Part Seven
She turned and went out the door. He wanted to go with her, but he couldn't. Everyone hated him years ago. The Phantom went back down to the lair. The man was no longer there. He must have been unconscious. Crystals' family was in danger once again. He had to warn them before it was too late. Crystal was on her way to her mother and fathers' room when she saw someone walking her way. She didn't want to take any chances, so she ran to the balcony. She found Danny fast asleep. There was just enough light for her to see this person. It was The Phantom. He was calling out her name softly.
"Crystal," he whispered. "Crystal, where are you?"
"Up here, on the balcony," she replied quietly. The Phantom ran up to her as fast as he could.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Fine. Why, is something wrong?"
"Yes. That man, he isn't dead."
"I saw you kill him. He can't be alive."
"He is, and you and your family are in danger again."
"Come on. We have to go get my parents," she said as she grabbed his hand and started for the stairs. Just as they got to the top of the stairs, a man appeared near the balcony. It was the madman. Crystal was about to speak, but The Phantom covered her mouth with his hand for the man was looking at them.
"Don't move or make a sound," The Phantom whispered. The man, not able to see them in the darkness, turned and left.
"We have to leave. My mother was right. We are not safe here."
"I agree. Let's go find them. What about Danny?"
"He'll come with us. I'll wake him. Go and get my mother and father and come back here."
The Phantom ran off and Crystal stayed with Danny. She was upset that she had to leave her home and new friend.
"Danny, wake up," she whispered quietly.
Danny opened his eyes and sat up. It was dark and he could barley make out Crystals' face.
"Crystal, is that you?" he asked.
"Yes, Danny, it's me."
"What's wrong?"
"We have to leave the opera house. The man is back."
"What about the other man? Your friend. Is he coming too?"
"I don't know. He might," she said sadly. A moment later they heard footsteps.
"Danny get down. Someone's coming." Christine and Raoul came up the balcony stairs.
"Where is The Phantom?" Crystal asked.
"He's down there," replied Raoul. Crystal ran to the railing and looked down. The Phantom stood at the bottom of the stairs and looked up at her. He waved goodbye and left. The Phantoms sadness struck her like a bolt of lightning, penetrating her heart. Crystal turned to her parents.
"You have to get out of here. Do you know a place where you can stay?"
"Yes, but what about you?" her father asked.
"I'm going to stay here. Danny is too."
"You can't stay here. That man will kill you," said Christine.
"I know, but I'm willing to take that risk." Crystal hugged her parents' goodbye and started for the stairs.
"Come back and find me tomorrow," she said before leaving.
"Who will you stay with?" asked Raoul.
"The Phantom."
"Why?" asked her mother.
"Because I love him," she said and went down the stairs. Christine and Raoul said goodbye to Danny and left the opera house.
