Christine

Mere minutes before show, I was feeling on edge. This never happened to me. I never felt nervous before, during or after a show. The Phantom was on my mind at that time. He was expecting a magnificent show performed by me. Every incident he did to frighten us was returning to my mind. If he didn't like what he saw in the show, bad things would happen.

I sat at my dresser, running over lines and practicing my facial expressions. So much stress was on me. Luckily, I knew how to handle it. "OK. Breath in, breath out. You know everything. You've performed before. It's no problem you can't handle. Just... stay calm..." I breathed to myself.
A sudden knock made me jolt. I recollected myself, fixing my hair.
"Come in," I replied.

It was Jackson. He was wearing the costume for the first scene. How admirable he was in it. "Hello Christine. How are you?"

A smile caressed my lips. "To be honest, I am a little nervous. The Phantom is watching us."

He shook his head, kneeling next to me. "There is no need to worry about him. You're an amazing singer and actress. You don't need to worry."

Just hearing his voice calmed me. "Thank you. But, what about pleasing him?"

He laughed, taking my hands. "Please him? You'll do more than that. You will make him more than pleased when you perform tonight."

In his eyes, the comfort and kindness calmed me. "Is there anything you can't fix, Jackson?"

We started getting closer and closer. I wanted to stop, but it wasn't even me leaning. I didn't even realize. My will was so strong. How I wanted to press my lips against his.

A soft knock interrupted the moment. So close.

"Christine, five minutes!" Called the stage manager.

Jackson got to his feet, pulling me upwards. "Come on. Let's go rock the house tonight."

I put on a smile, feeling more excitement than anxiety. The lights dimmed. A hush consumed the crowd. The orchestra began to play. Our stage was set.

Quietly, to myself, I prayed. "Lord, I thank You for being with me. I pray that You will also be watching my father. I wish he was here tonight. Please protect him, and let me see him soon. Give me the bravery and guidance I need tonight. Amen."

I got into my character, taking long deep breaths. The Phantom didn't even cross my mind. Not once. My time to go on arrived. The ensemble was singing in the wings. I started singing my part, enjoying every note I sang. Every minute on stage.

The transformation and ballroom scene were my favorite scenes. I wasn't even acting at that point. My love for the Prince was real. My smile was real, even the words I was to say. Dancing with him made my feet leave the ground.

Sadly, the final scene came on. My final favorite scene. He approached me carefully, staring deeply into my eyes. He slipped the shoe on my foot. We began our duet, and ran backstage. I threw on my wedding dress, preparing to go on again.

As I climbed the staircase, he took my hands halfway up. The music continued playing. At last, we kissed. It was a real kiss. Not a staged on. A real true kiss. We couldn't separate ourselves.

The curtain call came on. I waltzed on stage, feeling lighter than air. The audience sent a roaring cheer my way. No one understood the amazing feeling I did when taking a final bow on stage. The feeling and excitement running through you is incredible.

After the show, my friends and I met up. It was a call for a celebration that night.

"Chrissy, you were amazing!" Exclaimed Jesy.

Ella squealed with joy. "What a show. The audience loved you."

Cory squeezed to the point of suffocation. "You never cease to amaze me Chris."

I smiled, putting my hair back. Ray hugged me as well. "Gee. I have never seen a more talented actor. What a show. What a night!"

A pair of arms spun me around, lifting me into the air. Jackson spun me about, smiling happily. "Oh, Christine! You were incredible!"

After a long time of congratulating, we happy few strolled off to the dressing rooms. I dressed quickly, knowing Jackson was possible waiting for me.
I sat at my dresser, fixing my hair. Of course, I picked out a cute outfit for afterwards.

During my change, an unexpected visitor arrived. "Christine?"

"Entrer," I replied.

In walked a familiar face. A face I did not wish to see. "Hello Christine."

I turned around, "Raoul? What are you doing here."

He approached me, handing over a bouquet of fresh roses. "I saw you perform tonight. You did great."

My hand did not reach out for his gift. "Why are you here? I thought you were done with me."

He smiled, setting down the roses. "Listen, I didn't mean to do that to you. It was wrong, and I was going through some tough times before I saw you."

"Excuses. Toujours des excuses. You betrayed me when I needed comfort the most. You pushed me away!" I raised my voice at him.

Raoul took my hands. "Christine, I want to make it up to you. Please."

Yanking my hands away, I shoved the betrayer back. "You abandoned me in the park."

"Christine, I am taking you out to dinner tonight to make it up to you," he explained. Heading for the door.

I folded my arms over my chest. "Why? So you can betray me again? I don't think so. Besides, I'm going out with my friends."

He shook his head, chuckling, "Oh, Christine. I'll be waiting outside. Five minutes."

Before I could get a word in, he shut the door leaving me alone. My anger towards him was rising to an immense level.

"Dinner after what he did? How desperate he must feel to get me back," I muttered, finishing my face.

For an outfit to look cute, I wore a white top with a crossed over style, a thin blue sweater, jeans and flats. A simple look, yet well styled.

Suddenly, my lights for my dresser went out. Then the lights in the room itself. I stood to my feet, flicking the switch a few times. Nothing was happening. The idea of someone pulling a prank came to mind.

"OK girls. Cory, Ray, this isn't funny. Turn the power back on," I shouted, striding to the dresser.

When no answer came, fear replaced my idea of it all being a joke. An intense wind brushed against me. Goosebumps formed up and down my arms.

"Christine," whispered a voice.
I ran to the door, finding it locked.

"What? Who's there? Raoul, are you doing this?"

Silence. Nothing but silence. It was too quiet. Cautiously, I walked to the center of the room, looking every which way. No one was around, and I was in the dark.

Without warning, a shadow appeared, and I was knocked out.