Disclaimer: Does it look like I own Erik, Christine, or Raoul ? No. But I sure wish I did ! They belong to Leroux and Lloyd-Webber.
In regards to the recent breakout of fights between E/C shippers and R/C shippers, I'm staying out of it. I write for myself and for the fans. By the way, this is an E/C story...it just takes a while to get there. So no flames from either side please :) I'm trying to respect everyone, and I'm doing the best job I can. Thanks for reading and have a good day. Now to the story...
Chapter Three: The Lovely Afternoon
Christine was up early the next morning...something she hadn't done since before Erik left.
{It's funny how my life is now divided into two sections: what I used to do before Erik left and what I do now.}
Christine readied herself for the day, prepared breakfast for herself and Mama Valerius, and settled down in the parlor with a book, ready to enjoy some quiet time.
But within five minutes, the doorbell rang and Christine got up to answer it.
She opened the door to a very surprised Raoul.
"Mademoiselle Daae..." He trailed off, obviously surprised to see her, then continued. "Forgive me, I have been rude. I came here today expecting to see your guardian, and I've been completely shocked to see you."
"It is fine, Monsieur de Chagny...I expected to shock you when I answered the door. I've been wanting to tell you how much I have truly appreciated your concern, monsieur. It has meant so much to me." She paused, unsure for a second of what she was about to do, but then she plunged ahead, "I wonder monsieur, if, as a way of thanks, you would allow me to prepare us a basket of food and accompany me to the park for lunch."
Raoul, shocked and intrigued by her brazenness, took a second to answer.
"Mademoiselle Daae, I would simply be honored if you would allow me to accompany you on a picnic lunch today."
Christine smiled...a truly genuine, heartwarming smile. It was the first time she had really smiled since Erik left.
The walk from the cottage to the park was a rather pleasant one for Christine, despite the fact that it started out very awkwardly.
The first five minutes were spent in uncomfortable silence. But then the two slipped into easy conversation as if they were old friends...talking about their families, their history, and their interests. And Christine was relatively shocked at how easy Raoul was to talk to. He was a genuinely good person, who always was concerned for the interests of others before his own.
Raoul greatly enjoyed Christine's company and was having a wonderful time as well. He was very impressed at how easy she was to talk to, because she didn't set high expectations for you...it was like no matter how many bad things you confided in her, she would still have faith in you and believe that you could do anything if you put your mind to it. She believed in the good of humanity, no matter what.
They arrived at the park half an hour later, both being grateful for the others' easy-going company and the lovely afternoon.
Having finished their lunches, they moved their blankets to a more shaded area, both wanting to stay and talk even longer, both reaching out for the others' soothing presence, the others' understanding company.
But all good times must end, and after about two hours of chatting, both decided it was time they return home. Always the gentleman, Raoul insisted on escorting Christine home, and they continued their conversation all the way until they reached her front door.
It was the first time Christine had completely enjoyed herself with a friend since Erik's accident.
A/N: What do you think ? Love it ? Hate it ? Review and let me know. (Constructive Criticism is good, but please no flaming !) Thank you very much to my first four reviewers ! You have made my day and encouraged me to continue with a story I never thought anybody would enjoy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart !
