It's Not Over Now, the Music of the Night

by Prey

A young girl at about the age of twelve had curious thoughts. She had just seen the movie, Phantom of the Opera. This girl wanted to know why Erik was angered so easily. She also wanted to know if Christine and the phantom existed. She promised that when she graduated from college she would go to the Opera Populaire in Paris.

Ten years later after graduation…

"Rachel! I heard you were going to Paris tomorrow. Is it true?" said Rachel's friend, Maria. Rachel had known Maria since 6th grade and they had gone to college together, though for different majors. Rachel was headed to Paris just like she had promise so many years ago.

"Yes, it's true. I'm going to be part of the Opera Populaire."

"You mean where the incident of the phantom and Christine happened?"

"Was that even real? I thought it was just a book, play, and movie."

"I have no idea if it's real or not. Hey, I have an idea, you can find out while you're there!"

"Fine, I will. I must be going. I need to pack the rest of my clothes. Bye, Maria, I'll call you when I get to Paris." With that Rachel headed home to pack the rest of her clothes.

The next day Rachel was waiting at the airport, her luggage already boarded. "Nonstop flight from Boston to Paris, A9, now boarding," a voice said over the intercom. Rachel got in line to board the plane. She got on the plane and sat at her seat.

Seven hours later Rachel arrived in Paris. "Wow," Rachel said as she looked around where she was. Rachel took a carriage to the Opera Populaire. She was greeted by MM Firmin and Andre. "Hello, Rachel. I am Firmin and this is Andre. You will be our main soprano singer. The phantom…I mean we should be pleased. It is an honor to have an American in our opera house. Our great-great-great-grandparents, Firmin and Andre, would be glad to have you."

"So do we," interrupted Andre. 'So the phantom is real,' thought Rachel. She was led to her room by Andre and was left to unpack her luggage.

Meanwhile in Erik's lair…

Erik sat down. He had heard Firmin and Andre talking earlier about a girl coming to join the opera. She was to be their new main soprano singer. He couldn't wait to hear her. He had never heard an American girl sing before and wanted to find out how beautiful her voice could be. Rachel was the girl's name. He learned this too.

Erik walked over to his organ and was about to play when he heard someone singing. It was the most beautiful voice he had ever heard in a long time. It reminded him of Christine's voice, but this voice was much purer. Erik went down one of his passageways until he got to Christine's old dressing room. It was now occupied by someone else. He looked through the mirror and watched her sing while she unpacked her clothes.

"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
Your heart was on its own
So laugh in your loneliness
Child of the wilderness
Learn to be lonely
Learn how to love life that is lived alone
Learn to be lonely
life can be lived
life can be loved
Alone."

Erik sighed heavily and just continued to watch this girl with the voice of an angle unpack. Suddenly the girl looked at the mirror as if she could see him.

(Rachel's POV)

Rachel sung a song she knew well while she unpacked and put away her clothes. The whole time she felt as if she was being watched yet no one was in the room. Rachel turned to look at the mirror. She felt that she had her target, but couldn't see him. She went back to unpacking and heard footsteps fade away from the mirror.

Rachel went to the mirror and felt around for something hoping to open it. She wanted to find out if there was a phantom. Suddenly the mirror opened and she fell forward. Rachel stuck out her arms to break her fall. When she stood up her arms stung with pain. Rachel knew she would have a bruise later on her arms.

Rachel looked down the dark passageway. She slowly walked down it feeling around in front of her in case she bumped into anything. Suddenly watered rushed in and swirled around her feet. Rachel looked down into the dark murky water and knew there was no way she would be able to get across.

Rachel looked up to see a boat being rowed across by a tall, strong man. She looked around the rest of the cave hoping to see something that would let her cross. Rachel spotted a small, narrow bridge leading from her side to the other side. She quickly walked to it and crossed over. Just as she got to the other side the man disappeared into the shadows.

(Erik's POV)

As Erik crossed over the water on his boat he heard the girl behind him. He smiled to himself knowing that she was smart yet curious. Erik soon reached the other side. He glanced back quickly to see the girl crossing the small narrow bridge.

When the girl reached the side he was on Erik his in the shadows and watched her. The girl looked around the lair and yawned. 'She must be tried. I wonder if this is Rachel. Is she? I think her beautiful,'thought Erik. He watched her lay down in his bed and fall asleep. Erik walked over to her quietly. He picked her up in his arms and brought her back to her dressing room. He laid her down on her bed and then laid a crimson quilt over the girl.

Erik went to go back to his lair. He smiled at the girl sleeping. He wandered what she was dreaming about. As Erik was about to leave he heard the girl stir. "Hello?" Erik froze where he stood.

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What did you think so far? Did you like it? If you did I'll write more. Please R&R. Thanks!