A/N: I am glad that many of you have not given up on this story. I am sorry that I was away for so long and I plan on making it up to you with lots of updates as well as my new story 'A light in the Dark.' I thank you all for your support and reviews. It means the world to me.

micheped: Thank you dearest. I am just trying to think of how to continue Cold unfeeling light. Though I am thinking it will soon come to an end whereas this story shall go on for quite some time.

thePhantom'sEvenstar: My Christmas was good love, and yours? Aww! Not the flu. I send you love and good wishes so that it will go away and soon. Hun, don't worry about not sending me it. I send you the ones that I need the most help with but when I feel confident about one then I check it over and then post it. Please don't hate me for that :P I didn't get your PM doll so I would appreciate it if you would re-send. My newest phic is up so please go and check it out. I hope it comes along well. Then I will get started on the other two...good lord I shall be a busy authoress. Aww! You flatter me, I really appreciate you complimenting my writing so. I stumble along sometimes, but other times it comes out more naturally. The kissing scene...that is beyond me honestly. I just wrote...gah. I just hope I don't run out of ideas for future fluff! Well dear I do hope that you have a wonderful and blessed New Year!

draegon-fire: I am glad that you enjoyed this chapter. I just told myself I couldn't deprive any of you for much longer and began to write. Giant teddy bear? That is wonderful. Romance him well. Any phan phic writer/reader is more than capable of doing just that!

Shariena: Thank you! Happy new year to you as well.

A week soon flew by and all too soon the opening night of Beauty and the Beast had arrived. Christine paced back stage anxiously as she listened to the sounds of the orchestra tuning their instruments. The dress rehearsal the night before had gone well, with no mishaps except for Carlotta complaining about a sore throat.

Now it was half an hour till the curtain would rise and Carlotta refused to leave her dressing room. She was convinced that she would lose her voice while on stage and ruin her perfect reputation. Everyone was at their wits end, for if Carlotta didn't preform there was no one to take over the role.

If no one took over the role of Belle, then there would be no performance and that would be a misfortune indeed.

"What are we going to do? We have no understudy...we shall have to refund a full house. A full house..." Anthony, the head manager muttered to his partner Fred.

"There must be someone who could take over the role tonight." Fred replied, glancing warily at the cast which was watching their every move and hanging onto their every word.

"Christine could take the role." Meg blurted out, causing Christine to blush deeply.

"Christine? Christine Daae?" Anthony asked, as if hearing the name for the first time. When his eyes landed upon the blushing girl he threw his hands up in the air. "Of course! Christine Daae!"

Anthony approached her and came to a stop with his nose almost touching hers. "Have you been working with a vocal coach?" He asked, casting his eyes over her form, as if assessing her talent by her appearance. Christine could only manage a nod, which brought a satisfied smile to the mangers thin lips. "I take it you've improved then?"

Before Christine could reply someone else answered for her. "Of course shes improved. Are you deaf?" Christine's heart nearly stopped as Erik walked up to Anthony.

"Very well. Christine Daae will be taking over the role of Belle since Carlotta is unable to do so." Anthony said, his face suddenly pale as sweat broke out on his brow.

Christine felt her heart drop into her stomach. How could she possibly...no...she would surely make a fool of herself. She was sure she would be sick and was about to make her way to the bathroom when she felt a pair of hands on her shoulders.

"I trust that you will be wonderful. They will finally see and hear what true talent is." Erik said kindly, his eyes looking into hers.

"Erik..I don't think I'm ready." Christine confessed, nervously biting her lip.

"I know you're ready. I believe in you Christine. This is your chance, don't think of anything or anyone. Think of your father and how proud he would be." Those last words left the biggest impression on Christine. Tears pooled in her eyes and she nodded her head in determination.

"Thank you Erik." Christine whispered as Meg dragged her off in the direction of the dressing room. The transformation from chorus girl to prima donna was about to begin.

The applause was deafening as Christine stepped out to take her bow. Roses were thrown upon the stage and she received a standing ovation. She could do little to stop the tears that shown in her eyes, and she looked heavenward silently thanking God for this chance. Silently thanking her father for the strength and courage she had found when she first stepped out onto that stage to take the leading role.

She couldn't believe she had done it, that she had managed to sing in front of all those people. Now that it was over, she wanted to do it all over again for the feeling was unlike any other. She felt her heart and spirit soar as her voice joined with the tune of the orchestra. It was a high that couldn't be compared to anything else.

She felt her heart sink when she realized that it was only for one night. Now she would go back to being a chorus girl and who knew how long it would be before she had such a chance again?

Once backstage, she was greeted to the sounds of applause from the cast. She smiled and hugged each and everyone of them, thanking them for her support. Nothing could bring down her mood, or so she thought.

"Well, it seems as though you didn't ruin opening night after all." A scratchy voice called out from behind Christine.

Christine turned to look into the face of one rather unhappy looking Carlotta.

"Of course not. Though you almost did." Christine said, her voice calm while a fake smile plastered itself across her lips. Carlotta made her way towards Christine, her eyes burning in silent jealousy and hatred.

"Too bad you that's the last time you'll be in the spot light." Carlotta hissed, causing anger to pump in Christine's veins. Christine remained silent, waiting, for surely Carlotta had more to say.

"Lucky for you, the costume fit. After all, you do not possess the same womanly form as I." Carlotta's words were like lighter fluid to a rapidly growing fire.

"If you call 'womanly form' having a chest as flat as your back." Christine said, her words cutting through Carlotta like the sharpest knives.

"Well at least the swell of your stomach distracted from the sound of your voice." Carlotta was now circling Christine as if ready to pounce and kill her prey. But Christine didn't flinch.

"Too bad there is nothing that can distract from the screaming you call singing Carlotta. Lack of talent and beauty have certainly made you bitter." Christine spat, seeing how red Carlotta turned.

"Hold you tongue, you foolish girl." Carlotta growled, her face nearly touching Christine's.

"Is that a threat?"

"Perhaps. You wouldn't want word of your connection to your lover boy getting around would you? People might wonder if it was perhaps your willingness to sleep with a madman instead of your talent which landed you this role." With that Carlotta turned on her heel, leaving Christine fuming.

"And what did you do to get this role Carlotta? Since surely no one would want to sleep with you."

"You bitch." Carlotta shrieked turning to face Christine once more.

"I may be a bitch, but I am no whore." Christine replied, Meg was now at her side with a gentle hand around her arm.

"Come on Christine. Stop wasting your breath." She whispered and Christine reluctantly followed her friend out of the theatre.

XXX

Christine was rather shocked when she was met with people waiting for her once she left the theatre. They all smiled at her and complimented her talent and beauty while asking her for her autograph and posing for pictures with her. It was rather surreal, and she felt as if she was watching herself smile and make small talk with people who should have been cheering for Carlotta instead.

Once the small crowd began to leave, she slipped away leaving Meg behind to wait for some of the other cast members. They would be heading out to dinner to celebrate the success of opening night. But Christine wanted to get some fresh air and some alone time before having to smile and act happy once more.

Carlotta's words had really bothered her. Though she knew what Carlotta had said wasn't true, no one else did for sure. Rumors could easily be spread and her reputation could be ruined.

She did not want people believing that she had only managed to get a part in Beauty and the Beast because she had spread her legs. She got the part because of her talent, nothing more. She didn't want people believing otherwise.

She wondered if Erik had heard her exchange of words with Carlotta. What would he think if people started believing he was bringing her to fame only because she was willing to bed him?

Before she could further think on it, Erik was calling out to her. She turned around to wait for him to catch up, forcing herself to smile.

"Why the long face? You were fabulous. Don't tell me you let that cow get to you." Erik said, forcing her to look at him.

"So you heard." Christine said, before turning to continue walking.

"Yes I heard, and I know that none of what she said is true."

"Of course it isn't true. But no one else knows that for a fact. I don't want people thinking I was able to take over the role because I am sleeping with you!" Christine shouted, causing a few people to stare at her.

"No, God forbid they think a beautiful young woman would sleep with me." He said bitterly.

"Erik, that isn't what I meant. I should be getting roles because I have the talent for it. Not because I seduced you." Christine said seriously, gently reaching out to touch Erik's arm.

"What if I did the seducing?" He asked, smiling coyly.

"Oh shush. I am being serious. I don't want my reputation to be in question because of Carlotta."

"It won't be. Just keep doing what you're doing and people will see the truth." Erik draped his arm over her as they continued to walk, enjoying the feeling of walking with a woman who wasn't embarrassed to be seen with him.

"I guess I shouldn't be so worried. We haven't slept together and I don't sing like a toad. People should be able to get their own conclusions from that." Christine said, feeling a bit relieved.

Erik nodded and they continued walking in silence. When Christine's cell rang she quickly answered it and was met with the sound of Meg's voice.

"Come on Christine, we're all waiting for you! We can't party till you get here." Christine smiled and agreed to meet Meg and the rest of the cast at a local restaurant and bar before hanging up.

"Are you ready to have some fun lover boy?" Christine asked, smiling up at Erik.

"Always."