While everyone was practicing singing and dancing, no one noticed the shady figure in the back. No one but Christine and Meg. Meg ran over to Christine, "Did you see that? He's here…he's back!" Meg said. "I saw, and I will find out why he dared come back." Christine said with much confidence. Meg nodded, "Come by my room later. I insist I go with you to find him. Madame Giry clapped her hands. "Come on girls, we have much work to do." Meg ran back over to the ballet group, and Christine back to her singing. Meg nor Christine could concentrate, thinking of Erik being there, right there in the opera house. After practices were over, Meg and Christine met by Meg's room, then headed towards Christine's. They went in, and slowly opened the mirror. The two of them crept towards the stream in which they would row to the Phantom's lair. They peered around each corner before turning, for fear that something unpleasant would be waiting around the corner. It was dark and dreary, and they had not fire to light the way. Little did they know they were being followed…followed by someone who could later ruin the lives of them both. "This is scary." Meg whispered. "I agree." Christine said. Meg reached out for Christine's hand, holding it tightly as they walked, close together. Christine squeezed Meg's hand, as to say it would be all right. Meg stepped on something. "Eww, what was that?" She said, hearing a squeak as she lifted her foot. "I think it was a rat." Christine said, calmly. "Disgraceful." Meg said, sounding very disgusted. They walked onward, slowly, but at a steady pace. Another rat jumped in front of them with a squeak. Meg squealed. "Shhh." Christine warned her. "Sorry." Meg replied, sheepishly. They finally reached the boats, but before the could get in, a hand reached out and grabbed a shoulder of each of them…