Erik

I paced throughout my lair; the air grew heavy and frantic. I felt that something was going to happen, no... I knew it… Every night now I dreamed of her; those dreams are becoming more real as time passes.

That's when I heard an angelic voice singing "Pitiful creature of darkness, what kind of life have you know? God gave me courage to show you, you are not ALONE!" I whirled around to find the source of the sweet melody. It must have been a dream, yes another daydream. Wait no it can't be… It sounded so real.

Before I knew what was happening I was headed quickly to the Mirror. I had to know if I was truly going mad once more, or if my sweet ange had returned to me.

I silently peered through the clouded mirror to find what I could not believe… "Christine." I sighed with shocked and joy. She was speaking with her fiancé, Raoul. I sat and listened to their conversation until Raoul had left.

Christine

We had just arrived at the Opera Populair and it was a glorious sight. I dashed to my room, leaving Raoul standing awkwardly at the entrance, to find surprise as I had left it. I spoke to Raoul for awhile about the job they were offering me; we argued for what seemed an eternity and he finally gave in. He never could defeat me; I could see it in his eyes... He could never deny my happiness, which made was I was doing much harder.

"Oh thank you Raoul.!! I'm so happy." I said smiling and crying, brimming with joy.

"I know… that's why I agreed.sighs If it makes you happy, it's alright with me." He said smiling that little smile he always gave me when he couldn't sat no and knew he was defeated.

"Well if you don't mind I must get my things ready for the rehearsal tonight." I said half expecting him to say "ok whatever needs to be done I will help you with." But instead he kissed my cheek and said goodbye.

He closed the door very hesitantly though, I knew he was worried. I was worried to… I wanted it all over with. I didn't want anymore harm to come of him. He deserves someone who can be his fully. When he met me, I already belonged to one man, Mon ange de music, the Phantom, my beloved Erik.

As I sat in a small cushioned chair by my dresser absorbed in my thoughts, I noticed something I did not see when I first came in… Lying on my dresser was a Red Rose that still had the thorns on it, a black ribbon tied around it. My eyes were locked on it, as I slowly and shakily reached for it, feeling the chill of a presence unseen flow through my entire body. "Erik?" I whispered as the air grew cold. I then heard the sweetest sound I have ever heard in my entire life, his voice.

"Yes, Christine, mon ange, I am here."

He stepped out of the mirror and for the first time in what seemed a lifetime, I saw him.

I was still sitting at my dresser, stunned beyond belief. I slowly tore my eyes off of Erik just to look at the rose that I still clutched in my shaking hand and said as my eyes filled with his sight, "You knew I was coming?"

"Yes, just as you knew I was still here." He said with a new tone that I had not heard before; it was a mix of sadness, joy, and love.

I began to quiver from shock that I was here once more; here with him. I knew I had a choice once more; to go or to stay... That decision was made the moment I stepped foot in the carriage with Raoul. I vowed 'if he was still here, I would stay with him for he is my love, my fire, my soul, he is me and I can not live without him."

He looked at me with the same look that I so clearly remember, "So, what now?' he softly asked pausing for a moment before continuing. "What are you here for? Have you dropped by for a visit?" He asked a little sharply.

"No." I replied calmly, smiling as I said, "I've come to go home."

He looked at me in amazement and confusion as he spoke ever so gently, "You mean… You've returned Mon ange? You know this won't be easy."

I began to blush as I took his extended hand and said, "I know, but we have to try…Let's just go home."

"We can try, I suppose… but…" He let go of my hand for a moment. "What of your fiancé, Raoul?" when he asked this his eyes grew solemn, only did they begin to gleam with the fire I remember when I said "Before he came, I had already belonged to someone…It has taken till now to realize that without you, I am broken."

He smiled and his eyes gleamed as he whispered "You read my mind."

He reached once more for my hand and before I realized what had happened, we were in the boat making our way home.