(A/N: I'm sorry, but this chapter is gonna be a bit shorter than the others. But I think you guys need a short chapter every once in a while, just to keep you from getting too greedy. :P The update on Friday will be longer, I promise. And it will be full of Erika and Christian interactions, but beware the Vicomtess... }:D As always, read and review.)

Chris just sat on his bed, staring at his full length mirror in a daze. Slowly, his eyes drifted towards the script that sat next to him on the covers. The events of the last few days almost seemed like a dream. It couldn't have really happened... What will she say? Chris's eyes moved back to the mirror.

He had sung Hannibal's part for Andre and Firmin, half hoping that they would let him have the part and half wishing they wouldn't so he could have more time with his angel... HIS angel. After the last note rang out, a rush of applause came and a people crowded around Chris. After a minute or two of the rabble of oncoming compliments, the two new managers pushed through. Andre frantically shook Chris's hand, a large smile plastered on his face.

"You, Monsieur, are going to be Hannibal," Andre's smile did not fade for a second. "And our show will not suffer a second for it." Firmin tried to smile, but it came out a sarcastic grimace. Chris's arm was going numb, so he pulled his hand from Andre's grasp.

"How well do you know the lines?" Firmin asked, getting straight down to business. He had dropped the somewhat-smile.

"I-I know most of them..." Chris dropped his gaze, afraid to speak too loudly, hoping his angel didn't hear. "I didn't learn them on purpose, I-I just picked up on them." Firmin chuckled uncertainly.

"And the actual music? Did you just," he paused, "'pick up on them' too?" Both he and Andre laughed again. "It doesn't really matter how you know, just that you can sing well enough to keep the audience." Firmin whacked Chris heartily on the back.

Chris shook his head angrily, pulling out of the memory. How can I … How can I do this? He picked up the script and angrily flipped through some of the pages, not really looking at anything in particular. After staring at one page for a few seconds, he slammed the papers closed and threw the packet against the wall next to the mirror. Chris stood up, the bed creaking, and shuffled over, going to pick it up.

Erika stayed behind after everybody else had exited the room. Christian had sung at his best. At first, he was too nervous and stumbled a bit, but after he finally let the music take control, his voice flew above everything else. Of course Andre and Firmin were ecstatic and all too happy to accept Christian as the role of Hannibal afterwards. However, Erika lagged behind just to ensure that they would remain true to their word.

"That boy..." Andre stared, dazed, down the passage that Christian had exited through. "His voice was the most ... I mean, I've never ... It was indescribable." Firmin just stood broodingly to the side, this pudgy fingers gently stroking his curling moustache.

"That is true... that is true..." he said quietly. "However, the masses will want Signora Carlotta and Signor Piangi. Their popularity is what sells the tickets, not some chorus boy's voice." Erika silently seethed. The Opera was about sharing the pure beauty that can only be found in music, not some stupid profit.

Stomach still clenched with rage, Erika called out in a deep booming voice that seemed to echo from the ceiling, "If you wish to keep your jobs, I would greatly suggest you would reconsider your thought of cutting Monsieur Daáe from the cast list. It would be very unwise." With a small smile of satisfaction, Erika watched Andre and Firmin jump and scurry out of the room. That should do it, Erika thought before heading down the tunnel to Christian's room.

As she drew closer to Christian's mirror, the light from his room grew in the tunnel. Unable to contain her excitement and joy, Erika began to sing softly, "Christian ... Christian ... Christian ..." She repeated until he answered.

Chris jerked up his head. His Angel of Music was there. She was calling him softly with that entrancing voice of hers. He quickly picked up the script and shoved it under his pillow, hoping she hadn't seen it or heard the news.

"Christian... Christian... Christian..." The voice was getting closer.

"Angel of Music, I hear you," Chris lifted his head and closed his eyes, letting her voice encompass him. "Speak, I listen." He drifted back to the mirror.

Erika had reached the mirror, and she drew close to the surface when she saw Christian.

"Christian. I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. You've done it." Erika smiled widely. "You have that lead part you've always wanted," at these words Christian winced. Trying to reassure him and sedate his fear, Erika said, "You will do well and they will love you. Have no fear."

Christian glanced up at the mirror, staring almost directly into Erika's eyes, worry still lining his face. Several times, he opened and closed his mouth, saying nothing, before finding the right words. "W-will you..." Christian swallowed heavily. "Will you hear me sing? Will you come back?" Erika saw Christian's Adam's apple bob up and down again, and noticed his eyes slowly turning red. "I don't want you to go away..." Chris whispered, rubbing his forehead.

Erika was physically stunned. He doesn't want me to leave? Her eyes were trained on Christian's nervous face. A war raged inside of Erika until she regained her control. When she answered, her voice was tender and had a hint of something more. "I will not leave you, Christian. Your angel will always be here for you." Erika paused, seeing the smile spread on Christian's face. "I will hear you sing, and, if you wish, I will meet you here again after your debut." Erika opened her mouth to say more, but stumbled on the words. Finally she was able to say, "I will always come when you call, remember that Christian." Chris turned to face the mirror, eyes glistening with happiness.

"Thank you," Chris whispered, finally at peace.