Christine Daaé's Return

"Christine!" Raoul comes over to me and one swoop I'm in his arms. He smiles at me.

I wipe my eyes, "Raoul, did you have a lovely time?" I kiss him, feeling glad he's home.

"Of course." Raoul brings me to the kitchen and with two wine glasses. We drink the rest of the night and discuss our day.

I love listening to Raoul. I sit and listen to him. He's so romantic and knows the right thing to say. Raoul's voice is soft and gentle, compared to The Phantom who is seductive and strong.....Stop! Christine why are you thinking about him?

"Raoul, listen. I have to tell you." I pause, biting my lip. I lean against the counter. "The Opéra Popularie is back. I was wondering...well Isabelle told me-"

Raoul stops me there, "Christine, I know all about it. There's no way we would ever go back. Not after what happened."

"I understand that but I really just thought that we-"

Raoul slams his fists on the table, "Christine! I said no!" He stops and relaxes, "I'm sorry but, I don't want anything happening again to you or me again. Its not safe there."

I'm caught off guard by Raoul's loud voice. I nod, "I know but you know how much it meant to me. Why can't you let me see this through."

He frowns, "Because if you go back there, you won't come back here."

Now I'm frowning, "Raoul, the opera house is my home. I will always come back here but I need to see it again."

Raoul kisses me and he runs his hands through my hair, "Christine, I love you but I still say no."

I sigh into his touch, "I love you too." I drop the idea of traveling anytime soon.

Later that night Raoul and I talk about old stories and legends. We talk about all the ones my father used to tell us. When we were children we had so many laughs and I won't ever lose those memories. We talk until I get so tired that Raoul carries me to our bed.

{~~}

I dream of the Phantom, he invades my thoughts and sings sweet melodies to me. Why does he have to be in my head, twenty-four seven? Erik, Phantom, Angel, I don't know.

Everything is so different, now. Raoul and I are married and we're happy. Maybe I'll even be a mother some day.

Before leaving the opera house, I didn't know any different from what I had and now that I have what I've wanted, it doesn't seem right. I love Raoul but I think the Phantom still owns a part of my heart.

{~~}

The sun signs brightly on my face and I squint my eyes as I uncover from the sheets. I look at myself in a mirror and see a skinny young women with brown curls. I walk out on the terrace, relishing in warm golden light.

I want to go back to maybe for a visit. But, sure enough I know and understand that I want to go back to the Opéra Popularie. Maybe just for a visit or two. But, how do I get Raoul to understand and go with me?

I look at Raoul sleeping. He looks so peaceful and he doesn't deserve this, he doesn't deserve to be lied to but he won't understand if he won't even hear me out.

I turn back to the terrace, but I feel arms wrap around me. I smile and turn to Raoul-

"You!" I say, but try to whisper, "What are you doing here when Raoul is right there?"

Erik holds me in his arms but I push him away. He looks at Raoul and shuts the doors behind him, "How can you love such a fool?"

I scoff, "How in the world did you get in here?"

Completely ignoring my question Erik says, "Christine, you are my angel. When are you returning?"

"I thought you were Raoul." I say. "Now isn't the best time to discuss that." I actually thought he was Raoul, but to be honest I didn't hate it.

"No more talk, my angel." His voice is deep and he touches my face gently, looking deep into my eyes.

My thoughts leave me and I cup his mask less face. Its smooth to the touch and Erik lets out a soft sigh. He leans into me and his lips gently touch mine. I remember the first we kissed when everything around was a disaster. Now, it's peaceful and perfect.

I wanted to pull away, but I didn't. I want to kiss him. I shake the doubt away, I do, I really do. Erik doesn't have his ruined face anymore, so his skin is soft. Erik runs his hand through my hair and I-

"Christine!" Raoul's face shows up when I open my eyes.