Chapter 2: Inside the Opera House

The next day after Raoul dropped Lotte off at lessons she waited until he was out of sight and hurried down the street towards the opera house. The surrounding walkways were littered with glass and plaster. Large pieces of wood had been placed in front of the doors, but one small window had been over looked.

Making sure the coast was clear she climbed inside and headed towards the main stairway. Dust rose from the floor as she walked, but from the light of the unblocked windows she noticed another set of footprints much bigger than hers heading towards the house doors. Lotte ran over and pushed the door opened.

The blast from a pipe organ almost sent her back, but she held onto the door. How could nothing produce something so powerful? She pulled the door open and proceeded around the seats. Right away the chandelier caught her eye. The once beautiful piece was now a heap of metal twisted with crystals scattered every which way. She looked for the source of the music and was surprised to see no organ.

"I just heard it as clear as day. Was it the Phantom?" she thought as she approached the stage.

At first she saw no way up, but then found a small staircase tucked away in the shadows. She climbed onto the stage and looked into the house. As if by magic the house was full of people, she was dressed in a beautiful outfit, and the chandelier was once again in place at the top of the house. The music began and so Lotte began to sing. How she knew the words she didn't know, but she did such a beautiful job that the audience began to cheer loudly. Lotte gave a small curtsy.

"Wonderful dear girl, but do tell me who you are," a gruff, but gentle voice called out.

Lotte looked into the house. All the people had disappeared and the chandelier was in pieces once again. She scanned the room until her eyes landed on box 5. A black figure wearing a white mask was standing there. "Are you the Phantom?"

The figure left the box and in no time was standing next to her on the stage. "It has been years since such sweet music has once again come to my ears. I thank you child. Now tell me what are you doing here?"

"I have sought you out sir. Supposedly you were the one who caused my parents much torture and there are many rumors of your existence. Seeing as my parents won't talk of you I had to find out."

"What is your name child?" the Phantom questioned pulling a rose with a black ribbon tied around it out of his cloak.

"My name is Lotte, sir."

"Lotte? I remember a girl that slipped through my fingers and her lover had called her Little Lotte. Christine," the Phantom whispered.

"That's my mother. Father used to call her that, but now that is my name. Why does my mother cry every time your name is spoken?"

The Phantom smiled at her. He brought the rose up to his lips and pressed the petals against his skin. "Have you ever loved before and been rejected after giving up your most precious gift?" Lotte shook her head. "I gave your mother the gift of music and the chance to boost her popularity in the theatre and she turns on me for that Raoul boy. How dare she do this to me?"

Lotte fell to her knees clutching herself in fear. "I'm sorry if I have brought this anger upon you sir. I will go if you wish me too. I do not want to be a victim to your feelings."

He pulled the rose away and let it drop at his side. Then he got down on one knee and looked into Lotte's eyes. "A victim you will not be on one condition. Come live here with me and take your mother's place as my student. Until you have learned everything you will be by my side. Go home and get your things, at midnight I will be waiting in the alley for you to bring you back here."

Outside the clock chimed quarter to three. Raoul would soon be at the school to pick her up. Lotte stood and backed away before running down the stairs and out of the house. The Phantom smiled and picked up the rose before standing. Then he gave a hearty laugh.

Lotte arrived at the school just before her father rounded the corner. She waved to him and climbed into the carriage when he pulled the horses to a stop. She sat down and tried to catch her breath.

"Must have been an exciting day Lotte. You're all out of breath."

"Yes, Papa. We learned ballet today and I even got some opera in today."

"Wonderful Lotte."

As they passed the opera house Lotte swore she could see the Phantom looking at her clutching the rose in his hand.