CHAPTER RATING: PG

DISCLAIMER: Lyrics in this chapter are from Andrew Lloyd Webber's the Phantom of the Opera. It's called "Learn To Be Lonely" by Charles Hart, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, but, again, I don't think I need to tell you that.

When Winifred returned the next day, the Phantom handed her some sheet music.

"Do you know how to read music?" he asked, taking a seat in front of the organ.

"Yes, for the most part," Winifred replied. The song was called "Being Alone."

"Really? You do not know what a scale is, yet you can read music?"

"Well, it's just something I picked up. My mother used to sing with me all the time when she was alive. She would read from sheet music and I would follow along. It's not really difficult. I just need the first note."

So, over the next few hours, Winifred and the Phantom went over songs like "Being Alone," "Not Only the Wicked Die," "Endless Misery," and "Black Eternity." She had about ten new puncture wounds in her hand.

Then he handed her a song called "Learn To Be Lonely."

"Child of the wilderness
Born into emptiness
Learn to be lonely
Learn to find your way in darkness

Who will be there for you
Comfort and care for you
Learn to be lonely
Learn to be your one companion

Never dreamed out in the world
There are arms to hold you
You've always known-"

She stopped mid-line and stared at the paper.

"You've stopped," the Phantom said flatly.

"Yes," Winifred replied, still looking at the paper.

"Why?"

"It's depressing. Where did you get all of this music?"

"I wrote it," he said simply. "Not all music has to be cheerful."

"Yes, well, not all music should make you want to go to bed and stay there for the rest of your life." She added, half-jokingly, "You must lead a very sad life to have written all of this."

"I do," he said seriously. He was looking up at Winifred unblinkingly, still holding her hand.

She suddenly realized that she was squeezing his hand tightly, and let go.

"If you have something that better suits your mood," he said, "bring it tomorrow and we'll have a look."

"Alright."

When it came time for Winifred to leave, she started towards the shore, then turned and asked, "What do I call you?"

"Excuse me?" the Phantom replied, turning to face her.

"I keep wanting to call you by name. I'd say 'Phantom,' but that really isn't a name, is it? Like I'm a girl, but you don't call me 'Girl.' I want to know your name."

The Phantom stared at her for a moment as if this question truly baffled him. Then he looked away, concentrating on something. "Erik," he said finally, decisively.

"Alright. I'll see you tomorrow, Erik."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I actually wrote some original lyrics for the Phantom's depressing song, but they were so hilariously cheesy I just ended up just using "Learn To Be Lonely," even though they're not horribly depressing. I had some fun making up depressing titles, though. "Black Eternity" sounds like a death metal song, doesn't it?

Here's the lyrics to "Not Only the Wicked Die," just for a laugh:

Hide. Be frightened.
Nothing's there to save you.
Panting, exhausted.
Love will never save you.

For not only the wicked die.
The good are damned to hell.
Not only the wicked die.
Purity will burn as well.

Lovely, sweet child
Who will care for you now?
Bleeding, wounded.
Who will save you? How?

For not only the wicked die.
The good are damned to hell.
Not only the wicked die.
Purity will burn as well.

Hate is everywhere and there's nothing to do.
All must die and shrivel to dust.
All must die.
All will die.