This is my first story to post on fanfiction, be gentle!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of Phantom of the Opera... -sighs-

Observing the scene before her, Christine felt lost. Nurses were darting across the room, treating sick or unconscious patients. To her right lay a moaning man who, upon closer inspection, she noticed had several fingers missing. Cringing at the thought, she quickly turned her head to a young nurse checking the temperature of a child, no older than six. "Excuse me?" Christine called out, unsure of why she was in a hospital.

The nurse turned around, her eyes widening in surprise when they lay on Christine. She quickly walked over, introducing herself as Dr. Hopkins. "How are you feeling, Miss Daae?" she asked, checking Christine's forehead for a temperature.

"I feel fine, Doctor. Although I don't remember exactly why I'm here." Christine said, before memories came flooding back to her.

Blindfolded, Christine stood in what she assumed to be a dressing room. It was her wedding day and her best friend, Meg Giry, wanted her dress to be a surprise. Hesitantly accepting Meg's proposal, Christine had no choice of a gown. Now, half an hour until she was to wed Raoul, she was getting nervous.

She had been having second thoughts ever since the night he proposed, but had never told a soul. He was a fine man to marry, and she was sure her parents would have been proud. Why shouldn't she marry him?

"Meg, may I please have a peek? Nobody will ever find out, I swear! I just want a chance to see the dress before the end of next year." Christine mumbled, folding her arms.

"Christine, just hold still. You fidget too much. Don't worry, you look gorgeous! I'm almost finished lacing up the back. And... there." Taking Christine's hand, she led her over to a mirror. Slowly untying the blindfold, what Christine saw made her lips form the shape of an 'o'.

Her hair had been elegantly piled on top of her head, with a few spirals encircling her face. Kohl made her honey-colored eyes stand out, her full lips curving into a small smile as she twirled in her dress.

The dress itself was strapless, lace covering the bodice. Outlining her every curve, the gown left a long train behind her. Christine again felt apprehensive about the wedding. Although it had been well over a year, memories of the Phantom still lingered in her mind. "Meg, I don't think I'm ready for marriage."

"It's only pre-wedding jitters. You'll be fine." Christine wasn't so sure.

A man with a black tuxedo on, one of Raoul's guests, opened the door. "Meg, you're up next. Then we'll be ready for the bride." Meg turned to Christine, gave her a childish smile, and left the room. Christine followed.

Once they were down the hall, Meg pulled apart the curtains and slowly walked through. Waiting a few seconds, Christine did the same.

All eyes followed the bride. The breeze gently blew a few strands of hair around her face, as she took in the beauty before her. The wedding was being held outside, the guests sitting on long white benches. Behind the alter was a river, the whole area surrounded by an array of flowers. The bridesmaids were all matching with silk periwinkle blue dresses, while the men wore ties to match. As she lifted her eyes to Raoul, almost fully down the aisle, she stopped. Something told her to look down.

A single rose lay in her path. Forcing her eyes back to the one she was to wed, it was not Raoul she saw. It was the Phantom.

I love him, she thought, as the world before her disappeared from her vision.