Disclaimer: I don't own the character or the original plot, what I do own is the plotline of this fanfiction.

A/N: I couldn't wait to write another chapter because I am really getting into it. I have to write this while I still have this idea in my head and I am in the mood for writing this down.

Chapter I- Christine's Choice

The Phantom watched the nervous young woman stare at him then at Raoul, then back to him. The Phantom felt he was almost certain of her answer and he knew he would have to kill, which in turn would make him more wanted by the officials and the police. His palms were starting to sweat with anticipation for her answer and he did his best to keep his grasp on the rope so that neither Christine nor Raoul would know of his fear and weakness with regards to the expected rejection. He watched Christine intently to see what her decision would be.

Christine was in a state of terror and dismay that her Angel of Music would make her, make such a choice. True, she knew that it was inevitable but she didn't think it was going to be like this. She wasn't sure how to pick, she wished she could be with both of them, but that clearly was not possible. Somewhere deep inside her head, she remembered her father voice telling her to follow her heart. He told her when he was still alive, but he was referring to her pursuing a musical career, although his advise could be applied in the present situation as well.

She questioned herself, "What does my heart tell me to do?" On one hand there is Raoul whose life she should save but that would mean that she ends up with the Phantom, or the other hand which meant, she refused the Phantom, and watch Raoul die. She also considered the fact that what if, by some miracle, she and Raoul made it out of there alive, what kind of life she would lead? Always in his shadows, she would have to quit the musical career and become a mother to his children. It was common knowledge, that there would be a lot of criticisms to the marriage because of the social class difference. She would have to prove herself over and over. Like the Phantom said before, that he is "an insolent boy, a slave of fashion" and that he was "basking in her glory." She wasn't sure if it was true or did the Phantom just say it because he was jealous of Raoul. She examined Raoul. She remembered how he offered to protect her from harm on that night on the roof and in the prayer room where she was frightened of what the performance was going to be like but then her thoughts traveled to the Phantom. She thought about the things he told her, and what he was like when they were alone together. How sweet was he, when they had their lessons together. He was only doing this to get her to love him. He always treated her with great respect and listened to all her childish hopes and dreams. He actually did all he could to make them come true. He wanted in return was a companion and he was always there for her. Then she thought of all the things she had admitted have felt on journey down to his lair.

Her thoughts were interrupted with the Phantom's booming voice, "MAKE YOUR CHOICE!!"

She took a step towards the lake, then another. She walked into the water, which soaked her dress. She heard Raoul plea, "Don't throw away your life for my sake, Christine!" and then let out a painful cry.

She ignored his desperate cry and continued walking. She stopped in front of the Phantom. She sang softly, "Pitiful creature of darkness…What kind of life have you known…? God, give me courage to show you, you are not alone!"

She reached up without hesitation, and brought his head down to hers. She caught his lips with hers. It took the Phantom by surprise. He didn't know how to react or where to place his hands. He settled on holding her waist. He finally hesitated and broke away. It broke his heart to say these words but he uttered them regardless. "Take her – forget me – forget all of this…Leave me alone – forget all you've seen…Go now – don't let them find you! Take the boat – swear to me never to tell the secret you know of the angel in hell – Go now…Go now and leave me…"

These words didn't just break the Phantom's heart, but also Christine's. She knew her choice. She was now sure of it more than ever. She rushed over to the Phantom who was turning away from all of this and getting out of water. Her dress was slowing down her movement. Raoul from behind was yelling to her to come and untie him. She caught up with the Phantom. He had despair in his eyes and he whispered, "Go now…"

She met his lips once again with hers. She kissed him with the most passion that she could. He responded and kissed her back. He was in a state of shock that his body just relied on instinct. They broke apart and she replied, " I don't want to go. I want to be with you."

A/N: What do you think? Please Read and Review. I greatly appreciate them.

I have to also say that I did use the quotes in this chapter, so if you recognize them from the movie/ play or the songs, that's probably why…