Author's Note:

Thank you so much for reading this! It means the world to me. I love Phantom of the Opera. I also have really liked reading the fanfiction so I'm giving it a go myself. I hope you enjoy it!

Phantom of the Opera does not belong to me. Neither do any of the songs I reference including: By The River (Maury Yetson), Nell (Camille Saint-Saens), and Till I Hear You Sing (Andrew Lloyd Webber). My OC's (Nicolette and Stephen) are mine though.

I'll be trying to update at least weekly on Tuesdays if not biweekly.

Thanks again! Enjoy!

Chapter 1: Voices

Nicolette:

I roll my shoulders back and then my neck. Then I take a deep breath and focus on my voice.

All is well as I go up the scale but as I come back down, my voice disappears before crackling into existence for a second. It's just a second though and then it leaves.

I run a hand through my hair and sigh. My audition is literally a week away and my sore throat stubbornly remains. I straighten again and go to the kitchen. I pull out a mug and some mint tea then boil water. As the water boils, I pull out my phone and turn on my favorite soundtrack: Phantom of the Opera. The opening notes of the title song plays. I sing along to both parts, my voice echoing through the entire house. Even though my throat is still sore, this feels so much better to sing than the French piece I'm currently learning. While I know classical music is important to know and be able to do, I don't really enjoy it. It's hard to get passionate about.

However, with broadway music, I throw myself into the role I am singing. I get passionate. I connect with the music. Singing this style of music makes me incredibly happy.

Now if only I could act.

It's been my dream to be on stage in a musical since I was younger. I got a chance in a school musical to be in the chorus line but due to schedule conflicts I had to drop out. I've never been able to follow that particular dream but I've always felt that I'd be good at it with how passionate I am for it.

My dream role is Christine Daae. I've always loved the music and her character. Singing the Phantom soundtrack almost every day reminds me where I want to be.

The kettle whistles and I prepare my tea. I continue to sing a few of the songs from Phantom and Love Never Dies before grabbing my mug and settling into a chair with my French piece in front of me. Mindlessly, I review the words over and over, trying to memorize them and imprint them into my mind. I assume my piece needs to be memorized which adds a layer of stress. It was only last week that I completely forgot the words to an Italian song I'd had for a few months in front of my class. Now I'm hurriedly cramming into my mind a new language and a new tune.

I sigh and put down the music. I really don't want to do this right now. I stand and stretch again then put aside the finished cup of tea. I go to the piano and pull out the December Songs book. I could practice my other audition song at least.

I'm much more passionate about this song; it's in english and I can relate to it. By the River speaks to the depression I struggled through earlier this year. Despite being not constantly upset now, I still connect to this song. The river calls to the girl, telling her that in her death she'll find peace. That the river will love her and that she only needs the river. All I've wanted this year was a break from chaos. "I will ease your burdens. I will bring you rest." The familiar lyrics are beyond comforting at this point. They also calm me down.

I rest my head against the piano and take a deep breath.

I can do this audition.

I want to make music. I want to be Christine Daae. I want to be on Broadway.

I want to make the Music of the Night.

Stephen:

I walk into the orchestra room at my new school. I see a dark haired girl chatting with who I assume to be the teacher. He nods and she grabs her sheet music tightly before leaving the room. Must be going to a practice room.

I turn and walk up to him. "Hello," I say and my tone comes out as bored. Oh well.

"Hello, you must be Stephen," the director says with a smile.

"Yes, Mr. Charles."

"Welcome to the solo and ensemble class. What instrument do you play?"

"I sing," I say sharply. I doubt anyone here has a good ear for singing. I already heard the choir. It was awful. Plus, I can already see that this teacher doesn't appreciate anything outside of strings.

"Cool. We have one other singer," he replies. "Today, we're going to be performing in front of each other. You can go last if you'd like. Or not at all." He shrugs then walks to the front of the class.

A pianist plays a Disney song and some violinists squeak out their festival music. Finally the dark haired girl reenters. Mr. Charles turns to me. "Stephen?"

I get up and think about songs I know well. Till I Hear You Sing comes straight into my mind. I sing only a section but the moment I start the dark hair girl's eyes snap right towards mine. I finish and everyone claps. Then she stands up.

"Nicolette will be singing her college audition for us. If you please."

"Hello, I'm Nicolette Evers. I will be singing Nell and By the River."

She launches into two equally beautiful songs and smiles as she sits. I take back my previous comment. Apparently someone here can sing.

I turn to her. "I would be honored to do a duet with you," I say quietly. She grins.

"Can it be from Phantom?" she replies immediately back.