Try as Rose might, she could simply not shake off Ron. He was determined to walk her home, and Rose was unable to convince him otherwise. She lacked the gumption to entirely tell him off, and so, he got his way against her in a battle of sheer will power. For most of the walk, he was silent. As they arrived at her house he grinned at her, exclaimed, "No need to thank me for taking time out of my outlandishly busy schedule to escort you. It was out of the good of my heart," and at that, he gave her an over exaggerate bow before waltzing away.

'I used to think I was quirky,' Rose laughed to herself. He was exasperating to put lightly and she wanted to associate with him as little as possible. Yet, she couldn't help but be curious about someone like him. She'd certainly never met anyone that was remotely similar to Ron.

Several days later, rehearsals were back on schedule once more. Rose was finally learning the proper steps to the Masquerade Scene and was able to dance without error. She felt thankful that she was getting her role under the wraps and had quite a lot of downtime at the practice. As the rehearsal came to a close, Ron was called in for a surprise announcement.

"Hello to everyone," he called out to the cast, "As some of you, rather, all of you knows, I'm sure, I am Ron Conrad. My father is well aware that I love to be the bringer of exciting events, so he has left me to do the honors. Within a few weeks, we will be hosting a fundraising dance. Most attendees must pay a handsome fee to enter, but as you are all in the theatre's current production, you may all come with a lack of charge."

Some kids let out an enthusiastic cheer and started talking amongst themselves. Ron gave them a stare that encouraged them to stop babbling.

Ron continued, "All that we ask of you is to come and be admiral hosts. Talk of your wonderful experiences as actors here and advertise the fact that you are in one of our main shows. Aside from that, you can play, chat and of course, dance. Tell everyone you know and be sure to dress formally, understand?" The cast mutually nodded. "If you need clothes, we do have some costumes that you are free to use. Well, now that that is set up you are free to go."

Rose felt fairly excited. Although dancing was not a charm of hers, she felt oddly thrilled by such an occasion. She kept thinking of how similar to Masquerade this could be. 'Maybe the Phantom will make an appearance,' she giggled. She nearly skipped to tell Addie of the news before making a bee-line back to the rehearsal room, remembering that as was a common occurrence, she forgot her bag. She ran back to the room and only Ron was left staring oddly at the corner of the room where her bag sat. As Rose opened the door, he turned suddenly.

"Oh Rosie, it must've been you that forgot that Hello Kitty bag," He shrugged, "I figured it was you, only you'd have such a kiddy bag and then forget it. You really need to be more careful, I left the room for a moment and I came back to see it all messed up."

"Oh no," Rose said softly. Across the corner of the room her belongings had been thrown about as it had several weeks prior; on top, once more was a small letter with a skull mold, holding it shut.

"Uhh," Ron mumbled, ineloquently, "Although someone of my class probably is above it, let me help you." He started sorting the contents of her purse, methodically placing them in the bag. "Does it look like you're missing anything?"
Rose shook her head; it was hard to tell for certain, as she always kept the bag nearly over flowing. But, her wallet and cellphone were still there, which were the only things of value.

"No, but…something was added…" Rose trailed off, showing him the letter.

"Huh," Ron grunted, "That's pretty uncanny. Well," he stood up, "This sounds like a mystery, doesn't it? I'll solve it for you, I'll be Sherlock! Maybe I can uncover the mystery."
Rose's head began to throb, the prank continuing once more and Ron's over enthusiasm was growing to be too much for her. She didn't think that calling the police would be necessary, as nothing seemed to be taken. But it still unsettled her.

Perhaps when she was in the safety of her own home, she would open the letter and think it over. But, for now, all she wanted to do was get away. The world was beginning to spin around her.

"H-hey," Ron called her, "You suddenly don't look so good," The light in his eyes started to dissipate. "Need me to take you home again?"

"I'm fine," Rose informed him, "Last week Addie's acting class finished, so her mom couldn't take me home. But now she's started up another film acting class in its place, she can take me…"

"If you're sure, hey, here's my number. If you ever need someone to escort you, I'll be here."

Rose was about to say she wasn't interested, but he placed the paper in her hand and she was feeling too horrid to care.


The cool air-conditioning of Mrs. Daniel's car brought Rose back to her senses. She was beginning to feel like herself and contented herself to simply listening to how Addie's new class went.

"Most of the kids from the last class are still there, Rose. It makes me almost wish you weren't in that play so we could be in it together."

Rose started tuning out of what Addie was saying, staring blankly out the window at the passing scenery. A storm was starting to brew and it was beginning to rain. It wasn't until Addie started to talk of Ron that Rose was brought out of her phase.

"Isn't that new guy Ron great?" Addie asked. "I barely know him, but," her face turned crimson, "I'd love to go out with him. What about you, Rose?"

"I wouldn't want to…" Rose mumbled, thinking of his childish conduct.

"I bet you still only care about Erik, am I right?" Addie laughed, "You know he isn't real, why do you hang yourself up over a book character so much?"

Rose changed the subject, "Have you heard of the dance? It just got announced."
"That will be perfect chance; maybe I can go with Ron!" Addie cheered.

"I suppose so," Rose stammered, "Good luck Addie." She was faintly surprised that Addie had interest in Ron, as throughout all of the years that Rose knew her, she had never had a crush on anyone. To be head over heals for someone such as Ron was surprising, but she nonetheless hoped for the best for her friend's sake.

As the car pulled up to Rose's home, she busted out. Rose ran into her home and plunged into her bed without much thought, eager to be alone. She wished to bring up the new letter with Addie and her mother, but remembering how they responded to the last appearance of "The Phantom", she decided against it. She slowly opened the letter to see in scratchy red writing:

My dearest Rose,

The saying goes to keep friends close and enemies closer. I, frankly, do not believe that this will be in your best interest, my dear. There are clouds closing around you, I'm afraid. Beware those you hold most dear. It would be ill advised to continue associating with some that I consider, of a different caliber to you.

Furthermore, I have been away, but my offer of training your voice is still in effect. I wish to train your voice to bring out its ultimate heights. I will present myself to you shortly. Present your choice to me then, though there is only one correct answer.

Your obedient servant,

O.G.