Chapter 2
After Raoul left us, the Phantom looked at me intensely, and said "Christine why do you insist on me coming with you and the boy after all that I have done? I have released you.?"
I shook my head fervently "No you have not released me. You have chained me to you, and your fate, even more."
He shook his head violently and grabbed my face in his hands and stared into my eyes, searching for answers to unasked questions. "No Christine, I did not, I never wanted your pity, only your love. You will never love me, only pity me. You already gave me something that I have never experienced, and will always treasure, a hug and a kiss. In return I set you free, you and your boy. I will wait with you until the boy comes here with his fine horses but that will be the last that you will see of me." He released me.
I seized his arm, and looked into his beautiful eyes once more "No." I insisted "You will not disappear. I know that you felt something when I kissed you. I did too. You let me see who you really are inside, who you could be. I know now how you are and that you are a good man inside, you could be a really good man, if given the chance. I don't think that anyone has ever given you the chance."
He laughed sardonically, and bitterly remarked "You kissed me and now you feel that you know me. In the years that I have taught you and comforted you, you never once even asked me my name but you claim to understand my black soul, you think that you can what save me? No Christine it is too late for that. What you saw was simply an illusion. I am dead inside, I am truly a Phantom, a shadow of an unhappy monster, who once dreamed only to have a normal life. For a moment you ,and your music, revived me and I thought that I could rise up from the ashes like a Phoenix." He squeezed my hand tight until it hurt. "I know now that it will never happen I remain what I was, a Phantom, a dark shadow and nothing more." He looked away from me, I could see a tear forming on his eye even though he tried to hide it from me.
I could see it. "What is your name Angel, tell me now. Please."
He looked at me with a distant smile. "Erik" he replied softly "My name is Erik."
I smiled back at him, his name suited him. "I am sorry that I never asked you. Please forgive me Erik." I pleaded
He pulled away "There is nothing to forgive." He replied. I could see Raoul's carriage in the distance. Erik could see as well. "Goodbye Christine." He said in his velvet tone.
I felt myself panic and grab him again. "No." I said.
Erik laughed bitterly "It is too late my dear we have passed the point of no return." He pointed to the approaching carriage.
"No." I cried again "Please Angel, Erik."
"Why Christine why can't you let me go? You know that it is what you have wanted." He turned away hiding his face from me.
I shook my head not knowing what I could say to make him stay. He started to move away from me to leave as Raoul's carriage pulled up.
"Please Erik, I care about you, I love you." I added desperately.
With that he stopped and whirled around to face me. He searched my eyes, for a moment, and could see my pleading eyes. I had his attention.
"You said that you would do anything for me, back there, in your lair. Did you mean that?"
I could see the conflict in his eyes but he looked at me, at last, and answered softly, "I did say that." he admitted.
I looked at him and said "Then please step inside Raoul's carriage."
He hesitated for a moment but then, in a graceful bow, he opened the door to the carriage and motioned to me to get inside. I didn't trust him, so I stubbornly told him to get in first. He laughed at my tenacity and stepped inside and reached for me and helped me in. Raoul was seated facing us, and gave Erik a scowl, and looked at me with deep concern. I smiled at Raoul and moved next to him and reached for his hand, to give it a comforting squeeze, and then we headed for Raoul's estate.
