2. THE DANCE

Many men danced with Christine that night. Before another man could offer to dance with her, the strange man in black cut in.

"I believe I'll take my turn, sir. The lady and I are well acquainted and we have much to catch up on.."

Christine froze and then relaxed. Her gaze drifted from the dark stranger's face.

"I must say, you are the most charming creature alive. You'd think the place was devoid of warm blooded Women the way these guys throw themselves at you. If given just a little encouragement, I'd wager they'd drop everything.. girlfriend, wife, and all... just for a fraction of a chance with you," said the stranger.

"Including yourself? I'm a married woman. I offer no encouragement," Christine said.

The stranger grinned. "Even still, men are a competitive sort. Nothing is final when the prize of a beautiful woman's heart is at stake. Especially when the competition appears to be a weak substitute."

Christine blinked. "You make love and courtship sound as if it were nothing more than a common game of badminton. Why bother with the girl when you can compete just as well with the shuttlecock and a net? I suppose it's lucky for me that my Raoul is a man who would never trivialize Love to common sport."

"My dear, I would never dare to insult beautiful Love and the passion she ignites in men's hearts. But much like a wilting rose, beauty inevitably ages and her allure fades... Only competition and the realization that she could be lost would bring that rose back into full bloom. A beautiful woman deserves to be loved by the man her heart belongs to for the rest of her life. It's a good thing that we fight over you."

"Wow. I'm impressed by how well you twisted your way out of that one. It's no wonder they call you master magician," retorted Christine.

"I hope I haven't offended you, my lady. It's just that I've never really been schooled in the ways of the gentleman. Apparently, it takes manners, well manicured nails, and years of feeling loved. Quite impossible for me," the stranger stated matter of factly.

"It doesn't really matter. I'm a big girl. Nothing you can say would surprise me," said Christine.

They danced in silence.

The stranger's expression turned serious. "Christine, why did you accept to dance with me? Certainly you know who I am. Was it to explain to me why you chose to deny me and run off with another man that night?"

"Yes," Christine said softly.

The stranger seemed impatient. "Well, why don't you explain it to me now. I've learned to expect the worst over the years and I'm much calmer now. I can take the abuse."

"No, I think maybe not...", hesitated Christine.

"Why not? I gave you my music, the very depths of my soul. I think I at least deserve a simple explanation," the stranger said haltingly.

"You lied to me. How do I know it wasn't ALL a lie? I could spill my heart to that man I used to know before the whole dramatic episode. The man I saw after that was dangerous and a little scary..," Christine said.

Christine halted the dance. She looked into the stranger's eyes. "I think it's time we stopped. We should never see each other again. A relationship between us would have never worked. If we leave it the way it was, we can forever remember those days.. before the lies and the deceptions..."

The stranger was silent for a few moments, staring at her.

The stranger's voice was now filled with raw emotion. "Did you choose Raoul over me because you were afraid to be loved like you should've been loved? Raoul couldn't have possibly loved you as madly as I did. Were you afraid of your own deep and true emotions?"

"You're certainly entitled to your fantasies...," said Christine.

"Well, I can be just as respectable as your precious Raoul. I've got my own place now and soon I'll be purchasing an Opera House. When I've taken care of some business, I'll be just as wealthy too. Only, I wouldn't exactly say I've earned it in a noble manner... afterall, you need wealthy parents to inherit nobility.. but as far as society's concerned, I'm a respectable man," the stranger said. He paused. "Come by my place sometime. I'll be expecting you.."

Christine felt her face go flush. She dropped her eyes.

The stranger let her loose. "I know you'll be there. Just as you accuse me of lying, you'll lie to Raoul.. and you'll be there."

"No, Erik. I truly loved Raoul all along," Christine said."It's just like your 'Rose' analogy. You made me bloom with your love, Erik. But it was to Raoul that my heart truly belonged. I can't thank you enough for reigniting the fire between Raoul and I."

Erik stared in shock. He watched in silence as Christine walked away.

As Christine walked away, she noticed Madame Giry watching intently.