She arose to an empty bed, the cavern completely silent. Leaving the bedroom she gazed out at this beautiful place so far underground and teasingly sang, ending with the fact that the Opera Ghost was indeed a man. He at the organ still could not believe what had happened. She had given herself to him and his emotions were raw, running wild. He could not bring himself to her, but allowed her to approach him. The mask. He knew she was going to take it off and he was allowing it to happen but when it was actually off, reflex kicked in. The hot Scottish blood that was half of his heritage ran through him now, his words and action cruel molded by too many years of abuse, used now to keep her away from him. His anger was hot but evaporated quickly, but he knew it was too late.
He felt a horrible guilt and agony and decided to return her quickly to his one friend who he knew would take care of her, Antoinette Giry. He led her first to a bath he had prepared for her. Christine was shaking but quickly relaxed in the bath which was still hot. It was in a room hidden from view, there was also a water closet and a mirror with shaving utensils, stage make up and and expensive looking cologne strewn across a counter under it. She had never experienced a bath before, only cold showers in the dormitories. He saw her hesitant look and urged her in before leaving-- it's alright, it is one of my few pleasures he said, you will feel much better.
She emerged washed and calmer. He was sitting writing something at a cluttered table, far off. " I am ready" she said. He immediately jumped up punching a seal on a letter and gathered up some more.
"Christine I will make this up to you I promise. Your success will continue." As they climbed back up, he sang gently to her, haunting with his words of last night. As they reached the top of the stairs and before he led her through the secret pathways he used to travel unseen through the vast opera house he took her hand and begged her forgiveness. "Someday I will tell you of my past, but I still cannot speak of it. Last night was a dream Christine, I will cherish it always. If you can find it within your heart to forgive me and return to me, I will be there for you waiting. If not, I will understand and always be with you protecting, teaching." He drew her close and she reveled in his warmth and felt his racing heart which matched her own. He then quickly led her to Antoinette Giry's room.
