Her Innocence || Phantom of the Opera

Chapter Eleven

Phantom POV:

My Christine! She had willingly took my hand, a light motion that had my heart fluttering in joy. I hadn't ever felt this relieved, this happy. Just to know that she had come to help me sent a shock of emotions through my body. I never used sarcasm, but the use of it lightened the mood even more so. Even Raoul, her husband, could not imagine the love and appreciation that Christine's presence alone had on me.

I lead my saving angel down towards the murky water and into the boat I used for travel. Slowly, as I began to row from shore, I felt my torn heart begin to sew itself back together.

Raoul POV:

"Raoul, stop this nonsense! She will show up soon!" Madame Giry's voice echoed behind me. I kicked at the locked door to the Opera Populaire again with only the determination to find Christine fueling my actions. She had to be inside; there was no other place she could have gone. If she wasn't there, I wouldn't know what I would do...

Suddenly, the door swung open and I tripped in mid-kick. I fell back a little, but caught myself just as Christine stepped out. Her face was pale and I quickly ran up to her, grabbing her chin in my hand. "Christine? Where have you been? You've been absent for an hour; I was worried sick!" I stopped and waited for an answer. When I received none, I gently wrapped her in a hug and kissed her on her forehead. She let out a long breath and embraced me back.

Christine didn't talk at all the entire way to Madame Giry's home, and I didn't force her to. The driver, dressed in a strange black cloak, took us quickly to the apartment complex, and left just as soon as we were off with our luggage. I didn't even pay him.

"Don't fret, Monsieur. Mother paid him in advance," the little blondy, Meg, replied as I watched the carriage leave. I nodded and turned towards the others who were already headed inside the building. I followed them, an uncomfortable, yet familiar feeling creeping into my stomach.

Christine POV:

Two days passed with no sign of Erik. I was somewhat pulled to visit the Opera Populaire, just to see if he was still there. However, I knew that Raoul would never let me out of his sight; it even took some persuading for him to let me get dressed by myself.

I wasn't sure what Erik had in mind about me singing for him- I just hoped it would happen soon so I could forget about this entire maddening situation.

As I was getting ready for the third day of my vacation, there was a knock on my bedroom door. I pulled my hair back and told whoever it was to enter. Meg squeezed through the doorway, a look of anticipated excitement plastered on her face. I pinned the last of my curly locks in place and spun around. "Why, what is it, Meg? You look as if something extraordinary has happened!"

She smiled even bigger, the grin reaching from ear to ear. "It IS something extraordinary, Christine! Look here!" She ran up to me, holding out a piece of parchment for me to read. I glanced t her and took it hesitantly.

Dear Madames Meg Giry and Christine De Chagny, it read. I continued the note after sitting down on mine and Raoul's bed.

You have been invited to participate in the opening of the new Palais Garnier. We hope for Mademoiselle Giry to entertain us with an opening act and Madame De Chagny to sing for the closing of the production. Our estimated date the Opera will open is next March. You both shall receive a fair amount of francs for your cooperation. We appreciate your consideration on this matter and eagerly await your answer.

Signed,
Monsieur Cardall

My heart fluttered in my chest. This kind of opportunity was rare, and to not agree to this would be ridiculous! I, too, smiled as I reread the note over and over. Meg, finally realising that I wasn't going to respond, squealed quietly and grabbed back the parchment.

We both laughed and held each others hands in delight. "Finally, Meg, I will be able to sing again!" I said happily. The memories of singing in front of the crowds at the Opera Populaire rushed my emotions. "And, Meg, you will be the opening act! You will do amazing!" I added the last part with delight and sincerity.

I needed a plan to tell Raoul. I supposed I had a little while to wait since the Palais wouldn't be completed for a few months, but I still wondered how he would take this new piece of information. Would he agree?

Then another idea fluttered into mind: what would Erik's reaction be? Had he known of this invitation? Would this calling get in the way of my final favor for him? I tried to forget about the negative side, and Meg's bright talk of what she would do and wear on the special night helped me focus.

This was sure to be an extraordinary day.