Full Summary:

Christine Daae is in college with many distractions... On top of majoring in vocal performance, she is having to deal with friends, her dad's problems, temptations, a persistent boy named Raoul, her angel, an Internet companion, and a masked man. Can she handle the pressure?

Erik Destler is the reclusive 'ghost' of Ballad Conservatory... When he sees Christine for the first time during a vocal audition, he feels he must be a part of her life. Eventually, he takes on three different titles. He is her angel, Erik. He is also her online friend, Phantom. And he is Derik, a friend she meets with at the park. But, no one ever said taking on three different identities would be easy...

Can Christine uncover the mystery?

Chapter 1

The time seemed to slip away so quickly. I should be studying. But alas, the Internet in all of its interactive glory was such a distraction. Before she knew it, Christine had been online for two hours, where the wasted time should have been spent studying for German and English.

But, no matter how much she tried, Christine couldn't call the time spent on her computer 'wasted'. I love chatting with Phantom...

MissDaae7: I should be studying.

Phantom: Yes, you really should be.

MissDaae7: But I don't want to get off.

Phantom: I must insist you give into your 'needs', not your 'wants'.

MissDaae7: Can't we talk about some more operas?

Phantom: No, my dear. We must save that topic for another time. I cannot keep you from your studies any longer.

MissDaae7: Well, alright. I guess you're right. Whoa, it's already 11... I haven't even opened my German textbook yet! I haven't started my English paper either. I guess it's going to be a long night.

Phantom: My apologies for keeping you.

MissDaae7: Don't apologize. It's my fault for procrastinating. I just don't see the point in taking all of these non-music courses. I'm majoring in vocal performance, not German or English.

Phantom: I suppose the directors of your college believe you should be a well-rounded student. However, I believe your voice should be well rested for tomorrow and that will not be possible due to this course work you have. Do try to get some rest.

MissDaae7: I'll try.. No promises, though.

Phantom: I will talk with you later, Christine.

MissDaae7: Talk to you later. Have a good night!

Christine exited her Instant Messenger account, closed her lap top, and let out a dreamy sigh.

"Head still in the clouds, Chris," her roommate, Meg Giry, asked from her nearby desk.

"I was talking to Phantom," the brunette replied distantly, still in her own little world.

"Christine, you're always talking to that Phantom guy. I don't think it's good for you. You're in college now. For one thing, you don't have time to chat with people you don't know. For another, you probably shouldn't."

Christine laughed turning to face her friend. "And you're one to talk, Meg Giry. You're always with Chad when you should be practicing."

"I've been practicing every day since I was four years old," she stated bluntly. "I mean, seriously, I deserve a break once in a while."

"I'm sure your mom wouldn't be happy with that kind of attitude." Christine's tone was sly and she smiled slightly.

"And you're not going to tell her... Are you?"

Christine laughed and picked up her German textbook, finally giving into opening it. "No, of course not. But it would be easy, wouldn't it?"

"Yeah, unfortunately! I still can't believe I actually decided to attend the college my own mother is the head dance instructor of.."

"Well, I can believe it. I mean, this is the best fine arts school in the country."

"I know, I know," Meg said with a sigh, having heard that numerous times. "It's just, this semester only began two weeks ago and I'm already sick of being around her. That's bad, isn't it?"

"It's ok," Christine reassured. "Your mom's intense." She couldn't help but whisper, "But you should be glad you have her." A despondent look came to her face then.

Meg suddenly felt horrible. She knew she shouldn't bash her mom, especially in front of Christine. "I'm sorry, Chris. I'm so selfish."

Christine instantly put on a cheerful facade. She was very good at feigning happiness. "No, no, it's fine, Meg. Really, I'm ok." She smiled reassuringly in her friend's direction. Quickly changing subjects, she said, "And besides, if you didn't decide to come here you wouldn't have met Chad. So, I'm sure you can deal with your mom for four years if it means getting to deal with him. Am I right?"

Meg let out a sneaky laugh. "Oh yeah, you're definitely right! And Mom's not so bad. I know how to handle her, and I'd really be nowhere without her insistence on my dancing. I'm actually really grateful." She shrugged.

"Good, you should be." Christine stood and reached for her cell phone. "Hey, I'm going outside to call my dad. I'll be back in a few." She walked to the door and left the dorm room.

Once outside, Christine dialed her home phone number. One ring was all it took.

"How's my angel," her father's soothing voice asked.

"Hi Dad," she greeted brightly. "I'm fine. How are you?"

"I'm alright. It's been a good night. You'll be pleased to hear that I put on quite the show tonight. It received a number of compliments."

"That's great, Dad!" Christine knew all too well what good shows meant to her father. He was a violin player, and an excellent one at that. The problem was, his talents weren't displayed enough. People didn't hire violin players on a regular basis. The jobs he received were valued and appreciated, and doing well on every performance was very important to him. "Who hired you?"

"Actually, that's the funny part. Do you remember that boy you used to spend time with when you were younger?"

Christine didn't have to think for long. "Raoul?"

"Yes, that's the one," Charles replied with a nod. "Well, it just so happens that he and his family moved here recently and were having a welcoming party. They hired me since they remembered how well I used to play for their gatherings. Small world, huh?"

The news was a lot to take in. Christine never thought she would see Raoul again. "Wow, I can't believe they moved here! I bet they live in a huge house, don't they?"

He chuckled and replied, "Yes, it's massive. Oh, I managed to speak with Raoul. He asked me how you were…" He smiled. His daughter's curiosity and excitement would most likely heighten at hearing that.

"Oh? And what did you say?"

"Well, I told him you were at Ballad Conservatory majoring in vocal performance. He wasn't surprised, of course. It seems he has not forgotten that you're an amazing singer."

She blushed. "But I sounded really amateur back then."

"Christine, don't say that. You have always had a beautiful voice. You didn't receive that full vocal scholarship for nothing, you know. Be proud of your gift."

"I know, I am proud." More like 'lucky'. "So, what's he up to?"

"He's at Harlow University majoring in business. He said he hoped visit you since your schools are so close to each other. I hope it's alright that I gave him your cell phone number."

Christine couldn't help but smile. She was actually a little nervous. "Yeah, that's fine." Raoul, my old friend, she thought while remembering the past. "I hope he calls."

"Oh, I'm sure he will. But just remember that your music comes first."

She nodded, having heard him say that numerous times before. "Yeah, I know. I doubt I'll even have time to hang out with him."

"Oh there's time, sweet heart. You just have to apply yourself. Your mother and I found time to spend together when we were in college." He sighed forlornly.

There was a moment of silence before Christine softly said, "I was thinking about her tonight."

"As was I, although that's nothing new." There was more silence as they both reflected on the past. "I'm just glad I have you. Having you lessens the pain."

"Yeah, same here." Tears invaded Christine's eyes as the memory of her mother's death came to mind.

A fourteen-year-old Christine Daae stood next to her father in the music room of their house singing while he played the violin. The song ended and her father proudly proclaimed, "That was excellent, Angel! Just wait until your mother hears. She'll be so proud!"

Christine smiled and looked at her watch. 8:40 pm. "When's she supposed to be home?"

"Who knows.. The opera's in a week, so I'm sure things are hectic." He watched his daughter nod. "Yes, I'm sure she's singing her heart out. It takes a great amount of courage and talent to be leading soprano, Christine."

The teenager smiled at the way he said the words 'leading soprano'. Dreamily, she said, "I want to be just like her someday."

He smiled warmly. "You can be if you work hard. You certainly have your mother's talent. I'm sure you will be the star of many operas someday, just as she is."

A firm determination settled over her. "I will be." She and her father continued with their voice lesson for another thirty minutes before they were interrupted by the ringing of the telephone.

Christine and her father were never the same after that phone call. It had changed their lives forever. Diane Daae had been hit head-on by a drunk driver on her way home. She was dead before the ambulance had arrived.

"Well, I guess I'd better get back to homework, Dad. It was good talking to you."

"It's always good talking to you, sweet heart. Sleep well."

"You, too."

"I love you."

"I love you, too. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Christine ended the call and returned to her dorm room, her heart feeling heavier with the ache of her mother's death still very much there.