Christine took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies that fluttered in her stomach. The day she had dreamed of since she was a little girl was finally here. She stood in front of the full length mirror admiring the gown she had chosen. It was a modest ivory-white dress that flattered her slim figure. The thick straps hung loosely off her shoulders and the skirt fanned out at the bottom. But Christine's favorite part was the beaded flowers that trimmed the bottom and ran along the short train. Christine twirled around, hypnotized by the way her dressed flowed. She wished her father could be here to see her. She would give anything for him to walk her down the aisle and tell her that he loved her. Christine longingly thought about the days they had spent together at the house by the sea. How he would tell her stories and play his violin while she fell asleep. Christine looked down at her hands and remembered how they spent the days building sand castles. One day stood out above all others in her memory.
That day was unusually cold for summer. The sky was grey, filled with dark, ominous clouds. Christine had gone to the beach by herself, sneaking out in the early morning before her father awoke. She spent all day building the perfect castle. Without warning, a large wave came crashing onto the shore, obliterating her fragile creation. Her lower lip began to quiver and her tears mingled with the light rain that began to fall. Christine felt a warm hand on her shoulder. She turned to look at the sympathetic face of a young boy, the boy who had rescued her scarf just the other day. He knelt down beside her and began gathering sand up into a mound. Little by little he helped her rebuild what had been destroyed. He stayed by her side until it was finished, despite the cold and the rain. As they walked back to the house, he put his coat around her shoulders and took his hand in hers. She knew that day that she loved him. They shared the innocent love of children.
Christine smiled at the memory. Many things had changed since then, but Raoul always had her heart. Christine smiled thinking of how even their love had changed. It had deepened and matured. It was something that existed deep in their souls, forever binding them to one another. Christine looked at her face in the mirror, pulling herself from the memories of the past. Her head turned quickly when she heard someone opening the door. She ran over and threw her body against it, slamming it shut.
"Who's there?"
"Christine, it's me. What are you doing?" Raoul asked, trying to suppress a laugh.
"Raoul, you know you can't see me!"
"I know. I… I just wanted to tell you that I'm leaving now. I'll be waiting for you with the priest."
"Alright. I'll see you soon," Christine answered quickly.
"Christine…" he said hesitantly.
"Yes?" she asked, biting her bottom lip slightly.
"I love you."
Christine smiled brightly, "I love you too."
Raoul let out the breath he had been holding in and a relieved smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He had been worried that they were rushing into the wedding; that perhaps Christine had suggested it simply as a way to escape from the Phantom. Raoul walked confidently to the front door, leaving behind his irrational thoughts. Christine was marrying him because she loved him. She wasn't going to change her mind. Soon they would be husband and wife. Raoul mounted his horse, careful not to get his suit dirty. He looked back at the house where Maurice stood in the doorway.
"Keep an eye on her for me, Maurice."
"Of course, mon amie. We will see you shortly."
Raoul nodded to his friend and rode away.
Maurice knocked on Christine's door and opened it, finding her nervously adjusting her dress.
"Chéri," he said, picking her veil up off of the bed and placing it on her head, "You look perfect. He will be amazed; he loves you with all his heart."
Maurice reached a hand into his pocket and pulled out a small box. He extended his hand and offered it to Christine.
"What's this?" she asked, eyeing him suspiciously and taking the box from him.
Maurice was nervously wringing his hands behind his back, "Well…I saw it in the window of a shop yesterday and I couldn't resist."
Christine slowly lifted the lid of the box. Inside was a heart-shaped diamond pendant on a silver chain. She turned and hugged Maurice tightly.
"Do you like it?"
"I love it Maurice. Thank you so much. You didn't have to do this," she said, slowly shaking her head.
"Well," he replied, reaching into the box and placing the chain around Christine's neck, "I know you had something old, your mother's veil. And you had something borrowed, Meg's pearl earrings. And the stone of your engagement ring is blue. So all you needed…" he trailed off, securing the clasp at the back of her neck.
For a moment, Maurice and Christine stood in front of the mirror, gazing at her reflection. Christine wrapped her hand around the pendant. Maurice caught her eye in the mirror, "Let's not keep your fiancé waiting."
Maurice offered Christine his hand and helped her up into the carriage. It was black, covered in pink and white roses. Christine spread her dress around her, running her hands along it to smooth out the wrinkles. Maurice shook the reins and the horse began to trot. Christine closed her eyes and raised her head, savoring the fragrance that floated on the spring air. It was the perfect day for a wedding. But for Christine, any day would be perfect as long as Raoul was waiting for her at the end of the aisle.
It wasn't a very long ride to the spot Christine had chosen. She remembered it from a time Madame Giry had taken her and Meg on a picnic when they were younger. It was so beautiful that Christine had immediately fallen in love with it.
The carriage slowed to a stop. Up ahead of her, Christine saw her dear friends. Madame Giry was already crying, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. Meg gave her hand a gentle squeeze. The priest was a very old, but friendly looking man. Maurice looked back at her and Christine smiled.
"I'm so glad you're here to share this day with us, Maurice. I can't thank you enough for all that you've done."
"I can't say that my reasons were entirely unselfish. I love the pleasure of your company, and of course there was the food," he said with a chuckle. "I know you and Raoul will be very happy together," he added in a serious tone.
Christine's heart stopped when she turned her head and saw Raoul. She had never seen him look happier; a crooked smile crossed his face. He could hardly control his excitement. He rolled onto his tiptoes and rolled back down, looking all around him. His eyes suddenly fell upon Christine and he became very still. The smile disappeared from his face; he seemed to be in complete awe. She flashed him a smile and his eyes lit up.
Maurice jumped down and walked to where Christine sat. He helped her down from the carriage and picked up the bouquet of white roses that lay on the seat. He handed her the flowers and offered him her arm. They slowly began to walk towards Raoul and the priest. With each step, Christine's heart beat faster. In a few moments, Raoul would be her husband. They could finally start the life she knew they were destined to live.
Christine became confused when Raoul began running towards her, horror and anger mingled on his face. She felt Maurice fall to the ground. When she looked down she saw that there was a rope pulled around his neck. She turned in fear and came face to face with Erik. Christine tried to scream, but terror had seized her voice. Suddenly Erik pulled out his sword and stabbed Maurice in the back, permanently stopping his attempt to escape. Christine cringed at the sound of cold steel piercing human flesh.
Further away, the priest stood in shock, unsure of what to do. Madame Giry was holding Meg protectively, screaming at Erik to stop. Christine stood shaking, her eyes filled with tears. She stared down at Maurice's lifeless body, unable to move.
Raoul rushed forward in a rage, drawing his sword. He took a few reckless swings, giving Erik the opportunity to slash his arm. Christine cried out when she saw the blood drip from Raoul's arm. "Erik stop this!" she screamed frantically.
Erik raised his sword, preparing to bring it down on Raoul's shoulder. Raoul lifted his sword above his head, halting Erik's arms in the air. Erik was pushing down with such force that Raoul needed both hands to keep the sword away from his body. Raoul slowly brought his arms down until he and Erik were face to face.
"Did you really think you could hide her from me? She is mine! There's nowhere you can take her that I won't find her."
Raoul pushed forward with all his might, forcing Erik to stumble backwards. Raoul raised his sword, prepared to attack.
"She'll never love you like she loves me. Deep down inside, you know that," Erik hissed.
Every word that Erik spoke caused Raoul to hate him even more. Raoul's blood was boiling.
Erik lunged at Raoul, but he was able to roll to the side, avoiding the deadly blow. Erik stumbled forward and Raoul slashed his leg. Erik cried out in pain and fell to the ground. He reached over to grab the sword he had dropped, but Raoul kicked it away. Erik sat on the ground, grabbing the back of his thigh and panting heavily. He glared up at Raoul with contempt. Raoul raised his sword to Erik's throat. "No matter what you do, you can't force her to love you. You will never harm her or anyone else again, you murdering son of a bitch," Raoul snarled.
"Raoul no!" Christine yelled, running to his side. She placed a hand over his wound and spoke quietly, "You're not like him. You're not a killer, Raoul. We'll take him to the police. Let them deal with him."
Raoul kept his eyes on Erik, his jaw clenched. After a moment, his face softened. "Alright my love. I'll do as you ask. Madame Giry, would you please bring me the lasso. We can bind him with it for now."
"Oui monsieur," she answered softly, looking on Erik with pity.
Raoul turned his head to speak to Christine, taking his eyes off of Erik for just a moment. But a moment was all he needed. Erik kicked Raoul's hand with all the force he could, causing Raoul to drop the sword. It rolled to the bank of the river, almost falling in.
"Christine run!" Raoul yelled as he dove to recapture his sword. He and Erik both grabbed hold of it at the same time. They struggled for control, kicking and rolling in the dirt. Raoul punched Erik in the face, but he held firmly to the sword. Erik reached out and dug his fingers into Raoul's wound. Raoul screamed and his grip on the sword loosened. Erik pulled it from his hand and jumped to his feet. Raoul tried to back away, but he felt his hand fall into the cold water. There was no where else for him to go.
Erik stood over him ominously, "Only one of us can have her Vicomte. She's the only person in the world I've ever loved. You stole her from me!"
Christine ran over and stood in front of Raoul, her arms protectively stretched out to the side. "Erik I'm begging you, please don't do this," she cried desperately.
Erik grabbed her around the waist and pulled her up against him, "I have forgiven you for your betrayal, Christine. Please don't try my patience."
She beat her fists against his chest furiously, "Let me go, you…you monster!"
Erik pushed her to the side. "It's time to make your last goodbyes." Erik put his sword to Raoul's throat.
"Christine, always remember that I love you," Raoul said, choking back tears.
"Please, just let him be. I'll go with you. Anywhere you want. I'll go willingly," Christine pleaded.
"I'm afraid that will never do mon amour. Your fiancé will not accept that. There's only one way for us to be happy. We have to get rid of him. I know it's hard now, but the pain will fade. In time, you'll understand that it was for the best," he answered in a gentle voice.
Raoul drew in a breath, prepared for the strike that would end his life. He looked into Christine's crying eyes one last time. Suddenly a shot rang out, echoing through the field. Everyone looked around, trying to figure out where the shot had come from. Raoul saw Maurice lying on his stomach, a gun in his outstretched hand. He gave them a smile before his eyes closed and his head and arm hit the ground again. Christine and Raoul turned their eyes to Erik. He was staring straight ahead, his body wavering. His arm dropped and the sword fell from his hand. He raised an unsteady hand to his stomach. He looked down at the sticky red liquid that covered his gloved hand. He began to stumble forward and Christine moved to catch him, his arm slipping through her hands. As he fell forward towards the water, he whispered, "I love you."
Christine stood in shock, her hand covering her open mouth, staring down into the water where Erik fell. She could see nothing, save for the ripples that faded out and became one with the river. No, it was impossible. Angels can't die. The pain pooled in Christine's stomach. It was like losing her father all over again. Raoul stood and slowly approached her, unsure of what to do. He placed a hand on her shoulder. She turned and looked into his face. Just like the little boy who had consoled her at the beach, her fiancé stood before her with a warm, reassuring gaze. The love she saw in his eyes convinced Christine that everything was going to be alright. She would let go of the past and live a happy life with Raoul, but right at that moment she just wanted to cry. She moved into Raoul's open arms and cried into his shoulder. He stroked her hair and kissed her forehead.
"I'm here, mon amour. Don't worry," Raoul whispered gently.
Erik silently swam to the bank of the river. He looked up at Raoul and Christine and was struck by what he saw. She was grieving…for him. Christine really did love him! But he saw how she was clinging to Raoul, and realized how much she needed him. She loved Raoul, and he could give her everything that Erik never could. For the first time in his life, Erik felt compassion for someone else. Christine's love filled his empty heart, bringing it to life. Now all he wanted was for her to be happy, a luxury she could never have if he tried to force himself into her life. She had Raoul, and that was enough. Erik longingly looked at her once last time, and let himself sink beneath the murky water.
A/N: Ok, we're not done yet. There's one more chapter left. But in the meantime, why don't you hit that little button and tell me what you thought!
