Hello, Everybody, this chapter needs just a little explanation. For almost all of it, Elise is full in-character, so you get a walk-through of the show with her saying "I" meaning Christine. You will be able to tell when she switches back. This is a killer cliffhanger just to warn you. *C.E.L

Chapter Twelve

My heart pounds in my chest as I am invited to sing. In a rush, my familiar nightmare comes back to me, they are shouting and He is watching. I glance briefly around me, scanning the crowd for one particular face. I don't see him, but I know that he is there. They tell me to start at the beginning of the aria and, hearing my cue, I do so. The first notes sound shaky, but instinct soon takes over. I know this music and I feel it. As it was the first time I heard it, the music reminds me of the boy I knew growing up by the sea. A boy who I recognize that does not recognize me. Channeling these wistful emotions I continue my song. The instrumental comes and I am confident of my success.

I feel as though I have wings, like I can soar along with my voice. The crowd loves me, they believe that I am here on purpose and not just because some old lady quit in a childish tantrum. I continue my song; unaware that in the crowd a handsome young man has recognized me as a lovely girl he once knew and loved. I don't find this out until after my performance, which as the last notes fade, leaves me with an overwhelming sense of grief. I seek out solace in a small chapel, where I can mourn my father in peace. At least for a time.

As I sit I become aware of the fact that I am not alone. A voice, whether real or imagined I do not know, calls my name softly. My best friend enters the room, chiding me gently for missing the celebration and asking me why I would hide. I decide that it's finally time to divulge the secret of my "angel". Meg is frightened by this previously unknown side of me. I finally admit to her that sometimes I am frightened by him. He demands so much, and forbids any contact with people outside the theater. I finally reenter my dressing room, pleased to be away from the crowds. Madame Giry informs me that "he" was pleased with my performance. I sit, fingering the rose that was given as proof of his pleasure. Lost in my thoughts, I don't hear the man enter and I am startled when he speaks to me. His words betray his identity; of course, it could not be anyone but Raoul.

We talk about the past briefly, but soon he grows impatient, he wants me to come to dinner with him. Desperately, I try to explain why I cannot go. He doesn't believe me and refuses to take "no" for an answer. He knows me too well and can tell that I want to go. He does not understand my terror. I have never deliberately defied my Angel and I cannot now. Raoul leaves and I am left alone trembling. My angel calls to me, he is angry, and I beg for his forgiveness. Because he is already displeased I risk angering him further and ask to see him. He agrees.

When I wake the next morning, I do not know where I am. Strange flashes of memory assault me. A lake, lots of candles. A man. He is still here. He, at least, is real. I approach him, and slowly remove the mask that covers his face. I gasp at the sight before me; he turns sharply, shoving me to the ground. His misery is palpable, it flows from each of his words, so, trembling in fear, I give the mask back to him.

I am disappointed that I will not get to sing the lead tonight. I am not angry, though. The lead roles belong to Carlotta, I was lucky to fill her shoes once. At least I will be onstage, which I have always loved. When Carlotta croaks, I am too shocked to laugh, and when the shock fades, I know who is responsible. I am afraid now. The managers should have known not to cross him. Who would be the one to suffer for their idiocy?

I am not onstage when the tragedy strikes, but I run to find Raoul, he is in danger. He doesn't understand that I am trying to protect him, and he tries to stop me. He begs me to go back, but I am too driven by fear to pay attention. I babble about him, about what I know. When we arrive at our destination, the only place he won't fallow, I tell Raoul the truth.

I have seen the Phantom of the Opera. I tell him of the horror that is his face. Part of me feels slightly guilty, like I am betraying him. But I owe him nothing. Raoul begins trying to comfort me. I am reminded of when we were children. Life was simple then. I miss it, and I miss him. I let him wrap his arms around me and I begin to dance with him. We move gracefully, and I forget my fears, losing myself in the dream of being loved and happy.

I find myself breaking back into my own conscience. I feel myself remember that my name is Elise and I'm an actress. Something is wrong. I'm still singing, but in the back of my mind I can feel that something is really wrong. I risk meeting Rom's eyes, if he can feel it too then we both risk messing up the scene. He can sense it, the danger. I wish I knew where Eric is for this scene. I can't look for him without being obvious, but I feel uncomfortable not knowing if he's right behind me, or far away.

I am distracted by a gleam, just above our heads, the audience can't see it but I am consumed by dread when I recognize it. The massive prop chandelier, is falling toward, us and there's no stopping it now.

I scream aloud when I realize that if it falls on the course it is now, it will land on me and Rom. Rom moves toward me and I can tell he wants to shove me out of the way. I am dimly aware of the audience's shrieks. Just as Rom's hands brush mine, I am seized from behind and dragged backwards. My last view before passing out was a black-clad figure tackling Rom; shoving him out of the way, just as the chandelier hits the stage.