Spring break means I get a lot of writing done haha. I couldn't wait to post this chapter as it took an unexpected turn halfway through and I decided I couldn't wait for you guys to read it.

Anyways, a big shout out to grapejuice101 who made me a polyvore poster. Thank you!

Grapejuice101: Thank you! Haha, hmm Erik does seem to be a little controlling of Nicolette already... Also, I decided to throw in a song that I hadn't thought I would cause you gave me an idea for it.. anyways, I hope you enjoy it!

PumpkinKitten: haha, yes, Stephen seems to have a one track mind. I don't mind Christine; I just don't seem them getting along that well. Like you said, she sees the world as good or bad. I think that the Phantom is kind of the moral question. He does horrible things but at the same time he knows nothing else. He's only seen darkness and music is his light. I think he just needs to be taught what is good or bad and then he might be a better person.

Mlle Fanfic Guest: Hmm, I guess we'll see!

PhantomFan01: The Opera Ghost does know all! Stephen better be sneaky!

Rainbowsnemesis: I don't know why, but I just got your chapter 9 review. Anyways, that's so cool you play French Horn! Music of the Night is so beautiful. I sing it so much that I'm surprised my friends don't hate me for it haha. I hope you enjoy the update!

As always, Phantom does not belong to me and the song Phantom of the Opera belongs to Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Chapter 11: Phantom of the Opera

Nicolette:

When I wake the next morning there are two letters on my nightstand and one on Christine's. Christine is still blissfully asleep and so I turn over and look at the two sealed envelopes. I take the one sealed with red wax in the shape of a skull first. I gently pull it open.

Mademoiselle Nicolette,

You will find that the first letter has been delivered to Mademoiselle Daae. Please watch her open the letter and observe her reaction so that we will know how to proceed. Should the reaction be good, I have a gift for you. Please join me for dinner tonight at my home on the lake. The chapel is always the most empty during dinner. It would seem like a good time to pray for your safe return home.

Your Friend,

E

Oh my gosh. I have a letter from the Opera Ghost. I mean, he did sign it with his true initial but I have one.

I brush my hand over the ink. He has beautiful handwriting. Then again, everyone in this time period has some pretty great handwriting. They'd probably think that mine was ugly.

I put the letter carefully back in it's envelope and then slide it into the drawer, placing it with the first letter I received yesterday. Then I turn to the other letter.

Nicolette,

Your beauty and voice astounds me. We are weak without you when you do not accompany the ensemble. I missed you last night, as well as your smile. It did not greet me as I left the stage nor as I entered. I cannot wait for the moment you take to the stage and let the light shine on your dazzling smile as you thrill the crowd with your presence.

You are truly amazing and I cannot imagine this place without you now that you're here.

A Humble Admirer

The notes are sweet but weird. I mean, really I've been here two days. This guy has a serious infatuation problem if he really believes these things.

But hey, they're nice and maybe I'll get to bring them with me if I go back home.

I tremble at the thought. These last two days have been so crazy I haven't even had the chance to process all that is going on. It seems like I've been in some crazy dream since I sung at the Culture Jam those few nights ago. Maybe I fainted and am now having some pretty crazy dreams.

I miss my friends and parents. I miss running water and just knowing how things work.

I miss my phone and being able to listen to music anywhere. Music is my biggest kind of comfort and I need it.

Then Christine yawns and wakes. My moments of solitude are over. "Good morning," I greet. She smiles at me.

"Good morning, Nicolette." Christine starts to stretch when she spots the note on her table. "Oh! What's this?"

She picks up the envelope and curiously opens it. She reads through it and her face lights up and she grins. I feign innocence. "What is it, Christine?!"

"Someone has sent me the nicest note!" she exclaims. "A man named Erik. Oh, but I don't know an Erik." She frowns.

"Perhaps he came to one of the shows?" I offer.

"Perhaps," she says dreamily. "But Nicolette, you won't tell will you?" I shake my head. "I met the patron, the Vicomte. He is an old friend." She trails off and from that alone I know they have a past. The knowledge from the musical helps too though. "But, anyways, he asked me to dinner after the opening night. He is so handsome."

"Well look at that, Christine! Men just adore you," I grin. "It's best to give them all a chance."

She nods. "I guess."

"Besides if you don't give more than one a chance, how will you know if he's truly right for you?"

"But, is that proper?"

"Uhh, I don't know," I admit, my smile falling. "Still, how improper could it be just to talk to a boy?"

"But that's easy for you because you have your fiancé."

"My fiancé?" I splutter.

"Stephen? Aren't you two engaged?"

"Umm, no. We're just two good friends."

"Oh, hmm," she replies and then turns away.

Stephen

Nicolette looks so much better today. There is color in her cheeks and light in her eyes. The Phantom must not have pestered her today. She comes and sits by me at breakfast. "Hello, Stephen," she greets happily. "How have you been?"

"Good!" I reply. Then I lift my eyebrows at her. "I have heard from a ghost!"

She rolls her eyes at my theatrics. "Oh?" she questions. "And what has this ghost said?"

"I am to take voice lessons with him. He has decided with Carlotta gone, it is time to replace the lead tenor."

"That's wonderful!" she squeals. "Oh my gosh, you'll have to tell me everything."

A far away look comes to her eyes as she turns back to breakfast.

"Maybe you'll get to be Don Juan!" she suddenly whispers. "Oh that would be crazy!"

"Perhaps. But I would prefer not to get choked out by the Punjab lasso on opening night."

She laughs. "No, I would prefer that not happen as well."

I smile and then soften. "Any more mysterious letters?"

She hesitates. "Yes, actually. It's got to be one of the chorus line boys, I think. I hope they stop soon. I don't want him getting angry at whoever it is."

Bring it, Phantom. He can focus on Christine but to be controlling of Nicolette is absurd. He has no stake in her. He's not even teaching her. It makes no sense. "He shouldn't be trying to control your life. Remember, he is no more than a man."

She nods. "Of course. I should get going. I'll see you later."

Nicolette:

I try to hide from Stephen how jealous I am about the voice lessons. I'd die to take lessons from the Angel of Music. I've always sung with the motto "be the kind of singer the Phantom would want on his stage" in mind. If I can impress him, then I can impress anyone, right?

Apparently, I didn't even make an impression. Stephen has done nothing for the Phantom and is getting trained to be an opera star.

So much for my dreams.

But it's not like he would want competition for Christine anyways. I'm just another girl who can sing soprano in his mind. I don't have the tone quality or purity that she has and I never will.

The day passes and I rush to the chapel during dinner. I stand there for a moment and then a noise comes from the right side of the room as a panel slides back and reveals the darkly clad Phantom. He extends his hand and I take it without a thought.

The explosive organ at the beginning of the song Phantom of the Opera begins in my mind and I start humming the melody mindlessly as we descend.

"For heaven's sake," the Phantom groans halfway down, "either sing that abysmal tune or shut up."

I grin and then begin to sing.

In sleep he sang to me

In dreams he came

That voice which calls to me

and speaks my name

and do I dream again

for now I find

the Phantom of the Opera is there

Inside my mind

He grins. He ACTUALLY GRINS and opens his mouth.

Sing once again with me

My strange duet

My power over you

grows stronger yet

And though you turn from me

to glance behind

The Phantom of the Opera is there

Inside your mind

I am freaking out. OH my gosh. The title song. I am singing the title song with the Phantom just because I started humming it.

"I believe it is your turn, Mademoiselle," he remarks as he helps me into the boat.

Those who have seen your face

Draw back in fear

I am the mask you wear

His voice is unearthly.

It's me they hear

Our voices wrap together an echo through the cavern where the lake is.

Your spirit and my voice in one combined

The Phantom of the Opera is there

Inside my mind

He continues and I just want to melt into his voice.

In all your fantasies, you always knew

that man and mystery

I interject before we continue together.

Were both in you

And in this labyrinth

where night is blind

The Phantom of the Opera is there

Inside my mind

He helps me from the boat and then turns to me as candle light flickers over his face. "Sing for me, Nicolette," he growls.

He's there the Phantom of the Opera

Ahhh

I put all my force into making the notes perfect. Finally on the last "ah" I stumble backwards, completely drained and out of breath.

He watches me for a moment and then says, "Good."

I catch my breath and then start giggling. "That was so awesome. I just.." I trail off and put a hand over my heart. "Thank your for that."

He nods and then says, "Come, dinner is ready."