Authors note: Thank you all for the reviews! I love getting them! Hope you like this next chapter. I'm wanted to make one chapter out of the whole event, but it would have been too long. Enjoy!

Chapter 4

Two months went by without a trace of Erik. He almost escaped Christine's mind as she got wrapped up in her wedding plans, but the opera ghost was always residing in the back of her mind. It seemed as if he was watching her every move, even though he couldn't be seen and was really locked away in his lair all this time. The past events though, had put everyone, especially the Vicomte and Christine, on edge. Christine hoped and prayed that Erik wouldn't infiltrate her wedding the next day.

Christine sat at her vanity thinking about the rehearsal dinner that night as she brushed her mahogany curls. Tonight was that fateful night when she would meet her future in-laws. She was terrified that they would not like, nor respect her because of her social status. She would never be able to live up to being a Viscomtess. Christine wouldn't even let Madeleine or any of the other maids pamper her. She even insisted upon doing some of the chores around the house. That was something Raoul's parents would definitely not approve of.

As Christine put the final touches to herself, she heard a knock on the door and Madeleine popped in.

"Are you ready Mademoiselle?" the young maid asked, "The Viscomte is waiting downstairs."

Christine sighed, "Madeleine, how many times have I told you to call me Christine?"

"Too many to count," Madeleine replied, smiling sheepishly.

"Oh, and yes, I'm ready. Would you please get my coat for me and I'll be right down," Christine told Madeleine as she walked out of the room.

"Certainly Mademoiselle Christine," the maid replied and curtsied. She bounded out of the room like a scared deer to fetch Christine's cloak.

Christine smiled to herself as Madeleine left. At least she used my name, even if she added a title to it, she thought to herself. But tomorrow, I'll be Madame de Changey! A smile from ear to ear covered her face as she took one last glance in the mirror. Her stomach was doing flip flops as she thought of meeting Raoul's family for the first time.

Raoul stood at the bottom of the staircase waiting for Christine. The Vicomte couldn't have been happier than he was at that moment. Tomorrow was his wedding day and Erik hadn't been heard from in two months! It seemed as if nothing could dampen his spirits.

As Christine descended the stairs, she saw Raoul with a droll smile plastered on his face. She laughed at his comical look and thought of how different he was from Erik. Raoul always brightened up any room he was in while Erik just brought pain and sorrow. Christine returned a dazzling smile as her fiancée enveloped her warmly and kissed her forehead.

"Ready?" Raoul asked as he held out his arm for Christine.

"I'm ready as I'll ever be," Christine replied as she took his arm.

Raoul turned towards Christine and liked at her quizzically, "What's that supposed to mean? You aren't scared to meet my parents are you? You don't have any reason to be love."

"That's easy for you to say! You don't have any future in-laws to meet," Christine stated sadly.

Christine's sad, chocolate brown eyes stared up into his brilliant blue ones. Raoul was torn apart at Christine's last comment. He couldn't think of any consoling words but put a strong, comforting arm around her shoulder. The usual sparkle that had been lost a minute ago, returned. Christine always felt safe and happy when she was in his arms. It was as if the rest of the world had disappeared and it was just she and Roaul.

"We should go. I have no desire to be late," Christine headed for the door. "I don't want your parents to hate me more than they probably already do," she muttered, hoping Raoul hadn't heard her. Unfortunately for her though, he did.

Raoul was completely stunned by her last statement and stopped Christine in her tracks with a look of concern on his face. "What do you mean, saying my parents hate you?" he asked as his voice was laced with anger.

Poor Christine was a bit taken aback by her fiancée's tone and stammered, "Face it dear, your parents aren't going to like me for the sole fact that I was not brought up an aristocrat."

"Christine, how can you think that?" Raoul's voice softened, "Who in their right mind wouldn't adore you?" he asked, placing his hands on her shoulders and pulling her close to him once again. Christine didn't have the heart to contradict her beloved. All she wanted to do was to stay in Raoul's arms where she felt safe.

"Let's go," Christine said as she reluctantly let go of Raoul, "Who knows? Maybe everything will go smoothly."

"Of course it will," Raoul replied confidently and held out an arm for Christine. "Shall we?" he asked.

Christine smile sweetly up at Raoul, accepting his arm. "We shall," she gave him a soft peck on the lips and they were on their way.

As the carriage rode off, Erik hovered unseen in the shadows. So that boy and my angel are getting married tomorrow, he thought and laughed softly. Maybe I'll show up and give them my blessing. With a swish of his billowing cape and a snicker, he disappeared into the crisp, night air.