Author Comment: Hey guys! I'm back, finally, after such a long time! I'm writing this story without the knowledge or use of an editor so I apologize for any spelling or grammar errors. And yes I do plan on going back to my old stories but I had an urge to write this one since I recently saw the Phantom of the Opera live and it was inspiring. (I then saw the movie, again, the 25th anniversary edition, and then the sequel Love Never Dies.) I hope you guys enjoy!


Christine glanced across the room, towards the door. She had decided to make this rendezvous at a secluded, shady type of restaurant, figuring she wouldn't be disturbed here. And so far she had been right. She picked up her glass of water and gingerly took a sip.

It had been a good eleven months since that dreadful night at the Opera Populaire. The night she had had to choose between her childhood friend and her guardian, her Angel and mentor. She had realized too late that her decision was the wrong one. That she had been following her anger and frustration over being a pawn, being used over a game between two men. By then he had disappeared, like the magician he was, but he left nothing behind for her to find him.

That was why she was here, why she was now waiting as patiently as she could for her, the only person who would know where he went. Her former dance instructor and the closest thing she had had to a mother. Madame Giry, such an empowered woman, so independent and such a secretive person. Her daughter, Meg Giry, was Christine's best friend growing up. 'Oh how young and innocent they had been.' She thought as she watched the waitress approach her for the fifth time.

"Countess-" the waitress began but Christine raised her hand to silence her.

"I am not a Countess yet my dear, Miss Daae will suffice." Christine smiled at the poor girl, who had to be barely fifteen. She herself was just seventeen, too young to have been involved in the love triangle she had found herself tangled in.

The waitress returned her smile, completely flustered, the poor thing must not have been used to kind customers. 'Working in such a bad neighborhood would do that to you' Christine thought. "Ah, I'm so sorry Miss Daae, would you like to order now?"

Christine gave her an indulgent smile. "I'm afraid not, I'm still waiting for someone."

The waitress nodded and left, leaving Christine with her thoughts. She wondered what he was doing now, if he was okay. Yes she thought it was highly inappropriate to have feelings with a man who has murdered not just once but several times. All out of either anger, boredom, or insanity. But no one knew him, knew the person under the mask, under the world he had created around him. She knew now what she did not realize then. That he hid in the shadows out of fear that people would shun him like they had in the past. She had even shunned him, pushed away the friend that had been there for her, who had seen through her loneliness, her grief over losing her loved one. All because he had shown a bit himself to her and it had frightened her away. But he was a special man, someone who deserved better than the life that had been dealt to him. Despite the murdering aspect of his past.

Christine sighed, she could forgive him of his deeds, not the murdering ones, but of how he had behaved towards her, because how she had reacted towards him was no better. She glanced at the door again. She hoped that her message had been safely delivered to Madame Giry as was promised. It had been tough finding the location of her former instructor, she had almost disappeared into thin air like her Angel had.

Just then the all too familiar presence of her mother-like friend slid gracefully into the adjacent seat. "My dear Christine, how regal you look." She said without a smile, Madame Giry wasn't one to smile.

But she most admit she was shocked that Madame Giry would use that tone of voice with her. A voice laced with sarcasm and coldness. Christine blinked, and intimidated by this woman spoke with a slight tremor in her voice. "Madame Giry, how have you been?"

Madame Giry nodded. "Let us drop the pretense, shall we? Why have you summoned me here?"

Christine had the impression that Madame Giry knew exactly why she had been summoned. She gulped and was thankfully spared from answering with the reappearance of the young waitress.

"Are we ready to order now?" she asked, completely oblivious to the tense atmosphere that had formed rather quickly.

Madame Giry quickly ordered a salad and as Christine had been put off guard, she too ordered a salad. The waitress frowned slightly but left without a word.

"I wanted to see you again, it has been far too long. But… I had an ulterior motive as you've rightly guessed, how is the Phantom?" She fiddled with her napkin for want of something to do.

Madame Giry just stared at her, which Christine couldn't tell if it was out of shock or surprise or amusement. "Why do you inquire about him?"

Christine frowned, that was not the response she wanted. "Because I'm worried." She simply stated, not completely knowing how to respond.

"You are worried he will come after you again?"

Christine responded faster than she thought possible. "No." she just as quickly added, "not at all."

"Than what exactly are you worried about?" She stared directly into Christine's eyes.

"Him. I regret everything that happened that night. And I think that's why I'm not happy. I need to make this right Madame Giry. Please, do you know where he is?"

Madame Giry's eyes searched her face, seeking for any falsities, for any hidden motives. Christine could understand that, she didn't want the Phantom to be hunted like an animal any more than Madame Giry did. Once Madame Giry found the answers she was looking for, her eyes met Christine's once again. "You were always an open book to read, my child."

Christine smiled slightly. "Will you help me?"

Madame Giry sighed. "The Phantom is such a troubled man, so difficult to understand and even harder to be accepted. So much has happened in his life that not even I know about. He is quick to anger." She reached for Christine's hand with her right one. "I do not wish for you to place yourself in harm's way, but that night haunts him. He cannot move on. The genius that he is stuck, because of that night." Her hand slipped out from Christine's grip as Madame Giry got up. "I am glad to see you again my dear. You really do look lovely." And with that she was gone.

Christine let her hand open slowly, to find a crumpled piece of paper stuffed in her grasp. Christine smiled and left some money on the table. She was gone before the waitress came back.