Disclaimer: I do not own Phantom of the Opera or its characters.

A/N: Welcome to dark paradise! This is my second story on fan fiction and I hope you guys like it

Enjoy

Chapter one

Christine looked up to the older man sitting behind the wooden desk. He had gray white hair and wrinkles around his clear blue eyes. Behind those blue eyes she saw compassion and sympathy staring back at her. It was with this sympathy that she relied on to find a job at the Manhattan Opera House. She didn't want to be seen as a charity case but she was quickly running out of options as well as money. Her father had passed a couple months ago, leaving Christine with debt and no means of supporting herself. The little money she had was just enough to rent the small apartment. She watched the old man as he shifted through papers looking for an opening.

"I'm sorry Miss Daae, I just don't have anything to offer you at the moment." The old man said while he gathered the scattered paper work.

"Please sir, Ill does anything." She hated to sound desperate but she needed a job by the end of the week.

He looked back at her but said nothing. The small office was illuminated by a single lamp behind the desk, making it difficult to see her surroundings. She couldn't wait to get home and succumb to sleep but she needed an answer first. She looked all over town for a job but no one seemed interested. She had to admit she didn't have much to offer without a college degree and very little experience but she was determined to find a job and once she had one she found one she would work extremely hard making sure she would keep it. Finally, the awkward silence was broken when the old man looked down and spoke.

"ok…I do have one job to offer you-but it's a lot of work for such little pay."

"Anything" Christine reminded him.

"A seamstress for Miss Carlotta, she has been our leading lady for the past three years… I must warn you Miss Daae, this isn't an easy job, you will have to work long hours to make sure that everything is perfect for the performances and even then it is difficult to match up to her expectations. That is why I was hesitant to offer you the position in the first place. No one has been able to remain in this position for more then several months"

Christine looked down before answering; the old man was concerned for her, which indicated that he didn't believe she could do it. She wasn't use to working in this industry and perhaps it would be too much to ask of her. But she was guaranteed a paycheck and that's what she had been after.

"I can do it sir." She said looking up at him.

"I do hope so. Working here is not easy, the owner, Mr. Desseler expects perfection and many find themselves unemployed at the first mistake they make. There is no room for failure"

"I understand, Thank you for the opportunity I won't let you down."

He said nothing but handed her couple of papers detailing the position.

"I hope you don't mind, but we will need you by tomorrow. We have a performance coming up and need the costumes finished."

"Ill be here tomorrow" She smiled at the man who had given her hope.

"Good. Be here tomorrow at nine ready to work."

"Thank you" she smiled and turned away. As she excited the building she noticed that it had begun to rain and the temperature had dropped. Dressed inadequately for the weather, she decided that it would be best to take a cab home. Normally, should would not be able to afford a ride home, but she didn't want to risk becoming sick. Her attendance at her new job needed to be perfect.

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Christine arrived at her one bedroom walkup apartment. The cab ride was long and tiring. She unlocked and opened the heavy wooden door and entered into the dark apartment. Dropping her small purse on the floor she walked to her bedroom. Turning on the light she looked around and found sweatpants and a sweater to change into. After she changed she walked to the kitchen and started boiling some water for tea. Her mind was preoccupied with thoughts about tomorrow. What would she be expected to do? She could sow and was not worried about that part of her job, but rather the people whom she would be working with. Carlotta sounded difficult and initially, that was who she was now working for. She was determined to keep this job. No matter the circumstances she needed to show that she was worthy of the opportunity she had been given.

She slowly drank her tea and took a hot shower in the attempt to soothe her aching muscles. After several hours passed she changed into a t-shirt and climbed into bed. Tomorrow would be a long day and she needed her rest, she pulled the covers over her shoulders and stared at the ceiling while she patiently waited for sleep to take her. Although she was exhausted, something kept her awake. An unnamed feeling… as if tomorrow marked the beginning of something new and important in her life. She couldn't shake the feeling away, it went beyond nervousness. Every since she stepped out of the Opera House she could feel her thoughts turn back to tomorrow and what it would bring. Being a little freaked out by the effect that this was having on her, she closed her eyes and concentrated on breathing deeply so she could calm herself down… 'Tomorrow would be the start of something new', was her last thought before she fell into a dreamless sleep.

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