A/N: **Sniffles** the last chapter! **Burst out into tears** WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!! I'm going to miss all of y'all! **Tear*

"Tell me why
Those innocent lies
Tell me why
The mystery
Of love is to live
Live and let live
Break the chains and try to forgive me now
For the fortune on the wings of an eagle
And our hearts lie in the hands of an angel…" – 'Why' by Sarah Brightman.

Chapter 9

        Although my eyes opened to find her, my heart was heavy, for I had not forgotten that today… was the final day… the last day with my beloved Christine. I almost desired to suggest that she shouldn't attend rehearsal, but I came to the decision that that was selfish of me. It might have jeopardized her career on the stage.

        As my angel rose from her delicate sleep, her innocent eyes did not seem to hold any anxiety, of course, for she suspected nothing dreadful in the least bit. They were amorous and blithe.

        "Good morning, Erik." She whispered, as she ran her hand lightly over her face.

        "Good morning, my love." I replied, managing to control a heart wrenching sob from escaping my mouth.

        Leaning over, she bestowed a gentle kiss upon my misshapen lips. "I must go get dressed for rehearsal."

        "Christine!" I spoke quickly, catching her arm.

        "Yes?" She questioned, tilting her lovely head.

        "Perhaps, you could only attend half of rehearsal today, my dear?" I laughed nervously, watching her with intensity, fearing I could lose her at any moment.

        Nodding slowly, her lips curled into a smile. "Of course… Whatever you want, Angel."

        And with that simple, yet tender sentence, she bounced gleefully from the room. Swiftly changing into my usual outfit, I left the room to find that Christine had already left.

        "That was fast." I mumbled, slipping on my cloak and fedora.

        Darting from the house, I took a shortcut through the cellars. I knew various passages throughout the cellars – but for once, I did not know where Christine was.

        Taking a deep breath, I finally arrived at the entrance to the theatre. Expected, she was there…

        But so was he.

        Raoul de Chagny trudged up behind my angel and rapidly spun her around. Clenching my hand tightly around my lasso, I awaited anything that proved dangerous to Christine.

        "Christine! Darling! Yesterday…" He spoke quietly, running his hand quickly through his hair, "Must have been a bad day for you, my love! Surely you didn't mean what you did…?"

        Christine sighed softly, staring up at him. "Raoul, you practically attacked me! I'm sorry, dear, but a man's lips unexpectedly smothering mine is not what I would exactly call a nice greeting."

        The boy's cheeks grew warm as I withheld a chuckle.

        "I'm sorry, Christine… I was just delighted to see you – that's all." He profusely apologized, stumbling over his words.

        "It's all right, Raoul. Well, dear, you should think better of it next time."

        "Christine… what happened? Don't you love me anymore?" He inquired, his poignant navy eyes watching her.

        "R-Raoul…" She stammered, her eyes befalling the floor, "I do love you… very much so… but my love is the love of a sister… or a very dear friend. I cannot give you the love a wife should… I'm so sorry."

        The merry, boyish charm in his eyes seemed to dim as he heard those words.

        I believe, for a mere second, my heart went out to the boy.

        "It's him… isn't it?" The boy said darkly. "It's that… Phantom… Erik, am I right?"

        "I'm so sorry, Raoul." She repeated softly.

        "Farewell, Mademoiselle Daae. I pray you have a good life." Raoul lowered his eyes. His hand scratched his blonde curls, as his voice became softer. "Christine… if you ever need a friend… I am here for you…"

        She somberly gaped up at him, embracing him one last time.

"Thank you, Raoul." She murmured, as she released him

That was the last time I saw the Vicomte de Chagny.

Christine sighed as she solemnly stood there for a moment. Her eyes were staring at the ground, as if contemplating something exceptionally serious. Blinking rapidly a few times, she turned on her heel towards the welcoming doors.

        "Christine!" I called, my voice hushed.

        She turned back around as swiftly as she had turned before, her eyes wide with surprise. "Yes?"

        Stepping from the shadows, I smiled weakly. "How about… you do not attend rehearsal today? I could write a letter to the managers about it so no consequences will be held."

        "Erik…" She began quietly, "I really shouldn't ask you to do more than you need."

        "This is nothing at all, my dear. I am more than happy to do it… Please?" I asked, hope filling my eyes.

        Today was the final day. I had to be with her.

        Staring at me for a moment, Christine finally agreed. "All right, Erik… whatever you want."

        Taking her hand gently, I led her away from the Opera House. I decided it was best if we did something we had never done before.

        Catching a carriage, I whispered directions to the driver. As we rode, she leaned out of the window. Her large eyes held the reflections of the various, scintillating city lights. The carriage came to a hasty stop at a quiet restaurant.

        Christine's eyes lit up with excitement and vibrancy as I led her inside.

        "May I help you?" A kind female voice asked.

        Turning around, I nodded to the waitress but my smile disappeared once I recognized her. It was the mysterious woman… again. However, I dared not to say anything.

        Swallowing, I replied, "Oui, Mademoiselle, I would like this…" I stated, pointing to the menu, "Christine, what would you like?"

        "The same." She answered, smiling, "Excuse me for a moment."

        As Christine stood to exit to, where I assume was the restroom, my head turned sharply to the woman. "What are you doing here?"

        The woman remained smiling. "Just checking in on things."

        I sighed exasperatingly, "I still have until sunset!"

        "I know!" The woman laughed, "I know, Erik! Calm down!"

        "Calm down? I assure you it is harder than it seems."

        Patting me on the shoulder serenely, she nodded. "Just love her, Erik. That's all you need to let her know."

        "I have been…" But the woman disappeared once again, which seemed to be one of the things she was best at.

        Not too soon after, Christine returned from the restroom.

        "Is the food coming?" She questioned, her face glowing with innocence.

        "Yes, my love." I answered faintly.

        "Erik… why have you been doing all these things? I do appreciate it very much," The words tumbled from her lips as she wrung her tiny hands, "And it is very kind of you, but why…"

        Quickly, I caught her relentlessly moving hands, simply holding them.

        "Because I love you." I responded, her exquisite face reflecting in my mismatched eyes.

        Christine's cheeks became rosier than they already were as her eyes averted downwards, a small smile on her face. Cupping her cheek with my hand, I leaned closer, my warm breath passing tranquilly over her face. With her eyes half-closed, I was prepared to claim her lips.

        "Your food, Mademoiselle… Your food, Monsieur…" A polite voice declared.

        Lackadaisically, I withdrew myself from her and inclined back to my chair.
        "Merci…" I sighed quietly, glancing up at the waitress.

        However, my glance soon turned into a stare, for it was not the same enigmatic woman that had been there before! This woman's red hair fell somewhat below the shoulders, the coils bouncing as she grinned. Her emerald eyes sparkled, setting a glow to her slightly freckled face.

My love did not seem to notice whatsoever, for all she displayed was an adorable smile and a gentle nod.

        We ate our food quickly, the conversation never growing dull or old. Unknown to myself, the luminous sun outside the building began to dim, bit by bit. Leaving a good amount of francs on the table, I escorted Christine from the restaurant. She rested her head on my shoulder, as we ambled on the bank of a river. With my arm tenderly around her shoulder, the water sparkled with our reflections.

        Lowering my head towards her, I pressed a fervent kiss to her crimson lips. Clutching the collar of my shirt, she leaned backwards, my arms curling around her little body.

        Then, it hit me.

        I did not want to do something fantastically huge and remember the event… I wanted to just simply be with Christine… and have her lovely memory engraved in my mind.

        "Come, my love." I murmured, leading her back to the Opera House.

        Our footsteps resounded on the cobblestone street, Christine's hand placed gently in mine. As we traveled through the Rue Scribe, we once again descended into the house that lived in such enchanted settings. My hand elegantly reached for the boat, as her hand squeezed his unexpectedly.

        "No…" She whispered swiftly, a suggestion coming to mind. "Let's just… stay here, by the lake."

        Smiling, I nodded. "As you wish."

        Taking a seat beside the lake, Christine sat in my lap. Resting her delicate head on my shoulder, her chocolate curls sprawled about my suit.

        "Erik, will you sing for me?" She timidly questioned, her eyes still staring at the dazzling lake.

        The reflecting water caused Christine's porcelain face to glow with even more radiance, if it was possible.

        "Of course." I replied, resting my chin on her head. Parting my malformed lips, a beguiling melodic sound flowed, "Ave Maria… Gratia plena… Maria, gratia plena… Maria, gratia plena… Ave, ave dominus… Dominus tecum… Benedicta tu in mulieribus… Et benedictus… Et benedictus fructus ventris… Ventris tuae, Jesus… Ave Maria…"

        Christine's eyes gradually shut, my voice as gentle and soft as a lullaby. Then, I simply sat there, holding her small body in my arms. Swallowing, I knew I never wanted to release her. Suddenly, the tranquil moment was shattered when her perfect head shot up from its place. Her eyes stared at me, bewilderment and fear consuming them.  

        Jumping up, she gasped, studying the area around her.

        "Erik?! What am I doing here? What happened? Where's Raoul?" Her rushed questions came to an end as her eyes widened. "Oh, God…"

        "Christine, calm down. Allow me to only explain…" I sat up, taking her hand.

        However, she snatched hers away, her entire body trembling. "No! I'm sorry, Erik, but I must go… I must go see Raoul. I must get away… I can't…" She grew silent, her pants the only sound resonating through the labyrinth.

        "Christine…"

        "Au revoir, Erik." She whispered, a dreadful sob wracking her body.

        Ironic wasn't it? Only a moment ago had she spoke of such love and adoration… Now, fear had devoured her and she had scurried away… again.

        Anger and misery arose in me as I rowed the boat back towards my home, knowing it would be for the last time. Docking the boat on the opposing side of the bank, I threw open the door to my home, rage slowly building inside of me.

        Tears of frustration and melancholy streamed down my masked face, my eyes befalling my numerous music scores sitting calmly upon the piano. Choking back more sobs, I ran my fingertips over the sheets, my eyes scanning the various assortments of black notes. Banging my fist upon the piano keys, a loud appalling noise filled the house.

        "Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn!" I roared, holding my head in my hands, but my deafening bellow soon became a longing whisper. "Oh, Christine…"

        Why couldn't I understand this? It was simple. She was a white rose – I, a raven nightingale. We weren't meant for one another, and she feared the nightingale. I stood there for several moments, my sobs growing softer.

        "Erik…" A faint voice from behind me called.

        "Go ahead. Take my music!" I snapped bitterly, thrusting the music sheets furiously to the floor. "I am nothing without Christine… nothing."

        "I – I  don't want your music, Erik." The voice, almost inaudibly, replied. "I want you…"

        Spinning around, my eyes caught the wonderful sight of her.

        No, not the baffling woman, but Christine.

        "Christine?" I inquired, unable to believe she was standing there before me. My breathing hastened as my eyes feasted on her.

        She was drenched. Her dress clung to her, as water dripped to the floor from her brunette hair.

        She had swum across the lake!

        "I love you, Erik… I'm sorry… I was just afraid – surprised. I didn't know what to do… I…" But she grew silent as she quickly approached me, planting an emotional kiss to my lips.

        Withdrawing her mouth from mine, she buried her soaked head in my chest. Wrapping my arms securely around her, I did not care that my suit was becoming damp as well. I always had another suit. But I did not have another Christine.

        Resting my chin on her shoulder, she remained in my embrace, as I did not desire to release anytime soon. Closing my eyes tightly, I breathed in her warm scent. My eyes gradually fluttered open, catching something.

        The woman stood there, beaming. Her head was literally shimmering, as was the rest of her body. Her golden hair hung low from her head as her scarlet lips remained a painted smile upon her face. She wore a white dress that fell a long amount past her feet, resting on the ground. Two large wings appeared from her back, the same color as her ashen dress. Slowly, she disappeared, her iridescent form beginning to fade, as the sound of soft bells followed her.

        Then, a realization came to me.

        She was the true Angel of Music.

FINIS.

A/N: **Cries** my first completed phic!!!!! Thank you so much to all my faithful reviewers who spoke such kind-hearted words!!! Couldn't have done it without you!!

Oh, and to La Pamplemousse, my deepest apologies. I know this isn't how you wanted it to end; I hope this doesn't make you think my writing is awful, but I had this ending planned out from the **beginning**

Everyone, R&R!!!!