From Angel's Eyes

Chapter Six

She overslept the next morning. Trister was still asleep and she left him some clean water and food before going to rehearsal, arriving at the same time as Max and Tom. She parked the car and walked across the car park with them. The storm had long cleared, leaving a fresh, wet feel about the world. It was very refreshing.

"Not early today?" Tom smiled. She shrugged.

"I overslept."

"Oh well, I don't think anyone will mind." Max said, draping an arm around her shoulders as they entered the theatre. Christine resisted the urge to step away, not entirely comfortable with the closeness.

Dr Carter and Nadir were talking by the stage and Erik was sat at the piano, playing calmly. He looked up sharply as Christine came in and his eyes softened. A moment later his eyes rested on the arm around her shoulder and they narrowed. Christine moved away from Max to put her things on an empty chair. Max didn't appear to notice her quietness, talking cheerfully with Tom, Nadir and Dr Carter. Erik rose and approached her. She looked up and smiled. A genuine smile, not her usual slight expression.

"How is Trister?" he asked.

"He was still sleeping when I left. I'll have to run home after rehearsal; I've booked him in at the vet's this afternoon."

"Good. Here." He handed her a bag. "The clothes you lent me."

"Oh! Thanks. Here, I brought yours." She gave him a bag of freshly cleaned clothes. Erik took them with a faint smile.

"Thank you, Christine."

Nadir came over and smiled at her.

"How's your dog?"

"Sleeping. I'm taking him to the vet later this afternoon."

"I'm sure he'll be fine, but it doesn't hurt to check." Nadir nodded. "Thompson was distraught about the accident."

"Oh, was he? It's not like he did it on purpose, it was an accident. I'm just glad he was driving so slowly."

"That was because of the storm." Nadir nodded. Max joined them.

"Who was driving slowly?" he asked.

"Mr Destler's driver." Christine said. "There was an accident."

"Christine, are you OK?" Max said quickly, seizing her hand. Christine rolled her eyes.

"Not me! Trister, my dog."

"You ran over her dog?" Max said in surprise, glancing at Erik.

"Not intentionally, let me assure you."

"It was a complete accident and I'm sure Trister's fine. Can we get practising?" Christine said, taking her hand from Max's and digging in her bag for her score.

Erik turned back to the piano and sat down. Dr Carter looked at Tom.

"Why Have You Brought Me Here, please Mr Sutherland. And then we'll do Stranger Than You Dreamt It."


They spent most of that morning concentrating on the Masquerade Scene. Since most of this involved the extras, Tom, Christine and Max were able to sit back and watch some of the new choreography. Erik sat by the piano, watching the dancers with a sense of pleasure that he always felt at seeing something done well. But he couldn't prevent his eyes from wandering over to the girl sitting in the front row, leaning forward with a slight smile on her face. She was writing down something in her score, no doubt notes about the choreography. Erik watched as Max tapped her shoulder and asked her something. Clearly requesting another date. Christine shook her head and said something in reply. Max shrugged and grinned, turning away with a disappointed look on his face. Erik noticed with a little dismay that Christine looked after him, with a slightly distressed expression on her face. But she simply sighed and turned back to her notebook.

He glanced down at his own score, checking that he had written in the new cues when a shadow fell across the book. He glanced up and saw Christine standing beside him.

"Mr Destler, I'm sorry to interrupt but you mentioned a new cue in the first act and I can't remember where you put it." She said apologetically. Erik took her book and noted it down.

"Here. You came in half a beat too early on this, by the way."

"Yes, I noticed. I'll be sure not to do that next time."

"Good. And make sure you keep your breathing even in The Phantom of the Opera. You were gasping by the end of it." He told her. She nodded and said,

"It's that last note. I mentioned it yesterday, I think. For some reason I just can't pull it off."

"After tomorrow's rehearsal, if you stay behind for half an hour we can run through it until we figure out where you're going wrong." He offered. Her eyes widened.

"Are you sure?"

"I wouldn't have offered otherwise." He pointed out, with a slight smile. Christine smiled. Another proper smile.

"Thank you so much."

"It's nothing. I believe you're needed." He nodded towards Dr Carter who was beckoning for her. Christine rushed off to him, clutching her score. Erik watched her leave and then lowered his eyes to the piano keys.


When Christine went to the costume room, to speak with June, she found Rebecca waiting impatiently for her costume fitting. Rebecca cast her a filthy look. Christine decided to ignore this and asked,

"Do you know where June is?"

"In the office with Dr Carter." Rebecca said sharply, concentrating on her fingernails. Christine hesitated and then decided to wait. She stood by the door in silence, looking around the room at the various costumes.

"I suppose you think you're really clever, don't you?" Rebecca snapped. Christine glanced over at her.

"What?"

"You heard. You only auditioned for Christine because you knew it would piss me off."

"No, I auditioned because I wanted the part." Christine replied calmly. Rebecca snorted.

"Yeah, right."

"Rebecca, I don't know what your problem is but I got the part because the producers decided that I deserved it. It's not my fault that you didn't get it. Besides, you got one of the main parts as well." Christine pointed out.

Rebecca turned on her furiously.

"You knew I was auditioning for Christine!"

"So were loads of other people! It's not my fault! Don't blame me because you didn't get it. If you've got a problem, bring it up with the producers." Christine said. She turned and wrenched open the door, storming out. But as she thundered down the hallway, she ran straight into Max. He glanced at her angry face.

"Christine, what's wrong?"

"Bloody Rebecca Griffins." Christine spat. Max lifted an eyebrow.

"What did she do?"

"She's blaming me because she didn't get the part she auditioned for. Like it's my fault!"

Max snorted and said,

"Prima Donna. No wonder she got Carlotta. Don't worry about it, she's just jealous."

"Urgh, she's so infuriating!" Christine said angrily. Max grinned and took her arm.

"Come on, Mr Khan wants you. He sent me to find you."

They returned to the theatre where Nadir started to talk to Christine about her entrance in the Stranger Than You Dreamt It scene. Christine noted down everything that he said and went to practise it with Max and Erik in the smaller studio. Erik watched them run through it and then said,

"Better than before. Miss Danes, you're coming from the wrong angle."

"Sorry?"

"When you take the mask off, Mr Hodges needs to jump up and throw you back. From that spot, you just fall over. Move behind him a little." He placed his hands on her shoulders and moved her a little to the right, so she was behind Max's shoulder. He grinned up at her and she handed him his mask. Erik returned to his seat.

"Through again please." He said, watching them.

They went through it four more times before Erik was satisfied. He took them back downstairs, where Dr Carter was dismissing the others.

"I'll see you all tomorrow. If anyone has any questions, stay behind and I'll answer them." He said cheerfully. The next day was a Friday, and the idea of a relaxing weekend was tempting for all of them. Max turned to Christine.

"Sure you don't want to come for a coffee?"

"I can't, Max. I've got an appointment this afternoon." She said, pulling on her coat. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Nadir looked at Erik.

"Staying behind to personally help her?"

"Helping the show, Nadir. It all adds up to the same thing." Erik said dismissively. Nadir raised his eyes to the heavens but didn't comment.


"He'll be just fine. Keep changing the bandages and give him these pills." the vet said with a smile, patting Trister on the head. Christine smiled in relief and the vet said,

"Did you bandage him yourself? It's very impressive, and you cleaned the wound well.

"Oh, no. It was a friend."

"Be sure to thank them. If that had gotten infected it could have gotten nasty." The vet commented, writing on a clipboard. Christine thanked him and guided Trister out of the office. As they got into the car, he began to sniff at his back leg. Christine tapped his nose.

"Leave it." She said in a warning tone. Trister settled for peering out of the window and passing cars.

When she got back to the house, she found Meg coming up the front path to her.

"Hello stranger." Christine smiled. Meg laughed.

"And whose fault is that?"

"Yes, I know. I've been very negligent." Christine said, unlocking the front door. Meg cried aloud when she saw Trister's bandaged leg.

"What happened?"

"He got hit by a car last night. He's OK, just a scrape."

"Oh, poor baby!" Meg said, hugging Trister who relished the attention. Christine smiled as they went through to the kitchen. Meg sat on the surface as she made coffee.

"So, how's it going with the show? I suppose that's why you've been ignoring me?"

"I'm not ignoring you, and its fine."

"Any cute guys in it?"

Christine laughed.

"One track mind!"

"Don't judge me, I'm only human. So are there?"

"Sure, I guess." Christine said vaguely, scooping coffee into two cups. Meg eyed her.

"Is that a yes or a no?"

"Yes, there are cute guys. Especially the one playing the Phantom, Max Hodges."

"Really? Are you going to ask him out?"

"Well, we've already been out a few times."

Before Christine could get any further Meg had screamed and hit her around the head.

"And you didn't tell me?"

"Ow! Meg!"

"What does he look like? Is it serious? Are you going out again?" Meg shrieked. Christine glared at her, clutching the sore spot on her head.

"He has dark hair, blue eyes, no, it's not serious and I have no idea! Jesus, that really hurt!"

"You had it coming, for keeping secrets." Meg told her. Christine narrowed her eyes.

"You're lucky if I ever talk to you again."

Meg grinned angelically.

"You love me really."

"Not right now, I don't." Christine grumbled.

"Yeah, you do. So come on, details about this Max. Tell me everything."

Christine sighed and went over to the cupboard to get biscuits.

"There's really nothing to tell. He asks me out nearly everyday. Sometimes I say yes, sometimes I don't."

"Ah, playing hard to get. Very wise."

"No, playing not that interested. I mean… he's a really nice guy and if things were different we'd probably get on so well…" her voice faded away. Meg sighed.

"Did you ever consider that the best way to get back into dating was to actually date?"

"It's not that I don't want to date. I just don't want to date… him." Christine said, pouring hot water into the cups.

Meg considered her carefully.

"Who is he? The guy you want to date?"

"Someone completely out of my league and that's all I'm going to tell you. Have a biscuit." Christine said, passing her the tin. Meg took one and munched it cheerfully as Christine handed her a mug of coffee.

"Do you want to do something after rehearsals tomorrow?" Meg asked. Christine shook her head.

"I can't. I'm staying behind to work on one of my songs with Mr Destler."

"Mr who?"

"He's sponsoring the production, and he's really musical."

"Oh, OK. Saturday then?"

"Saturday's good." Christine agreed.


Christine got up early the next day to find Trister curled up on the bed beside her. She smiled and kissed his head.

"You're so cute." She told him and he looked up at her, blinking. She stretched and got up, scratching her back as she went to the bathroom. After a wonderfully hot shower she dressed and went downstairs to make breakfast. After considering the contents of the cupboard, she took out bran flakes and poured them into a bowl, splashing it generously with milk. Trister came down, limping slightly on his leg. Christine was now faced with the task that most dog owners find impossible. Trying to persuade the dog to swallow his pill. After a few tries of trying to get him to simply swallow it, Christine wrapped it in a piece of meat and threw it to him. He unwittingly jumped up to catch it and swallowed before he realised what had happened.

"Cute, but not bright." She told him, eating a spoonful of cereal. Trister simply began to scratch at the bandages. Christine swiped his claws away and sighed, knowing they would need to be changed. She put her breakfast bowl on the table and sat cross legged, pulling him to her.

"Come here, you little pain." She told him, his tail wagging cheerfully. She unwrapped the white cloth and he instantly began to lick the wound. She got up to fetch new bandages and did them to the best of her ability. They weren't as neat as Erik's had been, but they would suffice.

She finished her breakfast quickly and began to tame her hair. This in itself took some time but finally it looked passable. She put on some eyeliner and mascara. She was extremely grateful for having been blessed with almost flawless skin. The number of times Meg had been distraught over a blemish had never happened to her. However, whereas Meg had gorgeously straight hair, Christine's had always been a mass of unruly curls. She didn't mind it, but it would have been nice occasionally not to have to spend ages fussing over it to prevent it frizzing uncontrollably.

After a brisk walk with Trister around the park, Christine climbed into her car and set off for the theatre. Nadir was the only one in there, reading through a sheet of paper. He smiled at her.

"Good morning."

"Morning, Mr Khan. Are we the only ones here?"

"Mr Destler and Dr Carter are in the office, and I think June is in the costume room. Ready for The Point of No Return?"

"Are we doing that today?" Christine said, horrified. Nadir nodded and smiled.

"Don't worry, it'll be fine."

"You don't have Max feeling you up, you're OK." Christine pointed out. Nadir shrugged and grinned.

"It's all an act, remember?"

"Yeah, I know. It's still a little embarrassing though."

She began to warm up, playing her scales on the piano. Nadir considered her as she practised. He could see exactly why Erik was so infatuated. But still… not a professional attitude. She was at least ten years younger than him and Erik's first visit to her house had been after running over her dog. Not a good way to start things.

Erik emerged from the office with Dr Carter and spied Christine. He hesitated and then approached her.

"How is Trister?"

"Oh, he's fine. He's got some pills to take, but he's doing alright." She said with a smile. He returned it.

"I'm glad."

"Good morning!" said Max cheerfully, entering with a coffee in one hand and his bad in the other. He sat down and stretched. "TGIF has never been more true."

"I really need this weekend." Christine agreed. Max grinned at her, apparently not bothered that Erik was watching.

"Got any plans for the weekend?"

"Hmm. I'm going out with my friend tomorrow and I plan to slob at home on Sunday and get some washing done. I'm almost out of clean clothes. Not to mention practising and assuring my aunt that I'm still alright, despite having seen her just two weeks ago." Christine said, tying her hair back. Max pulled a disappointed face.

"No chance of a coffee?"

"Not this weekend. Maybe next week sometime." Christine said vaguely.

Dr Carter rubbed his hands together.

"Whilst you're both here, you can get practising The Point of No Return." Max whistled.

"We're going for the big one?"

"Actually, I rather think that Down Once More is the big one. But this is also quite important." Nadir smiled. Max glanced at Christine.

"I'm for it."

"Let's get going." She agreed. Erik took them to the small studio and made them sing through it at least five times before letting them run through it with actions. Nadir came in as they were doing it and said,

"The set is ready for this scene, if you want to try it on the stage." He said. Erik nodded.

"Perhaps they'll put a little emotion into it if they can get the feel of it." He said pointedly.

With Tom and Nadir sat in the front row, watching, Christine and Max had hardly felt more nervous about doing a scene. Erik set them in their positions and told them to go, standing on the edge of the stage, watching closely. Max began to sing, acting out the actions as Erik had told him to and doing them well. Christine started to sing her section but a before she could do more than a few lines there was a loud crack. She looked up in time to see one of the lighting fixtures falling straight for her.

Before she had time to react, she felt herself flung across the stage as the fixture crashed down. People were screaming and when she managed to regain her senses, she felt someone lying across her. When she managed to open her eyes, she found Erik lying over her. He stared down at her, breathless.

"My God… are you alright?" He whispered hoarsely. Christine nodded, shaking violently. Erik knelt up, pulling himself off her, helping her to sit up. She looked across the stage at the sparking debris that had landed exactly where she had been standing. Her hands went to her mouth and she tried to stop the tears but they leaked out anyway.

Max knelt beside her.

"Christine, are you hurt?" She shook her head, still unable to speak. Erik touched her hand and she suddenly flung her arms around him, sobbing into him. He looked surprised but hugged her back.

"It's alright…" he told her softly. She pulled back and whispered,

"What happened?"

"I intend to find out." Erik said icily, standing up. He looked up at the where the light had been and shouted,

"Is someone up there?"

"It's me, Mr Destler. The rope holding the light snapped." Said one of the stagehands.

"What do you mean, it snapped? All props were carefully checked before we started rehearsals!" Erik shouted. The stagehand looked down miserably.

"I don't know. It's frayed, as if it hadn't been changed in ages."

"I suppose it's possible we missed one on our check." Dr Carter said reasonably. Erik turned on him.

"May I remind you, Dr Carter, that Miss Danes could have been killed? We do not have room for errors! All the props and equipment will be checked again. Is that understood?"

He looked up at the stagehand again.

"And you should be lucky if you're not fired for this!" He stopped as he felt a light hand on his arm. He looked down at Christine who watched him with tearful brown eyes.

"Please…. Mr Destler, it was an accident… it was an accident… please don't fire anyone." Erik stared down at her determined face and then up at the stagehand, who was waiting for his verdict. Then he turned away.

"Clear that mess off the stage. We're here to rehearse."

Christine suddenly felt the need for some fresh air. She slipped off the stage and went to the door, heading out into the sunshine. A cool breeze ruffled her hair and she sighed, closing her eyes. A noise made her turn and she found Max beside her. He was frowning.

"Are you sure you're OK?" He asked.

"Of course. What's a little near death experience anyway?" Christine joked weakly. Max didn't smile back. Christine put a hand on his arm.

"Don't worry. I'm fine."

"I just… I thought… I should have saved you!"

"Max, you were on the other side of the stage. You couldn't have." Christine pointed out. He ran an agitated hand through his hair, causing it to stick up in various directions. Christine smiled slightly and reached up to smooth it down again. But Max caught her hands in his and pulled her too him, kissing her.

For a moment Christine couldn't react. And then Max pulled away, frowning slightly.

"I should have saved you." he whispered. Christine swallowed hard and said quietly.

"Max, it's OK. I'm alright, nobody was hurt."

"But you could have been. You could have been." Max whispered and kissed her again. Christine pulled back and looked at him.

"No, Max. I… I can't…"

"I'm sorry. I was just… Jesus, I was scared, Christine. For a moment I thought you were…" he couldn't finish and Christine felt a rush of pity for him. She hugged him.

"You're such a good person, Max. But I can't make you happy. I don't think that I can ever feel the way about you that you do about me. And I am so sorry for that. I wish… I wish I could but it's just not who I am. I don't think I can feel that way about anyone." She said sadly.

Max looked down at her and then hugged her back.

"Maybe one day? If you think you could…"

"If I could, I would. Maybe one day… maybe." Christine replied. Max smiled, his eyes shining a little.

"Well… I live in hope then. And I'm not going to stop trying. Maybe if I bug you enough you'll give in."

"Not likely." she laughed and then kissed his cheek. "But we'll definitely go for coffee sometime."

"Deal. We should probably get back in before Dr Carter has an embolism." Max smiled. "And in the meantime I'll just have to settle for feeling you up and kissing you during Down Once More."

"Pervert." She muttered, elbowing him in the ribs


Erik watched from behind the door, hidden in the shadows. Max was talking desperately and Christine put a hand on his arm. Then she reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. Max seized her hand and kissed her.

Erik felt sick.

Christine didn't move. Max whispered something and Christine replied. And then they were kissing again.

He had seen enough. Erik turned and stormed back into the theatre. Nadir took one look at him and said,

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Get rehearsals going. I need a drink." Erik said roughly, pushing past to the office. Nadir stared after him and then glanced at the door. A moment later Max Hodges and Christine Danes entered, talking quietly. Max hugged Christine and then went out to the costume room. She looked around and saw him.

"Are we rehearsing?"

"Yes… I think we'll leave The Point of No Return for Monday. Why don't you run through Think of Me?" Nadir suggested. Christine nodded and went to the piano.

The dancers were in one of the studios, running through choreography. Rebecca and the other extras were sat around, talking. Dr Carter snapped at them to practise and they started to read through their scores. Christine played Think of Me and then rested her head in her hands. She had a slight headache and really needed Mr Destler to help her rehearse. She glanced over at Nadir who was arguing a decision with Tom and then slipped through the door to the office.

She hadn't been in there before. It was a small room, packed with musical scores, a desk, a few chairs and music players. Erik Destler stood by the desk, a glass in his hand. Christine hesitated and then said,

"Mr Destler?" He turned sharply and saw her.

"Miss Danes. Did you want something?" he said calmly. Christine licked her dry lips.

"I wanted to say thank you. For saving my life."

"You're welcome. Anything else?" he said brusquely. Christine frowned.

"Are you angry with me?" she asked.

Erik laughed humourlessly and turned to her.

"Why would I be angry with you?"

"I have no idea, Mr Destler; I'm not a mind reader. Are you angry with me?" she repeated the question and Erik didn't reply. She stared at him.

"Why? What have I done?"

"I don't have time. We have rehearsals."

"No! Not until you tell me what I've done! Because, frankly, I've been having a really crap day. First the near death experience, having to tell a really lovely guy that I don't feel want to go out with him which is never an ego-booster, I have a splitting headache, I can't get my song right and now you're being all moody with me. So what have I done?" Christine said angrily, folding her arms across her chest.

Erik stared at her and blinked vacantly. Was his hearing playing up? No… she had really said…

"You haven't done anything. I'm simply… annoyed about the lighting fixture. Everything was supposed to have been checked. I'm sorry for being short-tempered with you." She looked at him warily.

"So you're not upset with me?"

"No." he said, smiling slightly. She winced.

"So I yelled at you for no reason?"

"Yes."

"Oh… sorry." She said weakly. Erik smiled and put his drink down.

"You're very much forgiven. Shall we rehearse?"

"Please let's." She said, turning to the door.


After the rehearsal, Max approached Christine.

"You OK?"

"Yes. You've been asking me every five minutes." She smiled. Max grinned and scratched the back of his head boyishly.

"Well, you know, just want to make sure… anyway, there's a group of us going for some food. Do you want to come?"

"Oh, I'm going to stay here. Mr Destler is going to help me with Phantom of the Opera. I can't get the breathing right at the end."

"Oh, OK. I'll see you Monday?" he said.

"Monday." She confirmed with a smile.

Max grinned and then kissed her cheek. Flushing slightly, he headed for the door. Christine picked up her score and waited for Erik. He was talking quietly with Dr Carter, who said something and then left, with a goodbye as he left. Nadir stood by the door.

"Erik, what time shall I send the car?"

"I'll make my own way home, Nadir. I'm a grown man and perfectly capable." Erik said testily. Nadir shrugged.

"I'm only doing my job."

"I will cope. Take the afternoon off."

"Thank you." Nadir said, sounding surprised. But he left without pushing him further.

Erik turned to Christine.

"Ready?"

"Yes."

"We'll stay in here, so we can deal with the echo. It will save time in the long run." He said briskly, sitting at the piano. Christine put her music on the stand in the curve of the piano and waited for her cue. Her first verse went perfectly and she waited. Sure enough, Erik began to sing the part of the Phantom. Christine listened with a sense of pleasure at his luxurious voice, until her turn came to sing again.

When they had finished, Erik stopped playing and looked at her, considering her carefully. Christine waited patiently for his verdict. He didn't speak, his hand stroking his chin thoughtfully. Eventually he said,

"You do have a rather extraordinary voice. You sing the song perfectly, but you don't put enough emotion into the last few notes. If you do that, I believe that you will sound better. Do you act when you sing?"

It was a peculiar question but she answered truthfully.

"Yes. I act, because that's what I'm supposed to do."

"No. You have to believe that you are Christine Daae. Otherwise you will never reach your full potential. Wait here."

He went through a door to the stairs that led up to the technicians' room, overlooking the stage. Christine waited and then smiled as the lights turned off, and the stage flooded in soft yellow light. It was currently set up to look like the Phantom's lair. Max and Christine would move down the centre aisle in this song, split off in front of the stage, go up the steps on opposite sides of the stage and join in the centre again.

"Go to the back." Erik's voice came over the microphones and Christine hurried to the back of the room, where she would be when the song started. A moment later the song began to play and Erik appeared at her side, taking her hand as the pounding organ music came over the speakers.

They moved slowly down the centre aisle and Christine suddenly found it much easier to relate to her character. Where Max was simply Max, her own age, fun, cheerful, Erik was far more like the Phantom. And not just because of the mask. He was mysterious, older, even dangerous.

They sang the first two verses and then they reached the end of the aisle, moving away from each other but keeping their eyes on each other, on every movement that the other made. Christine sang,

"Those who have seen your face

Draw back in fear

I am the mask you wear…"

He came in perfectly,

"It's me they hear."

They began the next section in harmony, mounting the steps and moving towards each other. When they reached the centre of the stage, Christine began to sing the rising and falling notes and Erik moved behind her, putting a hand on her waist and shouting the words "Sing my angel of music!"

Her mind went blank. She lifted her face to the empty seats, imagining a thousand faces watching in wonder as she released the song that had been caged within her. Erik stood behind her, one hand on her waist, the other just below her throat as he said those words in a hauntingly captivating voice.

She didn't run out of breath. She didn't strain for the notes. She just sang. She felt she could have gone on singing forever. And then the song ended on that final, inhumanly high note. Erik didn't move and neither did she. The note hung in the air, echoing to the darkest corners of the theatre.

Erik stared down at her. Her eyes were staring straight ahead and he could feel the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed, the look of amazement on her face. God, he couldn't bring himself to move. But he had to. She was… he had to move.

He let his hands fall and she turned to look for his approval. He smiled.

"That was perfect. Did you find it easier?"

"Yes… yes, it was as if I knew exactly what to do."

"Will you be able to do it with Mr Hodges?"

"I think so. I just have to remember what it feels like." She whispered. Erik felt his breath catch in his throat and he stepped back.

"Let's go through it on the piano again." he said calmly. Christine nodded and they climbed down from the stage. Erik went upstairs to switch the lights back on and then sat at the piano. Christine had to force herself to keep her eyes on her music, because otherwise, she feared, she wouldn't be able to look away from him.


When they had finished, Christine said, a little awkwardly,

"Mr Destler? If you want… I mean, I could give you a lift home. If you want. I mean, I know you have a car and everything…" she fell silent. Erik smiled slightly.

"Thank you, Miss Danes. That would be nice."

They locked up the theatre and went to the car and climbed in. Christine pulled her seatbelt on, asking as she did so,

"Whereabouts are we going?"

"It's a little outside town. Do you know Rochdale Avenue?"

"Oh, yeah, I know it." Christine said, slightly awed. Rochdale Avenue consisted of only a few incredibly huge mansions, surrounded by walled land, usually with guard dogs and security cameras every few feet.

They drove in silence, listening to the radio. It was fixed on the local classical station. It was the only station Christine listened to, unless she needed the news. Erik had no objections to her choice in music and listened in pleasure. Eventually Christine said,

"Can I ask you something?"

"You may."

"Why are you supporting a university musical? Not that I don't appreciate it, because I do. But you seem like someone who has far more important things to deal with. It just seems a little odd that you'd take so much interest in something like this." She said, rolling down the window to blast away some of the intense heat of the sun. Erik glanced over at her and she looked at him briefly before returning her eyes to the road.

"I used to produce operas in France and New York." He said after a moment. She looked at him quickly.

"Really?"

"Yes. But I grew sick of it. There are people out there who do not properly respect music as they should and I couldn't stand to be among them anymore. So I came here and put my energy into other things. But when I heard that the university was putting on this particular musical, I decided to take part."

"I'm glad you did. I don't know where we'd be if you weren't helping." She said with a smile.

Erik smiled too and she said,

"I take it you're a big fan of Phantom?"

"I always have been."

"I guessed." She said. Erik frowned slightly, wondering if this was a jab at his mask. But she continued,

"You know it so well. You know exactly what should be happening in each part. So you must love it, to have that sort of insight."

Erik smiled to himself, watching her as she drove.

"Yes… yes, I do love it."

"Me too. Mum and Dad always wanted me to be in it. They told me that I'd be Christine, of course, and that I could meet my Phantom, just like they met." Christine said, taking a left turn. Erik considered her.

"Did you want to?"

"Of course. I love the music so much, love the characters. But that's all they are. Characters."

They stopped at a set of traffic lights and she looked at him sideways.

"I don't think Christine would choose the Phantom twice. You just don't get that lucky, not in real life. My parents were a special case."

"But Max Hodges certainly seems eager." Erik said, wondering if he should even be bringing it up. Christine smiled slightly.

"Yes. He is. But I'm not as eager."

"Why not?"

The lights turned to green and Christine started to drive again. For some time she didn't answer and Erik wondered if he had offended her somehow. He said, cautiously,

"I'm sorry, if I've offended you."

"No, you haven't. I'm just trying to think of the answer. Max is… well, he's wonderful. I suppose if things were different I would have said yes to him. And it's not that I don't want to be with someone."

She thought for a moment and then said,

"I think I'm waiting for someone who is never going to come. Someone who isn't ever going to want to be with me. Someone completely unattainable."

"No one could ever want to not be with you."

He'd said it before he could stop himself and promptly bit his tongue. Christine simply smiled, staring ahead at the road.

"I wonder if my Phantom is out there. If he's waiting for me."

"He is."

"You sound very confident." She smiled. He smiled too.

"Well, at least I sound it."

She laughed at that and Erik couldn't help smiling. Her laugh was as clear as her voice, like the peal of bells. She smiled widely as the breeze through the window tossed her curls back from her face.

"It's nice to know that you're not as certain as you always seem." She said. Erik shrugged.

"I'm only human."

"Hmm." Christine made the noise quietly, but the smile didn't fade from her face as they pulled onto Rochdale. She gazed at the houses in awe.

"Which palace is yours?" she asked and Erik smirked.

"The one at the very end."

They drove down the street and Christine pulled over beside the gate to the house. She peered through the window and her jaw dropped.

"Wow…"

"Yes, most people seem to get that impression." Erik commented. "Drive up to the gate, the guard will let us in."

"A guard. Now there's something every house needs." Christine muttered, driving to the gate. A small sentry box stood beside it and the guard lowered his face to peer at her. She swallowed nervously.

"Can I help you, Miss?" he asked but Erik leant over.

"The gate."

"Mr Destler! Of course, sir." The guard hurriedly pressed in the code and the wide gates started swing open. Christine pressed the pedal and they started down the long driveway. She stared at the house as they got closer.

It was a reasonably old building, made from large grey stones. It was at least three floors high, and she had no idea if there were cellars as well. From her view of the front of the house, she could see at least eight windows on each level, and she couldn't see how far back it went. The front of the house was layered with ivy.

"Well, that's not at all intimidating." She commented. Erik smiled and she pulled up outside the front door.

"I'll have someone drive the car to the garage." He said, undoing his seatbelt. Christine blinked but had no time to reply because a smartly dressed man had hurried out. Erik climbed out of the car and Christine followed. The man held out his hand for the keys and she gave them to him silently, wishing she'd had the foresight to clean the car. It seemed filthy beside the grandeur of this house. But Erik was already moving up the front steps to the large door and Christine had to half-run to keep up with him. The door was opened by another servant who took Erik's coat and then held out his hand for Christine's jacket. She handed it to him and looked around to see Erik moving towards another door. She followed him, ignoring the stare of the passing servants.

They had entered an elaborately decorated sitting room. Christine was so busy staring around that she didn't even notice when yet another servant entered. Erik said,

"Some cold drinks, please. Unless you'd prefer tea?" He glanced at her and she blinked.

"Oh… no, thank you."

"Very well. Cold drinks." He told the servant who nodded and bowed. Christine stared as the door closed and then turned her gaze on Erik. He looked back and asked,

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes… I'm just… overwhelmed. I mean…" She shook her head, unable to come up with the words as she looked about the huge room. Erik smirked at the bewilderment on her face.

Christine moved slowly over to the window, to stare out at the stretch of land surrounding the house. She could vaguely see the wall in the distance.

"This place is incredible." She murmured.

"Thank you. I find it suits my needs." Erik said, settling into a chair. Christine glanced at him, a half smile on her lips.

"You live here alone?"

"No. Nadir also resides here, as do most of the servants."

"That's not exactly what I meant. I mean… this house is so huge, for just one person. I mean, people tell me that my house is too big for one person but this is…"

"You mean family? I have none." Erik said calmly.

Christine winced. Trust her to put her foot in it

"I'm sorry."

"Why should you be? I don't mind. I barely knew my family." Erik said dismissively. Christine looked over at him. He was watching her carefully. Was he trying to impress her, she wondered, with his house and his lands? More importantly, was it working?

She looked back out of the window. Erik considered her. What was she thinking? Most women, once they had seen this place, would start flirting, coy smiles and winks in his direction. Christine, on the other hand, did none of this. In fact, she seemed a little guarded. Eventually she took the chair opposite his as the servant entered with a tray of drinks. He bowed and left and Erik asked,

"What would you like? There's fruit juice, water, lemonade…"

"Some lemonade, please." She said and drank thirstily. Erik sipped some water and said quietly,

"What made you audition for the show?"

She looked at him quickly and then shrugged.

"I'm not sure. I just… I hadn't sung in so long. And when I heard that it was The Phantom of the Opera… well. It seemed like a sign. I just thought I'd try. I didn't expect to get it; I thought for sure that Rebecca would get the part of Christine…"

"Rebecca Griffins? Don't be ridiculous." Erik said dismissively. Christine looked at him.

"She's a good singer."

"Not compared to you. She puts more effort into showing off than she does into singing."

This was true, but Christine wasn't about to admit that. She didn't like Rebecca but she wasn't the type to bitch behind her back. So she drank some more lemonade instead. She wondered, again, why she was here. Why had Mr Destler invited her in? Not even really invited her, just assumed she would come in.

Erik watched as a slight frown twisted her delicate features and wondered what she was thinking about. Probably why he had brought her here. He said,

"Is everything alright? You seem a little… overwhelmed."

"I am overwhelmed. It's not everyday I'm sat in a mansion drinking lemonade." She said frankly, and Erik felt the corners of his mouth twitch into a smile. But before he could speak again, the door opened and Nadir entered. He blinked in surprise.

"Miss Danes. I wasn't expecting…"

"Did you want something, Nadir?" Erik asked. Nadir held out a piece of paper.

"A notice from the local paper. They want to do a piece on the show and we've got a request for them to send in a photographer and a reporter on Monday. We've also got the local television channel requesting interviews." Erik took the paper and read it quickly. Then he gave it back to Nadir.

"That will be fine. Tell them to come to the rehearsal on Monday."

"Yes, Erik. I also need to talk to you about the meeting with the recording company."

Christine got to her feet and put her glass down.

"I'll go."

"There's no need for that." Erik said but she shook her head, smiling slightly.

"I need to get home and take Trister out. He's been shut up all day." Erik was silent for a moment and then he said,

"Very well. Nadir, have Martin bring Miss Danes' car around."

"Of course."

They went into the enormous entrance hall and Erik handed over her jacket.

"I'll see you on Monday. They'll want to interview you."

"Oh goodie." She muttered and Erik's mouth twitched again. She smiled as Nadir came in and told her that the car was ready.

"Thank you for the drink, and for helping me."

"You're welcome. We'll see you on Monday." Erik said graciously. Christine smiled and waved goodbye to Nadir.

They watched her drive down the road and then Nadir glanced at his employer.

"You brought her here?"

"She gave me a lift home. It was only polite to offer her a drink." Erik said, "What's this about the meeting?"

He was very good at changing the subject.


Trister was sat by the back door, clearly desperate when she got back. She opened the door and he dashed out into the garden. Christine smiled and looked in the fridge to see what there was to eat. Not much.

"Hey, it's Friday. I'm going to treat myself." She said firmly. Half an hour later the doorbell rang and Christine settled down with a Chinese takeaway. Trister watched hopefully in case she dropped some food but soon lost interest. Christine sat cross legged on the floor, a pair of chopsticks in one hand, watching television. Something occurred to her and she reached for the phone.

She dialled a number and listened. The answer machine sounded and she swallowed a piece of chicken.

"Hi, Max. It's Christine. Just to let you know, there are going to be reporters at the rehearsal on Monday. Can you tell Tom as well? I don't have his number. See you Monday." She hung up and picked up a piece of pork with her chopsticks, popping it into her mouth as she glanced at the television. There was nothing on and she switched it off, reaching for her book.

By the time she had finished, Trister was ready for his walk. Christine threw the empty containers out and turned to the bouncing dog.

"Ready for a walk?" he barked and she laughed.

A/N: Freakishly long chapter. I don't know how it ended up this long, but never mind. Hope you enjoyed it. Poor Max… Poor Christine… Poor Eri- …well, not really poor Erik. He's got his mansion to comfort him

Please leave reviews. I have an exam first thing tomorrow morning and knowing I have lovely reviews to come home to will make me feel good. Because I am so going to fail this exam. Design and Technology… pah. If only there were exams on fanfiction… maybe then I'd stand a chance of passing.

Lotsa luv

Katie