Chapter II

The funeral was filled with many people. More than could be expected for any man. The casket was left open and Lionel was displayed very elegantly. They covered his bullet hole wound with a cloth and people were circled around all whispering prayers and forming a line to go up to the corpse and spoke what they wish to say.

Celeste was sitting next to Gustave who had Christine in his arms while Madame Giry held Marie. Both Christine and Giry's daughter Meg were stared quietly. Celeste had wanted the funeral at her home where Lionel could have died in peace rather than a lonely old church. It was well preferred by Gustave as well. He believed his old friend would have wanted to be put to rest in his home.

It was indeed very heartbreaking to Gustave when he learned of his friend's death. A sudden murder? The police speculated suicide when a suspect was not found but there was no possible way Lionel would have killed himself. He knew him better than anyone. Gustave felt such grief as he had suffered enough with his wives' deaths… but now Lionel? Was God punishing him by taking away everyone he held dear? Nothing made sense to him.

He looked down at Christine who was simply staring around, too young to understand the tragedy that had happened. Her sea blue eyes looked up to stare into his and she gave him a grin making Gustave return the soft smile and giving her a kiss on her forehead. But his eyes then turned to the babe Marie. It pained him when Lionel had reminded him how she wasn't his blood–which was true but he saw her as if she was his own. She was his daughter and he wanted to treat her as such. Marie was a beautiful baby and he'd be damned if he ever lost her too.

"Perhaps, dear Gustave," Whispered Celeste to the grieving man. "Now would be time to compromise a future wedding for Raoul and darling Christine."

Gustave turned to the woman in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"With Lionel gone, Raoul will have to be the one to uphold the de Chagny name. I would want your daughter to be the one who will be his support and wife. I think that's what Lionel told me he wanted." Celeste said, poisonous lies slipping through her teeth.

Gustave slowly turned his head to Lionel's body and felt a rush of anguish. Was that truly his friend's wish? Lionel had wanted Christine to marry Raoul when he spoke to him but Gustave did not want that to happen. But now with him gone, Gustave felt as if it was the least he could do… complete the wishes of his dead friend.

"All right," Gustave said, hesitantly. "We will talk about it tomorrow."

Celeste smiled softly but inside her mind was screaming triumph. Perhaps with Lionel gone, she was going to get more things that she wanted. As of now, she was the head of the family until Raoul came of age. Sending him to school could still do him some good, Lionel was right about that. He could be taught the ways of becoming a man and handling the estate.

And what of the opera house? The construction was meant to have begun in week to come. Perhaps she would sell the property or she could always keep the damn thing. It could bring more money into the household. But it could also send her to ruins.

"Madame," called a voice. Celeste turned her head and was greeted by the presence of Nadir who sat down next to her.

"Monsieur Khan." she welcomed. Nadir tipped his head at Gustave who did likewise before turning back to the service as a priest walked in to say a blessing.

Nadir was sure that something was not right in this whole ordeal. When he had heard of Lionel's death, it was one of the most painful things that had ever happened to Nadir. Losing a friend like Lionel was dreadful and he had rushed as fast as he could over to Vasing. What he was greeted with a dead body lying on the bed with a bullet hole in his head, a fainted wife, and a boy weeping heavily over his father's body. Nadir had averted his eyes and had looked into the far corner of the room where a shadow loomed, a pair of golden eyes was watching the family with an emotionless expression. In that moment, Nadir truly believed that Erik had done something that was beyond being forgiven.

Within time, it had been evident that it had not been Erik who had pulled the trigger as he had been with Raoul the entire time, up until workers had found the body of Lionel. But seeing how death did not faze the masked boy even by a little had Nadir pitied him even more. It was obvious that he did not wish to be sympathized with but it was disheartening how a young life could have not been pained by something so violent and tragic. Jean-Charles had surely done his dirty work and got his wish.

.

Upstairs, Raoul was inside Erik's room watching as he was getting ready. Erik had grow accustom to him but since the death of Lionel, he hadn't felt the same anymore. Everything was going to change, he just knew it.

"I suppose I'm like you now," Raoul said softly. Erik looked at him with a frown. "I mean now I don't have a papa anymore." Erik didn't bother to reply and simply looked at the mirror, staring at his reflection.

"I think papa would have wanted us to take care of each other." Raoul suggested, trying to think of what Lionel would have wished.

"How will you take care of me?" Erik questioned mockingly. Before Raoul could answer, the bedroom door flew open and banged against the wall.

"Raoul, hurry up! We're waiting down–" Celeste entered the room and glanced at the masked boy. Her face twisted into one of pure hatred. "What in God's name are you doing here?" she screeched. Erik narrowed his eyes at her and returned the hateful look. It was more than enough to frighten Celeste. "Get out of my house and never return! I never want to see your disgusting being here again!"

"Maman, stop!"

"With pleasure," growled the masked boy. Erik harshly pushed through Celeste and left the room. Raoul attempted to chase after him but Celeste grabbed him and shook him hard.

"No! Get dressed!" Celeste scolded harshly. "He doesn't belong here and I'll be damned if anyone thinks I'm going to allow that bastard to live here."

"Why not?!" Raoul shouted at his mother. "Papa would have wanted it that way! He wanted Erik to be my friend! He wanted us to behave like brothers!"

"What your father wanted doesn't matter anymore, Raoul! He's dead!" Celeste screamed but regretted it the instant she saw the betrayed pain behind her son's eyes. She may have hated Lionel with everything in her but Raoul did not. That was his father and in every aspect, she had struck a nerve.

Raoul shoved his mother aside and ran off leaving her calling after him.

Erik rushed into the stables and greeted Caesar who was oh, too happy to see him again. Erik stroked the black stallion and began to open his gate. If no one wanted him there, then there was no reason for him to remain. Erik grabbed the saddle and placed it on Caesar's back. He'd rather be dead than to let some pathetic woman make his life a living hell!

"No Erik, please wait!" a voice called. Erik turned to see the young de Chagny running towards him with desperation smothered in his face. He narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Raoul as the young boy blocked the entrance. "Don't leave!"

"I do not wish to stay here," Erik said, his voice low. "I will not be commanded around like some peasant."

"Then… then let me come with you!" Raoul blurted. He didn't want to lose his only friend! Not when he could instead form some way for them to still be together. In the short time they had together, Erik was like a brother to Raoul. Yes, Erik was cold and very aloof but Raoul respected his need for solitude and believed that he would come around. "I want to learn math! A-and learn music just like you! I know I can do it!"

"You can but not now," Erik replied as he continued to prepare Caesar and snatching some horse food into his pockets.

"We can go away!" Raoul suggested. "I have money! It can be of use to us!"

"Money?' Erik turned slowly to Raoul. "Your own money?"

"Yes and lots of it! I have it stored away in a box." Raoul said, excited that he finally got Erik's attention. "All you have to do is wait until the evening and we can go travel! Like pirates!"

Erik raised his eyebrow at the boy's imagination but said nothing. Money could be of use when he needed to eat and find a place to sleep. Stealing and breaking in could cause problems and having money could make things easier. Still, Erik wanted to push Raoul into making sure it is what he wanted.

"They'll never let you leave," Erik protested.

"Then I'll escape!" Raoul concluded. "After my father's burial, we'll leave! Then we can look after each other! I know that's what papa would have wanted."

Erik stared at Raoul for a moment, attempting to find any sort of deceit behind the lad's eyes but he found none. After a moment of pause, the masked boy slowly nodded his head in agreement and Raoul grinned happily.


Celeste was in her bedroom as all the guests had disappeared. Gustave had gone back to Paris with his two daughters and Madame Giry. Nadir had retreated into his guest room and promised that the following morning he will go over Lionel's will and paperwork for the estates and opera house.

She kept staring at the paper in her hands. The very paper that had Lionel's handwriting all over it and contained his very words in which he wanted that blasted freak to be a part of the de Chagny household.

She didn't exactly know what to feel. When she was crying in desperation that day after Lionel stormed out to take that letter to Nadir, she pleaded that something were to stop him. And it was only minutes that clocked by until she had heard shouts and her land workers rushing into her home carrying the dead body of her husband.

Was it God granting her wish?

It couldn't have been… or else she was the true murderer of Lionel de Chagny.

Celeste had watched as the dumped his body on her bed and the men rushed out frantically and rushed to retrieve a doctor. But all Celeste did in that moment was rush to her deceased husband's body and desperately search for the letter. It was a matter of life or death to her! Imagine her reputation! It would be burned to ashes if anyone knew that Lionel de Chagny wanted to name his bastard son a heir and she would have to accept that mangled beast as her own. She would rather be killed a thousand times than ever let her public image be soiled.

"Madame?" a rough knock at her door sent Celeste in a panic. She quickly put the letter in a black wooden box before locking it with a key. She hastily fixed herself before putting a calm facade over herself.

"Come in," she called. In came in Lionel's best worker and now Celeste's newly promoted steward for the field work, Joseph Buquet.

"You called for me," he stated and Celeste nodded her head. She had and as much as she hated the stench of this man, he was a good worker.

"Yes, find my son. I haven't seen him and I'm slightly worried of where he has gone." she said. Buquet nodded his head before walking out of the room.

The sun was setting and Erik had prepared Caesar along with another horse for Raoul. He had been waiting impatiently for that damn boy and Erik was beginning to consider leaving him behind.

"Erik?"

Erik narrowed his eyes at Raoul who came inside the stables with a elegant box. He looked at the boy in front of him and had to admit, he was dressed in looser clothes that made it easier to travel in. Perhaps, he wasn't completely as daft as Erik presumed him to be.

"Look! I brought it!" Raoul said as he opened the lid. Erik peeked inside and saw many gold coins. It was certainly more than enough for them to navigate from place to place. "I think we can use it to go anywhere!" Erik nodded his head in acceptance.

"Put it in a satchel. The box will be a nuisance to carry around." Erik said as he climbed atop of Caesar. He gently caressed the black beast's neck in order ease it and grabbed the rope around the harness.

"I don't have one," Raoul confessed. Erik gritted his teeth in annoyance before he opened the saddlebag that was on Caesar and Raoul quickly poured the coins in. After he looked at the other horse that was ready and looked up at Erik. "Am I riding that one?"

"Yes."

"I-I've never rode a horse without father before…"

"Well now you will," Erik snapped. Raoul jumped at his harsh tone causing Erik to rub his eyes in frustration. Well, the young blonde was just nine years old. Erik shouldn't have expected so much from him. The masked boy sighed and climbed off of Caesar before facing Raoul. Erik picked him up effortlessly and placed him atop the horse. "One leg on each side, good. Your horse is young and very strong. You're going to have to hold on tight."

"I can do that." Raoul assured. Erik nodded his head before he shouts of that damnable Buquet.

"Master Raoul!" called the drunkard worker. "Where are you!?"

"We have no time to waste!" Erik hissed to Raoul before hastily climbing on Caesar. "Follow me!" he called and rode off into the newly risen night.

Raoul quickly grabbed the rope around his horse and whipped in command for it to take off. Finally! His own freedom and a life full of adventure!

"Oh no you don't!"

He was suddenly yanked off the horse and watched as the animal took off without him. This–this wasn't supposed to happen! Raoul looked up to see Buquet staring at him with annoyance. This man had ruined everything! He just lost the only friend he ever had! Tears began to welt up in his eyes.

"No! Let go of me!" Raoul shouted as he kicked and screamed.

"Your mother is worried for you, you selfish boy!"

"No! NO!" Raoul cried and looked to see the body and stallion of his friend disappearing, oblivious to what just happened. "ERIK! ERIK, HELP ME!"

But the masked boy had disappeared into the night almost like a ghost.

Almost like he never existed.

.

"HE STOLE ALL YOUR MONEY?!"

Raoul shrunk under the harsh shouts of his mother. "No! I gave it to him, maman!"

"DON'T LIE FOR THAT DESPICABLE BEING!" Celeste screeched. She was furious! How dare that freak take advantage of his son and take all the money. What kinds of a person was Lionel trying to place into her family? Thank God she was right about that sorry excuse and got rid of him! She glared at Raoul in such anger that she knew wasn't even fully directed at him. "Go to your room! You are not allowed to come out because you are grounded!"

Raoul bowed his head in disappointment and slowly walked out of the room, clearly upset and heartbroken. All he wanted was an adventure! Was that so selfish?

"I wager I can still catch that little thief, Comtesse." Buquet said, as he was standing on the other side of the room. "Would you like me to bring him back?"

"No," Celeste waved her hand as if brushing out the idea. "Let him leave. That is the only benefit out of this whole mess." she said and began to walk into Lionel's office. It smelled just like him and she almost hated it.

It wasn't that she was happy about Lionel dying, but she wasn't unhappy about it either. She despised him and everything he had ever done to make her suffer. Maybe that was just fate punishing him and stopping him from trying to humiliate her again. Celeste had always deserved better than what she was given and she honestly believed that the only reason she had ever put up with some like Lionel was because she had her darling son Raoul. He was her only reason to live and she had never loved another as much as she loved her son. Was that so wrong?

Hardly. But she remembered the day exactly. She remembered the day she gave birth and how the sound of his cries were almost a melody to her ear. It was such a emotional moment as every pain, every tear, every moment of anger, everything was worth as she gave him life. Celeste watched as the midwife carefully wrapped her dear boy in a blanket and the moment they handed him to her, he had stopped crying! She put his tiny little head against her chest and the sound of her heartbeat was so soothing to the baby. Almost like his first lullaby. From that day on, she promised herself that she was going to live only for him and for no one else. Every action she would take would be in the best interests of her son.

"Ah, Comtesse de Chagny, I was hoping to find you here."

Celeste turned and saw that Nadir was standing at the threshold. She held her head high and went to sit at the chair behind the desk before gesturing him to come in. She was the head of the household now and she was certainly going to act like it.

"I apologize for the situation with Erik, but I strongly believe that he did not steal Raoul's money." Nadir spoke.

"Never speak the name of that little worm in this house!" Celeste warned harshly. Nadir frowned and shot daggers with his eyes at the woman before him. The Comtesse sighed, attempting to control her anger. "You have all of Lionel's financial papers, is that correct?"

"That is correct," Nadir said hesitantly.

"I prefer them to be in my hands. Is that inconvenient to you?"

"No inconvenience. When I return to Paris, I will have them sent to you immediately." Nadir said. Celeste nodded her head.

"I thank you for the amiable devotion you gave to Lionel for so many years but I think that your services will no longer be required to this household." Celeste said, giving him a mocking smile. Nadir widened his eyes and stared at her for what felt like an eternity.

"Have I done something? Something for you to make you fire me?"

"You know exactly what you did." Celeste sneered and walked out of the room leaving Nadir closing his eyes in frustration. Erik.

A few weeks later, Celeste was sitting in the parlor, knitting in peace when a little maid waltzed in and announced that Gustave had arrived for a visit. She smiled and allowed the man to come in and little Christine rushed in first, crying out for her godmother and giving her a kiss on the cheek. Celeste giggled and put her knitting aside as she sat little Christine on her lap.

Gustave walked in with Madame Giry walking behind him. Gustave held his daughter Marie in his arms, the babe cooing. Madame Giry sat Meg on the floor and pulled out a doll from her bag before handing it to Meg.

"How are you, Comtesse?" Gustave asked.

Celeste rolled her eyes. "Such formality, Gustave." She waved her hand and Gustave smiled weakly. "I am… coping. It's still hard." She replied. It wasn't exactly a lie. She was having difficult times with having to handle everything that Lionel did but she didn't miss him one bit. She grew such loathing for him that his death was almost a relief to her.

"I understand." Gustave sighed. "Lionel was a great friend to me. I hope you know that you are considered family and if you ever need anything, I am here for you."

"Thank you, Gustave." she said sincerely. Celeste turned to the new nurse of Christine and Marie and gave her a smile. "How are things for you, Madame Giry?"

"The girls are angels," She said honestly, yet her tone was cold. Celeste was used to it and knew plainly that that was Madame Giry's character. She was a woman of a stone cold face, only her daughter was capable of making her smile. When she had been Raoul's nurse, she was very gentle and patient with him but she was very firm. Madame Giry was capable of sending shivers down one's spine with a look. "I am happy that Marguerite has a friend." She said gesturing to Meg and Christine who had climbed off Celeste's lap to play with her blonde friend.

"Has Raoul left for school?" Gustave asked.

"Yes," Celeste sighed sadly. "He left three days ago for Italy. The house has been so quiet without him."

"Miriam's cousin, Yvonne wants me to send Marie to over to her when she is ten so that she may go to an intellectual school and be able to travel with her." Gustave said, remembering the letter that he received.

"Sounds like a wonderful idea," Celeste agreed. Gustave set his lips in a grim line. In all honestly, he had hoped she would disagree as he wasn't too fond of sending Marie away. "I mean her schooling would be arranged."

"And what of Christine?" Gustave questioned not wanting it to be unfair. Marie gets to travel the world but Christine simply stays in Paris? No. He would not allow that to happen.

"I will take care of Christine! She will receive the best education money can offer." Celeste said happily. "She is, after all, my goddaughter and my son's future wife." Gustave flinched at the sound of that title. Raoul's future wife… Was that what she was going to be known for? "Worry not, Gustave. She will be a wonderful young lady and a dignified wife to Raoul, I can see it already."

Gustave said nothing but simply looked down at his daughter who was giggling with Meg. Christine was truly an angel sent from above and Gustave would rather suffer a horrible death than to see his daughter be raised to simply be a wife.

No, she would be a star. He was sure of it.


1868 - Paris, France

17 years later...

"Where is my daughter, Julie?" Gustave asked his maid who had just arrived from outside. The little maid was giddy with happiness. She observed Baron Gustave Daae and had to admit, the years had aged him but not in a terrible way. His once dark curled hair was now filled with streaks of white and grey. His mustache was also losing its color and was as scruffy as ever. He had deep wrinkles on the sides of eyes and his mouth. Yet, she was happy to know that the years have given him much more happiness. Julie had heard of how depressed he had once been when his wives died but it seemed that the one to have helped him become a better man was his daughter Christine. She brought out the best in him and she had brought music back into the old man's heart.

"Oh! I believe she's in the opera house with Madame and Mademoiselle Giry." she said grinning.

"You're in quite a jovial mood, Julie." Gustave commented with a slight chuckle.

"Marie sent a letter, Monsieur!" Julie cried out, happily as she held out the envelope to Gustave.

"A letter! Why didn't you say so from the beginning, child?!" Gustave asked and happily took the card from the little maid. He had not heard from his daughter in weeks! Oh how he missed her so! He quickly opened the letter and began to read with a grin spread across his face.

"Papa, I'm home!" a voice called. In the instant that Gustave had looked up, his lovely angel had walked into the livingroom. His eyes fell upon his beautiful daughter–and what a beauty she was, indeed! She had blossomed into a magnificent rose. Her chestnut curls had grown and it's length ended just above her waist and she had half of it pinned up causing her face to be exposed more. Her features were soft and delicate, giving her rosy and round cheeks. Her skin was creamy and resembled that of a china doll. Her sea blue eyes were possibly the most notable feature as they stood out from the rest of her face. They were so clear that Gustave joked with her that her eyes were an ocean and he could see the fishes inside. Her plump pink lips were formed into a smile as she greeted her father. "What is it?" Christine asked bemused by the the happy mood her father was in.

"We got a letter from Marie!"

Christine gasped and rushed to her father's side and looked at the letter that was in his hands. "Oh papa! What's she saying?" Christine asked happily. "How is she?"

"As always, she says Italy is much better than Persia." He chuckled. "The weather is not as dry and she is had attended a masquerade with her aunt Yvonne. Claims she met a lot of interesting people who told stories of their adventures."

"Oh how exciting, papa!" cried Christine, her smile never faltering.
"Indeed, but it seems to me that Marie has become quite frivolous," Gustave sighed.

"Oh, papa, you mustn't worry yourself. Marie is simply adventurous!" Christine said, rubbing her father's back in compassion. "Besides, I'm sure she'll find a husband to marry with Yvonne introducing her to many people."

"Surely, you're right." Gustave said, turning her head to look at her with a smile. "And you, my dear?"

"I'm already engaged, papa." Christine reminded with a smirk.

"Ah, yes I almost forgot." Gustave teased. Christine simply shook her head and placed a kiss on her father's cheek.

"Raoul will be good to me, papa. I just know it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I shall retreat to my room." Christine assured before turning and walking out of the room leaving her father sigh with a slight smile.

But of course Raoul would take care of her! He was going to be her husband and they have been engaged for as long as Christine could remember.

Christine walked into her room with a loving smile on her face before going to sit at her dressing table. She grabbed a brush and began to fix her curls, her mind beginning to get lost into her thoughts.

She was eventually going to be called Comtesse de Chagny. Christine had thought about how their wedding was going to be. She wanted it to be taken place in the church, of course. But afterwards, they would return to him large chateau that he had there in Paris and have their family joined together in the beautiful rose garden that was in Raoul's garden. She loved it there so much. It made her feel so relaxed and happy. Perhaps that's why she chose it and why she wanted to be married there. Raoul made her happy, even if the last time they saw each other was seven years ago. He was away for many years studying and financially learning how to stabilize himself before he becomes in charge of the de Chagny name and fortune.

Christine looked at herself in the mirror and fidgeted with the locket that was around her neck. She slowly removed it and opened the locket before staring at the picture of her beloved. His blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail and his sharp jawline was visible which caused Christine to blush. His face bore no smile but it did not lessen the handsome man that he was. Oh, how she loved him!

"Christine," Meg knocked at the door before peeking in. Christine turned and smiled at her friend before rising to greet her. "Sorry to intrude but guess what I heard from La Sorelli!"

Meg had become a ballerina even when Madame Giry hesitated to allow her to become one. When the opera house was built and the girls had reached the proper age to fend for themselves, she had turned her job to becoming the ballet mistress of the opera house. Everyone was quite surprised to learn that she had been a ballerina in her younger years but left that life behind when she had married. Meg had wished to follow in her mother's footsteps and became the ballerina for the opera's. Underneath that cold facade that Madame Giry always held, she was deeply proud of Meg, Christine was sure of it.

Christine was happy for Madame Giry, truly. She seemed to enjoy what she did even if she was a strict woman. But Christine had always seen her as a mother figure and Meg as a another sister. They were family. It had pained her the day that they decided to leave the Daae home, but it was long past after they constantly visited.

"What?"

"Guess who she saw when she had went on her lunch break? Your betrothed, Comte Raoul de Chagny!" Meg said, clapping her hands in excitement. Christine gaped at her a felt a nervous giggle rise in her throat.

"Raoul?" She asked to which Meg nodded her head. "You are not jesting?"

"Never!" Meg said. "She said he is positively handsome and very elegant. All the women were fanning themselves, mad with desire!"

Christine rolled her eyes at Meg's dramatism. "So he's back in Paris…" she whispered to herself but it was loud enough for Meg to hear.

"Yes! Oh Christine, did I make you jealous?"

"Oh no, I mean," Christine felt her face flush. "It's understandable that women were going to stare at him… I just…" Christine touched her chest, hoping that would ease her rapid beating heart. "That means he and I are going to reunite. Oh, but what if he doesn't remember what I look like?"

"Please! He probably has a portrait of you just like you do of him!" Meg said, brushing away Christine's ridiculous thought. Christine beamed happily and chatted with Meg more. But Christine couldn't help but to doubt. The last time she saw Raoul was when she was thirteen years of age and she had already began to love him. Despite him being kind to her, he never really seemed interested in her as she was with him. Christine always believed that it was because he was a tad bit older and still saw her as a child. But she was a woman now… and Celeste had told her that she sent a picture of Christine to Raoul. He would certainly know what she looks like; not a child but a grown lady.

And Christine was sent to the best school as Celeste promised. Apart from that, she had taken classes at the convent where she was taught how a wife should be in the eyes of the Lord. She had learned everything and did everything she could to be prepared for the day she became Raoul's wife. She learned to cook, to sew, to knit, to play piano (very little), to dance properly, when to speak, how to respect her husband, to obey and say nothing, etc. She knew most things!

But what if that wasn't enough for Raoul?

.

A few hours later, Christine and Meg were in the convent, volunteering with helping out the orphans and reading to them before the fire. Christine would tell them stories that her father used to tell her the nights before she went to bed.

As the children were at dinner, Christine was walking around the church with Meg, filling the vases with roses and pulling out the wilted ones.

"Meg," Christine began. "Do… do you find it weird that Raoul never wrote to me?" The blonde turned to look at Christine with a cocked eyebrow. "I understood when we were children, but after we saw each other seven years ago, you would presume that he would write me letters, no?"

"Did you write him any?" Meg asked.

"Well, no." Christine said as she positioned the white roses underneath the Virgin Mary. "But the correct thing is for the man to begin the letters."

"Some people don't like writing, Christine." Meg said with a shrug. Christine's lips set into a grim line in annoyance. "You shouldn't read so much into it. You're going to make yourself doubt."

"I don't know, I just find everything so odd," Christine said with a sigh.

"Don't worry, Christine." Meg assured. "Time will come and he will be lavishing you in gifts and kisses–"

"Oh Meg!" Christine scolded. "You mustn't speak of vulgarity! Remember where we are standing!" She hissed and gestured to the church but her tone revealed her playfulness. Meg rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"I meant kisses shared when you are both husband and wife," Meg corrected. Christine giggled but suddenly stopped when Sister Monica walked to them with a frown.

"You two still aren't finished yet?" she asked, her voice slightly irritated. Christine bit her lip and shook her head. "Perhaps you too should spend more time working and less time gossiping." Sister Monica scolded. Both Christine and Meg murmured their apologies and watched as the nun walked away before letting out all sorts of giggles.

"Perhaps we'll save that conversation for another day," Meg said. Christine nodded her head in agreement.

"Yes, that would be wise."

"And what of your singing, Christine?" Meg asked. "Maman said that your father told her that you weren't into music as before."

"Oh," Christine let out. "I just… I'm so caught up with all of this. I guess I just haven't had time to sing."

"No time to sing?" Meg scoffed. "Christine, that's absurd! This is coming from the lady who sang every moment in her life even as she slept!"

"I did not–" Christine began but stopped to remember the day Meg had awoken her because she was humming an aria very loud as she was sleeping. "All right, I did. But I just want to be a good wife for Raoul,"

"What does that have to do with your music?"

"Comtes don't marry opera singers." Christine stated.

"That's ridiculous," Meg said as she shook her head. "The most devastating thing is watching someone waste their talent."

"I am not wasting it!" Christine said a little too defensively. "I am simply… putting it away temporarily."

"I don't think the Angel of Music will find you unless you sing," Meg said with a shrug causing Christine to gasp. Oh, she was a silly woman to still believe in bedtime stories, but this was certainly one that her father made sure to tell her almost every night. The Angel of Music would come to those good little boys and girls who possessed the talent of being musically inclined. Christine was far from being a little girl but deep down inside, she had hope that it wasn't too late for her to be visited by her Angel.

"Oh Meg, why would you say such a thing?" Christine whispered sadly. Meg slightly knew she had stuck a nerve but she wanted Christine to continue singing! Her dear friend had such passion for music since she was small and although she was happy that Christine was in love, she didn't want none of that passion to go to waste.

"I'm sorry, Christine." Meg confessed. "I just don't want you to throw away your musical aspect. It runs in your veins just as ballet runs in mine."

Christine smiled at Meg but said nothing. In truth, she was fighting internally over that very subject. If she were to marry Raoul, her dreams of being on stage would be ruined. Surely no husband would want their wives being live entertainment! Yet it was something that was meant for her, she felt it deep within her. It was her father's dream as well to see her be the lead in an opera. But how could she when a man was waiting to have her as his wife? A man that she loved, no less!

Music would simply have to wait.


"Here is your tea, Comtesse." A little maid announced as she set the tray down on the table. Celeste was sitting in the estate's living room, watching the grand clock tick away. It was already a quarter to three and in that given moment, time truly seemed to be going slow. Her son was arriving today and at any given moment!

Celeste thanked the maid before grabbing her cup and taking a sip of her tea. Had it really been seven long years since she had seen her son? It was too long for her and for any mother! She missed her son dearly but was happy because this time, he was returning to stay.

The doors swung open and a gasp escaped Celeste's body. She slowly stood on her feet, feeling faint from the joy that was rushing in her body. There, standing at the threshold was her son, Comte Raoul de Chagny.

His slick blonde hair was down and rested just above his shoulder. His deep blue eyes were screaming out with love as he saw his mother for the first time in a long time. He had gotten a lot taller and his body structure was certainly more muscular. His perfect pearl teeth were exposed as he shared a beautiful smile that was sure to make women faint from desire.

In a flash, he rushed in and pulled his mother into his arms. Celeste felt tears rushing down her face as she was finally with her son once more. This was certainly the most beautiful moment for a mother and she was happily living in it.

"Oh Raoul," She pulled away and cupped his face. "Let me look at you!"

"Maman," Raoul placed a kiss on her forehead. "You still look as beautiful as ever."

"Oh stop that nonsense," Celeste scolded with no hint in her voice that she was actually serious. "I am getting old and you, my son, have grown up to be such a handsome man."

"I have the most wonderful news mother," Raoul said as he grabbed her hands. "I am in love with Baron Gustave Daae's daughter!"

"I certainly hope so!" Celeste chuckled. "I know Christine–"

"Christine?" Raoul questioned. "No, no."

"No?"

"Maman, I am in love with Marie Daae and I wish to ask for her hand in marriage!"


A/N: Oh dear... betcha didn't see that coming! :) This isn't the best chapter and it did seem kinda rushed but fear not! My next chapter is almost as long as the first! Yay!

Did you all enjoy Raoul and Erik's temporary friendship? Celeste's cruelness? She's quite the diva! Christine has grown into quite the beauty! Let me know what you think! Again, please pardon any grammatical errors.

Reviews are welcomed!

Xoxo