Christine dans Deux

An Alternate Multiverse - A Phantom of the Opera Story

Nyasia A. Maire

© 2006

DISCLAIMER: See Chapter One
Chapter Sixty-Two – Intermission

"My poor, poor Erik." She croons.

As her hand caresses my cheek, I suddenly know.

The dream is finished and I am a monster once more.

I sit in loneliness. Surrounded by emptiness. What is this hollow pain in my chest? Why do I cry? Did I expect a freak to find love? A loathsome gargoyle lurking in the dark. Who is this kneeling before me? Who is she who holds her hand to my face? When will she catch her breath to scream? What is this feeling of loss, which brings such a pain that nibbles it away at my very heart? I long for—someone—in quiet despair. My life one of utter solitude and regret.

"Look! He does not believe! What became of the man that declared his love for his wife would endure all? His words lay a challenge before the gods and he comes up very short when tested. What of their passion, their ardor, their bliss, their soul? His belief dies so quickly … is true love that easy to forget? Nay! Deep within the lowest confines of his mind, he believes he never deserved her! Such a pity! Such a pity! I win!"

"Erik! Erik! I will wear your ring!" The woman calls seductively.

"NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! Where is my wife? Where is my Christine? That creature lying there on the bed is false! It is not my wife and it is not Christine de Chagny. It isn't even Christine Daae. It is not real!"

"Oh! My poor, poor Erik! Come with me or the mob will kill you. You must hurry, Erik. There isn't much time! Please?" She implores as she lifts her tear-streaked face to me.

"NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! I will not listen! You are not real! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!"

"Erik, come with me. I shall be your living bride. I am willing to lie with you each night and open the comfort of my body to you. Erik?" The specter whispers.

"NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! I will not listen! You are not real! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! Where is my wife? Where is my Christine? I must have my wife, Christine!"

"Erik … I am Christine. Come take me!" She spins and laughs about the room.

"No. You are not my wife. I know my wife! I love my wife! You are not her! Together we are one soul! Please? Christine …."

"No. I think not. You do not win. It seems he does remember her. He does love her and he does believe! You lose! Now put her back! He does indeed believe. The two of them may proceed."

"But, that's not fair! He almost forgot!"

"It may not be fair, but that's just the way it is …."

REMEMBER THE "VOICE" FROM THE PROLOGUE? WELL, NOW THERE ARE "VOICES" ...