Chapter 3:

Erik led me back through the long tunnels a few hours later.

Madame Giry had offered to teach me ballet. I didn't know one thing about ballet but she said I could learn. First she had offered me to be a chorus girl if I would sing for her but I had told her no that I didn't sing in front of people.

I don't sing in front of any one! I love singing but I will only sing when I am by myself. That's just how I am.

Erik had been making me very nervous ever since I told her I didn't sing in front of people. I had a feeling with his famous background he will want me to sing a duet or else. Oh no! Not even he could get me to sing. No way….

When we reached his lair he went straight to the piano of course. Not knowing what to do I sat down on the couch close by, awaiting some question or request.

"You shall be a ballerina and a chorus girl," The Phantom stated, skimming compositions. He then turned to where I sat.

"What?" I screeched, totally un-lady-like of me. I cannot sing in front of a thousand people are you nuts? I wanted to yell at him but I held my tongue.

"You will sing," He told me like I was a foreigner who didn't understand English.

"No!" I said rather too quickly and slightly cocky. I can't sing in front of people I will pass out! I yelled at him in my head.

"Oui," Erik said, calmly. He handed me a piece of paper.

I took it with trembling hands, not recognizing the song.

"Now I will play the piano and sing. Now you repeat after me," Erik demanded, starting the tune.

He sang two verses then gestured me to repeat him.

I opened my mouth but nothing came out.

Stage fright…

Sing!" Erik sounded like he was about to be angry, "Sing or I will drag you back into that dark tunnel and leave you there until tomorrow morning!"

Ah sing Emma! I shall not be left in that tunnel! How cruel he could be! I take back all his attractive points I had stockpiled in my head.

I cringed, forcing the words out my mouth. It sounded shaky and well just plain yuck. It's hard to sing with someone staring at you.

Erik made a funny noise in the back of his throat then stood up and came to where I was, "Stand up," he commanded.

I did, knees wobbling all the while.

He then put one hand on my stomach and one on my back straightening my posture. The Phantom of the Opera is touching me. Oh this is creepy!

With a satisfied expression he lifted my chin, "Now Mon Cher, sing those verses again," he went back to the piano and started playing again.

I surprised myself this time. It wasn't squeaky or anything else. It scared me. I never sang like that before! I sounded close to perfect.

Erik looked like he was smiling when he was finished playing, "See you can sing," he said simply.

Yes because you forced me and threatened to leave me in the dark! My mind yelled at him some more.

I didn't reply to his remark. I only sat back down with a sigh.