This story has suggestions of slash, but never goes into detail. If it offends you, don't read it. Sorry if that sounds harsh.

Please don't flame me. I don't mind being given contstructive criticism, but flames don't help me improve do they?

Finally, I know this is quite short, but I always find first chapters hardest to write, especially this one for some reason. I've started the second chapter already and I think it's much better than this one, so keep with me!

"Meg Giry! You're late again!" scolded her mother.

"Sorry Maman," muttered Meg, looking ashamed of herself.

"This is the third time this week. You're going to get in trouble," said Madame Giry.

Meg made herself look upset, but the truth was she didn't mind being late. While she was tying her shoes, she could watch her friend Christine practice. Meg was the better dancer of the two girls but Christine had an elegance and beauty that drew attention away from her sometimes inaccurate footwork. Her hair slowly fell out of the practice bun that Meg had done for her earlier and framed her face, which had an expression of concentration etched on it. Christine was the only dancer who could still look beautiful when she was concentrating on the dance.

"Meg!" shouted her mother. "Join the line now! Don't stand around daydreaming!"

Meg, keeping her ashamed face in place like a mask, ran into place next to her friend and began to perform the steps she'd practiced the night before. Christine kept looking at Meg nervously and copying her steps. Every time she glanced at her, Meg felt herself getting nervous and blushing. Christine still kept getting behind though, prompting Madame Giry to bang her stick on the floor and shout at her.

"Christine Daae! Concentrate! No, you're still behind! We'll take a break now. Miss Daae, I'd like a word please."

Christine looked at Meg with tears in her eyes. She knew that she'd been falling behind and was on the verge of being asked to leave the opera company.

"What am I going to do Meg?" she sobbed. "I haven't had time to practise because of my singing lessons and this dance is so hard! I know my luck's run out now. Please help me!"

"I'll help you with the steps before tonight. You won't have to leave today. The opera opens tonight and they won't be able to find a replacement. You know I'm always going to help you. I don't know what I'd do without you here. I'm not going to let you leave me!" said Meg gently. "Now, come on! You'll be fine," she said, patting Christine's arm. "Show me that smile."

"Thanks Meg," Christine said and smiled like Meg had told her too. Meg couldn't help but smile back. Christine's whole face lit up and her eyes sparkled. She was so beautiful when she smiled and Meg would do anything to see it.

Christine walked off to talk to Madam Giry. Meg felt tears coming to her eyes. Although she'd seemed confident earlier, she'd only been trying to protect Christine and she wasn't sure how many more chances her mother would give her friend. Christine was graceful and very pretty, but her mother cared more about footwork and posture. She didn't have time to practise though because she was always having singing lessons. She had the best voice Meg had ever heard and understandably, she had told Meg that she wanted to be a singer rather than a dancer. Meg often had dreams of Christine becoming a singer thanks to her. The dreams always ended with Christine giving Meg her beautiful smile and hugging her.

Her mother's stick hit the ground again, waking Meg from her daydreams. Christine was gesturing madly to her to get back on stage. She was smiling again. Her mother must have given her another chance.

"Head in the clouds again Meg?" giggled Christine. "I don't blame you for trying to block everything out. Carlotta's going to come and run through her aria now!"

They were about to begin, when three men walked onto the stage, much to Mr Reyer's annoyance. They introduced themselves as the new managers and patron of the opera. Christine grabbed Meg's arm and Meg felt her heart beat faster.

"It's Raoul!" Christine whispered excitedly. "I guess you could say we were childhood sweethearts."

Meg felt a pang of jealousy inside, but tried to be excited in front of Christine. She didn't know why, but she took an instant dislike to Christine's old friend and felt glad when he walked right past them without paying Christine any attention.

"He wouldn't recognise me," said Christine sadly. Meg felt mean for being glad a few seconds before.

"He didn't see you," she replied and Christine gave her a small smile.

They both turned their attention back to what was happening on stage. Carlotta was shrieking that the managers weren't paying her any attention.

"Please Signora, sing us your aria," they said unenthusiastically, although Carlotta didn't notice. She began to sing in her best performance voice, which was rather shrill and louder than usual.

Suddenly, a piece of scenery fell onto Carlotta. Everyone rushed forwards to help her, but Meg was rooted to the spot.

"It's the Phantom," she cried.

Christine turned pale so Meg hugged her.

"Don't worry," she said. "He's got no interest in us."

Carlotta picked herself up and strode off the stage, screaming expletives in Italian. Everyone looked nervous. The opera was opening later and there was no understudy.

Meg looked at Christine, who seemed glad that she wouldn't have to dance, as she still hadn't picked up the steps. Then she had an idea. This reminded her of her dreams. She stepped forwards, cleared her throat nervously and spoke.

"Christine Daae could sing it sir."