A/N: Hi everyone! This week had been so busy for me with tests, papers, and quizzes filling up my schedule that seeing some reviews would make my day. And I'm sure some EC fans will be happy to know there's an encounter between the two. And it's not the last, only the beginning. :D

I'm sure that it's obvious that our Carlotta is Cat. I hate her to. Well, every dog has their day I'm afraid but when or where you need to stick around for. Thank you again for the wonderful reviews and please don't forget to review!

Chapter 6- The Message

"You must make your choice! The wedding or the requiem mass!"

"I have turned the scorpion!"

Violin playing, singing, and screams.

"The grasshopper jumps mighty high!"

"I promise!"

Darkness follows silence.

Christine started as the new images flew through her mind until nothing more. Her hands went into her curls as she got her breathing under control.

She shook her head and looked out into the pouring rain from outside her window. "Damn."

Christine threw off her covers and grasped for her crutches that were propped up next to the bed. Setting her left foot down she eased her cast right after and used the crutches to push herself up. Holding the bars Christine maneuvered her way out and into the kitchen, making less noise as possible.

Ever since she was stuck with the crutches, Christine needed help for the little things—opening doors, carrying items, and getting anything from the high shelves. Never had she felt so helpless and useless. The only good thing was the sweet notes and signatures of her friends on her cast.

But it prevents me from my job, she thought bitterly. She grabbed her cup from earlier and filled it up with water. Christine greedily drained it down and returned it under the faucet for another drink. Once it was filled, she hopped over to the table, placing the crutches on the floor quietly so she could sit. Sipping her water, she thought about her recent visit from her visions.

She would be lying to say they hadn't affected her on some level. More than ever they had become vivid, too real for her comfort, especially the last one. For the most part, they were only voices—male and female. She recognized the latter as her own but the other was a mystery. Despite the pain and lunacy etched in it, the former had a tinge of dark beauty. If he had been serenading her, Christine could have easily been entranced. The absurdity of the last thought, made her smile and shake her head. How ridiculous. I'm swooning over an enigma.

Pushing it aside, Christine thought back to the accident that cost her Marguerite. A few weeks passed since that day. And they were miserable.

Cat was indeed what she was—a cat, so sly and unpredictable. She knew there was a reason why she wasn't a cat person and this was a perfect example. Catarina Giovanni was jealous and spoiled. Before she couldn't have her way and now Christine had to pay the piper so Cat could take over. How convenient for her.

And it was. If Christine thought better, she could have swore this had to be some kind of setup. But what were the odds Cat knew of her prior to the incident? No one would believe her anyhow. She wasn't a rich little hussy that only one cry could make the world fall at her feet. It sickened her and more so that Raoul replaced her with that woman!

She understood until she was healed, they needed someone to take over for the time being. But Cat? And worse of all, she had a past with the owner, which could be taken to accounting. That is, if there was still electricity between the two.

Meg told her everything that occurred between the two including the heartache break-up. Thinking of Cat wrapped in Raoul's arms repulsed her and the type of relationship they might have had filled her with green. Simply seeing them in the same room made Christine want to throw up. The Italian wasn't good enough for him. She wondered if he might still have feelings for her…

When it came to relationships, Christine made a few mistakes in men she went out with. What if Raoul was the sort of fellow that couldn't let go of some illusion? From what Meg said, Raoul was smitten with Cat the moment they met. Maybe Cat wasn't a bad person once one got to know her like Raoul must have done. There had to be something about her that made him loved her. He wasn't a knucklehead so he couldn't be tricked easily by flashy looks and flirtatious talk, unless he was the candidate for "blinded by love". But they were together for nearly two years and feelings couldn't be completely doused so soon. How could she compete with former feelings?

"Then again, what makes you think he would want you? You're a real dreamer Christine Dawson," she said to herself.

Since she wasn't allowed to move so much on her ankle, Christine wasn't able to go to the Garnier like she would have hoped. Despite her not able to practice, she still rehearsed her part in the apartment with Meg like nothing happened. Meg once remarked that Christine knew the role better than Cat. Plus, Christine was pleasant to hear.

Well, I hope I know it well. Mom played Marguerite and I practically grew up with Faust, she thought.

But if Cat thought she beat her, she was far from it. Christine wasn't going to let anything stop her from doing the role she was meant to do. She was going to have a talk with de Chagny the next morning. When the cast was off, Christine would take her place whether or not if Signora Giovanni liked it. She would make sure that this was clear to him.

She downed the rest of her water and went to put it back on the counter. Once the glass sat down, the room quickly grew cold. Goose bumps coursed through her flesh and she shivered, as her pajamas weren't the best cover. Her hand was still wound around the cup, but she couldn't let go.

Looking down, she saw a hand over hers. Her eyes widened as she felt something press against her backside, pinning her petite frame against the counter. Wetting her lips, she tried assuring herself she was alone and it had to be some dream. Yes that's what it was. She must have fallen asleep at the table and this was a dream. Any minute she would wake.

She closed her eyes and waited but nothing happened. Opening one eye, she saw that pale hand still over hers. It was much bigger and strong looking that the owner could crush her own if he wished it. But what caught her attention was how translucent it was against her warm, peachy colored one. She had to stifle a gasp as the long, slender fingers began to gently caress her with extreme care like she was made out of glass.

She trembled in the chilling embrace, not sure whether she should scream or remain passive. But the next thing she knew, it had vanished.

Whirling around, Christine found herself alone in the empty kitchen. Still shaking, she let go of the glass and slowly walked out. Scanning the living room, she found no signs of another being here recently. Meg's door was slightly ajar and taking a deep breath, Christine went inside.

The moonlight streamed down on Meg's countenance, which her sleep didn't seem to be disturbed. Looking around, Christine made sure they were in fact alone before making her way out.

Closing the door, the brunette held her crutches tightly to her side. Did she imagine it all? She must have but Christine wasn't able to convince herself.

The apartment no longer was cold but it didn't calm her nerves. When she was trapped in the kitchen with that invisible body, Christine had oddly enough found it comforting and arousing. And that terrified her.

xxXXxx

"Do you want me or Maman to go in there with you? It wouldn't be a problem."

"Naah Meg. I can handle this myself. I'm a big girl after all," Christine laughed. "But thanks for the offer."

Meg smiled. "No problem. Tell the jerk you mean business."

"Don't worry I will." She winked.

They approached de Chagny's office door and before Christine knocked, Meg tugged on her sleeve gently.

"Christine, about this morning. I know bad time to bring it up, but you looked awful. Or you sure everything is all right? If you're not then this isn't a good idea and I'll take you home. You can always talk to him some other day."

Christine sighed. "Trust me it was nothing. I'm fine. Don't worry about me Meg. Besides, I had another bad dream that's all."

"You've been having a lot of bad dreams lately." It wasn't just a statement it was also a suspicious remark.

She didn't reply. Christine wasn't all together ready to tell Meg the truth, whether if she should or shouldn't. She knocked on his door twice before going inside without giving Meg another glimpse.

Inside she found Raoul typing away in frenzy, his jaw set in determined concentration.

"Um, M. de Chagny?"

He looked up startled. Seeing Christine, he relaxed as a boyish grin broke out across his solemn expression. "Ah! Christine Dawson. Good morning. How's your ankle?"

"It's better now, thank you." Christine returned his smile as she took a seat. "The doctor said I should be getting the cast off soon. Luckily, I didn't damage it too badly. In fact, he said if I continue to lay off it for a while longer I would be able to come back."

"Oh… I see." Raoul averted his attention away from Christine back to his computer.

Christine frowned at this. What got into him all of a sudden? "I'm sorry but am I missing something here?"

"What do you mean?" he questioned innocently.

She waved her hands. "This. I said I would be able to come back and you go, 'Oh I see'. Did I miss some kind of signal?"

"Christine…" he started.

"It's Mlle Dawson," Christine corrected coldly. "You were saying."

Raoul sighed, running a hand through his flaxen hair. "I'm sorry for what happened. Really I am. But until you're well…"

"I am well!" Christine blurted out angrily. "So this was a minor setback. I'm not completely worthless."

"I know that!" Raoul shot back. "It's just… Christine…"

He caught "Dawson" mumbled under her breath and said, "All right Mlle Dawson. I didn't want to do this either but I had no choice. When the star is incapable to perform for the time being then we must have a replacement. The show must go on."

"Yes the show must go on but her? I have a bad feeling about her sir and…"

He cut her off with a short laugh. "Mlle Dawson, I've known Catarina for four years now. Tell me something I don't know."

"Okay but don't you think that accident was too… what's the word? Fortuitously perhaps?"

"Christine."

She raised an eyebrow. "Well? Think about it. I sang and a set comes this close from squashing me."

"Do you honestly think that Cat had something to do with it? Listen to yourself! She's a goddamn professional singer! She's not that capable to come up with something like that on the spot. Besides, like I said, I knew her for some time and believe me when I say that Cat will never intentionally harm someone. And she has no reason to hurt you. You two hardly know each other and already you're at each other's throats."

"Excuse me for thinking about my close-death encounter. And of course, how terrible of me to accuse her of my misfortune," Christine replied sardonically. "But what I really would like to know is what will happen when I can get on that stage to sing? You can't have two Marguerites. One of us has to be the understudy."

"I know," he answered. "And I thought about it. I'm sure you know very well that my position isn't the best when it comes to situations like these. Having to choose from two talented singers is difficult."

Christine nodded. "I understand that M. de Chagny, I do. And I know I must sound like some selfish child right now but—"

He held his hand up to silence her. "Your actions are justified. But this is not easy for me to say this. Christine you have a lovely voice and I'm glad to see you put such talent to good use."

Christine could feel her heart sinking. Without knowing, she had a good idea where this was going to lead. She forced a tiny smile and nodded. Don't cry girl. Don't cry.

"But there's more to it than a pretty voice, you understand. It's the people attending I must think of as well. Cat is well known. Her cousin is a popular opera singer and basically everyone around has heard of the 'Giovanni Girls'. She has a name that will pull people into the theatre."

"And I can't do that?" She accidentally let the disappointment slipped through.

"I didn't mean it in that way," Raoul spoke softly. "The last thing I would want to do is to hurt you."

"I-I know," Christine's voice shook. Look at yourself! You're not a little kid anymore. Why can't you take this easily? Humiliated, Christine lowered her face so she wouldn't have to look into his eyes. She wasn't sure how long she could last if she had to stare into those puppy blue eyes.

Raoul felt horrible. He hated to bring down this girl's hopes and dreams. Christine Dawson was unlike any person he ever met. He knew she was the sort that couldn't harm a flea without apologizing. And that made him feel all the more like an ass. She has every right to hate you know.

Getting up, he walked around so he was in front of her. Gently, he placed his finger under her chin and lifted her up so he could look at her.

If he had felt worse moments ago then this added on the guilt. He could see how hard she was trying to keep her emotions in check. Her large brown eyes were wide with anguish, and her bottom lip slightly quaked. Look what you did you heartless man. You're no better than him.

He knew she was the better choice. If someone were to ask him would it be her or Cat, he would have chosen Christine without another thought. But this didn't concern his feelings alone. He wasn't lying when he said he had to think about the patrons as well. They were the huge part in this game. And he had to deliver what they want most. And the public loves the Giovanni's.

"I don't want to lose you," Raoul said. He paused realizing how cliché it had sounded and how it could be taken to mean another thing. But he didn't want to lose Christine Dawson, not that he had her here. And maybe he was also acting selfish too, but he didn't want this girl to go anytime soon.

"Until then, you're going to be Cat's understudy. She maybe not be too happy about that, but I have the final say. And if down the line something doesn't go right for Cat then you'll take her place."

"Okay." It wasn't what she wanted, but it was something. At least she knew she wouldn't be leaving for New York anytime soon. "Thank you for your time… Raoul."

He smiled and helped her out the door. Raoul leaned against the doorframe watching Christine go. She never ceases to amaze me.

Christine caught up with Meg, Jamie, and Stacey standing outside by the dressing rooms. As soon as she got over there, they jumped her with questions.

"How did it go?"

"Is Cat leaving?"

"You're not returning to New York, are you?" (Courtesy of Jamie)

Christine told them what they discussed and his decision.

"I know it's not what I had thought," Christine confessed. "But it's something. And I do get to stay so that's a big plus."

"Yeah but I would have stayed until I made sure I got my lead part back," Stacey interjected. "If that bitch tried to take my job there will be Hell to pay."

"What makes you think anyone would want your job?" Meg asked. She turned to Christine. "Are you sure this will be all right?"

"Yeah. Who knows what the future might hold for me. My mother used to tell me that 'Good things come to those who wait' and I have the patience for it. Though, I'm not sure if I can say the same for Cat Giovanni."

xxXXxx

Cat twirled around in the middle of her dressing room, giddiness and triumph exploding within. Finally… finally she was the star of the show! And the best part was that she got away with it too. Had it been Maria she wouldn't have been so fortunate.

She giggled uncontrollably and spun around once more for good measure. The dressing room was formerly Maria's and it was such a beautiful one that she put to waste. But not Cat.

Within the a couple of days, she made herself right at home by hanging up some paintings and pictures on the walls, and throwing in some candles and room scents. Maria simply ruined it by leaving the walls dull in its crimson pattern. The only thing lively in it was that blasted parrot of hers. And how Cat hated Carlotta! If it wasn't bad enough, Maria was in the midst of teaching her to sing.

Too bad she's dead, Cat thought, a wicked grin plastered on her face. She didn't know who killed the bird, but whoever did it she was thankful for taking that wretched creature out of her side. Cat wasn't sure how long she could have put up with that inferno squawking before she did the deed herself. And also, it started the clock for Maria's leave. A few threatening notes sent to her, missing costumes, etc, and the tip of the iceberg had been the "murder" attempt. It had been perfect for her.

But she couldn't relish in her victory when Maria walked out the doors. It would have been improper after all those years of sucking up to become Maria's favorite cousin.

It had been grueling, but at the end it was worth the prize.

When Raoul asked Maria to work at the Garnier, Cat thought it would never be possible. For as long as she could remember, Cat wanted to sing on stage. But Maria had been the one with the connections to get such a dream to come true. So in order to obtain that status, she remained by her dear cousin's side offering as much help as she could. She was positively delighted when Maria requested that she should be her understudy. It was a start, of course, but Cat had been fortunate enough on a couple of occasions to take over for Maria.

Those times were unlike anything Cat experienced. Being the one that all adored and admired, she knew she had to have more. Her goal to be Prima Donna became a driven target for her. Nothing could stop her from getting that position. Except Maria.

The first year was very long. Cat performed some minor roles and did take Maria's place that time. But when it came to something she really wanted, Catarina Giovanni had no patience.

Yet, she believed she found the incentive to be on top. And that had been Raoul de Chagny.

Since they were hired, Cat recognized his apparent attraction to her. What man couldn't? They had their moments when they flirted on and off at work, but neither she nor he made the first move. At first it had to do with that he wasn't her type of guy. He was cute, yes, but Cat wanted more. But when Cat began to realize that if she didn't take the chance she might still be stuck as understudy. Raoul was her ticket to being the lead and protocol was needed.

So they dated for the next two years. She picked on up his silly feelings for her from the start and had tried to use them for her advantage. But he had to be noble and tell her he wanted to maintain a professional relationship at the Garnier. This wasn't what she had planned for, but Cat did try to gain some special privileges that only fell flat through. Raoul de Chagny knew his beliefs and he stuck by them unconditionally.

But that didn't excuse him being a man. And all men could be cracked easily given the right pressure.

When they started going out, Cat played hard to get. It was a role she knew all too well and played perfectly. His frustration was evident and Cat enjoyed the power she had over him. So in hopes thinking if she let him win she would move up, so Cat gave in.

And boy was she dead wrong.

Raoul wouldn't give her Maria's job (the fool couldn't take subtle hints), but instead he offered her what he thought was the best. A future. Their future.

Cat knew from the start he was the type of man who would want to settle down and screw the fun. But she never expected the turn to happen so suddenly. She was in too deep. And there was one thing left for her to do. Cat had to get out. And fast.

Cat felt no remorse when she broke up with him. In fact, she blamed him for making her do it. Raoul had proposed and right there she told him she never wanted that life with him. She wasn't ready to settle down and probably never will. The man was hurt but Cat couldn't give a flying fig. He should have known from the start that she never wanted marriage. So she let him sulk.

But losing Raoul didn't mean that much to her. It wasn't like she was getting anywhere with him that she wanted. So Cat kept up the part of doting cousin as the threats on Maria took place. At first, Cat dismissed them and assured Maria she had nothing to fear and that it had to be a prank. The major flaws in her cousin were that Maria was gullible and had a sense of taking everything to heart. Both were superstitious with Maria being the strict one. It never occurred to Cat that it might have been the doings of the Phantom.

Despite the notes, Maria went out to sing. Another trait that all of the Giovanni family has was their stubbornness. And Maria wouldn't stop no matter what, thanks to Cat's support.

Thoughts of leaving hadn't occurred until Carlotta was found dead. The ballet girls began spreading rumors of the Phantom of the Opera and how he wanted Maria to leave. Maria was scared out of her mind at the bulletin and went to Cat for advice. Then she wanted to leave. As much as Cat would have liked her to, it wasn't the right timing to enforce it just yet.

Cat managed to convince Maria to go on in memory of Carlotta. It wasn't until a few days later that Maria couldn't go on anymore. It was that evening.

Cat still could remember the frantic call she got that following morning. Maria was completely hysterical that Cat had to go over to find out what was wrong. She saw the bruises and Maria told her to not even try to talk her out of it. She was sure it had been the Phantom and she couldn't stay knowing how close she came to losing her life.

Maria quit and Cat had no choice at the moment but to follow. After they were gone, Cat began planning her return without Maria's knowledge. She was going to wait to see how desperate Raoul became before hiring another girl before she would walk in. But the table turned when Maria informed her of Christine Dawson, New York, was the new leading lady at the Garnier.

Cat was outraged. They were gone not even for a whole month and already there was a replacement. So that was when Cat dropped in to chat with Raoul. She thought she would be able to sweet-talk him out of it, but it didn't work. He was smart in her ways so she needed a new route if she wanted to be Prima Donna.

So she had asked to hear her sing. It was the front she needed. While Raoul was giving his little speech, she had snuck out and met up with Joseph Brolin. She had a bone to pick with him and now she had a way to get him to do what she wanted.

Everyone knew he had problems. And he was always stuck in debt to his supplier. But Cat could make it possible for him to pay it off without losing his head. She offered him the cash if he would scare the girl senseless so she would leave. She never counted on Christine's ankle to break in the process. But it didn't matter. She was in and Christine was out… temporarily. Yes, the girl was now her understudy but she wasn't going to let that bother her.

She had won. And she was Marguerite.

Laughing, Cat pulled out her hairpins releasing her wavy black hair. She shook her curls until she had them in place. Satisfied, she proceeded to brush her hair while humming.

The chattering of the chorus girls out in the hallway was beginning to simmer and eventually died down. Cat was alone. Just the way she liked it.

Setting the brush down, she looked into the mirror to check herself before leaving. What she didn't expect to see was a scowling white face glaring spitefully at her, the eyes sparks of fire.

Her emerald eyes widened and gasping, she turned around to find… no one behind her.

Cat chuckled nervously. "Oh Catarina! You picked up on Maria's paranoia."

Shaking her head, she stood up to gather her purse only to freeze.

On the wall, terrible scratching marks all jagged were appearing on the wall. Holding her breath, she didn't scream until she saw the ghostly message:

CuRioSitY AlWaYs KilLs ThE CaT.

TBC…