Author's Note
Before you begin reading this story of mystery, love and utter lunacy, I would like to clarify a few points. First off, I wrote this story, which is derived from real life, for my good friend Allison. It is a parody of The Phantom of the Opera (both Gaston Leroux's book and A.L. Webber's play) and I in no way claim ownership of the original idea. I would also like to take this chance to give credit to the rightful person for several direct quotations/excerpts/dialogue or variations of these excerpts you may notice throughout the story. Ok, now that that's said . . .
The characters in this story are based off *real* people and (mostly) real events. In order for this story to make a bit more sense to someone outside my little group of friends, I feel the need to further explain a few things. Bare with me, it's for your own sake! I'll try to be brief . . .
Allison met Prasant at TJ Maxx one night when they were both working. She met Will awhile afterwards at one of the philosophy meetings we went to during the summer. She's currently dating Prasant and very close friends with Will. Some (myself included) would argue she's almost too close at times, but that's ok and we all forgive her for it. Allison is also into music in a very big way, especially Nine Inch Nails.
Will is a good buddy of mine as you might already know… he's been mentioned several times throughout this site. He's a big, loving, self-proclaimed Canadian pimp of the universe. If it seems I'm exceptionally cruel to him, it's called tough love. ;)
Prasant, who will be playing our mysterious phantom, is exactly that. I've met him once, and very briefly at that. I've written this story based on what little I know of him. He's tall, thin, and rather cute if I do say so myself, but sadly, he's got what we call low self-esteem. It's really quite sad. In fact, when I was recently watching the play The Phantom of the Opera, specifically the scene in which the Phantom is first unmasked and crawling about on the floor, I was suddenly reminded of dear Prasant. I leaned over to tell my friend Amanda (who is mentioned in the story as well) of my thoughts, and we burst into laughter (much to the disturbance of the people around us). The concept was far to great to pass up, and thus, Prasant of TJ Maxx was born.
Quickly on MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University)… Prasant left TJ Maxx in the fall to go to this fine school and Allison and I will be joining him come fall 2003. This has relevance, I promise.
Thanks for your time and attention! And now, without further delay, Prasant of TJ Maxx!
Chapter One