Hey guys, sorry I took so long, I've been really busy with tests and stuff. But, I'm up to Chap. 11 in my notebook, so do not fear, I'm not going to abandon this story. I'm having a bit of writers block with chap. 11 though, but I'll work through it. So, here's chap. 9

Erik and Christine were sitting in a chair, Christine on his lap, when Madame Giry arrived. Christine blushed, but didn't move.

After getting through the pleasantries, they sat there in silence until Madame Giry broke the silence.

"Erik, I have come to warn you, deLerox is getting impatient and wishes to have Christine back."

"Do not worry, we will be far from here by the time he calls you back," Erik reassured her.

"The problem with that is if I don't tell him where Christine is, he will dismiss me and keep Meg as his servant," Madame Giry explained.

"Well, that changes things quite a bit. Madeline, we shall have to discuss this. Christine, wait here ma belle." Erik kissed her once, gently, then patted her waits. Christine stood up off his lap with a sigh.

"I'll be right back, ma sucre." Christine smiled at him.

"Alright, I'll get us some tea." Erik watched her leave then turned back to Madeleine. She was frowning at him.

"Erik did you…" she trailed off. He nodded. "I told you never to take advantage of her like that!"

"I did not force her to Madeline," he said gently, smiling. "She did it of her own free will." Madame Giry stared at him in shock.

"I did not think she would forget the Vicomte so easily," she said.

"Christine informed me that she had been starting to change her mind about him. She found him very controlling and was planning on dissolving the engagement the night the Vicomte was killed," Erik explained.

"Did you find him?" Madame Giry asked. Erik nodded. "Then he is the reason you are leaving, yes?" she guessed.

"My brother is ruthless and spoiled. He was raised to believe he could get whatever his heart desired. Besides, if Emmet is here, that means Mother is close by as well," Erik confirmed.

"Where will you go?"

"England," he replied with a smirk. "It is the only where I am not a wanted man."

____________

Christine balanced the tea on a tray, Earl Gray for Erik, lemon for Madame Giry, and herbal for herself. She approached the two of them and set down the tray on the table. She passed out the tea, Erik and Madame nodding their thanks. Christine sat next to Erik on the loveseat and he put an arm around her. Madame Giry frowned but didn't protest.

"Erik told me of your plans, but first, we must take care of Monsieur deLerox. I believe I have a good idea, albeit temporary."

There, done. I really am sorry about the delay. I've just been so busy with math fairs, science fairs, science competitions, mock trials, and life in general. I'll try to get the next chap. Up within a week. Thanks for sticking with me! : )