Hello everyone! Sorry about the last short chapter, I am going to try to make them longer. This is my first fan fiction, so please forgive me if the characters are, well, a bit of out of character. I am also accepting flames, but I would really prefer them to be constructive. Nothing like this story totally sucks. Also, the characters are 100 based on the movie. Christine is to look like Emmy Rossum, Erik looks like Gerard Butler (squee!), and Raoul like Patrick Wilson. All other characters apply as well. I'm also going to try not to bash Raoul TOO much...I know, I know but I want it to be realistic. Well that's basically all for know, and thanks so much to those who reviewed already!

Disclaimer: I don't own the Phantom of the Opera. However, I do have Erik locked in my basement and always make him put on his sexy red death outfit. Muhaha.

Tears Shed for a Dark Fate

After breakfast, Christine and Raoul wordlessly parted ways, each pondering their own thoughts. Christine seemed especially withdrawn that day, and Raoul was very concerned. There was something in her eyes, almost sorrow, that worried him dearly.

"This has to stop," Raoul said to himself. He missed that fire, that endless love that once burned in their marriage. He would not lose it for anything.

Christine was in their bedroom, studying her reflection in their enormous mirror. Her skin was flawless, and her hair was perfect, as usual. But Christine felt anything but beautiful today. In fact, she was miserable, in every sense of the word. She missed singing terribly, for it would be completely improper for a noble woman to do such things. "And yet," Christine thought bitterly, " it is considered completely acceptable to gossip and speak ill of others behind their backs." She learned this was a common activity for noble women long ago, and she considered it absolutely disgusting. Of course, there had always been gossip between the ballet girls at the Opera House, but nothing more than childish talk. These women were vicious, and isolated anyone who didn't meet their standards. Christine knew they talked about her. With her recent marriage troubles and failure to socialize, they were bound to make crude comments.

If only her angel was there...

Christine could not prevent the tears from spilling this time. Oh, how she missed him so! He was always there for her, always guiding her, always loving her...and yet she rejected him. Where would he go? Did he die in his sorrow? Christine was sure he did. She was his only reason for living, after all. She loved Raoul, she truly did, but she couldn't help the regrets that always plagued her existence. He had given her everything, everything, and she repaid him by throwing it all back in his face.

"Christine, why, why...?"

By now, Christine's body was racked with uncontrolled sobs. She looked back into her pitiful reflection, and slowly traced her fingers down the smooth, reflective glass.

"Angel of Music, I denied you..."

Raoul's knocking brought Christine back to reality. She quickly straightened herself up the best she could, and answered the door. "Christine, I wanted to talk to...oh God Christine, what's wrong?"

And with that, Christine could not hold back any longer. She flew into his arms and sobbed.

"Shh, Christine, whatever is the matter?"

Christine sniffled and whispered into his shirt, "It's been a year, Raoul."

Raoul sighed. "Will we ever be free of this memory?" Christine looked into his eyes. She was a pitiful sight, to say the least.

"Oh Christine, please dry your tears. It is nothing but a memory now. That monster is out of our lives forever. He will never harm you again."

Christine turned away from his embrace. "Please Raoul, do not call him that. His actions were inexcusable, I know, but there is no need for harsh words."

"He threatened my life Christine! Our future! How could you possibly defend him?"

" Because, no matter what he did, he was still a major part of my life. He was there for me when no one else was. He inspired my voice, and I broke his heart! My God, Raoul, I can still hear him singing to me! He will always be there, and I can't shake his memory from my tortured existence!"

Raoul was dumbfounded. He always knew something was horribly wrong with Christine lately, but he never imagined this. He went over to the bed to where she sat, and put a reassuring arm around her shoulders.

"Oh, Raoul, please forgive me. I know this isn't easy for you either. I have been incredibly selfish...I do truly love you, with all of my heart."

"And I you, beloved. Please try to cheer up, I hate to see you like this."

Christine nodded slowly, silent tears still trickling down her face. "If you don't mind, Raoul, could have some time alone? To compose myself."

"Of course, my love." And with that, Raoul gently kissed her forehead, gave her a reassuring smile, and took his leave.

Christine straightened up, and once again found herself in front of the mirror. "Surely life is better than this," she thought to herself. She knew Raoul would forbid it entirely, but she had to wonder.

What if she returned to the Opera House?

A ridiculous notion, she knew, for the once magnificent building was now destroyed beyond recognition. And besides, it was most unlikely that her angel was still there. She just hoped he was safe and content, though the content part was most unlikely. Perhaps she could leave silently without Raoul's knowing. She would return, of course, but she wanted this one ounce of reassurance in her life. She needed it. She needed to see her angel again, make sure he was alive, and even beg for forgiveness. And with this final thought, she made her decision.

She would once again open a once dead chapter in her life. She would return to the Opera Populaire.

A/N- Yay! Another chapter done. And even though this chapter might have been a tad boring, there will be Christine/Erik interaction soon, I promise!

Please review, and I'll have my imprisoned Erik dance for you :)