A/N: This chapter is a little longer then most. I had a lot to say for this one. I hope that you enjoy it and it isn't too long. I know that there is an upcoming chapter that I'm going to have to split into two chapters because of its length. Have a happy holiday and please enjoy chapter 11. R & R!

Chapter 11 – The "New" Opera

Carmen had again received standing ovations. All of the patrons that attended were anxious to hear of the new opera the Opera Garnier would be producing. The patrons were not the only ones anxious. The dancers, singers, and stage hands were all as anxious.

Meg had begun to wonder as well. Her husband had been very tight lipped on what they would be performing. She had never known Arnaud to be like this. It frightened her.

She patiently waited on the stage with everyone else as both Arnaud and Paul walked through the opera house and onto the stage. Noting the expression on Arnaud's face, Meg became even more frightened. Have we lost the funding? Will there be another opera?

"I am sorry to have kept you all waiting. Paul and I have been trying to figure out the next opera to be performed. It took us quite some time…"

He's stalling. Why is he stalling?

"But we have come to a decision. The next opera that will be performed will be…"

Arnaud's eyes met Meg's. "Don Juan Triumphant."

Everyone noted their excitement except for Meg. Arnaud watched as fear appeared in Meg's eyes. He continued on, ignoring his wife's eyes for the briefest of moments. "Auditions will begin in several days time in which everyone that is apart of the company will be able to audition. The two leads, Don Juan and Aminta are very important roles and we will take careful care in casting them."

Arnaud continued on while the entire cast and crew talked amongst themselves.

"Rehearsals will begin one week from today. Madam Giry and her ballet company will handle all of the dancing and choreography while Monsieur Laurent will handle the direction of both the entire show and the music. Please, all of you begin to prepare now. This will be our biggest production yet."

Everyone began to disperse, leaving Meg standing there continuing to take it all in. Paul looked at Arnaud concerned.

"Leave us for a few minutes, Paul."

"I'll be outside."

He slowly approached Meg, unsure of what she would do. Tears were in her eyes and it broke his heart to see her like this. She slowly lifted her head and looked at him.

"Don Juan Triumphant?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

He could not give her the answer she wanted to hear. She had explained to him, when they first met, of the last performance of the Opera Populaire. It had devastated him when she told him the tale. The performance of the opera would tear her apart. She would not like the reason he had to give.

"The newest financier has requested the opera. He's willing to fund the entire thing from sets to costumes to even the payroll of the actors. Meg, we could not pass up this opportunity."

Meg knew what this opera house meant to her husband. There was nothing she could do. She also couldn't imagine who would fund this opera after hearing it at the Opera Populaire. She also wondered how the music was even recovered considering everything inside had burned.

There was one thing recovered that she held in a small box under her bed. The white mask that the Phantom left behind still resided with her. She would not give it up for the world: wanting to remind herself of the incident.

"My dearest Meg, I would have not done this if it were under any other circumstance. I know what this opera means to you."

"It could not be helped, Arnaud."

"Will you be able to choreograph it?"

"I will." He slowly took her hand and kissed the back of it. "I cannot let the past haunt me as it has for years."

"I will be along side you for the entire production. If you feel uncomfortable at all, you tell me. I will find someone else."

"This is my ballet company. I will choreograph it. I will not let you down."

He kissed her, as if thanking her and pleading for forgiveness. The sorrow in her eyes made him wish he had not agreed to do the opera. But there had never been an opportunity so great. He had discussed it for days with Paul, unsure of what to do. He had wanted to talk to Meg about it but feared what she would say. Right in the assumption, he had made a decision to do an opera that would strike fear in his wife's heart.

God, what have I done?

"Thank you for opening auditions to everyone."

He saw a glimmer of hope in a smile that began to form. A smile slowly began to form on his face as well. It's good to see her smile. I remember why I fell in love with her.

"Maybe someone will claim the lead other then Brigitte."

"One can only hope, my love."

Meg's thoughts drifted to Angelina. This could be the biggest opportunity presented to her. She needs to try out for it. Her thoughts stopped short. Aminta was Christine's role. Could she actually take a role that changed her mother's life? Did she even know?

"There is a lot of preparation, Meg. We must get started."

"Again."

Angelina sighed. She was growing tired. It seemed like weeks since the newest opera was announced. Don Juan Triumphant was going to be a huge production. Erik seemed to be making a huge deal about it as well. She had been practicing non-stop. The music filled her head when she slept and when she woke. It consumed her. If it were food, she would be full a hundred times over.

"You need to be ready for auditions this afternoon."

Was he serious? Did he really expect her to audition for Aminta? Against Brigitte? She was singing to help improve her voice. It could not have been that good that fast.

"You cannot be serious."

"You will audition for Aminta."

"I am not suited for the role."

"You are more perfect for the role then anyone else that could be on that stage."

"My voice is not that good, Erik."

"It is perfection."

"It is far from it."

Erik's hand slammed on the organ causing Angelina to jump. She had never seen him angry. It frightened her. His white mask hid his facial expressions but she did not have to see them to understand he was upset with her.

"You think too little of yourself. Why?"

She had no answer. She didn't believe in herself – she never had. It was something that plagued her. Alexander did not help her in that respect. While hanging around him she had become a bit of a tomboy. It wasn't until a few months ago did she start acting like a proper lady. Her mother had seen to it.

"Do you not have an answer?"

"I do not."

Erik turned to her. It was not anger in his eyes but a mixture of kindness and concern. He did not understand why she would think so little of herself. Her voice was not Christine's but it was angelic and beautiful. Angelina's voice was a little deeper but could reach the notes needed for Don Juan. She had no idea the power she possessed. Her voice could become hypnotic and sensual at times he never could have imagined.

"You need to audition for this part. If I did not think you were ready I would not tell you to do so."

"Erik, I do not know if I can carry an entire opera. It is different with dancing. Singing is a realm I have not entered yet."

"You will not be entering it alone. I will be along side you the entire time."

He stood and looked down upon her. She was so afraid to let go of the fears she held, she would risk an opportunity that would not come to her again. He had offered the managers everything they wanted on a silver platter. Erik wanted Don Juan Triumphant performed again. No money or expense would be spared. He would not be denied the opportunity of a lifetime to hear his opera performed once again.

Something willed him to touch her face, to assure her everything would be alright. His touch was gentle upon her cheek. Her eyes closed as soon as she felt him touch her. All of her fears were cast aside. She did not remember having any.

He leaned in close to her ear. His voice was carried to her ear on the whisper of the wind. "Aminta is a part meant for you. Audition and I promise you that I will be by your side. You might not see me but I will be there. There are no fears and no doubts. You will send chills up everyone's spine. There will not be a closed mouth in the entire opera house. You will show all of Paris what you are meant to be."

The auditions seemed to continue on forever. Arnaud was getting tired of hearing singers that could not hit the notes that needed to be for Aminta. Even Brigitte, the mighty Brigitte, could not hit them. She ran screaming from the stage while Arnaud and Paul laughed to themselves.

Noticing Brigitte was the last on the list, Arnaud sighed. He had not found a single person to fill the role. Don Juan had already been cast to Rene DuBois, a twenty-five year old newly discovered opera singer. He had been absolutely perfect for the role. Arnaud did not have to audition anyone else.

Aminta, on the other hand, was becoming a problem. Paul had grumbled through most of the auditions as did Monsieur Laurent. Neither was impressed with any of the hopefuls. He did not want to have to cast Brigitte but it seemed he had no choice.

"It seems as though we only have one candidate for the role."

"I would like to audition."

Arnaud's head shot up at the sound of Angelina's voice. She stood at center stage and smiled at them.

"Angelina, you wish to audition?"

"Have you found an Aminta yet?"

"No."

"Then may I at least try?"

"Of course!"

He gestured for Monsieur Laurent to begin a part of the opera. Angelina stood there and waited for her cue. Without hesitation, she began…

"…no thoughts within her head, but thoughts of joy! No dreams within her heart, but dreams of love!"

Both Paul and Arnaud sat there and looked at Angelina, shocked. Monsieur Laurent quickly stopped the orchestra and looked up at Angelina. The looks on their faces confused Angelina. She was afraid she had not done what she had set out to do. Remembering what Erik had told her, she slowed her breathing and watched as Arnaud leaned over to Paul.

"She's unbelievable, Arnaud. Where have you been hiding her?"

"If I'd have known, she'd have been on stage rather then Brigitte."

"She's perfect."

"We found Aminta."

Arnaud stood and walked up the steps to the stage. Angelina's heart began to race even more then before. It took every ounce of courage she had to just step out onto the stage. The expression Arnaud wore on his face revealed nothing. He grasped her by the shoulders and looked at her.

"I hope you enjoy the spot you are standing in."

"Why?"

"Because this is where you will be opening night when the curtains close and reopen for you to take a bow. Congratulations, Aminta."