CHAPTER 24

Christine and Meg stood out front of the Opera Populaire watching as the crewmen readied their tools for the renovation. The two girls waved at Messieurs Andre and Firmin who were heading inside to go over the blueprints and any final readjustments.

"Let's go to the bakery and treat ourselves to something delightful!" Meg suggested. "This is rather dull and I would love to hear all about you, Christine." She locked arms with Christine as they made their way down the street.

The sky was a clear, crisp blue and the sun was bright, high in the afternoon sky, as Christine and Meg sat in front of their favorite bakery. They both ordered some tea and as for a sweet treat, Meg ordered a Buchette Delice and Christine ordered a Strawberry Vosgien. They both agreed they'd split their desserts as usual. This was their way of having the best of both worlds.

As they sat enjoying the day, savoring in their sweets, Meg asked Christine how things were going with the mysterious Opera Ghost.

"Things are fine, I guess," Christine shrugged.

"Christine, what is it? You know you can tell me, mon ami," Meg said with concern.

"I'm not sure how he feels about me, Meg. I mean I'm not sure if he wants me." Christine felt a little uneasy talking to Meg about intimacy, but she knew she had no one else to talk to that she trusted and Meg was practically her sister.

"Christine, do you truly believe he doesn't love you? I find the idea rather unfounded. No man would do all the things he did, if he did not love you." Meg tried to reason with her.

Christine took a sip of her tea and then told Meg about what had almost happened between her and Erik and the moments he would pull away from her.

Meg took in everything she had said and let out a sigh. "I will not pretend to know what Erik thinks, but Christine, you would not be with him if he truly did not care for you. He would have disappeared if so. You know he is good at that."

Christine nodded and held her friends hands in her own. "Dearest Meg, you're right. I guess I just worry too much. Maybe things will be better once we get settled outside of town," Christine smiled slightly.

"Give it time, Christine. Things will come into place with a little patience," Meg smiled sympathetically.

"When did you become so wise, Megan Giry?" Christine asked, mimicking her mother's voice. They both giggled uncontrollably.

As Raoul's carriage passed the bakery on the way to the opera house, he recognized a familiar laugh--two familiar laughs.

"Francois, stop a moment please," Raoul tapped the roof of the carriage.

Before Francois could pull to a full stop, the young Vicomte had already opened the carriage door and hopped out onto the street.

"I will be fine, Francois. I will walk the rest of the way. Just wait for me out in front of the opera house," Raoul waved.

Francois nodded in compliance and continued down the road toward the Opera Populaire.

Christine and Meg's faces were completely red from the boisterous laughter they shared. They were both teary eyed and caught totally by surprise as they heard a familiar voice.

"Good afternoon, ladies. It's quite a beautiful day, is it not?" Raoul suggested hoping to strike up a conversation.

In unison they both spoke Raoul's name then looked at each other in embarrassment.

Raoul bowed and took each one of their hands to place a kiss upon them.

"Raoul, what are you doing here?" Meg asked before Christine could.

"Mind if I join you both?" Raoul gestured to the unoccupied chair.

"Please, be my guest," Christine responded.

Raoul smiled at them both and told them of the latest news regarding Philippe and the opera house.

"How could your father blame you, Raoul?" Christine asked genuinely.

"I tend to disappoint my father often. He has always favored Philippe. I am my mother's son."

Meg placed a hand on Raoul's and Christine watched the small display of affection uneasily. It was going take time to get used to her two best friends in this manner.

"Christine, I apologize if this sounds intrusive, but please know that I ask this as a concerned friend. Is everything alright with you and him?" Raoul searched her face for any signs of distress.

Meg watched Raoul carefully as she squeezed his hand.

"Things are fine, Raoul. We just need to work a few things out." Christine replied, not wanting to offer too much information.

"Lotte, my offer will always be open. Should you need anything, you will tell me, will you not?" Raoul slipped his hand from Meg's and held both of Christine's in his.

Meg bowed her head trying to hide her disappointment.

"I'll be fine, Raoul, but thank you for your concern and kindness." Christine smiled and then addressed Meg in hopes that Raoul would release his hands from hers. "Meg, we should head back soon. Your mother will be wondering where we've run off to."

Meg merely nodded as she stood up.

Raoul released Christine's hands and stood up as well. Turning to Meg, he traced her cheek with his finger and smiled at her. "Can I visit you later, Meg?" Raoul asked, oblivious to Meg's change in demeanor.

"I am not certain, Monsieur. Tonight may not be good for me."

Raoul furrowed his eyebrows and wondered why she was suddenly being formal with him. "Is something wrong, little Meg?"

Meg wanted to scream, but she kept her composure and answered. "Non, Monsieur. Everything is fine, but we must go now, so good day to you." She grabbed Christine's arm and began to walk.

Raoul was completely puzzled as he tried to say goodbye to the both of them.

Christine could only look back and wave at him as Meg stormed down the street with her in tow.

"Mon dieu, cet homme est aveugle et stupide! Je ne peux pas prendre beaucoup plus de ceci!" (Translation, in essence: My God, that man is blind and stupid! I cannot take much more of this!) Meg cursed under her breath as they both barreled down the street towards her flat.

Christine tried to calm her down as it finally dawned on her just how much Raoul meant to her dearest friend. "Meg, look at me!" Christine demanded under heavy breath.

Meg's face was stern as she looked at her.

"Raoul and I are through. I know he still cares about me and I still care about him, but it will never be for us. He knows that I will never go back to him. It has only been a few days, Meg. Remember, you told me about patience. I think you should take your own advice, mon ami." Christine looked at Meg with unspoken forgiveness in her big brown eyes.

Meg's face softened, as a tear escaped her face. She grabbed Christine into a hug and cried. "I acted foolishly. I'm sorry, Christine. I didn't mean to behave that way, but I couldn't help it and now Raoul might not see me anymore."

Christine rubbed Meg's back trying to calm her nerves. "It'll be okay, Meg. Don't give up on Raoul. Just give him time. He will come around. He seems genuinely interested in you. As you told me, have some patience." She held Meg by her shoulders as she looked into her teary blue eyes. "No more tears, Megan Giry!" Christine toned, mimicking Madame Giry to get Meg to brighten up. As Meg sniffed her tears away it soon turned into a small fit of giggling.

Raoul walked up to his carriage at Francois's incessant waving. "What is it, Francois?" He asked.

"Your brother, le Comte, is here and has gone inside. I thought I should let you know, Monsieur," Francois bowed his head at his master.

"I see. Merci, Francois. I'll go inside and see what my dear brother is up to. I shant be long." Raoul turned on his heel and made his way up the steps and into the Opera Populaire.

Author's Note
I added the translation for Meg's outburst, since I felt she really would blabber in French if provoked. She was pretty pissed off at Raoul. -laughs- To: Phantomforever, InThisLabyrinth, and Simblemyne342, you three get a weekend getaway at The House of Roses. Continental breakfast served with a side of Erik. -hugs-