Disclaimer: I don't own Phantom of the Opera.
Author's note: Well, I've reached a point in my story that I would refer to as 'the boring chapters'. There are these events that need to happen (because they happened in the book) before I can get to the parts that are slightly more original. I'll try my best to make them interesting, but I'm new at this whole 'creative writing' thing. Anyway, I hope you'll stick with me for a bit. It'll get better very soon. Oh yea, also you should know that the events in this chapter jump around a bit. Just try to work with it. Thank you tremendously for reading. I also appreciate reviews... I would like to get better, after all.
My Journal,
I haven't written in weeks. I haven't needed to. Life has be wonderful. I am happier than I have been in years.
Why? You ask. Because of Raoul. My Raoul. My wonderful, brave, handsome, compassionate Raoul! I am in love, if you haven't noticed.
"Raoul!" Christine chirped happily, walking over to her friend and hugging him warmly. Despite everything that had happened; despite the vigor in which she tried to get rid of him for his own safety; despite the ring that still weighed heavily on her finger, she was happy to see him.
"Christine, thank you for finally seeing me." Raoul said, nervously wringing his hat in his hands. There was no hint of sarcasm or bitterness in his voice. On the contrary, the boy had been a wreck since he last saw Christine disappear with the Red Death at the masked ball. He tried to call on her, only to be repeatedly told she was not receiving visitors. Still, true to his nature, he persevered--returning each day in hopes that she might agree to see him.
Now, he knew, the gods had blessed him with a chance. It was up to him not to screw it up.
"Listen," she said gently, leading him by the hand to a nearby sofa, "we should talk."
He nodded and let her pull him along.
"You must understand… Raoul… I-I care for you… I truly do… but--"
"Christine… why is there a ring on your finger?" he interrupted when he saw the gold band on the hand that was intertwined with his.
She heard the warning in his tone and her face flushed. Later, she'd admit to herself that she was more embarrassed than anything, but at the time, she lashed out angrily.
"That is none of your business, Raoul, and I'll thank you not to take that tone with me!"
He matched her fervor easily, "Of course it is my business, Christine! Have I been pursuing a married woman? How would your husband feel about us?"
Christine was conflicted. She assessed her options. Now is the time I could finally get rid of him. Tell him I'm engaged, he'll respect that. Ah… but can I? I've sent him away too many times… this isn't fair. Why should I have to let him go again? Perhaps I should tell the truth…
"I am not married, Raoul. Not engaged even…"
"Don't start that with me, Christine!" he sneered, "I'm done with your lies. You say you belong to no man… but that ring, Christine… that ring is a promise that has been accepted!"
It would have been impossible to tell who's face was redder, hers or Raoul's. Anyway, Christine felt her temper shouting inside her, begging to be let loose.
"Don't talk about things you know nothing about, Raoul." she said coldly.
"Is it Erik's?"
She was a little shocked that he knew his name. "How do you know of Erik?"
"Ha! It's true then!" he shouted in mock triumph. "I followed you that night after the ball. I heard you say 'poor Erik' before he came for you."
Christine sank onto the sofa, her face in her hands.
Raoul felt bad, knowing that he had gone to far and upset her, but not really willing to back down. I have to know if there's a chance for us! Why won't she just tell me if there is someone else? Why is she letting me make a fool of myself?
After a long silence, Raoul finally spoke. "I would have married you, you know. I'm not like other men… I wouldn't have just made you… you wouldn't have to… I just…you wouldn't be my mistress, you'd be my wife, social rules be damned!" he blurted out.
"Married?" Christine said, stunned. "No… no no no… we could never be married! Don't you see? Erik would kill you!"
"So there is someone else? Christine... I need you to be honest with me. Am I wasting my time? I love you, I will not deny it… but am I making a fool of myself? You need to stop playing with my heart. Please… I beg of you… are you promised to anyone?"
"I… I… um… well… no. No, I am not but… I cannot marry. Erik forbids me to marry anyone."
The viscomte let out a frustrated sigh. He was having about as much luck talking with her as he had talking to Madame Valerius. Agh, Christine… tell me what's going on! Talk to me!
"But… wait!" she cried in sudden revelation. "He said I could not marry… but he said nothing about being engaged. Raoul… we could still be engaged, couldn't we?"
Raoul smiled at her excitement. She sounded like a child at Christmas. It briefly reminded him of the carefree, happy, little girl she had been. It reminded him of a time when her head was caught up in the clouds that she could care less what happened on earth. It reminded him of the girl she once was… before her father died.
He loved her excitement. He adored the idea of being the reason behind the smile on that pretty face. So, he jumped on board with her little game.
Kneeling in front of her, he took her hands in his and said dramatically, "Would the lady do me the honor of becoming my fiancée?"
She giggled and nodded. He picked her up and spun her in circles. Then the two laughed and played together… the embodiment of young love.
We have spent all week together playing at being engaged. It has been so perfect, I wish it could last forever!
How did this come about? Well, I don't know how it all happened, but I am playing Marguerite again!
"Sir, repairs to the theatre are complete. You are cleared to begin productions again."
"Thank you," the manager said, handing a coin to the messenger boy.
"There is a problem though," replied the director, "Carlotta will not be performing with us."
"What?" he cried, panicked, "How are we to continue without a star?"
Just then a note fell to the ground from the ceiling. The men both looked up but could not see the source. It appeared to have materialized out of nowhere.
There has been about two and a half weeks of rehearsals and performances are to begin in a few more days.
Dear Messieurs,
It seems you are aware of the unfortunate relapse of La Carlotta's illness. Never fear, it is for the best. The absence of that glass shattering shrieking of hers can only serve to improve the performances. I have taken the liberty of preparing Mademoiselle Christine Daae for the role of Marguerite. She will be present when rehearsals begin in three day's time. One would be wise to listen to my advice. More accidents would prove to be quite a nuisance.
Your obedient servant,
O.G.
I am excited, but not because of the role. I am excited because it means freedom for me!
"Christine, you were perfect!" Erik sighed as he rowed Christine back to the lair. He had just retrieved her from her dressing room after the masked ball and was overjoyed.
The occasion had been brilliant, she had been beautiful, and he had gotten a chance to walk around unmasked and ensure the continuing illness of La Carlotta (who was so busy fluffing her hair and flirting with serving boys that she hadn't noticed the Red Death slip some ingenious concoction into her drink).
Still, what was more thrilling was the fact that Christine had returned to him, just as he had promised. She is a good girl, he told himself, Of course she keeps her promises! She promised she'd come back, didn't she? But he still had trouble believing. A lifetime of betrayal and broken promises will do that to a person. So he was immeasurably happy when she kept her promise to him.
Christine blushed and nodded appropriately. He is not upset! she thought happily. She was worried he had heard her with Raoul. He is in such a good mood, actually! I should say something… um…
"And you, sir, have quite a flare for the dramatic!" she said, gesturing to the Red Death costume he was still wearing. If that wasn't already painfully obvious!
He laughed a little. It was, she was surprised to realize, the first time his laugh could be considered a pleasant sound. Usually his laughter was bitter, creepy, and… well, evil. His laughter usually made her cringe. But now it was different… it was a delightfully warm sound that she might wish to hear again had they met under different circumstances.
I mean it… Erik has let me go! The masked ball was a test, I know that now. Apparently I passed.
Their next voice lesson was different than the others. It was relaxed--likely because she already knew the music to perfection. As she sang to his accompaniment, she felt as if they were no longer teacher and student. Rather, it almost seemed as if they were equals… just two people playing music together. Even under the strange circumstances, both Christine and Erik thoroughly enjoyed this non-lesson.
Afterwards, Erik sat on the sofa and tented his fingers in thought.
"My dear, I wish to speak to you about something."
"Yes, Erik? What is it?"
"Rehearsals for Faust are scheduled to pick up again soon."
"Oh?" she said, feigning indifferent curiosity
"Yes, well… it's time. Anyway, you will be playing Marguerite."
She just nodded. At one point she would have questioned him. But, now, the 'why' and 'how' didn't matter nearly as much to her. Christine was a smart girl. She could make the connections. If she had rehearsals, she couldn't be stuck down here in the cellar.
"You have proven your trustworthiness, and it is time for you to return for a little while."
A little while? What? Does that mean he expects me to come back after a few days. Yes, that is extremely likely. The likelihood me giving up the very opportunity I've been working at for weeks is about the same as the likelihood of me being trampled to death by ducks! Boy, Erik, do you have another thing coming!
So now I am free to walk around as I please. I am living back at home with Mamma Valerius and attending rehearsals. I still wear his ring… it is the rather unfortunate reminder that I am not out of the woods just yet. But I definitely think our little game has taken a turn in my favor.
Ah, but how can I still see Raoul? That is simple. Erik allows it!
"Before you leave, Christine, I want to talk to you about the viscomte."
Christine restrained a gasp. Oh no! He did hear us at the ball! What is he going to do?
"Erik I swear I never--"
"I trust you, Christine…" he interrupted, the pleading look in his eyes showing that he meant it. "I do trust you… these few weeks have been the happiest in my life. I feel as if I can do anything with you by my side. I believe you when you say that you do not return M. de Chagny's affections. I trust you… I must keep saying it, for it is a concept that does not come easily to me. But, I will prove it… I will not deny you the right to see the viscomte…"
"What are you saying, Erik?" she said skeptically. Did Hell just freeze over?
Oh, dear Christine… don't make me speak of this! I just don't want to lose you! "He loves you and he is going abroad soon… I just… I just wanted you to know that I trust you. That is all I'll say on the subject." I love you, Christine… but you can only despise me when I control you so… my dear angel… please don't break my heart…
I know it's a little cynical of me... but it almost seems to good to be true. I'm not going to dwell on that now, though. I've had too much stress in my life recently. For the moment, I'll just take it for what it is. It is a dream come true. Granted, it's a strange dream--like a nightmare with a happy ending--but I'll count my blessings for now.
Life is good; may it continue to be so.
Christine
