Chapter Nine: Betrayal

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"That's absurd!"

Mr. Buquet's attorney grabbed his client by the sleeve and yanked it down, forcing him to return to his seat. Kasey, who was sitting across the table, rolled her eyes. "Don't have a temper-tantrum, Joseph."

"There's no way on earth you're getting my house!"

His notary cut in smoothly. "Please, Mr. Buquet; let's discuss this rationally."

Buquet's face turned bright red. "My wife cheats on me with my brother, files for divorce, and tries to take my home… and you're telling me to be rational?"

Kasey's lawyer shook his head. "But, is it not true that you're in debt, Mr. Buquet?"

"How is that relevant?" Buquet demanded.

"Joseph, you can't afford the house," Kasey explained. "I'm doing you a favor."

"A favor?" The man had reached his breaking point. He jumped to his feet, leaned across the table, and snarled, "Don't patronize me, Kasey. If you're going to sleep around with other men - yes, I know my brother isn't the first - then don't come in here like you're a glorified saint. Own up to your actions."

"Don't pretend to be a victim," Kasey snapped. "You've ignored me for years! What was I supposed to do, stay at home and obey your every whim?"

The two attorneys exchanged a glance, and Kasey's rose. "I think this is enough for one day. I suggest that we all go home, calm down," he gave Buquet a meaningful look, "and schedule another day to meet." Kasey quickly voiced her agreement and left the office. In a matter of moments, Buquet and his legal representative were alone.

"Joseph," the man began, patting Buquet's shoulder sympathetically. "I know this must be stressful for you, but you have to stop letting it get to you. Why don't you just say 'good riddance' and let it go?"

Buquet turned and stared out the window. "I can't just let it go," he said with a touch of remorse. "I wish I could, but I can't."

o0o

"That's absurd!"

Christine winced and looked around quickly, relieved that no one was staring at them after Meg's outburst. "Shhh, Meg, please…"

"I don't care, Christine! That guy is psycho if he's going to tell you who you can and can't spend your free time with; it's called free time for a reason."

"He just doesn't want me to lose focus," the brunette explained.

"Lose focus my butt!" Meg made a disgusted noise. "Chris, you're way too gullible. The only reason this guy is keeping you from Raoul is because he's jealous."

Christine raised an eyebrow skeptically. "And, pray tell, why exactly would he be jealous?"

Meg groaned in frustration. "He likes you, Christine! That's why he doesn't want you to spend time with Raoul!"

"Yeah. Sure. Of course." Christine commented sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

"Think about it, Chris." Meg scooted closer. "He doesn't mind if you hang-out with me. He doesn't seem to care when we go to the mall or a movie with a group of girls during weekends. However, he does mind when you go grab a frappuccino at Starbucks with a guy… and he minds so much that he tells you not to see that guy - or any guy, for that matter - again." She glanced towards the door and smirked. "Well, well, well… speaking of he-who-must-not-be-noticed…"

Before Christine could turn, a cheerful voice that she recognized far too easily spoke. "Hey, guys! Mind if I join you?"

Really? Christine silently asked, irritated. Nothing ever goes my way, does it?

"Go ahead," Meg said sweetly, smirking again when Christine glared at her.

"Actually," she counter-acted, "I have to be going. It was good to see you, Raoul. I'll talk to you later, Meg," she added as a threat. Hurriedly, she left.

Raoul watched her go with a confused look on his face. "What's up with her? She's been acting really strange lately. She won't respond to my calls, she acts like I'm not there…" He turned to the blond who was still sitting at the table. "Did I say or do something to upset her? Is she angry at me?"

Meg shook her head. "I don't think so," she said cautiously, not sure how much she should reveal. To her surprise, his eyes narrowed. "It's that music teacher of hers, isn't it?" he challenged.

She raised her hands in a defensive gesture. "If you want my advice, it would be best if you go talk to her. As for me," she continued, cutting off whatever he was about to say, "I can't say anything else. Christine is my best-friend, and I'm not going to talk about her."

Raoul nodded. "Thanks." Instantly, he rushed out of the café.

Meg placed her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her hands. I hope to goodness this ends all of the drama, she said to herself. More than anything, she hoped all of the conflict would be resolved and her best-friend's life could be normal again.

o0o

Where is she? Raoul wondered. He'd searched for Christine everywhere: the auditorium, the classrooms, the campus store… everywhere except the ladies' restroom, and he wasn't about to go looking in there. Although he called her on his cell phone several times, he wasn't at all surprised when she didn't answer. He was pretty much used to hearing her answering machine by now.

Then, the realization hit him hard. Of course… the library! All but running through the hallways, he reached the campus library… and lo and behold, Christine was sitting near the front, comfortably curled up in a chair with a book. He walked over and crouched next to her.

"I've been looking for you everywhere!" he whispered.

Not looking up from her book, she simply replied, "Oh?"

"You've been avoiding me."

Finally, she lowered her book and looked at him. "What gave it away?" she answered coolly. Rising, she started to walk away. Raoul followed her as she walked between some shelves, which gave them a bit more privacy.

"What's going on?" he demanded. She went up on her toes to replace her book. How can I break this to him without him becoming upset? she wondered. The odds of him taking the news calmly didn't seem to be in her favor. She turned to face him and took a deep breath. "I can't see you anymore, Raoul."

He stared at her. Surely she was joking! But, when her expression remained serious, he asked, "What do you mean, you can't see me anymore?"

Let's make this as difficult as possible, shall we? "I mean I can't spend time with you." She turned to go, but he grabbed her arm.

"This is about those stupid music lessons, isn't it?"

Christine's eyes flashed dangerously. "They're not stupid. I just don't need to lose focus, and…"

"Did he tell you that?" His grip tightened, and his voice rose. "Why doesn't he stop treating you like a little kid? What's his problem?"

"If you two don't be quiet, I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Both turned, shocked, and saw the librarian standing there, arms crossed.

"I'm sorry, ma'am," Raoul told her sheepishly. "We'll use our inside-voices." Christine snorted, and that set the two of them off laughing. The librarian walked away, muttering grumpily, adding to their amusement. Christine leaned against the bookshelf, trying to catch her breath. Raoul relaxed and grinned, thankful for the change in atmosphere. Maybe she'll be reasonable and listen to me now.

"Really, Christine," he began. "How is he going to know who you spend time with? Besides, isn't that your call to make?" He put his hand by her cheek hesitantly, conflict evident in his face. Then, he gently touched his fingers to her cheek. "I like you a lot, Christine," he confessed. "I don't want to go without ever seeing you again. And, I know you don't want that, either."

You know he's right, her inner voice remarked. Why should you let Erik control your life? He'll never know. She looked at him, considering his words, and sighed. "You're right," she admitted. He smiled hugely, and she laughed quietly. "I do have one condition, though."

"Name it," he said eagerly.

She pursed her lips, hoping he wouldn't take her next words the wrong way. "We have to keep this on the down-low; I don't want to have to give up my music lessons. Eventually, it won't matter because I'll be able to stop taking the lessons, but for now, this is how it has to be." She gazed into his eyes steadily. "Okay?"

He smiled that charming smile again. "Your wish is my command," he promised, bringing her hand to his lips and kissing it softly.

"A-hem!" The same librarian was watching them. "I'm warning you two…"

"Alright, alright, we're leaving," Raoul interrupted. Taking Christine's hand in his, he led her out the door before the librarian could scold them again. Like the children they were, they erupted into laughter as soon as they were outside of the confines of the library. Christine noticed that their hands were still joined, and she gently freed her hand from his. Raoul smiled ruefully but put his hand by his side. "Shall we find somewhere that doesn't restrict people from laughing?" he inquired with mock seriousness.

"Yes, I believe we shall." As they walked off together, Christine felt happy… except for the nagging that she in her heart.

o0o

A few days later, Raoul was walking Christine to her door after they had seen a movie when he suddenly said, "I want to meet your dad."

Christine's hand froze on the doorknob. "Ummm… I don't think that's a good idea, Raoul."

He looked hurt. "Why not? Don't you think your dad should be introduced to your boyfriend?"

Boyfriend. The edges of her lips curved upwards at the word. "My dad… well, he's not the most social person." That's a big understatement, she thought a little bitterly.

"All the same, I'd still like to meet him," Raoul insisted, his eyes searching her face. "Unless you mind?"

He had her there. Trying to keep from making a face, she opened the door and stepped aside so he could enter. Taking his hand, she led him to her father's study. Sure enough, Mr. Daaë was sitting at his desk. Does he ever take a break? She cleared her throat, and he looked up. "Dad," she started nervously. Raoul squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I'd like you to meet Raoul de Chagny… my boyfriend."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," said Raoul, extending his hand.

Mr. Daaë didn't shake his hand or even rise from his chair. "Boyfriend?" he echoed, an odd look on his face.

"Yes, Dad," Christine answered patiently. Raoul lowered his hand and looked at her, unsure of how to proceed. She shook her head, and he took the hint.

"Well, I'd best be going. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Daaë." He turned and walked towards the door, Christine escorting him.

"Oh, my gosh… Raoul, I'm so sorry!" she moaned.

"Hey, it's okay," he told her soothingly. He pulled her close and her head rested against his chest. She wrapped his arms around him and closed her eyes as he comforted her. "We'll just have to work on it."

That was one of the biggest things she loved about Raoul. He didn't take "no" for an answer; he always remained optimistic and persevered. As she opened her eyes, she saw a flash of gold in the darkness by the bushes. A shiver went down her spine, and she pulled back from Raoul abruptly.

"It's cold," she muttered. "I need to go to bed; I have a Spanish exam in the morning."

Raoul smiled understandingly. "Sweet dreams, Christine," he said. Then, after kissing her cheek, he left.

Christine wrapped her arms around herself as she stared into the darkness. Though she tried, she couldn't see the golden glow she saw mere moments ago. Calm down, she reprimanded herself. It couldn't have been him. Shuddering one last time, she re-entered her house and marched back into the study. Her father was still there, once more engrossed in his work.

"You could have made an effort, you know," she said accusingly.

"You're too young to have a boyfriend, Christine," her dad rejoined without looking up.

"Dad, I'm not too young! I'm nineteen years old!" she protested.

"What would your mother say?"

"Mom would like Raoul! Don't even try to make this about her. Look at me!"

Mr. Daaë finally raised his eyes to meet hers. Trying to control her shaking, she continued. "I know you miss mom; I miss her, too. But, you have to stop letting her memory torment you. I'm still here." Her voice broke, and tears streamed down her face. "I'm still here, Dad. Don't you care?"

He stared at her as though she was a ghost, pain carved into his face. Longing to fix matters between them, she stepped forward to embrace him like she had when she was a little girl. "Go… to your room, he whispered."

She stopped, horrified. In that moment, she knew: I'll never be able to reach him. Without another word, she turned and fled the room. She didn't stop until she threw herself onto her bed, collapsing into sobs.

o0o

Erik watched her as she cried, the anger slowly ebbing from him. As much as it infuriated him to see her disobey him and to allow the boy to kiss her - even if it was on the cheek - it bothered him more to see the tears on her face and hear her heart-wrenching sobs. Oh, she would still have to be punished; her disobedience insulted and incensed him, but right now, she was a helpless child again… a helpless child who needed him.

He waited until she went into the bathroom, and then, he crept over to her nightstand. A cup of water sat on it, and he slipped a pill into the cup. Then, returning to his hiding place, he watched while she gradually grew sleepy and then became unconscious. Again, he silently entered her bedroom and sat on her bed. He tenderly lifted her slightly until she her head was resting against his chest. He closed his eyes and pulled her close to him. Normally, such close contact with his angel would make him smile… but he couldn't rejoice now knowing that she was betraying him.

My Christine… he inwardly mourned. He didn't only mourn for himself; he also mourned for her. What am I going to do? he asked himself. Nothing was going to be the same, for Christine had changed everything with that one seemingly innocent kiss.

Posted on September 12, 2010