Her Innocence || Phantom of the Opera

Chapter Six

Christine POV:

My hands grew clammy in the cool autumn air. I reread the note twice, making sure I had seen it correctly. He wanted me to sing for Him? I wouldn't! But then, He said He was dying...all because of me. The audacity to think that! I only did what had to be done, even if it meant breaking a heart in the process.

I crunched the paper in my hand, cursing under my breath. 'Of course I owe Him everything,' I couldn't help but think. As much as I wished I could refuse, I knew that I couldn't bear the burden of knowing I caused death, even if it was to the murderer Himself.

How did He come to know where I live? Realisation hit me; there must have been someone to deliver this note for Him. I knew He wouldn't risk the chance at being seen, but then again, how was I to know? My thoughts raced to Madame Giry and Meg. I overheard Raoul and Madame's conversation about the Phantom--suppose she was helping Him again? She would know where I would be staying, anyhow. Meg and I still conversed from time to time, and she could easily tell her mother everything.

As I began filling in the missing puzzle pieces, Raoul suddenly opened the front door, causing my to jump at the unexpected noise. "Christine? Are you alright?" I squeezed the paper tighter in my hand, invisible to see under my firm grip.

"Yes," I lied.

He came up behind me, touching my shoulders. "That's a beautiful rose." I looked at the flower in my free hand, unaware that I was still holding it. "Who is it from?"

"I found it," I lied a second time. I didn't like the feeling of keeping secrets, especially towards Raoul. "Darling," I said breaking an uncomfortable silence, "I was wondering if we could go visit Paris again? I hear that some old friends are missing us."