Generations

Chelsea walked up the Paris Opera House steps, breath taken. She was amazed. She could feel the history in this building.

"Imagine" the pretty brunette said to herself. "All the people who walked up these very steps, the king and queen of France, important actors, singers, authors, artists, even Christine Daae'!" Chelsea laughed as her imagination ran away with her. She hurried in to the foyer, just in time for her tour.

While she was in France, nineteen year old Chelsea had promised herself that she would visit all the important places Paris had to offer. Chelsea chose the Paris Opera House first because she had acted in The Phantom of the Opera, so this place had a special interest in her. Chelsea didn't believe that there actually had been a real "Phantom", but it was a good story anyway. Chelsea found the tour group and joined quietly.

"Excusez' moi, Mademoiselle," A young man said as he tapped Chelsea on her tiny shoulder.

"Oui Monsieur?" She asked with a tilt of her head.

"I saw you walk in, and I couldn't help but wonder what your back round is."

"My background? Do you mean my heritage?"

"Oui, Oui your heritage."

"Well I'm mostly French, Swedish, and Austrian." Chelsea said, still confused.

"You're Swedish!" The man asked excitement rising in his voice. (If you'll remember at the beginning of the Mme. Giry, I think that's who says it, that Daae' is a Swedish name)

"Yes" Chelsea said getting more and more confused.

" Ummmmm" The young man said searching for a name.

" Chelsea"

"Chelsea, how would you like a private tour?"

"I'd love one but why?"

"Well, anyone who is related to Christine Daae' should get their own tour."

"How could I be related to her, she was just a character!" Chelsea burst out

"You couldn't look like you do and not be related. Follow me and I'll show you. By the way I'm Matthew Andre', the great, great grandson of one of the owners, well I am the owner now." Matthew led her down a long hall to a door which said Office one it. He reached into his pants pockets and pulled out a ring of keys, and unlocked the door.

The office smelled of wood and paper. Matthew led Chelsea over to a large wall with numerous paintings on it, and he pointed to one with a young lady with curly brown hair, bright, sparkling brown eyes, and lips that curved upwards with a hint of a smile. Beneath the painting was a brass plaque that was engraved with the name "Christine Daae' "

"Wow" Chelsea breathed. She felt she was looking into a mirror. True, Chelsea didn't have brown eyes or curly hair, but the shape of the face, playful eyes, and, slight smile on her lips were all the same as the lady's in the painting.

"Now do you believe me" Matthew asked with the corners of his mouth twitching.

"No" Matthew sighed and told her to follow again. He led her down a long corridor to a slightly smaller hall with many doors along it; suddenly he stopped and pointed to something right below the lamp. Chelsea stood on tiptoe to see.

"R.C." She whispered.

" Raoul de Changy" He stated simply.

" Maybe" Chelsea said " It could stand for anything, like Randy Chall, or something."

"Who's he?"

" My old youth pastor"

" Well, good thing I have one more bit of proof to show you." Matthew unlocked the door and pulled her inside. He pulled her quickly through the dressing room to a mirror and pulled it open.