A/N: Alright, here's another chapter! Thanks to everyone who's reviewed, you guys are awesome!

Erickphan24601 – Haha I totally agree! Just thinking about kissing Raoul makes me nauseous!

Madame Sophie – Thanks a bunch! I've read your latest work, and plan on reviewing as soon as I upload this chapter!

Pertie – Awww, that was really sweet of you, I'm glad you like it!

Charity – Thanks for the input, I've gone back and changed it. You're right, Christine isn't very bright, but she's also still pretty confused. Unfortunately at the moment she seems to be turning to the wrong person for comfort!

And without further ado, I bring you the latest chapter! Oh, and I needed to speed things up, so it takes place a couple months after Christine and the fop became engaged… haha

Christine de Nuit

Chapter 6: Wandering Child

Several months had passed since Raoul's proposal, and Christine was so busy she barely had time to plan her wedding. It was only as she drifted off to sleep every night that she found the time to think of her future and how wonderful life would be for her.

The Opera house was brimming with excitement. They were preparing for the premiere performance of Don Juan Triumphant. Rumor had it that the managers had found the score in their office with a rather threatening note from the Opera Ghost himself, demanding that they follow his specific instructions as to how it would be performed. Christine had, of course, been given the role of leading soprano, with Signor Piangi as Don Juan. Rehearsals were going quite well and the managers were quite confident in its projected success.

Christine awoke the morning of the premiere feeling quite refreshed. She dressed quickly and stood before the mirror. She wanted to look extra special today, for Raoul was taking her out for a pre-celebratory lunch.

The thought of Raoul caused her to glance down at the extravagant ring upon her finger. She sighed deeply, closing her eyes. Being engaged to Raoul had been quite wonderful, but she always had the feeling that something was missing. He was always very courteous to her, his only sign of affection being a kiss to the cheek here and there. He spoke often of life after the wedding and how happy they would be. Christine hoped he was right.

Just then there was a knock at the door. "Come in," she called softly.

"Are you ready, my dear?" asked Raoul, brushing his lips against her warm cheek.

Christine smiled sweetly and nodded. Placing her cloak on her shoulders, she followed him out the door.

"Well, I have wonderful news, my dear," Raoul said as they sat down at the table.

"I have been to the priest, and have made arrangements for the wedding!" Raoul said excitedly, quite proud of the initiative he had taken.

"Oh Raoul, that's lovely! When are we to be married?" replied Christine.

"In three weeks time, darling. That will give you enough time to prepare, shan't it? With tonight being your last performance, you won't have to go to rehearsals anymore. That will give you more time to focus on the wedding and our future together." Raoul's face was buried in the menu, causing him to miss the confused look on Christine's face.

"W-What? My last p-performance? Tonight?" Christine's mind was spinning.

"Well of course, Little Lotte! Surely you didn't think you'd still perform after we're married! Women of such status don't partake in such filth! Besides, you will be too busy, what with all your duties to attend to; running the household, participating in society, attending to the children…" Raoul smiled at his last comment, "You won't sing after we're married. You'll never have to return to the Opera house again!"

Christine was shocked. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. No more singing? Never returning to her beloved home? Parting with music forever? This was not the life she had pictured!

She stood abruptly, knocking silverware to the floor. Raoul looked up, confused.

"Christine? Christine, where are you going?"

But she didn't hear him. Thoughts ran wildly throughout her head. She couldn't concentrate. She needed to be free.

She ran out the doors, heading for the one place where she could be alone and allowed to think.

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she entered the cemetery. She walked slowly, trying to collect her thoughts as she passed the cold statues of angels.

Kneeling before her father's grave, Christine sobbed into her cloak.

How had this happened? Her father had promised her an angel of music. That angel had turned out to be a horribly possessive man. Her childhood sweetheart had come back into her life, filling it with such joy. And now he was trying to take away her one true love – music. Hopelessness set in, and she collapsed on the wet ground, sobbing even harder.

Suddenly she felt warm arms around her. Who was it? Could it be…?

"Angel or Father, friend or phantom, who is it there?" Glancing up, she realized it was him.

Erik smiled, taking her into his arms.

"Have you forgotten your angel?" his voice encompassed her, and she breathed in his scent.

"Angel, oh speak! What endless longings echo in this whisper?"

"Too long you've wandered in winter, far from my fathering gaze," his whisper sent chills throughout her body.

"Wildly my mind beats against you…" Christine looked at him questioningly.

"Yet your soul obeys," he replied with finality.

"Angel of Music, I betrayed you! Turning from true beauty! Oh Erik! Please forgive me!" her eyes brimmed with fresh tears. She knew how hurt he had been when she had accepted Raoul's proposal; however it wasn't until this very moment that she realized how much it pained her to see her angel hurt.

Erik gently wiped her tears away with his thumbs. She seemed to be sincere, but could he trust her not to hurt him again? He had spent the past few months consumed by agony and hatred. And yet, despite her betrayals, he still loved her. He couldn't risk being hurt again, but perhaps he wouldn't have to. Maybe in forgiving her, they could still be friends…

"Yes, I forgive you. Now tell me, Angel, what is it that makes you cry so?" he leaned in, placing his lips to her forehead.

Christine was undone. Burying her face in his chest, she began to tell him of all that had transpired that day. Erik tightened his grip around her, gently stroking her curls.

"And then… Raoul… He said… Never singing again… No more Opera… Oh Erik! It was horrible!"

Erik's face exploded with anger. That fool had done this to her! He was condemning her to a life she didn't deserve! Taking away her one passion! How dare he!

"Hush, mon ange, it will be alright. I won't let any harm come to you. Of course you'll still come to the Opera, you can't waste your talent. Now come, we must leave. It is almost time for the gala! You wouldn't want to miss that, would you?"

She shook her head, and let him help her up. She was still confused as to what she would do, but Erik's words had comforted her in such a way that she could not be sad any longer. Looking sweetly at him, she allowed him to help her into his carriage. Erik took hold of the reins and soon they were on their way. Smiling, Christine succumbed to sleep, thoughts of Erik dancing in her head.

A/N: Alright, I'm sorry this chapter sucked. The next one will hopefully be much better...I think my Erik is getting a little out of character... I'll try and work on that too...gahhhh...will update soon!