From Angel's Eyes

Chapter Four

By the time they returned downstairs, the rest of the cast had arrived. Christine opened a bottle of water and drank thirstily. She was parched, although she hadn't sung a single line. At least they seemed to be making progress on The Music of the Night.

Erik went to speak with Mr Khan and Max grinned at Christine.

"Well, that wasn't in the least bit awkward."

"It's an awkward scene." Christine admitted.

"Hope I didn't come off as too much of a pervert." Max said, a little red in the face. Christine smiled.

"No. It's all acting, its fine."

"Didn't touch you nearly as much as he did though. Blimey, he was really getting into it, wasn't he?" Max said, nodding at Erik. Christine shrugged.

"It's only acting. It's not like it means anything."

"I guess so." Max said.

Tom came over and said,

"How'd it go?"

"Pretty good. Are we going through the score in here?" Max asked.

"I think we're going to a different room so the dancers can use the stage. Thank god we don't have to dance. Well, except for the Masquerade scene." Tom said. Christine smiled slightly.

"It'll be even worse in costume. At least you don't have to wear a dress the size of a bouncy castle."

"OK, I've not seen the show, but what exactly is Christine wearing in The Music of the Night?" Max asked, a little concerned.

Christine remembered and pulled a face.

"If memory serves me correctly… nightclothes."

"What?" Max said in a delighted tone, almost unable to believe his ears.

"Nightclothes. Skimpy nightclothes." Tom confirmed. Max grinned at Christine.

"Think I might enjoy that scene more and more!"

"OK, now you're coming off as a bit of a pervert." She told him sharply, "Besides, it's not that bad. She's wearing a dressing gown over the top, it's not like you really see anything more than tiny bit of cleavage."

They were interrupted by Dr Carter climbing onto the stage.

"I want Madame Giry, Meg, Carlotta, Piangi, André, Firmin, Joseph Buqet, Christine, Raoul, the Phantom and anyone else with lines up in the big studio pronto. The rest of you are going to have a dance lesson."


"No. No way. Absolutely not." Christine said flatly. It was two weeks later and she was stood in the costume department, looking at the outfit she had been assigned for the mirror scene. Or more specifically, the underwear.

June, the costume designer, looked at her plainly.

"Christine, this is the outfit you've been given. It's not that bad."

"It's indecent!" Christine cried, "Christine in the musical has a proper dressing gown, not a piece of lace."

"Hey, I didn't design it, I just make it. Now get dressed. The producers want to see everyone in their various outfits today and I haven't got time to dither." June pushed her towards the dressing room.

Christine closed the door and stared down at the costume in her arms. God, this was so embarrassing. It was a white corset with a translucent white, lace skirt falling from it, over a pair of thigh length white stockings. A thin, white lace dressing gown went over the top. Christine highly doubted that anyone in the audience would be listening to her singing if she appeared in this. Reluctantly she dressed, pulling at the fabric to make it cover more of her exposed skin.

"Christine, get your arse out here so I can do your hair and make up!" June shouted.

Reluctantly Christine opened the door. June smiled.

"Everything OK?"

"No, it isn't." Christine snapped. She rubbed her head and said, "Let's get on with it. Thank god it's just the producers…"

"And the rest of the cast."

"What!"

June sat her down in a chair and started to do her hair, arranging it expertly.

"Well, they're waiting to try theirs on too. So they'll be watching each other in their outfits. I've got Rebecca in a minute for her Prima Donna outfit."

"Oh my god!" Christine whimpered. June poked her in the back of the neck with a sharp finger.

"Stop whining and let me do your make up."


In the theatre, everyone sat around, talking cheerfully as Max emerged in his Phantom outfit. The white mask fitted him perfectly and he grinned cheerfully. Everyone applauded and several girls whistled and cheered. Max bowed and then turned quickly as he heard raised voices. Everyone started towards the doorway.

"I am not going out there dressed like this!"

"Christine, if you don't go out there RIGHT NOW-"

"Is there a problem?" Doctor Carter asked. June appeared, looking irritable.

"Christine has a problem with her costume."

"Miss Danes, we haven't got all day. I personally approved all outfits, now come out here." Dr Carter said tiredly.

A glowering Christine appeared, her arms folded across her chest. The mouths of nearly every male in the theatre dropped and Christine glared at June furiously.

"I'm going to get arrested for indecent exposure!"

"Looks very decent to me!" Max grinned. Christine glared at him and said furiously,

"If you think that I am going to let you anywhere near me whilst I am wearing this, you are sadly mistaken. Doctor Carter, can't we do something about it?"

"Christine, the outfit is already made in your size. You'll have to put up with it." Dr Carter said firmly. Christine sighed, tugging the thin lace dressing gown over her chest. June pushed her towards the seats.

"Sit down until I need you for the next outfit. Rebecca, your turn. And Max, go and take that mask off before you break it!"

Christine sat down, still trying to rearrange the fabric. Mr Khan sat down beside her and said comfortingly,

"It's really not that bad."

"Why don't you wear it then?" Christine said miserably. Nadir laughed.

"Because I just don't have the figure to pull it off." His name was called and he went to speak with Dr Carter. Christine sank lower in her seat, trying to stop her face from being the same hue as a beetroot when Erik took Nadir's empty seat.

"Here." He handed her his coat and she gratefully covered herself up.

"Thank you. You probably think I'm being moronic."

"Not at all. Just because you have a little modesty, it is no reason to be ashamed." He said calmly.

Erik had seen more than one girl dressed less than decently over the past week. The sudden heat wave that had struck them was taking its effect. Christine, he noted, had stayed in jeans and knee-length skirts, wearing only sun tops and keeping her hair tied up. Far more suitable than the items of clothing that several girls around the room were wearing.

But he couldn't pretend that his eyes hadn't widened when he had caught sight of Christine on the stage in her outfit.

He blinked. She had asked him a question and was looking to him for an answer.

"I'm sorry?" he asked.

"I said, have you ever sponsored a university performance before?"

"Oh. No. I only decided to do this because it found it rather intriguing." He admitted.

"I'm glad you did. You're really helping Max and me with our scenes."

Erik smiled slightly.

"It's a pleasure. You're both improving greatly."

"I still can't do that last note in The Phantom of the Opera right. I don't know why. I mean, I can reach the note but it doesn't sound like it does on the soundtrack." Christine said thoughtfully. Erik said,

"You will, with time."

"Time is something I don't seem to have a lot of lately. It's good. It keeps me busy." Christine said, hunching up under the coat.

Erik glanced down at her. She had a slightly brooding expression on her face and was chewing her nail.

"The last few years have been hard?" He asked delicately.

"Oh yes. My aunt wanted me to move with her, but she lives on the other side of the country. I couldn't bring myself to leave home."

"You're stronger than most people." He commented. She laughed mirthlessly at that.

"Maybe. Maybe not. I just… just get on with it, you know? I've been getting on with it for two years now. Not stopping."

"What would happen if you stopped?" Erik asked.

Christine looked up at him, her dark eyes sad.

"They'd really be gone. Stopping means admitting that they're gone. I still haven't moved a thing in their bedroom. All their things are still there. It's as if… as if they've just gone out for a while and they'll be back soon. It's easier this way. I know that eventually I'll have to stop. But for the moment I just want to keep going."

Erik stared at her, with newfound respect. He was about to speak when Christine's name was called. June stood in the doorway, looking irritable.

"Christine, gala dress. Now."

Christine stood and handed the coat back to Erik. Suddenly her outfit didn't seem quite so important anymore. He took the coat silently and she smiled.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." He said, although he wasn't sure if she was thanking him for the coat or for listening. It didn't seem to matter, particularly. And then she'd disappeared, with June ranting at her for taking her time.


After rehearsals, Christine went to collect her things. But as she went to her chair, she found Max waiting for her.

"Hi Max."

"Hey Christine. I, er…. I wanted to see if you wanted to go and get a coffee or something." He said, blushing. Christine might have found it cute, if she hadn't been completely preoccupied.

"Sorry Max, I've got my aunt, uncle and cousins coming to stay for the weekend and I need to get the house ready."

"Oh. OK. Another time?" he said, obviously disappointed.

"Yeah." She said absently and then paused.

She was being rude, she realised. Max had been nothing but nice to her and she was always so dismissive of him. Christine smiled at him.

"Tell you what – Monday, after rehearsals, we can go for a coffee then, if you want."

"Really? Oh, great! I'll see you on Monday!" Max said excitedly. Christine smiled at his exuberance and checked her watch in dismay.

"God, is that the time? I've got to run Max, the dog needs walking and I've got nothing to feed my guests."

She darted off, leaving Max with a dopey grin on his face. Tom draped an arm over his shoulders.

"I take it she finally said yes?"

"Coffee on Monday." Max confirmed.

"Cool." Tom eyed his friend. "You really like her, don't you?"

"Did you see her in that outfit?" Max grinned. Tom laughed and Max sighed.

"I don't know what it is about her. She's just… yeah. She's cool."

"You've got it bad. Come on, I'm starving."


Trisha, Jack, Melanie and Kelly arrived at half past twelve the next day. Christine opened the door when she heard the car come up the driveway and was subjected to hugs and kisses from all family members. After the usual formalities, she sat them down in the living room with tea and cakes before taking a seat. Trisha smiled at her fondly. She was Christine's father's sister and they were Christine's only family now.

"How are you, Christine? You look so cheerful!"

"I'm fine. I've been kept busy with the musical rehearsals and everything, so that's good." Christine said, smiling as Trister bounded in to have a fuss made over him by Melanie and Kelly.

Jack asked,

"How's the show going?"

"Oh, it's great. It's going to be such a good show. Everyone is so amazing." Christine smiled. Kelly looked at her,

"Are you the star?"

"Not really. I've got the lead part, but-"

"You're a star!" Melanie grinned. Christine smiled.

"Sure, why not? I'm a star!"

Trisha sent the girls to play outside with Trister before looking at Christine.

"How are you coping?"

"I'm… coping. Some days are harder than others, but it's better to just get on with it, right?" Christine said, crumbling a piece of biscuit between her fingers. Jack said,

"We do worry about you, Christine. Especially being alone in a house this size."

"I know. But it's safe, really. I check all the locks everyday, the neighbours keep an eye out for me, and I'm so busy that someone's bound to notice if something's not right." Christine said calmly, putting her teacup on the table.

Trisha smiled.

"You're a wonderful girl, Christine. They would have been so proud of you." Christine smiled slightly.

"Hmm. I hope so."

"Oh, they would be. And, by the way, we're taking you out to dinner tonight. Somewhere nice, so I hope you've got something posh to wear." Trisha winked. Jack grinned at his niece.

"How long before you regret us coming?"

"About thirty seconds ago." Christine laughed.


Erik glanced at Nadir across the table.

"What do you want?"

"The coq au vin, I think." Nadir said, closing the menu. Erik looked down at his own menu.

"The duck." He told the waitress who wrote it down, thanked them with a dazzling smile and walked off to the kitchen.

Erik sipped his wine and Nadir said,

"Enjoying the musical?"

"Very much so. They're very talented students." Erik said, relishing the taste of the wine. Nadir lifted his eyebrows.

"Some more than others. Christine Danes, for example."

"She's an admirable young woman. I believe she'll go far."

"If they can get her into her costumes." Nadir said amusedly.

Erik glanced at his companion.

"It was a little scantier than necessary. She's clearly not used to that sort of thing; I can't imagine what Carter is thinking."

"He's probably thinking they can increase the audience numbers if they put the attractive female lead in lingerie." Nadir said vaguely. Erik had to admit that this would probably work. Nadir looked up and said,

"What about Max Hodges?"

"He's getting there. If he could be serious for more than five minutes, he'd be much better." Erik said scathingly. Nadir smiled.

"We can't all be as stolid as you, Erik. People enjoy laughter."

"Some people need to take things more seriously." Erik said calmly, lifting his wine again. It was exquisite.

"And Miss Danes does?" Nadir asked.

"She's a very dedicated person. First to arrive and the last to leave."

"You like her, don't you?"

"As I said, she's an admirable person and good company." Erik said. Nadir glanced up and said cheerfully,

"And I suppose you don't care in the least that she just walked into the restaurant?"

Erik blinked at him and then turned to look at the entrance. Sure enough, there she stood, with a much older couple and two young girls. She was dressed simply, in a black skirt and wine red blouse, her hair clipped up out of the way. She spoke to the woman she was with and smiled slightly. Then her eyes wandered around the restaurant and met his.

He inclined his head and she nodded back with a slight smile. The woman saw her and glanced over, before turning to ask her who it was. Erik didn't hear her reply, but the woman looked over again and waved cheerfully. Nadir snorted quietly and Erik lifted his hand in greeting before turning back to face Nadir.


Christine sat at the table with her family and Trisha asked,

"What did you say his name was?"

"Erik Destler. He's a very talented musician. He's sponsoring the musical, and he's taking part in all the preparation." Christine said, picking up her menu. Jack considered the name.

"He's very young for someone with that much money."

"Maybe he inherited it. I have no idea." Christine said as the waitress came over for drink orders.

Halfway through the meal, Christine excused herself to the bathroom. As she went, she bumped into someone coming from the opposite direction.

"Oh, sorry!" she cried and then smiled. "Mr Khan!"

"Hallo Christine. Didn't think I'd be seeing you here." Nadir smiled.

"My aunt and her family are visiting and insisted on bringing me out for dinner."

"Wonderful. Will they be coming to the show?"

"I think so. If I can ever fit into my costume, after the amount I've been eating tonight!" Christine smiled. Nadir laughed.

"I'm sure you'll be fine. If not, Erik will have you running laps around the theatre to wear it all off."

"I have no doubt of that." Christine said with a smile, and moved past to the bathroom.

As Nadir sat down, he found Erik watching him carefully.

"Well?"

"Well what?" Nadir asked cheerfully, sitting down to finish his food.

"You know exactly what, Nadir." Erik said irritably.

"We were simply discussing the fine food. She's here with her aunt's family." Nadir said, taking a drink. Erik glanced across the restaurant to the table and then continued to eat in silence.


At the end of the evening, Erik and Nadir rose to leave at the same time as Christine and her family. They met at the doors and Erik smiled slightly at Christine.

"Miss Danes."

"Mr Destler. Did you have a good meal?"

"Exquisite. And this must be your aunt." He kissed Trisha's hand lightly. Christine had never heard her aunt giggle before. Erik shook Jack's hand.

"A pleasure to meet you sir."

"And you, Mr Destler. I hear the show is going well."

"You heard correctly. I'm expecting an excellent performance."

"We'll certainly be coming down to see it." Trisha said.

Christine smiled and then looked down at Kelly. The four year old was leaning against her, half asleep.

"Trisha, I think Kelly's going to pass out any second." She said to her aunt. Trisha glanced down and smiled.

"We'd better be getting these two home. It was lovely to meet you, Mr Destler." Christine lifted the sleepy child up and smiled at the two men.

"I'll see you both on Monday. Good night, Mr Khan, Mr Destler."

"Good night, Miss Danes." Erik said, with a nod.

He watched her cross the car park, her young cousin snuggled in her grasp. Nadir cleared his throat.

"Erik?"

"Let's go." Erik said, turning towards the car.


"Christine, Tom, on the stage for All I Ask Of You. NOW!" Dr Carter shouted, tripping over some dancing girls who were stretching. Christine went to the stage and climbed up. Tom smiled at her.

"What's got him all stressed out?"

"Some of the costumes got messed up and June's having a fit." Max said, joining them. Christine winced.

"Wonderful. Just what we need."

"Don't worry about it. They'll be OK. But she's been ragging on Carter all day." Max said.

"Places, please." Nadir said to them. Max disappeared behind a statue, currently a white-grey colour from the plaster it was made of, but would eventually be dark grey.

Tom went to stand near the back of the stage as Christine took her place at the front, where she would be stood after the previous song had ended. Nadir gestured to Christine.

"Turn a little to your left, as if you're looking for him. Tom, remember you're comforting her. Max, just watch for now, we'll go through your part later."

Christine lifted her face, as though searching for the mysterious voice that had spoken her name. The music began to play and Tom slowly crossed the stage, taking her hand in his. Fortunately, they were pretty good at this song and Nadir had been walking them through it. Erik took Max and Christine for their scenes whilst Nadir concentrated on the Raoul/Christine parts.

But before they could finish the song, they were interrupted by Dr Carter.

"Tom, get over to costumes, they need to refit you. Mr Destler, could you do something with Max and Christine?" Erik rose from his seat at the piano and considered the two students.

"The Music of the Night." He said decisively.

"Here?" Christine said, surprised. Thus far they had only been doing it in private. Erik looked at her flatly.

"Yes, here. I want to see how you cope with the audience."

Christine took her seat in the boat and waited as Tom began to sing. The dancers and extras sat down to watch the scene. Max moved around and stretched out his hand for Christine's. She rose gracefully and followed his lead, letting him turn her, the same actions Erik had used.

And yet it was completely different. When Erik Destler had touched her and held her like that she had felt as though… as though the world had stopped. As if he really were the Phantom, begging her to love him and she would have willingly done so. Max's actions were awkward and young, tentative and unsure.

"Stop!" Erik snapped. Max released Christine and they turned to look at him. He stepped up onto the stage.

"You want her to fall in love with you, not fall over. Don't pull her about like that."

"Sorry." Max said awkwardly, glancing out at the audience. Erik glared at him.

"Ignore the audience."

"It's different than doing it in private and in front of them. It's a bit embarrassing." Max objected. Christine chewed the inside of her cheek and Erik looked at her.

"Miss Danes?"

"Oh, I'm fine." She said, quickly.

"No, you're like a piece of cardboard. You have to relax." He said sternly.

Christine swallowed hard and said,

"I know, but I just keep thinking about exactly how little I'm going to be wearing."

"Get used to it. In fact, go and change into your costume and I'll run through it with you." Erik said. Christine stared at him and he snapped his fingers. "Now, Miss Danes."

Ten minutes later, Christine returned in her costume, flushed slightly. Erik turned to Max.

"As we rehearsed. Go and sit down and pay attention. I thought this scene was done. Miss Danes, in the boat."

Christine took her seat, trying to cover herself up a little but failing. Erik took his place as the music began and started to run through the actions, singing as he did so.

And Christine fell into ecstasy. It was as if the world around them had melted away, leaving only her and him. And yet she was aware of the eyes of the audience following their every move, how Max perched on the edge of his chair, frowning.

But more aware, was she, of him. The instant his hand touched her face she leaned towards him, wanting and needing him. As he pressed against her, the air rushed out of her lungs, leaving her breathless. As his hand ran down her midriff and came to a rest on her hip, she felt her stomach flip over. And his voice… Max's had made her shiver but Erik Destler's made her knees grow weak and her skin tingle.

She pretended to faint and Erik lifted her as easily as if she were made of air and laid her tenderly on the bed. He sang the final lines and he saw to his amazement that her eyes opened a crack to meet his. Her dark brown pools stared into his green orbs and her mouth opened slightly to inhale a much needed breath. Erik stared down at her, his throat constricting.

And the song ended.

Rapturous applause, several people cheering. Erik stood and held out his hand. Christine took it and he helped her to her feet. He turned to Max.

"I trust that example will suffice?"

"Yes, Mr Destler."

"Good. Now, get it right." Erik said in a dangerously calm voice.

Christine returned to her seat in the boat, trying to stop the blush that was rising in her cheeks. Max smiled at her.

"Ready?"

"As I'll ever be." She said, brushing her hair back from her face.

After that the rehearsals went considerably better. Erik interrupted a couple of times to rearrange some movements or to change the positions, but that was it. When they finished he looked from one to the other and said quietly,

"Better. Much better. Miss Danes, if you'd like to go and change, you may."

"Thank you." Christine said gratefully, darting out. Erik lifted his eyes the ceiling and turned to the piano.


Once Christine had changed back into some decent clothing, Max sought her out.

"Ready to go?"

"Yes, just give me a moment." She said, heading towards Erik. He was talking quietly to Nadir who nodded at her as she approached. Erik turned and she said, smiling slightly,

"I just wanted to say thank you, for helping with the scene."

"As I've said before, Miss Danes, that is why I'm here." He said calmly, but a tiny smile crossed his face. Christine's smiled widened slightly.

"I know, but thank you anyway. And my aunt said to tell you that she can't wait to see the show."

"I hope that she enjoys it." Erik said.

Max cleared his throat and Christine glanced around.

"Well, I'd better go. I'll see you both tomorrow." She said, with another smile. Erik watched as Max grinned at her and they left together. His heart clenched and unclenched. Well… of course, he thought, a little bitterly.

Nadir noticed, of course. He noticed everything, that was one of the reasons that Erik employed him. But he didn't comment. Instead he said,

"We've got a meeting with the gentlemen from Coventry in forty minutes; we should be on our way."

"Of course. Let's go." Erik said, picking up his coat.


Max handed Christine a cup of coffee with a charming smile.

"White, one sugar right?"

"Yes. How did you know?" Christine asked, taking the cup. Max smiled as he sat opposite her at the small round table.

"I know quite a lot about you, Christine. We've been in the same class for two years."

"But you've never spoken to me before now." Christine pointed out. Max shrugged, stirring his coffee.

"I know. I guess I was just a little shy."

She gave him a disbelieving look and he grinned.

"I know, I'm not usually shy. But for some reason you make me shy."

"I do?"

"Yeah. Look how long it took me to work up the courage to just speak to you." he pointed out. Christine eyed him, lifting her cup to her lips.

"OK. Exactly how much do you know about me?"

"Your name is Christine Danes. You're twenty one. Your birthday is sometime in September, not quite sure of the date."

"The fourteenth." She said with a slight smile. He grinned at her.

"You like most kinds of music, but especially classical and opera. You play the piano, the violin, the clarinet and you sing like an angel."

"Now you're just sucking up." She told him lightly.

Max laughed and leaned across the table to look her in the face.

"OK. You like to smile but often don't. You love to listen but prefer to sing. You auditioned on the off chance that you'd get the part, but knew inside that you would because you wanted this more than anything else in the world. You have faith in a higher power, but make sure that you keep your feet on the ground because this is where you really belong."

Christine didn't move. The smile had faded from Max's face as he watched her closely. He sat back in his seat and Christine said quietly,

"Anything else?"

"Yeah. I'm kinda hoping you'll let me walk you home after we've finished and I'm reasonably sure that you'll say yes." Max said. Christine lifted an eyebrow.

"What makes you so sure?"

"Because you're cool and something must have made you say yes when I asked you to come out." Max smiled. Christine smiled slightly.

"OK. But you'll have to walk me back to the theatre, because that's where I left my car."

"That'll do for now." He grinned, drinking his coffee.

A/N: Thank you for the lovely reviews! I'm glad you like Max. He's so lovely. I wish I had one. I also wish I had an Erik. Oh well. Anyways, as you can probably guess, Christine's outfit is based on the movie one. Just because I wanted to write her reaction for it, Lol!

My biggest challenge with this story is to try not to make it like 'Cold, Cold Heart'. I want completely new characters! I hope I can do that. Anyway, better go. Please review, need feedback!

Lotsa luv

Katie