My computer is kicking my ass tonight. It wouldn't let me save my PowerPoint presentation to a disk, so I had to fix it, which stressed me out. Anyway, this is probably my last update for the next week (Tues: Kickboxing, Wed: Pick up sister's prom dress/brother's graduation robe, Thurs: Either kickboxing or pick up my prom dress, Fri: Brother's concert, Sat: Prom, Sun: RECOVER!). Wow, my week is planned. Plus, I FINALLY got my Two-Disk Phantom of the Opera DVD today, so I have to find time to watch it! Anyway, on with the story. Remember, I don't own POTO. Just reminding you in case you forgot or in case Gaston Leroux decided to read this.


"Are you absolutely insane? I honestly that that you have lost it. You've gone absolutely batty! I can't sing! I don't sing! Papa, I think that we need to commit him. Something is wrong with his hearing."

"Madeline, come sit down. We need to talk. Dante...go gloat about your discovery. I must admit, I'm rather proud of you." Dante got up walked away while I went down and sat by Papa.

I sat down in a chair next to Papa and sighed. "Are you just trying to make him feel good or are you serious?"

He smiled. "I'm serious, Madeline. You sound just like your mother when you are singing."

"I do not."

"Are you calling me a liar? I'm not a liar. Remember, I was your mother's teacher for years. Trust me, I know that you sound like her." I started to blush. If he said it, it must be true. "Madeline, will you do your mother a favor and sing in the opera? If you don't, Dante said that he was going to plead with her to sing in it because he said that he has heard no talent today."

I sighed. "I-I don't know. What do you think I should do?"

"I think that you should but the decision is entirely yours."

I bit my lowerlip and thought for a few mintues. "I think that I'm going to do it, Papa.But for Mama's sake. Not because I want to."

He nodded. "Good, good. Well now, I suppose that we should be getting home now to tell your mother and you have to get ready for your big party tonight. Did I tell you that Dante was coming home with us?"

I nodded and we both stood up. I followed him to the door, where Dante was waiting eagerly. "Is she going to do it?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, Dante, you got your way...again! But I'm only doing it because you couldn't find anyone else and I didn't want you trying to convince Mama into doing it."

Dante started to laugh. "You know that you want to. What ballet rat doesn't dream of becoming the Prima Donna?"

"Don't call me a ballet rat or a Prima Donna! I'm neither. You are...a stuffy old composer."

"I know. At least I can admit it." I couldn't think of any retaliation, so all I did was stick my tongue out at him.

The ride home wasn't as eventful. Dante and I stopped acting like children and started talking about my party. I could barely contain my excitement.

When we arrived home, I burst into the house. I wanted to get ready, but I also knew that Gustave was home. I hadn't see Gustave in what seemed like forever. I was excited to see him.

I found him withMama and Erik in the library. "Gustave! I missed you!" I ran up and gave him a hug.

"Happy birthday, little sister! I remember when I was seventeen. So many years ago. Now I'm an old man. Come take a walk with me, we have a lot to catch up on, and we have to find Dante." He picked up Erik and we started to lave.

I was just about to leave when Mama spoke up. "I'm sorry, Maddy, but you can't. You have to start getting ready. Figuring out how to get that dress on is going to take long enough."

I sighed. "Sorry, Gustave. I have to get ready. Dante shouldn't be too far off."

He nodded and exited the room chattering to Erikjust as Papa entered. "Christine, did Madeline tell you her news?" I sat down and covered my face.

"No, Papa, I thought that I'd leave it to you." Mama looked at both of us quizically. Papa took her gently by the arm and led her out to the hallway. I looked up at the celing just waiting for her response.

All of a sudden I heard a squeal and she came running into the room, followed by Papa. "Why didn't you tell me? I'm so happy for you! I got my start singing in Hannibal. I'm so proud of you! I was proud of you before, but now it's like you are walking in my footsteps. I'm thrilled!" She was acting like and excited child. I couldn't help laughing and I could see that Papa was laughing as well.

"Christine, I think that you are embarrassing her. She's very easily embarrassed, I think."

"I can't help it! I'm so proud of her! And now I won't have to do every single show. Now I'll be able to spend some time at home and with you." She turned around and wrapped her arms around Papa's neck and started kissing him. I was used to it, but I still thought it was disgusting and it made me uncomfortable. "I'll be upstairs getting ready. Just...come up whenever you are finished." I quickly left the room and went into my room. I opened up my closet and pulled out my dress. It really was a beautiful garment. It was pale pink and had intricate beading all over it. I was almost terrified to touch it.I knew that I would need help getting into it, so I sat down and waited for Mama.

After waiting for an hour, Mama finally came to help me. When she entered the room, I just rolled my eyes. I could tell what was going on by the way she looked. "It's about time, Mama. I could've gotten ready by myself in this time."

She started blushing. "I'm sorry, Madeline...I...um...was very busy...um...settling little Erik down."

I sighed. I pretended to believe her, even though I knew what was really going on. "Okay, let's try to figure this dress out."


Not good, not good, I know! At least we got a hint of some E/C action. wink wink Anyway, R&R!