Chapter 14- Another Duel
Christine wiped any tears left on her face with her handkerchief and composed herself. Raoul waited for her towards the entrance of the Opera House. He looked impatient. Christine put on a smile and rushed to him. He gave her a polite embrace and urged her into their carriage. He held out his hand to help her in and she sat down and waited for him to slip in next to her.
The ride was usually silent but Raoul seemed compelled to speak to Christine,
"So I assume you paid our respects to that singer… what was his name?"
"Enrique, yes… he seemed flattered. It is hard to tell, you know how arrogant opera singers can be."
Raoul turned towards Christine, "I don't remember you ever being arrogant Christine. I think some people are just more prone to be arrogant once success hits."
"Well I hardly got enough success to determine that, Raoul," Christine blurted out.
Raoul playfully poked Christine, "That's because I'm the luckiest guy in the world and you married me."
Christine brushed his hand away, "Don't try to be cute about it, Raoul. Every time I set foot in that opera house I regret everything I've given up for you. I just don't understand why I can't sing. It is so important to me Raoul…"
"You just can't stay away from that building, can you? It reminds you of him! Christine you are MY wife, you chose ME! If you wanted him, you should have picked him."
Christine stood up and screamed, "STOP THE CARRIAGE!" The horses whinnied and she lost her balance as the carriage halted to a stop. Raoul slid off his seat on top of her. She clawed her way out from underneath him and opened the carriage door. Stepping out of the carriage she felt free. She knew once Raoul got to his feet he would try to stop her, she did not know what might happen.
Her boots crushed the mixture of mud and snow on the ground, soiling the hems of her skirts. She could not take large footsteps but tried to run as fast as she could back towards the main road. She heard Raoul's footsteps behind her catching up quickly.
Christine broke into a run, "Leave me be Raoul I'm going back to Paris. I am finished with you! Finished!" Raoul caught up with her and grabbed her hands,
"I won't let you go Christine! I love you! Don't do this!" Christine wrestled in his grasp and when he would no let her go, she slapped his face with her gloved hand. Raoul flinched but would not let her go. This time she slapped him harder and he clutched his face letting her go. She took her opportunity and ran, twisting her ankle in the process she kept running.
Raoul had almost caught up with her again but suddenly someone jumped out of nowhere and Raoul stopped following. Christine stopped and turned around afraid of what she might see. Raoul was now standing, shocked by the impact, and stumbled backwards looking for his assailant.
Christine knew who it was as soon as she saw him. A figure in black pulled out what looked like a black ribbon and aimed it for Raoul. Christine anticipated what was about to happen and stepped in between Raoul and the attacker and blocked the noose with her hand. The Punjab lasso wrapped around her wrist and tightened.
Christine turned towards the caped man, "No! That's enough!" The lasso undid itself and the masked man now spoke, "My dear Vicomte, it seems you have stepped in between Christine and her music. I will ask you and I will not ask again… do not come near her again unless she wishes it."
Raoul held his sword up, "I knew you were not dead, I could feel it!" He put his sword away and glanced at Christine sadly. "You want to return to this monster… that's your decision. I've had enough." He trudged back to the carriage, got in, and rode away.
It was freezing outside and it had begun to snow. The flakes stuck in her hair like tiny crystals. She saw Erik breathing tuffs of white smoke from the cold; he lowered his hood and removed the mask. Christine felt so overwhelmed by regaining her freedom and having her Angel help her again. She uncertainly walked up to Erik until they were practically touching.
Erik moved his gloved hand to her hair and stroked the snow out of it. Christine closed her eyes, content with the sensation. She put her own gloved hands on his arms, entwining herself with his protection. After awhile of silence, they embraced and Erik whispered into her ear, "I'm so sorry Christine… I cannot believe I have become the very thing that I have despised most of my life. I promise I'm not the same person, I promise. Seeing how I hurt you… I wanted to hurt you like you'd hurt me. But I couldn't go through with it… I knew I had to bring you back to me, to music. You belong to Music."
Christine whispered back, "I belong to you." The snow fell harder and yet seemed to avoid them as they kissed, shielding them in a protective blanket that could never be broken.