Her Innocence || Phantom of the Opera

Chapter Twenty-Five

Phantom POV:

I watched from inside the doorway of Madame Giry's complex Christine and the Viscount embark the horse-drawn carriage. They both sat down, with luggage in hand, and slightly jerked as the driver clicked the horses forward. Madame Giry waved to them from the sidewalk, and I guessed that her effort was more or less heartfelt.

I was about to turn back around into the house, my heart completely torn in two, when I heard a soft 'wait!' come from behind. I turned back towards the carriage and team of horses to see Christine literally jumping off the edge and racing towards the home. My heart thumping, I awaited her in the open door.

"Erik," she whispered in a pant after running, "I left my purse in Meg's room. Could I go get it?" My heart again melted, knowing that she wasn't here to tell me goodbye. Slowly I nodded my head and stepped aside.

She tripped into the house and headed straight for Meg's bedroom. Christine looked over her shoulder once, and I guessed that she wanted me to follow her. I did so, but remorsefully. She opened the bedroom door quietly and stepped inside. Confused, I too swung the door open and went in after her.

The first thing I noticed was that Meg was not in here; nor was Christine's purse. The second thing I noted was that a few feet away from me was Christine crying into her hands. Alone, I first slightly closed the door and then walked to her side. She made up the difference between the inches apart and hugged me tightly.

Surprised, I didn't have time to react as she went on tiptoe and kissed me. Her eyes were scrunched closed and tears were still falling down her pale face. Sadness revolved around me, reflecting Christine's own feelings. No longer wanting to experience this pain and emotion, I broke apart. She opened her eyes slowly and studied my face.

"You've forgotten what I am," I whispered.

"No, Erik," she started, "I remember who you were, who you are. You are my angel; my Angel of Music. For that, I will always love you." The last sentence caught me off-guard and I stumbled through my thoughts. She loved me? Why wouldn't she stay? "I have to go, though," she answered my thoughts, "because I am married to Raoul. We chose our paths, and no matter how much we may want to change the past, we cannot." There was silence between us for a few moments, and Christine moved to leave the room, looking at the ground.

Desperate, I grabbed her hand before she did open the door, and pulled her to me. I looked into her eyes before gently placing my lips on hers. We melted into each other, moving our lips to the sound of silence; nothing in the world could have been more perfect.

Alas, she was not mine, and I was not hers.

Tearfully, she pulled apart after what seemed a lifetime. I whispered, "That was my goodbye." She clutched the sleeve of my coat.

"I will not say 'goodbye,' but only a farewell until we meet again. It is my promise that we shall see each other again--," She paused as she opened the door, and then added, "my Angel of Music."