A Happy Day

By KaitlynRose

Disclaimer: Don't own them.

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Christine skipped happily down the stairs. She had been living at the de Changy estate for a week now and was actually getting used to her new surroundings. At least she didn't get lost inside the house anymore. She also really liked Mme Odette and the Comte. They had both been very kind to her. Mme Odette was now her personal maid, a job she performed for Raoul's mother when she was alive. Christine still found it strange to have servants. Several times a servant had been upset with her for doing something that was supposed to be their job. She was trying hard to learn the new rules here. Mme Odette was helping a lot, explaining the way the house ran and such.

She walked into the sitting room. She liked this room best. It had a long row of windows that let in a good amount of sunlight. There was a little desk that used to belong to Raoul's mother but she had been given permission to use it for writing letters. She walked to the window and stared outside at the snow covered grounds. She looked forward to spring and summer when the large gardens would be in bloom. It was still beautiful even now, but she couldn't wait for warmer weather.

Tomorrow the dressmaker was coming to the house to fit Christine for a new wardrobe. She was currently wearing the Comtesse's dresses. They were very beautiful, but unfortunately they were too large in the bust and they dragged the floor by about three inches.

She walked over to the small piano in the corner. She wished she knew how to play. She would love to hear some music. Without even thinking about it she began to sing.

"Think of me, think of me fondly, when we say good bye.
Remember me, once in a while, please promise me you'll try…"

She continued to sing, letting the sound of her own voice fill her head. Even though no instruments were playing she could hear the music in her own mind. She was unaware of the fact that Raoul stood behind her and was listening. Finally the song ended and Raoul clapped.

"Oh! Raoul, you scared me," she said with a laugh.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sneak up on you. I just couldn't help myself from listening. Your voice, words can't even begin to describe how beautiful it is. Time stands still when I listen to you sing."

"That's very kind," she said and gave him a small kiss on the lips.

"Now, I have a surprise for you."

"That's not necessary. You have already done so much for me. Nothing I ever do or say can ever thank you enough."

"Your love is thanks enough. Now, come with me." He took her by the hand and led her to the door. Mme Odette was standing at the entrance holding a long wool coat with a big smile on her face.

"Are we going some where?" Christine asked.

"I thought you might like to get out of the house for a while. We haven't left since we arrived a week ago," he explained. He took the coat from Odette and held it up for Christine to put it on. Then he quickly put on his own coat. He handed her a fur muff for her hands before opening the door.

Outside was a set of white horses harnessed to a beautiful sleigh. Golden bells on the horses' harnesses jingled as they moved their heads.

Raoul was delighted to see the excitement on Christine's face. This was exactly what she needed, a day of fun. He quickly hurried her out the door and helped her up into the sled. She took the blanket he handed her and draped it over her legs. He sat down next to her, grabbed the reins, and lifted the break.

"Yah!" he called and snapped the reins. The horses took off at a quick gallop. The wind whipped through Christine's hair. The chill brought a rosy glow to her cheeks and rose. She leaned in close to Raoul and laid her head on his shoulder. Raoul smiled and laid his head on top of hers for a moment before concentrating on the horses again.

He led the sleigh all through the grounds and through winding path in the woods, pointing out special places on the estate. They traveled for about thirty minutes until they came to a lake. Raoul stopped the sleigh so Christine could take a look.

"Raoul, it's breathtaking," she said. The lake was frozen over and looked as if it were made entirely of glass. As the sun shone down on it, the lake reflected a thousand sparkles of light, all of which were reflected in Christine's eyes.

"You're breathtaking," Raoul said. "Every day I think I can't possibly love you any more, and yet every day I do. Christine, I want to marry you. There's nothing in the world I want more. I know the engagement ring I bought you is gone forever, but I hope you will accept this one in its place." He pulled a ring out of his pocket. It was gold and had a large emerald that was surrounded by small diamonds. It was obviously a family heirloom. "When I told my father what happened to our ring he gave me my mother's to offer to you. They were happily married for twenty-three years. I hope this ring can bring us as much happiness as it did them."

"Oh Raoul. I don't know what to say."

"Just say yes," he said sincerely.

"Yes. Yes, yes, yes," she laughed. "Raoul, I love you, and I promise to be a good wife." She threw her arms around his neck and he wrapped his around her waist. He kissed her neck and then placed small kisses by her ear and her cheek before finally touching his lips to hers. She felt her insides quiver as he ran his hands up and down her back. Once more his lips began to wander and sauntered back down to her neck. Christine moaned softly at the sensations happening to her. She had never been touched this way before. Her skin tingled and tickled as Raoul's breath caressed her flesh. He brought his hands up to cup her face and just stared into her eyes. Christine felt passion and desire fill her completely.

Raoul's breath caught in his throat. God he wanted to have his way with her, but he couldn't do that. He knew she was a virgin, not to mention he swore to his father that he would behave as a gentleman, and Christine deserved no less, but that didn't stop the feelings. He released her slowly.

"You must be getting cold. I'll take you back. Besides, I had cook prepare us hot chocolate for when we return. I remember how much you loved it as a child."

"How do you do that?" Christine asked.

"Do what?"

"You always know what to say, or how to act, or think of things I want when I don't even know I want them. How is it you can protect me and care for me like no other on earth?"

"You should know by now that I would move Heaven and Earth to keep you safe and loved," he told her. He raised his arm so she could nestle into his side for the ride home.

Christine thought it was funny that Raoul thought she would be cold by now, but the truth was her body was being heated by some internal warmth that she didn't even understand. All she knew for certain was that she didn't want Raoul to let her go. His arm around her felt so right.

Christine truly was starting to believe that they were going to live happily ever after. When she first arrived here she was still haunted by dreams and feelings of the Phantom. Even in the sanctuary of Raoul's fine home she expected him to show up at any moment. Then there was the fact that she missed the Opera Populaire. It wasn't just the Opera House itself, but Mme Giry, Meg, and the others. In one night she lost everything that pertained to her old life. Yet, here she was now, happier than she could ever remember feeling.

"Raoul, do you think I could send a letter to Mme Giry and Meg and invite them to visit one afternoon? I want to share my happiness. They are the closest I have to a mother and a sister. I know they will be so happy for us."

"Anything you want darling. I shall have the letter posted today and invite them to stay for a week if you like."

"Oh, that would be perfect," she said happily.

"There is something else you need to know," Raoul added. "Father has decided to throw a ball for you."

"For me? But why?"

"He wants to introduce you into society and announce our engagement."

"Raoul, I don't know if I'm ready for that. I mean, I don't think I'm going to fit in. I know what they are going to think of me."

"Nonsense. All they're going to see is your radiant beauty and how much we love each other. Not to mention the fact that they will all be in awe once you sing for them."

She tried to give him a happy smile, but inside she knew it wouldn't be as easy as he made it out to be. Society was not going to welcome a chorus girl into their mist with open arms. Still, she would do whatever she had to do to make Raoul as happy as he made her.