Disclaimer: Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Phantom of the Opera or its character's it all belongs to Gaston Leroux, Susan Kay, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Warner Brother Studios, and anyone else that has the rights to it.
Enjoy
Chapter 4
Dinner
Raoul was clearly in no mood to talk after Christine offered Erik the unexpected invitation. For the most part the carriage ride back home was silent; he would always do a good job of ignoring her. He looked out the window completely preoccupied by his thoughts. When they reached her manor Raoul quickly reached over the door handle and grasped it so she couldn't get out. She was afraid to look up at him, afraid of what he would say.
"I don't know what game you're playing Christine, but I want it to stop." Raoul said, his hand still clutched to the door handle.
"I don't know what you mean."
"Oh! Stop pretending my dear; I can see you're quite taken by Mr. Desseler."
Christine didn't want to show any emotion at the mentioned of his name but she felt herself blush in response. Raoul silently chuckled to himself, confirming his accusation towards her.
"Let me remind you that I am HIS boss…and YOUR fiancé… Tonight will be the last time you see him." he stated before roughly twisting the handle and opening the door of the carriage. He silently climbed out not waiting for Christine and walked back to the manor.
Christine felt angry. Although he could not stop her from seeing him tonight he could stop her from seeing him in the future. Maybe she just needed to accept this, maybe Raoul was right, they were engaged and this only gave Christine false hope.
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The rest of the afternoon was dull. The time seemed to pass in slow gradual strides. Christine wanted to be left alone so she went upstairs and locked herself in her room, hoping to avoid Raoul until dinner. She couldn't keep her mind off what Raoul said to her. If this was to be her last night of freedom then at least she would make the most of it. She got up from her bed and walked over to her large armoire which kept her most beautiful gowns. She opened both doors and looked inside. She wanted to dress to impress tonight. Although she would never be given the opportunity to further know Erik, she at least wanted to make a lasting impression on him.
She started to take the dresses off their hangers, carefully placing them on the bed so she could take a good look at each one and decide which dress would be suitable for the night. She picked up a long gorgeous emerald gown. The gown itself was a simple off shoulder made of silk and would complement her figure. Its simplicity would enhance her beauty. When she finished putting the gown on she looked at her reflection in the full length mirror. Pleased with the look of the dress she walked to her vanity. She ran the comb through her dark hair, smoothing out the long curls that hit down to her lower back. She took silver clips from her drawer and began pinning her hair up in an elegant lose bun. When she had finished her hair, she pressed her finger into the slightly tinted lipstick patting it unto her full lips as the finishing touch. She was ready to see Erik. She knew he would be here soon so she took a deep breath and left the room in anticipation
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While Christine was descending down the marble stairwell, Marie opened the large foyer door reviling Erik standing on the other side.
"Please come in Monsieur." Marie said as she took Erik's coat from him.
He looked so elegant dressed impeccably as usual. He still wore that mysterious white mask that covered half of his face.
"Thank you." Erik said before looking up and seeing Christine coming down the stairwell. His expression was impossible to read but he smiled at her when she reached the foyer making his way toward her.
At that moment Raoul emerged from the library, smiling and ready to greet Erik.
"Monsieur Desselar! I'm so happy would could join us this evening." Raoul said as he shook Erik's hand.
Both men turned to see Christine. Erik still smiling and Raoul a cold calculation look in his eyes.
"Christine… you look beautiful" Erik said while walking over to her.
"Ah- why don't we go in the dining room, Monsieur Daae will be joining us shortly." Raoul said nervously as he took Christine's hand and guided her away from Erik.
They all walked inside the dining room. Raoul pulled a chair out for Christine, still keeping the illusion of the perfect gentlemen when he was around public. The tall windows and high sealing made the room seem huge. The large dining room table was dark oak wood and was costume made for Christine's father. A crystal chandelier hung from the celling it went with the Victorian décor of the room. A grand fireplace at the end of the room made it seem warm and inviting. The detailed tapestries that hung on the walls were beautiful and elaborate. The room reflected the wealth that they once had.
Raoul sat by Christine and Erik seated himself on the end of the table. When Charles arrived Raoul and Erik stood up and welcomed him.
"So you must be Monsieur Desseler" Charles said as he walked over to Erik and shook his hand.
"Please call me Erik"
Charles looked at Christine's direction and smiled. She looked down not wanting to return the gesture.
"So tell me Erik, How are you enjoying your work at the opera" Charles said as he seated himself on the opposite side of the table.
"It's great. The cast is very talented and eager to learn." Erik responded.
The cook brought out everyone's meals and placed them in front of them. The entry was warm creamy potato soup. The main course was steak with fresh vegetables. The presentation was beautiful. They enjoyed their meal as Erik and Charles talked about the opera. Christine knew that her father was becoming very interested in Erik. He was smart and charming and her father would surely be fond of him. Raoul didn't seem to be enjoying his time as he looked away from his plate and seemed disconnected the whole meal.
"Do you sing Christine?" Erik's voice was low and soothing.
She was surprised by his question and looked at her father before answering who in return looked at her waiting for her answer. Raoul suddenly seemed interested and shifted in his seat.
"Ah- Yes Monsieur, or at least I use to." She answered looking down at her plate.
"Why don't you anymore?" Erik seemed interested as he waited for a response.
However before Christine could answer her father spoke up.
"She has a wonderful voice Monsieur. Her mother taught her well, although she didn't finish her training." Charles was proud that Christine had her mother's talent.
"I could coach her if you wish. I'm an excellent teacher." Erik said as he looked at Christine. He wondered what Charles would say to this.
"I think that would be a fantastic Idea! Wouldn't it be Christine?" Charles said. He was obviously fond of Erik
"Oh I don't know father-"
"Yes, it's a silly Idea!" Raoul laughed as he spoke "Christine doesn't need to learn to sing, whatever would be the use!" Raoul looked at Charles waiting for his response.
"No… I think it's a great Idea Vicomte, her mother would have wanted Christine to finish her training… Erik you must come tomorrow to discuss this further." Charles said before taking his champing glass and drinking it in one gulp.
"Perfect" Erik nodded in agreement.
"Excuse me." Raoul said before leaving the table. Christine smiled knowing he was upset. She looked down trying to hide her amusement.
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The Rest of the meal was excellent. Christine was very pleased that her father liked Erik. The night had been a success in her eyes. Of course Raoul thought otherwise. He didn't return to the table for the rest of the meal. When they were done Erik took Christine's hand and walked back to the foyer while still talking to Charles who was by his side. Christine then noticed Raoul coming from the other side of the room and stood there waiting for Erik to leave.
"Thank you for the fantastic meal, Mousier Daae. And thank you Christine for inviting me." Erik looked down at Christine and smiled.
"You're welcome Monsieur." Christine said as she blushed. She couldn't help it, he was incredibly handsome.
"Come back tomorrow afternoon Erik" Charles said as he shook Erik's hand.
"I will. Oh! I brought something for the lovely hostess." Marie handed Erik's coat back and he reached inside the pocket. He pulled out another red rose for Christine. It was identical to the one he gave her on the masked ball.
"Thank you." Christine took the rose and inhaled the wonderful aroma of the flower.
"And thank you Vicomte for the lovely evening" Erik called out to the other side of the room. Raoul didn't take one step forward, standing he nodded once eager for Erik to leave.
Erik kissed Christine's hand before turning and leaving the manor. It had been a wonderful night and Christine was suddenly excited about tomorrow.
"Charles I will speak to you in the library now." Raoul said as he walked away from them.
Christine's night couldn't have gone better. She was completely absorbed by her thoughts of Erik. She went up to her room and collapsed on her bed while caressing the soft velvet pedals of the rose. She thought of tomorrow and what surprises it would bring. She was completely enchanted by Erik.
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"What the hell was that?" Raoul screamed at Charles while waving his hands in the air with fury.
"I don't know what you're talking about" Charles answered calmly.
"Erik! Why did you ask him to teach Christine? You saw the way he was looking at her; he obviously wants to take her away from me!" Raoul was becoming frantic.
Charles studied Raoul before answering.
"I think your paranoid, he's harmless"
"That's how it may seem to you old man but I know what he wants. I will not allow Christine to be with him!"
"She is my daughter Raoul, and for a few more months I will decide what she will do! Christine hasn't been happy lately and it's mostly my fault. She needs this Raoul. I'm sorry… for the time being, Erik is staying." Charles said as he walked away from the library and into the foyer.
"Goodnight Vicomte" Charles said as he held the foyer door open for him. Raoul walked to the door eager to leave. His temper was flaring out of control.
"You are still her fiancé. Don't let him get to you" Charles called as Raoul left the manor.
Charles was right. He would not let Erik get to him. He would be very careful from now on, making sure to watch them both. He was not going to lose Christine to a masked freak. He smiled to himself as he climbed inside his carriage. Let the games begin.
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Authors note!: I hope you all liked it I don't know when I'll be able to update next as I am going back to school I will not be able to update as frequently as I do, but when I have the chance I'll probably be putting up multiple chapters at a time. REVIEWS WOULD MOTIVATE ME;) hehe. And thank you to all the people who have reviewed already, you guys make my day
