"A few days later"

Caylin's P.O.V.

Peter and I were riding our horses to the Opera Populairre. Well, racing was a better word for it and I was beating him. Everybody else was going to be there later today. Peter had to be there early because Leferve was going to announce us to everyone there as well as their new management and his retirement. Peter said that anyone one of us could with him if we chose to. I was the only one to volunteer to go. Everybody else wanted to come as a group. I think they were also prepping themselves up for the upper class. Truthfully, I didn't care what they thought of me as an individual because I knew they were really going to judge us on how we do our performances, especially those who stay at the Opera House.

Riding my dapple-gray Grania, I was wearing my black long-sleeved black baggy shirt and black pants as well as my light brown riding boots and my black traveling cloak. Peter didn't bother with a suit. He put on his gray riding outfit with his matching coat. Peter's horse is a black stallion he named Eoin. When we got to the Opera House, I had won the race. We were a little dirty, but neither of us cared. The Opera House was HUGE! I couldn't wait to explore the place and hopefully meet this so-called ghost the stories keep talking about. I personally think it's not a ghost at all. Just someone hiding that doesn't want to be found. Why everybody is so scared of him I don't know.

But I can't wait to perform there and show that sopranos aren't the only women that can be star singers in theatre, especially belters. Whenever I belt, I feel alive. I feel alive when I'm performing on stage yes, but belting just fills me up with even more life.

Peter and I got off our horses and took them them to the stable. The stable boy looked surprised when he saw me and what I was wearing and the dirt that fell on me from before. I smiled at him.

"What's the matter? Never seen a free spirited woman before?" I casually asked him.

He just looked at me like I grew horns on my head. Peter and I just looked at each other and laughed. We started going inside. We heard a woman sing WAY off as soon as we entered the Opera House. I looked at Peter.

"Is it me or is there an animal dying in here?" I asked him.

Peter just laughed. "Caylin, listen to me. Once we're presented, let me do the talking. I know how you get I don't want them getting a bad impression on our first day here. Once tomorrow happens, then you can do your thing, but right now, please try to keep your temper under control," Peter said.

"I'll do my best. No promises" I answered.

"That's all I ask. Now why don't we follow the noise and hopefully it will lead us to where everyone is" Peter replied.

I laughed a little and we followed the noise and found the stage. It looked everyone was there. Peter scanned the stage looking for someone. Once seemed to see who he was looking for, he started toward the center of the stage toward an older man who I assumed was the manager. He had two other men with him who I think were maybe slightly younger than him. All the performers were on the stage as well. Ballerinas, other ensemble, the leads (lead female looked stupid in my opinion, the costume and make-up coloring made her look too much like doll a toddler would smash if reachable), and the one I was curious about was a woman dressed black wearing her long hair in a braid. She seemed strict, yet worn in some ways. "Monsieur Leferve" Peter called once we were close enough. M. Leferve saw Peter, grinned and shook hands with him. I wasn't noticed but I didn't really care. The Maestro complaining that he was rehearsing.

"M. Reyer, Madame Giry, please if I may have your attention, thank you" M. Leferve called out and everyone stopped what they were doing and listened.

"As you all know there have been rumors about my retirement. I can know tell you that these rumors were all true, and it is pleasure to introduce to the two gentlemen who own the Opera Poppulairre. M. Richard Firmin and M. Gilles Andre" M. Leferve continued. I heard the doding a mini argument after that. I only caught them saying something about junk and scrap metal. A couple girls behind me were gushing about them being rich.

"Gold-diggers" I thought as I folded my arms.

"And we are deeply honored to introduce our new Patron: The Vicomte de Chagny" M. Firmin announced.

Everyone clapped at the introductions. I clapped just to be polite. The Vicomte was a nice looking man. About my height, light brown hair about the same length as Rob's hair, brown eyes, clean skin and a nice suit. It was evident that the Vicomte was loaded and maybe Firmin and Andre were as well, but I'm guessing not as much. There were more ballerinas entering the house now, and one that had long curly brown hair seemed to recognize the Vicomte and started talking to a blond ballerina who also had long hair about him. I didn't pay attention to what they were saying because I was still waiting for Peter to be introduced.

The Vicomte made a little speech then Peter was finally called over. Peter nudged me and I walked with him towards M. Lefevre after unfolding my arms. He started speaking again.

"You have all heard another rumor that a group of traveling actors will be performing at the Opera Poppulairre for a limited engagement. I can now tell you all that that rumor is true as well"

Moment M. Lefevre said that, the lead male who was short and fat said "Ha" at the lead female who I'm guessing was his wife.

"It is my pleasure to introduce to you all the founder and leader of the Wandering Troupe for Actors Monsieur Peter Marquez" M. Lefevre continued. Peter faced everyone and waved at them. "Not every actor was able to come with me at the moment, but they are on their way. You will all be introduced to them later. Fortunately, one was able to come with me so you can all meet her," Peter announced as he gestured me over.

"Everyone, this one of my main actors, Miss Caylin O' Malley."

I politely smiled and waved at them. They gave me strange looks as the clapped politely. I'm guessing it's very likely due to my clothes and because of the little dirt that was on me. I looked to my right and saw a few men eyeing me. I gave them a stern glare and they quickly looked away.

"I will not have some filthy actor ruining my stage" an Italian accent shouted out. I knew this was the lead female. I turned my head towards her and smirked.

"Really? Your stage is it? Do own this place? Last time I checked, you are not the management here, therefore, you have no voice in this area" I told her in a smug voice. She looked at me with wide eyes. I wouldn't be surprised if she thought horns would grow from my head. I've been getting these kinds of looks for a while now, so I'm used to them.

"Caylin" Peter whispered pulling me away from Miss High-and-Mighty, "Remember what I told you about letting me doing the talking?" he reminded me in a low voice. I sighed knowing I let my temper get the better of me again.

"Sorry Peter" I whispered. The bitch looked at me with a smirk thinking she won. Peter looked at her and said to her "Madame, I'm sorry about Miss O' Malley behavior, but she's right. Also you just got a taste of what she's like so get used to it." I felt victorious. I think we gave everyone in that area a big shock. Me talking to their Prima Donna like that and my leader backing me up as well because if it were anyone else, I wouldn't have been supported like that. After that happened, it was quickly diverted and the leads were introduced, Carlotta the lead female and her husband Piangi was the lead male. I didn't really care. I just wanted to see what everyone could do. I've been here for five minutes and I already know it's going to be interesting to perform here. Still, I got a weird feeling that we were all being watched.

Well people, she made it to the Opera House. A few introductions still have to made, but it will happen. More will happen in the next chapter. I don't have computer of my own as if yet, so it may take me some time to upload the next chapter, so please be patient with me Please review and let me know how I'm doing or if you have any suggestions. Again, this is my first fanfic, so please be nice. No flames.

Once again, I own NOTHING except my OCs.