From Angel's Eyes

Chapter Three

The rehearsal that morning was filled with a brief run through of the plot and the placement of the songs. The class was to spend half of the session reading through the score, and the other half going through the way it would be brought to life on stage. The music class had joined with the dance class, and several volunteers for the backstage work. Christine was impressed with the enthusiasm with which everyone worked.

Doctor Carter ended the rehearsal at one pm with a big grin.

"I'm impressed people. Let's keep this enthusiasm going, OK? Now go and relax for a bit. I'll see you tomorrow, same time."

Christine reached for her jacket. Max picked it up first and handed it to her.

"Hey Christine. A group of us are heading out to get some lunch. Want to come with?" Christine smiled apologetically.

"Sorry, I need to get home."

"Oh… OK. Another time?" He asked hopefully. Christine smiled.

"Maybe another time. I'll see you tomorrow." She went to the piano, where she had left her score. Erik was glancing through his sheet music and she said,

"Thank you, Mr Destler, for helping me this morning."

"I am here for a reason, Miss Danes." He said, a slight smirk on his mouth. She smiled slightly.

"Well, thank you for the fight then."

"For that, you are welcome. It was rather enjoyable." He replied. Her smile widened and she picked up her score and went to the door.

As she unlocked her car, she saw a group of students heading out, Max among them. He waved at her and she lifted her own hand in greeting before climbing into the car. She started to drive away, but as she did she found her mind wandering to a pair of bright green eyes.


Meg came over whilst Christine was in the back garden, pulling up weeds. She came through the back gate and grinned at her.

"Having fun?"

"The time of my life." Christine said, sitting up with a smile. Trister bounded over to her and head butted her in the side. She let out an 'oof' of surprise as the air rushed out of her chest and she fell sideways, Trister perched on her. Meg laughed and helped her up.

"How did rehearsals go?"

"It was fine. I think this is going to be really fun." Christine said as they went inside. Meg wiped a streak of dirt from her friend's cheek and smiled.

"You need to have a little fun. Do you want to go and see a movie tonight?"

Christine hesitated and said,

"Let's not overload the fun just yet."

"OK, no problem. I'm sure there's some cute guy somewhere who's just waiting for me to come along." Meg said dramatically.

"Just keep telling yourself that." Christine teased, "Besides, I need to go shopping. I'm almost completely out of food."

"Urgh, I hate food shopping! Shopping isn't shopping unless it comes with shoes. I'll see you later." Meg grinned. Christine waved goodbye and went to find her purse. Trister barked excitedly and she sighed.

"I just took you for a walk."

He simply wagged his tail and looked at her with brown eyes that seemed twice as large as normal.

"Don't give me that look, Trister!" she groaned. He nudged her hand with his nose and she gave in.

"Oh, fine. But you'll have to wait outside the shop, because I'm not taking you in!"

That dog was far more intelligent than she gave him credit for, she thought sulkily.


Once Trister was safely tied to the railings outside the shop, Christine went in and picked up a basket. She made her way around the shop, picking up the things she needed, pausing to consider buying something, sometimes deciding to, sometimes not. It was as ritualistic as always and she knew exactly what she needed and what she didn't. She wondered vaguely what it was like to be spontaneous.

She looked down the music aisle and decided to see what they had in. Occasionally they brought in a classical CD or two; maybe they'd have something good. She wandered down, past other shoppers and examined the CD display. There was a new CD and she reached for it, to have a look at what it boasted. But someone else reached for it at the same time. Christine looked around and smiled, surprised.

"Mr Khan."

"Hello Christine. Tempted by that?" He nodded at the CD with a smile. Christine shrugged.

"I just wanted to see what was on it." She handed it to him and took another copy from the shelf. It looked rather inviting and Nadir Khan said,

"Erik sent me out to buy it."

"Is he not here?"

"In the car park. He doesn't care for crowds."

Christine could have guessed that. She looked down at the CD's cover and then put it into her basket.

"I think I'll get it." She said.

"Heading for the till? I'll accompany you." Nadir said graciously. They started the walk to the opposite side of the store.

"That's a lot of food." He said, glancing at the basket. Christine smiled slightly.

"Hmm. I'm stocking up for the week. It's just easier than running out every day for more food."

"I hope you brought a car, that's going to be heavy to get home."

"No, I walked." Christine said as they reached the till.

Once her food was bagged up, she found she had four heavy bags, plus a dog to take home. Perhaps she should have brought the car, she thought regretfully. Nadir looked at her in amusement.

"Would you care for a lift?"

"Oh, I couldn't-" She began.

"Nonsense, it's no trouble." Nadir insisted. Christine smiled.

"I brought my dog, he's outside. He'll get dog hair all over the car."

"Not a problem. Come along."

They went outside and a large black car, with blacked out windows pulled up. The backseat window rolled down and Erik Destler's face appeared.

"Miss Danes." He acknowledged her and she smiled politely. Nadir opened the car door and took Christine's shopping from her.

"We'll give Miss Danes a lift home, if you don't mind."

"Of course not." Erik said, sliding along the seat. Christine bent down to untie Trister who jumped excitedly into the car. When Christine climbed in she found Trister on her seat and shooed him down, brushing the white hairs from the chair anxiously. She sat down opposite Erik, who asked,

"Where to?"

"Jameson Street, please." Christine said, a little awed.

"Jameson Street, Thompson." Erik said to the driver, who nodded. Erik reached across, pulled the car door shut and the car set off.

"Who is this?" Nadir asked, smiling down at Trister, who was resting his head on Christine's knee.

"That's Trister."

"What a charming animal." Nadir said, patting the dog's head. Trister rubbed his face against Nadir's legs and flopped down at their feet, panting in the warm car. Erik looked at Nadir.

"Did you get it?"

"Of course." He handed the CD to Erik who looked at it. "Miss Danes also bought a copy."

"You did?" Erik said, turning his green eyes on her.

"Yes, they don't often have CD's this good so I buy them when I can." Christine explained. Erik placed the CD into a case on the seat beside him and considered Christine. Nadir was looking out of the window.

"This is a nice neighbourhood. It must cost a lot to live here, especially for a student."

"I own my own house."

"Really?" He asked, clearly surprised. Christine nodded and he asked, "You live with a flatmate?"

"No. It's just me and Trister. My… my parents passed away a couple of years ago. It was left to me."

"Ah. My apologies." Nadir said, somewhat awkwardly. Christine shook her head.

"No point in tiptoeing around the subject. It won't bring them back."

"How did it happen?" That was Erik. Christine looked at him and said quietly,

"It was a car crash. The other driver was drunk."

"How terrible…" Nadir said. Christine shrugged slightly.

"Life goes on, as they say. I just… just got on with things. What else can you really do?"

"The best approach. Hopefully being in the musical will also help." Nadir said.

"I think it will. I love The Phantom of the Opera."

"I can see that." Erik said quietly.

Christine smiled slightly and glanced out of the window. Thompson, the driver, asked,

"What house number, Miss?"

"Forty two, please." Christine said and the car set off. Trister jumped onto her lap to peer out of the window. When they reached her house Christine opened the door and Trister ran off to the front door. She picked up her shopping bags and smiled at the two men.

"Thank you for the lift. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Indeed you shall. Goodbye, Miss Danes." Erik said, holding the door open for her. Christine set off up the front path and turned to lift a hand in farewell. Erik returned the gesture and rolled up the window, watching as Christine unlocked her front door and let herself and the dog in. The door closed and Thompson started to drive.

Nadir Khan glanced across at Erik and said,

"A charming girl."

"Indeed she is." Erik said in an even tone.

"What a pity about her parents. That's a large house for just one person." He commented, looking back at the house as they pulled away. "But she seems to cope well."

"Hmm." Erik said, in a noncommittal tone.


She got to the theatre early again the next day. Today the room was empty. She supposed the three men were in the office and sat on the side of the stage with her score, wondering if she should warm up. After a moment she crossed to the piano and began her scales, humming and singing in alteration. Then she opened the score to Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again. Her eyes flickered over the notes and lyrics and then she closed the book.

That subject was a little too close to home to be sung about just yet. Instead she opened Angel of Music and began to play that instead, singing clearly and sweetly.

Erik stood in the doorway, hidden by a curtain, listening in pure joy at the sound that made his heart weep. He glanced through a gap in the velvet curtains. She concentrated on her music, a slight smile touching her lips as she sang. He was about to go to her when a pair of hands slid around her eyes and she stopped playing.

Max. Curse him. Erik glowered at him from behind the curtain.

Christine hesitated as the voice said,

"Guess who?"

"The Phantom of the Opera?" She said, in a humoured voice. Max sat down beside her on the bench.

"Close enough. You're here early."

"I didn't want to hit the traffic."

"Good idea. I'm close enough to walk here. Is there no one else here yet?" He looked around and Christine said,

"I think Dr Carter is in the office, with Mr Khan and Mr Destler." Max nodded and grinned at her sideways.

"So about Mr Destler… what do you reckon? Deformed or just really keen on getting into character? I mean, what's with the mask?"

Erik could have stormed out then and there and struck the young man, but he was rather interested to hear what Christine had to say. To his delight she took her hands from the keys and looked at Max crossly.

"That's hardly fair, Max. Even if he is… different under the mask, there's no need to gossip about it. After all the work and money he's putting into the show, I just hope no one demands to see what's underneath. It's his business, not ours."

"OK, OK!" He put his hands up in surrender. Christine sighed.

"Sorry."

"Nah, its fine. Besides, he might just be a little eccentric. And from what I've heard, he can afford to be as eccentric as he wants. He's a millionaire or something like that."

Billionaire actually, Erik thought wryly, but who was he to boast?

Christine shrugged and said thoughtfully,

"I wonder why he's decided to take an interest in our musical though… surely someone like him has far better things to do."

"Hey, I'm not complaining. I've always wanted to perform onstage." Max said cheerfully. Christine looked down at her score.

"So have I." she said softly.

Erik frowned slightly, watching her. Her eyes were focused on nothing and she was frowning slightly. Max waved a hand in front of her eyes.

"Still awake?"

"Just about." She started to play again, her hands dancing over the keys. A few minutes later Tom arrived and the three of them sat on the stage, waiting for the three producers. Tom and Max talked cheerfully and Christine sat listening.

When Nadir, Erik and Dr Carter emerged, the three performers stood up.

"Good morning. How are you all?" They all replied that they were well and Dr Carter said,

"We're going to go for a complete run-through with the main cast members this morning, whilst the extra's get some dancing instructions. Mr Destler will take Max and Christine to the studio, whilst Mr Khan and Tom go through the stage movements. Any questions?"

They all shook their heads. Christine picked up her bag and followed Erik out of the main room to a smaller room along a corridor. Erik placed his score on a surface and turned to look at the two students. He considered them for a moment and then said,

"TheMusic of the Night. I want you to sing it, but do the actions as well. Show me what you have in mind for it please, Mr Hodges."

"Well, I haven't really thought about…" Max began, a little awkwardly. Erik leant against the surface and folded his arms.

"What is happening in this song?"

"The phantom is trying to seduce Christine." Max guessed.

"No!"

Both Christine and Max jumped at Erik's tone. He looked at Max angrily.

"He is not trying to seduce her. He's trying to make her fall in love with him. It's completely different. He wants to show her his world. And the only world he knows is the night and the music hidden in it. That is what the phantom is doing in this song, Mr Hodges."

He turned and pulled a chair out, placing it in front of him.

"Miss Danes, this is the boat. Sit please." Christine obliged and Erik moved Max to another part of the room.

"You will stand here when you start. You are the Phantom of the Opera. Look at Christine. Look at her!"

Max looked over at Christine. She sat, watching them with interest and a set amount of uncertainty. Erik stood behind Max and said,

"You are in love with her. More than in love. You are devoted. Infatuated. You cannot imagine a world without her. If you don't have her with you, you will simply fade into nothingness. This is your one chance to make her love you. Don't ruin it."

He marched over to a record player and set it playing. The introduction to The Music of the Night began to play. Max was clearly doing his best to get into character, but never made it more than a few lines in before Erik would snap at him to stop. Eventually Max grew irritated and said,

"Why don't you do it? If I see how you want it done, maybe I could do it myself!"

Erik considered him for a moment and then waved him to one side. So far Christine hadn't actually managed to climb out of her 'boat'. Erik glanced at Max.

"Play the song, please."

The music began and Erik set his eyes on Christine. She felt a cold finger run down the length of her spine but didn't move. He began to sing in a low voice that made Christine's breath freeze in her chest. As he sang he began to move slowly around the room, as though stepping around objects, but keeping on course for her.

Night time sharpens

Heightens each sensation

Darkness stirs and wakes imagination

Silently the senses abandon the defences

He reached her and held out his hand. Christine didn't hesitate but took it and rose to her feet. Stepping backwards, so his eyes were fixed on hers, he continued to sing, his voice becoming louder, but no less sensual.

Slowly, gently

Night unfurls its splendour

Grasp it, sense it

Tremulous and tender

His hand released hers and lifted to cup her cheek. He gently turned her face to one side, away from Max.

Turn your face away

From the garish light of day

Turn your thoughts away

From cold, unfeeling light

His hand touched her chin and lifted her face to look into his. As he sang the next line he stepped back, spreading his arms, inviting her to explore his deep, dark world.

And listen to the Music of the Night

Christine watched him breathlessly, closing her eyes when he commanded it, pulling her gently forward as he sang imploringly. Erik came to a stop, drawing her into his arms, brushing her hair back from her face as her eyes slowly opened.

Close your eyes and surrender

To your darkest dreams

Purge all thoughts of the life you knew before

Close your eyes

Let your spirit start to soar

And you'll live as you've never lived before

She stared up at him, lips parted, eyes entranced. As he began the next section he twirled her around, pulling her to his chest. Her head turned to one side as his hands fell to her waist, her own hands over his. He sang softly, intimately, his eyes gazing on her face.

Softly, deftly

Music shall caress you

Hear it, feel it

Secretly possess you

Open up your mind

Let your fantasies unwind

In this darkness

That you know you cannot fight

The darkness of the music of the night

He released her and ran a few steps up to where the organ would be on the stage. Christine turned, watching him. He sang clearly, inviting her to come closer, daring her to step towards him.

Let your mind start to journey to a strange new world

Leave all thoughts of the life you knew before

Let your soul take you where you long to be

He held out a hand for hers and sang softly.

Only then can you belong to me

He pulled her to him once again, facing the front of the room, where the audience would be sat if they were on the stage. One hand rested on her hip, the other taking her hand in his and lifting it to his face, pressing her fingers against his unmasked cheek.

Floating, falling

Sweet intoxication

Touch me, trust me

Savour each sensation

He turned her slowly to face him, holding her face with one hand, the other still clutching her hand, holding it to his chest, his heart.

Let the dream begin

Let your darker side give in

To the power of the music that I write

The power of the music of the night

A triumphant crescendo as Erik guided Christine to where the mannequin would be standing on the stage. He made the pretence of drawing back a curtain and after a quick nod at Christine, she pretended to faint. Erik swiftly caught her before she hit the ground and carried her to wear a bed would be. Two chairs were placed there for now and he laid her on them, kneeling beside her and tracing the outline of her face with a gloved hand.

You alone can make my song take flight

Help me make the music of the night

Silence. Christine tentatively opened her eyes and saw Erik still staring down at her. And then he straightened and looked over at Max who was staring, dumbfounded.

"And that, Mr Hodges, is what I expect of you. From the beginning please."

A/N: I really haven't been making things very clear – Raoul will not be in this story. Well, Raoul will be. But the Raoul character (Richard) won't be. I just felt I had to stick him in somewhere. This is very much a Max/Erik/Christine thing. Also, Erik is thirty-one in this story.

As for 'A Defensive Situation' I will update that soon. I'm just having troubles getting there. Stupid muse, abandoning me. But it will be updated!

'Destler' - I believe this surname is from one of the many Phantom films. Which I haven't seen. I just happen to see it used a lot and figured I'd jump on the bandwagon!

Anyways, please review! A new chapter tomorrow - the first fourteen chapters are already written but I'm not going to post them all at once. I'm going to squeeze as many reviews out of you people as possible! It gives my ego when heck of a boost, seeing my inbox full of emails

Lotsa luv 'n' huggles

Katie