HUGH HAS LEFT 10/1/05

And the Music of the Night has died.

(mourns)

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"Erik? Did…did you hear me?" Christine placed a hand on Erik's shoulder voluntary.

Feeling the pressure of her hand on him, Erik shivered. He could feel his mouth slightly agape; his eyes widen a bit, and rightfully failed in producing words.

"E-Erik?" Christine licked her lower lip nervously. "Are you all right?"

He blinked. "…What did you say, my dear?" Erik gave her hand a gentle squeeze as he lowered it from his right shoulder.

"I…I asked if you were all right." Christine stammered, feeling as though her heart was about to pound right out of her chest.

He shook his head. "No. No, before that…"

"Oh…" Her gaze dropped down to the hem of her dress. "I…I asked if you would marry me." She could feel every ounce of blood rush to her cheeks.

Erik placed his index finger underneath Christine's chin, forcing her to look up at him. "Then I wasn't imagining things?"

"No, you weren't."

Erik just stared into her wide brown eyes for a moment. "I have no ring to offer you," he spoke lowly.

Confusion sparkled in her brown orbs. Had she not given Erik back his ring the day Christine had left with Raoul? Did Erik dispose of it out of depression or possibly rage? At that thought, Christine felt her heart sting with pain.

Erik's facial expression softened. "Ma chérie, what you are thinking is entirely incorrect. I did not discard of your ring. Your ring is a possession in which only you can own. I had left it with the rose I had secretly placed within your belongings the day you had left. It was only right for you to cast it aside once noticed."

"N-no! I never noticed! Erik, I honestly never noticed you had placed it there!"

"It does not matter." He whispered into the tiny hairs of her neck. "I am not upset. However, I will be firm in telling you that this cannot be."

"What? What cannot be?" Christine gasped, feeling an intense sexual desire wash over her body.

"I believe it is the man's duty to ask a woman to wed him," Erik grinned with satisfaction.

"And where exactly does it say that?" Christine murmured as she leaned backward into him. "Not in any book I've read…"

"It is an unwritten rule." Erik murmured to her as he swept his hands along the flawless curves of her figure, before slowly embracing her at the waist.

As a response, Christine cuddled further into him.

"Christine…" Erik took in the sweet smell of her, "would you be my bride?"

She smiled softly in his arms, "Yes, mon ange, I would want nothing more."

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The news of Christine and Erik was to be kept a secret; for fear that it might start unnecessary publicity. It was difficult not being able to tell Meg, or any of the other girls for that matter. Christine resumed her old place as a chorus girl, trying her best to avoid Raoul at all costs.

The newest production that year was the delightful yet tragically romantic tale of Romeo and Juliet. Christine wished more than anything that she could play the lead role. It was as if she had never left. However, M. Andre and Firmin were a bit reluctant to let Christine try out for the part, for they had a deadly fear that if they were to cast a more suitable singer for Juliet—not that there was one, La Carlotta was long gone and she never had an ounce of talent to begin with—that Monsieur le Opera ghost would have a few complaints to take up with the managers. And there were far too many things in the Opera House that could look as if it were only a mere accident.

Erik, being as clever as he is, used the situation to his advantage and left some 'friendly' notes on their desks while the two were out taking a puff of their cigarettes.

Firmin let Christine try out the following day.

Plans for the wedding were made in between Christine's now hectic schedule. Nadir happily agreed to marry them. It was certainly a step up from spying on a pair of lovers, which, I might add, were hardly lovers, at all.

"Do you have a date set?" Nadir smiled at the couple.

"No, not yet." Erik said, offering him a glass of red wine.

"Thank you." Nadir took a swig of his drink and rested in on the table. "Allah, mademoiselle, you look like the happiest woman in the world. I feel blessed to be the one marrying you."

"You will be marrying us in a church, won't you monsieur?" She asked, looking around at the cellar as she said this.

"If Erik will permit it," he nodded, "then yes, my lady."

Erik pushed aside the fact that he wasn't very religious, and was certainly not a strong believer in God, but turned towards Christine and answered,

"Whatever you wish, my dear. I'd do anything for you."

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Not so pleased with this chapter. All I ask is that I have at least 275 reviews to update. And don't worry, this story has a good three or four chapters to go.

Christine