A/N: Thanks again for the reviews! I know many of you want Erik and Christine to meet and it's coming up. Not in this chapter but soon I promise. It's worth the wait isn't it? Lol. But this should be an interesting turn and you are going to love it. Also, thank you to whoever submitted this into the C2 community! It's an honor to have this story in it. Thank you! And another thanks to my beta Megan!
Chapter 9- Stranger Than You Dreamt It
Okay, now get up and do it.
Christine lay on her back, staring up at the ceiling, and listening to the light snoring coming from some of the girls.
Go on. Everyone's asleep. Just get up and go.
Easier said than done, she thought wryly. Carefully, without making a sound, Christine touched the cold hard floor with her bare feet, shuddering from the touch. She stood up glancing over at Meg's sleeping form before making her way over to get her robe.
Once she had it on, she took the nearest candle and lit it up. Grinning, she quietly walked out of the room, closing the door gently behind.
Using the flame as a guide, she moved down the halls until she slipped inside her dressing room. The clothes she made were still packed away safely. She pulled them out and quickly slipped them on. She looked up into her reflection, smirking at her image.
The black top clung tightly to her chest, exposing every curve, just cutting off above her naval. The pants she made were hip huggers and seeing the black to white and black made her appear like a gothic mistress. Her raven locks were hanging loosely down and it wouldn't do. She ruffled her hair with her nails, finally approving of the wild aura now being reflected. Perfect.
Erik always liked that look on her. It made her ever so devilishly wicked and innocent when her brown eyes were set in a childish way. He could never keep his hands off her whenever she did that, which made it always fun to the singer. She loved the control she had over him and he to her. It always made their relationship interesting and fresh.
She picked up the candle once more and gathered the discarded robe and gown as she went towards the stage.
She walked out to the center, gazing at the vacant seats. This was the third time in the past week she was doing this and each time she had to be careful. The bad thing about the structure was the acoustics were meant to be heard quite well from wherever you stood. Even the quietest of whispers could be heard.
Christine moved closer to the stage lights and lit several of them. When the task was done, she blew out her candle and set it on the floor. Standing upright, she watched the shadows dancing around her feet before returning back to the center.
Closing her eyes, she could almost hear music softly playing as she came out to greet her fans. Everyone would be screaming and jumping up and down in hopes to catch a glimpse of Angel.
She rolled her head around and shook her limbs to relax a bit. After doing a few quick stretches Christine got down on her hands and knees. Lightly tapping her fingers on the ground to get the beat, she then slowly rose up and began swaying her hips slowly before she picked up speed, popping them out and rotating them in a seductive way. Her eyes were half-lidded as a wicked grin played on her lips. Hit it, she thought.
She rolled her stomach back, the muscles rippling as the music began a fast pace like a tango. Running her hands down her body, she gazed out to the vivacious crowd with a teasing pout before clasping her hands overhead and twisting about.
Feeling the energy exploding she crossed her feet over the other as she moved forward and swung her left leg out, back dipping down. Coming up straight, Christine swung her hips as she flicked her left wrist over her head and ending it with a roll of her head and her chest sticking out.
Her body was growing hot but she ignored it even as sweat began to collect over her flushed countenance. Splitting down with her legs out, she slowly crawled to the front with her hair sticking to her face and arms. Leaning her weight to the side, she glided her hand up her thigh across her stomach and out as she made her up.
Finishing, she ran out and skidded on her knees, her head down. At this point, the people would start screaming hysterical and some would start throwing flowers or for the guy's case their boxers.
She looked up and smiled to the imaginary group before shifting her eyes towards Box Five. Once she started dancing, she couldn't help but get the feeling she was being watched from above…
Erik couldn't sleep. Nothing seemed to put the restless man at ease. He tried working on his Don Juan Triumphant only to become flustered and spilling his ink bottle over the score.
Cursing, he cleaned up the mess and decided to do some reading. Reading usually calms his nerves…
But whatever he was reading he couldn't concentrate. His mind has been all in jumbles after he found those footprints by the mirror to Christine's dressing room.
Only he knew how to maneuver through the infinite halls without getting lost. Anyone who dared to venture through the Phantom's domain would no doubt get confuse and lost within seconds. And he would know whether or not if someone trespassed. But this person seemed to know it as well as he does and it worried him greatly.
As soon as those tracks were found, Erik set to work in making sure his traps were still working and making some more sensitive to capture the intruder. But to his disappointment, he caught a few rats and a cat.
If someone knew how to penetrate his labyrinth, then it would be a matter of time before his home would be discovered. He shuddered at the thought of being captured once more and being put on display. But with the death of Buquet recently, he might end up in prison or worse-- his own life taken at the expense of his crime. But he couldn't let that happen! Not when he has a chance to be finally loved…
Christine…And the unsettling feeling he was getting in the pit of his stomach was that someone was watching her too. The thought gripped him in mad jealousy that there was another taken by his angel. Well… not his angel per say but to a certain extent she was. And picturing another tempted of his Christine's innocent beauty sent him in murderous rage. He would kill anyone whoever dared to lay eyes upon her virginal flesh. Let the consequences be damned!
And that was what kept him at night. Christine, oh sweet pure Christine!
He could see her sleeping, dreaming of nothing but happiness with no worries or fears marring her angelic features. The tranquil feelings of being safe while another stares hungrily at her, raping her with their unsettling lustful eyes.
"No!" Erik cried suddenly, afraid at this very moment that is what was happening at that second.
He grabbed his mask, slipping on, while he headed down to the rooms. By the time he was there, Christine wasn't in her bed; panic and complete dread filled his senses already conjuring the possible horrendous scenarios taking place.
He turned back and went through a hidden trap door to move freely in the opera house. It was late and everyone was asleep so he had to fear of being discovered. The first spot he checked was the little chapel then to her dressing room but Christine still couldn't be found.
For some reason, he decided to go to Box Five.
Once he reached his private box, he tried to stifle the gasp that flew from his lips.
Down below was Christine wearing an unquestionable outfit that showed much of her pale skin. Erik seen her plenty of times in scanty clothes that revealed her taut stomach, but this time with the black clinging to her curves and the flames illuminating her creamy skin, his throat became unbearably dry.
She seemed to be waiting for a second before she got down on her hands and knees. Slowly, she was standing up and moving her hips. Her promiscuous dance started to leave Erik's blood burning and his heart racing. What is she doing! he mentally shouted, trying to ignore the heat spreading through his loins. He tried willing her to stop so he can stop the inferno raging within him, but she continued to flaunt and stretch her body out in different positions.
He sunk low in his chair and watched the private performance with a guilty mind. He shouldn't be doing this. He should leave. But he couldn't bring himself to tear away from this indulgence and the worst part was that he didn't want to.
Christine stopped and looked up to the shadows of his box, knowing about her sudden audience. Erik's face began to burn with crimson but scolded himself. She couldn't see him! She probably doesn't know that there was anyone else in this theatre.
But Erik knew she did and he left quickly.
"Show me please! I want to see what it looks like!" Meg begged.
Christine smirked, shaking her finger at her. "Not yet."
"You're so evil Christine!" Meg pouted. "Please!"
"Alright. It'll take me a few minutes." Christine said as she went behind the changing screen.
She emerged later wearing a baby blue spaghetti top that exposed most of her cleavage with her black pants with a matching blue sash as a belt. Meg's jaw dropped in shock.
Christine laughed at her reaction. "Shocking isn't it? I only ran out of material for the shirt so that's why it's so low. But it's normal from where I come from."
"It is?" Meg's childlike eyes were wide as saucers as she stared. "I… I don't know what to say but Christine would die if she wore that for a show!"
"Understandable. I know she wouldn't dream of wearing anything remotely like this, but you should be proud of your body and show it off. Word to the wise, some guys will react quite perversely if you were walking down the halls here."
Meg chuckled. "If you say so. But how did you manage with a corset?"
"Corset? Don't make me laugh!"
"You're not wearing one!" Meg cried in astounded horror.
"No way. This whole time I haven't. Have you noticed the difference?" At Meg's shaking, she grinned. "If you can't tell then what's the point? You have a small enough waist as me so for one day go without one. I dare you to."
"And if I do will you teach me some of your… what's it called?"
"Hip-hop? Free style?"
"Yes! Would you?"
"I don't know Meg… your mother."
"She won't know! And this I will keep my mouth shut! C'mon Christine."
She sighed. "Deal. But if you start crying for a corset, then you have to go the entire day without talking about the Phantom."
"That's too hard! How can I not talk about him?"
"Exactly." Christine smirked. "So do we have an accord?"
"Deal." As the girls shook on it, there came a rap on the door. Antoinette entered, "Girls, I—" She stopped as she took in Christine's apparel. "Care to explain Miss Dallas?"
"Meg wanted me to show her what kind of clothes I wear. That's all," Christine explained.
"I see. Let's hope it doesn't give you any ideas mignon," she spoke coldly. "I was going to inform you both that there will be a rehearsal in a few minutes and that's mean I want you on time Meg Giry."
"Yes Maman."
"Good. I'll be waiting outside for you just in case."
Meg was about to follow her out before Christine tapped her on her shoulder. "Ahem, Meg. Corset."
Five minutes later, the girls came out and went ahead of Antoinette. She watched as the two held hands while whispering and giggling to each other constantly. It made the ballet mistress smile. She was afraid that Meg wouldn't adapt to Christine Dallas and her strange ways, yet her daughter proved her wrong.
Though, Christine wasn't like the Christine she raised she still developed a motherly tenderness towards the strong woman. She went through so much in her young life and now here she was triumphing over it.
Antoinette noticed the change in her for the past few days and was glad to see her shining with happiness.
Apparently she must have had her revelation after Il Muto that inspired her to sing once more. Meg was enthusiastic that her friend was coming to be like her old self again, which meant similar to becoming Christine Daae. It was good to hear her voice after this long time being absent from Daae's singing.
Antoinette was a bit suspicious of how it came to be though. She tried speaking to Erik, but lately the man has been unattainable working on his new score before the new production would be announced for the next season. She knew little about his opera (which made her feel relieved) but she did know it would have Christine as the lead. Now that it appears she has returned to the music, Erik will no doubt want her to star in it.
She suspected he had a role in Christine's startling return, but the girl never spoke about him or anything relating to his tricks. Unless she was keeping it a secret…
And if Erik were accountable for it then she would have no regret in using her staff to club him in the head for going back on his word to her.
Antoinette couldn't use Meg to find out so she kept a close eye on the two and to her shock, Christine told Meg it was the mere surrounding that caused her to break away. Meg listened to her star struck as the brunette relayed the emotions that were stirring in her as she sang on the rooftop.
"For the first time in my life I know how it feels to be alive," she said. "I'll tell you Meg, I never sang like that before. Not even for Erik."
So Antoinette let it go. Perhaps this was her reason for coming here, but she knew there was more to do it than Christine knew herself! And if it came soon then the real Christine would be returned. But she kept the notion to herself, knowing if Meg knew of this, her spirits would be lifted that she would walk back in any moment. But that wasn't a risk she was willing to take.
She knew the Lord works in mysterious ways and she prayed that wherever Christine Daae was she was safe and waiting for the moment she can come back.
When they arrived, the other girls were gathered around talking immensely about the Phantom and his association with Buquet's death. Antoinette rolled her eyes and slammed her cane down for their attention.
"That will be enough chitchat about the Opera Ghost ladies. Now start your stretches and then we'll go over once more of your horrid display of the ballet from Act III." It was punishment all right for them, but Antoinette would have none mistakes anymore.
"Madame Giry?" piped up Odette. "Could Christine lead us in our stretches instead? They helped the last time and—"
"Very well." She cast a look over to the sheepish Christine. "Christine?"
"Yes ma'am."
Christine stood in front of them and began. By the time they were almost finished, Carlotta came storming out her face flushed and red.
She brushed past Antoinette towards Christine, pointing an expensive encased finger at her. "You! You worthless whit!" she spat.
Christine looked up at her blankly. "Excuse me Signora?"
"Don't go 'Excuse me Signora' dearie!" Carlotta snapped. "I know it's you who is trying to ruin my career!"
"Signora!" cried Firmin with Andre trailing behind. Both were terribly upset as the diva. "This is surely a joke of some kind!"
"No it is not!" the Spanish diva screeched. "I will not leave so this tart can take over!"
"She doesn't sing! You have no replacement," reminded Andre.
"What is going on Messieurs that you must interrupt my rehearsal?" interrupted Antoinette, a bit peeved that she was being disturbed.
"Your Phantom wants me to leave!" Carlotta bellowed. "I will not follow such commands. And I don't care if this leads to another ACCIDENT!"
"She doesn't sing Madame! The Phantom must know this…" Firmin's voice trailed off as Carlotta threw him a deadly look.
"Yes she does," Meg said, who right away was given the same glare from Christine, her mother, and Carlotta.
"I'm sure she's horrible!" scoffed the Prima Donna.
"That's it." Christine stood up and defiantly stared down at the sniveling soprano. "I'm a whole lot better singer than you'll ever be. I bet a trained toad can do better than you!"
"You take that back!"
"No. Everyone knows it so why are you the only one denying it? Can't you tell from the way everyone plugs his or her ears your singing is wretched? Just because you're a leading lady it doesn't give you the right to boss everyone around. That job is pretty much reserved for the owners or in this case the Phantom. They all have the power to dismiss you and if you don't want that then shut up and do what is asked of you!"
From Christine's bold outburst, everyone gasped. Firmin and Andre were proud that Christine recognized their stature, even though she included the Phantom.
Carlotta's bosoms heaved, as her face grew redder by the second. "You don't talk that way to me! You're a chorus girl! You don't know anything about singing!"
"Is that a challenge I hear?" Christine sneered, her brown eyes glowing dangerously. "If so then I'm willing."
"I would win anyways," the diva huffed. "I'm the opera's star thank you very much!"
"Status won't help."
"I don't need to be challenged by a two-faced ballet rat."
"Are you backing down? Sounds to me you know you're going to lose." Christine smirked.
Carlotta's mouth dropped, her upper lip twitching. "So… what do you do in this 'challenge'?"
"Any song of your choice with dance as optional. Though I highly suggest dancing while you sing."
Carlotta huffed. "I don't need to dance to win. I have a beautiful voice and you got nothing!"
"I have the grooves Signora," she replied. "Do you?"
The diva ignored her and asked when it was going to take place.
Christine thought for a moment and said, "Here. Say in next week?"
Carlotta nodded. "I warn you little twit. You will lose."
"Maybe I will maybe I won't."
The prima donna glared at her insolence and left with the managers protesting.
Antoinette shook her head sadly. "Do you think this wise?"
"If she's anything like Caroline then she's going down," Christine spoke confidently. "I haven't lost with her. Ever."
Standing far off from the episode, a figure clad in black chuckled. "That's my girl."
"Christine do you really think you can win?"
"Of course Meg. Caroline and I do this all the time and she can never beat me. I have creativity on my side," Christine said.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean I have more of a background of different dancing styles I can used. I could be modest and innocent or sexy and devilishly."
"And that's good?" the blonde asked confused.
Christine nodded. "Meg, I'm not afraid to show off my body. I know it's improper in this time but trust me. I'm not totally going to dish out my true style. I'm going to keep it down to earth with some personality."
"Can I see what you're writing?"
She laughed. "Sure but it's not that thrilling yet. I wrote this one about a year ago and I figured Monsieur Reyer could play it. I noticed a lot of people are glad I'm doing this."
"You're the only one brave enough. If it was anyone else they would have been fired," Meg explained.
"Let's hope that doesn't happen, shall we?" She winked. "If there's one thing I know for certain is that sex appeal has its way and Carlotta has lost hers in the sands of time."
Meg shook her head. "You are strange Christine Dallas! I'll leave you to your writing."
"Okay. Bye Meg."
The dancer nodded and stepped out of the room only to bump into Raoul.
"Oh! I'm sorry le Vicomte!" Meg blushed. Then remembering about Ray, her features hardened quickly. "May I help you?"
Raoul was a bit taken aback at the sudden change of mood but didn't comment on it. "I wish to talk to Christine."
"I'm afraid she's busy at the moment, perhaps later," Meg retorted.
Before he could object, Christine's voice came through the door asking who it was.
Raoul, smirking, pushed Meg out of the way and went into the room.
Christine was sitting on her bed scribbling something. She looked up to see who it was and paled. "R-raoul! What are you doing here?"
"I heard about your song duel with La Carlotta," he told her. "And I wanted to wish you luck. I admit I never heard this sort of thing done before to straighten out differences."
"We're professional singers and the best way to settle anything is through our fields of expertise."
"Makes sense. I'll be looking forward it. I wish you the best Christine." Raoul grinned, bowing, and left.
Christine sat there in awe. Maybe he wasn't as bad as she thought he was. But it doesn't excuse Ray, she thought grimly before returning to her work.
Erik sat at his organ, pleased, with his opera. It's almost done. And just in time to before the new season.
Erik had been working nonstop on it to get it done in time. He still had his heart set on Christine playing Aminta and this time he will not take no for an answer. But now, he believes Christine is ready to take on this role. He heard her singing and it was almost like having his precious angel come back to him.
Since that night he caught her dancing, Erik couldn't get her off his mind. He needed her more than he possibly thought. She was Aminta. She had her spirit and the attitude the character had.
He heard about contest with Carlotta and couldn't help but be proud of what Christine was doing. She had the guts to put the toad in her place and his Christine would have never conceived the idea let alone act on it. He hoped she would prevail so the managers will have second thoughts about their diva. This could be her chance to fulfill both his and Daae's dreams.
That is… if those fools knows what's best.
But Erik was confident in Christine's talents. It was just a matter of time when the city of Paris discovers her hidden talents.
He sighed. Despite how things seemed to turn for the better, he couldn't shake off the feeling of exposure. It still bothered him that someone had penetrated his home and he felt ashamed he hadn't found the culprit! It either had to be a figment of his imagination or the Opera Populaire had another Phantom he wasn't aware of.
Both pointed to insanity and Erik knew he wasn't mad. So what the blazes was happening?
He got up from the bench and paced around his lair. Ever since Christine Dallas arrived things haven't been making any sense to him. He felt everyone was in on some big secret and he was stuck in the shadows. Literally.
Erik hated not knowing what was taking place in his opera house. He made a mental note to discuss this with Antoinette. Perhaps his old friend would have a clue. It was a long shot but Erik was desperate to seek out the truth. And maybe put an end to his nervousness.
"Ahem."
Erik looked up, startled. No! It can't be…. He thought.
"There's something I wish to tell you… Erik."
Raoul walked along the halls of the Opera Populaire, still trying to figure Christine out. She had changed a great deal since they were children, for the worse or good he couldn't tell. She indeed became a spirited woman full of passion and beauty, he noted, but there seemed more to her now than before. He wanted to know this new Christine badly than ever once he truly got a good look at her during the "Note Incident". It was love at first sight and he wanted her all to himself, but the only obstacles standing in his way were the constant rejections and the damnable O.G.
Raoul thought the whole story concerning the Phantom was what it was. A mere story meant to scare the chorus girls and the superstitious stagehands, nothing more. His mind was quickly changed, however, when he received the first of many letters from the Phantom. All dealt with the same chilling command—stay away from Christine Daae.
Now his business with Christine was no one else's bit his own. And the writer of these notes had a lot of gull to get involved, which sent him ablaze. He and Christine were friends, they had a history, and he would be damned if anyone tried to stop him from loving her. And he did. Deeply.
He sighed. Alas, it seemed his Little Lotte didn't share the same feelings as he, but he could try to convince her he was her one Knight in Shining Armor. If only he wasn't put down by her or her friends. He couldn't understand why everyone wanted him to be far away from her. You think he was some serial rapist!
But he was a noble man for God's sake! He had an honorable reputation and his intentions were all innocent, except of the playing notion of marriage. But even that is innocent!
Now, if he had a promiscuous background he would understand the rejections. But he didn't. He was raised up well and his mannerisms were all gentlemanly. No strings attached.
Though, there was something bothering him greatly. It seemed whenever Christine looked at him, especially, during Il Muto, she wasn't looking at him but another. Another that scared her.
But if it wasn't then it had to be him. Raoul tried thinking what did he do that would terrify her but came up with nothing. Not even when they were children! He was the perfect little gentleman, he recalled, from offering his hand to walk around and to opening the door and partaking in simple-minded childish games.
There was one time he did try to pull a prank on her instead it backfired on him. Christine had a cunning way of moving stealthy without being known. And that spooked him! So what could make her so ill eased around him?
Then an idea of her being in danger struck him. Could the Phantom have some influence over her? Could he have violated her making her think all men are beasts? And if so he wanted to kill the fiend.
Madame Giry insisted there was no harm that be felled Christine and for all she knew this Opera Ghost had never came in contact with her. It still didn't calm him down. He knew there was something wrong and he planned on seeking it out with or without anyone else's help.
He confronted his beloved at Il Muto and she assured him there was no danger. It made him rethink his theories about Christine. Maybe it had nothing to do with him or the Phantom, but her. That night he had a funny feeling he wasn't speaking to the Christine Daae he knew. And this duel with Carlotta confirmed his suspicions. Then again, it was silly to think it was someone else but Christine Daae! No person could look the same.
But it didn't do much to calm his erratic mind.
Raoul decided to seek out the managers to go over the plans for the upcoming Masquerade ball for the new year. As he headed towards the office, the Vicomte stopped abruptly when a low chuckle reverberated around him.
"Who's there?" he ordered, turning around looking for the source.
"Stay away from her if you know what's best."
"Who? Christine Daae!" Raoul yelled. "I can see her if I wish and no 'Phantom' can stop me!"
"Lay a hand on her and I will kill you without hesitation."
The threatening tone stopped him dead in his tracks and for a frightening moment, he truly believed that the Phantom would carry it out right now if he so desired.
Raoul waited. All was silent. He must have left.
The aristocrat trembled and made a hasty retreat to leave the building. A hand clapped on his shoulder before he could leave the doors and cried out. Raoul whirled around, the color draining from his face at who stood in front of him.
TBC…