Chapter 23
Friday April 9th, 2006
8:59 p.m.
Local Dinner
"A toast," Jim began holding up his coffee. "To each other, to a new baby," he continued towards Warrick and Catherine. "To a welcomed engagement," he nodded at Jessica and Nick. "And Grissom getting his head out of his ass long enough to finally pop the question to Sara, thank God," he paused as Sara laughed. "To new members of our group," glancing at Mia and Greg with a wink. "New beginnings for us all, and to finally seeing the Night Stalker receiving the death sentence, and this case, truly being over."
"Here here," Catherine agreed with a smile.
Sara reached over and squeezed Jessica's hand lightly as everyone raised his or her glass, glancing over to smile at her softly. They were one trial closer to it all being truly over. Vegas might be free of the Night Stalker, but she had two more trials to live through, and Jess would be there every step of the way. But until then, they would celebrate.
It had been a month since she and Gil announced their engagement, and since Catherine and Warrick announced they were expecting their second baby, and third child, this one being due in August. It was an announcement that had caused Greg to tease them about taking after rabbits, until he was reminded not to mess with Catherine when she was pregnant. She was scary normally, down right terrifying when pregnant.
During the past month, they had suffered through another trial, and Stevens pulling some of the same things he had pulled in Frisco, although it went even worse when he tried to play the relationship card on Nick, who recognized the pictures for what they were, pictures from a New Years Eve they had spent together at a show after the lab explosion, and from a Christmas party a few years earlier. But in the end, it hadn't helped a bit. And John was sentenced to death. Which the California D.A. had agreed to letting Nevada have him so he could actually be put to death since he was only sentenced to all those years in California.
And now, besides making wedding plans and baby plans, they found themselves preparing for the opening of the Vegas branch of the Harrison-Sidle Foundation, complete with a Gala that was to take place in a week.
"Well, I do believe we have some things to do, and we need to get ready for work, so as much as I hate to do this, I need to head out," Jim spoke up with a sigh.
"Same here," Greg agreed. "See you guys at work in a few hours."
"See you then," came the various answers as the party broke up to head home for a few hours.
Friday April 16th, 2006
5:45 p.m.
Stokes-Harrison Residence
"Jess Baby, the limo's waiting," Nick called from the front room. When he got no response he walked back towards the bedroom. "Jess?"
"I'm not going," Jessica said from where she was sitting on the bed wearing a coral pink satin ball gown that had beads embroidered into the waist area of the bodice and two thirds of the way down the chiffon covered skirt, her head down.
"Baby, what is it?" Nick asked in concern, kneeling down in front of her.
"I can't get my necklace on and don't you dare laugh at me Nick," Jessica said in frustration. "This always happens whenever I have to go to something like this. I hate doing these things so I get really nervous and my hands start shaking and then I can't get my jewelry on."
"I'm not going to laugh at you Jess," Nick reassured taking Jessica's hands in his. "I know how much you hate doing the whole public appearance thing but you're doing this for Sara remember?"
"I know. I can't help it Nick. I just...I can't get it on..."
"Well then let me help you," Nick said carefully taking his mother's necklace out of Jessica's hands and helping her stand up before stepping behind her and fastening the necklace. "You look beautiful," he whispered in her ear before kissing her lightly on the cheek. "We better get going Baby, Sara and Gil will be waiting," he said stepping around Jessica and holding out his hand for her to take before leading her out to the waiting limo which whisked them off to Gil's townhouse.
Friday April 16th, 2006
6:25 p.m.
Grissom-Sidle Residence
"We were starting to wonder if you had decided to run while you still could," Grissom spoke as he opened the door to Jessica and Nick.
"Actually, I figured they had just said dear God what are we getting ourselves into with this get together at the Townhouse after the Gala and decided to run away from us," Sara spoke up as she rose and made her way over to them from the couch, Sahidi following her.
"I had a bit of trouble getting ready," Jessica mumbled in frustration.
"Ah, know how that is," Sara smiled softly. "So, shall we get over there and get this over with already?" she continued as she sunk to the floor to fasten Sahidi's lead.
"Please," pleaded Jessica.
"I think she's more anxious than you are, Acushla," Gil smiled as he helped Sara to her feet and helped her slip into her own coat before grabbing his leather jacket.
"You and me both Love," Sara smiled as she took his arm. "Lead away Love, there are people waiting for us, and no doubt a very antsy pregnant woman wanting our heads as well."
Friday April 16th, 2006
6:55 p.m.
Harrison-Sidle Foundation for the Victims of Rape and Abuse
Las Vegas Branch
"We were starting to wonder if you two had decided to ditch us with speeches like Griss did to me when Ecklie got promoted," Catherine spoke up as soon as she saw them enter the room.
"Cath, last I checked, neither of us was my fiancé," Sara smiled as they exchanged a brief hug before Catherine moved over to hug Jessica.
"Thank God for that," Catherine laughed. "Jess honey, you look fantastic. Oh and you don't look too bad either," she added towards Sara who rolled her eyes.
"Thanks Cath," Jessica replied a slight waver in her voice.
"I see the love is strong here," Greg spoke as he and Mia joined them. "Or is that the force?" he continued cocking his head to one side as he thought.
"Well, unless someone mistakes the old man here for Darth Vader, I doubt that's a problem," Chris countered as he joined them.
"Old man?" Sara asked turning towards her brother.
"Yeah, the one I hear you're marrying," Chris continued with a grin.
"Excuse me?" Sara asked looking at her brother like he lost his mind. "Watch it, I'll sic Laura on you and spill to Jack a few more of your incidents with his brownies."
"You wouldn't!" Chris repeated in horror.
"Brownies?" Warrick leaned over to ask his wife.
"Ah, those brownies," Griss nodded with a smirk.
"Yup, those brownies," Sara agreed with a evil smile.
"Damn you're evil Princess," Chris sighed. "Alright, alright, enough cracks about my future brother-in-law. Geez I'm only preparing him for meeting Jack."
"Who's Jack?" Mia asked confused.
"Jack Sidle, Sara's father," Jessica answered.
"Ah okay," Mia replied understanding. "Wait, why do you call him Jack? And does that make Laura your Mom?"
Chris and Sara glanced towards each other before starting to laugh. "Did I miss something?" Greg asked glancing between the two.
"It's just...we always said that if we had a dime for all the times we've been asked that..." Sara trailed off.
"We'd be millionaires." Chris continued.
Sara took a deep breath to stop her giggles. "Greg, our parents are the classic example of hippies. The one time we slipped and called him Dad, Jack went outside and cried."
"Then he made a double batch of brownies," Chris added with a grin.
"Dear God Scor, don't tell me you raided those ones too?" Sara sighed as she rolled her eyes. "God no wonder you're screwy, you were having double batches when you were seven."
"Ah, no, that's why I'm unique Sunshine, you're the one that's screwy. All that fascination with science," he continued shaking his head. "No, let me correct that, all those evil things you come up with, with your knowledge of science," he continued with a shudder.
"Ah, the memories. Right Jyn?" Sara asked glancing over at the other woman.
"Of course," replied Jessica with a smile. "And you better watch yourself Scor, you're standing with a bunch of people simply fascinated with science."
"Memories my foot. Those were evil plots you intended to pass on to younger generations to torture the men of the universe," Chris replied, "And hey, there's nothing wrong with science, I just worry about what you two will be able to teach my children...oh wait, maybe that's why I don't have any," he continued with a grin.
"No honey, you don't have any cause you haven't found a woman who has enough pity for you to provide you with one," Sara replied with a smile.
"Ouch," Warrick, Nick, and Greg chorused as Grissom turned away to rub his chin as he fought back a smile.
"It's pretty sad don't you think Sara that both of Scor's younger sisters are going to be married before he even finds a girl to take pity on him?" mused Jessica.
"Evil women. Evil," Chris replied shaking his head. "I think I'll get out of here while I still have some of my dignity in tact," he added before turning to mingle elsewhere.
"What dignity?" Jessica called after him.
"Oh I know. I thought his dignity went out the window with that night with Rachel," Sara mused glancing at Jessica.
"Evil!" Chris called back and Sara grinned.
"Rachel?" Grissom asked curious.
"Girlfriend for a month before they graduated senior year...let's just say it didn't take much for her to realize how much Scor was not the guy for her, and for her to inform the entire female population of the school of that fact," Sara answered with a wicked grin.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention," Chris's voice spoke and everyone stopped to look at him on the platform. "Thank you, most of you don't know me, in fact most of you are probably wondering who the weirdo wearing a suit with a ponytail is. Well, I'm Sara Sidle's brother," he continued with a grin towards the group of CSIs on one side of the room. "Which, she just might kill me for this later, but that's life, and this is one of the times when I get to truly enjoy playing the big brother, so...such is life," he shrugged. "Some twenty years ago now, my sister came home from science camp with a new pet. Well okay, so it wasn't a pet, but she could be just as annoying as one. And so Jessica Harrison came into my life and took up permanent residence as the new baby sister, like I needed another little sister when I was seventeen," he sighed dramatically shaking his head. "But I got used to it. And two decades later, I can't imagine a moment without the amazing woman I'm proud to think of as a sister. So I'm going to shut up, and head out of here before both of my sisters start plotting revenge if I start going on with those embarrassing moments of childhood...And yes, I do see that look your giving me Sara, so relax. I'll just keep those for later on when I have your fiancé to myself," he continued as laughter filtered through the room and Sara rolled her eyes. "So, it's my privilege, and pleasure, to introduce Jessica Harrison," he finished as he stepped back and clapped along with the gathered group.
"Wish me luck?" Jessica whispered to Nick.
"Good luck," he replied just as quietly with a gentle kiss before Jessica made her way towards the front of the room where Chris was standing.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, before I get started let me just say that Chris, you are a dead man," Jessica said, causing everyone to laugh. "But on a more serious note, I would like to thank you all for coming tonight to the gala celebrating the opening of the Las Vegas branch of the Harrison-Sidle Foundation for the Victims of Rape and Abuse. The decision to start the original foundation in San Francisco, and then this one, was not a difficult one to make, having been touched by violence both with my parents and with my adoptive family. As a young child, I watched as my mother was brutally raped before she was finally murdered with my father following shortly after, leaving me an orphan, who would later be taken under the wing of another family, the Sidles. I am sure that many of you, if not all of you here tonight, are aware of the ordeal my dear friend and sister, Sara has had to deal with over the years. It is for her that this branch of the Foundation was created. In the hopes of having more victims come forward and receive the help that is available to them, Sara has agreed to head up this branch of the Harrison-Sidle Foundation in the hopes that those suffering from any form of abuse, whether it be verbal, emotional, physical or sexual, will feel comfortable coming to this center for help knowing that the one responsible for overseeing it is herself a victim. Ladies and Gentlemen it is my pleasure to introduce to you the one responsible for this evening, Sara Sidle." As Jessica finished, Sara made her way up to the stage.
"Dreams," Sara began as she raised her eyes to the room. "It's such a common word, one you hear everyday. A word with many meanings, but a simple truth. Everyone has dreams. Dreams get us through each day, they give us memories of yesterday, hope for tomorrow, and joy for today. But the truth is, many people are robbed of their dreams, stripped of the happiness they once brought. And that's a horrible way to live, I know, I've been there and there are many days when I find myself back in that place...But even in the darkest moment, when all our joy and peace seems lost. When you think that tomorrow shall never dawn as bright as yesterday once did, there is still hope. For even in the darkest moments, as clichéd as it sounds, there is still a ray of light because none of us are alone. There is always one person who cares, who will stand by you no matter what the darkness brings. Sometimes, that person isn't as close as we hope, but there truly are those who care. And that is what this place is for. A place where anyone can come and find a friend, someone who can truly understand where you are and perhaps, together you can start building new dreams, be they as small as going to see the new Brad Pitt movie next week, or even as large as making plans to open a Bed and Breakfast with the person who you've discovered to be the sister of your heart. No matter what the future brings, remember to let the dreams in," she finished and everyone began to clap. "Thank you. And now I have a gift for all of you. If everyone would kindly join me, we can make our way to the Auditorium, just across the walkway in front here. And perhaps, everyone will leave tonight with a few new dreams of their own. Thank you." Smiling at the group, Sara turned and let Sahidi lead her to the side of the platform where Grissom was waiting.
"You did amazing, Acushla," he whispered in her ear and she smiled up at him.
Everyone in attendance at the Foundation Gala did as Sara had requested and made their way from the Foundation building across the commons to the university auditorium, taking seats throughout but mostly near the front, Sara making sure that the CSI team was all seated at the front, sitting down with Gil on onside and Jessica on the other, Nick sitting on Jessica's other side.
After the lights had dimmed and people had taken to the stage, Jessica turned to Sara in shock when she recognized the scene taking place before. "Sara, what in the world?" hissed Jessica barely above a whisper.
"Sit back and enjoy the show sis," replied Sara just as quietly.
Jessica sat back and took Nick's hand in hers, doing what Sara said, especially after she recognized the voice as belonging to that of her onetime classmate, Thomas, a thin yet athletic young man of Sara's age that was 6'1" with stunning blue eyes and shoulder length golden brown hair, who had tried everything in his power to seduce her to the stage, not quite understanding her desire to stay amongst the shadows instead of out among the stars.
The show was getting to one of Jessica's favorite parts, it was also one of the parts that she and Thomas were almost always asked to perform for the class, only Jessica noticed something no else in the auditorium seemed to, that is until it was too late.
"Christine Daae could sing it, sir," commented Meg Giry after Carlotta walked out.
"The chorus girl?" asked Firmin, one of the opera's managers
"Let her sing for you monsieur. She has been well taught," urged Madam Giry, the ballet instructor, who was currently standing off in front of the stage, indicating someone in the audience, making those in attendance think that the actress playing Christine was hiding amongst them, little did they know.
The minute Madam Giry's words left her mouth, Jessica turned a shocked glare on Sara; who simply mouthed 'go on' at her friend, nudging her slightly as the music began.
"Think of me think of me fondly,
when we've said goodbye.
Remember me once in a while –
please promise me you'll try."
Sang out a tentative voice from the front of the auditorium.
"When you find that, once again, you long
to take your heart back and be free –
if you ever find a moment,
spare a thought for me"
Continued the mystery singer as she slowly rose from her seat, and allowed Madam Giry to lead her up onto the stage, before leaving her alone up there, revealing her identity to the audience as that of their hostess.
"We never said our love was evergreen,
or as unchanging as the sea –
but if you can still remember
stop and think of me...
Think of all the things we've shared and seen –
don't think about the things which might have been...
Think of me,
think of me waking,
silent and resigned."
Jessica's voice grew stronger the longer she sang, drawing the audience in.
"Imagine me,
trying too hard to put you
from my mind.
Recall those days look back on all those times,
think of the things we'll never do –
there will never be a day,
when I won't think of you..."
Thomas, playing the role of Raoul, stepped out on stage, standing just off to the side, his character meant to be in a box seat.
"Can it be?
Can it be Christine?
Bravo!
What a change!
You're really not a bit the gawkish girl that once you were...
She may not remember me,
but I remember her..."
Jessica continued on as if Thomas was not even there.
"We never said our love was evergreen,
or as unchanging as the sea –
but please promise me,
that sometimes you will think o-o-o-...of me!"
Everyone in the auditorium broke out in applause, they were in shock that it was in fact their hostess up on stage but that did not prevent them from recognizing her talent. Everyone but Sara was surprised when Jessica did not leave the stage after the song but remained and continued on in the role of Christine. It wasn't long before they were no longer seeing Jessica Harrison, simply seeing Christine Daae.
The audience shivered as the voice of the Phantom echoed around the auditorium, beckoning 'Christine' to him, Jessica taking the hand held out to her from the side of the stage before disappearing into the wings just as 'Raoul' ran on from the other side. Moments later, Jessica reappeared on the stage being led by the hand by a backwards walking Phantom as she began the signature song.
"In sleep he sang to me,
in dreams he came
that voice which calls to me
and speaks my name
And do I dream again?
For now I find
the Phantom of the Opera is there –
inside my mind"
Jessica sang as they slowly made their way across the stage.
"Sing once again with me
our strange duet
My power over you
grows stronger yet
And though you turn from me,to glance behind,
the Phantom of the Opera is there -
inside your mind"
The Phantom replied as he led Jessica to the middle of the stage.
"Those who have seen your face
draw back in fear
I am the mask you wear..."
Jessica continued as she seemed to melt into the eyes of the man in front of her.
"It's me they hear..."
The Phantom trailed off, as they stopped and he caressed her cheek lightly as they continued in unison.
"Your/my spirit and your/my voice,
in one combined:
the Phantom of the Opera is there
inside your/my mind..."
Voices just off stage could suddenly be heard…
"He's there, the Phantom of the Opera...
Beware the Phantom of the Opera..."
As the Phantom continued…
"In all your fantasies,
you always knew
that man and mystery"
"Asuchla, was this really a good idea?" Gil asked worriedly, knowing what was coming up in the song. The only response he got was a knowing smirk from Sara and a look of confusion from Nick, who had no idea what Gil was going on about but not overly happy about what he was seeing. He was impressed with Jessica's ability to sing but not with the fact that she seemed to be totally enthralled with the man in front of her.
"were both in you"
Jessica sang enthralled in the Phantom's web of desire before they both continued…
"And in this labyrinth,
where night is blind,
the Phantom of the Opera is there/here
inside your/my mind"
"Sing, my Angel of Music!"
The Phantom encouraged as Jessica began vocalizing strangely, her song becoming more and more extravagant and higher in pitch before ending on an almost impossibly high note, leaving everyone in the audience, except for Sara, in stunned disbelief, each wondering why this young woman was not performing on the stage.
The production continued on, the audience enjoying every minute of it, well almost everyone. Nick loved watching Jessica up on stage but he did not like seeing her look at another man the way she looked at him, it just bothered him greatly and as much as he did not want to admit it, his jealously was starting to grow, especially as they moved onto what was known to be the love song of this production. Jessica appearing on stage, a cape around her shoulders to signify being outside and Thomas running on stage right after her as the lovers escaped from the stage area where the body of Joseph Buquet had just been discovered hanging from the rafters.
Jessica terrified of what might happen if the Phantom managed to get a hold of her, while Thomas tries to calm her down, their eyes meeting causing the mood to change almost immediately.
"No more talk of darkness,
Forget these wide-eyed fears.
I'm here, nothing can harm you –
my words will warm and calm you.
Let me be your freedom,
let daylight dry -your tears.
I'm here, with you, beside you,
to guard you and to guide you . . ."
Pleaded Thomas as Jessica walked away from him across the stage.
"Say you love me every waking moment,
turn my head with talk of summertime . . .
Say you need me with you, now and always . . .
promise me that all you say is true –
that's all I ask of you . . ."
Replied Jessica from across the stage, turning to face Thomas.
"Let me be your shelter,
let me be your light.
You're safe: No-one will find you
your fears are far behind you . . ."
Thomas promised, closing the gap between him and Jessica
"All I want is freedom,
a world with no more night . . .
and you always beside me
to hold me and to hide me . . ."
Jessica continued.
Then say you'll share with me one
love, one lifetime . . .
Let me lead you from your solitude . . .
Say you need me with you here, beside you . . .
anywhere you go, let me go too –
Christine, that's all I ask of you . . .
Thomas sang, still closing the gap between them.
"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime . . .
say the word and I will follow you . . ."
Jessica sang as she too began closing the gap before they continued on together.
"Share each day with me, each night, each morning . . ."
"Say you love me," Jessica asked stepping up in front of Thomas.
You know I do," Thomas replied, making Nick fidget as he fought the desire to go up on stage and hit the man.
"Love me - that's all I ask of you . . ."
They both sang before Thomas leaned in and kissed Jessica passionately before they broke apart and continued singing.
"Anywhere you go let me go too . . .
Love me - that's all I ask of you . ."
Jessica pulled away from Thomas' embrace when she realizes she must return.
"I must go –
they'll wonder where I am . . .
come with me, Raoul!"
Jessica asked holding out a hand towards Thomas.
"Christine, I love you!"
Thomas replied taking Jessica's hand in his, stepping towards her once more as she began to sing.
"Order your fine horses!
Be with them at the door!"
"And soon you'll be beside me," confirmed Thomas, caressing Jessica's cheek once more.
"You'll guard me, and you'll guide me," Jessica replied, placing her hand over Thomas' before leading him off the stage as the Phantom entered from the back corner.
"I gave you my music...
made your song take wing...
and now, how you've
repaid me:
denied me
and betrayed me...
He was bound to love you
when he heard you sing...
Christine...
Christine..."
As the Phantom cried out for Christine, Jessica and Thomas' voices echoed through the auditorium…
"Say you'll share with me one
love, one lifetime . . .
say the word and I will follow you . . .
Share each day with me, each night, each morning..."
Hearing this angered the Phantom…
"You will curse the day you did not do
all that the Phantom asked of you...!"
As the play continued on, Nick was growing more and more agitated. He was fighting against rushing up on stage and just out right knocking the lights out of Thomas, especially as he and Jessica spoke of a secret engagement during the Masquerade Ball. As the scenes changed, Jessica's haunted voice was soon heard echoing around the room…
In sleep he sang to me,
in dreams he came . . .
that voice which calls to me
and speaks my name . . .
Probably the most difficult part for Nick to watch was the scene coming up for he could just feel the waves of intense pain radiating off Jessica as she appeared in the far corner of the stage, a hooded cap on over her dress and flowers in her hand as she slowly walked towards the center of the stage.
"Little Lotte thought of everything and nothing…Her Father promised her that he would send her the Angel of Music…Her father promised her…Her father promised her…"
"You were once my one companion . . .
you were all that mattered . . .
You were once a friend and father –
then my world was shattered . . .
Wishing you were somehow here again . . .
wishing you were somehow near . . .
Sometimes it seemed if I just dreamed,
somehow you would be here . . ."
As Jessica reached centre stage, those that were sitting close enough could make out the sheen of tears on her face. Nick could tell that the song was affecting her in ways that most people probably had no idea about, thinking her tears were in relation to her character, not her real life, like Nick instinctively knew they were. Nick watched as a wall Jessica never let anyone see behind came crashing down around her, letting raw emotion flood her voice.
"Wishing I could hear your voice again...
knowing that I never would...
Dreaming of you won't help me to do
all that you dreamed I could...
Passing bells and sculpted angels,
cold and monumental, seem, for you,
the wrong companions –
you were warm and gentle...
Too many years fighting back tears...
Why can't the past just die...?
Wishing you were somehow here again ...
knowing we must say goodbye...
Try to forgive...
teach me to live...No more memories, no more silent tears...
give me the strength to try...
No more memories, no more silent tears...
No more gazing across the wasted years...
Help me say goodbye."
The audience sat there transfixed, their hearts breaking for the young woman on stage, not quite sure if what they were feeling was caused by the words Jessica had sung or the unadulterated emotion behind them.
"Oh God Sara, what have you done," murmured Nick under his breath in concern for what this might be doing to Jessica's emotional state.
"I've done something she's been putting off for far too many years my friend," Sara whispered as she turned her head to look at him. "She'll be fine, this may help her more than any of us ever could. But it may take longer than I every dreamed," she continued softly with a sigh before turning back to the stage.
As the performance continued, Nick sat carefully watching as Jessica somehow managed to hide the true emotions he had just seen behind a quickly constructed wall that was slammed into place, revealing the façade she showed to the world. Nick watched as Jessica walked on stage, sat down and started eating an apple, no sign of her earlier tears at all. A man wrapped in a cloak entered the stage from the other side, his appearance hidden. His first words startled Jessica, causing her to turn to look at him as he slowly approached, his voice seductive as he sang…
"You have come here in pursuit of your deepest urge,
in pursuit of that wish, which till now
has been silent, silent...
I have brought you, that our passions may fuse and merge - in your mind
you've already succumbed to me dropped all defenses
completely succumbed to me - now you are here with me:
no second thoughts, you've decided, decided...
Past the point of no return - no backward glances:
the games we've played till now are at an end...
Past all thought of "if" or "when" - no use resisting:
abandon thought, and let the dream descend...
What raging fire shall flood the soul?
What rich desire unlocks its door?
What sweet seduction lies before us...?
Past the point of no return,
the final threshold - what warm,
unspoken secrets will we learn?
Beyond the point of no return..."
Jessica slowly rose to her feet, falling under the spell of the cloaked figure. Her words speaking volumes of the powerful seduction she is under.
You have brought me to that moment
where words run dry, to that moment
where speech disappears
into silence, silence...
I have come here, hardly knowing the reason why...
In my mind, I've already imagined our bodies entwining
defenseless and silent - and now I am
here with you: no second thoughts,
I've decided, decided...
Past the point of no return - no going back now:
our passion-play has now, at last, begun...
Past all thought of right or wrong - one final question:
how long should we two wait, before we're one...?
When will the blood begin to race the sleeping bud burst into bloom?
When will the flames, at last, consume us...?"
Soon the voice of the mystery man joins in with Jessica's…
"Past the point of no return the final threshold –
the bridge is crossed, so stand and watch it burn...
We've passed the point of no return..."
A murmur could be heard throughout the auditorium as people began to realize that it was in fact the Phantom with Jessica up on stage and that she already knew that, as the Phantom sang on…
"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime...
Lead me, save me from my solitude...
Say you want me with you, here beside you...
Anywhere you go let me go too –
Christine that's all I ask of..."
Jessica never let the Phantom finish the song, pulling the mask from his face, revealing his true visage to everyone. As the guards start to close in, the Phantom sweeps his cloak around Jessica, both of them disappearing from the stage.
Nick watched as the Phantom pulled Jessica across the stage to escape from the mob that was after them. He watched as Thomas begged the Phantom to take his life and let Christine go. Even though his mind kept reminding him it was nothing more than a play, his heart refused to listen as he sat there and listened to another man claim the love that had been promised to him.
"You deceived me. I gave my mind blindly," Jessica said from her position between the two men, Thomas with a noose around his neck.
"You try my patience. Make your choice," the Phantom ordered.
Jessica stood there thinking for a moment before moving slowly towards the Phantom, her words quiet at first but then growing with emotion.
"Pitiful creature of darkness...
What kind of life have you known...?
God give me courage to show you
you are not alone..."
She finished before kissing him long and full on the lips, the embrace lasting a long time as Thomas, and Nick, watched in horror. After breaking the kiss the Phantom walked over and released the noose from around Thomas' neck, as an approaching mob could be heard in the wings.
"Take her - forget me - forget all of this...
Leave me alone - forget all you've seen...
Go now - don't let them find you!
Take the boat - leave me here - go now, don't wait...
Just take her and go - before it's too late...
Go. . .
Go now - go now and leave me!"
The Phantom ordered as Thomas and Jessica quickly exit the stage, their voices echoing as they reaffirm their desire to be together. As the mob approaches the Phantom wraps his cloak around himself, taking a seat on his throne before disappearing, the only evidence that remains is his mask.