"Christine, I didn't meant it," Raoul cried, "I didn't mean to shoot. I'm so sorry."

"It's a little late for apologies," Christine hissed.

"But…but…I love you!"

At that moment Christine could have slapped him. She could not believe how things had turned out. If she was completely honest she had been about to choose Raoul but now. She never wanted to see his face again.

Andre reached over and put his arm around Christine. She collapsed but he held her up. Firmin arrived back with a group of police officers, who promptly handcuffed Raoul and led him away. They were left alone as Firmin went with the officers to tell them exactly what happened.

"I always meant to tell you something but I never got round to it," he announced suddenly.

"What?" she asked, quietly.

"I was a very close friend of your father when we were young men. We lost touch but I visited him one last time before he died. I made him a promise. I promised that I would look after you," he paused, briefly, "I didn't do a very good job, did I?"

Christine looked up at Andre and noticed the tears filling his eyes. Suddenly a few things became much clearer.

"That's why you let me sing that day," she smiled.

"I knew who you were as soon as I laid eyes on you," he muttered, "I told your father about my plans to purchase the opera house before he died and he asked that I let you sing. He said he had made you a promise."

"He said he would send me an Angel who would help me sing."

"I should have done more to protect you."

"Don't feel any of this is your fault," she replied, "If anyone is to blame it's me."

"Funny, I would place more blame on the Opera Ghost or your insane husband."

"You don't know half the story!" she exclaimed, "I went back to him. The night before I married Raoul."

Andre didn't reply. He was at a loss for what to say.

"So Gustave is the child of the Phantom? I have to say I did not expect that," Andre chuckled slightly.

"I love him."

"I would expect you to love your son-"

"No," she interjected, "I love the Phantom."

"And you want me to give you some sensible, fatherly advice," Andre sighed, "Your father was a better man than I could ever hope to be but I shall try."

She waited in silence for him to say something.

"Do you love him more than Raoul?" he asked.

"I don't know if I feel anything towards Raoul after what he did."

"Right," he replied, "Well, if you love him then there should be nothing stopping you being with him."

"But what do you think my father would say?"

"He would never try to stop you being with someone you loved."

That was what Christine had needed. Her father had guided her through life and then when he had died she had been so lost. To be honest she had never really gotten over his death. She had needed a father figure to tell her exactly what to do.

"Thank you, Andre."

"It was nothing," he smiled, "And I expect to see you soon for rehearsals, whether you are with him or not. He's welcome too, as long as he doesn't bloody well wreck the place again."

"Don't worry, he won't," she laughed, then a sudden panic overcame her, "Where is Gustave?"

"With the ballet girls."

Christine thanked him again and then walked quickly backstage to find a young girl looking after Gustave. When he saw his mother he ran towards her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Come on, we're going to the hospital," she announced, then thanked the ballet girl as they made their way to the front of the theatre.

#

When Christine got to the front of the theatre she realised that she had no way of travelling to the hospital. She held her head in her hands and tried to stop her eye from filling with tears. Gustave tugged at her sleeve which caused her to look up.

"Does Madame need a lift?"

"Do you have any idea how to drive this thing?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Vaguely," he muttered, "Can't be that hard!"

Andre was perched in the driver's seat of a rather grand looking carriage. Christine sighed and stepped in, lifting Gustave in after her. They sped through the streets of Paris at a rather terrifying speed and whirled around corners so fast Christine was scared that the carriage may overturn.

Suddenly the carriage screeched to a halt. There was a crash, followed by a few muttered curses, then Andre opened the door. Christine swore she saw him let out a sigh of relief when he saw they were both unharmed.

They both got out of the carriage and walked towards the hospital.

"I don't know if I can do this," Christine whispered.

"I'm here beside you."