The Affair

Chapter 3 *

Christine took a seat in box five, she drowsily looked over the edge of the box and down at the stage. She let out a yawn and gave a small smile when she saw Madame Giry coming out onto the stage with all the new ballet dancers. She lifted her hand and semi-waved to her when she looked up to the box. She then rested her chin onto her folded arms that were rested on the ledge and patiently waited for rehearsals to start.

Raoul came out onto the stage, "Madame Giry, please, I need to find her-" he said beggingly.

The old lady's eyes wandered back to box five, almost as if she were asking Christine's permission to tell him, but Christine simply shook her head.

"I apologize, Monsieur Le Vicomte, she isn't here. I would have seen her by now. Go home and get some rest, you look like you need it."

"I am not tired and I know she's here. My maid told me."

"Your maid?" she asked, "Well, she must have told you wrong, your wife never walked through those doors. I assure you of that." she said.

He growled quietly, frustrated and becoming increasingly more upset. He walked off the stage and he walked outside, he got onto his horse and left. 

As soon as Christine was sure he was gone, she came down to the stage. She embraced her mother for a few long moments before letting go.

"What's going on, Christine?" she asked.

"I don't know." she responded sadly, "He's so distant... and he's mean. He acts like he's got the weight of the world on his shoulders, like he's hiding something from me."

"Have you any idea what it is?" she tipped Christine's head up slightly so that she'd look at her, "You'll be alright... If anything happens you can come stay with me, here. Just like old times. You, me and Meg." she smiled.

She smiled back and nodded, "Just like old times..."

She watched her, seeing the sadness in her eyes, "I'll take you home, pack a bag. Stay with me for a few days, anyway. You can sing again, I know you love too. Vicomte doesn't let you."

"No, He doesn't..." she murmured and hugged her again, "Thank you."

"Girls, take five. I'll be back in an hour." Madame Giry said and led Christine outside, "After you, dear."

She smiled, "Thank you." she said and got into the carriage that awaited company outside. She then waited for Madame Giry to get in.

Madame Giry got in as well and sat down across from her, she looked out the front window of the carriage, "To the De Chagny manor, please." she said politely.

"Is it truly okay if I stay with you? What about Gustave?" Christine asked warily, "He's asleep in my old dressing room right now."

"He can come too if that's what you want." she smiled at her.

"I just don't want Raoul getting fussy with him. If it's alright with you- I'm going to bring him."

"Of course it is. Don't worry, we'll have a great time, Christine." she responded.

She nodded and remained quiet the rest of the ride, she stared blankly out the window until the carriage came to a stop, then was hesitant to get out when she saw Raoul sitting on the lawn.

"Relax, Christine." she said soothingly, "Everything will be fine."

"I wish I believed that." she mumbled. She got out of the carriage and went to the door. Madame Giry followed.

"Where have you been, Christine?" he looked up from the newspaper he was reading, but instead of greeting her with a smile or a kind gesture, his eyes fell on Madame Giry, "Funny I see you again today, Madame Giry."

"Nice to see you again, Viscount." Madame Giry responded sweetly.

"I went for a walk." Christine said simply and walked inside without a second glance at him, "Raoul, I'm going away for a few days," she said.

"A.. A Few days?" he got up from the grass and followed the two women inside, "Christine? Where might you be going?"

"I'm going to be staying with mother for a few days. I think we could use some time apart and quite honestly, I miss everyone at the opera populaire."

"You're staying at that damned opera house?" he fumed.

"Yes, Raoul, I would appreciate if you kept home for a few days as well, I would prefer not to be bothered."

"You don't get to decide where I can and can't go, Christine."

"And you don't get to decide where I can and cannot go, Raoul." she turned to look at him, "You've never let me go back, why do you have a say in the matter? If I want to go somewhere I will go and you will not stop me."

"Getting brave, are we now, Christine." Raoul grumbled, "I have a say because I am your husband."

"Was that a threat?" Madame Giry watched him.

He looked at her, "No. It's not." he parted and walked upstairs to their room.

Christine huffed and followed.

Annette was there putting clothes away that she had cleaned, she looked at Christine, "Hello, Madame De Chagny."

Christine looked at her, she ignored her hello and grabbed a suitcase, starting to fill it with clothes.

Raoul watched her for a bit, he was confused about his feelings, he was still completely upset, but he thought he should be feeling more about his wife needing space, however, all he could think about was how he could have alone time with Annette. He remained silent and turned to the window. He watched the carriage outside.

"Goodbye, Christine." he said after a bit.

She looked at him, "That's all you have to say to me?"

"Christine?" Madame Giry called after some time, she walked into her room, "Are you ready?"

"Yes, yes. I'm coming." Christine grabbed her bag and followed Madame Giry to the carriage. She looked back to the house and to the upstairs window, where Raoul was still standing, staring blankly out the window. She sighed and got in the carriage, "To the opera house, please."