Her Story by GoldenLyre

Previous disclaimer applies.

Chapter 9

Erik and I remained in each other's embrace for longer… The road ahead was not going to be easy, but we were going to walk it together. For me, that was all that mattered. I smiled into his chest at the thought. I had made my choice.

"You realize this isn't going to be easy…" Erik whispered into my hair nervously. We pulled away, and I looked into his eyes unflinchingly.

"I do. But we'll get through it," I smiled confidently and stroked his marred cheek in reassurance. "I know we will." His lips quirked up in a small smile – mine grew in response. I reached up and planted a kiss on his lips again before pulling away from his embrace.

I missed it right away, but I also realized that I had to be making my way back up. I still had Erik's pianist hands in mine, and I asked coyly, "Erik, would you be so kind as to accompany me back up? I don't seem to know the way…"

He smiled at me and kissed my hand before replying, "But of course, Mademoiselle Daae – it would be my pleasure…" I grinned. He bent down to retrieve his mask, and fit it back on his face. My grin faded as quickly as it came. As he turned to look at me once more, I said to him, "Erik, promise you won't wear it when we're alone."

He seemed surprised, but his eyes softened and a smile graced his lips. He nodded and replied, "If that is what you wish of me, Christine…" My smile returned and I said playfully, "I do!"

Erik then took my hand again, and stroked the back of it with his thumb uncertainly. He looked at me and said, "Christine, I believe I didn't let you finish your visit to your father's grave… Would you like me to take you to the chapel instead of your dressing room?"

A gasp of realization escaped me – I had completely forgotten! Immediately I said, "Of course, Erik! Thank you so much… That had completely slipped my mind!" In gratitude I threw my arms around Erik's neck, and his eventually came around my waist again. I blushed at the realization that we were back in each other's embrace. Even when I was out with Raoul, I had never hugged him on impulse. Then again, we also shared kisses – but they didn't compare to Erik's... At the thought, I smiled.

We pulled away and exchanged an affectionate look. Then, we were on our way through one of Erik's many secret tunnels. He held my hand the entire time.

We reached the chapel – the secret passage was behind the angel portrait! I laughed slightly – the irony of it all! Erik looked confused and asked me what I thought was funny. I told him, "My Angel of Music congratulated me on my Hannibal performance from here, I presume?" With a gentle smile he replied, "Indeed he did…" He hesitantly planted a kiss on the back of my hand before disappearing down into the black labyrinth.

I have never felt lighter in my life since my father was alive – I was only sixteen, and I have met the man, my soulmate, to find that he loves me too. I don't think I could be blamed for having my head in the clouds! I practically skipped over to the altar and sat before it, looking upon my father's portrait with a smile. I whispered to it, "Father, I don't think I could be any happier. You've sent me more than an Angel of Music – he is so, so much more than that…"

Before I could continue my rather mindless gushing about Erik to my father's portrait, Raoul made yet another inopportune appearance. He came in looking rather worried – for that, in turn, I was then worried for him. I asked, "Raoul, whatever is the matter? You look rather dishevelled…" He wore an expression of agitated at my comment and snapped, "I'm sorry, Christine, if my appearance isn't to your liking – I was searching all over for you."

I was taken aback – what gotten into him? Before I could think about it any more, his expression softened and smiled unsteadily at me. He took my hands in his and said, "Darling, I apologise. I was worried about you. You weren't in your dressing room and Madame Giry refused to let me into the ballet dormitories… With good reason, I suppose, but I still deserved to know where you were… I am, after all, your fiancé…" At that I interrupted. Or rather, attempted to… Raoul cut in before I could get two words out! "Anyway, I wanted to tell you of the plan that the managers and I had come up with – a plan that shall ensnare our resident Opera Ghost."

He emphasized the words "Opera Ghost" as if it were acid on his tongue, scalding it. I kept quiet. They were going to capture Erik? No, not when we had just found each other…! Seeing it as his opportunity to continue, Raoul resumed in his informing me of my role in his plot. "We are going to perform the Opera Ghost's opera – and cast you as starring soprano as he so wishes. But, my dear, the entire plot depends on you, I'm afraid…"

Before he could continue, my head snapped up. My brown eyes widened as I whispered, "Why…?" With a soft, secretive smile, Raoul replied as he stroked my cheek, "Darling, we need you to unmask him – show the whole of Paris that the Ghost is nothing more than a man!"

A terrified gasp escaped me – he had planned to not only imprison Erik, but humiliate him as well? Raoul misinterpreted my reaction as one of fear of Erik as he had embraced me, whispering to me, "It'll be alright, Little Lottie – be strong, the entire plan depends on you… I promise, when this is all over we'll leave. We'll leave and get married, leaving this whole nightmare behind us."

I sat there, shock-still in his embrace, too horrified to think about anything except Erik's safety and security. He had suffered more than enough – and he deserved none of it! In the meantime, Raoul was planting kisses on my forehead and my cheeks – and it felt… wrong. My heart screamed to leap from his embrace and run into Erik's. As much as I wanted to, I needed to know as much as I could about this plot of his, so I could find a way to protect Erik from it all…

I gulped and whispered uncertainly, "What do I have to do, Raoul?" He pulled back from me and launched into the description of the plan – There were going to have police officers guarding every entrance and even have a few scattered in the audience, and one for every box! Some would even be backstage – ensuring Erik had absolutely no way out! I tried so hard to hold my tears in while I was listening to Raoul elaborate Erik's planned capture.

If Erik were to be in the audience or up in the stage rafters, he'd be caught! What came next was even more brutal – once Erik was arrested, he'd be brought to his knees on stage… and I was going to be the one to unmask him! I was terrified at the very idea! The only time I'd ever unmask Erik was to kiss him! And even then, that was when we were alone…

Raoul seemed oblivious to my oncoming tears and asked me with a satisfied grin, "Well, what do you think?" I choked out, "Think of what?" He looked incredulous as he said slowly, "The plan, Christine… I understand that you're frightened… If you don't want to unmask the monster I'll do it, if you'd like me to." I met his eyes slowly, hoping that I won't betray my motives through my facial expression. "I'll think about it, Raoul…"

He gave me that boyish grin that would've melted the hearts of women all over Paris and kissed me on the nose. He pulled back and said, "You do that… I'll leave you to it." With that, he left.

I broke down in tears as soon as the sound of his footsteps disappeared. I looked upon my father's portrait again and whispered to it, "Father, I promise to you – I will not let Erik be humiliated like some animal… I'll protect him. I will." I said the last words with resolve – determination.

I felt liberated. Purpose was back in my life.

TBC

A/n: ok I know I changed a lot in this chapel scene, but I hated the version in the movie! I thought Christine was a sap who leaves others to make decisions for her in that scene. So in my version I decided to make her more of a woman – caring about the man she loves, and considering consequences and things.

At the same time, shes still the 16-year-old shes meant to be – shes psyched in the early stages of a relationship.

kristinekat13 : hahahaa! Well I'm totally devoted to you guys – it's the hols right now so I stay up till like 2 in the morning writing new chappies for you guys! And im glad you liked the EC fluff – about time, huh? Hahaha! Hope you enjoyed this one as well

obsession is love : oh my god. You reviewed my story! (psyched out!) I LOVED yours! Silent Tears was ace – it's a real challenge to write from all diff. POV's but u pulled it off pretty well! And I do like Christine, well mostly coz I think Emmy Rossum is the best ever, but because I think shes just a very confused character, and I wanted to portray her motives in this story. And I agree – Raoul Le Fop. That's my nickname for him. Le Fop. Aint it great? Hahaha!

tiny dancer : hello hello! My newest reviewer! Welcome to my story – and I'm especially glad for you cuz you noticed what I was trying to do – I wanted to tell Erik and Christine's love story, but remain true to the original storyline. I'm glad I portrayed Christine well. See, personally, I don't see her as this ditz – shes just confused and who could blame her? She is, after all, only 16… it's just called immaturity. (shrug) still think Raoul's a fop. And im especially flattered that you started callin him "fop" in dedication to moi (blush) that, I found sooo ubercool :D

Kat097 : you know what? We should come up with our own theme song! Hahaha! Or would "The Point of No Return" do? I think so :P hahahaa! Oh yeah – thanks soo much for the update on "Cold Cold Heart"! it made my day! Yes we shall send rabid dogs and mental gators after nutso RC shippers. Muahahaa! EC Union 4eva!

Number 356 : I want one of those flags! (grin) and Erik's name is spelt wif a "k" :P

monroe-mary : hello! Haven't heard from you in a while – I take it you enjoyed the chappie then? Hahaha! And yea – I intended to drag it out.. I mean, I wanted them to clear the air first. It's not the 20th century when ppl make out first and chat later.. wheres the art in it all that way? Hahaha! Glad 2 hear frm u again :)

Queen Sarah : I was especially flattered by your review – I had Christine's POV down to an ART? Dude! I swear I turned tomato red! (grin) Erik got us all panting, I'm sure.. hahaha! I'm also especially happy that you noticed my motives of the story – the behind-the-scenes look. That was how I intended it and I do want my readers to watch the movie again, keeping all these thoughts in mind.. I'm glad I had the effect right. Your review probably meant one of the most to me :)

Rikku Ree : (grin) cant wait for your review on this chappie – you're probly FUMING over him right now! Hahahahaa! I was actually listing a whole list of ways of torture for Raoul when I was writing how much of an ass he was in this chappie… theres a thought, huh? (wink wink)

bloodie : im into all the mush too, m'dear – y du u think I wrote it? Hahahaa! I got a well done out of APOLLO? Wow I AM flattered! hahahaa! What do I get for this chappie? A cookie, mebbe? (grin)

LostSchitzophrenic : hey there! It's been a while since you reviewed – glad you liked it! Hmm.. im expecting angry thoughts on this chappie, but if ur Raoul-friendly, that's ok too ;)

In other words – thank you all for your wonderful support! You all really keep me going! Cookies for all – till next chappie!

GoldenLyre