A/N: Hi! I first got hooked on poto when I saw the movie! Ideas have been playing out in my mind since and I just had to share one! Ashley won't be in on this one but hopefully I can capture some of her humor! Maybe my editor/beta, cinafran, will add some of that. Oh and by the way, I've redone the first two chapters, again. This is the last time thought! Promise!
Disclaimer: I don't own any sexy disfigured men of mystery with angelic voices or their stories; this means Erik.
Chapter one: Unseen eyes.
0o0o0o0o0o0
As Monifa stepped out of the carriage and saw the Opera Populare for the first time, one word came to mind, gaudy. Although Monifa appreciated the grandeur and romantic quality, she couldn't help but think it was just a smidge overdone, being the skeptical, straight forward person she was. Still she hesitated in her first step; the huge opera house was very intimidating. It had to be the largest building she'd ever seen, for back home on her fathers estate, they'd never really traveled much.
"I can do this," she thought as she straightened her back and lifted her head slightly, "I'm as good as any of them". So with this Monifa set off up the steps to the huge front doors. When she entered, a woman with graying hair approached.
"May I help you?" she asked.
"Um ... yes, I'm looking for a Madame Giry; do you know where I can find her?" Monifa asked regaining her normal confident manner.
"I am Madame Giry. Am I correct in presuming you are Monifa?"
"Yes, I am she." Monifa confirmed.
"Welcome to your new home. Follow me; I am to take you to the room your father has ordered," Madame Giry said, and with that, she turned around and headed inside.
As Monifa followed, she could feel the eyes of patrons following her, some disapprovingly. Then again, Monifa was used to this. Because she was black it was extremely unusual for many to see her in such fine clothing. Monifa decided to break the ice and go for bold as she always did. She would not let prejudice get the upper hand.
"Hello everybody," Monifa began, savoring the looks of shock on faces all around her as the room went silent "Because it seems you all are so interested in my arrival, at least enough so to stop and stare, I would like to introduce myself. I am Monifa Firmin, the only niece of my dear uncle Richard, and I have come to live at the Opera house to further train my voice Thank you for the wonderful welcome, and because you all seem so interested, I'll be here all week! Now I am deeply tired from my trip and must take my leave of you!" With that said, Monifa lavishly gathered her things and swept down the hall and out of sight.
Another pair of eyes, undetected by anyone, watched this new girl curiously, wondering why she was here. Though their owner was extremely amused at how this girl had completely shocked the gossipers into silence, there was something strange about her that he couldn't quite put his finger on. Something unnerving. The feeling was not much liked so, with a swish of a black cape, the eyes disappeared.
0o0o0o0o0o0
A/N: I'm not racist! It's just how it was back then (though it's so wrong) and prejudice will be a main antagonist. Hope you enjoyed. It'll be more exciting the next chapter. Sorry I had to cut it short, until next time… something (weird phrase when you think about it). Review! Or else!