Poor Erik!
PHANTOM
Christine de Chagny, once Christine Daae had a peculiar fondness for graveyards.
This was never spoken of around other people; yet they knew and remarked on it.
Such a pretty young girl. Why does she spend hours in such dreary places? Is she mourning someone? A dead child? A handsome lover?
Monsieur de Chagny was never seen with her when she made her odd visits. Why is that, mmmm? Is she keeping secrets from her husband? Does she have a meeting with someone?
But the couple and their new twin daughter and son rarely spoke to the locals, and the question was never resolved before they moved on to another town.
Why does she visit graveyards?
PHANTOM
"Where is Mama going, Papa?" asked little Marguerite, nose pressed to the window.
"Whenever we move, she does the same thing!" reasoned Marius, pulling at his father's arm. "Is she looking for the best place to buy yummy food?"
"She wouldn't look so sad if she was shopping, Ma'ius! Don't be silly!"
Raoul sighed and put down the carpetbags, trying to advert the beginning squabble. "Papa doesn't know much about this, ma petits. She is very sad today. Perhaps she needs some 'alone' time."
"But we've been good, Papa! I didn't hit Marius once today, and I shared my sweets!"
Raoul picked Marguerite off the windowseat. "It's not your fault, ma cherie. Now, how about we unpack so as surprise Mama when she comes home?"
"Yes Papa!"
Where are you now, Christine?
PHANTOM
Christine needed to be alone. She hurried into the old village graveyard, blindly opening the gate. With eyes full of tears, she sat down on an old, rusty bench.
Today is the anniversary of Erik's death. Oh, Erik...poor Erik...
Her tears fell lightly around her. Quiet weeping floated away over the misty meadows.
I should have stayed. Raoul could have found love elsewhere...but I wasn't brave enough. I let you down. Oh, Erik, Erik...can you forgive me? I'm so sorry...
"You can't marry because of pity, my dear," a voice said softly above her.
Christine looked up. Another young woman stood near the bench. She was dressed in light gray, her hair was loose and free, and both swayed gently in the soft, misty air.
"May I join you?" she asked, her voice quiet and serene.
"What do you know about my state?" Christine asked bitterly. "You don't even know my name or who I am!"
"More than you think. I went through similar times. Torn between the man I loved, and the man I pitied. I chose love and regretted it sorely. But it was the right choice. I could not love the other, and he did not want my pity. It is for the best."
Christine looked at the strange lady. "Did you..."
"Accept it? Yes I did, and found that, though I was not worthy of the final sacrifice he made for me, I would not have it otherwise for the whole world."
She slipped into the seat next to Christine. "Look at your joys, your children, the love he bears for you. Put away the ghosts of the past. The choice is made, Christine Daae. It is time to live in the present, for there is a new child within you."
"How...how did you know?" Christine stammered. "I've told no one!"
The stranger smiled and arose. "Remember me, Christine. Farewell!"
She stepped lightly away.
"Wait! Who are you? What is your name?" Christine called.
The lady turned, her hair and dress floating around her. "Lucie...Lucie Darney."
Christine blinked. She was all alone once more.
A/N: In case you are still wondering, the lady who Christine met was the ghost of Lucie Darney, from a Tale of Two Cities. I thought their stories were very much alike in some ways, and I really wanted them to meet, but the times did not match up, hence the graveyard and ghost.
I hope you enjoyed this little piece! Please leave a review and tell me what you thought!
Mary-Bea