A/N: What? Y'all mean you DON'T like cliffhangers? (Smiles) OHHH, my bad! HEHEHE! Enjoy! And y'all stink! I knew you'd know who the mysterious person was! Here's a nice long chappy for y'all!
And to KuroiCho: (Eyes your gun wearily and runs away screaming)
AND to Padfootz-luvr: I'm not quite sure that condemning me to Hell is the best way to get me to continue this phic… (Nervous laugh)
I had no idea so many reviewers were so VIOLENT! (Sobs) But thank you SO MUCH to those who reviewed and did not threaten me in any way! (Sniffles) And I do thank those who… did violently threaten me any way for… taking the time to do so? (Blankly stares and begins with chappy, hiding behind the computer, as not to get hurt) Oh, well. It shows you like it, and that makes me feel all happy inside! Hehe :-)
Oh, and I tried to update a while ago, but ffnet wouldn't let me log in!
Christine's POV
"Raoul?" I whispered, shock devouring my body. "How did you…? Why – "
But he interrupted me, as he glared at Erik. "Let her go!" He repeated angrily.
But I did not fear for Erik – I feared for Raoul! Erik could kill him a heartbeat! I was now breathing heavily, while my eyes broadened with fear. I watched, as the man, who had been so close to kissing me just a few moments ago, took a menacing step towards Raoul.
"Or what?" He inquired darkly, lifting an eyebrow. "What will you do then, boy?" The sarcasm was slowly dripping from his voice, as he emitted a deep chuckle.
Swallowing, Raoul took a step forward, attempting to appear threatening, but this only made Erik laugh even harder. Thinking Erik was distracted, Raoul dashed up to him and swung his fist at him. No longer laughing, Erik caught the boy's fist and tightly gripped it, causing my friend to cry out in pain.
"You're so idiotic…" I faintly heard the luring voice that dangerously began to rise.
In horror, the image of Erik's powerful hands wrapping themselves around Raoul's neck reflected in my wide eyes. Erik quickly began to lead him into the darkest alley, his clutch around the boy's neck still extremely tight.
"These are your last moments alive, Chagny – too bad you had to spend them attempting to be the foolish hero." He said harshly, but unnervingly calmly.
"Erik!" I cried out, finally finding my voice amongst the panic and clamping my hand over my mouth. "Please, don't! Please…"
He looked over his shoulder, his yellow eyes flashing perilously, but they seemed to soften ever so slightly when they rested on my trembling form. In the distance, I could hear Raoul gasping for air, but suddenly all I could manage to focus on were Erik's eyes…
His lips set in a grim line, as I threw a glance behind him, watching Raoul fall to the ground in mute horror. My questioning eyes lifted to find Erik's, while he studied my facial expression.
"He is merely knocked out, Christine." He answered my silent inquiry with an emotion that I couldn't identify but made me shiver. "He'll wake up in a few hours. We need to go. Now."
And with that, he swiftly led me to his car, in which the ride back was eerily silent, and I didn't dare utter a word.
Erik's POV
After I held the door open for Christine, I stormed into the house. Fury was building up inside of me. How in the Hell did that dumb boy find us?! I clenched my fists together in rage, trying to hold in my anger. But a soft voice caused my grip to loosen.
"Erik?"
Sighing shakily, I turned around and placed my unwavering gaze upon her. "Yes, Christine?"
"I-I'm sorry… I didn't know he'd be there…" She tried to explain, stammering.
"It's not your fault, my dear. You had no clue he was going to be there…" My voice trailed off, as I studied her eyes. Did she? Did she know? But as soon as I set my eyes on her face, I berated myself for even suspecting if for a brief moment. "You should probably go to bed, my dear. It's late."
Her eyes still as large as dinner plates, she nodded solemnly, but did not move towards her room. Instead, she made her way towards me. Raising my eyebrows, I watched, as she stood on her toes and pressed a quick kiss to my masked cheek. And with that, Christine scampered upstairs and into her room, shutting the door behind her.
Damn this mask! If only I was not cursed to wear it, I would have felt her perfect lips meet my cheek! With a sigh, I went into the Louise-Phillipe room and indulged myself into my music. After all, this is the one thing that calmed my nerves – besides Christine. But Christine! As much as I adored her, when I thought of her, I would become so perplexed and upset. This child of the light couldn't stay here… I was slowly draining all life from her. She couldn't possibly love me, could she? Perhaps she had realized it was useless to mope around or cry, and she had decided to play along? I had seen the look of terror in her eyes, as soon as I was about to kill that wretched boy.
She didn't belong here, despite my overwhelming feelings for her.
Yes, there was no doubt about it – I loved her, but if I truly loved her…
I frowned, attempting to hold back tears – real tears. These were the first real tears I had shed in years, with the exception of the night Christine stole my mask away. With a distressing sigh, I continued to play the piano, my music matching my mood.
Christine's POV
The next morning, when I awoke, I groaned. I had slept terribly last night, for all I could think of was what happened the previous night. With a sigh, I glanced at the clock, shocked that it was almost noon. I jumped out of bed and showered hurriedly. When I made my way downstairs, I found my breakfast sitting on the table, still warm. Sitting down, I dutifully ate it. However, I did not see Erik there as well – but I didn't hear any music coming from the Louise-Phillipe room either. My brows knitted together, as I tiptoed to the room where he could normally be found thrust in his music. Sighing shakily, I remembered how furious he had been last night, and I shivered.
"Erik, are you in here?" I murmured the inquiry apprehensively.
"Yes, my dear." Came the sullen reply.
Peering inside, my inquisitive eyes discovered him sitting stiffly on the black divan, almost disappearing in it, considering the fact that he was wearing black.
"Is… is everything all right?" I asked him, timidly approaching him.
He paused for a moment, as his gaze remained locked on the floor. Then, I regrettably I stared at his eyes. They were filled with such melancholy, such grief that it caused me to catch my breath. Those slender, enticing hands of his were dully placed upon the arms of the chair, his index finger tapping the soft material under it.
"Christine… I have a surprise for you." He finally informed me, his eyes slowly lifting from the ground to meet my stare.
"Oh." I said simply, looking around the room and finding nothing. I quietly stood there, staring at my feet. This was tremendously awkward; why was he acting so distant? Yes, he had always been rather quiet, dark, and mysterious… but he had never acted as distracted as this!
"It's something that I believe will make you extremely happy, my dear." Erik rose from the chair and stared down at me with anguish, adding softly, as if I could not hear him, "Even if it means great sadness for me…"
Furrowing my brow, I followed, as he escorted me to the front door. From his pocket, he retrieved the recognizable crimson scarf. Turning around, I waited, while he tied the material gently around my eyes. I felt his hand tenderly take mine, as if he were savoring the feeling of it. Sighing, I leaned against him, and he led me to his car. I sat down in the familiar seat, hearing the opposite car door shut and the engine begin.
We sat there in complete silence; he, of course, played light classical music, as he had always done when we traveled in the vehicle. Situating myself to be more comfortable, I eventually drifted off to sleep after about two hours of the anxious silence.
"Christine." His serene, yet somewhat shaky voice spoke my name delicately, as if it were a prayer. "Wake up, my dear."
"What?" I mumbled sleepily, my eyes fluttering open. The cloth had been removed, as my sight was no longer hindered.
"We're here." He stated softly.
"Where?" I inquired, turning to look out of the window. My eyes grew large, and I gasped.
We were at my house.
At least, I think it was my house.
Oh, it must've been! It was the same blue color that I had remembered it to be, and the windows and door were sheer white. Only one thing was out of place: a police car was parked in the driveway. Despite this odd factor, my lips curved up into a smile, but I soon turned around in my seat to gape at Erik.
"Why are we here?"
"You don't belong with me, Christine." He said almost inaudibly – almost brokenheartedly.
"Do you… Do you hate me?" I murmured, afraid of the response.
"No!" His head snapped up to look at me. "I could never hate you, Christine." There was a pause, in which his eyes miserably roamed my face. "You belong here with your family, the sunlight… Not in that prison that I kept you in."
"It wasn't a prison, Erik." I replied quickly, but choosing my words carefully. "I never thought of it that way." My wide eyes remained on him, while my voice quivered.
"Go, my dear." He was now whispering.
"Erik –"
"Go."
Hesitating, I watched him for a few seconds and swallowed. I leaned forward, embracing him tightly. At first, he was absolutely stiff, but as I remained there, I felt his arms tentatively wrap themselves around my small back. His grip on me became tighter but still gentle, until he finally released me. A tear formed in my eye and fled down my face. With a sigh, he wiped it away with his thumb. He pressed a kiss to my forehead and turned to stare at the road.
"Go, Christine." He repeated grimly, starting the car.
Nodding soberly, I emerged from his black car and sauntered towards my home that I hadn't set my eyes on in such a long time… A homesick feeling poured over me, as I stared at the house; however, as soon as I reached the front door, I craned my head back to see Erik's car driving away into the distance. Swallowing back a lump in my throat, I sighed shakily and attempted to open the door.
It was locked.
This was understandable, I suppose, considering how I had been taken from my room.
Tears rested on the rim of my eyes, and I rapped on the wooden door.
"Coming." A female voice called from inside. My heart seemed to stop beating for a moment, as I heard that familiar, loving voice. But the joy that had once used to fill that voice had disappeared.
When the door open, I held my breath, seeing the middle-aged woman gawk at me with aqua eyes that were bloodshot from lack of sleep. Her blonde-brown hair was half-pulled up, and color seemed to return to her cheeks.
"Christine?" Her voice was faint, but soon grew into a loud, relieved sob. "Christine!" Leaping forward, she gathered me into her arms and held me tightly against her chest. "Oh, I love you so much! Thank God you're all right!"
A tear rolled down the crevasse of my cheek, as I returned her ecstatic embrace.
"You are okay, right, honey?" She worriedly cupped my cheek in her palm and lifted my face. "Have you been hurt?"
I shook my head, and she wiped away the tear with her finger – much like Erik had done. This act caused my thoughts to wander back, numerous inquiries overwhelming me.
"You… Your father…" My mother began, but her voice cracked, as she swallowed back a sob.
"I know, Mom." My lips curled downwards, as did my eyes.
"Come in, darling." She grasped my hand lovingly and pulled me inside.
Behind her, a man with dark eyes and hair dressed in all black stood there, his hands clasped behind his back. His dark outfit brought back sweeping memories of Erik…
My God, why was everything reminding me of Erik?!
"Hello, Christine." He said stiffly, but with an air of kindness.
"Hi…" I replied nervously, standing close to my mother.
"Christine, dear, this is Agent Cliff."
I flashed a weak smile, and he nodded in reply. "I know you just got home, Christine, but considering you were kidnapped – and this we are sure of because of Raoul de Chagny's testimony of something that occurred last night..." He paused, raising an eyebrow. "Did he hurt you, Christine?"
Barely breathing, I shook my head and blinked back tears. These were not tears of bitter memories, but rather tears over the fact that I realized I actually… missed Erik.
"He let me go." I finally whispered, my voice barely perceptible.
My mother's eyes widened, as she watched me intently and guided me away from the man – I suppose motherly instinct told her that it was too much for me. "Here, dear, I'm sure there are people in the kitchen that would love to see you…"
Staring at her with a questioning gaze, I quickly pushed open the glass door to the kitchen, finding Meg and… Raoul. Meg's chin was resting in her palm, and her green eyes were glazed over, as a black strand of hair fell freely in her face; Raoul's hair was tousled, and concentration was etched in his features. But as soon as I walked into that room, the concentration was shattered, and they both snapped their heads up to gawk at me.
"Christine?" Meg asked, disbelief devouring her. Jumping up from her chair, she practically tackled me with a hug, as I wrapped my arms around her bouncing form. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt? How'd you get here?" She began to ramble off the questions, tugging on one of my curls.
"I'm fine, I'm not hurt, and…" I answered her question with a smile, tears pricking at my eyes. "And he let me go."
"Who did?" She asked with a tilt of her head, as Raoul embraced me tightly.
"I'm so glad you're all right." He murmured, and I gave a weak smile.
"Who let you go, Christine?" Meg repeated the inquiry, tugging gently on the sleeve of my shirt.
Raoul's eyes lowered to the ground, as he remained silent, but he was obviously curious in hearing my answer.
"Erik." I whispered his name with a gentleness that caused Raoul's eyes to lift to my face.
Suddenly, my mother and the agent entering the room interrupted us. My mother's nose was still red and slightly puffy, and an exceptionally serious look remained on the officer's face. Mom dashed to the cabinet and retrieved a glass, beginning to fix me some tea.
"Oh! Tonight we'll have a welcoming home party for you, honey!" She exclaimed, relief displayed in her watery eyes.
I smiled and took a seat at the table, my thoughts wandering…
"Well, babe, I should go and leave you to talk with your mom!" Meg said cheerfully, giving me an extremely tight hug, before she waved goodbye. "See you tonight!"
Raoul shuffled up to me, pressing a kiss on top of my head. "See you tonight, Christine."
I watched them leave, before lowering my eyes to the ground and sighing. My mom gently sat a cup of tea in front of me, which I immediately began to drink, as to avoid talking.
"Christine," The man whom my mom had designated as 'Agent Cliff' stated. "I would really appreciate it if you could come down to the station for only a short amount of time. We really need to ask you some questions; it's quite necessary."
Sipping at my tea, I slowly nodded, as my mother began to protest.
"But, Agent –" She objected before she was interrupted.
"Ma'am, I assure you it won't be for long, but if you want her kidnapper caught, it is absolutely necessary."
My eyes rapidly looked at the officer, and I felt my cheeks grow warm. Catch my kidnapper? I thought to myself, alarmed.
When we had reached and entered the building, Agent Cliff led me into a rather uncomfortable room that maintained bare walls, with the exception of a single, wide mirror. In its center was a gray table, and a few chairs surrounded it.
"Would you like anything to drink?" He inquired kindly.
"No, thanks." Came my quiet reply.
"All right then. The sooner we begin, the sooner this will be over with." He stated in a matter-of-fact tone. "First of all, would you feel more comfortable with a female agent?"
Frowning, I looked up at him and nodded meekly. "Please, if you don't mind."
"Not at all."
It was as if my plea had been heard, for a woman stepped into the room only brief seconds afterwards. Agent Cliff turned sharply on his heel and left the room. The woman's red hair was pulled back in a clip, and her brown eyes seemed warm.
"Hi, Christine." She held out her hand, which I shook. "My name's Kelly." She smiled and occupied the seat across from me. "Can you describe your kidnapper at all?"
I grew silent, averting my eyes elsewhere. I didn't want to do this. Why couldn't they just leave me alone and be happy I was back safe and sound?
"Christine," She began softly, "I know this must be difficult for you, but I need to know whatever information you can volunteer."
I emitted an inaudible sigh and swallowed. "He wore a mask." I answered simply. "A black mask that covered his entire face."
"Did you ever see his face without the mask?"
"No." I lied and bit my lip. I hated lying, but somehow I felt as if she wouldn't believe me if I told the truth. "No, I was instructed never to touch it."
"Do you know his name?"
I hesitated, slowly raising my gaze to meet hers. Her eyes pried at me, as I drew in a shaky breath. "Erik."
"Any last name?"
"No."
"Did he ever rape you?"
"No!" I exclaimed, shocked at such a question. Erik would never have done that!
Her eyes widened at my sudden outburst, but she kept her voice calm. "Do you know where he lives? Where did he take you for the month and a half you were gone?"
"I'm not sure." I admitted, guilt welling up inside of me. "It was a mansion. That's all I know. I have no idea where." Pausing, my lower lip trembled, asI held back fresh tears. "Please, don't make me do this anymore." I couldn't stand the thought of informing this complete stranger of the dark angel whom I had spent the last month and a half with...
Erik's POV
When I reached my home, I shut the car door fiercely and stormed into the house, slamming every door that I passed through. I had to do it. I had to let her go. I moaned, physically dragging myself upstairs and ambling into her room.
Her sweet scent blew over me, as soon as I stepped into what I still called her bedroom. A lump in my throat, I heard and saw nothing. No sweet voice. No angelic face.
Nothing.
Approaching her nightstand, I took hold of the book I had given her. My fingertips gracefully traced the gold letters that were engraved on the front. A bitter smile passed over my twisted lips, as I thought of the story that the book contained.
Sighing, I stared at her empty bed and swallowed. Of course, she would be forced to answer questions. There was no doubt about that. But I could not be angry with her for it… She didn't belong with me… I had done the right thing.
But, oh, how it hurts to do the right thing!
Suddenly, something caught my eye – something that fell from inside the book. I furrowed my brow, bending down to pick it up.
It was a rose.
The rose that I had given her.
It was dying, but the crimson ribbon that I had tied around it was still there. Returning my attention to the book, I went to look at which page it had been concealed in:
It was a love that was forbidden, but the nightingale and the rose could not deny their undying love for one another.
A/N: OOOOOOKAY! Now, BEFORE you decide to flame me, READ THIS AUTHOR'S NOTE FIRST! All right, I just want to tell you guys: TRUST ME! This phic is NOT over, if you didn't happen to notice that I did not write "FINIS" At the end of this chapter as I do with all my other completed phics! Remember – I am a HUGE E/C shipper, and y'all should know that! Now, please, I beg of you not to flame me. If you did, that means you did not read this author's note… and that upsets me! O:-D EEK! I can't wait to write the next chapter about the welcoming home party (gets started on that right away)! Now… please go kindly review and not flame after reading this note! :-)