Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.

Part Three

Christine tossed and turned in her sleep, while dreams of the lair once again haunted her. She could see the phantom kneeling before her pleeding her to stay and crying out his love for her. Once again Christine sprang up in bed.

"I have to go back there. I have to know if he is alive."

Christine quickly got out of bed and dug through the armoire looking for a light gown that would allow her to travel quickly. Putting on her sturdy boots, Christine ran through the streets of Paris to the opera house.

Slowly opening the door she walked slowly into the grand foyer. Once more she heard her name being whispered softly, and she was even more entranced. She wandered to her dressing room, the place where she started that magical journey down to the lair. Softly placing her fingertips on the mirror, she was able to push it open. Christine slipped through the opening she had made and went down the tunnel, no longer lit by the beautiful candelabras that were once there. Finding the boat at the edge of the lake, she climbed in and paddled her way across the lake. Slowly, she aproached the shore and swiftly climbed out.

Gazing around she found the organ empty, only ehos of the tunes it once played could be heard. She then found the mirrors, broken to pieces and only few of the many candles lit. She wandered unil she came across the swan bed, also empty.
A hand grasped her wrist and she swiftly turned, and saw the face she had longed to see again for many months. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she kneeled to the floor. "I thought you would be dead!" she whispered to him. He wiped the tears that rolled down her cheeks.

They stood like they were for awhile, Christine crying and the phantom comforting. She then hugged him, grasping him tightly, never wanting to let him go. He lifted her up in his arms while she still help onto him. He carried her to the organ and sat her down.

"Why? Why did you come? Do you know how much this hurts me right now?"

"I needed to come," she said between gasps and sobs, "I needed to know you were alive."

"You should not have come. You have made a choice already."

"No," she shook her head, "This place has been haunting my dreams night after night, I was being driven insane."

"Then you should have cast away those thoughts, I have nothing for you."

Christine continued crying and shook with sorrow and regret for coming. He does not want me here. I should go.

She quickly rose to her feet and turned to leave running down the steps. The phantom ran after her, but she was fast. He was too late because she had already started paddling though the lake. He stood and watched her leave him again and tear dropped into his open palm. He had lost her again.

Alrighty a little longer and sad I know but don't worry it gets better and happier! -)