Disclaimer: I do not own Phantom of the Opera. I wish I did though. Hehe

A/N: Hey guys! Here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it. It's not exactly a happy chapter but it was still fun to write. Yeah, I'm weird like that.

Chapter 5

Christine and Raoul were lurched forward as the carriage stopped in front of the de Changey manor. The Vicomte helped Christine out of the carriage and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"They'll love you darling, don't worry," Raoul smiled at his fiancée and the two began walking towards the door.

Christine gave a fake smile back. Butterflies were dancing in her stomach and she felt ready to puke. The though 'they're going to hate me' kept revolving around in her head. Before she could think of running back though, Christine saw the large, mahogany door swing open and Raoul's mother ran out. She was rather plump and had a decorous air about her. Her sandy blonde hair was pulled back in a neat bun and her dress glistened in the moonlight.

"Raoul darling!" the woman cried out and wrapped her son in a suffocating hug. "And you must be Christine! Oh I'm so happy to finally meet you!"

Christine was taken aback by the woman's friendliness. She certainly hadn't expected such a warm welcome. "The pleasure's all mine Madame," Christine replied, trying to sound sophisticated.

"Well come in, come in! You must be freezing! Raoul, your father is waiting for us in the drawing room. Armand is so excited to meet you Christine!" the countess said this so excitedly and in such a rush that Christine had to stifle a laugh. Raoul grinned broadly at his mother's antics and made his way in the house with the two women.

After being led through the foyer, the small group ended up in a fairly large, but cozy room. In one of the armchairs sat the older version of Raoul. Both shared the same straw colored hair and striking blue eyes. As the group walked in, the man's eyes were averted from the paper he was reading.

"Hello Elizabeth. Raoul! It's so good to see you!" the man exclaimed.

"Armand," Elizabeth began, "this is Miss Christine Daae, our son's fiancée."

Armand looked over Christine skeptically and gave a defeated sigh. "So the is the opera singer my son decided to marry," he said with a hint of disgust in his voice.

"Armand!" Elizabeth hissed under her breath in a menacing tone.

"It's very nice to meet you monsieur," Christine said as she curtsied, trying not to cry at the way she was being treated. How could this man be so deceitful towards her, while Elizabeth was being so friendly? It just didn't make any since.

An awkward silence followed and was finally broken by a servant announcing that dinner was ready. Raoul gave Christine a reassuring smile and headed toward the dining room.

As the first course was being served, Elizabeth broke the silence. "So, I understand that the reception tomorrow is being held at the refurbished opera house."

"Yes mother," Raoul began, "We decided that the opera house would be a perfect place since it's so large and that is where Christine and I were reunited." The couple exchanged loving smiles but the moment was broken my Raoul's father.

"Your not inviting any of your thespian friends to the wedding, are you?" Armand directed at Christine.

"Yes I am," Christine answered timidly, "Is there something wrong with that?"

Her future father in-law nearly spit out the wine he was drinking. "Something wrong?" his voice boomed, "I'll tell you what's wrong, those opera people are freaks!"

"They are not freaks father," Raoul stated, trying to defend Christine.

Elizabeth piped into the argument, "Stop fighting you two! Honestly, why can't we just sit down, and have a nice dinner?"

Armand didn't say what initially popped into his head but instead he said, "Raoul, Elizabeth, may I see you in the hall a moment?"

"Everything will be fine," Raoul whispered to Christine. He kissed her cheek and walked reluctantly away.

Christine sat frozen in her seat, emotions raging inside her, anger, hate, and sadness. She could feel her eyes get hot with tears but held them in to retain her dignity and continued to sit stiffly in her chair. She could not help but wonder what was going on behind that door.

"What is your problem?" the Vicomte yelled as his father slammed the door shut behind them.

"I just think you're making a bad decision marrying that girl," Armand answered coolly.

Elizabeth, who hadn't uttered a sound, chimed, "Well I think she's darling. I don't see why you don't like her Armand."

"You want to know why I don't like her," Armand fumed, "She's beneath us! There are plenty of women out there who are much more suited to be our son's wife."

"Who? Those rich girls who do nothing but sit around all day eating bon bons and gossiping about God only knows what? I love Christine, and isn't that all that matters? Besides, you were fine with her and me playing together as children." Raoul's face was turning bright red and his voice shook with anger.

"That was different," Armand yelled, "She was only a playmate and…"

"I've heard enough," Raoul interrupted coldly, "Mother, it was a lovely meal but I'm afraid we have to go. The ceremony begins at eleven tomorrow morning at Notre Dame." With that, the Vicomte turned and stormed into the dining room.

Christine had never seen Raoul so angry before. His face was beet red and his blue eyes seemed to have sparks flying out of them. She could see his mother and father standing in the hall looking dumbstruck.

"We're leaving," Raoul growled as he stormed past her chair. Christine didn't hesitate getting up. She had been anxious to leave since she walked in the door.

The carriage door slammed shut and Raoul was shaking with anger. Christine couldn't think of anything to say that would calm her fiancée. She heard every word that was said behind that door and was heartbroken.

"That did nit go very well," Christine murmured after several minutes of silence. The tears she had been holding in all night began cascading down her rosy cheeks.

"Don't fret over that darling," Raoul told Christine and pulled her close, "I certainly don't care what my father thinks and neither should you."

"You're right. It would just make everything easier if your father liked me though," Christine sobbed as she leaned her head on Raoul's shoulder.

"I know," Raoul whispered as he gently stroked her brown curls.

The two sat in silence for the rest of the way home. Christine was beginning to feel better. She always felt safe and happy when she was in Raoul's arms. His parents could never take away that feeling. Excitement filled her soul as she thought of the next day. In a matter of hours, she would be Madame de Changey.

A/N: So? How was it? Please review. I know the ending to this chapter was kind of dumb but it was best I could do. Next chapter is the wedding! I can't wait to start working on it!