A/N: (Shuffles feet and lowers eyes to the ground) well... I feel terrible! I haven't updated in, like, FOREVER. (Sniffles) I hope y'all can forgive me, please! And I'll make sure to updated "Strange, yet wonderful"... very, very soon for those of you that read that one as well. (Gives out brownies to waiting reviewers).

A/N: Flashbacks are written like {{this}} :-) R&R!

"I've heard it said

That people come into our lives

For a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led to those

Who help us most to grow

If we let them

And we help them in return.

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

But I know I'm who I am today

Because I knew you..." – from Wicked, the musical.

Christine's POV

Yawning, my eyes fluttered open, revealing the dead fire and the bright sun peering through the window. Sitting up quickly, I scratched my head, carelessly pushing my tousled blonde ringlets behind my ears. I rose from the divan, unsuccessfully attempting to straighten out my hopelessly wrinkled dress. Grasping the railing, I made my way quietly up the staircase, only to be surprisingly met with the maid, Jessica. She blew hastily at a stray, russet curl that had fallen from her coiled bun that sat neatly on top of her head.

"Oh, Jessica!" I exclaimed, blinking several times. "I didn't expect you to be here."

"My apologies, Mademoiselle." She smiled, clutching a few towels to her chest as her blue-gray eyes appeared rested and regenerated from her day of rest. "But since you gave us the day off yesterday, I decided to arrive here early today."

Returning the smile wearily, my eyes befell the towels in her hands. "May I please have one of those? I'm going to go take a bath."

"Of course, ma'am." Jessica replied politely, placing a towel into my waiting hands. "Have a nice day, Mademoiselle." She added, resuming her walk downstairs.

"You, too." I called after her, continuing my journey towards the opposite way. Entering my silent room, I shut the door. I threw a sorrowful glance at my full-length mirror, numerous memories sweeping over me as they always did. Clearing my throat, I ambled into the bathroom that was adjoined to my bedroom, closing the door partially. I slipped off my scarlet dress, dropping it to the floor and placing the dry towel on a stool.

Running the water, I leaned over the bathtub, savoring the feel of the steam rising from the hot water. I carefully stepped into the tub, chewing on my lip. Eyes closed, I lay down, sighing pensively. After a couple of hours, I emerged from the water; well, I'm sure it hadn't been that long, but it did seem like it. Perhaps it was only half an hour. Drying off I wrapped the towel tightly around my body, letting the water out. I laughed lightly as I wiped the fog off the mirror, revealing my flushed face and soaked ringlets that fell to my waist. Leaving the bathroom, I began to change into an emerald dress, but soon decided against it as I changed into an azure one; a memory came back to me as I tied the bodice.

{{Leaving the comfort of my bedroom, I decide to explore the remainder of the enchanted house on the lake. Yes, I must admit that I did indeed sleep well. In fact, I had slept better than I ever had before, but this house was strange and new to me... as well as its owner.

"You look quite ravishing in blue, my dear." A quiet, yet commanding voice states, evidently speaking of my outfit.

Rapidly spinning on my heel, I am met with the inexplicable masked face that had brought me here the night before.

"It matches your angelic eyes perfectly, Christine." He continues, moving closer to me, his graceful hand brushing a curl out of my face.

I am trembling, yet I cannot move; it's as if his voice is keeping me in a trance...}}

Shaking my head, I violently pushed those thoughts away. I pulled my damp hair up, permitting a few curls to freely fall, framing my face. Abruptly, I remembered my letter!

What if he replied? I silently asked myself, newfound excitement stirring in my blood. Starting to dash down the stairs, my steps suddenly came to a halt. What am I saying? He has never replied to my letters... I debated myself, chewing on my bottom lip. But he could have! Maybe today is different!

Darting past Jessica, who was dusting the dining room, I bumped into the other maid, Ashley.

"Excuse me, Mademoiselle!" She apologized loudly, blushing. "I should watch where I am going!"

"Oh, no!" I quickly assured her with a smile. "It was my fault. I suppose I was a bit too excited, and I didn't see you."

Smiling, she ran her hand through her raven black hair that fell a little ways past her shoulders. Her chocolate brown eyes displayed embarrassment, as there was still a pink color to her tan cheeks.

"Where were you off to so quickly, Mademoiselle?" Ashley laughed merrily, adding softly, "If you don't mind me asking, that is."

"I was just waiting for a letter, dear... That's all."

"Oh, I see!" She gave me an expressive smile, winking, "A letter from the Viscomte?"

Returning her grin, I guiltily nodded. "Yes... a letter from Raoul." I lied.

"Good day, ma'am!" She said happily, returning to the kitchen.

Picking up my skirts, I scurried outside. Julian was singing gleefully, urging his horse to continue. Tipping his hat, he beamed down at me.

"Good morning, Mademoiselle Daae!" He cried, always apparently joyful. "May I help you?"

"Good morning. I told you, please, call me Christine." I replied sweetly, wringing my hands. "Actually, I just wanted to ask you if there are any letters for me, Julian."

Sighing, he studied my hopeful expressions on my face. I asked this of him every day. "No, I'm sorry." Julian answered sympathetically, "Who are you waiting a response from? I mean, who are you sending letters to every day? Perhaps, I could find them for you." He suggested.

"Oh, no. That's quite all right." A soft sigh escaped my mouth, adding very softly, "You wouldn't find him..." Lifting my eyes, I flashed a fake smile. "Good day."

"Good day... Christine." He called, saying my name with a warm chuckle.

Smiling, I returned to my bedroom. Sitting down at my vanity, I clasped a pen tightly, removing a piece of paper from a wooden drawer. Pressing the ink to the paper, I lightly tapped my foot.

Dear Erik,

Today, I dashed outside in hopes that a reply from you would be waiting for me, but, like always, I found none. A simple note from you, assuring me that you're alive would mean the world to me, Erik! I suppose it is asking too much. Perhaps, you are still angry with me. No doubt you are... Anyway, the thoughts of the upcoming wedding continue to bother me! I need to know you're all right. I need to know you're alive... I need to know you forgive me, Erik. I need to hear you say that you don't need me. I need to hear you say that you don't love me so I can go through with this marriage, as difficult and painful as it may be; and as much as I just simply want you to hold me again, I'm not sure if you still have feelings for me... Even if you are furious with me, I will continue to write these because, as I said in my previous letter, I need to keep a firm grasp of my sanity...

The front door creaking open downstairs interrupted my thoughts. Furrowing my brow, I dropped the pen, moving to my door. I peered out, the sight before me causing my eyes to become as wide as dinner plates.

"Christine? Are you home?"

A/N: (Innocent smile) HEHEHE! Cliffhanger! Bum, bum, bum! Who could it be? Is it Erik? Is it Raoul? Is it Meg? Hmm, I suppose you'll have to review! (winks)