I don't own Phantom of the Opera

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Chloe

I think that Erik might have caught on to my scheme. Ever since our talk in the garden we seemed to be attached at the hip. It is not like I minded, but it was counterproductive to my plan.

I sighed, looking up from the book I had been attempting to read. Erik was sitting across from me, looking at some old sheet music. A smile crept up onto my face as I observed Erik bobbing his head back in forth to the music inside his head.

My old music teacher used to do the same thing. He had told me that being able to hear the music that you read was one of the greatest gifts a person could possess. He died shortly but a week after that particular conversation.

Moisture filled my eyes. My old music teacher had been much more like a father to me than my actual father. I shook my head roughly trying to get rid of my thoughts.

"I am going out today; I will most likely be back in time for dinner", Erik said, breaking the silence of the room. My eye darted to the grandfather clock to see that it was barely two.

Erik and I normally ate around 7-ish. A smile spread across my face. This would be a perfect time to go up above, I thought. "Okay, see you then!" I replied trying to keep the excitement out of my voice.

Erik raised his eyebrow at me in suspicion making me bite my lip nervously. "O-kay I guess I will be going then", he said as he began to walk down the corridor leading to the surface. He cast one last look over his shoulder before the dark shadows of the corridor overtook his visage

I sprang from my chair, sprinting to the corridor opening. I strained my ears until I could no longer hear Erik's strides. I spun around, doing a small jig in my excitement. I ran to the table grabbing my sketchbook, not knowing whether or not I would need it. I then took off for the boat, knowing that if I did not go now it would be weeks before I got another chance.

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Oliver

I dragged my hands down my face in frustration. Yet another botched piece of art lay on my desk. I looked up to see Monsieur Lapier staring down is nose at me.

He sniffed disdainfully at me before turning his back from me to eye a bookshelf with disgust. "I can tell by the look on your face that you also don't understand the superior design of this piece", he mockingly lamented as he cast one shrewd eye over his shoulder to observe me.

I clenched my jaw to keep from saying anything that could come back to ruin me. I stood from my desk so that he and I were now on the same level. "Monsieur I assure you my intellect is efficient enough to recognize your… talent", I began once again looking down at the "painting" in front of me.

Monsieur Lapier turned towards me yet again. His expression remained blank as if he was used to people singing his praise. "Well I am glad to hear that. For second I thought you were just another one of those ingrates who was not worthy enough to lick my boot" he said with what seemed to be genuine relief.

My nostrils flared. I am going to hit this egotistical prick, I though as my grip tightened on the cuff of my jacket. I then stepped around my desk to open the door of my office.

"Thank you once again Monsieur for your time. You will be receiving a letter from my secretary within the next week informing you on whether or not you got the job", I stated as I opened the door for him to leave.

Monsieur Lapier stepped around me and into the hall. "Don't fool yourself Monsieur Naciuer. I think we both know I have the job" he stated before turning down the hall.

I cast a look over my shoulder to the abomination lying on my desk. I half entertained the thought of tossing it into the fireplace, but decided against it.

"Hello, are you Mr. Naciuer?"

I almost jumped out of my jacket, my attention snapped to the beautiful woman standing before me. I had to force myself to say yes. She smiled at me excitedly and I felt a blush start to warm on my ears.

Her features then hardened into a look of determination. "Sir I have come to inquire about a job", she said, looking me square in the eyes. I stepped out of my doorway allowing her into my office. She stepped around me, her long green dress brushing the floor.

"What type of job are you looking for?" I inquired, pulling out her chair for her to sit in.

She bit her lip nervously as she seemed to contemplate her next words. Her eyes then settled on my desk. "Are you in need of an artist", she said as she gestured to the many pictures I had lying on my desk.

I managed to hold in the frustrated sigh that wanted to escape me as I looked at the poorly done pictures on my desk. "Yes, our head artist passed away just last week and we need a poster made for the next showing of Agrippina", I replied trying to keep the hopelessness from seeping into my tone.

"I brought my sketchbook, if you would like to look at it", she said brightly as she offered me the large leather bound book that had been lying in her lap.

I took the book in my hands before taking a seat at my desk. I opened it up to see a humming bird perched on the branch of a flowering tree. The colors in the painting were warm and vivid.

I looked up to see the red headed woman nervously fiddling with her hair. I glanced back to the book, turning the page. Fish circling each other in a crystal bowl. I flipped to the next one. A man and a woman dancing in a field of wheat.

I flipped through the book faster and faster. Images of nature, people and buildings flitted before me.

I finally sat the book down and looked at the woman across from me. "Your work is impressive", I stated.

"Thank you", she said quietly, a small blush forming on her cheeks. I swallowed hard before trying to ignore the way she shyly bit her lip. "When would you be willing to start?" I asked.

Her eyes widened and a smile broke over her features. "Do you mean I have the job?" she asked in disbelief.

"Yes, you seem to be more then qualified", I replied.

Her dark eyes seemed to sparkle with happiness. "Well then I can start whenever", she said standing from the chair.

I stood as well sticking out my right hand to seal the deal. Her smile fell as she looked at my hand awkwardly. My smile faltered as the silence drew out.

"Sorry but I broke my left hand about a month ago", she explained as she stuck out her right hand for me to shake.

I took her hand warily. "It does not affect you ability to draw does it?"I asked, my brows knitting.

"No, no not at all. In fact all of the paintings in that book I have done within the last couple of weeks", she explained. My eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Well then I think I have nothing to worry about", I said with a smile. I sure can't wait to get to know you, I thought excitedly.

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Read and Review. The gag chapter will be out tomorrow.