Author's Note: Thanks again for those who left me love! I'm glad y'all are enjoying the story as much as I'm writing it. Reminder, I don't own anything! I wish I did…cause then I'd be rich! Hah! But oh well…one can dream huh? On to the fic!

Breaking Down

Chapter 3: The Road Foreword

The following morning Christine and Raoul got ready to leave. Madame Giry gave them directions to the chateau and offered them some food for the trip. Raoul decided to use his horse and carriage that had brought them there the day before.

"We should stop and pick up some clean clothes before we leave Paris," Raoul stated as they climbed into the carriage.

"That would be a good idea," Christine agreed.

The two sat silently as the carriage made its way back to the Vicompte's estate. They pulled gently up to the steps and Raoul offered his hand as Christine stepped out after him. When she had left yesterday she wasn't sure if she would be back. At least, not that quickly.

She made her way to her room, not noticing the looks of the people around her. Grabbing a small trunk, she began putting her dresses in them. After placing a few more items in there, she called for the butler standing by her door.

"Take these to the carriage, Francois." She stated.

"Yes, Madame."

Looking at herself in the mirror, she decided it was best to change into a different dress. Stepping out of the blue gown, she reached into her closet once more. She decided on a forest green colored frock and quickly slid it over her head. After buttoning the final latch, she turned back to the mirror. Grabbing her brush she pulled the lose curls away from her face. Grabbing a green clasp from her table and carefully clipped her hair.

After making sure that she had everything she needed she made her way back towards the carriage.

"I was beginning to wonder where you were. I had thought I might need to send a search party after you," Raoul smiled gently.

Christine could not help but smile back. He was being so nice to her, and it hurt. She could at least handle the polite quietness shared between them, but when he treated her so kindly, it broke her heart.

"Shall we go?" She asked.

Raoul nodded and opened the door for her. He wanted to see her happy but he wasn't sure how much more he could take of this.

Handing the driver the directions to the Giry estate the two travelers climbed back into the buggy. Christine on one side, and Raoul on the other.

After about an hour of riding through the streets of Paris and into the countryside, Christine noticed that Raoul had fallen asleep. Reaching into her small bag she pulled out an object covered in a handkerchief. Making sure that Raoul really was asleep, she unwrapped the parcel. Turning it over in her hand she began to trace the lines of the mask once again. The smooth porcelain felt different than it had when Erik had worn it. It was cold and lifeless, unlike when he had it on it almost seemed to come alive, like it was part of the opera ghost. Wrapping it back up, she slid it back into its shelter. She soon caught herself watching the people and area outside the window. A few more hours and she would be at his door. Face to face with him, and she only hoped that he wouldn't shut the door on her.

Erik was busy at the piano in the great room the only sound that could be heard was the sounds of the instrument. His hair was disheveled and his sleeves were rolled up as he continued to slam his hands into the keys. He was upset and you could tell. Only that morning he had discovered a rose garden and it had reminded him of Christine. He had grabbed the closest sharp object, a pair of sheers, and began to cut the buds off of the bushes. He had almost cut off every single flower when he came to an usual looking rose. It wasn't the normal red, or white, but a deep blood color speckled with a lighter red. He knew he had no right destroying something so unique, which only made him more upset. So he ended up sitting in front of the piano, slamming out different compositions.

Before he knew it, it was time to have dinner. Every day a young woman would come and fix him meals, always leaving before he entered the dinning hall, as was instructed by him. She was a fine cook, and he enjoyed hearing someone else in the house. He could smell something cooking and decided it was best to clean himself up. Even if he was going to be the only person eating at the table, he felt that he should still look his best.

After changing into one of his dark suits, he made his way down the stairs and listened for any signs of life. Nothing, the woman was gone, and his dinner was waiting for him at the table.

Walking into the dinning hall, the great mahogany table lay before him, long enough to seat 14 people and freshly polished, it seemed as if royalty could sit there. Of course, Erik wouldn't have anything less, he liked things perfect and he liked them to be well made. His suits, of course, weren't cheap. They were made of the finest silks and cottons. Thankfully he had saved a large sum of money over the long years, so he didn't mind the prices at all. All he had to do now was to find himself a more permanent residence. He knew he wouldn't be able to stay here forever. Pulling the chair out from the table, he sat down and began to eat.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Erik really didn't care and thought that if he ignored it, the person would go away. Just as he was about to put another piece of steak into his mouth another, louder, knock resounded through the halls.

Slamming his fork down, he stood up and made his way towards the door. The person on the other side was going to be awfully sorry that they had disturbed his dinner. Grabbing the handle, he pulled it open.

"There had better be a good reason for disturbing my dinner!" He screamed. Then he looked up into the eyes of his guest.

"Hello Erik."

Ooooh….what will happen next! Who knows! Hopefully I do lol. I hope you guys enjoyed the next installment of Breaking Down. R&R Please!Later!