A/N: I'm bringing this back after it was deleted nearly a year ago when I had to get a new account. I'm going to edit the last few chapters and then bring them back as well. Let me know what you think
"Erik is dead."
Nothing else in the paper existed to her as she slowly took in the words. Raoul looked on in silence instantly regretting showing his wife the morning edition. His heart wrenched at the sight of her anguished face as the last affirmation of her feelings became perfectly clear. She loved the monster. He was right in what he said beneath Apollo's lyre; it was love of the most exquisite kind, the kind people do not admit even to themselves. It was in her eyes when he watched them kiss, her eyes which shone with terror, turned to longing and adoration before his own. But she also loved him and in the end that was all that mattered to him.
He cursed the monster in his mind as tears welled in his precious Christine's eyes. Even in death he would continue to torment them, would there be no end? Things were finally becoming normal between them, Christine seemed happy once again. Her smile lit up the entire room when she entered, all he had to do was look upon her and all distractions of the world melted away.
It had only been five weeks ago that the tragic events had occurred. Christine was grief stricken and almost in a state of shock after that fateful night. Raoul insisted that she stay at his residence in fear that the ghost would have another change of heart. Of course now with Comte Philippe's death Raoul became the head of the de Chagny estate and along with it was free to marry whom ever he chose.
He loved Christine with all his heart and would gladly sacrifice all he had to offer for her. He knew ever since their reunion as teenagers that his heart would forever belong to her. And it was because of this love that he didn't bring up their engagement or ask her to leave Paris with him, nor did he question the plain gold ring, which she wore on a chain around her neck next to her crucifix. She needed time and he would give it to her. He brought her into his home and made sure her every comfiture was met but Christine's pain struck a new chord with him, it was fear. He feared she would leave.
Christine's thoughts remained solely on Erik for the first few days; Raoul's presence was vaguely processed. The revelation that she loved Erik. . . that she loved him and then left him was difficult for her to come to terms with. Within a single night she experience an eruption of emotions, which previously held no concept to her.
After a few days the world started to come into focus again. She was aware of her surroundings once more. She was in the de Chagny home and she still wore Raoul's engagement ring on her hand along with another, more precious one around her neck. She was aware of his ever-watchful questioning gaze when she entered the room. But he never asked those questions she knew must have been burning in the back of his mind. How long could she avoid him? How could she ever look him in the face knowing her heart no longer belonged solely to him, especially after all he went through for her and now he patiently awaited her answer with loving eyes?
Christine's heart was torn in two. Part of her wanted to run back to the underground house, back to her angel of music. Where the other half wanted peace, and a normal life; wanted her childhood friend that had first swept away her heart so many years ago and her father so adored. Every night Raoul would lovingly press a gentile kiss to her forehead before she retired to her room and every night she silently cried her self to sleep.
On one evening Christine felt the house especially suffocating. She could not properly evaluate her feelings knowing that Raoul was looming near by. She made a resolve to finally make a decision, lest her indecision destroy any chance she had left at happiness. She left without a word and hailed a cab to take her to the Bois where she could walk and think without distraction.
It was a cool evening and she hugged her cloak tightly around her as she walked along the path. The fresh air seemed to rejuvenate her. The sights and sounds comforted her, as it had seemed months since she had last been out doors. She vowed she would no longer wallow in her grief for a situation she had brought upon herself; her childishness had already caused too much trouble as it was.
She tentatively sat down on a bench as her head began to throb with a headache. While letting out a sigh she watched as happy couples walked by hand in hand, a smile upon their faces. How she longed to be one of them, to be happy and normal again. Her eyes fell on a rather handsome couple locked in a shameful display of public affection. At any other time Christine would have blushed and averted her eyes but now was different. She was studying them, their every movement, and their very expressions.
Would I ever know passion like that? Christine asked herself silently. Would I ever be able to kiss Raoul like that? To hold him in my arms, and caress him with my hands? She frowned as her thoughts turned to guilt. That is the kind of love Raoul deserves, what every man deserves from a wife. Could I lie in Raoul's bed without thinking of Erik? And what of Erik? Could I give up the chance for a normal life and a family for him, would I resent him in the end? Am I so strong a woman that I could bare the inevitable solitude in which we would have to live?
An unknown amount of time passed as she sat in silent debate with her thoughts. Completely oblivious was she to the tears that now ran down her cheeks as well as to the man who had slowly approached her.
Raoul was unsure if he should disturb his Christine once he found her on the secluded bench but in the end he could not stand and watch his angel cry. Slowly he came forward, hoping she would notice but it seemed it wasn't until he loomed over her shoulder that she became aware of his presence.
"Christine," he spoke gently as her head turned up towards him. So lovely and precious she appeared to him, her innocent face always filled with a wide-eyed child's wonder. "I was so worried when I found you had left."
He sat himself closely beside her as she blinked back threatening tears. A sharp pain struck through his heart. She does not want to be in my home, he thought suddenly. She doesn't want me around, doesn't want me to see her cry in my home/ "Oh Christine, please don't cry." He tried to keep his voice gentile while concealing his own despair. Tentatively he brought a comforting arm around her, unsure if it was a welcome gesture. Grateful for the contact, Christine rested her head against his shoulder as a few sobs escaped her throat. She always felt so safe in his presence, so sure that everything would be all right. She pushed herself tightly into his embrace, the comfort of his arms calming her. Now somewhat relieved, with his free hand Raoul brushed away the lose strands of her silky curls from her face. So this is what it's like to hold an angel, he thought to himself as he kissed the top of her head.
They remained silently in that position as the minutes slipped away. Evening had turned to night when Christine reluctantly straightened herself. In a voice barely above a whisper she spoke, "let's go home."
He smiled at her and nodded as he helped her from the bench. She now clutched to his arm tightly as they walked to a cab, as though he would disappear if she were to release him.
The next day Christine shocked Raoul when she came to him with a look of determination etched to her face.
"I want us to be married as soon as possible." She said in an unfaltering voice. Raoul, who had been sitting reading the paper looked up, his face absolutely stunned as he questioned his hearing.
"Christine," his voice wavering as their eyes met. He stood, taking her small in his own. "Are you absolutely positive about this?" desperately he wanted to take her in his arms, to claim her lips with the joy that was attempting to escape from his chest, but he needed to be sure that this was what she truly wanted. Imploringly he looked into her sapphire eyes, his hands tightening their grip with anticipation.
"Yes Raoul, I just want to put this all behind us. I love you and would be honored if you would make me your wife." He couldn't contain his happiness any longer. Pulling her towards him, he pressed his lips tightly to hers.
They were married two days later in a small ceremony, only a handful of their close friends attended. Christine looked radiant as she walked down the aisle, it was the happiest she'd been in a very long time and it showed. Finally she could begin to rebuild her life, a new life as Christine, Vicomtess de Chagny. On that day alone did she not wear his ring.
Please R&R