Chapter seven

For We Believe

Several days had passed all going the same way. Every morning Christine would practice with the ballet, she would then have lunch and head to the chapel to sing with her Angel. Every day she would ask him to let her see him but he told her to hear his voice would be enough. About two weeks after the practices Erik announced to Christine that now was the time for people to hear her voice.

"How will you be able to do that?" Christine had inquired.

Do not worry my dear. I shall take care of it.

Christine became nervous. What could her angel do to ensure she would sing? She had been practicing the part of Marguerite for nine days straight and had never asked her angel why. But now she knew. He would make Christine sing the leading role in Faust tonight at the gala. Erik had written a note to Carlotta and when she read it she was absolutely furious. She had shown it to the Opera House managers who in turn had received notes telling them that Christine would be playing the lead. Carlotta refused to act upon Erik's requests so he had to take drastic measures to ensure Christine would play Marguerite. He poisoned her food and drinks the day of the performance. After that there was no way for Carlotta to sing. Christine was given the part much to the dismay of the audience. When she sang her one line in act two she sounded like an angel and the audience couldn't believe what they had heard. When Christine sang the Jewel Song in act three the crowds were absolutely astonished. They were blown away by the majesty of the young girl's voice. At the end of the Opera when she sang the Prison Song and the angels lifted her up to heaven the audience felt as if they to were being lifted up. Her voice was that of an angel; so beautiful and pure. It was then that Raoul recognized her as Little Lotte. The little girl he used to play with when they were so young. He kicked himself in the butt for not realizing it was her sooner. Immediately after the Opera he would go talk to her and congratulate her. When it finished Christine herself couldn't believe her voice. She silently thanked her Angel and she smiled at the crowds who wouldn't stop clapping. After what seemed like an eternity the clapping ended and Christine went to her suite to change. After she shut the door she could hear her Angel's voice of approval. Erik of course absolutely loved it. He had done well helping Christine. He was about to congratulate her some more about her voice when a man walked in.

"Little Lotte?" He asked.

Christine turned around and saw Raoul standing in the doorway.

"Raoul!"

"You do remember me!" Raoul exclaimed.

"And you remember me!"

They embraced in a long hug.

Erik watched fuming.

"It is great to see you again Little Lotte." Raoul said.

"It's been to long."

"It has, will you come with me for supper?" Raoul asked.

"I most defiantly will!" Christine replied.

With that Erik's heart sank. He knew what he needed to do.

"Well then get changed, I will wait outside your suite." Raoul said giving her another hug and leaving the room.

Christine!

"Angel?" He sounded furious. "What is it Angel?"

I will leave you if you have earthly connections.

"No Angel don't leave me!"

Who is he?

"That's just Raoul. He's an old childhood friend."

Erik could hear Raoul knocking on the door and asked who was in there. If Erik didn't take Christine down to his home now, then he would loose her forever to this man.

Christine, look into your mirror.

With confusion, wonder and curiosity she looked into the mirror. There was her Angel. He was on the other side of the mirror, his hand was out stretched and she accepted it.

I am your Angel…

Christine clutched his hand and he took her through the mirror. She looked at him studying every visible feature. How handsome he looked. But what's with the mask? She thought as she looked into his face. He led her down his secret passageways to his home. She went willingly and she seemed to be in a trance as she followed him. After what seemed like hours to Christine they arrived at his home. Christine sat down on his fluffy red couch and Erik kneeled at her feet.

"Christine, I have a confession to make." Erik said ashamed.

Christine looked at him confused. "Confession?"

"I am no Angel, I am Erik. I am just Erik."

A surge of understanding hit Christine. Though she did not know that the man kneeling in front of her was the Phantom of the Ocean she knew he was not her Angel.

"You're not the Angel of Music."

Silent tears started to stream down Erik's face.

"I'm sorry I lied to you."

Christine stood up shocked.

"Please Christine forgive me."

"You lied to me."

"I know and I am deeply sorry. I just wanted to help you. I wanted to help your voice." Erik said truthfully.

Christine sat back down.

"You really wanted to help me?"

Erik nodded.

"Well, you did help me."

Then he blurted it out.

"I love you."

Christine stared at him in shock. It was just like in his dream. After he told one of his deepest secrets to Christine he immediately regretted it.

"Erik…"

She said no more. She fainted on the fluffy red couch. Erik picked her up and carried her to a spare bed he had put in his home. He went to his organ and began writing more of Don Juan Triumphant.