As Raoul maneuvered them back to the chaos of the opera house, Christine looked back with growing uncertainty. Why did she go back to her Angel once more? She had wanted to say goodbye, to have closure, but he looked so broken and vulnerable sitting there seeking comfort from his music box it broke her heart. When he gazed up at her with hope in his eyes, she felt despicable. What did I do to him? Christine was not prepared for the feelings that came flooding in. She ran away before they could affect her anymore. Raoul was the logical choice. He was steadfast, loving, tender, calm, and protective. He was a link to her father. But with her Angel, there was something else, a longing that was foreign and frightening. He scared her with his uncontrollable rants and violent outbursts. And then there was his music. So beautiful it could make angels cry. But he was a murderer. I made the right choice, she said, banishing the feelings that were creeping up on her again. He let us go. He wanted me so much but he let me go.Why?

What he caught in her eyes gave him hope, but she ran away. As he watched her walk away once more, he felt what was left of his mangled heart being ripped apart. Of course she doesn't want you. Who could ever love something as hideous as you! But she kissed me. It was breathtaking. She did it to save her precious Viscount. Nobody has ever kissed me before. She was probably thinking of him the whole time. But she came back. Hearing the mob descending into his lair, he dragged himself to his escape. Not wanting to be caught in this miserable state, he disappeared into the mirrors he despised.

Six Months Later

What am I doing here, I don't belong. Christine was at yet another ball being paraded around on Raoul's arm. Doesn't he see how people look at me? Tonight she was dressed in another virginal white lacey gown, masquerading as an innocent angel. No matter how he dresses me up I will always be an opera singer to them. While Raoul was absorbed in a pointless conversation, Christine was trapped at his side, unnoticed. At least this is better than them insulting me. She much preferred the rants of Carlotta to the exchanges she shared with the ton. Any comments that were directed towards her were full of thinly disguised contempt. She had learned quickly to defend herself and eventually even to strike back. How Raoul was oblivious the exchanges baffled her. How silly we were to think that our love could mask our difference in station. Christine's relief was evident as Raoul began to take his leave for the evening.

Once in the carriage with Raoul, Christine felt much better. She cuddled up next to him and rested her head on his shoulder, taking his hand in hers.

"How much longer do we have to wait?"Christine asked looking at the floor of the carriage.

Raoul sighed and replied, "Just until my brother returns, it will be soon love, don't worry" The carriage lurched forward as they started on their way home.

"It's already been six months and I wish to leave for the country soon." Christine was still looking at the floor and picking at the folds in her dress.

"Why do you want to go to the country so badly? Don't you like the city?" Raoul asked, very concerned. The passing streetlamps were dancing over his face between the shadows.

"No." Christine said simply looking up at Raoul, hoping he would understand.

"Why not!" An incredulous Raoul shifted himself away from Christine to look as if for the first time.

Christine sighed and looked back down at the floor, "Because I don't belong. People here treat me horribly."

"Oh don't be silly Christine, they all love you. You are just imagining things." Raoul stated, obviously relieved by Christine's reasons as he settled back against the seat closing his eyes. Christine stared at Raoul's profile trying to figure out how he came to that conclusion. Christine sighed submissively and rested her head on his shoulder once again.

"Don't worry Christine, Philip will be back sooner then you think and then all will be well." Raoul said, absurdly pleased with himself for soothing Christine's worries. Christine just murmured and pretended to have fallen asleep.

Fifteen minutes later the carriage pulled up to a shadowy De Chagny's estate. Christine some how managed to wake up just as Raoul attempted to carry her inside. Raoul escorted a groggy Christine to her room. Once they reached Christine's bedroom door, Raoul gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead and bid her goodnight. As soon as Christine was safe behind her door she was nowhere near as tired as she portrayed. Nervous from her charade with Raoul, she jumped when her maid tried to get her attention from the back of the room.

As soon as her maid undid her laces Christine dismissed her needing to be alone. She hated having people do everything for her. She was used to being self sufficient and took pride in it. Now she was barely allowed to wash herself in the bath. What she wanted was a companion, a friend who she could share her feelings and worries with. She thought she had that with Raoul, but obviously he couldn't understand her feelings. Only her angel truly understood her; sometimes even better than she. At this thought Christine froze while in the middle of changing into her dressing gown. Where did that thought come from? As the gown floated down to her feet his song drifted into her mind. The song her angel sang to her when he first brought her to his lair.

Nighttime sharpens, heightens each sensation. She shivered. A light breeze drifted through the open terrace windows. She walked out onto the balcony drawn by the moonlight. As soon as she stepped out into the cool night air she was transported back to that first night. She could almost feel his hands upon her again caressing her slowly with his black leather gloves.

Darkness stirs, and wakes imagination. She closed her eyes losing herself to those sensations. Fearing yet desperately wanting to know what they were; what they would lead to. No longer in control of her thoughts, they wandered to what could have happened that night if she hadn't fainted. He would have led me to his bed and I would have been completely willing. She shuddered as the rest of her memories came flashing back. She shook her head to attempt to clear them from her mind.

Silently the senses, abandon their defenses. Not again. I mustn't think of it. It will only lead to trouble. She glanced back into the room towards one of her dresser drawers. No! She felt her body moving towards it ignoring her pleas. She reached out for the top right drawer. Triggering a hidden mechanism she opened a secret compartment. Inside was a single dried rose with a black ribbon tied around it and a ghostly white mask. She thought of the kiss she shared with him and how frightening her reaction was. Her hand shaking, she reached out to touch the mask. As soon as her fingers felt the soft leather, she snatched her hand back as if it was burned and slammed the drawer shut.