Chapter 2: A Shadow
Christine woke the next morning to the sun falling on her face, and the realization that she was alone. As always, she kept her eyes closed for as long as possible, as if delaying the fact that she knew Raoul was no longer beside her. Moments later she got up and went about her morning routine, washing up, getting dressed, and arranging her stubbornly curly hair in the most reasonable way that she could manage.
She thought about attempting another baked good and abandoned the idea. Raoul had been so sweet about trying to eat the cake and he wouldn't admit that it was probably the worst thing he had ever tasted. Christine could admit it to herself though, and she disposed of it neatly.
Putting on a hat and locking the door behind her, Christine went for a walk, meandering along the streets of Paris. She looked in windows and smiled at the people that passed her by. She turned around a corner and walked across the street to the park. She came here with Raoul often, but never alone. Sitting down on a bench she took in the scenery, watching people walk by, sometimes along, or in couples. She watched their interactions, and as much as she appreciated being alone, it made her realize how much she enjoyed being with Raoul, who always knew what she was feeling, and what to do to make her smile. Suddenly, she was struck with the urge to go see Raoul and surprise him. She smiled to herself. That's exactly what he would love.
When Christine arrived at the building where Raoul's office was she approached the man at the desk. "Excuse me, monsieur, I'm here to see the Vicomte de Chagny."
The man frowned. "I'm sorry, mademoiselle, he left."
Christine was taken aback for a moment. "Do you know where he went?"
He looked closer to her and then nodded in recognition. "I didn't recognize you for a moment, Countess. I believe the Vicomte was feeling a little under the weather."
"Oh. Thank you, monsieur." Christine smiled at him and walked quickly out of the lobby and towards the apartment, wondering what it was that had caused Raoul to leave the office, knowing that he wouldn't take doing so lightly.
Christine took the steps leading up to the apartment two at a time, and unlocked the door quickly. Shutting it firmly behind her and locking it again.
"Raoul?" she called out, taking off her hat shoes. She heard a cough in response. "Raoul?" Entering the kitchen she saw Raoul trying to drink a cup of water, a bottle of some kind of medicine in his other hand. Immediately worried, Christine was at his side in an instant.
"What's wrong? Did you go to the doctor? What did he say?" she asked, taking his temperature with the back of her hand.
Raoul swallowed and shook his head. "No, I didn't, I'm fine really. I just feel a little feverish, that's all." He smiled to reassure her.
"What about this cough?"
"It's nothing, just clearing the lungs," he said, blowing it off.
"Alright, if you say so. You should go lie down, and get some rest," Christine suggested, pushing him gently towards the bedroom.
"Only if you come with me," he said, grinning.
Christine couldn't help but smile and laugh, following him to their room. Still, in the back of her mind, worry for Raoul crept in, casting a shadow over the brightness of her day.
Thanks to the readers who liked and reviewed! Please review if you read, liked, hated, or adored! I'll update as soon as I can. The chapters will definitely be getting longer, just bear with me.