Chapter 6

"Christine," Madame Giry's familiar voice said as she opened the curtains to my room. "I did not think you were going to come back. The Vicomte's been looking for you and the managers are going crazy, along with Carlotta and Piangi."

I opened my eyes, rubbing them as I sat up in my bed, yawning. "You try sleeping in the catacombs."

She coughed, dropping a hairbrush, but quickly picking it up, coming over and sitting behind me, beginning to brush my hair. "You went with him last night?"

"Yes. My Angel...my Phantom...and he didn't even tell me until I saw his face."

Madame Giry stared at me, astonished. "You removed his mask?"

"I was curious." I answered meekly, feeling her eyes burning a hole into the back of my head. I didn't dare turn around.

She was silent for a moment, but then her eyes softened, sighing. "I know. Just...don't tell anyone about him. If word got out that he caused all of those accidents..."

I turned to her as she stopped brushing my hair. "He caused the accidents?"

"He was only trying to protect us, Christine. You, myself and Meg."

I swallowed nervously, pulling my hair back with a blue ribbon. I saw Madame look over at my vanity, venturing over towards it and putting the brush down as she picked up a white envelope with a red skull's seal; my Angel's seal.

"It's from him," I said, standing up and going to find a clean dress to wear. "Open it, Madame. What does it say?"

She opened it, skimmed over it, then said, "It looks like it's for the managers. It's about you."

"Well, what does it say," I asked, pulling the dress on.

Madame Giry cleared her throat, then read, "'Gentlemen: I have now sent you several notes of the most amiable nature detailing how my theater is to be run. You have not followed my instruction, but I shall give you one last chance. Christine Daae has returned to you and I am anxious; her career should progress. In the new production of Il Muto, you will therefore cast Carlotta as the Pageboy and put Miss Daae in the role of Countess.'"

I squealed, jumping up and down as I tied the back of my dress.

"Wait, Christine. There's more. 'The role which Miss Daae plays calls for charm and appeal. The role of the Pageboy is silent which makes my casting, in a word, ideal. I shall watch the performance from my normal seat in Box 5, which will be kept empty for me. Should these commands be ignored, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur. I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant, O.G.'" She slipped the note back in the envelope carefully. "I shall return, Christine. The managers and Vicomte need to see this. I will tell them that you do not want any visitors."

"Thank you, Madame. Thank you so much."

"I am not the one you should be thanking, Christine," she said with a small smile, leaving, shutting the door behind her.

I looked around my room, smiling brightly, then said, as if I were praying, "Thank you."

It had been a couple of hours and Madame Giry still hadn't come back. I stepped out of my room, closing the door behind me as I looked up and down the hall, not seeing anyone.

Then...an eerie voice...and it wasn't the Phantom.

"Christine."

I gasped, turning around, seeing Buquet. I started to run, but he was right behind me. I ran backstage and up to the planks, trying to hide. But where could I hide? He knew where to go to catch me. I began backing up on the plank, being careful of where I stepped, so I wouldn't fall. Until I felt myself stop, bumping into a body. Buquet's.

"Afternoon, madamoiselle," he growled into my ear, wrapping his arms tightly around my small body.

I began to kick as he picked me up, pulling me off the plank and pressing my body against the wall, his hands on my hips.

"Did you have a good night with your 'Angel,'" he asked, his hands roaming my body.

I looked at him, disgusted. "He's more of an angel than you'll ever be."

"If he's such an angel, then why isn't here now?"

"I haven't told anyone," I said, pushing him away. "So what do you want?"

He grinned, grabbing my wrist and pulling me to him. His eyes were cold, evil, and his breath reeked of alcohol. "Just to see you, my lovely girl. Although...I want to see more of you."

"Let me go, Buquet. I have a show to get ready for."

He raised an eyebrow, but let me go. "What show? You're only playing the Pageboy."

The color drained from my face as I stepped away from him, my mouth gaping open slightly.

"What?"

"Yes. Carlotta and Piangi threw a fit. You won't be in the spotlight tonight, Miss Daae."

I shook my head, running away from him again, and back into my room, slamming the door, sliding down to the floor against it. I closed my eyes, praying that this wasn't happening. Then I looked over towards my bed, seeing the costume for the Pageboy with a note. I got up and walked over to my bed, picking up the note, reading it silently.

I'm sorry, Christine.

Mme. Giry

I sighed deeply, touching the fabric of the costume lightly. I guess I was meant to only be a dancer, not a singer.

Then, a knock on my door. And Madame Giry's voice.

"Christine. It's time to get ready."