Our friend,

I know have always looked out for Christine, myself, and my mother. I feel now I must share with you what I know. I have hardly spoken to Christine since that night, Raoul keeps her closely guarded, himself sleeping outside her door almost every night. We have tried to impart to him no harm will come to her from you, who he fears, but he will not listen to us. She does not look well and I fear for her. I know you have your ways of reaching her. I beg of you to check on her when you have regained your strength. Would you please try?

Meg

He did not know what to think of this. Christine had taken a room far from the dormitory years ago. It had been the head stable persons room before he moved out to start a family of his own. Erik had given him extra funds to nudge him out, and to offer Christine the room. Its quiet seclusion had been perfect for continuing voice lessons. There was a connecting room that he saw to was always locked. He would go tonight.

Christine had known Raoul from the days she and her father had performed for rich vacationers spending their summers in Le Havre. He had taken interest in the beautiful little girl who sang so wonderfully in accompaniment to her father on the violin. They spent much time together, several summers in a row. When her father had died she had simply vanished. All he knew was she was not there at their home by the sea the next summer. He had not forgotten her though and was now afraid of losing her again. He had become quickly infatuated and hearing the voice inside the dressing room that night, was jealous of it thinking she simply had a lover. When she had gone missing the next day his jealousy turned to fear and shame, remembering the story she told him, and the rumors of an Opera Ghost. He vowed now to protect her from whatever this thing might be that haunted her.

Christine had known Erik would follow her up to the rooftop that night. She had been thinking of his safety actually, and Raoul's as well.She was doing the best she could to divert another disaster from happening that night. Raoul was so innocent, good and kind. He was the same young man who had doted on her so many years ago. She was upset and angered at Erik and the nights events. Why had he killed Buquet? Her faith had always been strong and she had always tried to live to honor the rules of her faith. She hated the weakness she saw in herself when she had succumbed to him. He brought out feelings, wants and desires she did not like in herself. She did long for his touch, she did want to be the reigning diva. She was intensely attracted to his power and darkness, his music bringing her an intense joy. And she did appreciate his time with her which had been platonic until now. She was confused and Raoul poured out his heart to her, offering her safety, love, kindness. And a different life than the one she knew now. She knew she would hurt Erik with her choice, but could not help herself. She was tired. She was tired of working so hard for so many years. There was constant practice--for her and Meg double that of any other ballerina/chorus girl. Her lessons from him were an added constant work load. She felt somewhere deep down inside that her voice was his only reason for wanting her. His face did not bother her, she found him attractive and knew he didn't understand this. But she knew this is what he thought and she used it to hurt him, and to end their relationship. She blamed herself for the nights events and also thought if she ended their dark relationship, there would be no more problems--disasters for the Opera house and it's inhabitants. Again she gave herself.

That first night Raoul had slept outside her room as she had refused to return with him to his home. He left guards to watch her room and had been back for her every day. Raoul kept her busy, introducing her to the upper class of Paris, taking her to the best restaurants. He bought her gowns and jewelry, some she refused, some she could not resist keeping. She had little of her own to wear in those circles. Nights were spent locked in her room however, with a guard, or sometimes Raoul himself sleeping outside her door. She resented that. She knew Erik would never harm her and tried to make Raoul understand that but he seemed to find any mention of her relationship with Erik painful, so she stopped talking of him.

She could not stop thinking of the Opera ghost. Meg had told her he was all right and still there at the Operahouse. Knowing he was still there comforted her. As the weeks grew and the authorities had given up without finding anything, she grew restless. His bondage did not desist. He would not even allow her to talk with Meg anymore and she was growing increasingly worried about something. She had missed her monthly and was starting to feel ill in the mornings.

She knew what this most likely entailed and knew an easy cure for it-- give in to Raoul's constant advances and marry him. The child would 'come early' as was the most common procedure for such mishaps. But could she deceive Raoul in this way? And she was still in love with Erik. She knew that now. Her every thought was of him, his touch, his voice. If he only had the right help she thought, they could flee. Meg had told her her mother had attempted to get him help from doctors of the mind, but he had been resistant, unwilling to trust any doctor. She did fear him.

Raoul was at her door once again and she was lost in worry about her future when she heard a soft noise from the corner. She had been close to sleep, when she heard this and wanted to dismiss it, but then again, and footsteps to her bed. She kept quiet, knowing who it was.

"Your friend is asleep outside your door," he said in an amused tone, lying down beside her. " Why do you not just allow him inside?" He pushed the covers down, wanting to hurt her, scare her. She did not resist but cried soft tears, silently. He felt the wetness of her tears and his manner changed instantly. He sat up and swung his legs to the floor, remaining seated on the bed. He spoke softly. "Meg asked me to come Christine," he sighed. " It seems they are worried about you."

"I'm so sorry. I was cruel. I know you have only loved me. I love Raoul but Ialso love you. I was confused-- you frighten me. I felt your madness would stop if I turned away." She was silent for a few moments contemplating. She sighed… "I am with child."

Erik felt dizzy again. He regained his composure slowly. He knew such a thing was possible, but had not entertained any thought of it. "You have not been with him ?" This was difficult for him to ask, but he had to.

"No! Of course not.." she brought her voice back down to a whisper. "That is not what you think of me." He turned and gathered a quietly sobbing girl into his arms, holding her tightly. "This is a dream, you are here," she said."It is all it can be…"

Comfort turned to desire soon and he led her into the next room. This time she lost herself in his embrace, revelling in the intense pleasure unmarred by pain, trying to stifle cries that could be heard by her diligent, yet unaware young suitor.