2

The Phantom lay in his swan-shaped bed staring at the canopy above. He thought of Christine and was overwhelmed by his longing for her love. He, then, thought of her lover, the Vicomte de Changy, Raoul. His body was then consumed in anger and he rolled onto his side to stare at the wall. The Phantom sang, softly:

"Why am I still here?

Christine, Christine, she is why I remain.

But that ignorant fool is

Always in my way!"

The Opera Ghost jumped from his bed and walked to a model of the Stage that was set-up to resemble the set of Dan Juan.

"I shall not let the Vicomte intrude any longer!

The Plan I have is growing steadily stronger.

I must wait until tomorrow night,

When Christine sets my song a flight.

I hope he remembers

To keep his hand at the level of his eyes!"

The Phantom smiled and chuckled as he left his model to sit as his piano. He started to play a pleasant tune and sing along with it.

"Share with me one love, one lifetime

Save me from my solitude.

Anywhere you go let me go to!

Love me, Christine,

That's all I ask of you!"

"Raoul, let me ask you

What is exactly your plan?"

Christine sang to Raoul as they walked through the halls of the Opera Populair. Raoul responded in a dark, musical tone:

"We are to act out his play,

And play his games.

If you sing,

He is sure to show."

They came to a flight of stairs and started to ascend as Christine sang:

"Raoul, I'm frightened."

"Nothing can harm you whilst I am here," Raoul said to calm Christine as he slipped his arm around her waist. Christine began to protest, once again:

"You will not be with me on stage,

He will take me away.

Raoul, I am scared now.

If he takes me,

I will never be freed."

Raoul tried to soothe her again.

"Christine, Christine."

Raoul's song reminded Christine of the Phantom's tricks. Raoul tried to reassure Christine.

"Everything will be alright, my dear, my love," Raoul said. As they reached the door to Christine's dormitory, Raoul leaned down to kiss her softly on the mouth. And then, they parted, Christine, to her room and Raoul back down the stairs.