I had originally planned to add this a little later, but honestly it seems like now is a better time. Hopefully this will clear up some of the timeline. I also responded to a wonderful comment with some more explanation below if anyone else is still confused. I hope this helps! Thank you SO much for the reviews. I love writing this story and it is growing into something wonderful with all your support and ideas. Enjoy!

Chapter 11: A Persuaded Path

-5 years earlier:-

"A ballet and an opera? During the same week?"

Christine barely heard the young man's question. Her mind was too focused on the dilemma in front of her. The next two productions were finally announced to the Opera Populaire's staff and crew. In the back hall, two large parchments were pinned to the wall to announce the next performances, which bizarrely took place during the same few weeks. 'La Muette de Portici' was a newer opera, one that had grown in popularity in Italy and was recommended for the Populaire, especially with Carlotta Guidicelli as prima donna. However, the ballet 'La Source' ran simultaneously, merely hours before the late night opera. Christine fidgeted, something she always did when she was uncomfortable. At 13 years of age, balancing Madame Valerius's schoolwork with rehearsals for one production was extremely difficult. Balancing two would be impossible.

The opera, of course, was her initial choice. If she chose the opera, she could have a chance of earning more prominent roles than just a chorus member. For the past year she had worked hard to impress the managers and other instructors with her musical ability, as she and her angel would have wanted. But she still got smaller roles. La Sorelli was certain it was because of Carlotta's wealthy influence, but Christine knew she just wasn't good enough. Her acting was decent, but her stage fright was still apparent during the first couple of performances. She wasn't particularity pretty, nor could she project her voice like Carlotta. If she kept practicing, maybe she could move up?

Yet, the opera didn't have a ballet, nor could she spend time practicing for it while rehearsing for the opera. Which meant she wouldn't be able to spend time with her friends. The thought of only rehearsing with adults she barely knew and Carlotta was daunting, especially without her angel to guide her. How could she motivate herself forward with no one to support her? Even on the stage she wouldn't see the encouraging glances of her dear friends or father. He would be performing in Madrid until nearly immediately before the production, though she was certain he would still win first chair. But in her rehearsals, he usually tried to watch from the front row and cheer her on. When he was hidden in the orchestra pit playing his violin, it was her angel that comforted her. But now, he was gone too.

She sighed. She missed her angel. His departure nearly two years ago had been sudden, but Christine knew it was unavoidable. She could tell by his somber tone that he didn't want to leave. It almost felt like he was obligated to. It reminded her of her father before he left to work in other operas. She fidgeted with her fingers as she tried to remember the sweet honey of his voice. Even though he wasn't physically real, she missed his presence more than anything in the world. He had been her closest companion since she was 6 years old, but other duties had pulled him away after 5 long years together. Why on earth did he have to leave?

I will return to you as a better man.

She scrunched her brow at the memory. She couldn't understand what he had meant by that. He was already an angel, a servant of God and holy being. Besides that, he was intelligent and kind. He always listened to her and respected her dreams and wishes. She would not be the young girl she was now without his guidance. There was nothing he could do that could make him any better, so why leave?

"Christine? Hello?" Raoul de Chagny waved his hands in front of her, causing her to jump. Raoul had joined her to see the announcement in the back hall before leaving to his carriage. He often joined his father on trips to the opera house while he and the managers conducted business. Regardless of what she was doing, he always came running to her.

Now he stared at her, chuckling at her wide-eyed look of confusion. "You're always lost in the clouds. What are you thinking about?"

"I don't know what to choose." Christine responded. She glanced over at Raoul, who smiled at her. He was nearly 14, a young boy growing to the size of a man. She could just see the hint of cheekbones protruding from his once round cheeks. His mop of blonde curls had straightened, making him seem more dapper than she remembered as a child. Every time she saw him, that young boy she used to run around the Chagny estate became more of a young gentleman. It was expected, after all, considering he was a vicomte. Regardless, her eyes seemed to linger just a little longer in his direction.

"You would excel in whatever you chose." He responded, his blue eyes twinkling at her.

Christine blushed, the butterflies in her stomach swarming at his compliment. "I think my angel would have wanted me to choose the opera."

"But..." He coaxed.

"But it means I would spend less time with my friends."

"Then choose the ballet."

"I need more experience if I want to become a singer. Therefore, I should choose the opera."

"There will be plenty of operas you can gain experience in, ones that have ballet in them as well. But ballet is growing more competitive by the year."

This was true. Meg had been giving Christine secret lessons to improve her techniques so she stood a fighting chance in future auditions. Every season, thousands of women flocked to Paris to audition for roles under the prestigious tutelage of Madame Antionette Giry. It was growing more difficult to secure a place under her study, even more difficult to land a role on the stage. At least here though, she would be judged fairly. Her status would mean nothing to Madame Giry during her audition.

"But if I can add more to my resume, I may stand a fighting chance of landing a larger role. The managers have heard me sing many times but I am still not good enough."

"Nonsense, your voice is immaculate."

"Well clearly not." Christine huffed. The two began to walk past the growing crowd to the theatre door. "Sorelli thinks that since I'm not from a wealthy family, it will be very difficult to get a lead. Papa does his best, and I am eternally grateful, but I know he won't make enough to pay off for a leading role. Nor do I believe he should."

"Money isn't an issue, Christine." Raoul dismissed, flippantly waiving his hand in the air. "If you need money I can just give you some."

"No." Christine denied. "That's wrong. I should earn my way in this world, not be financially indebted to others. Money isn't everything."

"Well clearly it is." Raoul stopped her. "Christine, listen. I can easily bribe the managers to give you a lead and you would never have to pay me back. It isn't wrong if Carlotta is doing it too. Besides, you have enough talent to carry an entire opera and you know it. So don't worry about that now."

Christine shuffled, staring down at the floor. "I can't, Raoul. My father taught me that money is the root of all evil. It is what separates us now and I should not depend on it to find my own happiness."

Raoul sighed. "I am not trying to be rude, but your father says that because he doesn't have any money. Money is just a tool, you see, to buy yourself happiness. There is nothing wrong with it."

"Happiness cannot be bought." Christine countered.

"Really? So earning the titular role in an opera wouldn't make you happy?"

"Well, it would but-"

"Doesn't having a warm bed and food make you happy?"

"Of course but-"

"Wouldn't you be happier if your father remained here and didn't have to travel for money?"

Christine didn't respond. She turned from him, stung by his words. As much as she was angered by his comments, she had to agree with his logic. If her father had money, he wouldn't have to leave her behind every couple months to pay off their debts. She missed him terribly. To have him by her side all the time would be a dream come true. Was it selfish to desire that? She turned walked away from Raoul, crossing her arms to hold herself together. Regardless of what made her happy, she felt uneasy with Raoul's offer. Everything she had been taught contradicted his comments. Love and joy were found in other people and in music. It was pure and honest, while money corrupted humanity into prejudice and suffering. But why was it wrong to want enough money so her father could be by her side?

Raoul caught up to her, placing his hand on her shoulder. "That was insensitive of me. I apologize." He murmured softly.

Christine gave a weak smile. "It is alright. I understand what you are trying to say. It would be nice to have him around more. I just think that if I work hard for my dreams, I would be happier when I achieved them. I would have earned it."

"You've already earned it Christine. You have the most beautiful voice I have ever heard."

She shrugged off his compliment, her cheeks burning. Why did she feel the need to giggle when he praised her? It was an unusual feeling, being doted on by a man. Her father, a loving and kind man, was gone so often she barely remembered the last time he had made her laugh. Her angel used to make her laugh all the time, but now he was gone too. In a way, she was just glad Raoul had not abandoned her yet.

"In honesty, my true reasoning for wanting you to join the ballet is quite selfish really." Raoul admitted as they continued walking towards the door.

Christine raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"

"Yes. You see, my family will be away in London in October, so I wouldn't be able to see your performance in the opera. But the ballet starts a week earlier, so I could come before I left."

Christine froze. Raoul wanted to see her perform? In the past he had talked about how he somewhat enjoyed opera and ballet, though it was his parents' great interest that brought him to the opera house. Yet, with his eyes downcast and cheeks crimson, he admitted that he enjoyed seeing her.

That small swarm of butterflies that always appeared when he was around felt like a blizzard. She could barely hold back the smile that crept onto her face. Raoul was her long time friend, but lately she began to see him differently. Her father gave his brother, Philippe, violin lessons, to which Christine was occasionally dragged along to. She and Raoul would often play together while they practiced. Christine loved being with him then, but now she desired it. He made her laugh. Meg constantly pointed out how handsome he was growing to be, and for the past couple of weeks, Christine had begun to notice it as well.

"Well, I do enjoy ballet." She mumbled.

Raoul's eyes widened. "You should do the ballet! You are always singing and you have already proven yourself to the others. Why not show your diverse skill set? Christine please, let me help you. Don't worry about the money. You and your father have already done so much for us. Consider it a token of friendship."

"I don't know, Raoul. My angel would want-"

"Your angel isn't here, Christine." He reminded her. He took her hand and Christine's eyes widened. "I am here though. I think you'd do great in the ballet. Then I can see you perform again. Let me help you. I want to."

"I guess, but-"

"And so what if you miss one opera? You can join the next one. It could be a better option anyway! Please Christine, say you will."

How could she say no? She gazed into those warm eyes and her consent rolled of her tongue before she could think about it. Raoul ran to catch his carriage and join his parents, leaving her in an unfamiliar haze. She stood there, a smile creeping in between her cheeks. Was Meg right? Did he love her? Oh how wonderful it felt to be in love, if this is what it was.

She turned to the changing room to meet with Meg. The closer she came to the familiar door, the feeling of joy faded and was replaced with guilt. Her father had always said that owing others money was a dangerous game. Instead, it was better to work hard for one's goals. But if others were doing the same, would it be wrong to accept Raoul's offer in the future?

Promise me that you will continue to sing. Swear to me that you will never abandon music...nor abandon me.

She stopped in her tracks. Since she was a little girl, Christine had known that she wanted to sing. It filled her veins with purpose, lighting her soul with joy. Her angel had saved her from despair and brought happiness back to her heart. He was everything to her. In return, he had just asked for one thing: never to abandon music. One day, he would return to her. Would he be angered if she chose a ballet over an opera? Even if it was just once? She reflected on her choice. The truth was that she wanted to sing in the opera too. Of course, she hated the idea of being lonely, but with music she never really felt lonely. Because in music, he was there with her again. Her angel of music.

Christine shook her head. Raoul was right. Her angel wasn't here and it was her life. She could chose any other opera and not have to decide between music and her friends. Besides, she wanted to feel the swirl of butterflies in her stomach when she saw him watching her perform. She wanted to feel someone's admiration and know what love was like. What was wrong with that? Dreaming about an angel that was long gone would do nothing.

Besides, if her angel was her friend, he would understand. Wouldn't he?

I think we all know the answer to that last question. BUT we will get to that confrontation much later. To better explain the timeline, I wrote this:

-Christine and Erik meet when she is 6 years old after her father leaves her for the first time to travel without her. She becomes his student until she is 11 when Erik tells her he has to leave for a while. (You will find out why later.) Erik is gone for a couple of years and returns to her and witnesses some kind of betrayal. (I hinted at it in this chapter, but the full confrontation will be explained later in the story.) He then leaves for good and they do not meet again until Persia.

That shouldn't spoil anything, but I hope it clears up some confusions! If this is not what you envisioned at all based on what I have said, please let me know and I can go back and edit things so others do not get confused along the way. Thank you all!

Phantomgirl24: Thank you for your compliments! They genuinely made my day. They will meet again soon and slowly begin to straighten things out. I'm a slow burn type of gal, so it may take a bit haha. Hope you continue to enjoy this story!

YinuoTong: Yes, the shadow mentioned in the first chapter is Erik as is the angel that Christine mentions. I hope this chapter helped explain a bit more of their history. Also THANK YOU for complimenting my chapter titles. Low key very proud of them- trying to make them alliterate as much as possible. I also enjoy the banter between the ballerinas. I would think that if you were friends for so long, there would be a lot of it, so I enjoy writing those scenes. Thank you!

Lucyole: Are you reading my mind?! Every comment you write makes me want to release the next chapter immediately haha. Hope this chapter fueled your speculations. :)