Painted Roses - Chapter 1

London was her home now where' idle gossip' in Raoul's words wouldn't spread. She was living in an expensive London penthouse with several maids to chauffeur her around at her request. Raoul was anything but the doting husband, he put a stop to her singing as soon as she had left the church on their wedding day and when she
had refused to he made sure that she understood what he meant. She ran her hand up to the now healed cut just above her left eyebrow, a terrible reminder of  his anger. A sharp knock at the door of the flat sent her reeling.

Gathering her strength sheslowly unbolted the door revealing Raoul. His face was flushed a deep red and his
hands were clenched tightly round an issue of the Époque. He flung the door aside and waved the article in front of Christine as if brandishing some sort of weapon.
"What is the meaning of this." he said in an extremely agitated tone.
"What Raoul...what is it?" He savagely  threw the document on the table and pointed furiously at the article, Christine read,
 Madame the Vicomtesse de Changy  announced today she was going to depart for Paris in a bid to star as the new diva at the Opera Populaire, once again people question intentions of  Vicomte and exactly how he intends to stop her leaving, he thinks that  the Vicomtesse will give way he is most gravely mistaken  the new diva  is extremely determined to go through with her plan.

"Your seriously not thinking of going to Paris again, after all thats said?" Raoul was clearly disgusted. She answered with confidence, well...why shouldn't I?"
"We cannot risk going back Christine not after that monster corruptedyou...think of the scandal... and your a fine one talk about singing, I will have no wife who will dress up and parade upon stage like a whore." She felt panic surge through her.
" But Raoul I love singing."
"No, Christine you love me now....you have wifely obligations, its out of the question."
"I'm not going to stay here and do nothing with my life Raoul and i'm not going to listen to you."
"You little ingenue...how dare you speak in such a manner to me, i'm your husband."
"Alas am I likely to forget."
"I don't know how you have the nerve...you were nothing but a poor little opera wench I gave you a title and my name and for what? You were a pitfall creature Christine , weak, feeble no mind of your own...I see you still are....you are a selfish little ingenue and you had no life before me I made you what you are now."
His words stung her and she made an effort not to cry, how dare he say such things she felt rage raise within her. She spat at him.
"And you monsieur are a self-conceited idealist...you are a feeble excuse for a husband and I would rather die than be close to you at this very moment." The words spoke themselves. Raoul's jaw dropped open as he finally realised what she had said, Christine had a sudden impulse to laugh at Raoul to hurt him as he had her to make
him feel small. All that happened next was a blur, she saw Raoul's hand fly through the air toward her at a terrific speed, his knuckles hitting the side of her face. A faint crack as the bone hit the skin made her stagger where she stood and then she felt herself falling. Raoul called her name and she hit the ground with a thud.

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Christine opened her eyes, her temples ached. She touched her head and winced in pain. Struggling to sit up she looked around, she was in her own room in the flat. All the familiar objects were there. She gave a sigh of relief and settled back down, catching as she did so a conversation. She recognised Raoul's voice more strained but
his, and another unknown voice.
"What exactly are you telling me M. le doctor."
" Your wife, M.de Changy she is heavily pregnant."
"Pregnant?" She could feel the shock in Raoul's voice, it rang in her ears there was something in his tone which did not reassure her.
"Are you sure man."
"I am a doctor M.de Changy I have enough experiance in birth to judge."
"Yes, of course...Christine must never know."
"Never know sir but she is your wife." Christine felt her stomach lunge, he didn't wanther to know. She suddenly felt her head spin with former emotion. If only she could find her angel. Yes he would take care of her. But the rational part of her said that Raoul wouldn't let her go anywhere on her own, she wasn't even sure if her angel was
living.She had to find him, tell him that she had been wrong. She pulled back the coverlet and slipped out of the bed. Crossing to the wardrobe she pulled out a large brown leather suitcase, she began flinging her clothes into it. She had to get away. If only she could get out without Raoul seeing her . She no such luck. Raoul burst into
the room like a hurricane, his gaze searched for Christine and found her in the corner of the room by the wardrobe. His once radiant face now only displayed pure horror as he watched her calmly pack her clothes into the case. Christine was aware of his presence but refused to be intimidated by it.
"Christine where do you think your going? Your in no condition to travel."
She was aware that rage was building up inside her again. "Why Raoul...because i'm pregnant." She turned away from him tears filling her eyes.
"So...you were listening into our conversation were you?"
"Well Raoul how else do you think I knew...go away leave me alone."
"Are you keeping my son? Of course you are...Christine." His voice trailed off waiting for Christine to answer. Christine was blinded by fury. "I had no idea a daughter bothered you that much Raoul, a girl like me is
probably unthinkable because after all she would have a mind of her own, not like all the other Changy women!"
"What are you trying to say Madame."
"I'm trying to say Raoul that the women in this family are allowed no free will and have absolutely no self esteem whatsoever...I pity the women that marry into the Changy family I really do!"
"You little whore, how dare you insult my family like that, have you forgotten whom you are addressing."
"I'd rather be a whore Raoul than your wife!" He slapped her. She stepped back in shock and he ran forward with his arms outstretched.
"Oh Christine..I didn't mean to hit you I was angry...forgive me Christine please."
"Leave me alone Raoul...get out! Get out now!"
"But Christine...I..."
"Get out!" she screamed.Reluctantly he turned to go but he stopped and turned to face her. He strode over to her and without warning he kissed her, framing her face with his hands. She pushed him away from her, jerking them apart.
"No Raoul....i've told you to go now go!" Resigned he left the room slamming the door shut behind him. She slumped into a pile behind the door cupping her face with her hands. Christine sat like that for a long time. She had no idea how long and doubted that Raoul would have waited for her. More likely that he was pouring himself
a glass of brandy. Why had she been such a fool? She left her angel for Raoul, Raoul who had promised her everything, but with Raoul's promise came a price. A price she could not hope to pay. She sighed and continued packing her clothes. She heard feet climbing the staircase to her room, they stopped right before her door. Prepared for another show of Raoul's anger Christine lept to her feet. He stepped in slowly. "When do you want leave?" At last he had done something she wanted him to do instead of getting in her way.

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The carriage rattled through the musty Parisian streets. Christine glanced over at Raoul, his brow creased with concentration and staring straight ahead. She had somewhat reluctantly let him come with her much to her protest. He had promised to be her escort for the majority of the journey. The carriage jolted and interrupted her
thoughts she had the driver's voice bellow,
"Here we are M.le Vicomte, the Opera Poulaire."
Raoul paid the driver and set about removing the bags. He handed Christine her luggage with a warm smile which was quickly replaced with worry.
"Christine, i hope you know what you are doing." She sighed wondering if Raoul would ever get tired of fussing over her. The most important thing now, indeed the only thing was to find her angel. She needed to tell him she loved him. She remembered the first night he had taken her below the opera and he had sung her to sleep, that one evening had surpassed a whole day in the company of Raoul's boyish charm. She could see him clearly now, only an image and yet quite real. His face under the mask, no horror, all she saw, all she could ever see were his eyes burning with love. And his voice, oh that voice, quite likened to an angel singing her to sleep whispering her name softly....and,
"Christine are you quite alright."She snapped back suddenly and blushed at her own ignorance. Raoul she might have known.
"Yes i'm fine...darling." She said with a smile on her lips, but it did not cover up the bitterness in her voice. Raoul looked at her suspiciously but turned back to the vast array of people who were now crowding around them in drones. Christine reconised Meg Giry, she was dressed in a crimson robe with a dimond necklace clinging
to her slendar white throat.Perched on her head was a matching tiara. Christine thought that she didn't look anything like the funny little ballet girl she once knew. Meg's mother had always been a great teacher and friend to Christine during her time at the opera. She smiled at the memory of the old lady. Meg caught her arm and laughed cheerfully,
"Christine, what on earth are you doing here? I didn't expect you to be rejoining us."
Christine swallowed not knowing how much tell her.
"Well actually Meg, i didn't come here to see you i had...other motives."
Christine became vaguely awre that Meg had inched alittle closer to her.
"Like what Christine."
"I've come to see about...about the Opera Ghost."
Meg raised her delicate hand to her lips.
"Meg?" Meg turned pale and said slowly,
"Christine we haven't heard from the Opera Ghost for months...maybe even longer, he disappered...when you went away." Christine felt herself disparing.
"But you were part of the mob...that went down there to kill him...surely you must have seen something."
"Christine..."
"But you must have seen something." Christine was aware that she was actually shaking Meg .
"We din't find anything Christine...not even a body."
"Perharps he went away somewhere...left the opera." Christine's voice was starting to sound frantic.
Meg slipped something into the palm of Christine's hand.It was his mask.
"Christine if he is down there....he will need this, tell him my mother always kept his secret till the day she died." She mumbled something under her breath,
"What Meg?"
"Christine...why do you want to find him...what is it that brought you back here?"
"I love him Meg."
"My god Christine...do you know what your saying?"
"I'm saying i love him why is that so hard to believe?"
"Christine...he is a murderer...he will kill you if you go back to him, have you forgotten how he dragged you from the stage?"
"No Meg..."
"Then why? How could you possibly love him...it was the obsession with you Christine which drove him to muder two men, an obsession which could have ended in your murder!"
"I didn't think you would understand Meg."
"No, well you were right." The conversation ended and Meg flounced off to the crowd gathering around Raoul.

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Erik watched behind the mirror gazing at the dressing room which had once belonged to his beloved Christine. The pain was unbearable. He wondered if for the briefest moment Christine truly loved him. He shook his head. Christine was gone, his music was gone... he had nothing to live for...and yet he found some small comfort in the
place where Christine had visited daily for lessons with her 'angel of music'. He smiled at the thought. A door opened, Erik half expected to see Christine standing there but he instead saw a man, tall with a handsome face, Erik reconised him the Vicomte de Changy. It couldn't be. Or could it. Yes he was sure it was. A woman entered
behind him, not Christine but a woman with blonde hair and green eyes.Meg Giry! He watched the pair with morbid curiosity, wondering what on earth they were doing in Christine's dressing room? As Erik watched the Vicomte took Meg in a sweeping embrace, kissing her with full on lips. Erik wondered if him and Christine
could have ever felt like that. But if the Vicomte was there Christine had to be too! His heart lept and then he realised the Vicomte was with another woman, not Christine so what had gone wrong? He turned to leave but not before he heard the door been flung open in a furious rage, he turned to see who the occupant was this time, his heart almost did a double take it was Christine!

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Christine flung the door to her dressing room open. Raoul was there and so was Meg but the scence was obviously not platonic. Raoul held Meg in his arms, kissing her. Meg looked completely sure of the kiss and Raoul was holding her waist supporting her! Meg's arms were round Raoul's neck holding him tightly. Christine
stared open mouthed, the pair completely oblivious to her presense. It was at that moment that Meg happened to look over Raoul's shoulder and see Christine standing there glaring. She jumped away from Raoul.
"Christine..." She stammered, "I....I don't...." Raoul turned as white as a sheet and let go of Meg's waist.
"Christine what...what are you doing here?" Raoul's voice started. She answered bluntly,
"I was about to ask you the same question."
Meg ventured to speak up once again,
" Christine i'm sorry....really i am....if you'll just let me explain..."
"There's nothing to explain Meg...i thought you were my friend." Raoul recovered quickly,
"Christine..., its not what it looks like."
" Then what does it look like Raoul?" Her voice broke.
"Christine i love Raoul, i always have done...yet you got everything you could have ever wanted, wealth, fame and a husband...and when you said you loved that monster well...you didn't know what you were saying...i had to tell him"
"You told Raoul." She couldn't believe it her best friend had betrayed her.
"Christine Meg was only worried about you...she did what she thought was best..."
Christine looked from one to the other and burst into tears,
"How could you! How could you Raoul? I'm expecting a baby and your seeing her...."
Meg gasped,
"You were pregnant?"
"Oh yes he didn't mention that did he...he wouldn't his pride might have been wounded."
"Christine..."
"Don't Raoul...just leave me alone." And she fled from the dressing room, down the passage ways. She had no idea where she was going, her head ached and the tears streaming down her face made it difficult  for her to see. She began to run faster choking back the tears, the world seemed to spin before she finally collasped onto what looked like the floor of the third cellar. She wept into her hands, her make up was smeared and her hair tangled in knots, but all she was aware of where her tears. Pain writhed through her body. She was disturbed by the shutting of a trap-door. It made her jump.
"Who...whos there?" Shakily she got to her feet. Again she heard a slight scraping sound as if feet were been dragged against the floor. She swallowed hard. The foot-steps, if that was what they could be called seemed to get closer, moving toward her. Although the cellar was dimly lit by the oil-lamps, she had enough light to see
a dark shadow on the wall. At first she thought it was just a piece of scenery, but it moved, fast almost like lightening in her direction, she couldn't see the person who was casting it but the shadow was moving radpidly toward her.She heard footsteps behind her. Then something brushed against the back of her neck, something shaped as a noose. Whirling around she opened her mouth to scream but no sound emerged. A hand clamped over it. The shape relesed her and lit a candle.The faint glow of light rested upon the attacker's face. It was Erik. Christine could see him now or at least his outline. He spoke firmly to her though his tone was not harsh,
"What in God's name are you doing back here Christine?"
"Erik!" She gasped,
"Who else was it going be Christine, your beloved Vicomte perhaps." He still seemed bitter after all these years. She lowered her gaze to the floor.
"Ah i sense a slight discomfort with that topic, may i enquire why?"
"I was upset....Raoul and i had a quarrel....why are you back here...you scared me half to death." Ignoring her question he continued,
"Wasn't the handsome Vicomte good enough for you? Did he leave in gutter to find some other woman to court?"
"He did no such thing."
"Then why pray are down here in the deepest pits of hell?"
"Erik how can you act like this?"
"How! You dare to ask me how, you left giving me a single kiss to remember you by....the only kiss I had ever known from a woman......you left with him......scorned my heart.....its sad to say I loved you." Christine began to weep, Raoul was lost to her and now it seemed Erik was aswell, his features softened, "You shouldn't be down here its dangerous ....you shouldn't be near me...."
"I came back to Paris to find you....i thought you might still be here."
"You came looking for me?"
"Yes, i needed to know that you were still....alive." He winced at her words, she knew that it caused him pain.
"I wanted to die....i couldn't bring myself to do it though...i was too afraid."
"How did you escape....I thought the mob killed you."
"No...they didn't kill me...it would have been easier for me if they had done."
Christine looked at him in despair and felt a slight twinge of guilt, she had done this to him, she was the one who had brought this upon him.
"Please forgive me....i've caused you a lot of pain." He looked at her and for a moment the tears in his eyes subsided, to be replaced by a warm, compassionate gaze.
"Christine....don't blame yourself, please i can't stand it....i can't bear to see you upset."
"I never should have left you Erik." He shook his head.
"What else could you have done Christine....stay in here and be comdemmed to live in darkness....no Christine...someone as beautiful as you should live in the sunlight and be happy....you made the right choice." She took a deep breath wondering how he would react to her warm words after all these years.
"I thought i'd made the right choice....but you must understand Erik....I left with Raoul out of fear....i came close to losing my childhood companion and i was scared, scared of my love for you....thats why i left with him.... i thought it was a safe desicion and i begun to believe i loved him and i believe i did at first....but then my
heart reminded me of all the love you gave me which he never could....thats what told me...i loved you."
She glanced at him he seemed to be pondering what she had said, his expression one between fear and delight. His eyes wide with dis-belief, to replaced quickly with hurt.
"Really? You loved me, what a great actress you are Christine, you may be able to fool everyone else.....but you can't fool me......you don't love me." The venom in his voice caused her to faltar.
"Erik I love you......I don't love Raoul......you have to believe me please."
"I don't believe you."
"What i say i say in all honesty."
"Honesty, you lied to me all those years ago and your lying now!"
"I'm not lying Erik!" Christine stomped her foot. Erik turned away from her and remained silent for a few minutes before he spoke,
"You......you loved me....even after all the things i made you do....dragging you from the stage....forcing you to stay with me....after all that you still loved me."
"I do and always will love you Erik....i just wouldn't admit it, even to myself."
"Oh Christine." Was just about all he could manage to say.  He drew away from her.
"What...What about...." She guessed what he was trying to say.
"Raoul." He nodded.
"I shan't be seeing him again."
"But Christine he still loves you....you don't think that he will pursue you."
"I have no doubt that he will, but all he will find is me in the arms of my angel."
Erik gasped.
"Christine....i can't....i can't ask you to love this." He gestured to his face.
"When will learn monsieur.....that your face holds no horror for me." Gently she reached up and caressed the dead flesh. He tried to jerk away from her but she held him tightly in her embrace. He sighed softly.  Hardly aware of what she was doing Christine lent up and pressed her lips to his with a passion that she had never known
she possesed. His arms enclosed around her, in one blind minute they were together but he reluctantly forced her away from him drawing back into the shadows.
"No Christine." He spoke in a barely audiable whisper, something torn between despair and misery.
"But I thought that was what you wanted....I thought you loved me."
"It is what I want Christine....i've wanted to kiss you....ever since that night I took you below the opera and sang you to sleep....but you were so afraid....to even touch me...don't torture me with what I cannot have."
"You don't believe me, do you? What would you have me do Erik to prove it to you.....listen to me Erik I love you."
"I love you too, more than you can ever know."
"Then show me the love i have seen in your eyes....how ever much you try to conceal it...it will always be there...show me Erik." He hesitated and seemed almost afraid to embrace her again. She seemed to sense his fear and enclosing his hands with hers, she brought them to her lips. Flinging his arms around her, he hugged her
tightly, unwilling to relenquish his hold on her, enjoying the sensation of having her near. She played mindlessly with his auburn hair, lightly resting her head on his shoulder.
"I love you Erik....i don't ever want to leave you again."
"Nor I you my love." Came his muffled reply as he rested his head on hercheek.
Christine suddenly felt a short sharp pain, running through her arm. She gave a cry.
Erik drew back abruptly, concern creased his brow.
"Christine...whats wrong have i hurt you?....What is it my love?"
"No its nothing you've done....it just a bruise thats all....nothing serious."
"Let me see." She folded up the sleeve of her dress, to reveal several mauvish bruises traling all the way up her arm, he could bearly contain his rage.
"Who did this too you Christine? I shall wring their neck....they will pay for this."
She shook her head.
"Raoul used to beat me....he called me a whore and said i wasn't worthy of his love....he used to take his belt and...and...."
"Dear God Christine no more....my poor darling Christine." He could feel hatred swell up inside himself, a desire to despose of this man by ways he seemed fit, but on reflection he thought that Christine would probably be even more miserable....still the idea was foolishly tempting.
"I shouldn't have been so bitter to you, i had no idea....he....he...."
"Its not your fault Erik, i foolishy believed that our love was real but his so-called 'charm' was really bravado....not love."
"You are not Christine nor shall you ever be foolish, he, in my opnion is the foolish one."
"You are so kind Erik....but...."
"Yes."
"Erik....there's something i need to tell you."
"What Christine?"
Taking a deep breath Christine said slowly,
"Erik i'm pregnant."
"Pregnant?" Could it be that this child was his? No he pushed the thought from his mind, it was Raoul's child, Raoul and Christine's child. She swallowed hard.
"Yes, the doctor thought about 4 months."
"Does....does he know?"
"Yes, Raoul knows....he knew long before i did....he just never wanted children and now....now....." She burst into tears again and Erik rushed to her side to comfort her. Saying slowly,
"But my dear that is wonderful news, i thought you would love a child."
"I would love a child....but how can i expect Raoul to care for it when he hardly cares for me myself."
"Christine if he has one bit of compassion, he will support you."
"But i'm so afraid that he'll hurt the child just like he has hurt me."
"Christine.....I won't let him hurt you or the child...i will protect you both with my life."
She looked at him through her blue eyes and reached up to kiss his good cheek.
"Oh Erik....thankyou....how can i ever repay you."
"Just love me Christine....thats all I ask." He turned and retreated into the shadows.

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Christine's confrontation with Erik over, she returned to her dressing room. Raoul was waiting for her.
"Christine, wait please, i need to speak with you." She ignored him and pushed pasthim into the room.
"I have nothing more to say Raoul."
"Christine....i'm sorry for what i did....but you can't blame me....you haven't been yourself lately." She retorted,
"I'm pregnant Raoul, of course i don't feel like myself."
"Christine...."
"Raoul, i have no desire to listen to you make feeble excuses, i'm very tired and should like to get some rest." Raoul's face went red like a tomato as he roared,
"NO DAMMIT YOU'LL LISTEN TO ME." He seized Christine's arm and firmly closed his fingers around it.
"Let go of me Raoul, this instant!"
"Not until you say you love me!" She struggled helplessly in his grasp.
"Never!"
"Say it!"
"NO!" He grabbed her by the neck and tightened his fingers around it. She became aware that she couldn't breathe, that she was choking.Suddenly a hand shot out and wrenced Raoul into the air by his collar, Raoul struggled but his opponent's grip was far too strong for him. He was flung across the room, shattering one of the
Opera Populaire's vases on his descent. He hit the ground with a sickening thud.
Erik's cold voice said,
" Strike her will you....well we shall see who does the striking today."
Erik landed a brutal kick into Raoul's side, Raoul cryed out, his voice twisted beyond pain. Erik chuckled to himself before saying,
"Now monsieur, you will die." He raised a chair over Raoul's head, intending to crush his skull, when he heard Christine moan softly. Snarling he drew back, his lips forming in an ugly grin.
"Next time perhaps M. le Vicomte, Adieu." Scooping Christine up into his arms, the mirror swung inwards and he carried her gently down into the labyrinth of darkness. The mirror made a faint click behind him and he was gone.

Erik found it easy to carry Christine's slight weight, and as yet she still seemed unconscious, but alive. That stupid boy had almost killed her, he should have been there, why hadn't he been there? Erik's thoughts were inturupted as he heard the sound of footsteps behind him, they seemed to be gaining on him rapidly. So someone was following him were they. He'd soon put a stop to that. Cradeling Christine in the crook of one arm, he left the other free to wield a switchblade. Whirling around, he grabbed the man by the neck and pressed the switchblade across his throat. The man gave a cry in a mixure of french and persian and Erik lowered the blade.
"What the hell are you following me for daroga?" The man sighed heavily and spoke,
"What are you doing with the Vicomtesse de Changy Erik."
"Why is it any business of yours?"
"You know aswell as I do Erik."
"No, i'm afraid I don't know daroga....perhaps you'd care to explain what exactly i'm going to do with Christine."
"She is unconscious Erik....is that from your own hand?"
"No it is not daroga....do you think i am capable of striking my beloved."
"You can do anything when you put your mind to it Erik." Erik turned away from him to look at Christine's pale form, he gently ran his hand through her dark curls.
"Erik that is another man's wife!"
"Oh for God's sake daroga....what do you take me for, i love her i'm not going  to harm her!"
"Then leave her with me, i'll take her back to the surface....back to the Vicomte."
"NO SHE IS STAYING HERE WITH ME!" Erik roared at the top of his voice, the daroga trembled but refused to let Erik get the better of him.
"Erik listen to me, you seroiusly can't expect to keep her down here with you....its insane!"
"She loves me daroga."
"You said that before, but she loved the Vicomte....why can't you understand
that
Erik....she loves him now."
"She does not daroga....for i would never strike Christine....those bruises on her neck are from him....at least he won't wake up for awhile."
"You said there would be no more murders....how could you do this again?"
"I didn't kill him daroga....though i admit i would have done if it wasn't for Christine."
The Persian gave a sigh of relief and wiped his brow with a white cotton handerkercheif.
"Let her go Erik!"
"I will not daroga....i lost her once, i won't lose her again."
"Why do you insist on doing this Erik....why won't you leave her be."
"Daroga you don't seem to be able to comprehend....she loves me."
"So you say Erik and no doubt you will keep on saying, but she is married."
"Don't you think i know that daroga, don't you think that it is that one little word which has tortured my soul for all these years." It was at this point during the argument  which Christine stirred, opening her eyes she looked around only to be greeted by darkness, her throat was sore from where Raoul's hands had left their mark.
"Erik....." Erik's cold eyes left the Persian and wandered over to Christine.
"Yes ma cherie."
"Where am I Erik?"
"You are in the underground passage in Rue Scribe my love." The Persian took this moment to step forward and address Christine who slowly got to her feet.
"Madame, i believe you are in danger if you stay here." Erik snapped suddenly,
"I believe that it is you daroga who is the only one in danger here."
The Persian ignored Erik and continued speaking to Christine. Erik's hold on his temper was gradually decreasing. Erik reached out to clasp Christine's hand and pulled her behind him, so that she was out of view of the Persian.
"Erik it is no good trying to hid her from me."
"Dammit daroga, i am not hiding her."
"She does not love you Erik."
"Oh no?" Erik pulled Christine to him and pressed his lips against hers. The embrace lasted a long time and the Persian was momentarily stunned.
"Satisfied." The Persian swallowed uncomfortably and looked at the floor, back to Christine, then to Erik,
"Damn you Erik.... why did you have to do this to her.... why couldn't you just leave her alone.....i thought you had enough sense to do that."
"Your trying my patience daroga!"
"I'm not leaving this infernal maze till she is safe by my side."
"Then you will just have to leave some other way." A long thin rope appered from Erik's hands and before the Persian had a chance to breathe, it was around his neck in an instant. Erik pulled it tighter laughing as he did so.
"You were unwilling to leave here alive, and now you will depart from here dead."
Before Christine knew what she was doing, she rushed at Erik and palced her arms on his shoulders.
"Erik....i'm sure he did not mean to anger you, he was concerned for my safety that was all." Erik looked at Christine, her face wore a pleading expression. With an exsaperated sigh he loosened his grip on the rope and let it fall harmlessly to the floor.
"So be it, but if i ever catch you in my house again daroga....Christine won't be there to save you." Erik watched him depart up the slope and when he was out of sight spoke softly to Christine,
"You saved the life of a man you hardly knew....why Christine?"
"I couldn't bear to watch him suffer like that Erik....he thought that you had kidnapped me again....he didn't mean to make you angry."
"Thats the trouble with the good daroga Christine....he always just 'thinks', shall we continue." He offered her his hand and she took it as thay both continued to descend into the darkness of the passage way.

                                                             * * * * *

Raoul had never been so furious in all his life, how dare Christine refuse him. She had refused him for that monster, he reflected angrliy. He had been tempted to go after them and then thought the better of it, he knew that the house on the lake was wellguarded thanks to Erik's siren and numerous other tricks. When he awoke he
found that a deep gash had been embedded in the side of of his face and had several smaller cuts his arms, probably something to do with the broken vase in the corner. His head had ached terribly. But now that thing had got Christine, taken her back to its lair, forcing her to do God knows what. Raoul was sure that Christine hadn't
mean't what she'd said about loving that abhorrent creature, he had obviously gained some sort of hold over her again. What had posessed her to come back? The monster. No, Raoul thought of course not, he would just have to win back Christine's love, after all Meg was only a one night stand. It had been on impulse to kiss her.

                                                        * * * * *

Christine was missing again! Meg was terrified that somehow the Opera Ghost had decided to take his wrath out on Christine, but reminded herself that she had just caused her best friend the most pain anyone could bear, tears of self disgust slipped down her face, she was ashamed of herself.

Christine was back in her own room again, she had no idea how she got there. Her head was spinning. She hated Raoul. Hated him for what he'd done to her. A man was supposed to love his wife not treat her like this. Erik could love her though, love her as she should be loved. The thought made her smile. Another thought crossed her
mind, the baby, its biological father was Raoul, but since he was otherwise occupied the only one she could turn to was Erik. But he was afraid, afraid that if the child saw his face it would be utterly repulsed. Christine had tried again and again to ressure him but to no avail. She sighed, Erik was perhaps the strangest man she'd ever met, but
also the most ingenious. She loved his music and often pleaded him to play it for her, she knew that he could go days even weeks on end without eating or drinking and just let his soul be consumed by the music. As for her singing, it was her life. Much more than her career, Erik loved her voice, she sang to make him happy. Erik entered the room carrying a tray with lots of food on it.
"I'm not very hungry Erik."
"But my dear, you must eat something."
"I can't." But despite her many protests, Erik made sure that she at least got a bowl of warm soup down her throat.
"Shall I play you something for you Christine?"
"Would you Erik...that would be lovely." Erik helped her get of bed and cross over to his room. The barrel organ covered half of the wall and many sheets of music lay scattered unevenly around it, Christine smiled inspite of herself. Erik caught the expression on her face and said softly,
"So madame you find me amusing, do you?" And he smiled or at least turned the corners of his mouth up.
"Yes good monsieur, greatly."
"Then perhaps you will do me the honour of singing with me." He took a sweeping bow and at once they began the duet in Othello. Christine sang Desmonda, while Erik let his voice thunder out that of Othello. Christine felt herself soar with the music, her voice reaching notes that she herself had never dreamed of. Erik glanced
continully at her, encouraging her to follow his direction. Christine felt herself flush under Erik's warm gaze, making her look even more beautiful than she already did. As the music drew to a close, Christine looked over at Erik and his eyes locked onto hers. For a moment, Christine saw the very first hint of joy there, something which he had been denied in his youth,  now return as he looked at her. The organ ceased as did the singing, and the words hung in the air until they drained away.
"Erik...."
"Christine." He held out his arms to her and she took them tightly in an almost crushing embrace.
"Oh Erik i love you so."
"Christine....would you....could you....."
"What my love."
"Could you....wear this." He held out his gold onyx ring to her,
"Oh Erik...."
"Please Christine....i can't bear the thought of losing you again....i love you so much and...."
"Of course."
"Pardon?"
"I said of course i will Erik."
"Oh Christine....you have made me the happiset man on this earth....i love you so much....and you are the most beautiful of all women."
"Flattery will get you nowhere Erik."
"You derseve it Christine....i'm so happy."
"So am I Erik."
"Christine....what about the future."
"The future?" She shrugged.
"Well my dear friend the Vicomte, won't let you go without a fight....."
"No Erik, i don't want anymore bloodshed....please."
"Christine....what ever why we go about this....there will be bloodshed, i hardly see how we can avoid it."
"Raoul wouldn't hurt me."
"No he wouldn't hurt you, but he'd kill me."
"I suppose you're right."
"It will cause him great pain, i should imagine....especially knowing that you gave him up for a monster like me."
"Erik! Don't say such things, you're not a monster and you never were....you may have done terrible things....but the man who did them is dead, the Phantom....but you are not he, you are Erik my angel."
"Oh Christine."
"I love you and will never stop loving you."
"You are the first person who hasn't turned from me....Christine i feel as though i can never live without you."
"Then live for me Erik." He nodded his head in assent.
"I will live for you."

                                                             * * * * *

Erik wondered why Christine had come back. Did she really love him or was she just saying that to prevent him from an early grave? But she had kissed him. And that kiss had been so warm so full of love that Erik's fears had been set to rest and he had savoured the moment. This was the one time in his life where he felt truly happy, truly
loved. But quickly he realised taht all of this could be taken away from him just as easy as it had come. No, it had been far from easy. All those nights alone, the pain of seeing Christine leave him over and over again, the look of pure terror on her face when Raoul's life had been threatened. He could not go through all that again. He would not go through all that again. Christine though kept her promise, she returned the next day to check on his health and the next day after that. Six months later and Christine went into labour with her new-born baby girl. Raoul had not seen her for some time and she named the baby Elissa after Erik's mother. Erik and Christine spent time
with the baby girl  and in time he learned to hold the child and care for it twice aswell as any other father could. Erik offered Christine a place in his house as she had no where else tostay since Raoul had taken up residence in his family's home in a nothern section of Paris. Christine's love for Erik never faded and each day was as perfect as the last. Erik hoped that this could go on forever that his happiness would thrive, he thought that luck was on his side at the moment, but it was only a matter of time before something happened and happen it did......

                                                           * * * * *
"Guess what Sophiea, Meg's left." The corps de ballet gathered round talking in low whispers.
"She can't have left."
"Well her things are all but gone and Celine saw her leave this morning....early."
Chirped Isabelle quietly.
"I think it was the ghost!" said Aimee quickly.
"The ghost." All the girls echoed.
"Don't be stupid," said Suzette," I heard that she had an affair with the Vicomte de Changy."
"Meg? She wouldn't."
"Oh yes, she would and you'll never guess......"
"Excuse me madmoiselle have you seen Christine this evening, i thought she was due in for rehersal."
"No monsieur i have not seen her." Replied Suzette. All ballet girls crowded round them.
"And you have no idea where she could be."
"None at all sir."
"Very well, it appears i must continue my search for her."
"Wait a moment monsieur." said Suzette eargerly.
"Yes madmoiselle."
"I cannot talk here, please follow me." She took Raoul's hand and lead him into the wings of the theatre, where the props and bits of scencery lay discarded for later use.
"Well."
"I saw Christine yesterday, she emerged from her dressing room, looking pale and forlorn to say the least."
"Go on."
"Well....she left the room in rather a hurry, to get to rehersal i suspect.....i was quite curious so i.....i...."
"What damn you!" He raised his hand to strike her.
"Please monsieur don't harm me, i am only a witness to what i saw."
"What did you see?"
"I followed her to the stage....and i saw a man dressed all in black with a mask that covered his face....he greeted Christine and offered her his hand....and thats when he saw me....those eyes blazed yellow and i turned and ran....he did not follow."
"Thankyou madmoiselle, you have been of great to help to me....and Raoul de Changy shall not forget the service."
Suzette smiled warmly at him, suddenly all of the gas lamps smashed of their own accord plundging the room into total darkness. Suzette gave a high pitched shriek.
"Monsieur le Vicomte."
"Its alright, i'm here."
"I'm scared of the dark monsieur."
"I'm going to find some candles Suzette, stay and wait till i get back."
"O...O...Okay monsieur." Suzette in all truth was petrified of the dark, she seached wildly for something to cling onto. Stumbling around around she made out the faint outline of a figure. She approached it and clung onto the figure's arms.

                                                       * * * * *

Erik chuckled to himself, the poor girl named Suzette, seemed absolutely terrified of the dark. Where as he on the other hand could see perfectly in it. His pentrating vision could tell that the girl was aboviously having some difficulty finding something to hold onto while that fool de Changy went to fetch some candles. Groping around
she came across his silent shape. Being careful to remain absolutely still Erik let the girl take a firm hold of his arms.
"Oh thank goodness monsieur you have returned." Erik did not reply.
"Monsieur?" She began to run her hands up Erik's tall build. Finally she reached his face, she touched the icy coolness of his mask and gasped.
"Wait...your not M.Vicomte de Changy, who are you." Erik stifled another chuckle with his hand. With a flash the light from the gas lamps returned, and Erik said simply,
"Good evening madmoiselle." She let out a blood curdling scream. Erik sighed, another scream, when they screamed they made it so difficult for him. Erik looked at the girl's face she couldn't be more than twenty years old.
He didn't have the heart to kill her,
"Be quiet and i'll spare your life." She ceased screaming. Grabbing a large cane from the prop closet he gave her a blow to the head that stunned her. She fell to the floor unconsious. Erik checked her pulse quickly to make sure that she was still alive, she was but the pulse was faint....if the stagehands didn't get here soon she'd die anyway. It wasn't his problem, he thought. One down one to go.

                                                            * * * * *

Raoul rushed into the room to find that the gas lamps had been re-lit and that Suzette's body was lying on the floor resting by the prop closet. She was alive barely. Raoul cursed himself for leaving her alone. Who had done this? And why? The answer lay right behind him. Erik emerged from the shadows.
"You! I might have known that this would have been your handiwork."
"You give far too much credit monsieur."
"You almost killed her monster."
"I would have done, but Christine begged that there be no more bloodshed."
Raoul's eyes widened and he wavered slightly. Erik continued to taunt him,
"Ah yes Christine....what have i done with Christine?"
"Leave her be....you have gained a powerful hold over her....and i will break it."
"Are you quite certain of that monsieur."
"Do not taunt me beast, for i am in no mood for jokes."
"So the spoiled little rich boy has come to his senses, how highly you must think of yourself........monsieur." Erik gave a leer.
"Christine is my wife and i will win her back....then i will kill you."
"By all means monsieur, if you think you can take her from me....and it will be i who kills you."
"Christine loves me monster so you are gravely misken, no matter how hard you tried....you still couldn't make her love you."
"On the contrary monsieur.....it is you who are gravely mistaken.....Christine gave birth to your daughter several weeks ago, and she has spent the night in my house with the little one.....she loves me she even admitted it to me and your daughter is quite beautiful, she has Christine's eyes." Raoul gave a exclaimation of impotent rage.
"DAMN YOU, YOU DEFORMED MONSTER." Raoul made a lunge for Erik, who pulled out a dagger. As Raoul grabbed Erik by the throat , Erik sliced neatly away at Raoul's flesh causing him to howl with fury and pain. Releshing Erik's throat he staggered backwards, his white cotton shirt turning a deep shade of crimson.
Erik smiled at him.
"Hurts doesn't it." Raoul clutched at the wound the dagger had made in his arm.
He straightened, panting heavily he made another attempt to dis-arm his adversary. Erik back handed sharply sending him across the room. Erik's ring had dug deep into Raoul's cheek and yet again he bled. Somehow Raoul got a hold of Erik. He twisted his arm and a jolt of pain shot up it, realising Raoul intended to break it Erik clenched his fist and hit him with his free hand, sending a brutal blow to his lower jaw. Despite all this Erik managed to laugh at his his rival.
"Come on monsieur surely you don't intend to give up now."
"I wouldn't give you the pleasure." He said haungtingly.
"Oh no."
Erik picked up one of the old gas lamps that stood on the mantel in the room, it might not be the grandist way to go but at least Erik would have the pleasure of seeing Raoul hit the ground hard. Swiftly Erik raised it above Raoul's head and brought it crashing down on him. The sound seemd to echo throughout the room. Then Raoul fell.

                                                           * * * * *

Erik made his way back to his lair, certain that Raoul would either be dead or unconsious for a very long while. His arm throbbed with pain, as he recalled how Raoul had tried to twist it till it broke. He felt incredibly dizzy as he
made his way back to the house. Christine was waiting for him by the door, as soon as she sawwhat state
he was in she rushed out to him and wrapped his arm round her shoulder so he could lean against her.
"My God Erik what happened?"
"Your....husband....and i had a little encounter."
"You went after Raoul." He nodded.
"Why? He could have killed you."
"That my dear..... is where i prevailed."
"You killed him?"
"I think so.....but he could still be unconsious."
"Oh my love i'm so glad that you weren't hurt too badly."
"I love you ma cherie."
"I love you too Erik." She leant forward and kissed his forehead. Suddenly a voice penitrated the cold air,
"So the truth is finally revealed." Christine stepped back in horror, Raoul was stood there, there were a couple of cuts to his face and forehead and he was bleeding to the back of the head but otherwise it was still Raoul.
"Raoul," she said angrily,he took a step toward Erik,"don't you dare touch him Raoul, i mean it."
"Christine....he made you turn from me....he corrupted you."
"No, he showed me what true love is."
"Christine....you say that you have learned true love from a monster....how can that possibly be true."
"He is not a monster! He is a human being just like anyone else."
"He murdered two men Christine, you're forgetting that he is a murderer!"
"No, Raoul the Phantom murdered not Erik."
"For God's sake Christine, can you hear yourself, they are both the same man."
"Raoul, Erik has a beautiful soul and beautiful music.....i forgave him for murdering those men....do you know why? Because he did it out of love for me, he killed for me, far more than you would ever do."
Erik smiled at Christine.
"I gave you eveything you little whore and this, this is how you repay me!"
She slapped him. Christine's fingers left a red trace on Raoul's cheek.

"Don't you ever call me that again Raoul."
"Your coming back with me Christine....this is insanity."
"I would rather choose insanity than live my life with you!" Raoul turned his attention to Erik who was chuckling to himself.
"What the hell is so funny about this."
"Well monsieur....if you could see yourself now.....you are really the most selfconceited, self-absorbed, spoilt little Vicomte de Changy.....or should i call you 'Raoul'." Mimicked Erik amusment filling his eyes.
"You'll pay for that monster!" So saying Raoul pulled out a small ebony hand pistol cocked and ready to fire.
"Your not laughing now are you."
"Raoul put the gun down." said Christine softly.
"You know Christine you should have chosen me."
"No!" Christine screamed. And he fired. Christine jumped in front of the bullets path, her body shuddered violently as she came into contact with it, crimson blood staining her dress. Erik caught her in his arms. He jerked his head up to see Raoul backing away.
"YOU! Youv'e killed her you fool."
"I swear i never would have harmed her." But Erik wasn't listening.
"Christine....my God Christine.....hang on.....please God don't let her die."
Her eyes fluttered open for the last time,
"I'm so sorry Erik, forgive me......i love you so much.....i love you more than life itself and i always will.......Erik......." Her eyes closed and he pressed his lips to her forehead,
"I love you too ma cherie."She drew a breath and then her soul left her body as she died. Erik held her in his arms running his fingers through her dark curls, holding her to his chest. He vowed to himself that he would never teach anyone to sing ever again as long as he lived not another soul would know the beauty of his music. And as
he wept over her, the tears that ran down his cheeks where not that of a monster, but that of a man.

To be continued............