*Chapter 4: Trust One Another*

"Christine!" Meg's voice caused the young woman to wake with a gasp. "You're okay!" Without waiting, she hugged her friend. "Oh, thank heaven. I was worried I'd never see you again." Once the last traces of sleep left her mind, Christine returned the hug.

"I'm glad you're okay too, Meg."

"No thanks to Charles." Once the hug was broken, Meg explained. "Charles was lying the whole time. He's never seen the Phantom. He just made everything up! Mother dismissed him, but we couldn't do anything. How did you find your way back?" Christine just smiled.

"A miracle from heaven." She didn't want to lie, but she had promised not to say anything about seeing the Phantom. And it wasn't a complete lie. Encountering the Opera Ghost was a type of miracle. Meg accepted the answer.

"I believe it. No one can find their way out of that labyrinth without divine intervention. At least you managed to evade the Phantom."

"It's like he never knew I was there." Christine said.

"All that matters now is you're here and safe. Oh, my mother doesn't know you're here, does she?" Meg asked.

"Oh, she does. She found me enter through one of the hidden doors. But Meg, we mustn't sneak around the opera house again." Christine said with a serious look in her eyes.

"Mother made it very clear about that." Meg said, remembering her mother's words last night and the sound of her strict tone. "Well, time for me for rehearsal. And you should be ready to finish some costumes for that diva." Meg told Christine, her eyes rolling as she thought of Carlotta. Christine touched her forehead after thinking of Carlotta injured her yesterday. She prayed today would be less stressful and Carlotta would be a better mood. Even the Opera Ghost will be watching.

Christine had been working on costumes in peace. She is surprised that Carlotta hasn't come in to check on her or even scream her name out there. Madame Giry was the only one who walked in to check on the young woman at work, making sure she is alright. Christine was reminded not say a word about the Phantom. Christine is no fool. She wouldn't betray the Phantom after he helped her get out of the labyrinth.
Rehearsals went well. The managers were happy that there no tricks happening during Carlotta's rehearsal of the Jewel Song. Above the catwalk is Erik, listening and watching them. His yellows moved over to Christine who is watching Carlotta. The Phantom had plans for the young woman. He is going to speak to her in the theater, convincing her to be the next opera diva. The opening night may happen, but not the way everyone intended. Carlotta will be humiliated. Erik disappeared into the shadows as Christine caught a glimpse of him.

'Phantom...'

Christine walked out of the room after the shift is over. Everyone went home for the night and others returned to their bedchambers to sleep. But Christine was drawn towards the stage with the closed curtains. She couldn't help but to hum to herself and started to dance a little. While she does so, the curtains open to reveal the empty theater.

"Christine..." A voice echoes in the theater. Christine froze and noticed the empty seats. Someone opened the curtains! But who? "Christine, don't be afraid. It is I, the Opera Ghost." The voice spoke in a gentle tone. Christine turned around to see Erik walking out of the shadows. He is wearing the white mask, a suit, and a black cape. "Are you a dancer as well? You have talent."

"Monsieur, you frightened me for a moment. I was only just-"

"Calm yourself, Christine. I am not here to harm you. I am here...to fulfill your dream." Erik said. He looked at the empty theater. "You wish to be the opera singer?"

"Well, yes, but-"

"I can help you make it happen, my dear. You have a gift. You were hiding it from the opera house. From me." Erik said as he faced her. Christine turned away with a blush. "Don't be so shy, Christine. What I say is true. Your voice is nothing like the others I've heard here. You...you are the angel. The angel of music."

"An angel? Me?" Christine asked, placing her hand over her chest, feeling flattered.

"You could be a lot more than a costume girl." He said. "You could be the new opera star. With that voice of yours, Paris will love you. Everyone will cherish your talent."

"But I don't have experience to be a singer. I'm not as good as Carlotta." Christine said. The Phantom just smiled at her. The poor woman has doubts.

"Carlotta only thinks she's talented. She sings too loud and may as well be screaming. But with me as your teacher your voice will become divine."

"You...you want to teach me?" Christine asked.

"Yes. If you'll allow me. I can help you nurture your gift. It would be a cruel fate to not share your talent with the world." Christine looked over at the empty seats, thinking it over. She could see herself singing to the crowd with her voice, wearing a gown. It was her dream to be a singer. Erik is offering her the opportunity. It's now or never. "What will it be, Christine? Sing for Paris, or stay as the costume girl for Carlotta?" Erik asked. Christine turned to him.

"Phantom... I accept." She said. Erik smirked. "But...what was the price?"

"The price. No need to worry about that. Not now." Erik told her. He brought his hand out. "Shall we begin in my lair? We will have your lessons every night." Christine gave him a nod. "If it's not an inconvenience for you." She took his gloved hand. Erik smiled again.

"Music is never an inconvenience for me."

"Phantom...is the blindfold necessary? I can't see." Christine said as she was guided by Erik. She had been walking with the blindfold while holding Erik's hand who is leading the way to his home under the opera house. Erik felt guilty doing this to her, but he can't risk having Christine know where his lair is. If Christine is true to her word of keeping secrets for him, he'd remove the blindfold later on. Even though she couldn't see he turned to her.

"It is part of your lesson. To sing you must learn to hear."

"But I can hear." Christine said. She is very confused.

"I mean truly hear. Hear the subtle tones and pitches. So, you can hear the voice you wish for others to hear." Erik guides her to his boat. "Slowly now..." He guides her foot to step in the boat. Christine gasped as she fell against him. She gripped onto his arms. Erik gently got her hands off and help her sit. "Not much longer now." He told her.

"I'm frightened now." Christine said, holding herself.

"Why don't you sing?" Erik asked as he rows the boat.

"I...I couldn't..." Christine said.

"Sing for me..." Erik said softly. The young woman sighed a bit. She started to sing to him. Her voice echoes in the cavern.

"I won't say that it was fate.
I won't say that it was destiny.
But if not, what could it be,
That drew you towards me?
Could it be chance?"

Erik closed his eyes, letting his ears have the pleasure of hearing this lovely voice.

"Go on." He half demanded.

"Till the day,
That we meet again.
Where or when,
I wish I could say.
But believe,
Know that you'll find me,
Promises to keep.
We won't ever need."

While blindfolded and singing, Christine imagines herself standing on stage in the dress, singing her heart out to the audience. Her dream is going to come true one day! Her teacher is the Opera Ghost himself.

"Till the day,
That we meet again.
At our place,
Just let me believe.
In the chance,
Know that you'll take my hand.
And never let me go."

The boat stopped by the steps of the lair. Erik reached over to Christine to remove the blindfold. Her brown eyes look up at the Phantom, then at the lair. There are candles everywhere. She turned around to see the organ. Leo came out to see his owner and Christine. Erik helped Christine get off the boat by taking her hand and lead her to his organ.

"Is this where you live?" Christine asked, looking around.

"Every inch of it." Erik said. "But don't touch anything." Christine stopped herself from touching the head bust with a black mask. "You sing well. But you were holding back."

"I...I fear someone would hear me." Christine said.

"No living soul here would hear you, my dear." Erik told her with a smile. "We are beneath the opera house. These walls could only hear you. Not the ones above." He sat in front of his organ. Christine stood next to him to see him write some notes. She is amazed to see the musical notes.

"You made music?" Christine asked. "Is this a new opera?"

"Yes. But it is not complete." Erik told her. "Now, for this season's opera-"

"Meow!" Leo appeared next to Christine to nuzzle against her legs. Christine giggled and petted the black cat. Erik cleared his throat.

"Leo. Do not distract us." Erik said to his pet. Leo turned away to return to his bed. "This season's opera is Faust. You are familiar with it, yes?"

"Of course, Phantom." Christine said with a nod.

"Let us start with the Jewel Song." Erik said as he began to play the organ. Christine watched his fingers press on the keys in awe. Erik gave her a nod while eyeing on her. Christine closed her eyes and began to sing.

"Ah, I laugh to see myself so beautiful in this mirror.
Ah, I laugh to see myself so beautiful in this mirror.
Is it you, Marguerite, it is you?
Answer me, answer me,
Respond, respond, respond quickly!"

Christine's singing echoes in the lair. Erik focused on his organ, listening to her voice. Christine surprised herself as she sings so well. Usually, she sings softly to herself. Sometimes Madame Giry and Meg hear her sing. She remembered Meg suggested Christine to speak to the old manager to be the new opera star for the next season, but Christine never had the courage to do so because of Carlotta.
After the song ended, Erik took a deep breath. Christine watched him in silent, fearing she may have done something wrong. Erik got up and face her. Christine looked into his yellow eyes.

"Phantom?"

"Perfect." Erik spoke with a smile. "Your time will come."

"But...I don't think I'm ready for the opening night. It's in a few days."

"Fear not, my dear. You still need to practice. After your lessons, it's those foolish owners who need convincing." Erik said, taking her hand. "You will be the new diva of my opera house."

"But...what about Carlotta?" Christine asked. Erik smirked. He has plans for that vile woman. It will be so amusing to him and those who come to the opening night.

*Author's Note: The song Christine sang is "No Promises to Keep". It is from the upcoming game, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Yes, I am advertising the game in this. XD Kill me.*