Disclaimer: I don't own the Phantom of the Opera or any of its songs, script, etc.

A/N: Elise one more time, let's see what's going on…

Showstopper

Elise

Chapter 12 – The Duel
 "Brava! Brava! Bravissimma!" he sang as he clapped three times, completely bringing me out of my moment. Startled by his presence, I lost my balance and fell to the floor with a great thud.
"Andrew! How long have you been standing there?" I demanded.
"Just long enough to see you dance to your God. Tell me how is the-"
"Look," I started, "I didn't invite you here. In fact, I have no idea why you're here. I thought I made it quite clear that I didn't want to speak to you unless I had to."
"Well," he said, coming closer, "I'm here, and it looks to me like we need to talk about something that is very, very important."

He walked over to the CD player and switched it off. The gleam in his eyes was different, almost frightening. My instincts started to kick in. I had no choice but to leave as soon as I could possibly could.
"So what does he have that I don't?" he asked.

"You're an idiot, d'you know that?" My blood boiled, but I said nothing.
"Wow, that must mean he's got a lot. Tell me, if he's so good how come he isn't playing my role? Huh?"

"You amaze me with your stupidity." I silently took of my ballet slippers and packed them safely away in my bag.
"Well 'Christine', it looks like your excuse just disintegrated. How does it feel? Does the cold ache where your heart used to be still remain? Can you feel love at all?" he asked, coming closer to me. When I looked up he was within two inches of my face, eyes filled with a flaming rage.

"Or are you still the heartless coward you've always been?" he dropped his final question. What possessed me to do what I did next I have no idea, but I couldn't stop myself. I lifted my foot and pushed just far enough away to punch him in the face. I screamed in pain as I realized that just because his head was hollow, it didn't mean it wasn't still made of bone. Andrew fell to the ground.
"What the hell is your problem, you -" I interrupted him before he could call me any of the profanities that were burning on the tip of his tongue.

"You really want to know what he has that you don't? Respect." The tone of my voice lowered, "Move your hand, let's see what I did."

I lowered myself down to his level, and moved his hand away from his eye.

"Why should I trust you?" he asked defensively.
"Well, it's up to you: I can go and tell everyone that you were beat up by a girl, it's your choice." I said cleverly, and he became silent.
"Well, looks like you'll have a nice shiner," I said after a moment.
"What! I can't have a shiner!"
"Well, consider yourself lucky, you get to wear a mask on Monday."
"So let me get this straight, you're suggesting that I just wear a mask to school all day Monday?"
"Yes, that's exactly what I'm suggesting," I replied. Then, as an afterthought, "Besides, it's good for the fans."
The angry look on his face faded, even if just for a second I had truly broken him.
"You know, all intentions aside, you're a really good person," he said, looking at the floor.
"Andrew we've been over this, we are not meant to be together. I will work with you, and I'll pretend to love you like a father for a production, but that's where it ends."
"Can we be friends?"
"Let me think about it. You've messed with my head far too much today, so give me some space. Now get out of here before I change my mind," I said, watching him leave. As I did I noticed a new light in his eyes, but what was it? Guilt? Remorse? Anger perhaps? The fact of the matter was he had truly scared me. As soon as he left I started trembling. I couldn't make it stop. I looked at the clock on the wall and gasped. I was supposed to be home half an hour ago! I reached for my cell phone in my bag; as it turns out my Mom had tried to call me once. I called her back and explained that I had gotten caught up in the music and was on my way home. She was not happy with me, but luckily she understood.
I started for the door when my cell phone rang again. Still not completely aware of what was going on around me, I answered it.

"Hello?"
"Hey! Lisie! How's it going?" Kendall asked.
"I'm alright I guess, where the heck are you?"
"I'm at Colombo's, just playing some pool."
"Kendall you're never 'just playing some pool'. How is it going?"
"Well, let's just say if I win this tournament, I'll have enough to pay off my car!" she started squealing.
"That is so awesome, Kendall!" I said, trying to sound happy.

It was then I noticed the chill going up and down my spine. Andrew hasn't worn off yet; it's like he's still here. Almost like someone is watching me. I shivered and turned around to make my mind stop rewinding the last hour and a half.
"Elise, where are you? You're like echoing."
"I'm at the studio." I said flatly.
"What are you doing there?"
"I was just," I started, trying to avoid spilling the night's events, "practicing, you know, getting the edge off."
"Well no offense hun, but it doesn't sound like it's worked yet."
"I know," I said, looking at the floor. Kenny, if you only knew what I did, if you only knew…
"Oh, hey Lise I've got to go! One more round, and then it's party time! Wish me luck! Bye!"
"Okay bye," I said, ending the call and packing my phone away in my bag.
I walked outside; it wasn't raining anymore, but I didn't want to be recognized so I put up my hood anyway. Did I do the right thing? Or did I just stoop down to his level? What is everyone going to think of me? I'm the shy Ivy-League-bound-sassy-type, but now I get to add on the end of that "tough girl"? I mean I always knew I was but now it's a reality. What if Andrew twists this around into something vulgar? I can just hear him now, "Yeah, me and Elise…"

I shuddered. I can't think like that now, I just can't.

I sighed and kept walking.
Christine, Christine, Where in the world have you been hiding? Really, you were perfect!
I turned around. Where was that coming from? Fear, molten titanium running down my spine, motivated me to walk faster.
I only wish I knew your secret. Who is your great tutor?
My eyes frantically scanned the street in front of me, my secret? I just made an enemy, a whole army of them. The ominously ironic music seemed to be getting louder like a ghoulish whisper; I stopped in front of the barber shop and looked around through the fog.
Father once spoke of an Angel, I used to dream he'd appear.
The words tore at my restless beating heart as if expecting someone to jump out of the fog at me. This is not a horror movie, this is not a horror movie, I told myself.
Now as I sing, I can sense him, and I know he's here.

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A/N: Elise's imagination is getting the best of her… again. Oh well. Lol, tell me your thoughts, I've… we've got more!

Phantomfreak07