I am updating again! Oh, no more updates for at least eight days, I'm going on vacation. Well, I should go. I have to go pack! R&R please!
phantomoftheopera92
Chapter 4: The Rehearsal
Christine sat alone on the edge of the stage, staring out into the empty rows of chairs. In her mind she saw nothing but Erik's gleaming white mask. She could still hear his words over and over again. You were nothing but an old picture on her nightstand for sixteen years!
She felt awful, but what could she do? Surely, she must do something.
Christine stood, and walked towards the room where she and Raoul were staying until The Phantom of the Opera was finally performed.
For now, she would rest. In the morning there was to be a full dress rehearsal, which she was going to attend.
The next morning Christine woke from a restless sleep. All night she had dreamt only of her beloved Erik. Christine quickly got dressed and made her way to the stage.
She greeted everyone politely before sitting down next to Raoul in the otherwise empty audience.
Elizabeth stepped onto the stage to sing Think of Me. Dark lines had formed under her eyes, as if she had not slept at all the night before. Then she sang. Her voice clear and beautiful, Christine could only stare. Elizabeth's voice exceeded even her own.
Elizabeth was so similar to Christine in her voice, her appearance, and the way she looked as if she were at peace when she was on the stage.
Little did Christine know, Elizabeth had many thoughts racing through her mind at that very moment.
After Christine had left the night before, Elizabeth had gone to comfort her father. He had admitted to Elizabeth that he still loved Christine, but could not forgive her for what she had done to them.
That afternoon, Christine went to talk to Elizabeth.
"Could you hear us last night?" Christine asked her young daughter.
"Yes." She replied so quietly, that Christine almost did not hear her.
"I am sorry for not being there for you all these years, but I just couldn't… I couldn't face your father, after I left…" Christine said softly, close to tears. She was hoping that at least Elizabeth would believe her, even if Erik didn't.
"I know." Elizabeth did her best to hide her anger. She was upset with Christine for bringing her father to tears. Erik, the strongest person she knew, was brought to tears by this, this, girl. This girl who he loved, who had broken his heart sixteen years ago, and had come back… to break his heart again.
She felt horrible. Elizabeth knew that it was really her fault, all that had happened. She was the one who had brought Christine, she was the one who had reunited them, and she was the one who had been the root of their argument. She knew that it was not solely her fault, and she was still angry with Christine, but deep down, Elizabeth felt that much of this was because of her.
"Are you going to say more than two words to me?" Christine tried to talk to Elizabeth, although it was clear she didn't want to talk.
"No." Elizabeth feared that if she were to say any more, then she would surely burst into tears.
"Alright, I understand. You need to be alone. I feel that way sometimes. You really don't know how alike we are, you and I. I know that you are probably angry with me, and you have every right to, but I want you to know that I really am sorry."
Elizabeth nodded quickly and looked down, and with that Christine walked away.
TBC…