Maska- I tried to make this one a little longer, just for you.

Note: if you don't like Christian already than you arn't going to start to like him now...


Chapter 9- Tears and Rest

Rene awoke the next morning with a heavy pain in the back of her head, throbbing and pulsing in her brain. She sat up in her bed. She was still fully clothed, and couldn't remember the night before. Had the Angel of Music really come to her? Had she really seen him? Was he really not just a mean trick.

As she sat there came a light knocking on her door. She turned sharply, sending a burning sting ran up her neck into the back of her skull. The door opened a crack and Meg poked her head into the room. "Good morning." she said. "How are you?"

Rene rubbed the back of her head. She opened her mouth and a little noise came out, sending a pounding twinge through her. She closed her eyes tightly hoping to shut out the aching.

Meg gulped largely, and walked over to her. She stood above her, staring solemnly at Rene. "Rene, do you know what happened to you last night? Do you remember at all?"

Rene nodded softly, not wanting to anger her growing headache. She opened her eyes and sat up a little straighter in her bed. Meg sat at Rene's feet, and looked at her with searching eyes. "Are you okay?" Meg asked.

Rene nodded. A shiver ran up her spin, and she quivered involuntarily. Trying to catch her breath, Rene let in a trembling gasp. Her whole body was shaking hysterically, beyond her control.

"Rene, I think that you need rest." Meg said, and she stood quickly. She started for the door. She paused and turned to face Rene again. "I will tell my mother that you will not be coming to class today. She will understand." Meg smiled. "If there is anything I can do, let me know." She proceeded out the door.

Rene put her hands to her face and covered her eyes, not wanting to let anything else in her mind, for fear it would pollute the memory of her angel's voice, echoing in the deep caverns below the opera house. Tears surged down her checks. She let them tumble unreserved. The recollection of the Phantom's fury resonated in her mind, and kept the tears flooding.

Another gentle knocking came to her door. Rene decided to ignore it. She was not in the mood to talk to anyone. "Rene?" said Christian's voice from the hallway. He knocked again on the door. "Are you in there?"

Rene watched the door for a moment, unsure of what to do. Finally, she walked over to the door and opened it slowly. Christian stood before her. Rene threw her arms around him and once again began to sob. Christian put his arms around her and pulled her close to him.

Christian lifted her into his arms, as she was very light. Still holding her near he took her back into the room. He stood in the middle of the room for a moment, enjoying her feel and smell. He let her down lightly and Rene let go of him. She sat down at her vanity table. She stared into the mirror. He reflection was a pale stranger. Christian knelt down by her side and took her small hand into his larger one. "What's wrong?" Christian said. "Did he hurt you?"

Rene looked over to him. She stared at him for a moment, confused about what Christian had just said. "Did he hurt you?" Christian repeated. Rene looked down at her lap, and shook her head.

"Then what is wrong?" Christian asked, lovingly. He put his other hand to her cheek and lifted her head. "Rene, please, tell me what happened."

Rene shook her head. "I can't." she said and she began to moan again.

"Rene. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you." Christian said and he pulled her close to him. She leaned in to him, and let his strong arms surround her.

Rene let him hold her for a moment, but then pulled away. She watched Christian get gracefully to his feet. He held out a hand for her and she took it. He helped her to stand, slowly and smoothly. She smiled up at him.

A low whispering voice came from above Rene's head, causing her heart to skip a beat.

"The darkness of the Music of the Night." Rene threw her head around to find the Angel, knowing that he must be watching. She pulled away from Christian, knowing that Erik would be angry if he saw them together.

"What is it?" Christian asked, reaching for her hand. Rene pulled away. "Rene? What's wrong?"

Rene turned to the mirror, expecting to find the Phantom staring back at her, but seeing no one. She turned back to Christian. He looked on her with worried and affectionate eyes. He took a few steps toward her.

"Rene, please, let me help you. What is wrong?" He urged. She looked down again, something that she had been doing more often than usual lately.

"I need to rest." Rene said. She hugged Christian tightly. "I just need to take a rest." she smiled up at him, at forced smile that she hoped didn't look like one. "I'll be fine."

Rene said goodbye to Christian. He seemed very reluctant to go. He stood in the doorway to the entrance of her room for a while, assuring her that he wanted to stay, and that it would be best, but Rene declined his offers to stay, and closed the door after a lengthy farewell.


For those of you who want more Erik, it is coming...

and for those who want less of the fop clone, sorry, he will just keep coming back.