Epilogue

In the weeks which followed, everything had turned out even better than both Christine and Claudin had expected.

Claudin had completely settled in with Christine. What's more, he was no longer under supervision by the police who had been stationed in and outside the house for the past couple of weeks. Just as Christine had predicted, her constant presence in Claudin's life had calmed his temper which had lived within him like an angry beast awaiting to arouse at any moment. It had been completely tamed by Christine's love and kindness.
Things had now gone back to how they used to be, but so much more happier. Mainly because Christine had her real father back in her life and Claudin was overjoyed that his daughter now knew who he was and there was no more need to hide the truth from her. At last he had what he had longed for after so many years of loneliness. To have his daughter back and for them to be a proper family.

The news that Erique Claudin was really her father had completely shocked Anatole and Raoul when Christine had eventually revealed the truth to them. The three of them had been stuck in an almost whole minute of silence before the two men told her that that explained a lot of things. And thankfully they accepted this and were very happy for her which Christine was greatly relieved about, especially because she could still have her two dear friends in her life still.

Once the opera house had acquired and fitted a new chandelier, the opera's were back in business. However, without Madame Biancaroli the Opera house had needed a new leading lady. And since Christine was the only one worthy she was welcomed gladly with open arms. And it wasn't just the audiences who were thrilled with the new star, Christine herself was delighted with the joyful feeling she felt every time she stepped out on that stage knowing that she was the centre of attention and no longer just a chorus girl in the background. She was happiest at the end when she stepped out for the audiences applause.

Claudin was so proud of her instant stardom. He had known she was destined for all this from the moment her had first heard her sing. He had also become her new vocal coach. Everyday he would sit at Christine's piano and give her voice lessons just before she left to go to the opera. Christine really enjoyed this, especially learning it from her own father.

What's more, it didn't take long to get a new job for Claudin. Since he was now welcome in public again Christine had told the Opera House manager about her Father's piano skills. And almost immediately Claudin had been assigned to be the piano player who would sit at the piano in the opera foyer and play for the audiences when they arrived at the theatre to see the performances. Claudin had accepted the job with only one request; Because his burn marks were still visible, he had requested that he wear his mask while he played, so as not to disturb anyone who wouldn't have understood. This was acquiesced and Claudin too became an adored musician once more.
Almost every night while he played, a handful of people would stand round the piano to watch him and were all enthralled by his musical pieces and often give him countless tips. With all that, the pay for the job and the money which was made from his published concerto, there was more than enough to support both him and his daughter together.

When it had almost been a month and a half after the events of the chandelier falling, Christine DuBois had become an instant celebrity. Almost all of Paris knew her name. Ticket's sales in the Opera House had risen and probably every single night there were constant sell-outs, so much that they'd had to organise extra matinees and extend the show run.

One evening after another spectacular performance with standing ovation, Christine returned to her dressing room to find Anatole and Raoul waiting for her. Christine at first thought that they were just there to congratulate her on her success but their faces were completely serious. "Christine" said Anatole, stepping forward to her side "Monsieur Dubert and I would really like to settle something." Christine stared at him. "What would that be?" she asked. Raoul came to stand on her other side. "Christine it's time for you to make up your mind and choose between us."

At that same instant, the dressing room door opened and Claudin stood there holding a small bouquet of flowers. He glanced at the two men then to his daughter. "You ready to go to supper, my darling?" he asked. Christine stood frozen where she was for a moment before she finally said "Excuse me".
She walked over to the door towards Claudin. Then she turned back to the two other men and gave them a breath-taking smile which would have melted all the ice in a champagne bucket. Then she turned back to her father taking the bouquet from him and sniffing the exquisite flowers. Claudin smiled too and slipped an arm round her waist. Together the father and daughter walked outside where a whole mob of adoring fans awaited.

Inside the dressing room, the two men stood frozen in complete disbelief as they watched them leave. Despite there being no verbal reply from Christine, her silence and her actions had answered their question. Except that her answer had not been one of the two they had been expecting. She had made a third choice which had been formed when Claudin had entered the room.

So that was that.

"Monsieur will you join me for a bit of supper at the Café de L'Opera?" Raoul asked when the sounds of the crowd's voice's outside had subsided. Anatole seemed surprised at first from by this request, but then he said. "With pleasure, Monsieur" Both men smiled and after joining arms they both left the room together.

The End

Final Author's Notes
OMG! The my second completed fanfiction! Not a long story, I know, but I'm glad I finally finished it. And I hope you all like it.
Please leave me your reviews on what you think.

Kind Regards

LouisaJane007 XXX