10/03/08
8:45-11:15 am
Raoul and Christine's Epilogue
Twenty minutes after parting with Erik, Raoul and Christine stepped off the boat and onto solid ground. They were by a secret door, steps away from the rest of the world, but Raoul simply stood gazing sadly at Christine. His eyes shone with longing and admiration.
Christine's smile faded. "What is it?"
"Tonight… on the stage… you sang with such passion for him."
The smile and warmth returned to Christine's countenance. "Not for him, Raoul; for you. Every word I sang, I sang to you."
Hope and light replaced sadness. "Then why were you so intimate with him? The way he—"
"Stop!" Suddenly, the singer was upset. The memory of her last performance was still fresh and terrifying in her mind. "I was only trying to keep his mind on me." Her voice was a whisper. "I was afraid for you. He was very upset with you – jealous, at least. Then, when you really were in danger…" she shook her head at the prospects that came to mind. "I would have died with you, Raoul; I would have killed myself." At last, her voice failed her, not helped by Raoul's visible concern.
"Oh, Christine," he sighed, taking her into his arms, her tears wetting his shoulder.
"I love you so much," Christine smiled once she calmed down. She drew back enough to look Raoul in the eyes, which now conveyed his internal peace.
"I love you, too," the man smiled, brushing the tears off of her cheek. Then, as his lips met hers, Raoul knew that Christine was safe; the Phantom of the Opera and the terrors he brought were in the past, never to return.