It's been fun. Here's the last chapter


Ever After

March 2nd 1992

60 year old Rose sat in her usual chair by the television watching the NBC miniseries "Phantom" based on the musical by Yeston and Kopit that she recorded. It stared Charles Dance as the Phantom and Teri Polo as Christine. Rose smiled while watching it. She has seen every version of the story at least 5 times. She liked this version, along with all the different ones but none seem to come close to the truth. She highly doubted any version ever will.

The closest to the truth she has seen so far was Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical version. How he found out so much of their history was beyond her.

When the movie was over Rose sighed and picked up her favorite book, Phantom by Susan Kay.

'Now this book has a lot of potential.' Rose thought. Next to her arm was the book by Gaston Leroux, which she has read at least 20 times. One of her friends informed her of Susan Kay's book and said it was marvelous. Rose now had to read it for herself.

"Grandma…we're leaving soon." Christine yelled. Rose dropped the book and hurried to get up. This was going to be her 10th Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom show. Each time she went it still felt like the first time. The music captivated her in ways she could never describe.

The seven kids and their grandma hurried into the family car. Rose got into the front seat and started driving to Broadway. Times Square is always breathtaking for Rose, and every time she goes by she has to stop and look at all the lovely buildings and lights. They finally made it to Majestic Theatre were the Phantom was being performed.

When they got into the theatre Rose was so anxious to find her seat and wait for the curtains to rise. 14 year old Christine smiled at her grandmother and said, "My name is the same as one of the characters."

Christine had never seen the show or any versions of the Phantom. Rose smiled at her and replied, "You're named after her."

Christine's eyes grew wide, "Really?"

"Really." Her grandmother replied with a soft laugh.

Christine looked at her friend Antoinette and smiled, "I'm named after one of the characters!"

Rose laughed at her young Christine's excitement. She told them the story of the Angel of Music, but not the story of the Phantom. The kids never seemed interested in it. Whenever they saw their grandmother's obsession they would roll their eyes. Tonight she got them to go see the show, and later she may tell the truth.

The kids for once sat in awe because of the show. They seemed so intrigued by the story and the drama. Rose smiled to herself and thought of her family history.

After the show Christine walked up to Rose and said, "I don't like the ending."

"Many people don't. But then again, a lot of people do like the ending."

"I don't. I feel bad for the Phantom."

"Yes, many feel bad for Erik."

"Erik?" Christine asked.

"Yes…even the Phantom has a name!" Rose said.

The eight of them drove to Rose's home. They were all going to have a sleep over after the show. Rose made some cookies for them and some jell-o.

The older woman walked into the living room with the cookies and jell-o while Christine and Katie discussed the musical they just saw.

Rose piped up, "I know the truth of the Phantom."

That grabbed all the kids' attentions.

"How would you know?" Michael asked.

"Because we are descendants of Erik and Christine, and Raoul and Meg."

"You're lying." Justine said.

"No, I'm not." Rose got up and grabbed a family tree. "See here?"

She pointed to the De Chagny line and traced it down to them.

"But Erik didn't end up with Christine." Katie stated.

"Who says they didn't end up together?" Rose replied.

They kids stared at the map and Rose continued, "Katie, Christine, Erik, and Michael are descendants of Erik and Christine. Antoinette, Justine, and Kristen are descendants of Raoul and Meg."

"Wow!" Christine exclaimed. She seemed to be the only one buying any of this.

"How do we know you're not tricking us?" Kristen asked.

"I'm telling the truth…you don't have to believe me." Rose said, "…why do you think I'm so obsessed with the story?"

"I thought it was because you're a fan of it." Michael answered.

"Well that is true but the reason I am a fan of it is because it is based on our family history." Rose replied.

"I believe you, grandma." Christine said.

Rose smiled and hugged her, "Good. I'm glad one of you believes me."

The kids ate their food and studied the family tree Rose had. Rose sat back in her chair and smiled, her task is over. At least one of them will carry on the truth.


The year was now 2004, Rose and the seven children traveled to London to view the newest version of the Phantom story. They traveled there to watch the 2004 movie staring Gerard Butler (The Phantom), Emmy Rossum (Christine), Patrick Wilson (Raoul), Miranda Richardson (Madame Giry), Minnie Driver (Carlotta), Jennifer Ellison (Meg), Ciarán Hinds (Firmin), Simon Callow (Andre), Victor McGuire (Piangi), and Kevin McNally (Buquet).

Rose's grand daughter Christine was the most excited out of the 7 now grown up grandchildren. Rose asked Christine to keep the tradition and pass it on to her children like the family has done thus far. Her enthusiasm for the story seemed to be as great as her grandmother's.

After they watched it all 8 of them were stunned. Rose was crying, and so was Christine.

"Brilliant." Rose said.

The movie itself seemed so close to her ancestors that it was scary. It was like she was witnessing her family's past. The story came to life.

Later on that night Rose sat down in her chair and re-read Leroux's novel and Kay's novel.

She fell asleep in that chair with the books on her lap. Her dreams were filled with peace and happiness.

She saw the Opera House in all its former glory. There was a Masquerade with souls dancing around like they had done so many times in the past. Rose somehow knew who these people were. She recognized the managers, Andre and Firmin with their wives, and she noticed Carlotta with Piangi. She saw Monsieur Reyer, the conductor, and all kinds of ballet girls. She then saw Nadir, The Persian, with Madame Giry. Gustave Daae was even among them.

Her attention was turned to a young blonde headed girl with a very handsome man. They were dancing around the room in a frenzy like everyone else. She knew they were Raoul and Meg.

She then saw a man and a young brunette girl who were also dancing. Rose smiled when she saw their happiness. They were finally at peace.


A/N: Ta-da. lol. Thanks to everyone who read this phic. I had such a fun time writing it. It had been on my mind for so long and I'm glad I wrote it down. Thanks Mouse and Glinda for reviewing a lot...lol. hugs thank you. And of course Jana. yay.

I'm currently writing a phanfic where the characters go to the Jerry Springer show. "Secrets, lies, cheaters, angels, masks, and mayhem!"

Yay.

Please let me know what you thought of everything.