Can I Change Fate?

Part 10

Abby POV

"Raoul," I whispered. His brown orbs locked with mine. My heart started beating violently in my chest. Suddenly, I was aware of the hand that held my arm when I bumped into him. For a moment, it felt like time stopped.

He gave me a warm smile. "Miss Abby O'Connell," his voice was deep and thick. "Since I bumped into you, would you give me the honor of a dance?"

I didn't remember saying yes, but suddenly I was in his arms. Blushing, I looked down. If this was all a dream with Rose and me at the Opera House, then it was the best and most torturous dream of all. Looking up, I saw Raoul studying me.

My heart stopped when he leaned forward. To my disappointment, his lips passed my own and stopped at my ear. "You look absolutely stunning," he smiled at me as he pulled away. I could feel my face getting hot again. Only Rose would know what to say, she was better at this than I am.

"I'm not good at this," I admitted softly.

Raoul looked confused. "You are a fine dancer, one of the best in the Opera." His dark eyes held mine captive. I let out a small giggle and shook my head. He thought I meant dancing!

"No," a smile tugged at my lips as I tried to explain. "I'm not very good at...good with men." I looked away shyly. Heat was rushing to my cheeks. "I'm always afraid of saying something stupid and embarrassing myself...which is what I'm doing now, huh?" I tried to pull away but his arms held me in place.

Raoul lifted my chin with his finger. "Abby, you don't realize that makes you unique."

I sighed in frustration as we continued swaying to the music. Brushing a strand of my black silky hair back, I looked up at him. "Being unique isn't all that great as it sounds." I replied. It was true. I never really fit in at school. I was too shy. Geez, I never even kissed a guy before!

"Abby O'Connell," Raoul chuckled. "You don't realize the effect you can have."

Rose POV

I tried looking anywhere but the sandy haired man in front of me. Why did I even agree to this? Letting out an annoyed sigh, I glanced at my dancing partner. His green orbs were studying my face. He actually was attractive.

"So," I started, hoping that the song would end soon. "Do you always blackmail girls into dancing with you?"

To my surprise, he chuckled and pulled me closer to him. "Only the most beautiful ones," he waggled his eyebrows seductively. Instead of pushing him away, an idea popped into my head. Smirking, I looked up at him and batted my eyelashes.

"I'm flattered," I tilted my head and leaned toward him. His eyes widened in shock and disbelief, but were quickly replaced with triumph. Before our lips touched, I ducked under his arm and twirled. I laughed at his foul expression. "Sorry, monsieur, you're just not my type."

He raised his eyebrows and grinned. "Madame, I take that as a challenge." Suddenly, he twirled me and bent me on one knee. His green eyes glinted slyly. His face was so close to my own, that I could feel the warmth of his breath caressing my cheek.

Closing my eyes, I wished that it was Erik holding me. Disappointment flooded through me as I gazed into the eyes of the sandy haired man. But who was I kidding? Erik loves Christine. Smiling softly, I gripped his jacket to keep from slipping.

"Well," I breathed. "As interesting as this position is, could you help me up?"

He smirked and pulled me upright. When my eyes slid over his shoulder, I raised my eyebrows. Dancing with Raoul was a small, petite girl. She wore a dark blue dress that clung to her small frame. A black mask covered her features. Her shiny black hair was tucked behind her ears giving her the impression of a fairy.

"Abby," I whispered, narrowing my eyes. What the hell was she doing here? Normally I would be happy that she was partying, but anything we do might prevent us from going home.

But you don't really want to go home, do you? My mind accused me.

"Rose?"

I looked up and was met with green orbs filled with concern. Shaking my head, I gave him a smile. "It was nice...dancing with you..."

"But?" His eyes held mine as a smirk formed on his face.

"I have to go," I tilted my head and gave him a pat on the cheek. "You were a nice dance partner, but I was definitely better." He raised his eyebrows. I just smiled as I turned away. Pushing past the crowd, I headed toward Abby.

Her eyes met mine and were immediately filled with guilt. Suddenly, I felt my stomach lurch. Holding my abdomen, spots clouded my vision. What the heck was happening to me? I somehow knew the answer. It wasn't Abby I should be worrying about ruining the chance of us getting home.

It was me.

Groaning inwardly, I put on a cheery face to hide the pain as I clutched Abby's arm. She must have hurried over when I was doubled in pain. Her frightened blue eyes searched mine.

"Rose? Are you okay?"

I nodded. "Yes..." It was a lie, but I didn't want to scare her. "Let's go home." Abby nodded and helped me out the mansion. The pain was unbearable and it was taking a lot from me to try to walk. Blood started to trickle from my nose.

It was like my whole body was shutting down. I couldn't breathe or move. I collapsed to the ground. Abby was shaking me, but for some reason I couldn't open my eyes. I wanted to tell her I was fine, but my mouth refused to move.

Abby POV

"Rose!" I screamed her name over and over, shaking her. Tears streamed down my face. "Someone help!" I sobbed. It was useless. We were alone in the alley.

My older sister lay crumpled on the pavement. Blood was smeared across her face. What made her collapse? Taking her hand, I pressed it against my cheek and held it there. Closing my eyes, I barely even sensed someone next to me.

"Move," a gruff voice commanded. Opening my eyes, I was shocked to find myself face to face with the Phantom. I watched in disbelief as he effortlessly picked up my sister. He turned to face me, his expression unreadable. "Get to my Opera House. Your sister will be safe with me."

I sucked a deep breath and closed my eyes. "Is she dead?"

"No, but she will be unconscious for a while."

I nodded. Opening my eyes, I found the Phantom and Rose gone.

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Yeah, yeah, I know that it was a little dark, but it was necessary. Basically, Rose is in pain because she met the mysterious hot stranger which got her way off course. Please Review and vote!
-Hell's Angel