This chappie was not all that much fun to write honestly. It's actually like Christine's take in ALW. But I tried to add a little humor... and the next chappie is tres interessante, I promise!

R&R and ENJOY!

"Until you stop these things from happening, this thing does not happen!" With a final glare Carlotta whirled on her heel and left the stage, her few admirers following suit. It appeared like it was for good this time. The rest of us glanced at each other nervously; there was no understudy for La Carlotta.

The managers spoke in hushed tones to each other. Defeat was prominent on their naive faces. "We shall have to refund a full house!"

Madame Giry, seeming to have had enough of this, stepped forward. I noticed an envelope with a red seal in her hand. "Christine Daae could sing it, monsieurs. She has a great teacher."

I stiffened. Yes, I had been using Erik's vocal exercises, but I wasn't ready for the lead! He was only present in my heart and mind these past few years.

Then the managers asked the fateful question."Who?"

I knew for sure that I wouldn't tell them the truth. I couldn't tell them about Erik. Desperately I glanced at Madame Giry, who shook her head slightly. I bit my lip. "I don't know his name, monsieurs." They simply stared at me, and I couldn't blame them. They probably thought I was quite possibly a lunatic.

But then my managers beckoned for me to sing for them, and I hesitantly strode forward. Anxiety stirred deep in my stomach. Angel of Music, please help me...

---

The harsh spotlight caused me to blink furiously. Thousands of people were in the crowd and I could not see them at all because of the light, which was somewhat of a blessing. I looked at the maestro, who promptly nodded. Gentle music began to surge about me like a calm sea. I took a deep breath, savoring it, and parted my lips to sing:

"Think of me, think of me fondly
when we've said goodbye.
Remember me ev'ry so often,
promise me you'll try.
On that day, that not so distant day,
when you are far away and free,
if you ever find a moment,
spare a thought for me.
And though it's clear,
though it was always clear
that this was never meant to be,
if you happen to remember,
stop and think of me.
Think of August when the trees were green;
don't think about the way things might have been.
Think of me, think of me waking
silent and resigned.
Imagine me, trying too hard to
put you from my mind.
Think of me please say you'll think of me
whatever else you choose to do.
There will never be a day when
I won't think of you!"

I used the interlude to smile and gaze rapturously out at the audience. Never in my life had I felt so liberated.

"Flow-ers fade, the fruits of summer fade,
they have their season so do we...
but please promise me that sometimes
you will think of me!"

Thunderous applause greeted me as the curtain fell. I immediately turned after the opera ended and left for the chapel. Perhaps Erik would be there waiting for me.

People kept stopping me as I fled. Usually I would have enjoyed the compliments, but at the moment I desired greatly to be alone. I was certain I was going to see him tonight.

Finally I arrived at the chapel, my heart pounding in anticipation. I opened the door quietly and made my way in carefully as to not rip my sparkling, white gown. Folding my skirts about me I knelt to light a candle for my father, and to pray.

After many silent minutes the heavy wooden door flew open once more, and my best friend walked through. "Where in the world have you been hiding?" She came and sat by my side with a genuine smile on her angelic face. "Really you were perfect."

I ducked my head embaressed. "Thank you, Meg."

She smiled again, then stroked my heavily done-up hair and met my gaze. "I only wish I knew your secret. Who is your great tutor?"

I kept my smile bright, but inside I cringed and racked my brain for a satisfying answer. One that wasn't a total lie.

Then it came to me. The Angel of Music...

I told her the tale my father had told me about the angel that he would send for me. Afterwards Meg looked at me incrediously. "Christine, you really think your father's ghost has been coaching you?"

No. "Who else, Meg?"

She nodded slowly, and then stood. "If that's what you say, then I believe you, Christine," she said seriously, which made a tingle of guilt wash through me.

Meg held out her fragile-looking hand. "Come. Let's get you out of that dress."

I took it and together we walked out of the chapel and into my new dressing room.

---

Madame Giry was already waiting when Meg and I arrived.

"You did very well, my dear," she told me with a clear smile on her face. Then she turned to her daughter. "Come, Meg. Let's leave the new prima donna alone now."

Meg grinned and hugged me. "Good-bye, Christine. You really were incredible."

I hugged her back. "Thanks, Meg. Good night!"

As my good friend was leaving, Madame Giry spoke in my ear. "Erik is back, Christine. And he is pleased with you."

I beamed. "He heard me?"

She nodded. "He's coming for you tonight." Then she leaned away from me and smiled one last time before departing.

I closed the door and breathed out heavily. He is near... I sat down at the beautiful mahogany vanity to wait. It was next to an enormous mirror- the largest one I'd ever seen!- that took up well over half the wall.

Then I noticed a single red rose that lay upon my dresser. I went to pick it up, and felt a thrill of happiness to feel the black ribbon tied on the stem. Erik. Daydreaming, I strolled back to the vanity and began to lazily brush my hair, lost in thought.

Suddenly the door flew open. Raoul stood in the doorway, a gentle smile on his lips. "Little Lotte let her mind wander..." he began, and I grinned in recognition. "Little Lotte thought, 'Am I fonder of dolls or of shoes or of ribbons or frocks?' "

I smiled as I drowned in the swift undertow of memory. "Those picnics in the attic..."

He came to kneel at my side. His voice was like the smoothest silk. " 'Or of chocolates?' "

I broke the spell we were under by throwing my arms around my dear friend's neck. He laughed and then held me at arm's length. "Oh it is so good to see you! You sang like an angel tonight."

Lowering my gaze, I cringed slightly; the irony of those words hit me without mercy. But I then chided myself internally for even reacting to that.

Raoul met my gaze. "You must come with me to dinner tonight! I insist."

I hesitated. Seeing Erik was my first priority. "Raoul...I don't think I can..."

He stood and began walking towards the door. "Of course you can! I'll call my carriage. Two minutes, Little Lotte." The door slammed shut.

I sighed and went to change. Raoul was still the same person he was so long ago.

When I came out in my dressing gown and stockings an unnatural darkness had settled about the room. The candles were blown out, seemingly of their own accord. I stood there, shaking, in the blackness, uncertain of what was to come.

Let me know what you think, s'il vous plait!!!