Chapter 8

I awoke the next morning with a sigh. I had slept soundly the whole night and snuggled back into my covers, not wanting to leave my soft bed just yet. Then the events of the night prior came flooding back, causing me to bolt up. I looked around me, I wasn't in my room.

I was sitting in a magnificent swan bed, with red satin sheets and plush bedding. There was a fire going in the fireplace, it was warm and I relished the heat. Suddenly I remembered exactly how I had 'fallen asleep' last night.

Erik kissed me. First he was singing and I kept leaning in closer, wanting to be nearer to him and then-...I blushed furiously, I could still feel that small tingle on my lips from his kiss. It was like a static shock, only instead of lasting for a brief moment it grew in intensity and heat. My heart had pounded so loud I remember fearing Erik could hear it and then all my breath left me at once and...I fainted.

I covered my face with my hands. I had fainted! Why? I removed my hands from my face and noticed the closed red curtain. Erik must have carried me in here afterwards so I could rest, he is so thoughtful. I wonder if he is up now.

Pulling the blankets back I slung my legs over the side of the bed and touched the stone floor. It was cold, but I continued to the curtain and pulled it back slightly, only to peek out. I saw Erik partially around the corner, he was in the kitchen. He was cooking breakfast, and once again something smelled delicious, the aroma hitting my nose in a quick burst.

Erik had turned his back to me, and suddenly I had a devious idea. I may not have been the best ballerina but I did learn how to move silently on my feet. I walked down a couple of stone steps, and then slowly made my way to the kitchen. Erik would move to the side to gather something occasionally and I would immediately stop, hoping he wouldn't turn around.

I was no more than five steps behind him now, holding my breath so I wouldn't make a single sound. I raised my hands as I continued the last couple of steps and was about to scare him when Erik suddenly asked, "Christine, what are you doing?"

I released the breath I had been holding and let my hands drop to my sides, huffing, "Nothing, nothing at all."

Erik chuckled, "Well, good morning to you too."

I smiled as I came to stand beside him, "Yes, good morning. What are you making?"

I tried to stand on my tiptoes to see but he blocked my view with his shoulder, replying, "Ah-ah, it is a surprise. Go sit down at the table and be patient."

I did as I was told, laughing, "Patience is a virtue I have no time for, especially when something smells that good."

"Merci, Mademoiselle." Erik commented as he motioned towards the table saying, "I made some tea for you; it should be cool enough by now."

I looked and there sat the lonely cup on the table. I wrapped my hands around it, blowing on the top and then taking a sip. It was still warm and tasted sweet, "It's very good, thank you Erik."

He nodded once saying, "You're welcome."

A couple minutes later Erik carried a plate over to me, sitting it in front of me, and knowing what it was this time I happily cried, "Crepes! Oh my gosh, I haven't had these since I was a little girl!"

Erik bowed his head, almost in sadness, before he started walking to the seat opposite of me whispering, "In that case, I hope you like them."

I took a bite a sighed happily. I looked to see that once again Erik was not eating. I swallowed then asked, "Have you already eaten?"

Erik looked up at me, pausing for brief moment before nodding then letting his head slump back down. I took another bite then swallowed it quickly, refusing to ignore the fact that there was something wrong. "Erik, is something the matter?"

Once again he looked up at me, looking tired, replying, "No, should there be?"

I shook my head, "No, it's just...you seem upset. You were happy when I walked in this morning and then you just became quiet. Did I say something wrong?"

"No, Christine." Erik said dully, "You have done nothing wrong."

I stopped eating and my hands clenched. I was hoping I wouldn't be the one to bring this up but I had to know, I had to ask, "Are you upset about what happened last night?"

I saw Erik flinch out of the corner of my eye, but I refused to look at him. If that was the reason I might burst into tears, that was my first kiss and if he regrets it then it is ruined for me as well.

Suddenly Erik was crouched in front of me at eye level, grasping my hands as he pleaded "No that is not the reason! What happened, what I did, I-I...I'm sorry Christine."

Realization dawned on me, he thought that I was upset about what he did. I squeezed his hands that were still holding mine, leaning forward to kiss his cheek before saying, "I am not upset with you Erik, I don't think I could be upset with you even if I tried. I especially do not want you to be upset, so know that everything is fine."

Erik nodded his head before standing back up and giving me a lopsided grin, "I am alright. Finish your breakfast, sadly I must return you before you are late for rehearsal. You do not want to give the impression you have already become a diva like Carlotta after only one performance, eh?"

My eyes widened as I remembered that I indeed still had to rehearse today for tonight's performance. My eyes searched desperately but seeing no clock I begged, "What time is it?"

Erik laughed, "Do not worry, you still have an hour yet before you must be up there. Take your time."

"But Erik," I called. "I have nothing to change into! I can't go in there in my dressing gown!"

Once again Erik smiled, pointing to the room I had emerged from, "In the dresser you will find multiple dresses to choose from. Do not trouble yourself; I made sure you would have everything you would need."

I sighed, "Oh, thank you Erik."

"You are quite welcome." Erik bowed slightly, "You finish up and then get dressed, I will be playing until you are ready to leave."

I nodded and continued to eat my breakfast while Erik strode over to the piano and began to play Mozart.

...

Nearly forty-five minutes later I was back at the mirror, the entrance into my dressing room. Erik was about to open it when I turned to ask him, "Will I see you again tonight?...Or are you going to turn into an Angel again?"

Being as close as I was I could see his jaw clench, "I will never be an Angel, I will always be Erik. You will see me here again tonight, if you wish. Whenever you are ready I will be waiting."

I nodded once with a smile as he opened the mirror. I stepped out and gave a wave good-bye before opening the door then rushing to the stage for rehearsals.

...

Everything went well, just as it had the day before. I caught a lot more people smiling at me than what I was used to, but they were all supportive smiles left over from last night. I didn't have to worry nearly as much as I did yesterday, but I still worked hard to make sure I put every ounce of emotion I had into the music to make it come alive. When we had our two hour break Meg couldn't wait to tell me all about last night's events.

Apparently I had missed quite a bit. First, Meg had informed me of Raoul returning to my dressing room to try to once more convince me into going to dinner with him, but found me gone, even though no one had seen me emerge. Thankfully, Meg had told him that everybody was so busy celebrating that probably they hadn't noticed me.

The second thing she told me, which was by far the funniest, was that Buquet had been put into place by her mother with a sound smack for making up horrible stories about the opera ghost and scaring all of the ballerinas. Serves him right also for what he tried to do to me, 'what goes around comes around,' as my father would say.

The last thing Meg had informed me was that Buquet was looking for me, but wanted to keep it discreet, only telling her. When I asked her what for she said all he said was that he wanted to apologize, so I decided to take ten minutes of my time to go find the brute and listen to what he had to say.

Finding him backstage I approached him, when he saw me he motioned for me to follow him. I did, always keeping a good deal of space in between the two of us. He took me to the foyer next to the grand staircase. He looked around then seemed to relax a bit, "Good, we're alone."

As I said before, I made sure there was plenty of space in between us. I nodded slowly asking, "And why do we need to be alone?"

He sneered, "Because I don't need rumors about this being spread."

I snorted, "You are afraid of people knowing you are apologizing to me for how you acted when you were clearly off your rocker drunk?"

Buquet glared at me, "Come down off your high horse Daae, I was never gonna apologize. I just wanted to let you know that I'll be leaving you alone now that your dog has successfully bribed me and threatened my life if I don't."

My eyebrows came together in confusion, "What are you talking about?"

Buquet laughed, "Oh that's right, bless me. I forgot he keeps you in the dark on everything."

"He?" I asked a little worried now.

"The Opera Ghost!" Buquet growled, "Who else would I be talking about?"

I rubbed my right temple with my hand as I begged, "Buquet, please not another one of your ghost stories, if the Opera Ghost really did attack you, you must have imagined it, because he isn't real."

"He is real!" Buquet said, taking a step forward, "I know you know him, you saw him last night. You've known him your whole bloody life, he's your 'black Angel' or whatever the hell it is you call him. He wears that white mask like he's hiding something, it's cuz he is!"

I was about to walk away when Buquet mentioned the mask and the name. I froze in place and looked back at him. "How do you know that name?"

"I do because I was there when you named him." Buquet spat, "The one that got away?"

At his words my eyes widened and I nearly screamed as I took a step back. "You're the man that...I knew it was you last night, you sick-"

"Save the pleasantries Daae, I know what I did." Buquet rolled his eyes, "Times were tough, still are. Anyway, why do you think I am telling you this?"

I shrugged, "Why?"

Buquet gave a smile that would rival the Devil's, "I know several things about your Phantom that you don't."

I glared at him, "I'm listening."

...

He is a dead man. I specifically told Buquet to stay away from Christine, and when I come to check on rehearsals I hear the ballerinas gossiping that Buquet had ambushed Christine in the foyer and tried to kiss her, and more than likely other perverse things. Thankfully Christine had fought back, as Buquet now sported a red mark across his face, a few tiny scratches from her nails, and he was limping on his right leg.

If it wasn't so close to tonight's performance I would go check on Christine, but she was getting into costume at the moment. It seems I would have to deal with Buquet in the meantime.

I searched the catwalks first, but he wasn't there. Strange, where would he be if not in the catwalks?

The performance had started and that's when I spotted him, he was standing on the staircase that led up to the catwalks, he seemed to be staring at something...or someone. I saw Christine singing the opening for 'Hannibal comes', and Buquet couldn't take his eyes off of her.

I felt my blood boil, normally I wasn't a jealous man, but after everything Buquet has done he deserved what was coming to him. I don't know why I didn't just kill him last night; after everything he's done, a man like him deserves to die. It must have been the fear of Christine finding out and hating me that clouded my judgment, I wasn't about to make the same mistake twice. This ends now.

Buquet apparently hadn't seen me and casually began to climb up to the catwalks. When he stopped in the middle of a walk to lower a prop I jumped down from my hiding spot.

His eyes widened and he took off in the other direction. I pursued, but I realized he had enough distance to keep a game of round and round going, which would get old quickly. I decided to wait until he was in the center of one of the walks and shook the ropes. He tripped and I advanced, throwing my lasso around his neck, making sure his hands were not in the way and then pulled tightly.

He began to gasp and I pulled even tighter as he thrashed about wildly, trying to get away. He turned, his eyes immediately locked on the stage and the people below. Then he did something I wasn't expecting, he laughed. I was confused by this but ignored it and pulled as tight as I could on the rope, waiting for the fool to pass out. I saw the light begin to fade from his eyes, but before it was extinguished completely he looked me in the eyes then threw all of his weight to the right, causing his body to fall off the walk.

I grasped the rope tightly trying to stop him, but the damage was done, the audience's screams and gasps attested to that. Hearing shouts from the two fools who now owned my Theatre to cut him down gave me no choice but to flee, hearing footsteps quickly coming up the stairs I dropped the rope.

The curtains had closed while the two fools attempted to calm the audience, claiming that it was merely an accident. My eyes searched the crowd relentlessly for Christine but when I found her, I honestly wished I hadn't. She was standing alone off to the side, while people were screaming and running past her she was looking directly up at me. There were tears in her eyes and as soon as she realized I was looking at her she ran.

...

He was right. I looked up and saw Erik, just standing there after he had killed someone, that someone being Buquet. Suddenly I saw his eyes search the crowd and land on me. I couldn't take it, I ran; I ran for all I was worth, quickly discarding my headpiece and big attachable skirt backstage. Now I was only in the long dress and make up.

Everyone that wasn't there previously headed for the stage, trying to help anyway they could...or more than likely trying to see if it really was Buquet and not a dummy. I fled though; I didn't want to be surrounded by people right now. I climbed the stairs and ladders as fast as my feet would carry me, heading up to the roof.

I burst through the door and the chilled air hit me full force, causing me to take a gasping breath and let it out in a shudder. I walked over to the edge and fell to my knees, my arms rested on the stone ledge and my head lay on top of them as I began to sob. I remembered the conversation Buquet and I had earlier perfectly, and I hated him for it. For him telling me the truth...and not Erik.

"Well, you understand that he is the Phantom right? Really think about that, let it sink in." Buquet emphasized.

I didn't have to think about it, I understood. Erik did it all; Erik was the one who made me one of the six solo ballerinas in the first place, he knew about my Angel of Music because he heard me talk about it with Meg, he heard me sing because he was skulking around the theatre, and Erik did force Carlotta to leave so I could take her place. He lied to me.

Probably seeing my expression Buquet nodded, "You got it. Too bad that's not the worst of it."

I felt like I was going to be sick, "What do you mean that's not the worst of it?"

Buquet shook his head, "I normally wouldn't betray another robber but in this case I think I can make an exception. You remember the night your father died, don't you?"

I glared, "Of course I do, but what does that have to do with Er- the Phantom? I already know you were there the first time...I suspect you were there the second time as well."

"Yes I was, and I'm gettin' to that," Buquet said. "You see the five of us met in an alley one night, hearing that some rich man was returning to his old home. Thinking he was going to get one over on one of the rich nobles the Phantom joined in. He took to the rooftop and signaled us when the noble was in place, and then we attacked. Your father had that blasted gun however, and that became a problem when he was going to fire it at one of us. If I remember correctly, the Phantom was the one who jumped from the rooftop, grappled for the gun with you father, and then-...fired it."

I felt my legs give out for a moment and I caught myself on the railing. This couldn't be true; Erik wouldn't do something like that, "You're lying."

Buquet shrugged, "Hey, if you don't believe me that's your problem. I'm only tellin' you the truth, even though the same couldn't be said for your Phantom."

I ran my hands through my hair furiously; I was actually starting to believe him! I shook my head, he couldn't possibly be telling the truth, something just didn't seem right about this. I squared my shoulders and demanded, "I want proof, if you think I am just going to take your word for this you are wrong."

Buquet bit his lip then nodded, "You'll get it, don't you worry. He told me that if I told you this he would kill me. This is actually an experiment for me, seeing if he is all empty threats or if he really means business. If he is serious then there is your proof, he has no other reason to kill me, or if he doesn't have the guts, hurt me right?"

I nodded then asked, "You were there the night my father died?"

Buquet nodded, adding, "Searched for you later on, even told the Phantom if he brought you back he'd get the biggest cut of the money we stole, but nobody found ya. Guess you came here, huh? Small world."

My hands clenched into fists, and then I quickly looked around me and took the steps I needed till I was directly in front of Buquet. I didn't think about what I was doing I just exploded, hitting Buquet as hard as I could until my hands started to ache, and ending my revenge with a kick to his knee.

Buquet didn't even move, he just braced himself against my blows and then crumpled to the floor after my kick. My quick burst of furry left me panting for breath and I huffed out, "That...was for my father. If you are lying...and the Phantom doesn't get you...I hope you drop dead!"

He wasn't lying; Erik really must have killed my father. My tears suddenly stopped, and my sadness turned to rage. My father trusted him! I trusted him! Twice!

What a fool I was! Did I really think that it was all just coincidence? Coincidence that I would meet another masked man, coincidence that the Opera Ghost tormented Carlotta until she left and I didn't have to dance, coincidence that every time I brought up my father or Monsieur Black to Erik he changed the subject or...he left!

That's why he left after I told him about my father's death! He's known that it was my father he killed for months, and he always left because of his guilt! Suddenly things made sense; the constant apologizing seemingly over nothing or the sudden mood swings like this morning...

I covered my mouth as another realization hit me, making my stomach wretch. He kissed me. After knowing who I was he still kissed me! He still gave me lessons, he still made me laugh, and he still made me feel something for him! After everything he has done to me he made me care about him!

My tears started to flow once again, and my hands were shaking from the pain and rage I felt...or was it from the cold? I wanted to scream! I wanted to say every angry word I could think of to Erik, I wanted to let him know exactly what I thought of him and make him feel as much pain as I felt now!

Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder. I jumped up and backed away from the person, I couldn't see who it was for my tears so I quickly wiped my eyes. After clearing my vision I saw it was Raoul.

He was holding his hands up, showing he meant no harm. He lowered his hands slowly after he saw that I recognized him mumbling, "Meg said I might find you up here. Are you alright? You're crying; were you that close to Buquet?"

I snorted, "Close to that-that...barbarian? No."

Raoul look confused, "Then what is wrong?"

I wasn't about to tell Raoul the whole story, I could barely think about it without breaking down, but I said the truest thing I could to pacify him, "I'm scared."

Raoul immediately grabbed me and held me close as I cried on his shoulder. It was true, I was scared because I didn't know what to do. I cared about Erik, but I wanted to wash my hands of him and never see him again. He lived under the Opera House though, under my only home. Not to mention he was capable of murder, I couldn't break all my ties with him so easily, not that it was going to be easy to begin with.

Suddenly I felt Raoul pull me away until I was looking up at him. He wiped a tear from my cheek with his thumb saying, "Christine, I promise you, I won't let anything or anyone hurt you. You're safe."

I shook my head and averted my eyes, "No, no I'm not. I do not know what to do, and you cannot protect me all the time. I wouldn't want you to get hurt either, just because of me, I'm not worth it."

After I said that Raoul grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him, when I did he crushed his lips to mine and pulled me closer. My eyes widened and my body stiffened, to say I was surprised was an understatement but he pulled away soon saying, "You are worth it Christine, I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid because I love you."

Love?! He must be joking! I pulled away and noticed that I was trembling from the cold, causing me to stutter out, "J-just a m-minute now. Y-you what?"

Raoul shrugged out of his jacket, wrapping it around me but keeping ahold of the lapels before saying, "I love you Christine Daae. I always have...ever since we were children."

I looked away from him. It felt great to be close to him right now because I wanted someone to hold me and tell me everything was going to be alright, and Raoul was always there for me in the past, but knowing that he loved me made me feel horrible. I knew I wasn't in love with him, and if I was honest with myself I knew his arms were not the ones I wanted around me right now.

That thought alone caused tears to spring to my eyes, I wanted something I could never ever have again, and the worst part was that it was by my own choice. I faced Raoul again, embracing him fiercely as he said, "I do not know if you love me or not, but I do not care, I just wanted you to know that I love you, and no matter what I am not going to let anything happen to you."

Raoul kissed me again, a chaste kiss this time. I didn't say anything and Raoul made a childish face at me, which broke my resolve and caused me to laugh. He laughed as well and grasped my hand saying, "Now there's my Christine, smiling not crying."

I laughed again and Raoul sighed, "Now that is music to my ears, speaking of which, they are probably looking for you. After your show, tonight will you have dinner with me?"

I nodded with a smile but Raoul put his hand to his ear saying, "What? I didn't quite catch that."

He picked me up by my waist and spun me around as I burst into a fit of giggles, laughing, "Yes! Yes, okay? Put me down Raoul!"

Raoul did as I said as I continued to laugh, mock bowing as he said, "As you wish milady. May I escort you back inside before you freeze?"

I smiled and curtsied, "Yes, you may."

Raoul took my hand as we practically ran back inside laughing. I was looking forward to having dinner with him this time; things seemed lighter between the two of us now. No more difference of classes, no more formalities, we were kids again.

When we were close to the stage Raoul released my hand saying, "I must return to my seat. I'll see you after your performance, break a leg."

As soon as Raoul left Madame Giry found me, fixing my costume and ushering me back to the stage.

...

I only had one song left, 'Think of Me.' I started the aria just as I had the night before, but something was different. My voice was different, I sounded...hollow. I was singing every note correctly but it wasn't bright like last night. I ignored it, thinking it must have been the adrenaline that made me remember it differently.

I had just finished the phrase, 'There will never be a day when I won't think of you,' when I heard something snap and the ceiling began to shake. I looked up and the chandelier suddenly began to fall, and it was falling towards the stage.

I backed up as fast as I could but the chandelier was faster. I looked to Box 5, seeing Raoul's horrified face, and I closed my eyes against the crushing pain I would soon feel.

I never felt that crushing pain though, I felt like I was floating...no, not floating. I was falling.

Well that was...yeah I'm just going to come out and say it, I hated writing this chapter with a passion. I already know this was not my best chapter and I really struggled with the dialogue but it's passable and I hope you guys like it. I think what made it hard to write was the fact that I am a MAJOR Raoul hater so...yeah. This chapter was necessary though, I'm just happy it's done. Back to Erik now! The next chapter will be the big confrontation with Erik I'm sure everyone is dying to see, and I am excited about writing. Once again, sorry about the late update, but hey double chapter! I actually think that it turned out better this way. Please review BOTH chapters if you haven't already and tell me what you thought of,

1- Christine waking up in Erik's home?

2- Buquet telling Christine the truth?

3- Erik going after Buquet for 'ambushing Christine'?

4- Christine's thoughts on the rooftop?

5- Raoul comforting/confessing to Christine?

6- The Chandelier?