I DON'T OWN PHANTOM OF THE OPERA OR THE DIALOGUE

Paris, 1870

Many years had passed since Raoul de Changy and Christine Daae had shared a summer together at the beach. In that time, much had changed. Raoul's parents had passed away. His father of Tuberculosis and his mother from cancer of the breasts. Raoul had inherited his father's title and became the 21st Vicomte de Changy. Baldoin Moreau had become Raoul's Valet and the 2 men were still as close as ever. Ever since Raoul had become a vicomte, Baldoin had accompanied him as Raoul rubbed elbows with the crème de la crème of French society, he'd even met the Emperor Napoleon III, and the Head of the French government, Louis-Jules Trochu. Eventually, Raoul had wanted to do something as vicomte just for himself. One day, he came into his mansion with news.

"Baldoin, my old friend. I've found it!" Raoul exclaimed. Baldoin looked at his friend and employer in surprise.

"What have you found?" He asked.

"My new hobby, you remember how I wanted to do something on my own right?"

"I do."

"Well, The Opera Populaire is being sold and it has been bought by those men who made it big in the junk business."

"Monsieur's Firmin and...Andre, I believe."

"Oui, They have been searching for a new patron and I volunteered to fill the position." Raoul said with delight.

"That's wonderful, I've always loved the opera." Baldoin replied, truly excited about the prospect of spending time at such a famous temple of the arts.

"We shall go in 2 days time to introduce ourselves along with the new owners." It took quite a while to calm Raoul down, Baldoin did feel happy for his friend. He was finally getting out of his parents shadow and being his own man.

2 days later, Raoul and Baldoin arrived at the Opera Populaire. Raoul had always preferred to drive his own carriage. Baldoin didn't mine, Raoul was always better and driving then he was. When they arrived at the Opera Populaire, they were greeted by Richard Firmin and Gilles Andre.

"Ah, Vicomte. Welcome." Firmin said as he shook Raoul's hand.

"Monsieur Firmin, monsieur Andre." Raoul replied courtesly. "This is my Valet, Baldoin Moreau. He's a wonderful man servant and a true friend." Monsieur Andre offered his hand.

"A pleasure Monsieur Moreau." He said as hands were shaken. As the 4 men walked in, they were greeted by Monsieur Lefevre, the former owner of the Opera Populaire.

"Ah gentlemen, please follow me." He said as they went into the stage where they saw men and woman dressed in fantastic costumes and singing praises of battle. " Rehearsals, as you see, are under way, for a new production of Chalumeau's Hannibal."

"M. Lefevre, I am rehearsing!" A white haired man complained. Baldoin could tell that this man was the leader of the orchestra.

"Monsieur Reyer, Madame Giry, ladies and gentlemen, please, if I can have your attention, thank you." Monsieur Lefevre said as everyone turned to him. "As you know, for some weeks there have been rumours of my imminent retirement. I can now tell you that these were all true, and it is my pleasure to introduce to you the two gentlemen who now own the Opera Populaire, Monsieur Richard Firmin and Monsieur Gilles Andre. I'm sure you've read that recent fortune in the... junk business."

"Scrap metal, actually." Andre corrected.

"And we're deeply honored to introduce our new patron, the Vicomte de Changy." Firmin said as Raoul presented himself to the crowd. As Baldoin applauded, he looked around and saw a familiar face among the slave women, he looked closer and he saw that it was indeed Christine Daae. Baldoin smiled and waved. To his relief, Christine nodded in his direction. However, Baldoin's attention was stolen by the angelic blonde standing next to Christine. She had such fair skin, such long blonde hair, and the deepest set of eyes. As Baldoin was captivated by this beauty, she blushed as she returned his gaze.

"My parents and I are honored to support all the arts." Raoul stated. "Especially the world-renowned Opera Populaire." As Raoul was applauded once more, a hideous woman came up to them.

"Gentlemen, Signora Carlotta Guidicelli: our leading soprano for five seasons now." Monsieur Lefevre introduced as Raoul gingerly kissed her hand.

"Bravo! Bravo!" Members of her entourage shouted as a pudgy man walked up to her.

"Signor Ubaldo Piangi. Our leading man." Lefevre pointed out as everyone applauded yet again.

"An honour, Signor. I believe I'm keeping you for your rehearsal." Raoul said gracefully. "I will be here this evening to share your great triumph. My apologies, monsieur." Raoul walked away from the crowd as Baldoin followed him.

"Thank you, M. Le Vicomte, once more if you please, Signor." Monsieur Reyer pleaded as Carlotta entertained delusions of grandeur.

"He love me. Love me, love me, love me." She stated as Baldoin scoffed. As he followed Raoul, he kept his on the blonde as the ballerinas began their dance. When she made eye contact with him, Baldoin bumped into a prop. The girls laughed as Madame Giry came over to him.

"Are you all right, Monsieur?" She asked as Baldoin collected himself.

"Oui, Madame..." He said as the blonde batted her eyelashes at him. Madame Giry saw this and grew like stone.

"My daughter: Meg Giry." She stated as Baldoin grew flustered.

"Oh, i'm Sorry...I..." Baldoin stuttered as he took off. "Raoul, wait for me...!" He shouted as he could have sworn he heard the beautiful Meg Giry having a laugh at his expense.

IS THERE A FUTURE FOR BALDOIN AND MEG? REVIEWS NEEDED.