Note: OK- this is my first Phantom story, and I'm pulling reference from the two books and the musical. For the sake of the story, I went with my first impression from the musical that the story took place in the early 1800s (even though I know now that's not true) so this story will be taking place in 1879. I wasn't too sure about the first few chapters and the characters may seem a bit 2-D, but it gets better after the first few chapters. I don't own Phantom of the Opera as this is not my perfect little world…sigh. Without further ado- let the show begin!

Try Once More

My skirts swirled around me in circles as I spun around on the vast, empty stage in the even larger grand auditorium. The history of the place overwhelmed me and made me feel no larger than an ant in the whole scheme of life. My legs kept me spinning until I bumped into who I'd been waiting for.

"Oh, Thomas, it's beautiful, isn't it?" I exclaimed as I looked up into his face, acting like a child in a candy store.

"Yes, it's rather nice. You really like it, don't you?" he smiled

"Oh, I haven't been here since I was a little girl! How I would love to be here every day…" I sighed.

"I bought it."

I couldn't believe my ears for a moment, "B-bought it?" I repeated dumbly, "Bought t-this opera house? The Opera P-populaire?" Thomas just smiled and nodded, waiting for me to say something.

"Oh my God!" I shrieked, jumping around in excitement, "Oh my God, Thomas! Did you really? That's amazing! That's wonderful! Oh my God! I don't know what to say! This is…so cool!" In my happiness I let slip an American term I learned when I lived there, a term most Europeans would probably find juvenile.

"Now, now, relax. A lady should always be composed and proper, I told you that." Thomas reprimanded. I got used to this kind of thing by now, just because he had connections to the royal bloodline in Britain he made me feel like a doll by telling me what a woman should and shouldn't do…can and can't do. Still, he loved me and I was lucky to be in my position, as I have been reminded may times.

And so I just plastered on a smile and said, "Yes, Thomas".

"You're going to be part of the company, as well." He told me.

"How would that possible work? I asked skeptically. Goodness knows I don't have my grandmother's great talent, a talent that earned her much fame and attention. It hurt me, because this is a talent I've wanted more than anything, and yet… well, at least I had a talent that granted me a name as well.

"Well, you can play the piano at the operas, and they'll be doing plays now and again, you could audition for those." He reasoned.

"Actually, I'd prefer to audition to be part of the company, if it's all the same to you, and..." I started hesitantly, "can I help you manage the Opera?"

At this, he chuckled and kissed me lightly on the forehead, "Dear, you know women are no good at matters of business, and alright, then be here at ten tomorrow morning, there already is another manager, I'm just the owner, everyone else in the company is the same. You'll audition in front of him."

I 'smiled' again and bade him goodbye, then left for my carriage outside.

On the ride home, I sat and wondered about what I would do tomorrow, it's best to play one of my own compositions; maybe they would even let me write scores for the operas. I couldn't believe that my dream would come true just like this, pianist (and maybe even part-time actress!) at the Paris Opera House! I also decided on doing a monologue from Romeo and Juliet, I'd have to look at the play when I get home…

I remembered vividly how Grandmother took me to the Opera when she went for visits when I was young, she being too old to sing there anymore, I remember her friend, Madame Meg Debeu, formerly Giry, kept telling me to call her 'Auntie Meg'. I wonder if she's still dance mistress there… she was years younger than Grandmother, so she must be.

Music is the most important thing to me in this world, and my piano is how I can feel part of it. My long fingers, I was once told, were made for piano playing…imagine my luck!

"Mademoiselle? Excuse me…"

A voice snapped me out of my thoughts, and I turned to see the driver holding his hand out to help me get down- we were in front of my apartment.

When I got inside I lit a few oil lamps and stopped to pet my gray and black tabby, Inconnu. He is always looking for attention, that mischievous kitten! When I started to walk away he used his claws and attached himself to the skirt of my dress, making me drag him along across the floor of my home until I realized what he did, and laughing, picked him up and sat him down next to him on the piano bench.

I decided on playing my newest composition, âme. It was beautiful, in my opinion. Afterwords, I selected Juliet's monologue to recite in front of the manager.

After hours of practice, my weary head crashed down onto the pillow and I fell asleep heavily, after arranging my clock to wake me up at eight in the morning, tomorrow.

Author: That's all folks! I hope you enjoyed the first chapter; comments are very welcome to my encouragement and help or suggestions, but not necessary to your survival.

Erik: Where do I fit in here?

Author: Patience, please.