A Strange Affair

The sequal to a New Start by Kchan88

Disclaimer: I do not own Phantom of the Opera, as much as I wish I did.

A/N: Its been two years, and Erik has not returned. Christine, Raoul, Marie, Arthur, Lizzie and everyone else has returned to normal. But all still wonder if he will return. Everything is happy as Marie's and Arthur's wedding approaches. Our story begins two weeks before the wedding. Hope that you like it as much as the first. Enjoy!
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Chapter 1: Two years later

Nineteen year old Marie Claire de Chagny hit the last note of rehearsal with ease and perfection. She smiled, her heart filled with pure joy at the sound of the music. She had only grown more beautiful over the past two years, in both voice and appearance. But there was no doubt that she had changed, for the experience two years ago had changed everyone. But the years had given her time to heal, and she was truly happy. The ususal hustle and bustle began as rehearsal ended.

"Bravo madmoiselle." said Firmin, smiling broadly. "Your voice only grows more beautiful as the years pass, just like your mother's"

"Thank you Monsieur Firmin." said Marie as she stepped down from the stage.

"When will your parents be returning?" asked Andre, "We've missed them over the past week."

"They are coming in this afternoon. They've only been gone for a week, but it seems like an eternity." said Marie. "Speaking of that, I'd best get home. They'll be here in an hour or so." she said turning to go.

"Farewell Marie, we'll see you tommorow." said the managers, each giving her a kiss on the hand as she curtseyed goodbye.

She gave one final wave before walking out into the the bright sunlight of the Parisian summer, where Arthur and Lizzie were waiting for her. "Well that was a good rehearsal, if I do say so myself." said Arthur, taking Marie's hand as the trio walked.

"Much better than yesterday's," said Lizzie, "And I think I've finally got my ballet solo down." she said, the sunlight glinting off of her golden locks. "Your parents are coming home today Marie, are you excited?"

Marie grinned, her parents had gone to London for a week to buy wedding presents and to make the final preparations for the 'big surprise' that they had for Marie and Arthur.

"I'm so happy that they'll be home today. And its only two weeks until the wedding." she said, gazing fondly over at Arthur.

Arthur grinned. "I can't believe its been two years already. Its going to get hectic over the next two weeks."

Marie nodded and laughed at the image of her parents running about over the next days, trying to make everything perfect for her.

"I think my mother is going to have a nervous breakdown." said Lizzie chuckling." What with your wedding in two weeks and then mine in three more months."

"Ah, we're getting old." joked Marie Claire, "Weddings and operas, its so strange, it seems as though we were all doing our first opera just yesterday."

"Oh yes, we're getting gray hair and everything." said Arthur, playing along.

The three laughed as they walked along, making their way towards Arthur's carriage, and it seemed like they didn't have a care or a worry in the world. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After taking Lizzie home, the carriage pulled up in front of the de Chagny house. Arthur helped Marie down, giving her a soft kiss on the lips.

"Tell your parents I said hello. I'll see you later, my love." he said, giving her one last embrace, his eyes sparkling as he looked at her. Then he drove away, blowing her a kiss, his bay horses whinnying as he went.

As Marie entered her house, she was immediatley greeted by ten year old Felix who had an excited grin on his face.

"Hello Marie. How was rehearsal? Where's Arthur? Where's Lizzie? I'm so excited that Mama and Papa will be home, aren't you?" he asked in a frenetic rush.

"You are a curious one aren't you?" laughed Marie, her blue eyes sparkling as she touseled her brother's hair.

"Yes I'm very excited that Mama and Papa are coming home. In fact..", she said as she heard the crunching of hooves on the ground," I believe that's them now."

They rushed out onto the front porch to see Raoul parking the white stallions, and Christine laughing at something that he was saying. As they stepped down, their eyes lit up at the sight of their children. Raoul jumped down swiftly and then helped Christine down, spinning her about and giving her kiss before putting her down. Marie and Felix ran to them, and they shared one large group hug.

"Welcome home!" said Marie, her blue eyes alight.

"We're so glad to be home!" said Christine, giving each of her children a kiss on the forehead. " Why this has to have been the first time we've ever gone anywhere without you two."

"But," said Raoul grinning, "I know someone who will be glad we did." he said as he kissed his daughter's rosy cheek.

Marie glanced over and saw several packages in the back of the carriage, and smiled curiously.

"I am anxious to see what they are, but even more so to know what the 'big surprise' is." she said, her face emanating with true happiness that seemed to spread to everyone.

"Well you will, soon enough." said Christine mishieviously.

Raoul turned to Felix, a twinkle in his eye.

"I say Felix de Chagny, you must have grown a foot while we've been away." said Raoul as he tickled his son.

"Do you think so papa?" asked Felix, "Do you think I'll be as tall as you?" he said, jumping up and down, trying to reach Raoul's height.

"Oh much taller, I think." said Raoul, laughing and winking at Christine and Marie, who were trying to keep a straight face.

The family walked inside as twilight began to fall. They sat by the hearth, just talking. And they were all happy, truly happy. Yes, the experience two years ago had changed them, but healing and perhaps even forgiveness had taken place. It had been hard yes, and painful, but time had gone on.

"How did rehearsals go this week Marie?" asked Christine, "I wish I could have done this opera, but your wedding carries the stress of fifteen operas." said Christine, grinning.

Marie Claire nodded, she knew how that felt.

"Rehearsals are going wonderfully actually But you promised Andre and Firmin that you would do the next show. This is the first one you've not done in a while." said Marie.

"They were almost on their knees." remarked Raoul. "But it is no wonder they were, when the pair of you are on stage together it sounds like a chorus of angels. To hear the two of you sing is amazing." he said, deep blue eyes sparkling with excitementt.

"Well, I'm quite excited myself." said Christine smiling and taking Raoul's hand in hers.

"Speaking of the opera, how are Arthur and Lizzie?" asked Raoul, Are they still joining us for dinner tommorow?"

"They're fine, perhaps both a bit more of a nervous wreck since you saw them before you left, but fine." said Marie, laughing. "Arthur is so nervous. He's so afraid he's going to do something wrong."

"Well I remember feeling the same way, before my wedding." said Raoul, smiling lovingly at Christine. "But your mother managed to keep me sane."

Marie chuckled as she yawned lightly. "And if I don't get to bed, I'll be a nervous wreck to."

"I think that's wise choice for all of us. Tommorow will be a busy day. After all, we are going to pick up your dress tommorow." said, Christine, her face lighting up.

"It seems like just yesterday that you were born,and now a wedding dress. You've grown up my girl." said Raoul, his voice nostalgic. "Its to much for a father to handle."

"Don't worry papa, I'm not going far after all. Arthur's house is only a few miles from here." said Marie, hugging her parents and brother goodnight.

"The years have flown." said Christine, her voice slightly sad.

"Yes, "said Marie, "They have.

And as the family went to bed, their heads full of wedding thoughts, they slept a peaceful sleep. But still a small twinge of uncertainty was coming nearer, for as the wedding came closer, all wondered if the Phantom knew.
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A/N: Well there you have it, the first chapter. Its just re introducing some of the main characters, and what is going on. I'm so excited about this story! Chapter 2 should be up very soon. Please read and review!