Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own the Phantom of the Opera. It belongs to Gaston Leroux (original novel) and Andrew Lloyd Webber (musical rendition). Please buy the book or tickets to see the live performance (I know I will one day when I have enough money).
Ch. 3: Reunion at the Opera Populaire
Christine Daae rehearsed the steps to the opening dance of Hannibal with the rest of the ballet girls. Opening night was not too far away and they still haven't gotten the entire choreography down.
Madame Giry, the strict ballet instructor, was growing impatient with the lack of improvement.
"Girls, girls!" She shouted while hitting the floor with her cane.
The dancers all stopped. Madame Giry paced around them, her eyes judging each one of them thoroughly.
"We need to stay together. If one strays, then we all stray! Again, from the top!"
The rest of the day was spent rehearsing for Hannibal, until the Opera Populaire's resident Prima Donna, Carlotta Giudicelli, demanded the stage to practice her aria. Christine didn't know whether to sigh in relief or exasperation.
She was glad she could finally rest but she'd have to hear the shrill voice of Carlotta every time she hits the high notes.
The ballet girls ran to their dressing rooms and Christine sat in front of her mirror, looking at her reflection. She's a young woman of twenty but still feels like a child at heart.
Perhaps a part of her didn't want to leave her wonderful childhood memories. Those memories always brought her joy.
But also sadness.
Christine remembers watching her father on his deathbed.
"Christine…don't be sad. I love you, so very much. And I promise you, you will not be alone…I will send you…an Angel of Music…I promise." Those were his last words.
After that, Christine moved out of their seaside house and lived with relatives and friends for a while. Eventually studying at the Conservatory of Music and graduating after four years.
She found her way into the Opera Populaire in Paris. Finally, she could begin her dream of singing in front of the world. But it's easier said than done.
The Opera Populaire already had Carlotta as their lead singer, and she made sure there was no competition. And there were rumours flying around that this opera house had a ghost.
A mysterious being that haunts the very halls of this building and is responsible for all disasters that happened within it. They called him the Phantom of the Opera.
"Do you believe in him, Christine?" Meg Giry, daughter of Madame Giry and Christine's best friend since coming here, asked. "Do you believe in the Phantom of the Opera?"
"Oh Meg, you know I don't," Christine said rolling her eyes. "I try not to believe shallow gossip and whispers spread by fear. The things I believe in are good things. Hopeful things."
"Such as?"
Christine leaned in close and whispered to her friend.
"The Angel of Music."
Meg smiled coyly. "And why is that?"
Because I spoke to him, and he spoke to me countless times. Ever since I first came here. Christine thought in her head.
Raoul was bored to death. Another one of these 'important' family-matter meetings. And he was unfortunately dragged into it by his brother, Philippe.
Things had never been good since his family moved away from their seaside manor. His life had never been duller.
To prevent himself from falling asleep in this meeting, Raoul played with a nearby feather pen. He pretended to draw in the air. He was so lost in thought that he didn't hear Philippe call his name until the third time he said it.
"Raoul de Chagny!" Philippe shouted through grit teeth. "Were you paying attention to anything we just said?"
Raoul put down the feather and nodded, pretending to be interested.
"Yes. What do you want?"
Philippe cleared his throat. "We want to financially support the Opera Populaire. We believe it to be a good addition to our patronages. Make us seem more ahead of our time and appreciative of the arts. What do you say?"
"Of course, of course. Completely agree," Raoul said without thinking.
He really wanted to leave now.
"We want you to go down to the Opera Populaire and announce the de Chagny family's patronage," Raoul's father further revealed.
Raoul didn't mind. As long as he was away from these meetings, he's fine with anything they tell him to do.
"When should I go?" He asked.
"Next week," Philippe answered. "Before the opening production of Hannibal."
Olivier was glad he didn't go home immediately after classes were over. The party here in the tavern right across from his university's campus was amazing. He hadn't had this much fun in a long time.
Although, he's still a little uncomfortable being surrounded by so many other grown men. Several of which are very drunk at this point.
"So I asked her out this weekend, and she said yes!" One of Olivier's classmates said excitedly. "But now I realized. I don't know where to take her to!"
His friend came over and offered a suggestion. "She loves opera, doesn't she? Take her to the Opera Populaire up in Paris! You can afford a trip up there for a weekend, no?"
Murmurs and whispers spread like wildfire across the tavern.
One guy said in a teasing voice, "where the spooky opera ghost resides?"
"There is no such thing as ghosts," Olivier chimed in.
His friends all laughed and poured him another drink. Saying that he's too uptight and serious and that he needs to get himself a girlfriend sooner than later. But Olivier just shrugged it all off.
The same guy who suggested the Opera Populaire defended his opinion. "I heard that the Viscount de Chagny is going to be a patron there. It must be good if the de Chagny's are willing to put their money behind this place."
Did he just say, de Chagny? Olivier immediately sobered up. He asked the same guy. "The Viscount de Chagny? As in Raoul de Chagny?"
The guy nodded. "Yes. Why? Do you know him?"
Olivier nodded and smiled brightly. "As a matter of fact, I do."
Christine entered her bedroom inside the opera house after a long day of practice. She was exhausted, but she didn't plan on sleeping just yet. Instead, she walked around the room, looking up at the ceiling with hopeful eyes.
"Angel? Angel are you there?" She asked, seemingly talking to herself.
Almost immediately, a deep yet gentle male voice answered her. It soothed Christine's heart and melted away all her pain from a day of hard-working.
"I am here, sweet girl. Are you ready for your lessons?"
The mysterious voice seemed to dance and echo around the walls of Christine's room. She looked around, trying to know where it's coming from.
"Yes, Angel. Yes."
With that, they began. The sound of a piano was heard in the background as Christine sang, played by her Angel of Music, as usual. He would make her stop every so often to correct her.
But Christine didn't mind. She especially loved it when he would demonstrate the sections she could not sing very well.
His voice was the most beautiful sound she ever heard. How could such a voice exist? It's a gift from God. Today's lesson was dedicated to the aria from Hannibal, 'Think of Me'. An aria that Carlotta sings with great pride.
So Christine felt a little nervous when she was singing this aria that she thought had always belonged to Carlotta here in her bedroom.
Long hours passed by, but to Christine, it felt like mere minutes. And finally, the lesson was coming to an end.
"I believe it's time to call it a night," the voice said. "Christine, you have become an even greater singer than I imagined. I believe that you are ready."
Christine felt her heart beat faster. "Ready? For what, my Angel?"
"To sing in front of the world. Starting off with the audience of the Opera Populaire. That's right, Christine. You shall play the leading role in Hannibal," the Angel was not demanding but telling.
And before Christine could protest, he shushed her gently.
"My dear. You have a far superior voice than that toad of a woman, Carlotta. It's a shame the managers here are too idiotic to see true talent. However, I'm sure the new managers will be much more compliant. And if they're not, I will see to it that they will be."
"But—but Angel!" Christine cried. "I've never had a solo part in an opera before. Surely, there will be other opportunities—"
"Christine," The voice said firmly. "I am your Angel of Music. Under my tutelage, you have achieved skills most singers only dream of. I would rather burn in hell than see you rot away while pretenders like that Carlotta woman hog the stage. No more 'buts'. I will see to it you play the lead. I promise."
And with that, her Angel of Music disappeared. Christine was left to her own thoughts. She knew that she always dreamed of this kind of opportunity.
After all, that's why she came here. To become a star opera singer. But a part of her was scared. And confused. This 'angel' of hers seems so mysterious but so real at the same time.
She wished that she could see him. Perhaps that would wash all her confusion away.
It was early morning when Olivier arrived in Paris. He checked into the apartment he was renting. It will be his home for the next few months or so. Unpacking his belongings and changing out of his travel clothes, Olivier thought about his made-up reason to his father for why coming to Paris.
"I'll be working at a law firm there. To job shadow for a couple of months. Please don't trouble yourself looking after me. I'll be fine on my own. After all, I'm a grown man, am I not?"
His father praised him and promised to respect his wishes and let him be independent while he 'worked' in Paris. Olivier already told his university that he'll be taking some time off for this 'work opportunity'.
Gently, he laid down his ever so precious violin case on the bed. It was the same violin Gustave Daae gifted him all those years ago, and Olivier had never stopped practicing in secret.
Even taking lessons from the violinist Gustave recommended him, in Marseille.
The sun was rising above the tall Parisian buildings. It lit up the streets enough for Olivier to see the path towards the Opera Populaire. He smiled as he removed his toupee and untied his hair.
She stood in front of the full-length mirror that came with the apartment. Slowly, she peeled off several layers of clothing until it's just her undershirt and pants.
Turning around and around, she smiled at the sight of her womanly features finally being able to surface from under the constant sea of fabric.
"Tomorrow, I'll go to the Opera Populaire. And say hello to Raoul. I wonder if he'll remember me."
Memories flashed through Olivier's head.
"Don't forget me, Raoul. Don't forget. Because I won't forget you."
It made her head float and stomach flutter.
Raoul woke up bright and early for the visit to the Opera Populaire. He was looking forward to seeing what kind of talent lies inside that made his family decide to become a patron of it.
As soon as he arrived, he was greeted by an entourage of people, including the current manager, Lefevre, and soon-to-be new managers, Firmin and Andre.
They greeted him and welcomed him into the opera house where rehearsals for Hannibal were taking place. It was a rather interesting sight, seeing the production of an opera before seeing the finished performance.
But Raoul couldn't quite see why his family wanted to patronage this opera house. Though Raoul could swear one of the chorus girls resembled his childhood sweetheart, Christine Daae, very much.
Overall, the performers seemed to be just above average, nothing spectacular.
Maybe it's because seeing Gustave Daae's violin performances from his childhood set the bar too high.
After Monsieur Lefevre announced his retirement and introducing the resident cast and crew to the new managers and Raoul, Raoul decided to take his leave.
Before he could hail for his carriage, he was approached by a dark-blonde haired young man wearing a chestnut brown coat and matching newsboy cap.
Raoul felt an air of familiarity coming from the man, who was looking directly at him.
"Monsieur de Chagny?" The man asked.
"Yes…?" Raoul replied.
"Have you forgotten me, Raoul? Have you forgotten?" The man's voice suddenly became softer and higher.
Raoul's eyes widened as the man removed his cap and revealed a scruffy hair Raoul hadn't seen since his youth.
"Because I never forgot." The man finished.
"Olivier!"
The man—woman, laughed and ran forward to give Raoul a hug, which surprised him at first, but then he eagerly returned. They chatted for a minute before Olivier asked if Raoul wanted to grab something to eat with her.
Raoul agreed and offered her a ride in his carriage to a nearby cafe.
Once they got there and settled down at a table, Olivier and Raoul struck up a more heartfelt conversation.
They asked each other about their lives since moving away from the sea and how difficult it had been, adjusting to the world they're thrust into.
Raoul complained about the pressure of maintaining his family's image and title, something that Olivier can relate to.
"I know how you feel, Raoul. Better than you think. I've been going through that my entire life," Olivier comforted her friend.
Being careful not to get too close since from a public eye, they were just two men catching up at the cafe.
She lowered her voice. "But at the very least, you don't have to pretend to be someone you're not."
Raoul smiled and remembered.
"I still remember, Olivier. And I never told anyone. Just like I promised. Now tell me. What are you doing here, in Paris? It's quite a distance from Marseille. Does your father know about this?"
"I heard that you were patronizing the Opera Populaire and well, I…I wanted to see you again. I thought this was a once in a lifetime chance, so I seized it. And look, we're here, reunited after so many years. I'm so happy, I don't care what my father thinks!" Olivier confessed.
Hearing that made Raoul very happy. He knew that Olivier used to always be tense around her father. It seemed like she finally got rid of his iron grip on her. Or is she lying?
No matter, the fact remained that she's here and he's here. And if Christine were here...that would make this day all the more perfect!
"Olivier, there's a production of Hannibal tonight at the Opera Populaire. I'll be attending myself and I remember that you never attended a real live opera before, so I thought it'd be nice to tell you this in case you're interested."
The thought of watching an opera in person delighted Olivier. Coming to Paris seemed like the best decision she made in her life.
"I'll see if there are any more tickets being sold at the opera house. If not, I may have to sneak in!"
"If it comes to that, I'll just give you my seat!" Raoul said jokingly.
Christine couldn't believe what had happened at rehearsals today. First, her childhood friend, Raoul, came and revealed that he, on behalf of his family, was going to be a patron of the Opera Populaire.
Then during Carlotta's performance of 'Think of Me' for the two new managers, the backdrop suddenly falls and nearly hits her. She angrily quits after the new managers fail to address the situation.
It led to Madame and Meg Giry recommending Christine herself, as Carlotta's replacement. After performing a quick excerpt from the aria, Christine was quickly named the new lead and preparations were made for her.
It's just like the Angel of Music had promised.
But many of the ballet girls believe that the Phantom was the one responsible for dropping the backdrop onto Carlotta. Not to mention the mysterious letter given to managers, Andre and Firmin, was from the Phantom as well.
Or so Madame Giry said.
Christine needed some time to herself so she waited until the stage was cleared so she may stand upon it by herself. She looked out to the empty seats, imagining the crowd of people that will be gathered tonight.
It made her skin shiver and quickly, Christine turned away to face away from the empty seats.
That's when the doors opened. A young man dressed in a brown coat entered. He apologized if he was interrupting anything.
"I—I'm just looking for the ones responsible for selling tickets for tonight's performance of Hannibal," the man explained.
Christine was surprised this man is buying tickets at such a last minute.
"Oh, well. I could call the managers, Monsieur…"
"Koenig. Olivier Koenig."
Christine covered her mouth in disbelief. She leapt off the stage and towards Olivier, crushing her in an enduring embrace.
Olivier didn't know why this strange but beautiful young woman was hugging her, but then she quickly realized who this stranger was.
"Christine Daae?" Olivier asked in her female voice as they broke away. Her eyes widened and a grin started forming on her face. "Is it really you?"
"Yes! Yes, it is!" Christine couldn't stop smiling. "Oh, Olivier. I never thought I'd see you again! Not after you moved to Marseille. What a day this day is! First Raoul, now you! I think the heavens are finally smiling down upon me!"
"You met Raoul as well?" Olivier asked excitedly. "I have too. We just went out to eat together. He said that he's coming to the show tonight."
Christine beamed at the thought of that.
"Well, I saw him, but he didn't recognize me. Not to mention he left before rehearsals ended so I couldn't go up to him to say hello. Maybe we'll get the chance to talk after the performance tonight. Anyways, let's go find the managers! I'm sure they'll sell you a seat!"
"How do you know?" Olivier asked as Christine dragged her down towards the managers' office.
"Because I'm playing the lead!" Christine grinned from ear to ear.
Just as Christine predicted, Andre and Firmin wasted no time giving Olivier a ticket for a balcony seat. Anything to please their new Prima Donna. They need to be extra sensitive since Carlotta left.
Luckily for them, Christine is more humble and sympathetic. It'll take a lot more for her to suddenly quit last minute.
Olivier thanked Christine for the ticket and wished her friend the best of luck in the performance tonight.
"I'm sure your father will be proud of you," Olivier said in farewell.
Those words stayed with Christine as she walked back to her dressing room. Her father always wanted her to pursue her dream to sing. And always told her stories of the Angel of Music.
Even promising to send her one once he died. Maybe this Angel of Music did more than just teach her how to sing. Maybe he also brought her happiness.
"Who was that boy, Christine?" The Angel suddenly boomed. His voice stressing on the word 'boy' as if there's a lump stuck in his throat. "You seemed so eager to throw yourself into his arms."
Christine was shocked to know her Angel saw her with Olivier at the front stage. She quickly reassured him that it was nothing.
"He is a very old friend of mine, Angel," Christine made sure to refer to Olivier as a male.
Angel or not, she still promised Olivier to not speak of his secret to anyone as long as she lived.
"His name is Olivier, we've known each other since we were children. I haven't seen him since he moved to Marseille and never thought to see him again. That's why I was so happy. Please understand, Angel. He's only a friend."
"Just make sure he doesn't become a distraction to you and your singing," the Angel said.
He seemed to have calmed down a bit. But just a bit.
"And what about this 'Raoul' that you two were talking about? Another friend?" He questioned.
Christine nodded. "Yes. We used to play together by the sea as children. Those were some of the best times of my life. Now, they're nothing more than memories. But Angel, they're here. And they're going to watch me perform tonight! Did you plan for this to happen?"
"No, my dear. I only planned for you to get the lead part. Anything to do with Olivier and Raoul coming here had nothing to do with me," the Angel insisted.
That made Christine a little sad. She was hoping that the Angel would've hinted at being the one responsible for their little reunion but he wasn't. It made him seem not omnipotent and more...human.
Maybe a part of Christine hoped that he would be supernatural because if he wasn't, then she truly wished to see him.
"Angel...dear Angel of Music…" Christine said in a quiet voice.
The Angel gently encouraged her to say what she wishes to say. Biting her lip and squeezing her hands, Christine got these words of her system.
"May I see you?" She asked.
A moment of silence passed between them before the Angel answered her request.
"Not now. But soon. I promise. Soon, we will see each other."
And that was the last Christine heard from her Angel. She didn't know how to interpret it. If her Angel was truly an angel from heaven. Then what did he mean by 'soon'?
Will something horrible happen to her? How else would she enter heaven?
But he is an angel, so doesn't he have the power to leave heaven and come down to Earth to see her? No matter, the fact remained that she will meet her Angel of Music soon. And Christine has been wanting this for so long.
"You will think of me!"
Christine held the last note will all her power to finish the aria strongly. The entire audience applauded loudly and threw flowers on stage for her. There were so many people out here tonight.
Christine never felt so alive. She performed 'Think of Me' even better than she did during her practice runs with her Angel of Music.
It was a magical experience for her. Now she thinks she understands what Olivier felt when she first heard her sing while her father played the violin.
As she's walking offstage, she's surrounded by the ballet girls, who all praised and fawned over her performance. Madame Giry led her to her dressing room where she presented her with a single rose tied with a black silk ribbon.
"You did well. He will be pleased," Madame Giry stroked Christine's cheek.
Then she turned her attention to the ballet girls and criticized them for their performance tonight.
"Go! We rehearse now!" She commanded.
The girls all left in a hurry, but Meg managed to slip away without her mother noticing. She came up behind Christine.
"Christine, you were perfect tonight!" Meg exclaimed, taking her friend's hands in her own. "Tell me, who is this tutor of yours?"
Christine saw no reason in hiding. "Don't laugh, Meg. My tutor is this Angel of Music I told you about before. The same Angel my father used to tell me stories of. I don't see him but I hear his voice every night. He calls out to me and teaches me to sing."
Meg didn't know whether or not to believe Christine. But one thing's for sure. This Angel of Music really did teach and guide Christine into the singer they all saw tonight.
From a distance, said Angel was applauding slowly and softly.
Singing, "brava, brava, bravissimo…"
Raoul was shocked to see Christine on stage, performing the leading role of Hannibal! He thought that Carlotta Giudicelli was the one playing. But this is a delightful surprise!
And now, he's starting to think his family made the right choice in patronizing the Opera Populaire.
The performance ended all too soon. Raoul still felt like he was under a trance. Christine's voice had become truly magnificent, just like her father said.
No, it's almost like the heavens bestowed upon her the voice of an angel. And it helped that she also had the face of an angel too.
Raoul felt all those times when they were children, when they hugged, held hands, and rolled around together, coming back to him.
And the shallow attraction he felt for Christine then, was coming back stronger than ever now. He politely excused himself from managers Andre and Firmin as they were making their way towards the cast and crew dressing rooms.
"Gentleman, please. This is a visit I'd rather make unaccompanied," he insisted.
He ignored the teasing looks and murmurs he received from them. As soon as they were gone, he prepared to go up the stairs towards Christine's room.
But he heard someone call his name. It was Olivier.
"Raoul, are you going to see Christine?" Olivier asked.
"Yes, I...wait, did you know Christine was going to be in the leading role?" Raoul asked curiously.
Olivier nodded and explained, "she was the one who got me a ticket. I was just going to thank her again. And compliment her for an amazing show."
"Oh well. I was kind of hoping to…" Raoul trailed off.
He didn't know how to explain it to Olivier. But he didn't, Olivier knew.
"Don't worry, I get it. You wanted to see her alone, right? Go ahead. I already met her once, you haven't yet. So please, don't feel bad," Olivier smiled.
Hiding her sadness by tilting her hat downwards.
Raoul smiled gratefully and was so glad to have such an understanding friend.
"Thanks, Olivier. I'll treat you to lunch one of these days. Promise."
Then he disappeared up the stairs. Olivier sighed and walked towards the exit where the audience was all leaving. Outside, the weather was cold.
The first signs of winter were showing and Olivier silently cursed himself for not bringing some winter clothes. Wrapping his coat tighter around his body, Olivier waited until the last of the carriages left the opera house.
Then he started to walk around the building, not wanting to go back to his apartment just yet.
Raoul entered Christine's room with great preparation. He knew exactly what to say to get her to remember him. By bringing up the red scarf he went out into the sea to fetch for her.
Just as expected, Christine lit up with recognition and turned around to hug him.
"Oh, Raoul. It is you!" Christine cried.
"Ah, so Little Lotte does remember, how wonderful!" Raoul teased. He knelt down in front of her. "How have you been?"
"Wonderful," Christine said honestly. "Well, I say that because of everything that's happened in these few days. First, I secured the leading role in this opera. Then I met Olivier yesterday. It was a wonderful reunion. And tonight, I see you, Raoul. It's beyond everything I dreamed of!"
Raoul felt the world melting away as Christine told him about everything that's happened ever since she came here to the Opera Populaire, and as they shared precious childhood memories. Including the sad, painful memories.
Christine looked down, remembering her father.
"Raoul. Do you remember the stories my father would tell me? The ones about the Angel of Music?"
Raoul nodded. Christine continued, "well. I have been visited by the Angel of Music, Raoul. He really does exist!"
"I'm sure he does," Raoul said without a doubt. He took Christine's hands in his own and stood up.
"And now we go for supper." He insisted.
As quick as the wind, Christine's expression changed to panic. She shook her head and began saying that the Angel of Music is very strict and doesn't like her being distracted from singing.
Despite Raoul's insistence that it's only a quick dinner, Christine still refused. But Raoul was adamant.
"Two minutes, Little Lotte," was his final sentence to her before he left to be in the dressing room.
"Raoul!" Christine cried but he didn't respond. "Things have changed, Raoul."
From behind her mirror, the 'Angel of Music' was extremely displeased—furious—at the sight of Raoul attempting to ask Christine out for supper with him.
He was worse than the Olivier boy from yesterday! Not being able to hold in his anger any longer, the Angel seethed.
"Insolent boy! Who does he think he is? Basking in your glory? Sharing in my triumph?"
Immediately, Christine got up to her feet and began asking for forgiveness and calming her Angel.
"Angel! Please, I'm sorry. I was weak, naive. Please don't be upset, master."
The Angel calmed down. It seemed like Christine had her priorities straight. To her, he was still number one in her life. And he shall make sure it remained that way. Perhaps this is the time to reveal himself to her.
Tonight, she will see her Angel.
And realize that he is no Angel, but in fact, the Phantom of the Opera.
He sings to her and calls her to the mirror, where he appears behind the glass, overlapping her own reflection. Before Christine could comprehend what's happening, the mirror slid open and on the other side stood a man.
A tall man wearing a black cloak and hat. But what really caught Christine's eyes was the white porcelain mask that covered the right side of his face.
However, his angelic voice and singing lulled all her worries away. And she reached out to take his gloved hand, letting him lead her down the tunnel behind the mirror.
Outside the dressing room, Raoul knocked loudly.
"Christine? Whose voice is that? Christine?"
Outside the opera house, Olivier still wandered around. The moon was high in the sky but did little in lighting up the sides of the giant opera house where she walked about.
Her mind stuck on how beautiful Christine looked tonight onstage. Raoul must've noticed too.
"You will never hold a candle to that Daae girl," Karl said.
"You were right, father," Olivier whispered to herself. "You were right all along. She's grown into a beautiful young woman. And Raoul has become even more handsome than he was before. And me…I didn't blossom into anything."
She stopped walking and knelt down, hugging her knees against her chest. A few moments later, she heard something coming from the ground of the opera house.
It sounded like singing...Christine singing. But after a quick examination, Olivier realized the singing was coming from the sewers under the building.
Olivier followed the sound and eventually found an opening where Christine's voice was coming out of loud and clear.
"Christine!" She shouted but no one answered.
Looking around to make sure no one was around to witness, Olivier slowly squeezed her way between the bars and through the opening, into the sewers beneath the opera house.
Turns out, it wasn't actually a sewage line but more so a rainwater drainage line. So Olivier didn't have to hold her breath while running across the dark abyss, feeling her way around and following the sound of Christine's voice.
She got deeper and deeper into the underground, twisting and turning down a maze of tunnels, following Christine's voice. Eventually, she saw light ahead.
The singing was still going on, but now, she could hear a man's voice singing along with Christine.
It was the most beautiful voice Olivier ever heard.
The light source was coming from the same place as the singing. And Olivier began to run.
"Chris—ah!"
She tripped over a rocky patch sticking out from the ground and tumbled down a slope towards the light source. She hit her head upon landing at the bottom and lost consciousness.
The last thing she remembered was the mesmerizing man's voice crying out.
"Sing for me!"
A/N. Here is the 3rd chapter. The events of the Phantom of the Opera are finally starting! I'm very excited at this point onwards and I hope some of you readers out there are too. This chapter is a bit difficult to write because I needed to set up the reunion between the three friends in a way that didn't take up too much content. Not to mention I needed to introduce the Phantom into the fold and give a quick summary of what happened to each of the three friends from their separation to adulthood.
Again, I hope you lovely readers enjoyed this chapter. And if you did, please read it as much as you want! And the overall story too (once it's finished).
I write because I love to write.
But favourites, follows, and reviews are always motivating! :)
Until the next time we meet,
MiraLake
(PS. New chapters every week unless I announce a hiatus)