Pieces of a Phantom Soul …..

Righto! I've finally finally FINALLY updated! Thanks as always to my dear Loz (erik'sangel527) for her encouragement and trust (this is like an Oscar speech!) and to Rhythmrains for being my only other reviewer so far…. Sob!

Right; here's chap 3. I've decided for no logical reason that Chris' chaps shall be delivered in 3rd person and Erik's in 1st. Why? Coz I'm the author and I say so! Gosh! Timeline note: I'm working off a more Leroux-based notion of Chris' age and subsequent travels; so for my tale she's currently about 12/13 and has been at the Populaire for about 5 months. I like the idea of her having had longer to spend with her father (and Raoul) before his death, as it builds a stronger need when he passes away (not that a young child doesn't mourn also, but the type of grief is a little different, if you get me.) Enough rambling!

Chapter 3: Father's faith

"Do I sing such songs as to mirror my life,

Or is life only lived in the songs that I sing?"

The demands of an angel; indeed they were as filled with the promise of a heavenly triumph and as tainted with threat of eternal damnation as any fable or psalm she had read as a child. In the moments of hardship, the hero would meet his challenges through the renewing power of faith and – though the quiet Christine was no martyr – she vowed to do the same.

Papa had promised and Papa had sent her angel and she would serve him with every remaining fragment of her fractured soul….

"Lyrics to give you purpose

Notes to set you on your course

A melody to move your aching feet

And a voice to guide you safely home…."

That's all for now folks; I like short chaps it seems – I'm sorry! I shall endeavour to build up more lengthy contributions. Do R&R, for I give cookies and milk, rather like Santa! … no wait……. Yeh, R&R!