Chapter 9: Impossible?
The audience was scrambling from their chairs to avoid the trembling chandelier above. Panic spread throughout the theatre, and screams were heard as the body of Piangi was discovered backstage.
Raoul was dumbfounded, unable to move from his seat. He had watched as his fiancée disappeared from the stage. What had he just witnessed? Christine had taken on a completely different persona, fire emerging from her usual timid self. The way she sang with that man seemed to indicate that she had, well, desired him! Raoul grew angry as he remembered the kiss. What the hell was she doing? She was his, his! And who was this man? Surely not Signor Piangi! Where had they gone? He had to find her; he had to get her back.
Jumping from his seat, he pushed through the crowds to the backstage area.
"Madame Giry! Please, Madame! Who was that man? And where have they gone?"
"Do not ask me. I know nothing, Monsieur!" she replied, hurrying to find her daughter.
"That's not true! I know that you know! Please, I love her!" Raoul's voice grew desperate.
She turned around to face him. "Alright, Monsieur. I will tell you. But not here. Follow me, s'il vous plaît."
Madame Giry hurried through the corridors to her room. They didn't have much time, so she would have to give him the short version.
Once there, they sat down facing each other.
Raoul was on the brink of tears. "Madame, who is he? Where did he come from? What is he doing with Christine? Where did they-"
"Please, Monsieur. We do not have much time. His name is Erik. I rescued him from the gypsies and brought him here as a young girl…" she launched into the tale, recounting Erik's tortured past, bragging of his musical genius, and all the while avoiding the title of 'Opera Ghost'.
"Monsieur, I believe they are in love with each other. What you saw on stage was not acting. Erik has loved her for many years, and I do believe she has finally returned emotion."
"Non! C'est impossible! She loves me! ME! We are engaged to be married! How could she do this to me? I have to speak to her, Madame! Where are they?"
"Come with me, Monsieur, I will take you to them. But remember; keep your hand at the level of your eyes!"