CHAPTER RATING: G

DISCLAIMER: The lyrics in this chapter are from Georges Bizet's Carmen. They're the English translation of "L'amour est un oiseau rebelled."

The next day, Winifred skipped her lessons with Johnathan again so she could find Madame Giry. Once at the operahouse, she found Madame Giry directing some ballerinas dressed as cherubim to dance to piano played by a woman so old she looked as though she might expire at any given moment. Winifred was not going to disturb the director, but when she saw Winifred watching, Madame Giry approached.

"Did you want something?" Madame Giry asked Winifred.

"Yes...um," Winifred began, "I was told you-"

"I'm sorry, you need to speak up, darling. The piano."

"I was told you knew where to find the Phantom of the Opera."

Madame Giry looked at her for a few moments with an unreadable expression on her face, then turned to the ballerinas and said, "Meg, could you take over for a moment?"

The blonde ballerina in the centre of the dancing took her place in front of the other girls.

"Come," Madame Giry said, and led Winifred into another, smaller room and closed the door. She then took a seat on a piano bench that sat in front of an old grand piano and said, "Why do you wish to see the Phantom?"

Winifred was a little alarmed by her directness. "I want to learn to sing," she explained for the third time, "and I have no money."

"Sing for me," Madame Giry commanded, "and we'll see if you are worthy of the Phantom."

"Sing?"

"Yes. Sing."

Winifred wasn't really prepared for a performance. "What?"

"Anything. Do you know 'My Lovely Dante'?"

"Not all of it," she replied. "But how about," she opened her mouth to sing, but nothing came out.

"Go on," Madame Giry said with a smile.

Winifred cleared her throat, mainly out of nervousness. "Alright...

"The bird you caught by surprise-"

She stopped, got a reassuring nod from Madame Giry, and continued.

"Beats its wing, and off it flies.
Love ignores you, you wait and mope,
Then there it is-when you give up hope.
Love's all around you. Quick, quick!
You have no man, or you have your pick.
Think you've found love?
It turns you down cold.
Think you've escaped it?
It has you in its hold."

When Winifred finished, Madame Giry stood and applauded, a satisfied smirk on her face, and Winifred couldn't help but smile. "Very good," she said. "And you haven't had lessons before?"

"Never," Winifred replied.

"Oh, I think the Angel of Music would love an untainted student."

"Who?" What had happened to the Phantom of the Opera?

"Oh, that is what Christine calls him. I assume you know that she is his former pupil, since you came looking for him."

"Yes." Winifred gave a little laugh. "'Angel' is a little more pleasant than 'Phantom.'"

"Yes, it is. You may want to keep 'Angel' in mind when you see him. It might clam your fears."

"I'm not afraid," Winifred said stubbornly. "You're telling me how to find him?" she added hopefully.

"Yes. I think you've proven yourself worthy. And keep in mind, you will be frightened. Don't walk into the Phantom's lair with your eyes shut, child."

"I'll keep my guard up," Winifred replied.

"Do not misunderstand me, though. I don't believe he is dangerous, or I wouldn't be sending you to him. He's just an...intimidating figure."

Winifred was getting anxious. "How do I find him?"

"He lives where he has always lived: beneath the old demolished operahouse. He is forced to leave on occasion, but he only travels at night in a long, hooded cloak. The fastest entrance to his domain is through Christine's old dressing room mirror. Actually, behind it. It slides open. You can get to her room by going through the third door on the right of the first floor of the backstage dorm hallway. You mean no harm to the Phantom, so he will allow you to enter his domain, but he may not reveal himself to you. He's lived a quiet life since the accident."

"Accident?" Winifred repeated her.

"Well, you know what I mean." Madame Giry gestured to the doorway. "Now, you must excuse me, but I have to get back to my girls."

Winifred, happy beyond all reason, went immediately to Johnathan's house to inform him of the good news.

"Is it alright if I skip tomorrow's lesson to see my teacher?" she asked him hopefully.

"That's alright with me," he replied. "You never pay attention anyway. In fact, I've an idea. Why don't you just skip all my lessons to go to lessons with this instructor?" Winifred hadn't told him from whom she was to be taking lessons. She wasn't sure if he would believe her.

"Stop making jokes, Johnathan," she said.

"No, I'm serious, Winifred. It's the only chance you'll have so you're father won't be suspicious. I know I used to be opposed to the idea of you becoming a performer, but now I see that you're actually serious about it."

Winifred hugged Johnathan warmly. "Thank you so much." She kissed him on the cheek. "I was actually going to ask you if I could skip our lessons, but I thought you would be angry."

Johnathan laughed. "Yes, I probably would have. But since I'm the one who suggested it, it's alright." He took her hands in his. "Winifred, you do have a beautiful voice. I truly believe that this is what God wants for you."