I sadly don't own the Phantom or any other characters created by G. Leroux, S. Kay and A. L. Webber, but they always have a place in my heart.

MARRY ME

Startled, the woman stood and turned around, gripping the wood of the pew she had sat in tightly, showing the Phantom that she had not expected company and was clearly surprised. Immediately the Phantom recoiled and tried to hide his unmasked face. He hadn't wanted to say the words out loud and even less draw the attention of the woman towards himself.

After her initial shock, the woman composed herself and, after using her handkerchief to wipe the tears away, she addressed him.

"Who are you?" she asked, her voice more or less steady in spite of her distraught state. "How much did you hear?"

She didn't seem to be frightened of him.

'That's because she hasn't seen my face yet,' the Phantom thought bitterly. But still, something kept him from simply disappearing. The fact that she stood there, her head straight, demanding answers, when just about a minute ago she was sobbing uncontrollably, intrigued him.

"Only a bit", he answered truthfully.

"So, would you agree to help me?" Her voice now had a trembling tone to it that didn't seem to be caused by her tears.

"Help you? How?" he asked, not sure what she meant with it.

"Would you agree to marry me?" she asked, her voice but a mere whisper.

He nearly laughed out loud. Only hours ago, he had tried to force Christine into marrying him, only to let her go with the man she truly loved. And now this woman was asking him to marry him? The irony of it was nearly unbelievable.

"No", he replied dryly.

"I can give you money," she offered. She really had to be desperate to have this conversation with a total stranger.

"I don't need money," was his answer. The whole situation seemed too ridiculous to be true. He left the pew he was in and turned to leave. Apparently, he would have to find shelter elsewhere.

"Then why? Why won't you marry me?" He heard her footsteps, and, remaining in the security of the shadows, turned around, fully expecting her to follow up behind him. But instead she had approached the illuminated area around the statue of the Mother of God.

For the first time, the Phantom was able to see her clearly. She was of average height and seemed to be a few years older than Christine, already in her twenties. Her auburn hair was pulled back on top, but flowing open on the back. Her dark-coloured dress was of the latest fashion and of good quality; she apparently came from a wealthy family. She should have no problem finding a husband, and yet, here she was, begging him to marry her. He was definitely curious why a woman like her would have to revert to such desperate measures to acquire a husband.

"Do I not please you?" she asked a bit shyly.

A laugh escaped his lips at this question. "That's not the problem."

"Then what is it?" She raised her arms, agitated.

"You mean besides my not knowing why you would want to marry me? How about this?" he snarled and walked forward into the light.