A/N: Sorry for not updating since the birth of the dinosaurs, but my computer had been busted for the last two weeks, and that's not fun. :(

Chapter 10: Jacob asks questions

By: PittsBurghFuzz

Jacob knocked on the door of Erik's office.

"Who is it?" Erik asked.

Jacob replied. "Just Jacob."

"Come in." Erik told Jacob.

Jacob gently closed the door behind him.

"What happened to Miss Abbey?" Jacob asked.

"She resigned." Erik said, having trouble trying to even summon those words.

"Why? Is she involved in a scandal?" Jacob asked.

"No! Of course not. Abbey resigned at her fiance's request."

"Oh. I see. I miss Abbey."

"So do I." Erik told Jacob.

"What do you have there?" Jacob was pointing to sheets of music.

"Oh, that's something I've been working on some time. Its called Life is Cruel."

"What's it about?" Jacob asked.

"The title says it all. Now, run along and practice with Paul."

"Are you coming home for dinner?"

"Maybe."

Jacob walked out the room slowly, with a small frown on his face, and closed Erik's door. The other day, Erik had posted a job offering for Abbey's former position. However, none of the applicants were not suitable for the job.

Erik sighed. "This is hopeless."

A knock came from the door.

"Come in." Erik requested.

Christine was at the door. For the first time in a long while, Christine began to look like her oldself.

"Christine? What are you doing here?" Erik asked.

"I came to say thank you for giving Raoul a job." Christine told Erik.

"That's all?"

"Well, I came to ask you something." Christine admitted, looking down at the floor.

"Well then, tell me."

"Have you found anyone to take Abbey's position?" Christine asked.

"Well, no. I haven't."

"Oh. Erik..."

"Yes Christine?"

"I was wondering, if, well, I could have that position."

Erik remained silent.

"What's the matter? Are you afraid of my inexperience?" Christine asked.

"Inexperience? Well, you aren't wrong to say that, but then again, its not a tough position to handle."

"I'll do anything for it Erik!" Christine was on her knees begging.

Erik then looked angry. "Stop kneeling to me!" Erik commanded.

Christine stood up.

"You can have the position."

"Oh thank you Erik!" Christine tightly hugged Erik. Just like in the catacombs of the Paris Opera, Erik didn't know what to do.

After a long day of composing and working out some blueprints for his next project, Erik finally returned home.