The rickety old carriage finally came to a stop, and I was glad to get out of there, it smelled horrible, like someone died in there. I stepped out quickly, I didn't want the old man to have to get down to help me, he looked like he was old enough to snap right there just guiding the horses. He gradually turned his white-haired, balding, head to look at me and wave. I could see sweat sticking to his shirt when he lifted his arm. "Giddy up!" he told the horses. As he drove off, I noticed that his arms were not the only part of him sweating, the back of his deep blue shirt and overalls were covered too.

I just stood there watching the carriage drive off. I was extremely grateful to this old man and his wife. They had been so sweet to me. I brought my hand up to my neck, and touched the necklace there that never left me. I felt deep down inside me that the person that I got this from must have cared about me. Of course, it wasn't anything special, just a tiny silver key, much too small for a door. I guess I'll never know what it goes too.

"Ma'am, we can't have our star ballerinas over heating outside! Please come inside Miss."

I was taken from my thoughts and looked down the road and realized the old man was gone. I turned to see a taller man, with brown hair and goatee. He was carrying a cane.

"Come now miss you just let Mr. Firmin take you back to your practice." Since he thought me to be a star ballerina, I felt no need to correct him. I had always wanted to be the Prima ballerina. He had obviously mistaken me for this Christine girl that the old lady took me for.

I tucked my key necklace into my dress, and turned to go limping up the stairs into the Opera Populaire. Amazingly, he didn't notice.

"Miss Daae, where ever did you get these tatty clothes? I don't recall your costume looking like this. Come along, let's get you back into the outfit so you can continue your practice."

I followed Mr. Firmin inside and almost collapsed at the grand sight of it all. The large grand staircase was absolutely breathtaking. There was gold statues and other decorations everywhere. There was a balcony at the top of the stairs, and chandeliers everywhere. I decided right then and there that I wanted to live here.

Mr. Firmin led me to the stage area. The stage hands automatically dragged me backstage and started helping me into the costume. I looked into the mirror and fell in love. I looked like a princess, the garment flowed beatifully and clung to my body like a glove. I looked gorgeous. I walked out onto the stage and could over hear a young blonde talking to an older woman with a walking cane. "Nonsense Meg, Christine can't be sick today. She just got into her practice outfit for dress rehearsal. She's right over there." The older woman pointed at me with her cane. "But I just came from her room!" the young girl I took for Meg said without even turning around to look at me. "Darling, She is right there."

Finally, Meg turned to look at me. She looked like she didn't know where she was anymore and just kind of dropped her jaw and stared at me for a few minutes. She finally just shook her head and walked over and hugged me. I didn't hug her back, I just kind of stared at her as I tried to escape her grasp, her weight and mine was making my ankle trob uncontrollably.

She released me and said, "Christine I'm glad your feeling better."

The other woman walked up to me and placed her hand on my shoulder. I flinched and she looked at me like I was crazy and withdrew her hand.

"Well let's continue with the practice." She commanded. "YES MADAM GIRY!" The rest of the ballerinas on stage yelled. Obviously this woman, Madam Giry, was the ballet mistress.

"Take your places girls. Christine you dont stand there! You are two places back, behind Georgette! Get it together Christine we perform this tomarrow night!" Madam Giry yelled at me.

"ALRIGHT GIRLS NOW SPIN!"

I had attempted to spin, but I just hurt my ankle even more and fell flat on my face.

All of he ballerinas, and chorus girls, and every other person in the room saw me fall, to add to my embarrassment.

Stranger's POV

She looks so confused. I have never seen her like this. She used to spin beautifully, like a goddess. That damn Raoul, he will curse the day he ever married her. HE IS DESTROYING HER TALENT! I CAN'T STAND TO WATCH THIS ANYMORE. I left to head back to my lair.

Lily's POV

As I rolled over to sit up, I saw a swish of black fabric up in the rafters. Hmm, maybe someone just left the window open.

Madam Giry came running over to help me up.
"My dear, Meg told me earlier you weren't feeling well, I think you should go back to your room and rest."

"Oh, right, ok." I carefully walked off stage trying hard not to collapse, my ankle had had it. I left the room and started to make my way down the long corridors hopeing to find a room I could rest in, as I had no clue as to where Christine's room might be. I turned the corner and the lights went out. Some stranger had their hand over my mouth and was kidnapping me! They started dragging me the opposite direction.