The Angel of Music Sings for Me

Chapter 13: Barely Alive

Rachel's POV

For the past few days, I've felt numb. I kept replaying the same exact moments of what happened between Raoul and Erik in my mind. It obviously shows because Christine is always by my side, trying to make me feel better. That's how it is currently and though she makes me smile, I just go back to being in a slump when she leaves to rehearse.

Which brings me to another topic, rehearsals. I know Erik is watching every single time I'm out rehearsing, and it doesn't give me that same comfort as before. I was so blind, I was so stupid to think that he was as gentle as he was when we were in private. It's not true at all, he didn't appear to feel any remorse toward everything that happened. It also doesn't help he's putting everyone, including myself in mortal danger by playing this dangerous game.

As I walk down the hall from rehearsal, I see many people, well soldiers carrying guns walking into the theater, lead by Raoul. I decided to eavesdrop to see what happens, I go into one of the wings of the stage and listen in.

"Now remember shoot to kill," Raoul said, "Aim for box five."

Just then there was a maniacal laugh as I knew was Erik.

"I'm here, the Phantom of the Opera!" he taunted his voice being thrown and bounced everywhere in the theater. The officers swerved every which way trying to find the source of the voice, guns loaded and at the ready. A while after this game continued one of the younger, less experienced officers fired into one direction. He was then reprimanded by his superiors about how that could've been and audience member. I took that as my cue to leave, which I did.

I retreated to my dressing room, but when I got there, Christine was already there.

"Get changed," she told me, pointing to a dress that was hanging over the changing screen, "We're going out."

"Why?" I asked her, tilting her head in confusion. Just the day before, she didn't want me to leave this room.

"Because I'm tired of you moping in this room all day," Christine said squeezing my shoulder, "I'll admit I've been overprotective, but I can see how you haven't been yourself lately, and I think a night on the town will help."

"Umm," I thought about it then smiled, "You're right, let's go!"

Christine laughed, "I'll be back, get changed," she said before leaving the room."

I changed into the dress that was hanging on the changing screen and as I pinned my hair up, Christine came back into the room.

"Alright, let's go," Christine told me and we headed toward the front entrance of the opera house. As we got to the staircase, Raoul passed by and stopped us.

"What are you two doing?"

"I think it'd be a good idea for us to go out and have a change in routine," Christine answered.

"But you know what happened when you two went out last time," Raoul contradicted.

"Please Raoul," I asked, "I've been in a slump ever since that day and I just need to get a change in scenery."

"I'll be with her the whole time," Christine reassured him.

He finally gave in, "Alright, just come back in a few hours."

"We will," I promised him, before leaving with Christine hand in hand.

"So what do you have planned?" I asked her.

"We're going to the Seine," Christine told me, "Just someplace peaceful to get our mind off of things."

I nodded in agreement, "Sounds great."