Title: As Speech Disappears Into Silence

Author: LittleLottexoxEriksTrueAngel

Chapter 12: Temporary Insanity - Part One

A/N: A big thank you to all who reviewed! Especially, FalconGirl, who was my 100th reviewer, and to SEriOUsly.2, who was my 101st reviewer!

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"I give you back your liberty, Christine, on condition that this ring is always on your finger. As long as you keep it, you will be protected against all danger and Erik will remain your friend. But woe to you if you ever part with it, for Erik will have his revenge!"-Gaston Leroux's 'The Phantom of the Opera'

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Chapter 12: Temporary Insanity – Part One

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What just happened?
Did you kiss me?
Cause that's a place we've never been until now

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Christine let out a cry as she heard the library door slam shut. Erik! She attempted to call after him, but could not voice the words. Oh, Erik…

She shook her head lightly trying to shake all of the thoughts of Erik's face out of her head. Tears pooled down her cheeks unrelentlessly and Christine felt like she was suffocating. She swiftly rose and raced from the library towards her own bedroom.

Upon entering her chambers, Christine flung herself onto her bed. She could feel her body beginning to bruise and winced. How could he do this to me? She thinks. How could you do that to him? And with that thought she cupped her face in her hands and sobbed.

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And I don't know how it's gonna be after this
Do we pretend these feelings don't exist at all

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What happens now? Christine wondered as she sat up, her entire being now devoid of tears. What is to become of me? Become of us? A shiver rolls up her spine and images of what had passed only minutes ago between her and Erik played in her head. She felt tears begin to form in her eyes and vaguely wondered as her heart pounded wildly in her chest. A dull ache began to slowly seep through her young body, followed by confusion. A lone tear streamed down her pale cheek as she placed her left hand over her heart.

A golden ring shimmered elegantly in the candlelit room.

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Or do we fall?

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Christine cried out, remembering the night that Erik had given the ring. Erik had taken Christine down to the beach that borders his home…

After a wonderful moonlit picnic they had sat together, Christine's back against Erik's muscular chest. She ran the sand mindlessly through her fingers as Erik's arms snaked their way around her slim waist. Christine sighed in contentment when Erik began to sing gently – seductively – in her ear.

It was in that moment that Christine thought, I could die right here – in his arms as he sings gently in her ear…under the stars…the rustle of the waves so close…- and be happy. Then she suddenly wonders, Is this what love feels like?

She shivered slightly, in what might have been anticipation, which Erik read entirely different. He pulled away, quickly unwinding his arms from her waist. The younger woman stumbled slightly, but quickly regained her posture and turned to face him.

"Erik---" Christine began, knowing full well that he always sees things in his own way.

He tensed awkwardly and turned away from her. Christine could tell he was blushing. "I have something for you, my dear." She heard him say.

She walked over and placed her small hand on his shoulder. Erik responded by reaching over is shoulder and grasping her hand. He'd then pulled her closer.

After he reached into the pocket of his trousers, he held out the shimmering ring to her. It was a beautiful yet simple golden band. An intricate pattern of roses was engraved into the ring and Christine later discovers the words "My Angel" impressed on the inside of the band. "You must promise to always wear this ring on your finger. It is your symbol that you are mine." He smirked slightly as Christine gulped. "That you will always be mine." He had paused then for a moment. "Promise me…and you will always be free from danger, always be loved…always be happy." Then he's slipped the ring onto the ring finger on her left hand…the hand – the finger that is meant to hold a ring given to you by the one you love. A wedding ring, an engagement ring…

She'd taken too long it seemed and Erik squeezed her hand encouragingly, with the certain authority he possessed that had always frightened her. But, then, her heart fluttered and she'd smiled. "I promise." She said with conviction.

Finally, she sealed her promise with a kiss.

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My confusion shows whenever you get so close

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Fresh tears pooled down Christine's cheeks like heavy rain coming down hard during a harsh storm. Her heart hurt. Her body ached. Was this what it felt like…love? This sweet, dull, pain seeping it's way throughout your body?? Oh, Erik! Why is our love so cursed?!

Love.

There was that word again. Christine's jumbled mind could not comprehend this foreign emotion. Of course, there had been another before Erik. She had loved Raoul - God, when was the last time she had thought of him? - But that had only been the kind of love a sister would give to her older brother. And there was her father…but that is a completely different kind of love. So different…

And now there is Erik.

Erik. The man who saved her father, only to threaten him… the man who tricked her and took her away from her life, from everything she had ever known…the man who imprisoned her in this place, his home…the man who loved her with everything that he is…

But what of this love?

What of him?

What of Christine herself?

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I stumble, I stutter, forget what to say
I'm nervous, I wonder why I'm acting this way

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Is this love that she is feeling? Or just a delusion?

Something he has tricked her into? Something unintended? Something intentional?

Or just something there that was not there before?

Maybe the better question is….what is love?

Christine pulls her knees to her chest and wraps her arms around her legs. She rocks herself gently back and forth wishing that it was her father comforting her and rocking her back and forth…back and forth… like he always did.

Her father.

Maybe he is what she needs.

Maybe…just maybe…

Could she do it?

Could she run?

Was it worth the risk?

She could be back before he notices…couldn't she…?

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It's temporary insanity
What's going on with you and me?
Is it real or is it fantasy?
Forever or just temporary?

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Insanity?

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A/N: I am soooo sorry that this took so long! Everything has been crazy!! The next chapter should definitely be up soon!!!!

Pretty Please Review!!!

PS…ATTENTION EMMY ROSSUM FANS…

Emmy's Album is amazing, however I didn't buy it on Itunes. Can someone email me the bonus track "Its Been Too Long", that is available on Itunes? I'd really, really, really appreciate it!

REVIEW!