1. PROLOGUE

Christine stood alone, wiping the tears from her face. The world around her darkened a few shades as the sun began to set. A breeze mussed her black hair, it twisted and fluttered. Her mournful eyes wandered over the ruins of a once grand and opulent Opera house. She shivered and then gathered a shawl tightly around her. Fifteen long years had passed, and yet the bittersweet memories still danced through her mind like a play peformed before an audience of one. Where could he be? What could he be doing?

With a sigh, she patted her face and then smoothed her dark, blue dress. Every year, for the past 3 years, she had made this pilgrimage. It was as though she was visiting the tomb of a Love that died too young.. Forever suspended in its glory and youthful possibilities... She hated herself for obsessing over the phantom when she should be faithful in mind to Raoul, but there were times when she couldn't help it. So she made a pact: This is the one time of the year she could freely think about the Phantom without feelings of guilt. The rest of the year was to be devoted to her beloved Raoul. After carefully composing herself, Christine gathered her dress. She boarded her carriage. With a gentle jerk of the reins, she was off.

(A week had passed)

Christine triumphantly examined herself in the mirror. She admired the purple and white Victorian dress. It complimented her slim, feminine figure. An enormous purple & white striped bow, below the hips, accentuated her backside. Three smaller, purple bows arranged on either side braced the larger bow. Such a beautiful dress! Raoul is certain to take notice. She turned to Raoul. A smile crept across her face. "How do I look?"

Raoul was at his desk consumed in papers. He was deep in thought. He shuffled through more papers.

Christine frowned. "Honey?"

"Yes, dear?"

Christine stomped one foot like a frustrated little girl without her lollipop.

Raoul finally turned to face her. He flashed a brief smile. "Oh, yes dear. You look breathtaking as usual."

Christine was frustrated. The dress didn't have the desired effect. He wasn't exactly OVERWHELMED. Oh well. She wasn't about to make a mountain out of a molehill. In the past, it had led to nowhere only to result in the accusation of 'nagging.' She made her last disappointed face and then settled herself back into the chair. "Tonight will be grand! Another night couped up in this house, I'm liable to lose my mind! Won't it be thrilling!"

"Yes dear.. whatever you say, dear..."

(That night, at the masquerade ball)

Christine and Raoul made their appearance at 9 o'clock. Christine was at once enchanted by the wash of color and gaiety in the ballroom. Beautiful dresses of all colors and varieties matched with black & white tuxes. A myriad of masks covered people's faces. Idle chatter, murmurings, and laughter reached her ears. After weeks virtually imprisoned in that house, a grand social event to finally sate her appetite for civilization.

Christine had a sudden feeling as if someone were staring at her. She glanced about the room until she met with intense eyes. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up. He was a tall man dressed in black fineries. A black mask hid his face. He smiled at her knowingly.

Raoul touched her arm. She jumped, startled. "Care to dance?"

Christine smiled. "Of couse."

Christine loved to dance. She could dance and dance through the night until the sunrise. Raoul dutifully took her for a spin around the floor again and again. Her frustrations over the past weeks easily melted away.