I do not own anything. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Gaston Leroux bet me to it.

Chapter Three

The first thing Colette noticed about Paris was that it was huge. There were endless rows of buildings. A river crossed from one side to the other.

The next day, Christine woke her daughters up earlier than usual.

"No, Maman. I want to go to sleep," Colette wined.

"Wake up, Ma princesse" Christine whispered, shaking Colette gently, "You get to meet Madame Giry and Mademoiselle Meg!"

Colette opened her eyes. "Fine."

Christine was giddy at breakfast. Colette, Margot, and Victorie were yawning more than they ate. Margot even fell back asleep. Raoul had to wake her up.

Someone knocked on the door. Christine stood and pracitly ran to the door. When Christine opened the door there were several squeals and hugs. Raoul came into view. Meg forced him into an embrace. After that scene, Meg ran into the dining room.

"Oh my goodness, Christine! They're so beautiful! Tell me their names! Tell me all about them!" Meg exclaimed.

Christine laughed. "Colette is the eldest. Say Bonjour, Colette."

"Bonjour Colette," Colette said, shuffling a laugh.

Meg laughed. "Quite clever isn't she?"

"Oh yes, Meg." Christine grinned with pride. "Very clever. But that doesn't mean it can't get her into trouble."

"And who is this one?" Meg wondered, putting a shoulder on Victorie's shoulder.

"Victorie. She's three," Christine answered.

"And a half!" Victorie persisted.

Meg giggled. "And the last one?"

"Sleepy little, Marguerite," Christine answered.

"You named her after me!" Meg exclaimed.

"I missed you! Now you tell me about everything that's happened to you," Christine ordered.

"I got married and there's a baby on the way," Meg informed her.

"Really!" Christine squealed, "Raoul and I are also expecting another."

Madame Giry hadn't changed much. Still the same strict, but loving person. Margot loved Meg. Victorie was fascinated by Madame Giry. Colette entertained everyone.

A perfect reunion.

. . .

"Père! We're gonna be late!" Henri yelled.

"Going to. Going to be late," Erik corrected.

"Going to be," Henri repeated.

The two got in the carriage and soon arrived at the gala. Henri was fascinated by all the different people. Women wearing dresses that wouldn't fit through the door, men smoking cigars and children running around. No one else was wearing a mask.

Henri knew his father wore a mask. He just didn't know why. Whenever he asked him about it Erik always changed the subject. Erik never took the mask off. He never slept, so Henri couldn't even sneak into his room and tear off the cover.

Before long the gala started. Erik's mind was elsewhere until he heard her.

"Think of me

Think of me fondly when we've said goodbye

When we've said goodbye

Remember me once in a while

Please promise me you'll try…"

He looked up. There was his angel. Singing that beautiful song. She looked as lovely as ever. Christine's cheeks were pinker than when he last saw her. Her eyes weren't full of fear, but full of joy. Christine's stomach was slightly swollen. She only started at one face. When Erik saw that face his hands clenched. Raoul de Chaney hadn't changed much. He was surrounded by two little girls and held a baby in his arms. Their daughters, no doubt. Very pretty little girls. Raoul beamed at his wife.

Christine's voice still had its beauty and power. Every note was perfect. Just as he'd trained her to be.

After the dinner, the guests were invited to talk among themselves. Erik dashed over to Christine who stood with one of her daughters. Henri followed closely behind.

"Christine! Christine!" Erik exclaimed.

Once Christine heard that voice, she froze. Raoul was getting food with Margot and Blanche. Even though Colette was there Christine felt like she was alone.

"Christine Daae!" Erik shouted, "Will pride let you turn around and see me?"

Christine held on tighter to Colette's hand and turned. She felt her hand go to her stomach to protect her unborn child. She drew in a deep breath.

"Monsieur Fantôme, I do not believe we have met," Christine said.

"Don't act that way around me, Christine," Erik replied, "I am still your old teacher."

Christine's lips were tight. "Yes and the man that threatened to kill my love. The man whom I gave my mind blindly."

Erik couldn't speak.

"Maman, who is that man?" Colette asked.

"Colette this is Monsieur Fantôme. He was a teacher of mine back in my youth," Christine answered, "Monsieur Fantôme, this is my daughter, Colette de Chaney."

Before Erik could respond Henri ran into view.

Erik smiled at his son.

"Madame de Chaney, this is my son, Henri," Erik told them.

"Good evening, Madame de Chaney. You sang wonderfully tonight," Henri said.

Christine smiled at the boy. "Why, thank you, monsieur," Christine put a hand on Colette's shoulder, "This is my daughter, Colette."

"Pleased to meet you, Monsieur Henri," said Colette taking out a hand.

Erik had taught Henri that when meeting a lady to kiss her hand. Henri always hated that. Why would kissing some girl's hand be polite?

Colette had learned from her mother that when meeting a gentleman to let him kiss her hand. Like Henri, she hated that rule. Having a boy kiss her was disgusting.

Henri gave Colette a peak on her knuckles. Both of them scrunched up their noses. They both whispered, "Ew!"

"Colette," Christine said in a warning tone. But she was smiling.

"Maman, it isn't my fault society makes boys do that," Colette replied.

Christine just shook her head, "Why don't we go find your father, Colette?"

"Let the young de Chaney find her father, so we can talk," Erik commanded, "She can bring Henri with her."

"No!" Christine exclaimed, "I don't want her to get lost."

"Then we can all stay and talk," Erik said.

"Fine, Colette go with Monsieur Henri and find your father," said Christine. She mouthed quickly to Colette.

Henri and Colette started on her way. Though Colette didn't want to admit it, she felt nervous not being around her mother. Raoul and Christine had always been proactive parents. A million questions popped into her head.

"Who is your father?" Colette questioned.

"Erik Fantôme. He's famous for writing operas," Henri answered, "Who's your father?"

"Raoul de Chaney. A patron for the old theater. Not the one that burned down years ago and was hunted by some sort of phantom. This one is on the other side of France," Colette replied, "Where's your mother?"

Henri sighed. "Pere just found me, when I was a baby, in a corner. My mother couldn't take care of me."

"Oh. I'm sorry," Colette told Henri. She was starting to really like this boy.

"Colette!" Raoul called.

Margot ran to her older sister and brought her to Raoul. Henri followed.

"Where's Maman, Ma fifille?" Raoul wondered.

"She's talking to a man," Colette answered.

"Madame de Chaney to talking to my father," Henri informed Raoul, "I'm Henri Fantôme."

A wave of terror crashed over Raoul. "

"Fantôme, you say? Phantom?" Raoul asked. He turned to his daughters. "Stay with Mademoiselle Meg."

Raoul ran off.

Christine was relieved to see Raoul, running towards her. Raoul looked so frightened. Erik, however, was most angry to see Raoul.

"Monsieur Fantôme, I believe you remember my husband, Raoul de Chaney," Christine said.

"All too well," said Erik through clenched teeth.

Once Raoul got to Christine, Christine said,

"So sorry, we really must go. It's the girl's bedtime."

And with that Christine and Raoul walked away.

The next day they left Paris. Not intending to come ever again.