Welcome back! Now the usual ads. Phantom does not belong to me and remember that English is not my native language, sorry if there is an error

If you are familiar with y / k phantom, the difference here is that Christine did not run when Erik showed her face. So, she is still alive and Carlotta is also still alive because Christine asked Erika not to kill her. We'll talk about her later
This is based on the Japanese takarazuka production of 2004, so Erika is Wao Youka here

It had been a week after the final play of the year to be presented at the opera Garnier was announced. Faust, comfortable and dear Faust. Play repeated to satiety, but according to the ministry had never failed. The classics were for something.

'' Christine, I ran out of red thread, do you have some left? '' Mireille asked sitting next to her, spreading the garment she was sewing on her lap.

Before Christine could open her mouth, Madame Durand, principal designer and seamstress, responded.

''Apparently now the color thread is 'expensive' according to Cholet. if we can save ourselves a few cents we're going to do it. '' She said snorting, giving the dark-haired girl a roll of white yarn.

Mireille sighed, but she returned to her station and continued sewing.

There were many who thought that choosing Faust at this moment was a stupid idea. The production was well known for being expensive, very expensive. And although the opera still had much of the scenography of past productions, new ones would have to be done. And the best part! Cholet's big idea to save costs, it was to cut the costumes budget in half. Because of course, they couldn't reuse costumes; they had to be new, bright, innovative. The Faust revival should sound in every corner of Paris.

"Like these fabrics need less help." She snorted under her breath, grimacing, watching the white yarn stand out on the crimson fabric. It would end up covered by a belt, but not having access to what she previously took for granted bothered her.

'' I heard you, kid, and I know that. Believe me, I don't like this either, but we were instructed to do a lot with little, and we're going to do it. '' Madame Durand said authoritatively.

All the girls nodded almost in unison, some, like Christine, with less enthusiasm. Christine being in command of Carlotta, rarely sewed with the other girls. It was much quieter than she expected.

After the failure of Titania, whispers and fear were elements in the opera Garnier. If you valued your work you were scared. It was not as if the opera were going to go bankrupt without the support of the ministry, the opera would not go anywhere; But the same could not be said of its employees. A staff or salary cut was a fear lurking in the shadows at all times. Daily it was possible to hear someone bursting in tears.

Erika had armed this uproar for her, she admitted it without guilt or shame. And Christine, had just nodded, she had never thought about the consequences of their actions. She felt stupid and irresponsible when she remembered.

Living with the guilt was difficult, but living without Erika was not helping.

Erika had not come back after their last discussion. Every day Christine went to their music room to look for her, with no luck. And she was getting tired of talking to the walls. Her list of options was narrowing down to go looking for her to her house. But the damn mirror. The idea of returning to her old dressing room frightened and embarrassed her. It wasn't as if she had the time anyway.

''Christine. '' Madame called her.

The blonde raised her head at her name. They had met rarely, but of course, she knew her name. All the opera did.

''Let Flora finish that, you get the angels skirts for the new dancers. Rehearsals start tomorrow and we have to make the first adjustments. ''

Usually the first adjustments would be made until the last month. But any excess of cloth or beads that could be left over was very much appreciated and would definitely be used.

''All this for tomorrow?'' She asked uncertainly. She couldn't say it was too much compared to the current workload, she could do it. But it would be another day without being able to look for Erika.

''I have to say it's my fault dear. I forgot to tell you, but these new policies make me lose my mind. " She apologized in a sigh. She wasn't used to working with so few seamstresses.

Christine nodded overwhelmed, but before she could say anything, someone spoke.

'' Rehearsals start tomorrow? How!? '' One of the girls whose name Christine had forgotten asked scandalized, saying what the soprano was thinking.

'' Cholet advanced the opera - again, the date is not yet defined, but it will be at a point close to the new year. ''

"That is only two months away!"

'' How do you set up an opera in two months?!''

And that hellish murmur began again.

"I don't know, and if you keep on lounging we'll never know, let's go ladies, back to work!" She announced clapping to disperse the girls.

The girls sighed in unison, already exhausted, and continued working.

"That explains why we haven't seen Soreli in a while." Mireille whispered while sewing, frowning.

'' Our poor Sorelli. '' Christine agreed, while shaking her head, worried about her friend. And taking out the white clothes from the basket.

The ballerinas' routine was already brutal. If none of the seamstresses complained it was because they knew that the worst of all this would be taken by the ballet rats.

'' I don't know how I'm going to finish this. '' Christine complained trying to put the thread in the needle.

"Let me finish this and I will help you." Mireille said sympathetically.

''Thank you, Elle.'' Christine sighed in relief, smiling broadly.

''No, you won't, Mireille. We do not hire many extra seamstresses for this production, we need everyone to do their part. I know it's tough, girls, but there's no other way. '' She said not very happy, she hated pressing her girls like that.

"It's okay, there's no problem." Christine said nodding, with a small and kind smile, though not very sincere on her lips. "Thank you anyway, Mirelle." She told her friend.

"Whatever for you, Christine." She smiled shyly at him.

Christine had problems, but she also smiled back. She sighed seeing the huge pile of clothes.

She inserted the white thread into the needle.

"Something else?" Christine asked trying to hide her irritation. Not wanting to be mean with Valerius. People did not have to endure her poor handling of emotions

She wished Erika could learn that.

"No, I think that's all." said Valerius, Carlotta's personal assistant, putting the many new dresses on the worktable. With the idea that they were accommodated to Carlotta's measures.

In the most unexpected and inconvenient moment. Christine didn't even want to waste energy complaining.

"Okay." Christine nodded in an exhausted sigh, trying to hide her anxiety. If Carlotta had new dresses, it meant that she was fine... hopefully

Or maybe they would be looking for an appropriate dress for her funeral? Christine thought and quickly buried the idea in her head, not now!

"I know it's too much," Valerius said sympathetically. When Carlotta was not near, she was not so bad

Christine couldn't say he was a horrible person. She followed Carlotta like a puppy, laughed next to her and encouraged her bad behavior. Valerius and Carlotta had attacked her just enough for her to realize their intentions, but without her being able to say anything about it. Even so, Christine didn't blame her, were there more options for a girl in the capital? They would be friends in any other circumstance.

'' I will manage. '' She smiled. '' This doesn't seem like Carlotta's instructions. '' Christine said, changing the subject to start a conversation.

She had been glad to return to the peace of the small room near Carlotta's dressing room, her previous job. But she had missed the detail that she would have to be alone, and she didn't want that. She was tired of talking to the wall waiting for an answer

"They're from Mr. Cholet, Carlotta hasn't been herself these days, he hopes this can help her," She said. Christine stopped listening to her in the middle of the sentence

Her heart beat with an almost painful firmness inside her chest, and she did her best to hide it. Christine opened her mouth to ask, but no sound came out. Coward, she dared not face tough truths.

"Okay," She said, making her best effort so her words didn't get tangled up with the lump in her throat.

"She'll be fine, that's why Mr. Cholet is here, if Madame Carlotta wasn't doing it right, he would be with her," Valerius said.

"Yes, I suppose he must love her." Christine replied distractedly. Valerius need a few seconds to realize of who she was talking about

She shrugged. '' I guess so, what do you think?''

"I'm the least qualified person to talk about love right now. " Christine said in a sigh.

Christine wished that had been heard less stupid in Valerius' ears. So much to think of her elusive phantom was making her imitate her drama.

She shook her head. " You were so dramatic, theater stuff I guess.'' She said leaving Christine alone with her thoughts. "Good luck, Christine."

'' Thank you '' She mutter.

Christine waited a few minutes, making sure that Valerous was well away before suddenly releasing all the air from her lungs. She put her hand on her chest before speaking.

"Erika, are you here, angel?" She asked, there was hope in her, she had never come to look for her in this room.

"This is ridiculous and you know it," She said defeated.

She didn't understand Erika's reasons for hiding. She had acted badly, and ruined lives. But Christine wouldn't judge her until she talked to her. It wasn't like she had another option

A thought that had wandered without stopping in her head was if Erika had had a motivation, a reason. What did she know about Joseph Bouquet? The few times Carlotta had mentioned him was as weak, harmless and anxious. Nothing that could hurt Erika, but for Erika the world was against her existence. Her firmness impenetrated and her coldness was something, but her eyes had a fragility, a gloss, like glass about to break.

Being a woman was a constant vulnerable situation, an inequality rarely recognized, and much less addressed. And that was scary, but she never thought that could reach Erika, her fearless and strong Erika. Maybe yes, unless not. And that question was a crossroads that she wanted to solve with her.

She sighed ''Are you sure? It's your last chance. ''

Silence.

She dropped into the chair, defeated, and didn't try anymore. She was worried and would give everything to hear from her, but there was no time to lose. Although an extra pair of hands would come in handy, he thought seeing the work ahead of her.

And she started sewing, being tormented by her thoughts. She missed her dear, very much. Every day she thought in her voice, in her eyes, in the hair she never got to comb, in the lips that she never got to kiss.

The soprano shook her head, trying to cut that last thread of thoughts. She needed to reorganize her priorities.

She was in love with a woman, that in itself was something difficult that she hadn't even begun to digest. But then Erika had, she HAD, to complicate everything.

She was afflicted and felt very guilty. She had not been sleeping for a week and the guilt consumed her. She felt complicit in a murder she barely found out about.

Maybe if she didn't love her, the fault wouldn't be so much, but Christine couldn't give up on her, everything but her.

She continued sewing at record speed. She had to finish that pair of dresses quickly to return to work on the costumes. She would definitely have to arrive early tomorrow.

''Christine. '' Someone said opening the door.

Getting her out of her winning streak, making that a good part of the not exactly small needle enter her finger.

"Auch!" She exclaimed shaking her hand. ''Philippe, knock before getting in! '' She claimed wiping the blood from her fingers with a rag, sore and annoyed.

'' I'm so sorry Christine! '' Philippe apologized kneeling beside her ''Let me see. ''

"It's just a prick, Philippe, it's nothing." She said casually, sticking her finger in her mouth to stop the bleeding.

"I'm so sorry!" He apologized again.

Christine smiled sweetly. It was sweet to see how worried he was about something so simple.

"I'm fine, don't worry." She said nodding. "It's just a picket." She repeated wiping her finger again on the handkerchief.

''Are you sure you are alright?''

"I'm a seamstress, it's part of the job." She replied, smiling as if it were obvious.

"Let me compensate you." He said sitting next to her.

''Really? How? '' Christine looked up while she was still sewing, there was no room for models in such a desperate situation.

Phillippe had sat in Erika's chair, Christine hoped she wasn't close, or she would be really angry. And they had already seen what happened when Erika was angry. Her tantrums were to fear.

'' Let me take you out for lunch. '' He asked playfully.

Christine laughed under her breath. He was so sweet. It would have been so easy to blush and accept shyly. But she was not that girl. Now she knew it.

''Oh Philippe, thank you, but not now. I have too much work. '' She explain shaking her head.

''Oh please. I know you've been stressed, you haven't been yourself. Take a break Christine, you deserve it. ''

"We all deserve a break right now," She said firmly. "That's why I can't jump on my responsibilities."

He smiled ''I like that about you. But come on, let me be your bad influence friend just for today! ''

She resisted the smile as much as she could, but finally she let herself go. ''Philippe, no!'' She said trying to be firm, but failing in the attempt.

''did you eat today? You look pale. '' He asked her.

"No." she shook her head, and I immediately wish she hadn't mentioned it. She barely had time for dinner last night and hadn't had breakfast.

"So what are we waiting for?" Philip asked, extending his hand to her. "What is stopping you?"

Erika. The name flew so fast to her mind that she couldn't stop it. Going out with Philippe felt like abandon her. It felt wrong. She couldn't be with her or see her, but being here it felt almost like taking care of her. And if it was all she could do, she would take it until she was ready and opened to her again.

"There is a lot of work to do, I can't jump on all my responsibilities just because my friend is the patron of the opera." She joked, patting Philippe's back, with special emphasis on the word 'friend'

Philippe laughed. '' I could learn one or two things from you Christine. '' He praised her with affection. '' One last offer, what do you think if I bring you something to eat here and keep you company until you're done? '' He asked.

Christine thought about it for a few seconds. She still didn't want to be alone. But this was their place.

"Pleaseee" He said in a funny voice trying to make her laugh.

She opened her mouth to answer, but at the last second she just smiled and nodded. She didn't feel Erika close, and even if she was, it wasn't her business. Philippe was her friend, and she didn't want to be rude. Besides, she was actually starving.

"It's okay, you win." She laughed, nodding. "Thanks, Philippe. You're a good friend."

''You are welcome. Any suggestions? '' He asked from the door.

"Surprise me," Christine replied with a shrug, grinning broadly.

She sighed when he left. She looked at the wall with longing in her gaze. Her life was a disaster, every dream had been postponed and every achievement diminished. She felt alone, alone as Erika promised her she would never be.

'' Erika? Don't you dare get mad at me! And I promise you that I won't get mad at you when you decide to come back... '' She said scathingly, but half the sentence her voice turned vulnerable and yearning.

'' I miss you. ''

'' You should have seen my mother's face when she saw me and Sorelli rolling in the garden trying to take the mud out of us! Those rosebushes were never the same again. '' Philippe said in a laugh.

A couple of hours later, there was brown grease-stained paper resting on the table and scraps of cloth and thread scattered on the floor. They had spent a good part of the day just talking with the door of the workshop ajar. The last thing Christine needed were more rumors about her.

''Can not be! How did Sorelli never tell me that she and you were childhood friends? '' Said Christine with her face flushed with laughter.

"I wouldn't call us friends." He shrugged. "I was an awkward kid, I had good intentions, but I ended up doing everything worse. Sorelli was not very happy when she got sick and had to stay in Paris while our parents had to go to do business. I offered to stay with her and I did. She just didn't like the idea of see me very much. '' Se said embarrassed of his younger self.

'' How sweet '' Christine giggled.

She knew that her friend was moderately wealthy, because of her family's many years of artistic career. Now she knew why Sorelli spent so much time trying to get Philippe's attention. Now, she claimed to have gotten over him. Mireille and she were still discussing whether that was true or not.

''Yes, I wonder why she suddenly got so clingy? And after that, now she ignores me'' He wondered.

Christine looked at him with raised eyebrows and open eyes.

''… What?''

'' Men are so blind '' She said shaking her head.

But well, she wasn't doing better either.

"We'll talk about that later, because it's time to go," He said in a sigh looking at his watch. "Do you want me to take you home?"

Christine shook her head, she had just finished Carlotta's dresses, there was still too much work to do.

"Thank you for the offer, but I haven't finished my turn yet."

"Do you want me to come for you when you're done?" He asked rising from the chair.

''Don't worry, I think I'll stay late anyway. '' She said, also getting up from the chair to say goodbye.

''Are you sure?''

'' Yes, I live nearby, I'll go with one of the girls, don't worry. '' She replied playing it down.

'' All right, I'll ask Joan Paul to keep an eye on you when you leave. '' He said, kissing her hand as a parting gesture.

''If it makes you sleep peacefully'' She replied with a shrug.

She hated when he overprotected her so much, and she hated herself for not caring about being overprotected if it was Erika who did it. Talking about preferences. Anyway, she could take care of herself.

"Have a good night, Christine." He said, with a tone rather far from platonic.

'' You too, Philippe. '' She replied.

When he left, the silence overwhelmed her again.

It had been a pleasant afternoon but now she felt numb. She had a reality to return to.

At least she would always have their place and their music, and she didn't need anything else or anyone else.

I sing for the young people who don't think about crazy things

I sing for everyone because I want to be beautiful

She filled the silence until the lights went out and the people left. A candle and a needle as her only company.

Many hours later the candle was consumed, but the loneliness of her own voice had lulled Christine long ago.

Hours later, when darkness entered and the opera became the phantom's kingdom, the walls opened and imperceptive steps touched the ground.

'' Christine… ''

"CHRISTINE!" Someone said very loudly in her ear. "Wake up!" Mireille gently shake her shoulder.

'' Don't be so sharp, Mireille.''

Christine opened her eyes suddenly in the middle of a wave of light that burned her eyes, her face laid on the desk. In the space of a second, she realized many things.

It was daylight, she had fallen asleep and had not finished even half of the skirts.

Was it late to pretend to be unconscious? She was so tired last night that she didn't even remember falling asleep. She was in the middle of a skirt and then nothing.

'' Oh god the costumes! '' She exclaimed, taking her face away from the table and sitting down rubbing her eyes. Hoping to disappear from the face of the earth.

'' You did an excellent job with it, Christine! '' Madame congratulated her, Christine jumped in her seat when she heard her voice.

There were at least 10 of her coworkers. It was strange for Christine to see so many people in this room, but quickly put that aside.

''Are you talking about costumes? But I did not finish them! '' She asked in a dry sob, her voice small and sharp, still sleepy. She took the blanket that had fallen from her shoulders when she sat down and wrapped herself in it, trying to hide from the eyes.

It wasn't a very convincing reaction, but she was terrified of being fired. She loved this place too much. She couldn't leave, she couldn't leave her no-

'' Poor creature, give her space, girls! She is still asleep. '' Madame interrupted her internal monologue.

Christine jumped back in her place, nervous.

'' If you didn't finish them; then who did this? '' She said delightedly, extending one of the skirts over her body so it were visible to Christine.

She gasped at the sight.

The skirts were perfectly embroidered in gold and silver threads, all in intricate and complex patterns, strategically positioned glass beads. It was a beautiful finish, it took your breath away just to see it.

Had she done that? An old story came to her mind where a girl is charged with making gold thread and unable to do so asked for the help of an elf in exchange for giving him her first child. Did she just give up her unborn child? In her sleepy state, she could affirm it. It was something much beyond her patience and abilities.

''Good job, Christine! You brought these fabrics to life, I don't know how you did it! '' Madame congratulate her with bright eyes. She looked very satisfied.

"Me neither ..." She whispered under her breath, clutching the blanket over herself. And she got up from the chair with some difficulty.

At that point she had become accustomed to the light. She looked around the room and in the most hidden corner of the room she saw something that brought all the answers.

Rose petals.

It was also an opportune moment to remember that she didn't have a blanket last night.

The sound of Madame Durand clapping caught her attention, as it did with all the other girls.

''okay, ladies, to the auditorium. It's time to make adjustments for the dancers. '' She announced.

The girls obeyed. And soon they started to leave.

'' I'll keep you a place. '' Mirelle whispered in Christine's ear, being the last to leave.

The blonde nodded, smiling awkwardly, still tense.

''Christine. '' The older woman approached the blonde's side

'' What's the matter, madame? '' She said shaking without being able to avoid it.

'' I don't want you to be scared, dear. I know what is happening is hard and scary, but you don't have to be walking in eggshells because nobody is going to fire you. You and the dancers are the most vulnerable groups in this opera and it is my business to protect all of you. " She said sweetly, like a loving aunt.

The relief that filled Christine's chest felt like warm water on her skin. She smiled broadly, even shaking slightly. It was so strange to know that there was someone willing to protect her. Feeling safe was something that she had felt that with her maestra. And she hadn't realized how much she needed until her dear was no longer around.

"Now, go home to refresh yourself. We'll be waiting for you in the auditorium. Take your time but don't take too long" She said kindly, patting Christine's shoulder.

"Thank you very much, ma'am. " She said sincerely.

"You are welcome, dear," She said hugging the girl for a couple of seconds. "Besides, there is no reason to fired you, you did a splendid job!''

Christine used her acting skills and smiled at her, nodding with false security. She hadn't done that, but she knew who. And god, she did want to kiss her right now!

And with that she leave her alone. As soon as the door closed, Christine removed the 'blanket' from her shoulders and analyzed it.

It was one of Erika's cloaks. Dark and silky fabric, even with decorative lace appliques and beads on the shoulders. Her hands began to shake.

She had a part of her angel again. She was real and tangible. Without thinking, she sank her nose into the cloth, enjoying its scent. Now, after all night; there was something of her own scent in her, but she quickly found what she was looking for. The first thing she smelled was humidity, but not in the bad way. It wasn't something surprising now that she knew where she lived. But the smell of fresh water, ink and only a little rose note were present, it was a familiar scent that made her feel safe.

She kept the cloak near her face for a ridiculously long time. Feeling calm and happy for the first time in the whole week.

"I know you're here, and I don't want you to mention what you just saw." She spoke scathingly, folding the cloak. She looked at the floor with red cheeks, ashamed if she had seen her.

"Is this how you thank me?" Said a voice, with soft and gentle irony.

Christine made a sound between a shriek and a gasp. Her voice was not like anything else. Secure, strong, powerful and sometimes and just for her, so soft. Her memory didn't do her justice. Love filled her chest, and left no room for any of the negative emotions she had had.

"Erika!" She said in a gasp, running to the wall. She brought her body to the wall as much as she could, drawing closeness.

She was here, and the joy that invaded her erased a week of anguish.

Erika laughed without joy under her breath. Her voice was very soft, almost like a sad whisper.

"I'd like to thank you more in person," Christine said insecure after a moment of silence. Saying 'face to face' felt inappropriate.

''No.'' she answered like a child in denial ''Not now.''

"You are impossible." The soprano replied lovingly touching the wall with her forehead, closing her eyes trying to absorb as much of her presence as possible.

It was ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. But it felt redundant to mention it. Her Erika was special to say the least, and Christine wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

''Thanks angel. I'm sorry for being irresponsible and that you had to do my job. I feel so bad about this. '' She confessed with a frown. This whole situation made her feel like a girl in the confessional.

"Don't do it, it was nothing actually." She whispered. Her words did not have the usual agility and it seemed that it was difficult for her to know what to say.

''But it's not fair that you did all this and I took the credit. '' The blonde said in an apology.

'' I don't require anyone's approval, Christine. Besides, I don't think anyone would like to thank the phantom of the opera right now. '' It was hard for Christine to know how Erika really felt just by her voice.

She had never realized how much she trusted her mannerisms and her gestures to decipher her emotions. A voice without a body only told her part of the facts.

'' They don't, but I do. Thank you, angel, you did a splendid job. '' The soprano congratulated her, giving her best smile. She wondered if Erika could see her, you could never know with her.

''If someone's approval matters to me, it's yours. '' This time, her voice was more cheerful. Still weak, but it was possible to hear the smile in her voice.

Christine's smile widened.

''Now go home to refresh yourself, you have a lot of work to do today.'' The disembodied voice said.

The blonde frowned, her mood changed surprisingly fast.

'' Right Now? But I haven't seen you in a week, I want to be with you. '' Christine confessed deeply unhappy.

'' I'm always with you, always. I don't lie, it's not like I have another place to go. '' Erika joked with irony.

Christine didn't laugh. Now that she knew she really meant it, it wasn't funny.

"I've missed you so much." She said instead of responding to her joke.

"Me too, it's not something she's used to," Erika confessed, doubt permeated in every word. She herself didn't seem to believe it. She actually could still feel. She wasn't as broken as she thought.

"Promise me I'll see you soon, please." Christine begged her as angelic as she could, that always convinces her.

Being close to her only made her want to see her dear. She was so close but so out of reach. And that made her absence hurt more.

''I need time, Christine. Please. Don't tell me you don't. '' She lamented.

''Are you okay?'' The soprano asked, worried.

She knew how much Erika could get into trouble, but she didn't know how easily she could get out of them. A lot could have happened in a week.

''I've been worse. '' She boasted simply.

"That's not an answer!" Christine exclaimed, frowning.

"It'll have to be for now! " Erika cut it quickly, annoying.

'' Erika… ''She murmured hurt.

Her teacher had never fully opened. There was always an invisible wall that, although it became increasingly thin and flexible, never disappeared. Except that time she showed her face. That time, walls had been broken and tears finally shed. Erika had relied blindly on her. And that was her most precious memory, that's why Christine would never let her go.

She thought that wall had been torn down, but no. Now there was actually a wall between them. She was so dramatic.

'' A lot or things are happening, Christine. Your last priority should be me. I'll be fine. '' She said softly, lovingly. Almost like apologizing for her previous coldness.

''How do you know?'' Chrsitine asked restlessly.

Erika knew how much she cared for her?

''You're still here, you're with me. I dare not ask for more. '' She said, shameless love in every word.

Her Erika always said the most beautiful things. And Christine's desperation to see her grew. She wanted to see the hazy mist that covered her eyes when she said thing like that. She wanted to see the adoration in her gaze for her. Christine had seen it many times before and refused to recognize them as such. Was it a punishment of fate, perhaps?

''Erika, I adore you.'' She confessed, feeling like she would drown if she didn't.

The silence that answered her didn't hurt her. She knew that her maestra loved her the same way she did. Christine wanted to say 'I love you' but she wasn't ready for that yet. There were things that needed to be clarified before. She couldn't take a false step with her, she refused to hurt her.

'' You don't have to answer. '' She said sweetly, love in every syllable, compassion in every word.

And Erika didn't do it. Christine wondered if she had broken her almost partner. Her love was a genius, but a bit slow for things like this. And although Christine was not going to press her in any way, she was hopeful for an answer. Knowing her, would not come, but she started to store his things and clean a little, giving her time.

She postponed her departure as much as she could, but after a few minutes, she turned to face the wall one last time. Was Erika still there? Christine did not know, and that was what finally gave her the courage to speak.

"I just want you to know that I want to give you a second chance, give me one too." Christine said extending her hand on the wall as she spoke.

She left a kiss on her own fingers and then pressed them against the wall. She rested her forehead on the wall smiling and a cheerful giggle rose from her lips.

After that, she finally found the strength and willingness to continue her day without feeling like she was drowning in a sea of unsolicited glances and malicious rumors.

Christine knew now. She couldn't write anything in stone until she confronted Erika and asked her reasons and who really she was. But now she knew that the woman she loved was not a ruthless cold-blooded killer. Christine was sure of that, she had no proof, but she would cling to that hope that with all her might.

Erika was not bad. She had issues, and God! If she really thought that her face was the greatest of them! But there was kindness in her. And that realization brought back the peace and hope she had believed lost.

Okay, I have a lot of things to say today
First of all, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! I enjoyed writing it a lot; inventing a working life for Christine (a probably not historically accurate tho), showing her relationships outside of Erika, her battle with morality; It was fun, I put a lot of love into this chapter
I think that was why everything went wrong with it. At one point when I was almost done translating it, Microsoft word ... disappeared, the application was deleted by itself, I don't know how it happened but it took the whole already translated chapter and part of the original chapter. I was devastated, and I cried, and I even thought of not posting anything. But hey that didn't happen. I dried my tears and went on. I'm a little sick of this chapter because I had to read it like 100 times between the two times I translated it, it was like 5 days in a row of pure translation, this chapter was scheduled three days ago.
One of the reasons why it hurt me so much to lose this chapter is because I wanted to get rid of it, NOW. Why?
Well, this is my last update until December. I have a pretty big life or death exam in November and I really want to focus on it. so see you in December! I will still be active on my tumblr anyway (nessie665) so follow me there!
Thanks for reading guys. If you liked it, please consider leaving a comment or a kudo, really appreciate them.

Oh by the way, I change the backstory for Sorelli in this story just to give continuity to the takarazuka production (she is the woman in yellow that Philippe has in his arm in melodie de Paris). I was very surprised that she was there, but I was not going to waste that opportunity. But well, I change her story mainly because the clothes she wears there are too elegant, she looks like a woman belonging to the same social class of Philip and that was never the reason for the existence of Sorelli. At first, I thought it might be Philippe's gifts, but he doesn't seem interested enough in her for that.
It is only a small change but I wanted to clarify it to avoid possible confusion.

and that's it! im gonna to stfu now.
See you next time!