i do not own the phantom of the opera, unfortunately ]=

Christine kicked off her shoes with a contended sigh. Her large apartment was lit warmly by a roaring fire. She began undressing, her fingers fumbling with the complicated strings and buttons. She let out a frustrated huff and began tearing at her travel garb in an effort to free herself. With a final pull, her dress came loose and pooled roughly at her feet. She stretched, now only clothed in her undergarments. She paused as her eye caught the window. Outside she could see the opera house standing majestically in the snow.

She couldn't help the intense feeling f nostalgia that rose up inside her at the sight. It was marvelous to be back in Paris among friends. The meeting with Madam Giry went very well, and the woman unknowingly gave her hints about Erik's wellbeing.

Flashback

Madam Giry poured the tea graciously before sitting down in front of her.

"So what brings you here, my dear?" Madam Giry questioned. Christine sipped her tea delicately.

"I always felt more at home in Paris than in York," she responded. "Plus, I've come to work on my operas and singing." She added. Madam Giry sat back.

"Your operas?" she asked, astounded. A woman composing was almost unheard of. Christine nodded, smiling slightly.

"Yes. Father Kept me very busy once I returned. I was taught by the finest music teachers England offered. But, alas, none were as memorable as my dear angel."

Madam Giry dropped her tea cup at the mention of Erik. Meg glanced up at her, worried. Madam Giry flashed an uncertain smile before waving off Christine's words.

"Ah, angels are quite mysterious. Once their reason for appearing disappears, so do they." She said nonchalantly. Christine frowned. Had Erik gone into hiding? Or worse… left?

"But every now and then, our poor opera house will be subject to a certain opera ghost's pranks," Madam Giry added with a wink. Christine was puzzled. Opera Ghost? Is that what they called Erik nowadays? How odd… How horrible.

Christine forced a smile back, but was not able to concentrate for the rest of the visit. She excused herself early to retire for the night.

End Flashback

Christine stepped away from the window. She didn't know why they referred to Erik as the Opera Ghost, but she didn't like it. Her friend was an angel, not a ghost. He didn't deserve to be treated in such a way. Of course, Erik had received horrible treatment throughout his life. What little he did tell her was filled with horrific details, the stuff of nightmares. Even his own mother shunned him to the point where he was sold to a freak show. Anger made her fists clench. Erik was a gentle soul and she had always made it her business to show him that love did exist in the world.

Love. What a silly notion. The only love she had ever really experienced was here in Paris, but even then it was sparse. Her father treated her with respect, but nothing more. Her childhood had lacked the father daughter connection she had yearned for. She had learned quickly not to trust those who sought after her heart. The only reason her relatives had supported her trip to Paris was their hopes of her meeting up with her long lost betrothed, Raoul. She shuddered at his name. Such a foul creature. She remembered all too well the pranks and cruel words he spoke to her during her years at the opera house. The boy she knew was arrogant and harsh. She doubted and didn't care if he had changed or not. She shook her head in an attempt to rid it of those thoughts and began dressing for the night.

Erik peered down into Madam Giry's office silently. No doubt she knew he was there, but the managers were in her room and he needed to know why.

"Tomorrow, you are to meet with a young woman who used to work in this opera house as a ballerina." Madam Giry began, Erik listened, his interest peaked.

The managers scoffed. "We have plenty of ballerinas as it is. We have no need for more."

"Ah, but she is a ballerina no more. She has studied to become a great composer and singer." Madam Giry said.

The managers leaned forward. "A woman? A composer? Preposterous! Women do not compose!" they cried. Madam Giry shook her head.

"But think of it, the first opera house to have a woman compose an opera! It would draw many people who are curious about that notion." She baited. Silence. "If nothing more, meet with her to discuss the prospect of her becoming the new primadonna. Carlotta has seen one too many seasons as the main star of this opera house. Give this new girl a chance." She said. The managers sat back. They knew they needed a new star, and quick. The public was tired of the same old Carlotta and her awful singing.

"What is this girl's name?" they asked. Madam Giry smirked, casted a glance Erik's way, and spoke.

"Christine Daae." She said.

Erik felt his world collapse on him. Christine! Here! Joy, the first he had felt since she left, exploded inside him. And she was a composer! And a singer! Oh she exceeded his expectations. He had to see her. Why had he not seen her earlier? How could Madam Giry keep something like this from him for a whole day?

The dark figure waited silently for their meeting to end before making himself known. His intimidating form towered over the elderly lady as she cleaned up her office.

"Where is she?" he demanded, his voice rough. Madam Giry was not intimidated. Her movements remained calm.

"She has rented an apartment across the street. But you can wait until tomorrow to see her…" she turned around but discovered he had already left. Heaving a weary sigh, she headed to bed.

Erik had not been outside the opera house in years. The snow fell thickly on the ground and noises from horses and carriages were distracting. A building that he had never noticed before stood across the street. All the windows were dark save one. His heart leapt in his throat. Something told him that was Christine's room. He swiftly crossed the street and began climbing the building. He was thankful for his dark clothes so that no one would notice him.

He perched himself on the ledge and peered into the room. His heart raced at the sight that met his eyes.

Christine was dressing for bed. She was lacing up a nightgown that left little to the imagination when it came to her cleavage. The lace hugged her full, pale bosom almost tenderly. When she stood, he could make out her feminine form beneath her gown from the light that shone through. He could see her hips flare out into shapely legs that he could envision wrapped around his hips. His loins burned for her.

She turned her face to him, and his breath was taken away. Her heart shaped face was pale and sweet. Her innocent beauty had not diminished over the years. Her bright eyes were such a contrast to her dark curly hair. She reached up and freed it from its confining pins. It tumbled to her waist in thick locks.

Erik had never seen something so beautiful. His very soul yearned for her. He had to have her. Determination rose up inside him. She was his; that had not changed in the passing years. Even now with her blossoming beauty, that feeling only grew. His breathing became erratic as she brushed her hair. His eyes were fixed on her as she readied herself for bed.

She walked over to a desk and pulled out sheets bound together by a bit of leather string. She sat and began working, staring out into space and her lips moving as she pondered what to write. His ears strained to hear what she was saying, but alas, he could not hear. He was curious as to what she was writing. Maybe an opera as he had heard?

She worked for hours, until her head was dropping in exhaustion. His heart went out to her. She stood and pulled back the sheets of her bed before slipping inside. She was asleep instantly. He wanted to tuck her into his bed, to tightly wrap sheets around her protectively and shut her away from all the evil in the world. Her face was illuminated by the fire in the hearth. His fingers twitched, wanting to run themselves over her skin to see if it was indeed as silky as it appeared.

Erik tore himself away from the picture of happiness and beauty before the dark part of his soul completely took over. He would meet with her again tomorrow, hopefully when he had more control over his more carnal urges.

well whatcha think? let me know in your reviews!

LD