Pulse (Phantom of the Opera Fanfiction)

Chapter 9- Choices

Chapter 9- Choices

Christine looked from Nadir Kahn's angry face to the faces of fellow contestants around her. It was as if there were a spot light on both of them, because everyone was watching.

All too soon, he was in front of her. She gulped as the famous Nadir Kahn stared down at her.

"May I talk to you in private?" he asked quietly.

She could only nod, completely unaware of what the problem was. He then walked past her and she followed him into another room. He closed the door behind them.

Christine looked at him with questioning eyes once they were alone and in silence. She watched as he took a few deep breaths, apparently trying to calm himself down. "I- is something wrong?" she asked timidly.

Nadir's entire demeanor seemed to change as he studied her. Anyone could see that she was a good kid. She didn't know she was making a mess of things. His eyes became softer as he replied, "Yes, I'm afraid something is very wrong." He paused before bluntly saying, "What you are doing with Erik Destler is highly inappropriate. Perhaps you are not aware, but being that you are a contestant, having relations with one of the judges is, for lack of a better term, forbidden. It cannot continue."

Christine's eyes widened. He thought she was forming a relationship with Erik? It was outrageous. She and Erik were acquaintances, nothing more. She had to tell him the truth. "Mr. Kahn, I don't know what has made you think there's something going on between the two of us, but I'm being serious when I say there's not. I've only spoken to Erik a couple of times-"

"Yet, you call him 'Erik'?"

Oops.. "I only call him that because he told me to. Believe me, I barely know him. He's a famous judge, I'm a contestant. I know my place."

It was obvious that she did know her place. This girl was being genuine and honest. Nadir couldn't keep accusing her. Erik, however… Well, perhaps he was the one who was in the wrong. Maybe he was taking things too far. But, even if that was the case, Christine could be the one to end it, even if 'it' was nothing to her.

"All I ask is that you do not help in creating a sticky situation. Perhaps you and Erik are only acquaintances, but that isn't what it looks like on the outside. If you are not careful, reporters will suspect something."

Christine hadn't considered that. Their friendly occasional conversations could make headlines? This was crazy! "What should I do?"

"You shouldn't take part in private conversations with him. He should be judging you based on your voice and nothing else."

She nodded. "Ok, no problem."

Nadir was aware of the fact that others had seen them go into the room they were in. "Well, let's not make the people outside wonder what we are doing. Thank you for being so agreeable. Enjoy the rest of the party."

He left the room quickly, and Christine was left staring at the door wondering why she'd ever agreed to come to this party in the first place.

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Pulse continued to move forward. The 48 contestants that had gone to the celebration at the Edison were becoming less and less week by week. And much to their excitement both Meg and Christine were still in. By the judges' continuous opinion, they were both in the lead.

Meg was thrilled and confident. Christine, on the other hand, was still wondering when her luck was going to run out. Surely she was receiving all these compliments due to luck… But, she couldn't allow herself to think like that right now. It was week six of the competition, and it was almost her turn to go. Mozart's Queen of the Night- an aria that was supposed to be sung with the utmost confidence.

She needed to nail it like Meg had nailed her performance earlier in the day.

Chris approached her, and the usual routine began. An introductory 'hello', a video of her explaining her song choice for the audience to see, and her walk to the stage.

The judges greeted her, and then the aria began.

Everything was going well until… Christine's voice wavered unattractively on the last note. Surprise overtook her, and her voice cracked before breaking off completely.

It was a horrible ending to what was supposed to be a beautiful piece of music.

Christine was crushed. She'd blown everything. No way would she be back next week…

Nadir spoke first. "Well, at least we know you're still human." He chuckled. "Everyone makes mistakes, and yours was minor. We all know what an extraordinary singer you are. Overall, it was excellent. Believe me, I am still a fan."

His words were meant to be uplifting, but Christine just felt embarrassed. Minor or not, it was still noticeable.

Madame Giry seemed to feel the same as Nadir. "For the most part, it was stunning. No one's perfect." She smiled. "I thought you did a fantastic job."

It was Erik's turn to speak. Ever since the Edison, his judging comments had been simple and to the point. Obviously, Nadir had spoken to him about their 'relations', and obviously he'd agreed with Nadir about not letting it continue.

"Christine," Erik addressed her warmly. She looked surprised by his tone. "Nadir is right, everyone makes mistakes. You must not dwell on it. Let this convince you of what a truly amazing artist you are. The key is self-confidence. You are full of doubt, and for the first time, there was evidence of that. You not knowing how truly talented you are is very appealing, yes, but at this point in the competition you need to believe in yourself. Ok?" He watched her with intensity.

Nadir inwardly frowned while listening to his co-worker. Erik, what are you doing?

Christine actually felt what he said, she didn't just hear it. How wonderful and beneficial it would be to sit down and talk to him… But, thinking realistically, his words would have to be enough. "Ok," she replied, a determined look on her face. "Thank you," she said to all three of them before leaving the stage.

Erik wanted one thing after hearing Christine sing. He wanted to meet with her. There's only so much that can be conveyed while acting as a judge. I could tell her much more in person.

To meet with her could present problems, though. Nadir had thoroughly laid out the problems that could arise.

'Erik, you would lose your reputation, your job, your privacy… It would be detrimental. And all for a mere contestant?'

Nadir had even told him Christine's take on the matter.

'The girl says she barely knows you, that the two of you are acquaintances, nothing more. She has agreed to stop meeting with you privately.'

And Nadir's final words to him about it had been, 'I only want what is best for you.'

That was just it, though… Erik wanted what was best for Christine, just like Nadir wanted what was best for him. Erik wanted her to be happy.

Speaking of happiness, Erik hadn't really been happy since that night at the Edison. Nadir's claim of wanting what was best for him seemed to be inaccurate. Happiness was the best thing for him, and Erik wasn't happy while feeling like he couldn't talk to Christine. To talk to her would be beneficial for both of them.

It was settled, then. He would see her again. Nadir could just get over it. And so could anyone else who cared. This was about his and Christine's happiness and not about others' opinions. This is my choice, not theirs.