Finally have this chapter up. I tried to make it a bit longer, but i couldn't. sorrrrryyyyy. And, i know ive taken forEVER to upload again. But school has been really stressful. I was sick today, so i figured I'd write this chapter. Please review, it would make me verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry happy!
Had he noticed that it was her? Of course he did, how could he not? Even if he did not recognize her, surely he knew her voice.
As she ran off the stage, her mind was set on finding Erik. She needed his comfort; his protective nature. She was backstage, and she was getting some looks. It meant nothing to her. Of course Erik would not be seen in this crowded area. She looked for an abandoned area in the shadows so that Erik would reveal himself to her.
She returned to the dark hallway where she had spoken to him earlier. It was not lit, and only had one small window. She ran to a corner that was nearly pitch black and curled up in a ball, and let the tears fall.
Questions entered her mind once again. Why would he be here? Was he following her, or was it merely a coincidence? They had been living far away until she left him. Why was he so close to the man he knew he couldn't beat?
Was it because of her?
Surely not. A man would only do that out of love, and she knew he did not love her. No man would treat his love so…vile.
She kept her sobbing quiet. She didn't want to be found, unless by Erik. But he was taking awhile. Where was he? Did he know where she was?
A few moments after this thought, she heard footsteps. That should have calmed her but it did just the opposite. She knew Erik's soft, gentle footsteps. His could barely be heard. But she also knew her enemies, loud and steady. These were Raoul's footsteps.
Her heart pounded in fear. She made herself invisible, so close to the wall it felt like it was swallowing her. Thank god she had chosen such a dark place, and damn her for wearing such a light dress.
For the first time in nearly two months, she saw the face of the man she hated. If she wasn't so terrified of him she may have just stood up and spat in his face, but she was frozen where she sat. She had to admit, he was handsome. Looks were merely on the outside; the best man she knew was hideous and the worst was gorgeous.
She saw him stand at the beginning of the hallway for a few seconds, scanning the dark. When his eyes fell upon her spot, she nearly screamed in her terror. Her hiding must have worked though, because she saw him turn around and walk away.
As to be safe, she remained frozen for maybe two more minutes, until breathing a sigh of relief.
Then Erik entered her mind once more. Where was he? Obviously not here.
After what felt like an eternity, she heard his voice before she heard his footsteps.
"Christine! Where are you?" she heard him say in a frantic voice. She stood up at once, and searched the darkness for his glowing eyes. Soon she found them, and within seconds she was in his arms.
"Christine, why did you leave the stage so suddenly?" he sounded angry, but slightly shocked and worried by her crying in his chest.
"Erik, I saw him. He was in the crowd." She cried. She felt his body tense.
She could tell he wanted to leave her, find him, and murder him. She could tell just by the silence. But he stayed, without another word, took her in his arms, and comforted her.
Within minutes she felt much better. "I love you Erik." She whispered.
"Do you wish to return home, Christine? I will protect you, no matter what may happen. I love you."
She nodded. Erik got them another carriage, and once again their ride was silent. She did not sleep this time, but she lay in his arms, still afraid of what her day may become.
Raoul must have known that she was with Erik. Why else would she be singing, near Paris? She wouldn't have ever been heard if it weren't for Erik. Also, she could never afford that dress, if it weren't original. He must have known that she did not buy it. And who would? Erik.
And he knew where Erik lived. He knew where she lived.
She trembled in Erik's grip, and he tightened his grasp.
When they arrived at the park, the sky was dimming into light shades of pink and orange. Erik wouldn't be dropped off at the opera; surely someone would wonder why a masked man would go to a burnt down opera. The night was beautiful, hundreds of flowers surrounded her and the night air was the perfect temperature. A surprisingly mild temperature for November, she thought.
"Shall we take a stroll?" Erik asked.
"I would love a stroll in the park." She replied, in a happy tone that didn't seem genuine. She knew he noticed, but he didn't make a big deal out of it, to her relief. He held out his thin arm, and she looped hers in his. Although she was frightened, this seemed to uplift her mood just a bit. It also increased her heart beat.
They walked in comfortable silence. The park was pretty deserted. The only other habitats were a few small animals. She noted a rabbit going in its hole when they passed by. They weren't really walking towards a certain place, or so she thought. They arrived at a small opening in the trees. It was just the way she remembered it, only faded to the oranges and yellows of autumn. She had always visited this place when she was younger. She realized she must have subconsciously led Erik there.
They sat down on the bench overlooking the pond and Erik wrapped Christine in his arms. She was comfortable here, her fears of Raoul slowly beginning to fade. She noticed a mother duck leading her children across the pond. How strange, she thought, for young ducklings in autumn.
The silence continued. Christine guessed that Erik was in deep thought. This allowed her to lose herself in her own thoughts.
As the last rays of day were masked under the trees, Christine began to get a sense of déjà vu.
It seemed as if she had experienced this before. No, it seemed a little different. Had she and Raoul come here before?
She heard a rustling in the bushes to her right. That's when it dawned on her.
She was living her dream. Her dream not too long ago. How had it ended again? She recalled herself just about to tell Erik she loved him. What a happy ending.
Then she remembered. Her dream didn't end with a happy ending. It wasn't a dream. It was a nightmare. Every detail of that awful nightmare flooded into her brain. The swordfight, Erik's still form, her reaction…everything.
Her body went rigid. What if it really was happening? She couldn't lose Erik. She loved him. There was so much they hadn't done. She still wanted to marry him and bare his child.
Erik reacted to her sudden terrified mood. "What's the matter, love?"
She stared into his golden eyes with worry. The noises in the bush continued.
They needed to get out of there. She thought fast. "Um.. I'm hungry. Let's go eat." When she said this, she realized she really should be hungry. She hadn't eaten all day. But she wasn't hungry now. Her stomach felt light in her fear. Erik seemed to sense her lie. He just stared at her with puzzled, worried eyes.
She took his hand and yanked him off the bench. He would get an explanation later. She nearly dragged him to the trail that had brought them there.
Just before she was able to get out of there, she heard in an all too familiar voice, "Christine! What are you doing here?"
Dun dun DUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
:P. I know this is a cliffhanger, so this time i will try my very hardest to get the next one posted as soon as possible.
and if you go back and read chapter eight, you will see just how many similarities the dream has in common with whats happening. (most by accident).
I'm sorry, but i must point out my favorite similarity "first rays of sunlight" and " the last rays of day"! i know they're opposite, but similar all the same. and this was one that was done by accident :)
and again, a review would be very much appreciated!
