Chapter 3: Marie Claire's decision
The de Chagny household had been rather quiet over the past few days. They had spoken of the incident many times, but most of the time they just wanted to sit in the living room quietly, just enjoying each other's company. It was the deep breath before the plunge (A/N: They say that in the Lord of the Rings, and I thought it was cool) and everyone was waiting for something and everyone at the Opera Populaire was constantly on the guard. Raoul and Christine had been watching Marie Claire very carefully. The last performances had gone extremely well, Marie Claire, Arthur, Lizzie and the rest of the cast handing in magnificent performances. Nothing unusual had happened, and it seemed as if Marie's voice was growing stronger with every performance. But she was not acting like herself, the stress of all that was going on was really starting to get to her. Her face was always pale, eyes always full of worry. Though her sweet and sunny nature still showed itself, everyone could tell that something was upsetting her . And now, as she sat on the stage after the first rehearsal for the Opera's latest production, in which she had scored a leading role, she had come to a decision. As she got up to go, Lizzie came in, her eyes full of worry for the girl who had been her best friend all of her life. She had never seen Marie like this, and it scared her .
"Marie Claire?" she asked quietly as she walked over to her friend and put a gentle hand on her shoulder.
Marie Claire smiled as she heard Lizzie's voice. It seemed as if Lizzie could understand her without words. She turned around and looked deep into her best friend's green brown eyes. Lizzie could tell that her best friend was up to something , and once Marie Claire de Chagny's mind was set on something, you would be hard pressed to make her change it.
"I've decided to go down to the Phantom's lair Lizzie." she said, her voice shaky but filled with determination.
Lizzie stared at Marie Claire in silent awe and bewilderment for a moment before stammering out a few words.
""You're going to what?" she stammered, those green eyes wide.
"I'm going down there. If he wants to have my voice, he can have it. It is better to give my life away than to put father's and Arthur's lives in danger. And though I know he would never physically harm my mother, his obsession with her is rather alarming. He would do anything to keep her with him." she said, he jaw set stubbornly.
"Marie Claire have you lost your mind! You can't go down there! I take it that you haven't told Arthur or you parents about this, because if you had I know that all of thme would be standing right here, dragging you out and trying to stop you!" said Lizzie, her raised volice full of such intense worry as she had never felt before. Had Marie Claire gone crazy?
"Its the only way to save the ones I love Lizzie. I decided to tell you because you're my best friend and I knew you wouldn't try to stop me." said Marie, her face begging for understanding.
"You're right Marie, I won't because you should do what you think is right. But don't you understand that Erik is not only out for your voice but your mother's as well? Don't you realize that he is after your father's and Arthur's lives? He will not stop simply because you go down there? He will do anything to have your mother, and you are the key! And your father and Arthur are in his way, and he wants to dispose of them? Please don't do this, you'll only be helping him!" said Lizzie desperatley.
"I am trying to do everything but help him Lizzie . This is the only way I can think of to protect my loved ones. The incident with my papa last week was enough to tell me that something has to be done and fast."
Lizzie sighed and shook her head in defeat as two fat tears slid down her rosy cheeks.
"Alright Marie. But please be careful. You're my best friend and I don't want anything to happen to you." she said running over to Marie.
"I know." said Marie, her own eyes tearing, "But I promise I'll be careful."
The two girls hugged each other tightly.
"You're my best friend Lizzie." said Marie.
"And you mine." said Lizzie.
"Good evening ladies!" said Madame Giry stepping as though out of nowhere onto the stage.
The girls broke apart, startled.
"Girls what are you doing? Its not a good idea to stay in the theater after a rehearsal. You'd best be going."
"Yes grandmother." said Lizzie giving Marie Claire one last hug.
As Marie was avout to make her way out, Madame Giry caught her by the shoulder.
"Where are you going my dear Marie?" she asked, though she already knew.
"Nowhere." said Marie Claire nonchanlantly.
Madame Giry gave her an unbelieving look.
"You had best be careful my dear, the Phantomis not one who's temper should be tampered with."
Marie looked her in the eyes.
"I'll be careful." she said as she gave the woman who had been like another grandmother to her, a hug and walked away.
And now both Lizzie and Madame Giry sincerely hoped that someone could change the Phantom's heart before something similar to what has happened all those years ago happened once more. If only things like that could happen quickly, alas they could not. If only Marie Claire had listened to Lizzie. If only she knew that this experience with Erik that she was about to face would be nothing compared to what would happen in the final encounter. If only she knew.
Marie Claire managed to find her way down to the Phantom's lair, despite getting lost and falling several times. She was terrified, her heart racing and tears streaming down her cheeks. But she determined to do this. For her parent's, the best anyone could ever have, and for Arthur, the love of her life. When she walked in, the Phantom was sitting down, as though he had been waiting for her.
"Good evening Marie Claire, I have been expecting you. Come in." he said slowly, as the gate slammed shut behind her.
