Ch.1-A lonely heart

I do not own POTO however I do own the OC's of Cosette and Edessa Scott and the plot. All characters look like they do in the ALW movie (2004) execpt the OC's. Please read & review and tell me how it is. Chapter 2 coming soon I hope~Serria Spell23.

1870-My house

I sat in front of a fireplace in my sitting room. I watched the flames dance and crackle with my light blue eyes. I pushed back my copper-red hair, styled into light, gentle, free-flowing waves for the ball this evening. Miserable night for a ball the weather was dreary, rain pounded the window. My best friend Edessa Scott would be arriving soon. I heard a voice but not hers this voice was rich and musical. I almost flinched but then I relaxed it was the Phantom of the Opera come to see me.

"I've been practicing," I said to the darkness. The Phantom materialized out of a nearby shadow. His cape swishing behind him he gave me a smile, clearly pleased.

"I'm proud of you, Cosette. Your voice is strong you will be great." He handed me a rose tied with a black silk ribbon. I blushed he truly was too kind to me. I beckoned him to sit with me in front of fire. The Phantom shook his head; "I have to return to the Opera House but thank you." I got up from the floor and touched one of his black gloved-hands.

"Phantom, thank you for tutoring me," I told the man. I hugged him close for a minute or so until a knock made me jump. He nodded, smiled again and vanished from my sight. "How does he do that?" I muttered under my breath. The door opened revealing Edessa dripping wet. Her platinum-blonde hair glued to her head by the rain. She gazed at me curious.

"Since you didn't open the door I stood out in the pouring rain and am soaked to the bone. Are you alright, Cosette?" I couldn't make my voice work. I hid the Phantom's rose behind my back. Edessa knew I was concealing something she reached for the flower. My friend held it in her hands, cradling it softly.

"What's this?" she asked. I explained quickly, for we had a ball to go to. Realization flickered across her face then it was replaced by anger. "Are you mad don't you remember what Madame Giry said? The Phantom's unstable you never know what he'll do letting him tutor you is unwise."

I sighed, "Come on we're late for the ball," I replied.

We arrived and walked into ballroom of the Opera House noticing us Madame Giry grabbed our shoulders. "Where were you two?" she hissed close to our ears. Her grip remained tight as we tried to choke out answers I took a deep breath.

"The Phantom came to visit me, Madame Giry," I said bravely. I showed her the rose, black silk ribbon tied around its stem. She nodded, though she was not at all surprised. She just hoped it would turn out well.

Erik, Erik, Erik she thought, be careful Cosette is strong yet she's suffered much tragedy in her past. She masks her pain as do you she needs a friend who understands. Tread carefully, my friend. Madame Giry shook her head she had hope but sometimes that wasn't enough. Turning to where I danced on the floor a rare smile resting on my face she knelt down to pick up note sealed with a skull. She opened it and was greeted by The Phantom's handwriting.

Dear, Antoinette

You have been a kind and trusting friend over the years. Yes I understand but Cosette isn't ready to talk about her past just yet. So I'm not pressing for answers I'll let the child tell me when the time comes. I trust your daughter, Meg is well. Thank you Antoinette for everything you've done one more thing kindly make sure the new owners don't bring the Opera House crashing down.

Your friend,

Erik

Madame Giry finished reading and grinned. Erik expressed a side of him that not many people saw when he wrote to her. I glanced at the woman I'd known as a guardian for sixteen years. A letter was in her hand I squinted to see the seal: a skull.

The Phantom, I thought. I ran to Madame Giry's side, eager to hear what news my tutor had sent. The older woman peered down at me. "What is it, Cosette?" She didn't know why she'd asked the reason was plain as day to her eyes. "The Phantom wrote me to check up on me I've known him for a long time, since childhood actually," she said. I frowned as I absorbed that information. My emotions were conflicted I did not know if I should feel angry or jealous. His voice drifted through the crowd. I noticed Edessa look up, searching for the location. Madame Giry's gaze landed at the top of the stairs, where the Phantom currently descended. I felt a huge smile spread across my face I met him halfway down embracing him tightly.

"Phantom!" I cried, letting him hug me back. Edessa's shocked eyes did not stop me from questioning him. "Is it true you've been acquainted with Madame Giry since childhood?" I waited for his reply, his green eyes flicking between Antoinette and me. Finally he said.

"Yes, she saved me and brought me to the Opera House when we were children." I began to cry, my fingers touched the Phantom's mask gingerly he wasn't fazed at all as if me stroking it was a common occurrence. He gathered me closer in his arms, running a gloved-hand through my copper-red waves.

Memories of my younger year's came flooding back, painful times where everyone was under the impression that I was weak, spineless and that I couldn't stand up for myself. I heard my tutor mutter my name.

"Cosette, shh it's okay. That part of your life's over now." Madame Giry climbed the stairs to rest her hand on my shoulder. Edessa looked with jealous eyes as the Phantom and our guardian tried to console me. My friend's deep blue eyed gaze seemed almost evil. I only glanced up quickly then buried my tear-stained face in the Phantom's chest. "Cosette dry your tears, it's alright. I'll protect you I give you my word," he vowed, resting one of his gloves on my cheek.

Madame Giry tapped the Phantom on the shoulder, "Erik can you come over here please?" He looked at his long-time friend, her eyes flaming with anger he gazed down at me beginning to hesitate. "Now!" she whispered urgently. He patted my cheek before joining his friend. I peered after him, watching his black cape swish as he walked away from me. My tutor stood by her side discussing her topic.

"Yes, Antoinette," Erik said. She bent her head to his ear muttering low enough so that I couldn't hear. I sat down on the steps, waiting. Edessa sat beside me still acting a bit envious.

"Erik," Madame Giry whispered, "I realize now that Cosette is attached to you. After her tragic past she needs someone to hold onto and I know you're not one for intimate relationships however that does not prevent you from caring." She stared at him, waiting for him to respond. "Erik, Cosette needs you, please."

The Phantom slowly nodded. "Okay, Antoinette I'll try my best." Madame Giry patted her friend's shoulder. She hoped he would keep his word. The door swung opened revealing Raoul de Changy I immediately tensed I didn't want him to catch sight of me. The Phantom, becoming worried sat down on the steps next to me. He wrapped an arm around me. "Cosette, what's wrong?" I pointed to Raoul like a scared little kid. Edessa had an evil smile on her face my teacher took notice of it through his mask. "It's okay come with me," he muttered in a calming voice. I let him lead me away from my past demons and to safety.