A/N: Hi! Next Chapter is up, but I'm sorry it's short but it's another one of those bridge-y (is that even a word?) chapters. Please enjoy... and as usual all comments and criticisms are welcome. Thanks for all thefeedback.I am also eternally grateful to those of you who like my story (LOL) although I can't say that I'd make a very obedient servant.

Disclaimer: As the status quo goes... I do not own The Phantom of the Opera. The people who do own it have been previously mentioned. (I am quite resigned to this right now although I will fight back if I, or my friend, ever get a degree in law.)

The Way Things Might Have Been

Chapter 5: An Interlude

Following that informative evening, a relative quiet fell as three months passed with little commotion or excitement. There was the usual run of practices and show. Erik and Christine found themselves busy yet relaxed. Everyone was enjoying the pace at which life was now striding, and as usual though, nothing ran perfectly.

Snow drifts covered Paris from the consistent snow fall following the eve which Il Muto was first performed. This did nothing to inhibit the faithful opera attendees however. Erik found the atmosphere perfectly charming and deciding to be unreasonably romantic one night, took Christine out for a carriage ride on a moonlit evening. It was a surprise for her to enjoy herself for that night, a little vacation per se.

So it was planned for that night, after the performance, that he went to her dressing room. "Christine, dress warmly, put on your wool cloak, and close your eyes. I have a surprise for you." Christine did as he asked, wondering what on earth he was planning. It hadn't escaped her notice that he was also dressed immaculately in his evening attire and cloak. She voiced an indignant protest when he brought out a simple black blindfold.

"Erik, why would you need that? I already closed my eyes."

"You were peeking, and I knew that because you saw the blindfold. Now no more protesting, I want it to be a surprise. Trust me." Christine blushed. After Erik tied the blindfold securely, he took her by the hands and guided her outside where an open carriage was waiting. Picking her up without warning, he placed her inside before getting in himself and signaling the hired coachman to drive on. When they finally reached the nearby park, one that had survived the emperor's rampage at least, he untied the blindfold.

Christine let out a gasp, her eyes sparkling, matching the snow and stars in the heavens. "I thought that you may like to see Paris at its best tonight." There was a flush of color on her cheeks in bright contrast to her pale skin. In the moonlight, Erik saw her truly as an angel. My angel of salvation… He let a small smile cover his face when he saw the childish wonder and joy placed on hers.

"Oh Erik! I love it." She gave him a wide grin. "Thank you."

Erik felt the heat rise in his cheeks and quickly turned away to hide it, pretending to be admiring the scenery, even though it was only partially a pretense. "Yes, it is very beautiful, although I believe that I enjoy my company even more." There was a pause where the only sound was that of the horses' hooves. "Added onto that joy, my dear, is my belief that you need a brief rest. You were wonderful as Prima Donna for the past three weeks."

Christine blushed. "Well, it couldn't be helped given Carlotta's condition."

Carlotta had lost her voice from an infection of the throat. According to the physician, she would soon recover with a few weeks rest, and so Christine took over her roles for those weeks' performances, being her understudy as well as a high caliber singer. She had been a great success and brought in a large amount of profits, to the joy of the managers.

Erik grimaced at the thought of that woman returning. "It was a pity that her condition wasn't permanent."

Christine smothered her giggles. Yes, they have been busy, but that was normal. Everyone was preparing and excited about the up and coming Bal Masque. It was one of the greatest festivities of the year. Erik and Christine had also been busy planning for their wedding since they had set the date for May eighteenth. It was to be a small wedding at the nearby cathedral. She smiled when she remembered the battle she had to fight with Erik when it came to the guest list. There were the Girys, of course, M. Reyer, Raoul, the managers, and… The thought of the last two guests suddenly make her laugh, earning her a questioning glance from Erik. The managers had been a formality, and Raoul… well Raoul ended in a stalemate between each of their stubbornness. This was eventually resolved by an amused Mme. Giry who pointed out to Erik that to invite the patron of the Opera Populaire would only be proper. This would have been enough reason, even if Raoul wasn't his future wife's close friend.

"I was just wondering about our guest list and the last two people on it. Who would have known…" There was Derrick, a baritone and dancer who has lately become very close to Meg. They were certainly a couple now after all those nights they spent wandering together, doing who knows what. Then, there was Charlotte Luceaux. She was Raoul's fiancée. They had met one day at a party placed by Count Philippe de Chagny and had fallen in love. They were very much alike in status, looks, attitudes, and personalities. It had been a quick engagement, but the couple remained above the judgment of society. Christine had easily befriended Charlotte. She was a gentle young woman, beautiful, and intelligent. She also had a warm heart and loved the opera. Erik had liked her even though no one rose above Christine in his eyes. He admired her for her kindness and good sense. She would make Raoul a good wife. Rumor was that their wedding was to be in March.

"I think life is just full of surprises, Christine. Sometimes, there are many twists and turns that just pass by us."

"Then what am I in your road of life?"

"You are my angel and muse that dropped from the heavens like a falling star to light my way."

"You are my angel Erik, but you are starting to worry me. It is when you wax poetic that I start to wonder if you feel alright."

"I assure you my dear that I am perfectly fine. I'm sure my cynical vein will return to me soon enough."

"I love you, Erik. Please promise that you will never leave me."

"I give you my word. I love you, Christine, and our souls are inseparably joined."

A serene atmosphere settled on both of them. Christine let out a peaceful sigh as Erik enveloped her in his arms. Falling entirely into his embrace, she let her head lie on his shoulder and closed her eyes, a peaceful smile on her face. "Sometimes, my only regret in living at the opera house is the chance to be outside. It has been such a long time since I've had an opportunity to go stargazing. My father use to do it very often with me by the sea. Sometimes, we would even sleep outside."

Erik looked down at the heavenly being in his arms. He knew that somewhere above, his mother was watching. He thanked her for guiding him to his angel, just as Christine thanked her father for giving her the Angel of Music. For that one night, both of them rode in this dream world where all the troubles of reality were nonexistent. This was the one perfect night as the full moon and stars smiled down at the two no longer lost souls riding through a pristine and perfect world that light and darkness had achieved the perfect balance in.