The Girl Next Door

"The party starts at eight, but just show up at any time." Meg said as she and Christine left work on Friday afternoon.

"Casual or dress-up?"

"Bit of both. Casually dressed-up."

"That's really helpful, Meg. Thanks." Christine said pointedly. Meg grinned.

"No problem. See you later!"

Christine rolled her eyes and walked home, desperately wishing that she had been able to think up a believable excuse to get out of Matt's birthday party that night. No luck. She walked up the steps to Gaston place and found Cat waiting patiently by the door.

"Hello Cat. Good day?" Christine asked. Cat meowed and followed her inside. Everyday he was waiting by the door as she came home. He spent the night in the apartment and then disappeared as she set off to work the next morning.

Christine made tea and poured some milk out for Cat. It had occurred to her to come up with a slightly more original name but Cat seemed to suit him far better than Tiddles or Fluffy. He curled up on her lap, purring as she stroked his fur whilst watching TV. He definitely looked better for the attention he received. He was beginning to put weight on again and his fur was growing glossy and thick. Christine had taken him to vets earlier in the week and once she'd made sure that he was alright, had bought a collar, with her telephone number on it. At least this way he'd have someone to look after him. And, as much as she hated to admit it, she liked the company he provided.

After picking out some smart jeans and a shirt to wear that night, Christine washed her face in the sink in the bathroom. Cat hovered outside the bathroom door and then led her to the kitchen, meowing for food. Christine opened a packet of cat food for him and put a ready meal into the microwave. She couldn't be bothered to cook that night. She watched as Cat licked his bowl out and then looked at her expectantly. She put his plate in the dishwasher and he rubbed his face against her. Christine smiled and he leapt into her arms, paws resting on one shoulder. She hugged him gently.

"It's nice having you around, Cat." Meow. "I'm going out tonight, but you can stay here. As long as you're good and don't claw up the furniture or anything."

Cat gave her a disdainful look and stalked away. Christine could swear that he understood her.

"Hi Christine." Matt grinned at her as she entered Club Garnier. Christine smiled and held out a wrapped gift.

"Happy Birthday, Matt."

"Cheers. Meg's around somewhere. Open bar, help yourself to a drink."

Christine walked into the bar. It was filled with people, Matt's friends and colleagues. Christine looked around for Meg, failed to find her and went to the bar. With a vodka and coke, she sat on one of the stools and wondered how long she'd have to stay for before she could leave politely.

She sipped her drink and let her mind wander to the Heaven and Hell concert. It was now only three weeks away. Most of the work was finished, apart from decorations. Christine had contacted several outside companies for estimations on price and had forwarded the information to Nadir Khan to make a decision.

"Hey Christine!" Meg said, collapsing into a stool beside her. "Hot, isn't it? I'll have a gin and tonic." She told the bartender, who went to fetch it for her.

"Enjoying yourself?" Christine smiled.

"Absolutely! Matt's friends are such a laugh." Meg drank thirstily and then grinned at her. "Wipe that look off your face! You're here to enjoy yourself."

"I am."

"Sure. Now say it less convincingly and start crying for dramatic effect." Meg said cynically. But Christine wasn't listening. Meg turned to look at what she had seen.

Stuart had just arrived and was laughing with Matt by the door. He patted Matt on the shoulder and then looked around. Christine turned quickly back to the bar before they made eye contact. Meg breathed out heavily.

"Christine-"

"I haven't seen him since we broke up, OK? It's just a little awkward. I'd like to get through this evening with minimal confrontation. Besides, he's probably seeing someone." Christine pointed out.

"He's not. Matt told me."

"Well… not the point." Christine muttered.

"Fine. Be all secluded. I'm going to go and mingle."

"Mingle away." Christine said. Meg hopped off her barstool, drink in hand, and wandered off to meet people.

Christine flicked her glass, listening to the tink it made as her nail connected with it. She finished the drink and was just wondering if it would be possible to sneak out when she heard someone arrive at the bar next to her.

"Pint of Guinness." Stuart said. Christine looked at him briefly and he noticed for the first time that she was there. He looked at her in surprise.

"Christine… hi."

"Hi Stuart."

"Meg invited you?"

"Yeah. Said she'd be lonely because she doesn't know anyone." Christine said and nodded towards her friend, who was laughing with a large group of people and chattering away. Stuart grinned in spite of himself.

"She's abandoned you, huh?"

"Of course." Christine sighed and held up her hand to order another drink. Stuart waited until she had it and then said,

"How… how have you been?"

"Oh… not bad, I suppose. Working hard." Christine said, a little awkward. She assumed that Stuart already knew about Erik leaving the country. Meg could not keep her mouth shut.

"Same here." He gulped at his drink and then said, "I'm going to say hi to people."

"OK. See you later." Christine smiled weakly.

Stuart disappeared into the crowd and she groaned, putting a hand to her forehead as she drained her glass. The barman looked at her.

"Ex-boyfriend?"

"Yeah."

"Have another drink." He said sympathetically.

After two hours of the party, Christine had had enough. She waved goodbye to Meg and escaped before the blonde woman could force her to stay. As she strolled through the cold night air, Christine imagined wondered what he was doing right now.

"Will you come in and organise the decorating people? We will, of course, pay extra to cover the time. But you know what is going on and these people haven't a clue." Nadir asked. Christine smiled, holding the phone to her ear.

"Of course. When do they start?"

"Tomorrow afternoon. If you can just give them an idea of what to do and start them off, and then check on it at the end of the week, that would be extremely helpful."

"That's fine. I'll get there at about one and see what's going on."

"Thank you, Christine. You're a wonder." Nadir said warmly. Christine smiled.

"No problem, Nadir. See you tomorrow."

She put the phone down and pulled on her coat. As she left her office, rifling through some paper, Carlotta bumped into her. With nothing more than a sneer, Carlotta moved past, stepping on several pieces of paper. Christine made a rude sign behind her back and shuffled the papers back together. Meg bent to help her.

"She's still giving you a hard time?"

"Of course." Christine said, straightening. "Well, I'd better get home and finish this up. I'm heading to the Hawthorn tomorrow; Nadir wants me to sort out the decorations for the concert."

"OK then." They began to walk to the stairs and Meg looked at her sideways, "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine, Meg. It's good that this concert is taking up so much of my time."

"But it's not good that it's almost directly related to… well-"

"You can say his name, Meg, I won't pass out." Christine said deprecatingly.

"Fine, to Erik. I mean, you really should be distancing yourself and working on the concert means you're just clinging to it. Especially with working with Nadir Khan so much."

"Nadir is the manager of the Hawthorn; I have to work with him. And anyway, we've never even spoken about Erik." Christine said calmly. "I am capable of being professional about this, believe it or not."

Cat was waiting by the door as usual. Christine let them both in and they went up to floor 5. They stopped at the second floor to let in an older woman who lived there. She looked in surprise at Cat.

"What a sweet cat!"

"He adopted me." Christine said. The woman smiled.

"They do that, don't they? What's his name?"

"Cat. Not very original, I know."

The fifth floor doors opened and the woman watched in amazement as, without another word, both cat and woman moved down the corridor.

Christine gave Cat a drink and then sat at the computer to finish typing up the details of the concert for the company files. Firmin insisted on everything being recorded with utmost detail. Cat stalked into the study and took his usual place by the computer screen, where he sat licking his paw and cleaning his face.

After a couple of hours of work, Christine turned the computer off and looked at Cat.

"Do you want something to eat? I am starving." They went to the kitchen and Christine opened some cat food for him before pouring some pasta sauce into a pan and stirring it as it heated. She poured herself a glass of wine and sat in front of the television to watch the evening news as she ate. Cat was now curled up on the sofa beside her, sleeping peacefully. By ten thirty Christine had finished everything that she had to do.

Her eyes went to the music placed on the piano. She crossed and began to play Think of Me.

She was dreaming. But it was such a nice dream. Christine smiled as she rose from her bed and went to the living room, knowing what she would find there.

Erik was sat at the piano, playing some piece that she didn't know. But he stopped as she came in and smiled a little.

"You've finally woken up." He said softly. Christine smiled, almost shyly.

"I was… I was waiting for you. I think I fell asleep."

"What makes you think that?" He asked, getting to his feet.

"You're in Paris. This is a dream." Christine said.

Erik laughed lightly, his velvety voice rushing over her. It was like the sensation of silk against bare skin and made her skin flush. His eyes settled on hers.

"Maybe I am in Paris. Maybe this is a dream and everything will fade away in a few moments." He said quietly. "Shouldn't we make the most of the time we have?"

Christine nodded, unable to even think about speaking and interrupting the moment. Erik's hands slid up her arms, onto her shoulders, over her neck and cupped her cheeks, drawing her close to him. Christine couldn't breathe.

She didn't need to.

Erik's lips touched hers and she seemed to jump with electricity. Instantly, Erik's arms slid around her and held her tight to him. Her arms went around his neck, clinging desperately to him. And, to her utter mortification, she found tears rolling down her cheeks. He softly kissed them away.

"Why are you crying?" He whispered, his vivid green eyes gentle. Christine swallowed hard.

"I don't want you to go away."

"I'm not going away."

"You will! Everyone always does!" She sobbed, pressing her face into his chest. His chin rested against the top of her head.

"I won't. I promise, Christine. I won't leave you."

And then he was kissing her, so sweetly, so intensely, it was like liquid fire rushing through her veins, filling her with longing and ecstasy, more powerful than anything she had ever known.

And then Cat leapt onto her pillow, jolting her from the dream. Christine glared at the animal and sat up, pushing her curls away from her face. She hugged her knees to her and sighed heavily before lying back down, rolling over, and going back to far less pleasant sleep.

"Monsieur Destler?" The young woman said, waiting for his attention. Erik looked up briefly. Her name was Adele and she had been assigned as a sort of personal assistant to him, something that appeared to terrify the poor girl.

"Oui, Adele?"

"There is a telephone call for you. Monsieur Khan." She said quickly, her French voice lilting as she spoke in English.

"Merci Adele." Erik rose and walked to the office. The telephone was waiting for him. He lifted the receiver.

"Erik Destler speaking."

"Are you coming back for the concert?"

"And hello to you, Nadir."

"I have no time to waste on pleasantries, Erik." Nadir snapped. "The concert is tomorrow night and three lights just blew out, the orchestra isn't here yet and the decorations aren't finished."

Erik closed his eyes in horror at the idea of so much disruption and said calmly,

"No. I will not be coming to the concert."

"Erik, most of the pieces being performed are yours!"

"I am aware of that, having compiled the programme. But I am far too busy to come rushing back. I trust that you will make it a memorable event."

"Not me. Christine Daae perhaps, the woman is a miracle worker. She has completed the organisation and advertising for this almost single-handedly."

"Then I hope you pay her accordingly. Is that all?" Erik said dismissively. He could almost hear Nadir's frustration.

"Yes, that's all."

"Then goodbye."

Erik put the phone down and turned to see Adele waiting by the door.

"Monsieur Karon is asking for you. There is a problem with the ballet in act three."

"…Fine."

Christine sat in her office at lunchtime, the radio fixed to the local station and her Blake book in her hand as she chewed on sandwiches. Meg and Sorelli had invited her out but she had declined, wanting some peace and quiet.

Her copy of Blake had become something of a security blanket of late. She took it just about everywhere, it being a small enough book to fit comfortably in her bag without being obtrusive. She read and reread the poems, admiring Blake's subtle cynicisms and comments on God and society. And yet she found Erik lurking in so many of those pages.

The one she liked to relate to him most was 'The Tyger'. Something about such a mysterious and powerful creature seemed so similar to the hidden strengths and depths of Erik Destler that Christine could not help but imagine him when she read it.

In what distant deeps or skies.
Burnt the fire of thine eyes!
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand, dare seize the fire!

Burning eyes and angelic wings, hands reaching to seize something as dangerous, yet as beautiful as fire – it was Erik all over.

Christine closed the book and ran her fingers over the worn cover. There was a knock at the door and Firmin looked in.

"Are you busy?"

"Not right at this moment." Christine said, putting the book down. "What's up?"

"I just wanted to check in, see how you were doing with the new job."

"Loving every minute." Christine smiled. "It'll be a lot easier once the concert is over."

"Ah yes, that's tonight isn't it?" Firmin asked, his bushy moustache shifting as he spoke.

"It is indeed."

"Are you going?"

"Yes, I bought a ticket last week. I want to make sure that everything works out well." Christine said. Firmin nodded and said,

"Well, I'm glad you're enjoying the job. Although, it'd be a lot easier if you and Carlotta weren't sniping at each other when you think I'm looking." He looked at her pointedly. Christine smiled.

"At the risk of sounding like a five year old, she started it."

"Hmm. Anyway, I'll see you later. Enjoy the concert."

Of course, things never rang as smoothly as planned. The concert was due to start at eight. Nadir phoned Christine at a quarter to seven, begging her to hurry as there was some drama going on with the publicity procedure.

Christine tugged on some smart shoes and was putting some earrings on as she ran for the door. At that moment the telephone began to ring. Christine glanced at her watch. No time, she'd have to let the machine get it.

Two rings after she had slammed the door behind her, Erik hung up.

He stared at the telephone and rubbed his jaw, wondering what had possessed him to call her. Of course she wouldn't be in. It was a Friday night; she would be out with her friends. What did he think? That she was going to be sat indoors, waiting for him to call her? He sighed heavily and looked at the monkey.

"I am a fool." He said plainly.

Once Christine had sorted out the procedure, Nadir looked at her with immense gratitude.

"I don't know how I managed without you."

"You had Erik to intimidate people into doing things right." She teased. Nadir laughed.

"That's about right. Come, I'll show you to your seat."

Christine pulled out her ticket but Nadir took it from her and dropped it into a bin.

"I have upgraded your seat."

"Nadir, you didn't have to-"

"Call it a thank you for the hell I have put you through about this concert." Nadir said politely. This was utter rubbish, as he had been nothing but a gentleman. Christine doubted that he could be anything but a gentleman. He gestured for a steward to join them. "Please escort Miss Daae to box five. I believe it will be unoccupied this evening. Enjoy the concert."

He disappeared to organise the final details and Christine followed the steward up several flights of stairs, following a plush carpet until they reached a pair of heavy black velvet curtains.

"Box five, Miss Daae." The steward bowed and held back the curtain. Uncertainly, Christine stepped inside and was greeted by a prime view of the stage. Truly, this was the best seat in the house! How had it not been snapped up immediately?

Her answer arrived a moment later when she sat down and saw a small pile of programmes, as well as a pair of gloves and a notebook and pen. Presumably this box always had the same occupant, so comfortable in their assurance of getting it whenever they wanted that they left personal possessions in it. Curious, Christine reached for the notebook. She immediately recognised the handwriting and replaced it.

This was Erik's box.

In all honesty, the concert could not have gone better. Every cue was perfect, the music was sumptuous and the audience was delighted. Christine stood to one side, listening in pleasure as she listened to the comments of the passing people. All were glowing compliments of the music. She rather wished that Erik was present to hear this admiration of his work.

Nadir was so busy talking to people, Christine simply waved to him as he left. He lifted a hand in gratitude and she walked home, feeling thoroughly self-satisfied. All her hard work had finally come to fruition. She had every right to feel pleased with herself.

Cat was sprawled across her bed when she got back. Christine lifted him into a hug.

"It was brilliant, Cat. It went perfectly!" She said happily. "Now I'm going to sleep for the whole weekend. Don't wake me up, OK?"

Cat yowled quietly and went back to sleep.

"Just take it easy for the week, Christine." Firmin told her on Monday morning. Christine smiled.

"Really?"

"Yes, you're running yourself ragged. Just stick to editing for a while, OK?"

"You're the boss." Christine saluted him, leaving his office. Meg joined her by the coffee machine.

"Have you seen Sorelli?" She asked.

"No, why?"

"She didn't show up for work today." Meg said, brow furrowed. "She usually calls me if she's going to be sick but she didn't. I tried to ring her just now but there was no reply."

"If she's feeling really bad, perhaps she just wanted to stay in bed."

"Maybe…"

Christine put a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"We'll see if she comes in tomorrow. If not, we'll go over to her place and see if everything's alright. OK?"

"Good plan." Meg agreed, heading back to her desk. Christine went to her office and found a small pile of editing had already grown on her desk. She took the top folder and opened it, her mind already turned to work.

By lunchtime the next day, Sorelli still hadn't arrived in the offices. Christine and Meg drove across to her house during their break, trying to think up sensible scenarios that might have caused Sorelli to miss work.

Meg knocked on the door and they waited for a reply. There wasn't one. Christine peered in through the window.

"The television is on. She must be home."

"Sorelli? It's us, Meg and Chrissie. Let us in." Meg called through the letterbox. After a couple of moments the door opened a crack and Sorelli's face appeared.

"What are you doing here?"

"Checking on you. You didn't call in for work." Meg said. Sorelli looked away and Christine frowned.

"Sorelli, have you been crying?"

Sorelli walked away, leaving the door open. Meg and Christine exchanged a worried glance before following her inside. Sorelli was crouched on the sofa, staring at the floor. Christine knelt in front of her.

"Sorelli, sweetie, what happened?"

"I…" Sorelli sniffed and suddenly burst into tears. Christine hastily hugged her whilst Meg found tissues. Once they had mopped her up a bit, Sorelli swallowed hard.

"I'm… I'm pregnant."

They stared at her. Meg spoke first, once she had come out of her shock.

"Wow… do you… I mean… who's…?"

"Steven. The guy from communications. We've been seeing each for about a month. No one at the office really knows, we didn't want to make a big deal of it." Sorelli mumbled.

"Does he know?"

"No one does. I don't know what to do…" Sorelli started to cry again. Christine rubbed her back slowly.

"It'll be OK."

"I can't take care of a baby! I can't even take care of myself enough to not get accidentally pregnant!" Sorelli pointed out. Meg stroked her hair softly.

"You really need to talk to Steven."

"I can't. It's all my fault…"

"Sorelli, I may not have been in the game for quite a while, but I do know it takes two people to make a baby." Christine pointed out. Sorelli looked at her, eyes watering.

"It is my fault. We were using protection, but I forgot to go to the doctors and pick up my pills. But… we were using condoms! I didn't think that-"

"Calm down." Meg said firmly. "Don't go getting all hysterical about this."

Christine went into the kitchen to make tea. When she returned, Meg was talking in a very sensible voice. She sounded very calm and sure.

"You do need to talk to Steven. But this is ultimately your decision. Being a mother isn't easy but I'll be here for you."

"So will I." Christine assured her.

"And if you decide to have a termination, we'll take care of you, OK?" Meg brushed Sorelli's hair back from her face. "So no more tears, no more panicking. Call Steven tonight, invite him over and explain everything. Let him decide what he wants to do and then you can make your decision based partly on what he says."

Sorelli looked from one to the other and bit her trembling lip.

"You… you guys are amazing…" She said, looking on the verge of tears.

"Meg, do you want to stay with Sorelli for the afternoon?" Christine asked. "I'll call Firmin and tell him."

"I'll stay. No arguments." Meg said, looking pointedly at Sorelli. She nodded and looked at Christine,

"Will you… will you tell Firmin? I don't want the whole office knowing, but he needs to know."

"Of course I will." Christine said. "I'll call a taxi and go back to the office now."

Firmin, as Christine and Meg had been, was extremely shocked. Christine hadn't given him details, such as who the father was, but it was still a big surprise.

"Well… I'll pop by at some point and see how she is." Firmin said eventually. "Does she know what she's going to do yet?"

"No, she hasn't even told the father yet."

"I see. I assume I don't need to tell you not to say anything to anyone."

"Of course not." Christine nodded.

She stayed at home that night, idly watching television. She wasn't really up to doing anything strenuous at the moment. Cat was clawing at the cat post she had bought at the weekend. Christine watched him for a few minutes before sighing.

When had life become so complicated?

A/N: I really rather like the characters of Meg and Sorelli, so I'm just trying to flesh them out a bit. Several people were asking for a dream for Christine. So here it is. Another huggle to IheartPOTO for more phanart! The website address is in chapter 17.

I keep getting messages from people, saying that various chapters aren't working. They are for me, so I'm not sure what's going on. Maybe it'd be better to ask the ff. net people?

I know, Christine and Erik are still separated. I'll try and remedy that soon, OK?

Love

Katie