Rosie's POV

        It felt like we were in the carriage for an eternity. Suddenly, I was shaken awake by Eric. I didn't even know that I had fallen asleep. "Wake up, my flower. We're here.", he said in a soft voice with a hint of bitterness. I groggily opened my eyes and looked around as if I was lost. 

        As if reading my mind, Eric said, "You fell asleep, Rosie. You slept the whole ride." At that moment, the carriage stopped and Eric opened the door to get out. I stood to get out of the carriage, Eric holding my hand to help me down. I didn't want to go home. I didn't want to face Raoul's wrath. 

      As Eric started to move forward, toward the house, I stood in place. I was afraid. I didn't want to return. He couldn't make me. Nobody could make me. Eric noticed that I wasn't following, and turned. "My child, why do you doddle behind? Don't you want to go home?", he asked, his voice full of confusion. I shook my head. "No. No I don't want to go home." Eric instantly became alert  when he heard the panic and fear in my voice. He rushed to my side and knelt down in front of my while grabbing my shoulders gently. Looking into my eyes he said, "Why, Rosie? Why don't you want to go home? Why are you afraid?"

        I felt my body start to shake as tears fell from my chocolate brown eyes. I stared into his eyes and softly spoke the one reason why I didn't want to return home. "Raoul."

~~~~Eric's POV~~~~

        I instantly stiffened when Rosie told me that she was afraid to go home. "Why, Rosie? Why don't you want to go home? Why are you afraid?", I asked her gently. Her body started to shake and she began to cry. She hesitated for a minute and then she spoke one word. "Raoul." 

        Immediately, my body froze. I felt my blood boil and my face heat up. I let go of Rosie's shoulders before I hurt her and clenched my fists until my knuckles turned white. I was shaking. If she was afraid of him, than that means he is most likely drunk. What am I saying? Of course he is drunk. When is he not?

        I was snapped out of my thoughts by the sound of Rosie's soft sobs. I released my fists and gently grasped her shoulders once again and brought her into my arms. "It's alright, Rosie. I would never let him or anyone hurt you. Ever.", I said. 

        When we pulled out of our embrace, I brought my hand up to her face and brushed her tears away. "Rosie, you have to go home. Christine would be worried sick about you. I know her and she would never allow him to hurt you. Even if he doesn't love treat you the way he should, at least know that there is someone in that house who loves you.", I said. 

        She nodded her head hesitantly. I stood up from kneeling on the ground and took her hand and led her up the pathway toward the house. When we reached the doorway, she didn't knock right away.

         She just stood there looking at the intricate door knocker. I rubbed my thumb over the surface of her hand in reassurance. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door knocker.

        After she knocked, we stood there for a minute until we heard the sound of feet hurriedly shuffling across the floor, and soon the door opened to see a very scared and relieved Christine. 

        "Oh my lord, Rosie there you are!", she said as she pulled Rosie into an embrace. "I was so worried about you. When you didn't come home I thought something had happened and I called the police. Come in, please come in.", she told us. It seems like she didn't recognize me. I didn't expect her to, considering my mask was hidden from sight. 

        "Thank you for allowing me into your home, mademoiselle. I found her in an alleyway. It was a good thing I got there in time or she wouldn't be in the same condition she is in right now.", I said. Christine's eyes widened in fear. I knew that she knew what I meant, but I guess that she had to ask just in case. "What ever do you mean, monsieur?", she asked. 

        "Well there was a man. Obviously drunk, who snuck up behind her and grabbed her by the waist and began touching her and kissing her. I got there right before he was able to take it any further." Christine's eyes began to water at the thought of her daughter being raped. "Oh Rosie.", she cried and hugged her daughter once again. "Oh thank you monsieur. You saved my daughter's life. How can I ever repay you?", she asked. 

        I didn't know what to say. "Is Raoul here?" "Um, no he's not here. He's probably at the bar again. Why? And how do you know my husbands name?", she asked. I could sense the fear in her voice. My cover was about to be blown. "Who doesn't know that the great singer, Christine Daae, was married to the Vicounte de Chagney?", I asked to cover up.

        She seemed like that was a reasonable answer. "Would it be alright if she could spend some time with me? It seems that after today's events that she is a little afraid of your husband." Christine immediately shook her head yes and I gave her my card so she could have a way of contacting me. 

"Good night, mademoiselle and good night, Rosie.", I said as I made my way out the door. "Good night, Eric.", said Rosie. I froze. I heard Christine gasp. "Eric?"