, he was still pale, and his cheek bones were high in his face, but he was the picture of perfection, he was so adorable, his little smile and the two dimples in his lovely cheeks, he just melted my heart every day. He continued playing for a moment, his tongue poking out the corner of his little mouth; it melted my heart as he played those final notes. I giggled and clapped as he took a little bow, then placing his violin down he wrapped his little arms around me.

'Happy birthday mama!' we both giggled as we held each other, Gustave stood up on his toes and kissed my cheek. 'Here.' He grinned and dragged me to the arm chair, where he made me sit then raced off across the room. I laughed at his desperation to get whatever it was, his long legs failed him and he tripped slightly.

'Close your eyes mama!' his little sing song voice called, I fluttered my eyes shut, wondering what on earth this was all about, I also wondered where Erik was, but before I could think any longer I felt something be put in my lap.

'Open your eyes now please. Gustave giggled, I did so and saw the little package in my lap, I ripped its red packing open quickly and found a little bottle, it smelt beautiful, it was a perfume, I sprayed it onto my wrist, it was delightful, it smelt like roses and daisies it was so fresh. I wondered where on earth he got it. I had never smelt a perfume like this it was perfection in a bottle, all the things I liked.

'Thank you Gustave, its beautiful!' I pulled him into a cuddle kissing his little cheek. He wriggled so he was looking at me with his huge navy eyes.

'I made it for you! Me and Papa, we made it together.' He grinned at me, melting my heart making me want to never put him down; I kissed his cheek again and again.

'Oh darling its perfect.' I tickled his sides so his little laugh filled the room, he blew a raspberry on my cheek making me fall back laughing. Then I felt someone enter in the room, I sat up Gustave still giggling, Erik stood before me now, even now he still took my breath away, he was dressed as always perfectly, his black trousers and waist coat contrasting against his snow white shirt and the mask on his face. I smiled at him, my heart leaping as it always did when I saw him, my lips smiling, I looked at his beautifully miss matched eyes, they were full of love, so stunning, so intense, I could lose myself in them.

'Mama loved the perfume Papa!' Gustave said excitedly running to Erik's side, I watched as his mask rose slightly showing me he was smiling.

'I told you she would Gustave, your mama loves anything sweet. Now how about you go and get changed, we have a busy day.' Erik smiled at Gustave, who kissed my cheek once more then bounced out the room. Now Gustave was gone, I threw myself onto Erik, pulling him into an embrace, he pushed me back slightly, so he was looking into my eyes, then pulled something from behind his back, it was a beautiful red rose, and tied to its stem was a black ribbon.

'Here my angel for you.' I watched from the corner of my eye as with his long fingers he pushed it gently behind my ear.

'Oh Erik, it's beautiful. Just like the first rose you gave me.' I smiled; it made my heart flip as I put my fingers to the delicate rose. This was so perfect, I didn't want anything else. I kissed Erik's masked cheek, his arms wrapped around me holding me tightly, I let my head rest on his chest, as I smiled up at him.

'You smell heavenly.' Erik purred, I giggled.

'Our clever son made it. He is quite a genius.' Erik said amused, he chuckled the throb of it going through his chest and onto me.

'He is isn't he?' I smiled closing my eyes, this was all so perfect.

'Now, hang on a moment, its your birthday, I believe a gif is in order is it not?' Erik said very matter of factly, but still the way he did so made me laugh.

'Oh you've given me enough already.' I smiled and watched Erik roll his eyes, from his pocket he took a small box, as always it was beautifully wrapped and held together with the usual black ribbon, I squealed and pulled it open, Erik's gifts were always the most beautiful and precious gifts. I opened the little box and gasped nearly dropping it. It was stunning, on the small silver chain was a pearl, one single pearl, its little face shone in the morning light. I had always wanted one of these, always, but how had Erik got it? We had money, quite a lot of it, but these were so rare.

'Erik, its beautiful.' I whispered, I was smiling so widely, as he took it from my hands and looped it around my neck.

'You like it then angel?' Erik said unsurely, I laughed, even now he still didn't seem to be able to know how grateful I was, I spun around and kissed his cheeks again and again.

'I love it darling, I love it nearly as much as I love you!' I laughed as Erik picked me up and spun me around. Erik laughed, that beautiful deep sound that vibrated around the room, and made everything seem even more beautiful.

'I might have to take it off you then angel, I don't want to share your love.' Erik sighed dramatically rolling his big eyes and reaching a long hand to my neck, I squealed giggling and jumped up covering the little pearl.

'Now, now. Hand it over Miss and no one will get hurt.' Erik was trying to look serious but I could see his mask lifting slightly and his eyes glittering. I leapt away from him, putting my hands on my hips, trying not to giggle.

'It's mine now! You'll just have to share me.' I went to skip away, but before I could Erik caught me and held me so I was looking at him, I giggled and tried to wriggle away.

'Oh so you thought you'd get away? Silly girl.' Erik sighed rolling his eyes, the door opened and Gustave walked in, he looked slightly shocked. 'Quick Gustave, you must help me, your mother loves the pearl more than me, tickle her!' Erik said, Gustave giggled and ran to me running his tiny hands, making me squirm and laugh.

'Do you give in mama?' Gustave laughed.

'I surrender! I surrender!' I panted through my giggles.

'Wise choice or I would have got Gustave to get the feather duster. Well done Gustave, you did a marvellous job.' Erik smiled at our son who grinned back straightening his little jacket.

I stood up and pulled Erik and Gustave into a hug.

'I love you both, more than pearls, more than anything!' I cuddled them both, kissing both their cheeks.

'Oh papa, your gift is lovely, it looks beautiful on you mama.' Gustave smiled, my heart melting, he was such a little angel.

I held the two things I loved most just smiling at how lucky I was, I would happily stay like this forever, then there was a knock at the door.

'I shall get that my angel, you should get changed.' I smiled at Erik, giving him one last kiss before he went to the door Gustave following him. I heard Mr Khans voice, I grinned, and went to get changed. I couldn't stop smiling as I attacked my curls with the little brush and placed the pins in place in attempt to tame the coco sea, I spun in front of the mirror, I adored all the dresses Erik had made and put in my closet but this was my favourite, it was in cream and lacy, I spun around in it giggling, I always felt very feminine in it, and noticed how the little pearl matched it perfectly. I slipped on my shoes and raced down the stairs and into the dining room.

'Ah, there is birthday girl.' Mr Kahn smiled at me from the table where he sat with Gustave, who was pouring over a book.

'You look beautiful.' Erik whispered making me blush, as he looked at me with his miss matched eyes full of love.

'Here it isn't much, but it's a little something.' Mr Kahn smiled and passed me a parcel. I grinned and thanked him before opening it, it was a story book, I flicked through the pages and it was stunning, each page was beautifully illustrated, the images so realistic I thought they were going to leap from the page, I ran my fingers over the beautiful silver and pinks that made the head of a unicorn. I held the book close to me, then gave Mr Kahn a hug, he had been so helpful, ever since the beginning of mine and Erik's relationship, he had been there helping, and he had saved my husband, he had helped the doctor bring him virtually back to life, if it hadn't been for him, well I guess my life would of been very different. I shuddered I didn't want to think of a life without Erik.

'Thank you Mr Kahn.' I smiled; he returned it his olive skinned face wrinkling around his weathered cheeks.

'You are most welcome, now I hear you are singing something very special today, a certain someone's composures.' Mr Kahn teased looking at Erik. I laughed and skipped to my husband's side.

'Oh Mama! Are you singing Papa's song today?' Gustave said smiling widely.

'Yes, she is.' Erik said over my head as I sat on his knees.

'Your songs are beautiful Papa.' Gustave said, making me beam, it was lovely to hear him complimenting Erik, I knew since this little boy had entered our lives he had amazed Erik, he was the sweetest little boy, he had a troubled past just like Erik, but we had saved him, and he was the loveliest boy ever, he was so talented, and seemed to treat like some sort of God, they would sit for hours together playing music, singing and Gustave was always, always, always ready to listen to Erik who adored his new pupil. I smiled at Gustave from across the table.

'Thank you Gustave, but it's your mama who makes them beautiful.' Erik moved his knees making me jump a little. I turned and tapped his nose, he never took compliments.

'I'm sure you'll be heavenly Christine. Now we really ought to go. Its a shame you have to sing on your birthday.' Mr Khan said checking his watch.

'Oh I don't mind Mr Kahn. It's such a beautiful song I'm happy to sing it.' I smiled and got off Erik's knees as we all began to walk to the door.

I helped Gustave button up his little black coat, kissing him on the nose as he giggled.

'Here you go angel.' Erik helped me put on my shrug, he gave my arms an affectionate little rub, before pulling on his tail coat, he looked so dashing, he took my breath as I stared at his tall body. I felt Gustave's little hand in mine.

'Come on Mama, let's go!' He dragged me out the door laughing, the daisies tickling our ankles as we skipped to Mr Kahn's carriage, we both jumped in laughing as we fell on the leather seat.

'You two will laugh yourselves sick one day!' Mr Kahn said through the little window before climbing up onto the top.

Erik wasn't here yet; I stood up and peered through the little window waiting for him. Then I saw him come from the house in his arms a large picnic basket. I smiled, he obviously had not noticed my knowing, I sat back down beside Gustave as he entered the carriage his arms no longer full of the wicker basket, which I presumed was with Mr Kahn.

'Sorry angel, I had to deal with something.' Erik said sitting down, his long legs bending neatly. I suppressed a grin.

'That's okay darling.' I turned my head to hide my smile as the carriage pulled away.

'Did that something go okay Papa? Was everything okay with that something? Is that something perfect?' Gustave said desperately, obviously trying to be as secretive as possible. I watched Erik put a long finger to his lips, I grinned at him.

'Yes Gustave the something is just fine.' He laughed at Gustave's serious looking face. The sound was perfection and so full of love it filled the carriage. I was so drawn to Erik, he still had that invisible pull on me, I sat next to him on the leather seat, his arms wrapping around me as I rested my head against his chest.

'Hey, what about me?' Gustave leapt from the side he was on and in between me and Erik nestling himself in Erik's long arms which were around us both.

'Oh how could I ever forget you? My two angels.' Erik placed a kiss on each of our cheeks.

My heart melted then and there and realised I was the luckiest girl in the world, the whole wide world. Erik's long arms held around me, Erik, my husband, my beautiful husband, he had given me everything, and was still giving me more. He loved me so much, I couldn't understand how it was possible for him to love me as he did. But I loved him more, always more, he was my everything, my absolute everything. He was showing me what true love really was, he was showing me every day what to be truly loved was like, whether it was a little kiss on the cheek, or a smile, he was so beautiful, Erik made my life beautiful with everything he did. I loved him so much. I would never take him for granted, I would love him every day, I would make up for all the love he never had. I would be there with him every day; I would stay beside him no matter what. I snuggled into him, hearing his heart beating through his shirt; I would sing every song he ever wrote with so much love and happiness, I would love him forever and always. And now I had Gustave too, another person to love and to share special memories with, another person to adore. He was such a sweet boy, such an angel, so beautiful, so caring, so clever. I loved him, and I knew Erik loved him too. He was another little light in the beautiful world of mine and Erik's love. I loved them both so much and would treasure them both till the end of my days.

XXX

Erik's POV

I sat in box five as myself this afternoon, as Erik. Not as the Phantom, but as Erik the husband to the single most beautiful person in the whole wide world. I was married to Christine, my beautiful sweet Christine. I loved her more than anything, more than any single thing in the wide world. She was my everything; she always had been and always will be. Ever since that first day I saw her, the crying beauty, so lost and helpless I knew then she was the person to awaken my dormant heart. Life was magical with Christine, and every day when i awoke with her in my arms, I would pinch myself, just make sure I wasn't dreaming, because how could I be loved. How could I the monster with no face be loved? I had been abused, beaten, hurt and tortured all my life but now, now I had someone beside me, someone to love, someone who loved me, someone who didn't shun me. I hated society, I hated the people who hurt me, the people who hurt others, I learnt long ago not to trust. But I could trust Christine, I trusted her with anything, it was strange to trust again after all these years, but it was a good feeling, I felt I could tell Christine anything, anything at all, and she would understand, she wouldn't judge me, she wouldn't hurt me. No, she was an angel my beautiful angel, who I would love until time ended. I couldn't comprehend how she loved me, a faceless monster, but who knew, the world was topsy turvey in some places.

I looked out onto the stage, still in the shadows, but beside me sat Gustave, my son, he was beautiful, and though he wasn't biologically mine, I loved him. The child sat looking amazed down onto the giant stage, his face filled with wonder as he lent over the banister slightly. He really was a picture of perfection, he had gained weight since he had come to me and Christine, he was still tall, extraordinarily tall, but he was every inch beautiful. His deep brown hair was in that perfect little side parting, and his large navy eyes took in everything around the room, the filling seats, the large red curtain, the strange and noisy looking people, he looked as if he might explode with happiness, the little scars still remained on is face, his lips still covered by the now pale remains of stitching, but he turned to me and smiled.

'Oh papa, it's so beautiful here. I love it!' He smiled at me, his lips grinning, he was like this every time we visited, and he never failed to make me smile, he was amazed by everything, just like Christine, but for a child so young, he also was extraordinarily quick at picking things up. He could sit and list the orchestra and its functions easily; he was amazed by anything musical, and especially Christine's singing voice, but then who wasn't?

'It is very beautiful.' I said a small smile coming at the thought that I had built this place, that this very building was my child of bricks and marble, the creation of my twisted imagination. I didn't know why but I didn't want Gustave to know, I thought it best for him not to. However it was strange to think that I had lived beneath the Opera house, beneath this very building for five years, how had I done it? How had I lived so long without Christine? I really didn't know, it felt as if my life was split now, as if everything before this was just a strange and haunted dream. I would show the boy my lair one day, I would show him it all, I felt he would need to know it all. He knew of my face, and some, just some of my past, but one day I would sit him down and explain, he needed to know why I twitched when the embraced me, why I sometimes would weep, why the mask was such a meaningful thing to me. I would explain when I felt ready.

The boy was amazing, he was growing up every day, and his talents were endless, but it was his passion that made me s happy, he loved everything he did, his eyes would sparkle and his lips pull into that adorable smile, and he would find magic in everything and everything. It was amazing. I watched him as he sat down beside me, shuffling close as the room began to get hotter as it was now filled with people, the show would start soon.

'Papa, have you always loved mama?' he asked looking up at me with navy orbs. I chuckled to myself.

'Yes, always.' I smiled down at him.

'Did mama always love you?' he asked again.

I thought about this, about the trials and tribulations me and Christine had been through. I looked across and saw the Vicomte's old box, I trembled slightly at the thought of what had happened, how so much death had come and been seen, I looked at the rafters, and thought of Boquet and what happened that night. That night Christine didn't love me, that night I had been a monster. That night I nearly lost my lover and that night I had been tortured like never before. Now I thought of it, a lot had happened that would possibly need explaining to Gustave. The Phantom of the opera still lived strong in the Opera house, he supposedly walked the corridors at night, the cast loved to spook each other on the legend, and people came to visit to look at the Opera house where the ghost lived. It was strange to think they were talking of me, that I was presumed dead, it would be hard to explain to Gustave, perhaps I wouldn't need to. I heard the boy gasp as the curtain lifted and the music began, I didn't pay much attention to the music, I knew it well. I had written it, it was my composure, but instead I watched with delight as Gustave's took everything in with wonder, looking amazed by any activity on stage. Then I watched him leap up and start clapping frantically, I was confused then saw on the stage my sweet angel, who was actually dressed as an angel. Her dress was so pure white, it shone, and on her back she had two little make shift wings, her eyes were covered in glitter and her hair cascading down her back, pushed up with a little silver halo. I felt every person in the room have to catch their breath at her beauty, and my heart jumped, that was my Christine, my beautiful Christine. She brought a tear to my eye, she was perfection in everyway, and It hurt how much I loved her. I watched Gustave smile so widely I was worried he would burst. The orchestra picked up and I noticed the little looks Christine gave up to us, I smiled from the shadows. The she began, and before I realised what I was doing I was weeping, she was so beautiful, the music, was taking her wholly It was stunning, each word, each lyric was like gold, pure gold, so beautiful and rich. By the time she finished by hitting those last glorious notes, I was weeping, and so was nearly everyone else in the audience, there was not a dry eye, even Gustave snivelled slightly. I took his hand, and almost in a trance walked the silent corridors to Christine's dressing room, the thunderous applause behind us. I don't know what hit me when she had sung that song, but I think i realised as I had allowed myself to think of the Vicomte and his death, my face, the trials we had been through, I think it sunk in how lucky I was. How damn lucky I was.

I knocked on her door, and was met by her embrace, my sweet angel's arms around me as I walked in.

'Oh Erik your crying, as it that bad?' Christine said biting her lip apologetically.

'Bad? Christine that was the single most beautiful thing ever.' I said realising tears ran down my mask.

Gustave cuddled Christine smiling up at her.

'You were amazing mama.' The boy smiled, looking at her as if she was a real angel.

'Thank you Gustave.' She beamed tickling him slightly.

I smiled at them both, then realised the final part of my plan needed to be put underway.

'Gustave wait her with your mama, then both of you come out in ten minutes, I will be with the carriage.' I looked at Christine's confused face, I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, then sped from the room, I could hear the noise of the corridors beginning to fill with people and trembled, I chose to vacate my old habits and sped through the dark corridors behind the walls. I had the urge to visit my lair, to see the darkness and ponder upon it, to slam my hands down on the organ which I missed so dearly. But I thought of Christine and pressed on I was out the front with the carriage in no time, I made sure the wicker basket was ready, then sat and waited. I heard the giggles before I saw them, then watched as Christine and Gustave skipped out of the side door of the Opera Populaire's giant side. They reached the carriage both out of breath and laughing. It was a beautiful sight, my darling angel, her cheeks slightly flushed and Gustave laughing. My heart soared.

'Now then who is ready for a birthday surprise?' I said smiling, Christine giggled as her and Gustave raced up to sit next to me at the front of the carriage,

'Where are we going angel?' Christine asked giving my hand a squeeze.

'It's a secret.' I smiled at her sideways as I shook the reins, urging the horse on.

'Oh Erik, please tell me!' Christine begged from beside me, Gustave was smiling and laughing.

'Fine, we are going to the meadow for a birthday picnic.' I rolled my eyes, I gave into her too easily. I heard Christine give a little squeal of delight, then myself be pulled into a fierce embrace as she kissed me again and again.

'Oh Erik, it will be wonderful, so wonderful! Thank you, I love you Erik, so much.' She said looking at me with her big eyes.

'It was Gustave's idea actually Christine.' I said nodding at Gustave, who beamed as Christine pulled him onto her knee and cuddled him then pulled me into the cuddle too.

'I love you both so much. So very much.' Christine smiled, holding us both as she kissed both our cheeks.

I realised then and there as I felt Gustave's little hand on me, and Christine's arm holding me tight, that all the pain, the suffering, the hate it was nothing now, nothing. Because I had that one thing that made everything else seem like nothing, it was so special, a constant light, a constant beauty, yes it had at times caused me great pain itself, but it was all worth it, because now due to that one thing I was the happiest man alive, even though I had no face, I had the most beautiful wife and son, and we were all bound together by the heavenly bonds of love.

THANK YOU ALL FOR READING REVIEWING FAVOURITING ETC, SO KIND OF YOU.

LOVE MIA X