Christine made her way to dance practice with Dominic at her side and as she went she extended greetings to many Maids, Scene Shifters, and Costumers; who wanted to praise her on how well she performed during the last show, or ask her for advice on the designing of the costumes.
Dominic was also finding his place in the Opera house.
When Christine first introduced Dominic to the Opera house, she feared that she would have to fight for Dominic to be there.
But to her pleasant surprise Dominic was almost immediately accepted by the Ballet troupe who found him much better behaved than Carlotta's dogs, who would yip and yap throughout practice and nip at the dancer's ankles if they came too close to them.
Madame Giry was the only one who was safe because a stomp of her cane on the stage would send them scurrying back to their mother.
This would make Carlotta furious but she knew better than to go against Madame Giry.
Then Madame Giry, being the teacher and motherly figure that she is, went to the managers, and told them that the dogs were disrupting her practice.
This led to Carlotta politely being asked to leave her dogs at home.
Carlotta was of course furious and demanded that she would leave the opera house.
However this time her outburst was not met with the usual groveling on the manager's part.
Ever since Christine took the lead role in Elmutto she had brought great fortune to the opera house .
She was beautiful and talented which seemingly gained her new fans after every show.
She was also humble and undemanding.
From that night on Carlotta was given the role opposite of Christine which infuriated her
The Managers also adored Dominic because of his manners and dapper evening suit
They were quite surprised to find that he had been taught to shake hands upon first meeting a person.
And they laughed good naturedly when upon being asked about who made his suit Chistine simply said that she could not divulge the name of the tailor..
Then Christine would think about the times when the women dancers would pepper her with questions about her tutor or where she had got Dominic's suit from.
But Christine would just smile politely and inform them that it was a secret.
Angry at having no new gossip to spread they would run to Meg knowing that she would crack after enough pressure.
But Meg having learned her lesson would keep her lips firmly sealed.
And while pretending to be solely focused on their practicing they would listen to the other woman whisper amongst themselves.
"Secrets, secrets oh it's simply maddening
And after practice they would both laugh uproariously as they thought about how angry the other dancers were.
Then Christine had to stop herself from looking up to the rafters as her thoughts turned to Erik.
It was clear that her star was rising and she knew that Erik was the main cause of it.
She found herself thinking of the times they had celebrated her latest triumphs , and how she had told Erik that she would not be where she was without him.
Christine had started to clip out articles concerning her career from the Local newspaper,and would hang them on the wall of her dressing room.
Carlotta would also buy a newspaper in the hopes that she had regained her fame, but each time she would furiously throw the paper away.
Christine would then pick up the paper, cut out the article and give it to Erik for his own collection.
She would also act out Carlotta's fury after her music lesson which would make them both laugh.
Christine was happy about how much closer they had gotten, and that he was now comfortable with hugging her.
But she wondered how long it would be before he felt comfortable enough to kiss her.
But as she came closer to the stage she heard two maids talking about something that bothered her even more.
"Oh Abigale did you see him last night, the young man that sits with the managers in their box?" Helen asked quickly as she tried to look as if she was working.
"Yes I saw him, he came to have a meeting with the managers but the young Vicomte seemed so sad."
"Why would he ever be sad he is rich, young, and handsome.
Any woman of his station would consider themselves quite lucky if they were able to turn his head."
"Oh I am afraid that the young miss Deea has already done that'"
"What that's impossible an aristocrat would never pursue a woman that is below his station," Abigail whispered quickly, unable to hide her shock.
"A young talented Swedish beauty can turn any man's head and believe me when I tell you the young Vicomte is quite turned."
"But if what you say is true then how could she refuse his clear declarations of love?"
"Well I did hear a rumor that she had a male singing tutor, but she would not reveal his name, so it seems that she has taken her tutor as her lover. "Helen said as she pursed her lips in thought.
"Oh my what a sorted tale and the poor Vicomte is left to his melancholy ." Abigail said sadly as she shook her head
"Yes it truly is a tragedy because someone as young and handsome as him should ever be sad. "Helen said as she shook her head.
Christine quickly made her way towards the stage as she tried to mask her anger.
She couldn't believe that Raoul was actually gaining sympathy for the way he was acting.
She had openly refused his advances four times yet instead of choosing to move on, he chose to walk around looking lonely and sad.
Christine also felt the need to be on her guard every time she went to the surface, and that annoyed her to no end.
She told Erik her tale of woe and Erik calmly explained that privilege often breeds insolence.
"I understand I wish that he would turn his attention to anyone else.
I would even be happy if he chose Carlotta."
"Christine Carlotta is completely faithful to Piangi even though they make an odd couple indeed. "Erik said as he burst out laughing.
"Believe me Erik she would go, she even thought that he loved her after they first met, and it was the briefest of introductions, "Christine said as she rolled her eyes..
Christine masked her anger as she grew closer to the stage and saw Meg running up to her.
"Christine did you hear, I can't believe it." Meg said excitedly as she ran up to Christine.
"No Meg I just arrived." Christine said as let Meg lead her to the stage
"Well don't worry mother will make the announcement soon, oh I'm so excited that I could simply burst!" Meg said excitedly as she and Christine took their places in line.
The ballet troupe watched as Madame Giry walked to the center of the stage.
"I am sure by now you have heard the rumor that the managers have decided to have a gala to celebrate the opera house's new found prosperity.
I am happy to tell you that this is true and the theme of the gala will be a masquerade."
Madame Giry waited patiently as the people around her broke out into cheers and excited chatter.
When the noise died down Madame Giry turned to look at Christine.
"Christine the managers told me to ask you if you would be willing to perform at the gala."
"It would be my pleasure. "Christine said with a humble smile.
The room erupted into applause , and Christine let herself enjoy the moment, hoping that Erik was near until the moment was interrupted.
"This is an outrage and I will not stand for it! "Carlotta said as she marched up to Madame Giry.
"Madame is there a problem? "Madame Giry asked as she narrowed her eyes in annoyance.
"I have performed at every gala for the last seven seasons, and will not let that little chorus rat steal another thing that is rightfully mine!"
"Very well you may enact a challenge if you see fit."
"I do and this time I'm sure that I will win!"
" Very well Christine, do you accept? "Madame Giry asked as she turned to Christine.
"Of course I have trained too hard for this moment to let it pass me by."
"Very well Meg go and gather the rest of the opera house then I will flip the coin and we will see who will perform first .
A little later Meg returned as the auditorium filled and Madame Giry explained the rules.
"I will flip the coin and whoever guesses the right side will perform first.
"Heads. "Christine said as she watched the coin flip.
"Tails. " Carlotta said as she waved to her maid who held her breath spray.
The coin landed in Madame Giry's hand and she announced that Carlotta would perform first.
"As I expected now everyone will see how a true primadonna performs."Carlotta said coolly as she took center stage and called a few male ballet dancers to her side as she began a dance routine.
Little girls
Little girls
Oh how the world adores you
Little girls
Little girls
Oh how every head
turns for you
But what do you know
About blood sweat
and sacrifice
the things you do
just won't suffice
Little girl
Little girl
Was one not enough
To make you feel like
you have the right stuff
Little girl you may think
you have the world on a string
but the truth is you don't know a thing
What do you know
About blood sweat
And sacrifice
The things you do
Just won't suffice
Little girl
Little girl
Your phantom doesn't scare me
and as for the Vicomte
Well in time he'll see
That you know nothing
About blood sweat
And sacrifice
The things you
Do just won't suffice
Little girl
I hope you've enjoyed
Your time in the sun
Little girl your time is done
Christine watched in the wings and listened to Carlotta receive thunderous applause as her song ended.
Christine watched as Carlotta accepted the applause and spared Raoul a smile.
She turned away as she tried to prepare herself for what was coming.
As Carlotta came backstage she sent one last chide Christine's way, but Christine ignored her and walked on the stage having only one person in mind .
On the path I chosen I know
You will point the way
I know now that it
Is with you
I am meant to stay
I know now that
You will always be here
And that my heart
will soar without fear
I know now that
I only need you
and to you my heart will always be true
On the path I had chosen I know
You will point the way
I know now that it is with you
I am meant to stay
I see now that my is choice
clear
I need you to know
that I will be here
I need you to know
that my heart
is true
I need you to know
That I will
Always love you
On the path I chosen I know
You will point the way
I know now that it is with you
I am meant to stay
Christine gave the crowd a quick curtsy as it erupted into thunderous applause, then she went to stand beside Carlotta who was seething with anger.
Madame Giry placed her hand over Carlotta's head and the crowd remained silent, but when her other had hovered over Christine's head the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.
Carlotta ran from the stage feeling extremely humiliated as tears streamed down her face.
Christine gave the crowd a final curtsy then retreated to the wings where Meg was waiting with Dominic.
Christine made her way to her dressing room and signaled for Dominic to follow her.
When Christine got to her dressing room with Dominic following her inside Christine looked around for any sign that Erik had been there but found nothing.
"Erik I'm here, did you see that we won?
I sang for-"
"Christine you were so wonderful! "Raoul said excitedly as he flung open Christine's dressing room door which startled Dominic and caused him to bark protectively.
Christine, a dog has snuck into the opera house, but don't worry I shall go inform the managers.
"Raoul the dog's name is Dominic and he belongs to me ."
"But Christine his face..."
"Raoul how dare you !"Christine said as Dominic retreated towards her and she tried to pet him comfortingly.
"Forgive me Christine I was merely in shock, but now I am sure that Dominic and I will be the best of friends. "Raoul said as he reached out his hand to pet Dominic.
"Christine he snapped at me." Raoul said as quickly pulled his hand back.
"Raoul you insulted him surely you can understand why he doesn't trust you." Christine said coolly as she petted Dominic's head.
"Of course Christine I apologize and I'm sure that Dominic will warm up to me in time. "Raoul said as he took the seat across from her.
Christine said nothing as she continued to pet Dominic .
"Christine you performed wonderfully today. "Raoul said as he locked eyes with Christine.
"Thank you very much Raoul."
"I could tell that the song was meant for very important to you."
"Yes it was. "Christine said as she continued to avoid eye contact.
"Oh I'm so glad to hear that I am right, but what I really wanted was to talk to you about is the gala."
"Ah yes everyone seems to be very happy about it. "Christine said as she shifted uncomfortably
"Oh Christine, you don't need to worry, because it would be my honor to escort you to the gala." Raoul said took Christine's hand in his.
"Raoul I-"
"You don't have to say anything.
I know how you feel about me, and I want nothing more than to pick up where we left off." Raoul said as her moved his face closer to Christine's
"Raoul, what are you doing? "Christine asked quickly.
"Something I waited years for. "Raoul said as his face moved closer to Christine's
"Raoul stop." Christine said quickly as she tried to move away.
"Don't be shy Christine this is our destiny after all. "Raoul said soothingly as lips stood inches away from Christine's
"Raoul get away from me! "Christine said as she shoved Raoul away
"I don't understand. "Raoul said as he looked at Christine in utter shock at the strength he never knew she had.
"Raoul I don't love you I never did, and I don't ever want you to come to my dressing room again. "Christine said in an icy tone.
"You don't mean that I don't know what happened, but I know you don't mean that."
"Yes I do now leave."
Raoul wordlessly left the room not bothering to close the door.
Christine rose from her chair with an exasperated sigh as she realized that she had yet another thing to do.
Christine closed the door quietly so as not to draw attention to herself.
Erik watched her turn the door as the love he felt for her turned to rage against the boy who had the audacity to try and steal the woman he loved .
The heat of my eyes
Has sentenced to you to die
This latest crime I cannot abide
You insolent thief intent on stealing what's mine
My only source of light
My precious gem that shines
The heat of my eyes
Has sentenced to you to die
This latest crime I cannot abide
Are you not aware of the last man
Who came too close
He soon found that I can be
A quite ill- tempered ghost
You insolent thief
A collector of pretty things by design
You will not steal what is mine
The heat of my eyes
Has sentenced to you to die
This latest crime I cannot abide
Erik turned and made his way back to his home taking solace in the fact that Christine had sent the boy away.
Christine walked back to her chair, sat down and buried her face in her hands as she took in everything that had just happened.
She now knew that Erik was right and that despite his upbringing he would not accept his loss with grace.
Christine wanted nothing more than to go to Madame Giry for advice but knew that this would only lead to a scandal.
Christine slowly took her head from her hands as the thought of how Erik would react to what happened, quickly entered her mind.
Then Christine's eyes blazed with anger as she knew that she would never forgive Raoul if he cost her the man she loved.
Here I stand at a crossroads
Not knowing what to do
Forced to make a decision
A choice between two
One man understands all that I am
While the other is forcing me to take his hand
One man has truly set me free at last
While the other only wants to burden me with past
Here I stand at a crossroads
Not knowing what to do
Forced to make a decision
A choice between two
I desperately wish that he would see
That he and I were not meant to be
The man I loves hand I wish to take
But I fear that the other man will only make my heart break
I wish you had never brought that scarf back to me
And that I never spent any time by the sea
Here I stand at a crossroads not knowing what to do
forced to make a decision a choice between two
I thought that I had made my feelings clear
Yet I know they are something he chooses not to hear
Roses and candlelight are my true desire
Only my lover in the mask can set my heart on fire
I will take control my fate
I know that this is my choice to make
Here I stand at across roads
Not knowing what to do
Forced to make a decision
A choice between two
After what seemed like forever to her the candles went out, and she knew that Erik had come for her.
Christine rose from her chair and walked forward while calling Dominic to her side, and when the mirror opened she stepped through without hesitation.
Christine took Erik's hand when he offered it and the three of them walked in silence.
The silence worried Christine greatly but she knew that Erik was in no mood to talk.
When they reached the gondola Erik told Christine to close her eyes.
Christine did as she was told and allowed Erik to help her into the gondola.
When they reached his home Erik told Christine to open her eyes as he helped her out of the gondola and led her up the steps to his home.
Christine did as she was told and when she did, her eyes filled with tears as she saw baskets full of Roses.
Christine smiled as she took in the smell she loved, then she breathed a sigh of relief when she realized that Erik was not angry with her.
Christine turned from the baskets of Roses in front of her, so that she could face Erik and tell her how she truly felt about him.
Christine found him standing in front of her gently holding a Rose.
My Swedish rose
Do you know how I loved
Watching you grow
You were brought to me by chance
And lightened the burden
Of my circumstance
My garden was incomplete
Until I met you
My Swedish rose
Tell me your love is true
I gave you a rose all those years ago
When death dealt you a crippling blow
To show you what you
Could one day be
Never knowing
How dear you would
Become to me
My garden was incomplete
Until I met you
My Swedish rose
Tell me your love is true
My Swedish rose beware
A weed has entered
Without care
I know he seeks
To steal you away
To the unfeeling light
Of day
My Swedish rose never fear
I will remove all who
Don't belong here
My Swedish rose tell me
That your love is true
My Swedish rose
I will always
Love you
My Swedish rose
Do you know
How I loved
Watching you grow
With a trembling hand Erik slowly removed his mask and wig, and allowed Christine to see his true face.
Christine's hand flew to her mouth as she saw what truly lay beneath Erik's mask.
His left eye though blue was deeply sunken into its socket, the rest of his face was a bright red and the upper part of his head was covered with welts which Christine assumed came from wearing a tight mask and wig.
Christine now saw that his hair was blonde but did not grow on the left side of his head.
Christine also saw that his nose was only half-formed which proved that what Joseph Bouquet had said was true, and it also explained why Erik never liked him.
Christine raised her hands as if to touch his face but quickly dropped it.
"It's all right Christine. "Erik said knowing that he would have to face this some time
"I won't hurt you will I? "
"No Christine. "
Christine slowly touched Erik's face and let her fingers run over what she found there.
She was nervous at first but her nervousness melted away as she felt herself become better acquainted with the man she loved.
Christine smiled as she watched Erik's eyes slip closed as he cradled his face and let out a sigh of contentment.
Erik let out a groan of disappointment as he felt Christine hand leave his face and for a split-second wondered if she had changed her mind.
Then Erik breathed a sigh of relief as Christine stepped forward and took the Rose he offered her with a smile on her face.
Then to Erik's shock she wrapped her arms around Erik's neck and kissed him.
Christine enjoyed the softness of Erik's lips and the surprised expression on his face as her eyes closed.
Erik's eyes widened as he felt her lips meet his.
He relished the softness of her lips, this was everything he had ever hoped for.
Christine broke the kiss when she found herself in need of air, and smiled up at Erik but her happiness soon turned to confusion as she saw Erik began to cry.
Erik, what's wrong, did I do something wrong?" Christine asked quickly as she wiped the tears away.
"No Christine everything is perfect, but I know that this is all just a dream and when I wake up I will be alone again. "Erik said as fresh tears came to his eyes.
"No Erik, I'll still be here."
I know the woman I am
I was once a child desperately
searching for the light
Now I openly embrace the night
A angel of music is what I once
Thought you to be
But the beautiful angel
Of darkness that you are has become much
More dear to me
I know the woman I am
I want to keep your heart safe
And keep it in a sacred space
I want to always
Be with you
In a place meant
For just us two
I know the woman I am
Tell me that you
Love me for the woman I am
Because I know you are the only
One who can
I know the woman I am
"Christine, did you really mean what you said? "Erik said as he took her hand in his.
"Yes Erik I love you I've loved you ever since I was fourteen, but I was afraid to tell you because I didn't think you would see me as a woman.
There were also things about you that I didn't know, and I knew that I couldn't tell you how I felt until I did.
The night that Raoul invited me to dinner I knew that he was in love with me, but I intended to tell him that I didn't want to be his lover.
When you came to me that night I was so nervous because I thought you thought that I was in love with Raoul.
I desperately wanted to show you that I only cared for you, and when you brought me here that night I was so happy.
But it also showed me that there were things I didn't know about you.
The next morning the only thing I wanted to do was tell you that Raoul meant nothing to me.
But when I came down stairs I saw your mask and was immediately curious and I wanted to know.
"I'm sorry and I know that I should have just asked you but I'm glad that I know everything because now I can tell you that I love you.
I was going to tell you that night at dinner but Raoul interrupted me, then the moment didn't feel right and I knew how you needed to take things slow.
But when the announcement was made about the gala I knew I had to tell you how I feel."
"Christine I feel the same way and I am so happy that you have chosen me over the boy.
"Of course Erik you are the only one I want to spend my life with. "Christine said as she linked her fingers through Erik's
"Christine, would you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to the gala?"
"Oh Erik of course I wanted to ask you ever since I found out that it was happening, does this mean that I get to see my costume now?" Christine said with a hopeful look.
"No my darling I am afraid your costume and mine will be secret until the time is right. "Erik said with a triumphant smile.
"Oh Erik, sometimes waiting on your surprises even though I love them can be so maddening. "Christine said with a pout.
"I know my darling but I promise the wait will be worth it, and if you don't mind me saying so your pout is adorable. "Erik said as he placed a loving kiss on her forehead.
"I love you Erik. "Christine said as she kissed his lips.
