Without the Kiss

The Phantom of the Opera belongs to Gaston Leroux and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Erik is the phantom's name from the original novel by Leroux. This fanfiction is based on the choice that Christine had to make at the end of Andrew Lloyd Webber's play/movie.

Chapter 2 - Christine's POV

He brought me behind this strange curtain into another section of his underground lair. Did I make the right choice? I love Raoul so much, and I want him to live a peaceful life. Even if it is going to be the worst desicion I had ever made to live down here with this mad man, at least he will be happy. But, oh how I will miss Raoul! Erik will never let me see him again. But at least he is free. He deserves to live.

Erik peeped through the curtain as the mob approached. He pushed me further into the darkness, "No one will find us."

I stood there terrified. Now I'm going to have to hide from the outside world as well. I heard people chanting, some people came closer to the curtain, but never looked to see what was behind it.

"Curse the little Giry!" Erik yelped as Meg walked off with his mask. He continued cursing her under his breath. I wonder why she would have taken his mask? I wonder why I took it off of him. But, it was the only way to get out of that mess at the time. Now, I've become tangled in yet another mess.

"Christine, we're safe now. No one is near," he replied calmy, as he stepped out of the curtain.

I slowly walked over to the curtain, still with the tears running down my face. I wanted to come out and see Raoul standing there waiting for me to leap into his arms, but I had forgotten that my choice was to stay with Erik.

Erik turned around and looked at me. He went up to me and placed his cold hand on my cheek to wipe off my tears. I wanted to pull away. I really, really wanted to pull away, but I didn't. I just stood there and let him stroke my face. He immediatly went from maniac murderer to the gentle angel I first met. Maybe me being with him will keep him out of trouble. Yes, that's good - think of the good things. I'll be able to listen to his soothing lullabies...

But I'll never be able to see anyone else, plus it's very dark. And he'll never leave me alone! How will I ever be able to stand this miserable world? How could he?