Christine

Just before I began the aria, I noticed a handsome young man sitting near the back of the auditorium. I had never seen him before and wondered who he was. But, it doesn't really matter because I must prepare for the opera and Raoul is here! I haven't seen him since we were much younger. He has certainly grown into his looks. He is no longer the sickly little boy from the house by the sea. I can't wait to speak to him – if he remembers me that is.

Rehearsal continued, and I began to grow very excited for the performance. I hope that Raoul notices me, well, how could he not? I shall be on the stage in the lead role. It would be quite difficult not to notice me. I hope that my performance goes smoothly and that the Angel is pleased. I would hate to one day end up like Carlotta.

The performance of Hannibal came all too quickly for me. I did my best to calm my nerves, and then sang my heart out for him. I really hope that he is pleased. Maybe, perhaps if I can sing well enough he will one day reveal himself to me. I won't get my hopes up though, because I know that it will probably never happen.

After the opera, I went to the little chapel to say a prayer for my father. It has been lonely without him, but having the Angel nearby has dulled the pain somewhat. It comforts me to know that someone is watching.

Meg came in looking for me. I told her about the Angel but she did not really believe me. I don't blame her though; it does sound kind of silly. The strange thing though, was that when we spoke of him the room grew chilled, and I felt frightened. Meg led me to my dressing room where Madame Giry was waiting.

"He is pleased with you," she said, handing me a red rose with a black ribbon around the stem. I recognized it as the Phantom's calling card. But, I wondered, why would the Phantom be pleased with me? Unless, perhaps my Angel of Music IS the Phantom. I didn't get a chance to ponder this more, because Raoul burst into my room.

"Raoul!" I exclaimed, as he recited an old poem to me. He smiled and sat down next to me at my vanity.

I decided that I would tell him about the Angel of Music. After all, when we were children it was my favourite part of the Little Lotte poem. "Raoul, father said that when he was in Heaven he would send me the Angel of Music. Well, father is dead, and I have been visited."

"Oh, there is no doubt of it. Now, we go to supper." Raoul got up and headed for the door.

"No Raoul, the Angel of Music is very strict," I said. He laughed at me, and told me to meet him in the front within two minutes. He shut the door behind him, and I sighed. He didn't understand, and I don't see how I can make him. I'm sure he'll be disappointed when I don't show up, but I did tell him no.

I changed into my dressing and night gown. I was just doing up the front when the lights went out, and a cool breeze blew through the dark room. Suddenly, I heard HIS voice.

"Insolent boy this slave of fashion, basking in your glory. Ignorant fool this brave young suitor, sharing in my triumph."

"Angel I hear you, speak, I listen. Stay by my side, guide me. Angel my soul was weak, forgive me. Enter at last, Master." I said this in the hopes that he would finally reveal himself. But would he be what I was expecting? Was he angel or phantom, friend or father? I was about to find out.

Meg

I hadn't seen Christian for years, and was glad to see someone knew here at the opera. Day in and day out I am always surrounded by the same ballerinas, and it gets dreadfully boring after a while. Christian was just as handsome as I had always remembered him to be. He had dark hair, and beautiful eyes. In my opinion, he was far too handsome to be a simple poet.

Mama and I met him out front to go out for dinner, after the performance. He looked horribly depressed – even more so than when I met him earlier today. I was about to ask him what was wrong, but mama shushed me.

"Christian," mama said, "I hope that your room is to your liking?"

"It is very lovely. In fact, it is even nicer than my previous apartment."

"That is good, now, what would you like to eat?" A waitress brought us some menus, and we ordered our meals. Our dinner talk was simple and boring. Christian often got a lost look in his eyes, and seemed to drift away from the conversation. I desperately wanted to know what the matter was, but I knew that mama would scold me for asking.

Later on, back at the opera, I decided to ask mama what was wrong with Christian.

"His heart has been broken," she said. "He fell in love with a dancer at the Moulin Rouge…"

"THE Moulin Rouge?" I interrupted. I had heard of that place, and Christian did not seem like the type of man that would go there.

"Yes, and please do not interrupt Meg, it is very rude. Her name was Satine, and she died of consumption. They had not known each other for long, and didn't get to spend much time together while she lived. Please Meg; do not bother him about it." Mama looked at me sternly as she said this.

"I promise I won't mention it." I kissed her good night and went off to the dormitory to go to bed.