Chapter 5: Let the Truth Flow Out

"Raoul, we need to talk," Christine said this in a very stern voice. "You have been abusing me since we were first engaged. Why must you torment me like this? It really hurts me physically and emotionally." She started to tear up at the sound of her own voice and the sight of Raoul.

"I hope I haven't scared you away from our wedding. I know you must be really upset with me but I have an idea. Why don't we talk this out over a dinner, candle lit and very romantic? We can settle this over a nice glass of wine in the parlor and then we will see where we are then. What do you say to that?" This made Christine tremble. Did he want to have sex with her before they were married? This was uncalled for!

"I know what you're trying to do!"

"What, you smart aleck? You think you know how to settle everything, but you are wrong, Christine!" Raoul said this with a lack of reality in his voice quality.

"I think you want me in bed with you. Just because I'm going to be your wife doesn't mean I want to be abused and if that is a sign of love in your stupid, little head, you're wrong. You are wrong beyond belief, Raoul! You need some serious counseling to work out your issues before I agree to become your wife. If you can't accept that, I think you will need to tell a lot of people on or planned wedding day why the bride isn't there," and having that said, she was punch and the next thing she knew, she was on the floor of the kitchen. She had comprehended that Raoul hit her due to the tenderness of her nose. It wasn't broken, thankfully. She had to tell someone but couldn't go to the Phantom. It wasn't right, especially after what happened the day before. Raoul had many chances to kill her, but didn't. He was apparently going through some tough times that Christine couldn't understand. She decided to go to the alter in the garden. It took the breath away it was so stunning. She heard something under her feet like the crackling of paper. It was a note but who was it from.

"To: Miss Christine Daae" Christine was nervous to whom it was from. She gently opened the back seal. A red skull, the Phantom's signature stamp.

"Dear Angel,

I hope I do see you before Sunday. Only 5 days until I will lose you forever. It makes my heart tremble just thinking about that man who is titled "Monsieur le Viscount de Changy". I know you must love him for you choose him to the honorary role as your husband. I will miss you and I will always love you forever.

Love,

Your Angel of Music"

"Oh, good. I have made my angel weep," for she started to cry silently. She saw something from the shadows move but thought nothing of it. She had just realized she had broken one mans heart who deserved her love but she rejected it. He had given her nothing but his wisdom of music to help her succeed but did nothing in return.

Once again, the shadows moved. This time, Christine saw it and thought it was a wolf but it was to long and tall. Could it be a man? She quietly called out a hello and the shadow approached gingerly, as if she was as breakable as a porcelain doll. She quickly understood who it was now, Erik. Her Erik. His soft leather gloves gave everything away. He guided her through the forest and to his horse. She had noticed that she was wearing the same thing the night she first met him in the mirror. He also wore the same clothes that had been his introduction clothes.

The two of them rode on into a deserted park on the other side of town. Raoul would have a fit if he knew Christine was out this time of night and with her Angel! She would have to get more foundation to cover up her bruises that she received every time she met with him. The Phantom had never noticed the bruises upon her body.

He helped her down but she winced at the feel of pain running up her arm. She couldn't help but to grab it like she was trying to control the pain.

"What's wrong? Did I hurt you?" Erik sounded very upset but Christine replied rather fast.

"It's nothing, I bumped into a wall rather hard and it left a bruise." She made a pretty good lie but felt extremely guilty for lying to her Angel.

"Did he hurt you? If he did, I will hang him for you. You I would do anything…"

"No. It was my stupid mistake. I was reading a novel and walking at the same time and bumped into a wall. That's all," she was sweating and felt it all over her body.

"What are all of those bruises then? Do you walk-and-read frequently or is the Viscount abusing your love?" Something about the way he phrased this made Christine start to give in.

"He did. I really hate to admit that but he did. I love him and want him to get help but he won't listen to me." She looked deep into Erik's eye's and saw his soul just explode of anger.

"Christine, you know that this hurts you, yet you deal with it. With me, you know that will never be abused but only have love in return. Is it because of my face that you won't go with me?" He said this with a strong voice that reminded Christine of "Music of the Night".

"Will you sing that song for me? Please?" As she asked this, he looked at her with a confused look on his face.

"Well, let's see. Which song? I've composed so many and they get all mixed up in my head."

"The one about the music of the night,"

"Oh, the one I composed specifically for you. Okay.

Nighttime sharpens,

Heightens each sensation:

Darkness stirs and wakes

Imagination.

Silently the senses

Abandon their defenses.

Slowly, gently,

Night unfurls it splendour:

Grasp it, scene it,

Tremulous and tender.

Turn your face away

From the garish light of day,

Turn your thoughts away from

Cold, unfeeling light

And listen to the music of the night.

Close your eyes and surrender to

Your darkest dreams!

Purge your thoughts of the

Life you knew before!

Close your eyes, let

Your sprit start to soar!

And you'll live as

You've never lived before." He was really addicted to the music he was performing in front of Christine. He stared at her to see if she was enjoying it and she looked interested in him more than the music! He continued:

"Softly, deftly, music

Shall caress you," and as he sang that he caressed her gentle face that had been covered by make-up. At the sight of it, he grabbed her and held her tightly, ending the song immediately. He looked at her with deep fear that she had been hurt by his touch but she didn't appear to be affected by it. He leaned in to kiss her for the first time and it worked! She kissed him back and then he let go. Erik knew he would never see her again so why did he indulge into her charms. He was upset to let her go but it was the way it had to be. He helped her up on the horse.

"Why are you taking me back home? I thought you loved me?" Christine sounded worried that the Phantom had seen her bruise on her nose.

"I want you to be somewhere that you are the most comfortable to sort out where your heart truly belongs." He said this in his melodic voice that she was still used to.

When they arrived, it was precisely midnight. The bells were still ringing, which gave her time to sneak in being unheard. She went up to her room where she found another note except it wasn't from the Phantom. It was from Raoul!