All I Ask Of You

Chapter 12

I embraced Christine tightly almost immediately after the performance ended, feeling overjoyed that she had gotten a second chance.

"You were incredible!" I exclaimed with a smile.

I was expecting Christine to be happy and excited that she finally got to perform on stage like she had wanted to, but instead, she looked uneasy.

"Thank you, Celeste, I only wish I was as pleased with myself as you are."

"You should be pleased with yourself, you sang beautifully."

She sighed as she hugged herself.

"I guess, I should be."

Before I could say anything she quickly walked away and I didn't attempt to follow, figuring she needed time alone.

I was truly having a hard time understanding her, I thought this was what she wanted, a chance to redeem herself and show everyone that she could truly perform. I couldn't wrap my mind around why Christine would feel displeased with her performance, but then again maybe her performance had nothing to do with how she acted.

My eyes went up to the fly loft, but I saw nothing except Joseph Buquet, who was adjusting the ropes, there seemed to be no sign of the Phantom, at least for now.

Or maybe there was and I couldn't see it.

In the dormitories, I slipped out of my costume and into a more comfortable attire as I listened to all of the girls congratulating Christine on saving the show I glanced over at her, hoping that one of their compliments would lift her spirits, but she only smiled and thanked them politely. As soon as they walked away though the expression disappeared and the nerves took their place.

I hated leaving Christine this way but could hear Erik's voice echoing in my mind, "Remember our deal." It would be unwise to break it, especially after what Christine had told me, his temper was something I didn't want to have to witness or be the cause of.

I have witnessed what anger can do to a person far too many times in my life and I didn't want to see it again.

I knew that the only place I would be able to be alone without any interruption would be the chapel. It was always empty no one here was very religious, so it was the perfect, quiet space to be alone.

I sat in the pew in front fiddling with my fingers as I waited for the Phantom's arrival.

I looked at the candles as they swayed from an invisible wind.
I could feel a familiar presence in the room as a shiver crawled up my spine, at the sound of his voice.

"I would say everything went well at this evening's performance, wouldn't you?"

I stood up, turning my head in different directions trying to locate the sound of The Phantom's voice which seemed to come from all around me, knowing that it was useless.

He was a master at concealing himself in the shadows.

"I supposed I would say so."

"You don't sound so sure, wasn't she happy?"

I could feel him standing behind me and I turned to face him, feeling my heart pounding and the fear clinging to it as his eyes stared into mine.

I looked away from Erik's gaze staring at the ground as I slightly backed away from him.

"She seemed frightened."

"Frightened," He repeated the word almost in a whisper and I looked up at him to see what looked to be sadness filling his eyes and I felt pain replace the fear in my heart at the sight.