A/N: I decided to have a little fun writing this story. I don't own PotO, if I did…needless to say, I wouldn't be here. Enjoy:
Chapter 1: Second Thoughts
Two days after the horrifying chandelier fire at the Opera Populaire, Christine Daae sat in her hotel room, fingering her engagement ring. Since that night, where the Phantom had proclaimed his love, she had been having second thoughts about her engagement. Yes, she loved Raoul, but not the way she had first thought. He had been only thing she had had to keep her afloat, but now there were two choices, and she knew which one she should take, and the one she wanted to take. Raoul had money and a title, the Phantom however, she didn't even know his name and he had nothing but love to offer her.
There was a loud knock, and then the old door creaked open, Raoul stepped in.
"Hello my dearest. How are you?" He whispered, and then kissed her.
Christine wanted to push him away, instead she pulled him closer. It was like drinking a vile drink, kissing him, she almost shuddered. She broke the kiss abruptly, not being able to stand anymore. He didn't notice her look of distaste, but then he never did, he was too busy thinking about his own feelings.
"Raoul, when do we leave Paris?" She asked, trying to make it seem as though she was eager.
"As soon as the Phantom is caught, I want to know that he is good and dead before we leave." Raoul said curtly.
Christine's eyes widened in shock, "Why? He let us go; you have nothing to hold against him!"
Raoul turned curiously to her, "I thought you would agree with me. Do you have feelings for him or simply sympathy?"
Christine had been avoiding that question since they had left the dungeons of the Opera, "Neither, silly! But, would it hurt to give him some slack and a chance to start his life over?"
Raoul started muttering to himself. Christine caught the phrase, "…doesn't deserve to live the murderous beast…"
Christine was appalled, since when had Raoul become so violent? She timidly made a suggestion, "Raoul, darling, I think I am going to stay here for a couple of weeks, to help with the Opera Populaire. After a few weeks, come and get me, I shall be ready then."
Raoul shrugged, "Fine with me, my dear. In a few weeks then…"
Above them, there was a soft sigh. The Phantom, Erik, was relieved; he had a little time to win Christine back. A little was much better than nothing. He hoped Monsieur De Chagney took his time on coming back.