Christine's P.O.V
I should think that someone was throwing a pebble at the window. Or was it? Perhaps I was only imagining that. What should I do now? I cannot escape, for sure. I cannot leave Raoul! But whatever is the reason should I escape?
"Christine, are you awake?" Raoul's voice from outside of the chamber is heard, calling for me.
I turn my head quickly from the window and draw the curtains close. I walk over to the door reluctantly, I stand there and nibble my bottom lip. Raoul knocks again and I feel slightly foolish for being silent and stand still like a doll.
I turn the doorknob and for aught I know I am now in his embrace. His action has taken me by surprise for the last time I saw Raoul was him being sick in the bed.
"Oh, Christine." He breathes against my neck and he does not seem to want to let go. I let him to hold me for whatever moments that he needs. I pull him inside and close the door behind us, still being in his arms. I do not want his brother to see us like this. Not now.
After a few moments of holding me, Raoul finally pulls away, smiling tiredly. I suppose he needed that hug to comfort him.
"Why must you always come to my chamber? You know I would come to you."
I whisper as my hand caress his cheek. His complexion was pale and I am afraid that he is still sick.
"I have missed you. I'm tired of not being able to spend time with you like we always did when I was healthier." He begins, his voice is filled with an obvious agony. I lead him to sit on my bed as he continues to speak.
"I wish to marry you as soon as possible. Don't you want that as well?" He says.
Taken aback by his question, I purse my lips and look away immediately when he speaks of our marriage. I loathe myself for being unsure at this very time. Now, I am not sure if I wished to marry him at all. It seems to quick all of the sudden.
"What is wrong, Lotte?" He says, tilting his head. I am glad that he does not sound impatient. At least, that is what I thought.
"Do not you think it is too soon, Raoul? You have not-"
Raoul quickly cuts me off. "No, I am not yet feeling well. I am not well. We are all aware of that. But the thing is Christine-"
He pauses, raising his hand to stop me from interrupting.
"Please listen to me. If you wish to delay our wedding day, then it means that you are doubting my love for you." He stares into my eyes, as if to reassure how much he loves me.
"Don't be ridiculous, Raoul. There is not a single moment for me to have a doubt of your love for me. I know you love me and I do too. But as I have said, it is too soon. I only want the both of us to get better first, physically and emotionally."
I say, hoping that he would consider my words.
Raoul then lets out a small chuckle as he pinches the bridge of his nose, rather giving me a slight sense of fright. "Is this about that disfigured man, the phantom?"
"What about him?" I say, my voice shakes involuntarily. What does my angel have to do with this? I do not know where did he get the idea.
He squints his eyes at my question and blurts out a frightening one. "Are you in love with him?"
Erik's P.O.V
The search of De Chagny's chateau was not difficult. In fact, it was easy. The journey was not long either, it was short enough for the sky to stay gloom.
The mansion is surrounded by medium height walls. I see no problem to sneak into the place without getting caught. I lean against the wall and sit there for awhile, plotting my plans. The most important thing to know about this house is where Christine's chamber is placed.
I observe each window and pray the one that has caught my attention- as it is the only window with the curtains tied back- to be the window of Christine's bedchamber. Looking down at my left fist which is full with pebbles that I have collected from the garden, I unfold my hand and pick a pebble with my other hand.
One long sigh is let out and I throw the pebble at the targeted window. I then hurry to hide behind the tree near me and watch closely for any response. I inspect my surroundings at the same time, making sure that no one sees me here.
Bringing my sight back to the window, I sigh again in dissatisfaction. It would seem that I must try once more. She might be sleeping and I feel no better than guilty if I had to awaken her this way. She needs to know the truth. Carefully, I walk over to the wall and throw two pebbles at a time. This time, I drop my knees on the ground and examine the window through a hole within the wall. I would wait for another 5 minutes for someone to appear near the window.
My breathing becomes uneven in anticipation and it stops as the woman I have longed to see slowly walks near to the window. Christine stands there for a quite while and I do not know why my knees are not able to move at all. I can see her features clearly; her lips are pale and the dark circle which linger under her eyes are almost obvious. That dreadful encounter must have given her a difficult time to move on. "Oh, Christine." I breathe regretfully.
As I am prepared to show myself, Christine turns her head sharply behind her and draws the curtains close. Once again, I am disappointed. What could have distracted her? She would have seen me! But then again, would it be better if she saw me? I figure that it is impossible to talk to her now. I suppose I must stay here no matter how long it would take, whether I like it or not.