Rebekah took her place at the table, positioned her linen napkin on her lap, and sat up tall waiting for Hilda to bring in supper. Her father sat on one end, the head of the table. On the other end, Christine was missing. Rebekah looked at her father curiously. Raoul realized what the look meant, but he stayed silent.

Hilda entered with lamb, along with several side dishes. Christine was still absent, but Rebekah was hungry. She shrugged to herself, and put small portions on her plate.

Upstairs, Christine was sleeping soundly on her king sized, satin covered bed. After three days of horrific nightmares, she hadn't had an ounce of sleep. She had drifted off shortly before supper, and Raoul, knowing about her restless nights, decided to let her sleep. He would just be sure she got breakfast in the morning. Besides, Rebekah was joining them tonight, and every time Christine saw her daughter, she burst into tears. The Vicomte didn't want Rebekah to think that she was the blame.

The blame, of course, was all on the Phantom. After the incident with the mirror, Christine couldn't stop thinking about his horrible deeds done so many years ago. She knew he was still alive and well, making his home in the sewers of the opera house. She had always known that. She could feel it, but she never thought that he would get the chance to target her daughter.

But now, he knew that she existed, and Christine knew he wouldn't stop until he got her Rebekah. She had to make sure that Rebekah wouldn't ever go back to the dreaded opera house he called home.

After supper, Rebekah climbed the stairs to her room. Her father came in and told her good night. She waited a half an hour 'til she was sure that he was asleep. She quietly put her book down, slipped out of her bed, and put on her slippers. She walked up to the painting, pulled the smock off, and admired her mysterious man, smiling at him. He was, by far, her best piece of artwork.

She stared at the candle filled background. The flickering flames reminded her of the stage lights from the Opera Populaire. She had a plan. She was going back tomorrow.


The Phantom's a-comin'!! Hope you enjoyed reading!

Your friend,

Mickey Caresen