The Tempations Of Christine Daae
Here's Chapter Ten, Only Two More After This One. Thanks Again For The Reviews, Enjoy!
Halloween. The day where everyone becomes someone else, especially tonight at the Da Changy manison.
Everything was prepared for the ball, all what was left was the invited people and the musicans.
Christine looked at the beautiful gown that hung up on her wardobe, the only thing missing was a mask.
Meg had searched high and low for one but could not find the perfect one for her friend.
With a shrug of her shoulders, Christine told her that it didn't matter and would host the ball without one.
But deep down, it was sheer relief that she didn't have to hide with something that would remind her of him.
Closing her eyes, images of what ifs flashed before in her mind. Wondering if she did stay in Erik's arms that day.
They would make love over and over, share music together, finally be wed in a beautiful cremony, flee Rome to start their new life and perhaps have children.
Hearing the sweet sound of children's laughter sent shivers running up and down Christine's spine, it all seemed so real.
And yet, once she opened her eyes, it was gone. She was still married to Raoul, not a sign of children and certainly no music.
Puffing out a long and sad sigh, Christine began to make herself ready for tonight's ball.
After a long and relaxing bath, Christine entered her bedroom to gasp in pure terror.
There on the table was a freshly bloomed rose, a letter and the most beautiful mask.
Walking slowly towards it, she could feel her heart pumping furiously against her chest.
She picked up the note and read only a few short words that was there but she knew who's hand-writing it was.
A mask and a rose, use them wisely tonight...
"Erik." She whispered, clutching the letter against her chest and silently wept for her lover.
Her eyes fell on the slightly ajar window, he must have come from there while she was bathing.
Oh, if only! If only she didn't take so long, she may have seen just a glance of him.
She cried harder now, her shaking legs gave way that she knelt to the floor.
"Christine, are you alright?" Meg asked, stepping in the room to find her there.
She looked at her concerned friend who walked towards her and noticed the items on the table.
"He's still here, I told him to move on Meg!" Christine wailed, letting go of the note.
She went to comfort her until the tears stopped falling down her face.
"Come, we must get ready for the ball." Christine said, slowly standing up to sit on the stool.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Meg asked.
"Yes, I'm sure. Thank you for your kindness." She replied with a faint smile.
Meg nodded her head and left the room, closing the door behind her.
The note comfirmed it all, Erik was coming and this time he isn't leaving empty handed.
The masquerade ball went off in full swing, people were dancing, laughing, drinking and talking.
Raoul watched it all with the most hideous mask across his face, it was to hide his drunken state.
Meg stared at him in digust, tonight this will be put to a end now that Madame Giry is on her way.
As for Christine, never had she felt so lonely with a crowd of people around her. It seemed wrong.
There was knocking at the door, Meg went to answer it to find her mother standing there wearing a beautiful gown and a golden mask.
"Oh maman, you came!" She cried, hugging her. "Yes child, now where is Christine?" She asked her daughter.
"Come, let me show you." They went through the sea of people to find her sitting down, staring at her glass of wine.
"Look Christine, it's mama!" Meg said with a exicted voice. She looked at the tall and proud woman with a frown until she took the mask and instanly reconized her face.
"What brings you to Rome?" Christine asked, standing up to shake her hand. "I heard from my daughter that there was going to be a masked ball so I decided to come and visit." She replied, hiding the real truth.
"It's been so long, I've missed you so. Meg has been a great help here." Christine said, pointing at the blonde woman. "Yes, she's a very good helper."
"Who's this old bat?" Raoul asked in a drunken tone of voice. The three stared at him in shock but only Christine wasn't surprised of her husband's behaviour.
"Da Changy, what on earth has happened to you?" Madame Giry said sternly, watching him try to stand up properly which he was failing.
"Go back to Paris, you witch!" He shouted that bought everyone's attention in the room. "Go back to dancing, people. Nothing to see here." Meg said, burning a intense gaze at them.
"I will not put up with your childish behaviour, Raoul. Go to bed and sleep it off." Christine demanded. "Fine, this ball is boring as hell anyway!" He slurred.
Struggling to walk away, only Meg noticed him eye up a young woman a few years older than Christine that smiled back at him. A chilling shiver ran down her spine.
"I'm so sorry about Raoul, madame Giry." Christine said sadly. "Not to worry child, I can clearly see that he has changed a awful lot. But he will soon learn his lesson." She replied, winking at her daughter.
"If you excuse me," Meg said. She headed towards the woman that looked at Raoul with lust in her eyes, the perfect trap. "Hello, would you do a massive favour for me?" She asked her.
Author's Note: And I'm Going To Leave It There, Again A Short One But The Next Chapter Will Be Longer.