Disclaimer: I do not own the Phantom of the Opera or its characters. The main story is not mine, albeit it is somewhat twisted more to my own liking.

A/N: Sorry that the last chapter was so short. But do not worry. Chapter two is longer, as will the chapters to come. Enjoy!

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No Love Without An Angel

by: Desaire

© 2006

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Chapter Two

Meg was tying a ribbon in her hair to hold it up from her face when she heard her mother call out.

"Meg, Christine is here. I'm sending her up." Antionette Giry's voice sounded from downstairs.

The young blonde stood up and turned just in time to see her best friend come through the doorway to the corps de ballet girl's dormitory. The two girls embraced tightly. It had been three days since they had last spent any real time together, only briefly talking to make plans for today. Poor Meg felt that Raoul was stealing Christine away from her, though, of course, it wasn't like she belonged to her. They were friends, practically sisters. But Raoul and Christine's were engaged to be married. Nothing could change that. But it still hurt to be losing her.

"What's wrong, Meg? You look so solemn." Christine asked, gently squeezing her hand.

"I was just thinking about us. Now that you are engaged to Raoul, I feel as though I am losing something. Like, when you marry him, I will not ever see you again. I don't really know how to explain this better. But, he's taking you away from mama and me." Meg's eyes had begun to glisten with unshed tears. Now that she voiced slightly how she felt, it sounded awful. Was she really so selfish?

Christine took a step back to mock glare at Meg.

"Oh, Meg. How could you think that? No matter what happens I will always have time for you. Raoul will not be taking up every waking moment of my time. How silly of you to say such a thing. We are like sisters. Nothing in the world could make me stay away from you." Christine sighed and pulled Meg into a firm hug. "We will always be together. And when you get married, we can go out together while our husbands try to out-do each other in manly showmanship." She teased.

Meg laughed and shook her head.

"You always know the right thing to say to cheer me up. Thank you. And you're right. I've just missed you that's all."

"I understand. That is why I am so happy to be spending this afternoon with you. We have all day to talk and catch up. Now, we must hurry. We've only today to find our gowns for the Masque tomorrow night."

"I can not believe that we have waited this long without buying a dress. We've known about the Ball for how long now? You and I certainly share a one track mind."

The two walked down the stairs, passing Madame Giry as they went.

"We will be back before dark, mama."

"Be careful. Have you both your money that Monsieur de Chagny gave you?"

"Yes, Antionette. Oh, and Raoul says hello." Christine hugged her dance mistress, a woman that was more like a mother than her instructor.

The normally stern woman smiled and brushed a lock of Christine's dark curls from her face. Their eyes met and Antionette could not fail to notice a certain look that had shadowed over Christine's naturally glowing eyes that always radiated happiness. Only now the young girl's eyes held a forlorn and saddened expression which she thought she could cover over with a smile and ignore. But Madame Giry knew better. Something was bothering Christine and it hurt her deeply that the young woman had not come to her to talk of what was troubling her.

Christine seemed to of caught on that Antionette was fixed rather too intently at her eyes, then a worried look crossed over the older woman's face. Christine tried a smile to lighten the moment as she backed up slowly. What could she be thinking with that worried look upon her face?

"Christine, is something the matter? If something were wrong you would tell me, correct?" Antionette laced her fingers together in front of her, when she'd really instead wanted take hold of Christine and shake a confession out of her. She knew the girl was hiding something. She just knew it.

"Of course, Madame. But nothing is wrong. I'm um... I'm just a little anxious about the Masque. I've never been to one before. And being engaged to the Opera's patron, I guess I have a sort of duty to uphold. I wouldn't want to do something absolutely ridiculous that would embarrass Raoul. He is a viscount after all and I've never had to try to impress those of higher society. I'm just nervous." Christine took a deep, shaky breath. It wasn't like she had just told a lie. This had been one issue that had been plaguing her mind for some time now, among many other things. But she could not truely reveal what was really bothering her; at least not at the moment.

Antionette eyed Christine for a few seconds. Her words sounded sincere, but for the life of her it did not feel as though that was what the problem was. She had known Christine since she was seven, practically helped raised to the young woman that she was now. Yes, this was a big situation Christine was finding herself in, but not the most important that caused that haunted look in her eyes. But now was not the time to pry into this. Perhaps tonight after their dinner together the three of them could talk further on the subject and slowly lead into her true worries.

"Alright. Be off with you two then. Just make sure to be back in time for our supper." She smiled and waved the girls goodbye.

In unison, Christine and Meg said goodbye and walked off to head into town.

◈♥◈

Christine and Meg reached the end of Rue Scribe, turning right onto Boulevard Haussmann. They passed the luxuriant apartment complexes that the rich and those of upper class society resided in. At the juncture of Rue la Fayette and Rue Halévy they came to Madame Tavily's Costume Shoppe. The bell on the door jingled as the girls entered.

"Christine, may I ask you why mama thought that something was the matter earlier? She looked so concerned. And, well, to be quite honest I have been a little worrisome myself. Is it really the Masque that is disturbing you so, or is it something else? Please know that you can tell me anything. Anything at all. I just want to help." Meg had a tinge of pleading to her voice.

"Listen, Meg, I love you and I do trust you. I have a lot on my mind and there is something that I feel I must speak with Antionette about, but..." She paused then sighed. "I'll think about it, ok?" It was the best she could offer at the time being. Christine knew that if there was anyone that she could trust to tell her true feelings to it would be the Giry's. They had always been there for her before and they would be there for her now. But how to tell them was a mystery to her.

"Yes, whatever you wish to do. For now, though, we must pick out our dresses." She said with a silly smile, hoping to lighten the mood. "I saw this lovely rose gown that would look simply wonderful on you, Christine." Meg had a happy lilt to her voice as she took hold of Christine's hand and gently pulled her to the opposite end of the store.

"Well, if you get to pick out my dress, then it is only fair that I choose yours." Christine laughed. Always look to Meg to make any gloomy moment a cheerful one.

"I guess that will be alright. Just pick something that is white. Oh, and perhaps a little bold and revealing too." Meg flashed a wickedly delightful grin.

"Meg! Trying to catch a man's eye tomorrow are we?" Christine couldn't contain the laughed the bubbled out of her and Meg joined her.

"But of course. With you getting married, I'm going to need some handsome fellow that can keep me preoccupied during your absence. Not that anyone could take your place. You're so amusing and fun to be with." Meg glanced at Christine who had stopped giggling and was instead now frowning. "Christine? Did I say something to upset you?" She gave another squeeze to Christine's hand that she still held.

"No, Meg. It's just..." Tears had begun to sting in her eyes, and it took much willpower to not allow them to fall. Christine quickly composed herself, blinking back the tears and taking a deep breath. "Never mind. We will talk about it later tonight with Antionette when I can gather my thoughts."

"If you think it is best." Meg nodded, still wondering what she had said that almost made Christine cry. She pushed it aside and looked up at the dresses hanging on racks and the wall. Meg gave Christine's hand one last encouraging squeeze before releasing it. She selected a beautiful deep, red rose silk gown with a straight skirt and a tight velvet bodice that was just a few shades darker than the silk material, and it was strapless. "Here, this is the one. I just know you will love it. It is perfect."

Christine eyed the gown and a smile spread across her face. She shook her head as she blushed. Running her fingers over the material, she was amazed at how soft it felt.

"Meg, don't you think this is a little... risqué? Look at how low the neckline is. I would be afraid that if I bent over just a scant inch too much I may, well... pop out. That would be positively horrifying and devastating. But other than that it is simply lovely. You have a good eye, but I am not so sure that this is what a future wife to a Viscount would wear."

"Are you sure? I think Raoul would greatly appreciate how magnificent you would look. You have to at least try it on, Christine! Maybe the couturière could add a little lace to the neck, that might cover you more. Here." Meg placed the dress in Christine's arms and directed her towards the changing curtains.

Meg went over to Madame Tavily and asked about her prices for adjustments and other details while Christine changed.

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A/N: I just have to say this. I hate pink! And this is my revamped story, so instead of Christine wearing the pink ball gown I had her wear this sexy number. Besides, this lovely getup plays a heated part later in the story. This story is not rated 'M' for nothing. Muahahaha... Anyways, I am still going to let Meg wear that flattering white dress from the movie. As will all other characters wear their same attire. Just wanted to help with the visual.

If you have any questions feel free to ask them in your reviews or you may e-mail me.