Till I Hear You Sing(Final Book)

Chapter 12- Plans Change.

Christine Destler
Three years later

"You'll do great, Christine! I have to take the children to the box. I'll see you after the performance," Erik smiles. He kisses my cheek, and Harmony and Presley quickly wrap around my legs, letting go only seconds after.

I waved, still shaking. It had been too long since I'd performed. I rarely got this nervous, but tonight was the opening night of Erik's new play. I was intent on making him proud. The door opened, and I wondered if Erik had come back for one final embrace before the performance.

It wasn't Erik.

"You look as lovely as ever, Christine," Raoul smiled, handing me a red rose. I took it, confused as to why he was here.

"Do you need something?" I asked dryly.

"The stage crew sent me. Something is wrong with the...chandelier. Tonight's performance has been canceled," Raoul replied casually.

       "Really? How dreadful. Erik is furious, I'm sure. I should go speak to him. If you'll excuse me-"

      "No! He, um, already left!" Raoul's eyes were wide, and his voice was urgent.

      "I can't leave my children in that box alone. Raoul, please ex-"

       "They're with Madame Giry."

      "Would you let me get a sentence out? Why are they with Madame Giry? I'm perfectly capable of taking care of them," I said, placing my hands on my hips.

      "I wanted to speak to you," Raoul explained.

      "About what? If it's about Meg-"

"It isn't," he insisted, "It's about you...and me."

"I don't understand what you're talking about," I said, confused.

"Christine," he cooed in a soft tone," I'm still in love with you."

I felt my heart sink. He couldn't possibly still love me. He was with Meg. For once, he was happy. I spoke softly, gently, "Raoul...I'm sorry. We've.. I mean, we've been through this. You know who I love. And what about Meg?"

"Who cares about Meg? All she's ever done is hurt you!" Raoul spat, gritting his teeth.

"She's hurt me, yes. But love is a powerful thing. Love can conquer all hatred, all the violence in the world. If you love her-"

"But I love you!" He exclaimed.

"Raoul, I can't have the conversation right now. I'm sorry, truly, but I have to go find Erik. He's upset and.. I love him. I have to help him." I walked to the door, but Raoul grabbed my arm, pulling me back.

"Christine, I'm sorry. You're right though. Love is a powerful thing." Raoul pulled something against my throat. A cloth, maybe? I didn't know, but I needed air. And I wasn't getting it.

I pulled harshly against the cloth, surprised by my own strength, and I was able to get out of his grasp. He lunged out for me. I moved quickly to the door, flinging it open.

"Help! Somebody! Plea-" a hand went over my mouth. I writhed under his grasp. He opened a closer door that was used to store my costumes and threw me inside. Having no time to react, my head hit the ground first.