Hello, and welcome to my Phan-fic. This story is based off of the movie, beginning at the scene where Christine and Raoul are rowing away from the Phantom, after he yells at them to leave.

I apologize if this chapter is terribly boring to some of you, but a couple of our characters need to sort out the thoughts in their heads before the action begins.

Disclaimer I don't own anything except the plot!

Enjoy! Read & Review please :)

"Say you'll share with me, one love, one lifetime ...

say the word and I will follow you ...

Share each day with me ...

... each night ...

... each morning ..."

Christine turned her head to look back at the Phantom as she sang these last few lyrics with Raoul. She was surprised at the pang she felt when she saw tears shining in his eyes, tears caused by her parting.

Christine didn't know why she felt this way. The man had deceived her and played tricks with her mind. And he certainly frightened her- not because of his face- but because of that dangerous temper of his; the way he had yelled and cursed at her after she had slipped off his mask...

And the man had murdered people. Without a second thought, or hint of remorse. And he gladly would have added Raoul to the list had she not chosen to stay with him, and kissed him.

That kiss. It had certainly shocked her when she felt passion while kissing the man who was going to kill Raoul. But Christine admitted the passion had always been there- ever since they had sang together the first time she had been brought down to the lair.

And despite that unpredictable temper of his, Christine knew he would never intentionally harm her- even after his raging storm after the removal of the mask, she could see the disappointment and embarrassment of his outburst in his eyes. Christine knew that the Phantom only wanted the best for her, he would do anything for her, he loved her. He had admitted that before she left with Raoul.

Christine thought of the murders again. Every action of the Phantom's, however twisted, seemed to be his idea of helping her, in some way, shape, or form. Christine could only guess at the horrors the Phantom's past held, but she felt she could forgive him; he couldn't help that the only world he had ever known was one of cruelty and torment.

But then why did he love her? She was just as cruel as everyone else: he gave her his music, and she denied and betrayed him, she removed his mask during their performance in Don Juan Triumphant, and she left him. She did not deserve those precious hours where he taught her to sing, she did not deserve his love.

As she felt Raoul move next to her, Christine chasitised herself for having these thoughts of the Phantom while her fiance was right next to her. How could she possibly give up her future with Raoul? They were childhood sweethearts, he loved her deeply, and she could certainly feel safe and protected with him, knowing he was wealthy and would provide her with a normal lifestyle- which consisted of living aboveground, for one thing.

But her eyes still locked with the Phantom's, Christine realized her lifestyle with Raoul would be nothing but a marionette-type charade. She was a chorus girl who came from a life of poverty. Now she would be the wife of a de Chagny, living an expensive and glorious lifestyle.

She would have to pay the price with her freedom. Being married to Raoul meant always being prim and proper, doing what was told, asked, and expected of you. By living this lifestyle, would Christine ever get to stop being the innocent girl she was? Would she ever get to make her own decisions?

Christine wanted that chance now. It was time to stop her child-like attitude and find out what really could be with the man who might turn out to be her angel after all.

He told her he loved her. And then she had walked towards Raoul, stepped into the boat, and left him forever. Could he blame her? He had almost killed her fiance while forcing her to stay with him forever.

But she had slipped the ring on her finger, and had kissed him. He had never known an ecstasy like it before. The pain he had caused himself was close to unbearable as he screamed at the couple to forget everything and to leave. Christine had chosen him! He could have had her! But no, he did not deserve her love.

He had been listening to the soothing music of his music-box, focusing intently on the little monkey clapping his cymbals together. And she had come back. That was when he had told her he loved her. She had given him back the ring, wrapping his fingers around it. And then she was gone.

Erik now stood by the edge of the water, still feeling the warmth of the kiss on his lips, as he watched the couple drift farther away. Their serenading to each other made him want to cringe. If only that could be him next to her, his shoulder a solid pillow for her head to rest against.

His vision blurred, but he could not wipe the slow forming tears away for Christine had just turned to look back at him. Their eyes were still connected as Erik noticed an odd look pass over her beautiful face. And then he saw her walk towards the back of the boat, and with a splash, she had jumped into the icy depths of the water.