Your Teacher (Phantom of the Opera Fanfiction)

Epilogue

Epilogue

A little over a month later…

Christine was nervous. No, Christine was beyond nervous. Today was the highly anticipated day. It was the day she would audition for the opera.

To take her mother's place as leading soprano would be amazing… But what if I'm not good enough? her doubtful mind and Erik had been practicing constantly for the past month. Frankly, she knew the music so well that she could sing it in her sleep… 'Sleep'. It's something she had gotten very little of the previous night, and she was now regretting it.

"Calm down, love," a reassuring voice said from beside her. Erik was driving them to the opera house, and her parents were following in a car behind them. "Everything will be fine. You are worrying for no reason. Believe me, you will shine above every other competitor."

Christine played with the promise ring on her finger nervously. His words hadn't been enough to calm her. If anything, she was even more worried. "How many competitors did you say there were going to be again?" she asked for what seemed like the hundredth time.

"41," Erik replied calmly. He'd had 'special' connections with the opera house for many years, so he was able to find out the number of competitors before anyone else.

"And what number am I?" This question had been asked a number of times, as well.

He sighed. "You're number 20. Christine, you must calm down. I promise you, you will stun them."

She gulped. "You'll be closeby, right?"

"Yes, angel," Erik replied softly. "I wouldn't miss hearing you for the world. I will be near. But remember, you will not be able to see me. I will still be able to see you, though."

His car reached the parking lot, and Erik searched for a parking place. Both noticed that it was very crowded, which made Christine fidget uncomfortably. She sat up straight and gathered her music. "I just have to think of this as a voice lesson, like it's just the two of us." After a brief moment, an unexpected warm smile graced her lips. "I'll be singing for you, you know."

Erik reached out to hold her hand. "You have no idea how much that means to me." He finally found a parking place and turned off the ignition before turning towards her. His hands held both of hers. "You're beautiful and you will sing beautifully. I love you," he whispered before embracing her.

Christine wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his shoulder. "I love you, too. I just hope you're right about everything." She raised her head and looked into his eyes anxiously searching for reassurance. She found it instantly.

"I'm right," he said, his voice firm. Then, he chuckled at the scared look on her face and kissed her. "It's time," he whispered while backing away.

She nodded and took a deep breath before getting out of the car. Erik had already told her that he wouldn't be walking in with her. Initially, that knowledge was terrifying, but he'd reminded her that her parents would be there instead. Christine had become somewhat more relaxed knowing that, but not even her parents could be what she really needed… Erik was the one she needed. She had to keep telling herself that he would be there, even if she couldn't see him.

A wistful sigh escaped her lips as she turned to look at Erik's car one more time. Gary and Beth approached her with smiles on their faces. Christine's brow furrowed and she mumbled, "I wish I could be so happy."

Her parents led her towards the opera house's entrance. "You're going to be just fine, Christine," her father reassured.

Beth nodded. "He's right. We've heard you practice. You know your music." There was silence before she pulled her daughter over to the side. "Look, I know what I'm talking about. Remember, I once had to audition just like you're about to. I can understand that you're nervous, sweet heart. I was nervous, too. Your nerves will fade once you get on the stage, though." She smiled. "I promise."